Orbits - Book 2 - Dangerous Debris

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The ceremony was brief and simple. Few words were spoken. Orme’s people insisted that they dig his grave with their hands as they were so familiar with on Ryugu. Carlos got everything up and running on the old Moon colony. Major gave them as much food, water, and oxygen as Excelsior could spare. Mark Matthews also brought three months of essential supplies from the Low Gravity Lab. Contact had already been made with the nearby Moon colonies that they had new neighbors and they were eager to engage in trade with them.

Matthews spoke to Major after the ceremony. “The embryos have been implanted in the women.

They are all healthy and there should be few problems with the pregnancies. We’ll send a team at three and six months to check their progress and at nine months to assist in deliveries. With their consent, we will be collecting data on these most interesting individuals.”

“Thank you Mark. You have been very generous,” Major replied.

“How is Rosalind doing?”

“I don’t know. She is going through a lot.”

Carlos interrupted the two men. “Captain we are ready to go. Rosalind tells me we have a one-hour launch window to make it back to Earth safely.”

“Thanks Carlos. Prepare for launch. I’ll be there shortly.” Turning back to Matthews, Major reiterated, “Thanks again Mark.”

“Godspeed Major.” And Matthews left for his own craft.

Major turned toward Orme’s people to give them encouragement, “You have achieved that which man has longed for since the beginning - freedom. Never give it up or let anyone take it from you.

Orme has taught you well. I am glad to have called him a friend. Continue your studies and I hope to come back and see what you have built.”

Orme’s people then gathered around Major, shook his hand, and assured him, “We will never forget Orme or you or Excelsior. We have renamed our colony Excelsior.” Major choked up at the honor. He left them knowing they would be all right.

Excelsior was ready to leave. Both Carlos and Rosalind were on the bridge with Rosalind performing her calculations. “We’ll make it back safely, Major,” Rosalind told him.

“Rosalind I want to explain . . .”

Rosalind cut him off. “You don’t have to Major. Let’s just leave.”

Major engaged main engines and Excelsior smoothly lifted off the Moon. Once Excelsior was away and on course for Earth, Major turned over the controls to Carlos, “I’m going to my cabin.

Take over Carlos.”

Carlos gave him a curious look and asked, “You’ve started one haven’t you?”

Major did not give a response as he left the bridge. Once in his cabin, Major turned on his computer and began dictating:

Captain’s Log - March 12, 2064

I buried a friend today and I may have lost the trust of another. Being a captain of a spaceship is not as exalted as depicted.

Major paused as the burden of command weighed on his words.

But we did find a new home for a lost people. Orme my friend led them away from abuse and enslavement. We ensured that that situation has ended on Ryugu. I suspect that I and my crew are even more of a marked target than before.

Rosalind’s husband apparently was marked before us. I don’t know if it is too late for him. Rosalind - can we help her somehow?

Major paused again.

Orme. We were much alike. But I learned more from him than he from me. I could have learned so much more.

Major stopped dictating and turned off his computer. He sat at his desk staring at the blank screen. He turned his head to his viewport. He saw the retreating Moon glistening with reflective sunlight. He was about to get up when his eyes turned back to his desk where he saw on the corner of the desk Orme’s Book. He pulled it toward him, looked at its stained cover, paused, and opened the cover to the first page.