Requiem's Run Read online

  D.M. Pruden

  Requiem's Run Book 1

  A Mars Ascendant Prequel Novella

  First published by Fuzzy Slipper Publishing in 2018

  Copyright © D.M. Pruden, 2018

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

  This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

  First edition

  ISBN: 978-0-9953013-8-2

  This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

  Find out more at reedsy.com

  Chapter One

  “Get down!”

  A strong hand grabbed my arm and pushed me to the metal deck. Seconds later, a spray of gunfire tore into the bulkhead behind me. Instinctively, I covered my head as the projectiles ricochetted around me.

  “Bullets on a spaceship? What the fuck is the matter with them?”

  Roy Chambers peeked over the cargo containers that concealed us. “I don’t think they care, Mel.”

  “Who the hell are they?”

  “They’re the real owners of that.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder to indicate the large, coffin shaped container behind us.

  I frowned as I considered the object, wracking my brain over what it might contain. The mystery had vexed me since it came aboard under questionable circumstances some days earlier.

  I started to ask a question, but he raised his hand to silence me.

  Mag boots clicked against the deck.

  I cocked a questioning eyebrow. “How many of them?”

  He held up two fingers.

  “Shit! What the hell are we going to do, Captain?”

  It was his turn to scowl at me. I never called him that, except to be sarcastic. He appeared to be distracted by something.

  “They’re jamming my cortical implant. I can’t raise any of the crew.”

  “If anyone is still alive.”

  I wondered how long we had left…

  Chapter Two

  Twelve weeks earlier…

  The whine of the ship’s engines spun down. Like an excited child, I gazed out the window while I awaited permission to release my harness. Everything at Artemis station was so shiny and new. It was as if the lunar surface was a canvas to start over and build something proper and with a plan in mind. Off to my left, a few kilometres from terminal complex, earthshine glinted off the transparent dome that enclosed the capital city.

  This was my first trip to Luna. I had never been anywhere, really, and I didn’t want to miss a thing. My thirsty eyes drank in all the sights. Even the sparkling lunar dust blown up by our landing appeared magical.

  The most difficult thing to grasp was the absence of people. Aside from the occasional worker in a spacesuit, there was nobody between me and the close horizon. I could only look at the emptiness for so long before I needed to return my attention to the motley group of weary travellers inside the transport.

  I wiped the sweat from my brow. The passenger compartment was too warm and the stench of unwashed bodies hung heavily in the poorly circulated air. After gulping the last of my bottled water, I attempted returning it to the holder on my seat, but clumsily missed. Fascinated, I watched as the bottle fell in slow motion to the floor.

  A green light above me flashed on. I released my restraint, and enthusiastically sprang to my feet. Too late, I realized my error as my head banged into the overhead bin.

  Embarrassed , I rubbed the growing lump on my scalp and waited for the other passengers to gather their belongings and move to the exit before I tried standing again.

  The strangeness of walking under lunar gravity is difficult to describe. In some ways, the step off is like the spring one feels on a trampoline, but followed by a feather light landing. By the time I arrived at customs, I thought I had mastered it enough to not appear as ridiculous as I felt.

  “Dr. Melanie Destin?” The middle aged officer looked up from my documentation.

  “Yes.”

  “Doctor of what?”

  “I hold joint degrees in medicine and nanite research.”

  He seemed unimpressed. “What is the purpose of your visit?”

  I directed him to the immigration document in my file.

  He stared at me before examining the information. After a few anxious moments, he nodded and returned my documents to me.

  “You are being issued a provisional visa. Within sixty days you must prove gainful employment in your field, or face deportation back to Terra. Any questions?”

  “No, I understand the regulations.”

  “As you do not possess a cortical implant, you will be required to be fitted with a temporary sub-dermal transponder to monitor your whereabouts during your probation. Do you consent?”

  I swallowed hard and nodded.

  He pointed me to a door. Cautious not to embarrass myself, I turned slowly and awkwardly bounced toward it.

  Inside the room, a much more pleasant tech directed me to a seat and described what was about to happen.

  I smiled at him and condescendingly replied, “I’m a medical doctor and familiar with the procedure.”

  His manner hardened. “The implant is the property of the Lunar Republic. Removing or tampering with it is a punishable offence. Any questions?”

  “Will it be removed when I’m granted full citizenship?”

  An amused smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “It will dissolve after you leave this jurisdiction.”

  I narrowed my eyes, unsure of his meaning. “I’m immigrating.”

  “Only if you find employment in your field. Please roll up your sleeve.”

  He injected the device under my skin, then abruptly ushered me out of the room through a different doorway. I emerged into the passage that led to the surface monorail that would take me to the Capital.

  I was finally on Luna, and had cleared the first hurdle to achieving my dreams.

  #

  The first major surprise on my arrival at the domed city was the Earth-normal gravity. Graviton technology beneath the city’s footprint was a welcome relief, given the awkwardness of my first steps on lunar soil. Though mildly disappointed at the lack of authenticity, I understood the reasoning behind the prohibitively expensive engineering feat. Long term exposure of the human body to micro-gravitational environments leads to a whole suite of health complications. Working under Earth normal gravity maintained muscle and skeletal fitness and decreased the need for remedial medical care.

  Artemis was the crown jewel of the recently formed Lunar Republic. Constructed and financed by its eccentric, trillionaire president, it was intended to be a model for the future development of the entire Moon.

  Both Terra and its one-time colony had suffered devastation during the war of independence. While Earth struggled to restore the critical parts of its damaged and crumbling infrastructure, Luna sought something greater. Its president, Regis Mundi, had a vision to build an economic powerhouse in the solar system. He courted major Terran and Martian corporations to establish headquarters on the Moon, bolstering the tax base with highly paid professional staff who provided the financial and technical means to rebuild the world as Mundi imagined it.

  Luna’s capital was an impressive example of what could be achieved. It vibrated with excitement and possibility, and I found the mood infectious.

  Though it had never been my intention to remain he
re for long, my first taste of the exotic environment was intoxicating. I could imagine the possibility of settling down under the dome.

  The brilliant blue orb of Earth hung high above the horizon, and seeing it, I sighed. Already, I accomplished a great deal by arriving here. By escaping that hell-hole, I was one step closer to achieving my dream.

  From the monorail station, I took a robotic surface car into the city’s core. I had a five night reservation at one of the nicer hotels; an indulgent reward to myself for my courage. It would burn up a significant chunk of my funds, but I didn’t care. Frugalness would come when I found a job and modest place to live. I estimated I needed three years to reach my savings goal. After that, money would not be an object.

  #

  “$1500 credits a night? That isn’t what was advertised when I booked.”

  The tall, unnaturally thin young woman behind the desk raised an eyebrow. “The rate you were quoted is two years old. Some of the less established Terran travel agencies can’t remain current, it seems.”

  “But I paid a deposit,” I said, trying not to react to her attitude.

  “Deposits are only refundable up to a week before the booking. There is nothing I can do.”

  “Fuck!”

  The expletive echoed through the lobby and every eye in the place locked on me. Miss Snooty glared at me, and my cheeks grew warmer with each passing second of silence.

  Realizing my deposit was lost, I stormed from the building. Outside, I found a bench, dropped my bag beside it and sat down. I was in need of a new plan, and had no idea where to begin.

  This is a fine start , I thought.

  #

  Several hours later I was at the bar at my new, significantly downgraded accommodations. The Cernan Hotel was nice enough, and well maintained. It was located outside city core and my room offered an unobstructed view of the lunar landscape beyond the dome. The barren, monochrome vista complemented my mood.

  The bartender wiped down the table I sat at. “Are you here for long?”

  I didn’t look up. “Just for a couple of drinks.”

  He chuckled. “No, I meant to ask if you are staying at the hotel for a long visit? We offer a discount for guests.”

  I hoped the dim lighting hid my blushing cheeks. “No, I need to find a cheap apartment. Any suggestions?”

  “Ah, you’re from Terra, here to make your fortune.”

  “I take it I am not the first with that brilliant plan.”

  He laughed. “We get about a dozen or so in here every week. Everyone arrives bright-eyed and enthusiastic and then, after about a day or two, try to figure out how to book passage on the next transport out of here without money. From your appearance, you’re on the latter part of that journey.”

  I smiled. “Wrong on both counts, my friend. I just arrived, but had a little trouble with my accommodations. I’m only here to take the edge off a difficult first day.”

  He picked up my empty glass and departed. A minute later he returned with a fresh drink.

  “It’s on the house. You look like you could use it.”

  He indicated the chair across from me with a question on his face. I glanced around the abandoned bar and nodded for him to join me. He sat and introduced himself as John.

  “If you don’t mind me asking,” he said, “what kind of job are you hoping to land?”

  “I’m a physician.”

  “Oh, I see…”

  “What?”

  “I’m guessing by the fact you’re staying at this hotel that you aren’t contracted for a corporate position.”

  “Um, no, I just arrived.”

  “And what is your plan?”

  I sat up and scowled. “Who are you? My employment councillor?”

  He smiled. “I’m your helpful neighbourhood bartender who’s seen a lot and might be able to offer a few pointers. But, if you want to go it on your own…” He started to rise.

  “I’m sorry I was rude. Please, sit. I’m grateful for any advice.”

  A self satisfied smile spread across his face as he resumed his seat.

  “Why did you respond like that when I told you I’m a doctor?”

  “Well, that kind of position is hard to come by. Most people need connections to land one; you need to know somebody.”

  “I’m a specialist in emergency medicine and nanotechnology.”

  He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Unless you were recruited by a corporate rep on Terra, they won’t even let you in the building.”

  “Well, then I should spread my net a bit more and apply at some of the hospitals.”

  “They are all private and run by the companies for their employees. It’s the same in most of the major centres.”

  “You’re kidding me, for sure.”

  “Nope. Look, you’re new here, so I’ll explain. On Luna, there are basically two types of people; the Corporates, and everyone else.”

  “And who do you identify with?”

  “I’m employed by the corporation that owns this hotel. That makes me one of the first group.”

  “Aside from the income source, what is the difference?”

  “Everything,” he said. “If you land a position with one of the corporations, your life is set. They provide housing, generous perks and the best medical care available anywhere.”

  “That’s why I want to work for one of them.”

  “Yeah, so does every other person in the solar system. They cherry pick people from Earth or the outer colonies. Unless you’re recruited by them, you don’t stand a chance. Better for you to use what remains of your money to return to home.”

  “There is no fucking way I’m going back there,” I said. “I don’t believe you. I would’ve heard about this back on Terra.”

  “Look, I don’t know why you didn’t know how they hire, but you don’t need to take my word for it. Go ahead and inquire. See for yourself how valuable your degrees are. I’ll bet money you can’t even get past the security desk.”

  “Well, what do the others do for medical treatment — the ones not employed by the corporations?”

  “There are a few public health clinics run by charity groups. You might check with some of them if you’re feeling altruistic. The pay is shit, I understand. Aside from that, not much is available.”

  Guess where I ended up working.

  Chapter Three

  When humans first stepped on the moon, mankind got a romanticized view of what it was like. Everyone’s seen the historical vids, relived the first steps and heard the historic words. Grown men in ancient and unwieldy space suits hopping around the surface like a bunch of kindergarteners out for recess. Everything appears pristine and innocent.

  What most people fail to realize about Luna is that it is an ugly place.

  Sure, it looks shiny and untouched from the Earth when it rides full in the sky. Even when it runs through its phases and the lights and patterns of human habitation are visible on the shadow side, it possesses a geometric attractiveness that suggests something exciting awaits, if only you could find your way to it.

  Then you arrive and learn the hard truth.

  After six weeks on Luna one basic learning was drummed into me. The cheap bars here were the same as anywhere else.

  “Want another?”

  My new friend, John the bartender, was keen to see me drunk. Why not? It was his job, after all. If I had been in a better humour, I might’ve enjoyed leading him on for the other thing he was obviously interested in.

  “The Moon is no different from any place touched by humanity,” I said, my words only slightly slurred.

  He raised a sardonic eyebrow. “How is that?”

  “The beautiful domed cities with their modern spires are seductive. But the whole thing is another kind of bait and switch for suckers like me.”

  “Oh, it isn’t that bad. You just need to find the opportunity.”

  “And I suppose you’re prepared to show me?”

  “I could
introduce you to the right people after I get to know you better.”

  I returned his smile while I gazed into his eyes and nudged my empty glass toward him. “Does your offer come with free drinks?”

  His grin grew wider as he poured me another. I picked it up and leaned close to his ear. “Thanks for the drink, but nothing’s for sale here tonight.”

  I tossed my credits on the bar. With a scowl, he scooped up the money and left to see to his other customers.

  “Some women would lead him on for another hour.”

  Another prospective player had sat next to me to try his luck. Deciding that playing the game was going to be my only fun this evening, I sized him up. He was in his late thirties, with a sexy touch of grey flecked throughout his full head of thick, black hair. His lean build told me he was a lifetime spacer who spent a lot of time in artificial gravity fields.

  “You’re speaking from firsthand experience, no doubt?”

  “Oooh, a direct hit. You don’t waste time, do you?”

  “I don’t like the idea of false hope.”

  He nodded, knowingly. “I see. You arrived a month ago, maybe?”

  I snorted and took a sip of my drink. “That obvious, eh?”

  “You’re not the first.”

  I had not shared many real conversations since my arrival at Artemis, and I was just drunk enough to be chatty. “I made the mistake of accepting the hype of how great life on Luna could be without doing my due diligence. It was stupid of me. I knew that life doesn’t let you touch what it dangles before you, but the emotional state I was in clouded my cynical judgement. For once in my life I wanted to believe that good things could happen to me.”

  I blushed. The booze acted like a truth serum.

  “You lost someone in the war, didn’t you?”

  I stared at him, stunned by the insight behind his question. “Everyone did.”

  He nodded again, and we sat in silence for a couple of minutes, counting our losses.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, what did you hope to find here?”

  I sighed and finished my drink. “I dunno, a fresh start? Luna isn’t supposed to be my destination, just a means to an end, but I fucked myself. Now, I’m running out of credits, with no real job and no prospects.”