The Orb Episode 3

To read Episode 2 click here

The date aboard Argos was 2626 September 26 ;the time was 15 seconds before 1600. Crystal stood in front of the grayish-bronze door, anxiously waiting those last 15 seconds. She took a final deep breath to calm herself, but it didn’t help. Now, her time was up.

She stepped to the right of the door and touched a panel. Instantly, the right half of the large door slid up in sections, disappearing above the doorway inside the room. Even before the door finished opening, Crystal was overwhelmed by what she saw.

“Happy birthday!” came an enthusiastic cheer from the room. Crystal nearly leapt into the community center as she was welcomed by friends and family. Arthur then closed the door and called out, “Speech!” Agreement spread through the crowd of nine. The group backed up slightly and encouraged Crystal with warm smiles.

“This is amazing!” Crystal said wide-eyed as she looked around the 300-square-foot room. It looked as if she were actually underwater.

The lighting was soft, shimmering shades of blue, giving a deep-sea feel. Couches, chairs, and a single large table—all looked to be made out of solid coral—were arranged in one half of the community center. Throughout the room were about a dozen 4-foot-tall kelps, that appeared to be growing from the floor and swaying within water. The most impressive sight was the holosim marine animals swimming within, into, and out of the room. At this moment, Crystal could see a stingray, a small school of marlin, some clown fish, and a large swordfish. To complete the oceanic and party ambiance, subtle underwater sounds could be heard, along with soft, contemporary, instrumental music. Crystal was about to express her delight when a large, glowing white box, at the opposite end of the room, caught her attention. At first, she thought it was a huge fish tank, but then she noticed that inside of it, walking around, were people. She looked back at her mother questioningly—knowing Ashley had designed the entire holosim experience. Ashley said, almost disapprovingly, “That was your brother’s contribution.”

Crystal turned to face Ben, who said as if it were obvious, “It’s a people tank.”

Crystal rolled her eyes, then turned her attention back to her guests. “Thank you all so much for coming. I’ve been looking forward to having my 16th birthday in space since my 15th birthday party.” Crystal grinned widely as she looked around the room. “Everything came out so beautiful, I just can’t get over it.”

Ashley beamed at her daughter, and then said, “Justin helped me pick out the fish, so he deserves credit too.” Ashley put a hand on Justin’s shoulder. He smiled at Crystal, and she returned it affectionately.

Crystal returned her focus to the entire group. “I’m so lucky to have all of you here. And,” she chucked, “with the difference in dates between Earth and Terra Nova, I’m not even sure when my next birthday is. So, help me make this one special.”

“Here, here,” Arthur said as he applauded. Everyone else followed suit, then Ben, Ashley, and Justin stepped away. Immediately, two teenage girls rushed to greet Crystal.

“Samantha, Karen!” Crystal said as she hugged her friends. Samantha was 15 years old, blond-haired, blue-eyed, from Swedish ancestry, and a close friend from their shared music class. Karen was 16 years old, had black black, curly hair, was from Argentinian ancestry, and lived in the apartment directly across from the Kingston’s.

Arthur then spoke, “Ladies, may I interrupt for a moment?” The girls parted so that Crystal could face her father. “I would like to introduce Mr. Kyle Stone.”

A man in his late 20’s stepped forward. He was of average height, had very dark skin, and had a wide, genuine smile. The most striking thing about him was that he was completely bald—in fact, the only trace of hair that could be seen were his eyelashes. As he spoke in crisp English, Crystal heard an accent she couldn’t quite place. “Ms. Kingston. A pleasure as always. And of course, happy 16th birthday.”

“Thank you, Mr. Stone. May I present my friends? This is Samantha,” Crystal tapped her on the shoulder, “and this is Karen,” she said as she pointed to her other friend. The two girls shook hands with Kyle.

Arthur continued the introductions. “And, this is Kelly Breckstend and her husband Alexander.”

A short woman with a large belly stepped up to Crystal and gave her a hug. “Happy birthday, dear.” She quickly turned and clasped Samantha’s hand between her own and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Samantha.” Then, while still holding Samantha’s hand with her left hand, she reached out and took Karen’s hand in her right. Then Kelly said, “Karen, I’m glad to meet such good friends of Crystal’s.”

“Mrs. Breckstend, how much longer?” Crystal asked.

“It’s Kelly, please,” Mrs. Breckstend said admonishingly, but with a twinkle in her eye. Then she grabbed her stomach with both hands and sighed, “I’m ready for the baby to come out now, but I still have about 10 days.” She then put one hand on her back.

Immediately Alexander was at her side. He was about 5- inches taller than his wife, muscular, and looked about 30 years old. “Let’s get you to one of the couches,” he said as he grabbed Kelly’s arm. Alexander then looked at Crystal. “Happy birthday. I’m going to get this one sitting down,” he tipped his head toward his wife, “so that you don’t have to share your birthday with my daughter. Girls,” he said to Samantha and Karen as he walked away with his wife. Crystal’s friends politely waved at the couple.

“We’ll let you ladies get caught up,” Arthur said as he and Kyle turned to walk to another couch. Kyle bowed his head in farewell just as a jellyfish swam over him—causing Karen to stifle a giggle.

Now that they were alone, Samantha whispered conspiratorially with her two friends, “Crystal, why didn’t you tell me your brother is so cute?”

“Because he isn’t,” Crystal answered surprised. She looked over at Ben, trying to see him as “just a guy.” He was sitting by himself at the table, with his nose buried in his tablet. But, as hard as she tried, Crystal could only see Ben as her nerdy older brother. She shrugged her shoulders and said, “If you like him, you have my blessing.”

“What about Justin?” Karen asked as they watched him making a circuit of the room and admiring their underwater world. “Are you going to ask him out? After all, you’re 16 now.”

“It’s my birthday, isn’t it?” Crystal said with a sly smile, while still eyeing Justin discreetly. “He’ll have to dance with me later, then I’ll make my move.”

“Hey, Crystal,” Samantha said, pulling Crystal’s attention away from Justin. “Do you really not know when your Terra Nova birthday is?”

“Ugh,” Crystal responded exasperatedly. “I just can’t keep all of these dates and conversions straight. Do you guys know your Terra Nova birthdays?”

“Yes,” they both responded.

“Fine,” Crystal said relenting. “SANDI, what is the date on Earth?”

“2626 October 2, Ms. Kingston,” came the disembodied voice.

“And, SANDI, what is the date on Terra Nova?”

“346 December 20, Ms. Kingston.”

“No, that’s not how it works,” interrupted Samantha. “Terra Nova years are almost twice as long as Earth’s, so you need to know what the date was on Terra Nova when you were born.”

“OK, I was born just after midnight, so… SANDI, what was the date on Terra Nova when, on Earth, it was midnight on 2610 October 2?”

“Which Earth time zone, Ms. Kingston?” SANDI asked politely.

“Seriously?! Beijing, China, SANDI,” Crystal replied.

“338 February 8, Ms. Kingston.”

“Well,” Karen said with exaggerated seriousness as she grabbed Crystal’s hand, “the good news is that you’ll be able to celebrate another birthday in a month and a half. The bad news is that you’ll only be turning 9.”

Crystal smiled at that. “Another birthday so soon. I love it!”

“Let’s get some ambrosia,” Samantha suggested, and dragged her friends to the kitchen area. The girls were too distracted to notice Kyle and Arthur having a serious discussion.

“I think it is a problem,” Kyle was telling Arthur.

“What other animals are sick?” Arthur asked, keeping his voice low.

“No other. Only the birds. At least so far.” Kyle paused as Alexander walked up to them.

“You two look pretty serious. I thought this was a teenage girl’s birthday party.” He smiled at his own joke, but the smile quickly faded as his two friends only gave him serious looks. “What’s with you two?”

Arthur turned to Alexander. “Have you heard about the problem with the poultry in the Livestock Ring?”

“No,” Alexander answered, and looked from Arthur to Kyle.

Kyle explained. “I was there earlier today. All of the birds are having trouble breathing. A gamekeeper told me that it started late last night. It has worsened today. I was told it is not life threatening, and it is not a thing about which to worry.” He then held up a finger for emphasis. “But, I looked into the creatures’ eyes. The birds are worried.”

Both Arthur and Alexander knew better than to question their friend’s understanding of animals—or plants. His uncanny and intuitive sense of living things had been proven to be trustworthy.

“So,” Alexander began, “the chickens and turkeys, which will become our food on Terra Nova, are all sick?”

“Sick… no.” Kyle searched for the right words. “It is more like an allergy than a disease. They ruled out bacterium and virus infection. But,” he threw up his hands, “they do not know the cause nor the cure.”

“That sounds really specific.” Alexander considered. “Arthur, did your computer guys ever find the cause of the computer issue two weeks ago?”

“No,” Arthur said quietly. “You don’t think these are related. That’s crazy. One was electromagnetic, and the other is biological. That…”

“Almost sounds engineered?” Alexander suggested, meaningfully.

“I do not think that is so,” Kyle said calmly. “I do not have the sense that this is intentional.”

Alexander looked directly at Kyle. “We’ve known each other… what, 30 years? You know I respect you, your talents, and you abilities. But, I’d rather leave the mysticism out of this.”

Kyle smiled reassuringly. “I can only tell you what I know. We are not friends because we always agree.”

“But, what can we do?” Arthur asked. “Unless you think this is a security issue.”

“I still think these are related. And, we haven’t eliminated sabotage,” Alexander stated. “Neither of these problems have caused any real damage, but we’re only a month into the 7-month trip. It’s not too late to turn back if that’s someone’s plan.” Alexander pulled out his tablet. “Let me send a message to my security staff. That’s all we can do for now.” He looked meaningfully at both of his friends and said, “Then, we enjoy your daughter’s birthday party.” He poked Arthur in the chest with his last statement.

“Kyle, let’s get some ambrosia,” Arthur suggested.

On the way to the snack table, Kyle and Arthur passed Justin carrying two drinks. Justin walked directly to the large table, sidestepping a hammerhead shark, and sat down next to Ben—making a point to be obvious about his presence. Justin looked down at the coral-reef seat and was surprised at how soft and comfortable the faux stone chair really was.

“What ya workin’ on?” Justin asked, setting one glass in front of Ben.

“It’s a ternary star system,” Ben said without looking up from his tablet.

Justin leaned in and caught a glimpse of three suns orbiting each other. He looked between the tablet and Ben a few times, and when Ben remained silent, Justin straightened up in his chair. Trying a different tactic, Justin then motioned toward a corner of the room and said, “I thought your people tank was a great touch.” Justin watched Ben closely for a reaction.

Ben hunched over his tablet a fraction more, and while staring at the screen said, “People have been doing it to fish for centuries. I thought it was about time to give the fish the upper hand.”

“You mean, the upper fin.” Justin knew his joke was a bad one, but he was hoping that—at the least—it would get a reaction out of Ben—but no such luck. Justin scratched the back of his head for a couple of seconds, and then shifted in his chair to face Ben more directly. He decided on a more direct approach. “You don’t get out much, do you?” Ben looked over at Justin, not sure how to respond. “When was the last time you went out on a date?” Justin pressed.

Ben looked a little embarrassed and turned back to face his tablet. “I’m focusing on my studies now. I’ll have plenty of time later,” he said unconvincingly.

“It just so happens that I’m an expert with all types of relationships,” Justin said with exaggerated smugness, “but I don’t have any really brainy friends. How about we help each other out. And, maybe become friends in the process?”

Ben stared at his tablet all the while Justin talked but he wasn’t really paying attention to the screen. At Justin’s last statement, posed as a question, a smile crept across Ben’s face, even though he didn’t look up.

“Great!” Justin said as he also smiled. More relaxed now, he said, “Let’s start right now.” He reached over, turned off Ben’s tablet, and moved it out of Ben’s reach. Ben started to object, but Justin cut him off with a stern look. “Look around you,” Justin instructed. “This is a party: a great place to stretch your social muscles. Is there anyone here that interests you?”

Ben looked around and paused at Samantha and Karen, who were still talking with his sister. Then he looked back at Justin. He shrugged, and without looking at anyone in particular, said, “I guess so.”

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Justin said confidently. “Here’s what you’re going to do. When we start the games in a little while, team up with someone that doesn’t interest you, and then just be yourself—no pressure. Then, when we get to the dancing, I want to see you dance with someone you like—at least once.”

“Oh no,” Ben said as he put up his hands defensively, “I can’t dance.”

“You really are a nerd,” Justin said laughing. “Dancing isn’t about the dancing,” he explained, “it’s about connecting with someone on a primal level… the feel of the music, the moving of bodies. Just stand there and sway with the fish if you don’t want to move your feet.” Justin looked over at the girls. “I’ve seen these two looking at you. They’re already interested, so you don’t have to impress anyone. Besides, what’s the worst that’ll happen? You gain some experience.”

Ben was hesitant. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know. Are you going to let me get away with that when I’m not comfortable with whatever technical gobbledygook you’re trying to teach me?” Justin challenged.

“No,” Ben resigned.

“Alright then,” Justin said, smiling in reassurance.

“What are you two doing over here?” Crystal asked suspiciously, surprising both boys.

“Ben was showing me his ternary star system,” Justin said as gave Ben a surreptitious wink.

“Ugh, don’t get me started on that,” Crystal said, exasperated. Turning her back to her brother, she then addressed Justin. “Let’s go get some ambrosia.” Before Justin could answer, Crystal had him turned around and headed away from Ben. As Justin stepped out of earshot, Crystal quickly hissed to Ben, “Stop hogging him.” She glowered at Ben and spun around to catch up to Justin before Ben could say a word. Bewildered, Ben just watched as his sister—her arm in Justin’s—scattered a school of clownfish on their way to the kitchen area. Nervous about Justin’s social assignments, he pulled his tablet toward him, and once again studied his star system.

“Hi, Ben,” came a voice from his right.

Ben looked over to see the blond girl with a drink in her hand. “Umm…” Ben said as he stared at her.

“Samantha,” she reminded him, smiling. Then she sat down next to him, setting her glass on the table.

“Oh yeah,” he said as his eyes glanced one last time to Justin and Crystal.

“What’s this?” Samantha asked, motioning to his tablet.

Justin looked down at the three stars orbiting each other. He decided that Justin was probably right, and that joining the festivities might not be such a bad idea. Gathering his courage, he turned off the tablet saying, “Nothing important.” He then reached for his drink, not sure what else to say.

“I heard we’re going to be playing Holo-Pictionary. How would you like to be my partner?” Samantha asked hopefully.

“Uh, I’m not good at drawing,” Ben said honestly.

“That’s OK,” came the bubbly response. “I can draw, and I’ll bet you’re a great guesser.”

Ben smiled in spite of himself. “OK sure,” he said getting into the spirit.

“Alright, everybody!” Ashley stepped up to the large table and began unpacking a colorful box. “It’s game time,” she said enthusiastically. The people began to converge on the table. “Everybody pick a partner.” Joking and laughter ensued as teams were quickly made: Ashley and Arthur, Alexander and Kelly, Crystal and Justin , Ben and Samantha, and Karen and Kyle.

For the next two hours, games, conversation, snacking, and laughter filled the community center. Each time 2-person teams were required, the same teams were formed—with two exceptions. Samantha and Karen, both wanting to team up with Ben, had agreed to switch between Ben and Kyle. Kyle never seemed to mind, enjoying the company of whichever girl was on his team. The competition for Ben’s attention was not lost on Justin. He frequently glanced at his new friend, checking on his social progress.

Justin and Crystal won the final game of “Feed the Fish.” As a variety of sea creatures swam into view, each team had only a few seconds to pick the correct holosim food for that species. It was not unusual for there to be more cheers for incorrect guesses than correct ones, as the animals’ reactions to unpalatable food was often comical. Justin and Crystal, however, had a distinct advantage due to their extensive marine knowledge. But, no one minded as they were content competing for second place. At the end of their spectacular turn, Crystal excitedly grabbed her teammate’s face between her hands, and kissed him right on the lips. Justin’s wide-eyed reaction caused the group to erupt in laughter. But he quickly recovered, giving Crystal a warm embrace; and so, Crystal, although slightly embarrassed, couldn’t help but laugh too.

“How about presents, Crystal?” Ashley suggested.

“Yes please,” Crystal said as she nearly skipped to the head of the table, awaiting her gifts.

Samantha went first, giving Crystal a texture-changing “skin” for her tablet. With a simple command, it could mimic the look and feel of any animal’s fur, feathers, scales, or skin.

Karen was next with a beautiful, flawless, pink seashell. “I started my shell collection years ago on Earth,” Karen beamed at her friend. “I know how much you love the ocean, and I want you to always have a piece of it with you.” Crystal gave her friend a grateful hug.

Kyle followed this by handing Crystal a small wooden box. He held her hands on the box as he said, “Inside you will find my special handmade, smokeless incense. A note inside will tell you how each is best used, but enjoy them as you will.” He squeezed her hands, bowed his head, and stepped back.

Alexander went next, giving Crystal his and Kelly’s gift. It was a set containing a matching handbag and shoes. Both accessories could change color to compliment whatever outfit Crystal wore.

Justin then stepped up to Crystal, presenting her with a collection of simple, yet stylish hair accessories. Although there was nothing high tech about them, they were stunningly elegant.

Ben approached Crystal after Justin. “I know you’ve been hesitating about playing baseball in the Park Ring. This should be just the kick in the butt you need, sis.” He handed her a package. Crystal opened it and found a rugged baseball glove with her name on it. Her reaction was just what Ben had hoped.

Arthur came next, giving Crystal an elaborate fire-opal necklace, where the color and intensity of the opals could be changed. Additionally, the jewelry could be easily converted between the one necklace and a set that contained two earrings, a bracelet, and a choker or pendant.

Finally, Ashley presented her gift of a custom holosim sculpture. When activated, the mesmerizing orb Ashley had seen in her dream was brought to life. All of the details were there: the swirling purple and black smoke, the constantly changing fine silver threads in the transparent shell, and even the random flashes of subdued light within the liquid smoke.

Crystal stared into the orb and could only whisper, “How did you come up with this?”

“Oh, it came to me in a dream,” Ashley said, trying to dismiss the impact of her dream.

“But I’ve seen that somewhere before,” Karen said.

Ashley spun to face Karen, now a little puzzeled. “Are you sure? I’ve been working on this sculpture for about two weeks—ever since my dream. No one has seen it before now.”

“No…” Karen hesitated. “But it looks just like the one in my dream from a couple days ago.”

Alexander stepped right up to the orb and looked at it closely. “Karen, come closer and take a good look. I need you to be sure this is exactly the same as the one in your dream.”

Karen walked up to the table just as Arthur asked, “What has you so concerned, Alexander?”

“I had a dream about this exact same object, not more than 10 days ago.” Alexander was looking directly at Arthur.

“What?!” Kelly said incredulously. “You never told me about that.”

“It was just a dream. It didn’t seem important at the time.” Alexander looked around the room. “Has anyone else had a dream about this or ever seen it before at all?” Everyone looked around the room, but no one spoke up. Alexander then looked questioningly at Karen.

“It’s exactly the same as the one in my dream,” Karen said uneasily.

“That’s not possible,” Ben said.

Alexander replied with, “Well, it might explain the recent—“

“There is no reason to be concerned, or to jump to conclusions,” Kyle interrupted. He stepped up next to Alexander and put his hand on the security chief’s shoulder. “The universe and our minds are full of mysteries we do not understand. And, mysteries should be explored, not feared.” He looked around as all eyes were on him. “Now, this wonder is not so important that it should interrupt this young lady’s 16th birthday party.” He turned to Crystal and said, “Perhaps you should take your young man to the dance floor and continue your party.” As he said this, he motioned towards Justin.

Crystal rose from her coral seat and walked silently over to take Justin’s hand. Justin smiled at her and said, “I’ve been waiting to dance with you all night. Let’s go.” As they left the group, Justin grabbed Ben by the shoulder and pushed him toward Samantha saying, “Come on, or I’ll dance with you myself.” Embarrassed at the thought, Ben smiled shyly and let Samantha drag him to the empty floor. Justin was happy to see that Samantha’s smile had also returned.

Arthur took his wife by the hand and walked her to the dance floor—the fish in that part of the room scattering out of people’s way.

Kyle turned off the holosim on the table, and then approached Karen. “May I have the honor of a dance with you?”

“OK,” Karen replied, relieved by the distraction.

Alexander went over to his wife and said, “Give me 30 seconds to send my team a message, and I’ll have you dancing for two.”

Kelly shook her head at her husband’s bad joke. Then she slowly stood up, belly first, from the chair. “I’ll start waddling that way now, and maybe we’ll be there at the same time.”

The dance music, now louder and livelier, helped everyone to forget about the orb—everyone but Alexander. As he communicated with his people, he became more convinced that the orb, the two-week-old computer failure, and the suffering birds were all connected.

To be continued…