The Earth Project

The

Earth Project

Larry Wood

ISBN 978-1-64003-222-4 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64003-223-1 (Digital)

Copyright © 2017 Larry Wood

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1

The Arrival

Planet Laus

The Reception

The Mission

The Calypso

The Revel

Ceres

Return to Laus

Waiting . . .

Planet Alpha

Return to Earth

Zero Hour

The Battle

The Final Report

Part 2

The Aftermath

Earth

Taxi Service

Earth Two

The Fight for Angelica

About the Author

Introduction

This story chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Captain Dave Dawson, Earth’s first starship commander. He commands the starship Voyager on its first deep space mission. His destination is planet Laus in the Orion constellation. He’s tasked with delivering Earth’s first ambassador to this distant planet.

The Voyager arrives at Laus battered and beat and in need of major repairs. Captain Dawson finds himself stranded on this alien world while he waits for the Orions to help him repair his ship. Little does he realize that his adventures are just beginning! Dawson, unexpectedly, is asked to accompany Zandia, a beautiful Orion woman on a deep space mission of her own. The two of them travel to the farthest reaches of the galaxy.

The Orions pride themselves on their peaceful culture and open society. But Captain Dawson soon learns the truth. He’s informed about The Earth Project. It’s a plan two thousand years in the making! The clock is ticking down. When it reaches zero, Earth’s very existence will be in jeopardy. Captain Dawson learns about portals and vortexes and the truth behind alien abductions. He learns about vibrational frequencies and ascended beings—and how all this ties in with Earth’s bleak future.

He’s determined to return home while there’s still time. But the Orions are reluctant to let him go.

This story is based on his adventures … on his trials and tribulations … on his determination to help save his planet, or die trying . . .

In part two, the fight to save humanity continues as Dawson and Zandia travel to a parallel world—a world similar to Earth but much more deadly.

Part 1

The Arrival

The Earth ship Voyager shot out of the wormhole. It was a rough ride—way too rough. But the view on the main screen was well worth the bouncing and pitching the ship encountered over the past several days.

Captain Dave Dawson stared in awe at the sight before him. Officially, it was called M42, although most people know it as Orion’s Nebula, or the Hunter. Only a handful of stars could be seen from his perspective, but the main stars he was aiming for were clearly in sight. The three stars that made up Orion’s Belt—Mintaka, Alnilam, and Alnitak—were in the center of his view screen. Mintako took center stage. The other two stars were mere points of light in the distance.

Captain Dawson glanced over at his Russian copilot and good friend, Anna Vronsky. She too was entranced at the sight. She looked over at Captain Dawson.

I didn’t think the Voyager would hold together. We’ve sustained some damage. I won’t know how much until we’re able to fully inspect the ship.

We traveled over nine hundred light-years, Anna. You have to expect a few bumps along the way.

Anna laughed. A few bumps! We’re lucky the Voyager didn’t break apart! She glanced back at the view screen and whispered in Russian, It’s beautiful.

Captain Dawson also looked back at Orion’s Belt. Although all three stars were gas giants, his attention was on the smallest sun, Mintako. Orbiting this sun was planet Laus, an Earth-type world, which was to be their final destination.

Planet Laus

At the same time that the Voyager exited the wormhole, the sun Mintako was rising over Alto, the capital city on Laus.

Zandia stood in front of the window in the common room of her pod (home) and looked out over the city. She could easily see the spires, obelisks, and pyramids of the capital.

Zandia was six feet tall, slim with shoulder-length hair. Her large almond-shaped eyes were a deep penetrating blue. She had pale milky-white skin with a large forehead and a long tapered face ending in a thin chin. She was so deep in thought that she didn’t hear her friend and pod mate enter the room. Clara walked over to stand beside Zandia and followed her gaze up into the early morning sky.

I think I see the Earth ship! She pointed up toward a cumulus cloud. Isn’t that your captain Dawson driving it? She teased.

Zandia was not amused. The Earth ship is still seven hours away. Captain Dawson better deliver his ship in good condition. I spent over four years on Earth helping them to design and build it. If he damaged it in anyway, he’ll never command another one!

Clara smiled. All she had to do was mention Dawson’s name, and it riled Zandia. Something happened on Earth to make her friend so angry at this Terran. She knew the truth, of course. Zandia had deep feelings for this man but would never admit it! Captain Dawson was a mere earthling after all.

By the way, Clara, aren’t you supposed to be at work? Zandia queried.

I came home early. Clara paused a moment before continuing. Thought that perhaps you had something you wanted to ask me.

Zandia glanced over at her friend. She knew what Clara wanted. When the Earth ship arrived, a large reception was to be held in their honor. The Voyager was Earth’s first starship, and its mission was to deliver Earth’s first ambassador to Laus. Zandia was expected to attend the reception and was allowed to bring one guest. Clara, of course, wanted to be that guest. When Zandia didn’t answer right away, Clara gave her a playful shove and finally asked Who are you taking to the reception tonight? Zandia had invited her friend Zorwick, a fellow pilot and engineer, to the reception; but he was on an assignment off world.

Zandia sighed and gave Clara a playful shove in the back and said, I guess I’m taking you as long as you don’t mind a boring evening out.

The entire conversation took place in silence as both woman spoke through telepathy, the normal form of communication on Laus. So when Clara let out a screech, it made Zandia jump. Clara gave her friend a big hug and ran off to her room to prepare.

The Reception

Seven hours later, both women arrived at the complex of buildings that made up Laus’s largest space port. The people of Laus belonged to an organization called the Council of Worlds, or just the Council for short. Two hundred and fifty eight other races made up this council. So having visitors from off world was normal on Laus. But the arrival of the Earth ship was different. The Terran race was making its first visit to Laus, and the reception had to be flawless. Sometime in the future, the Terrans would be invited to join this council if they survived that long. They were an extremely violent people.

The two woman mingled with the other guests as they entered the main building. Zandia recognized people from a number of different worlds belonging to the Council. She saw Pleiadians and folks from Sirius. Oxicarions and Lyrans were there as well. It was no coincidence that these races were present. They had helped colonize Earth in the distant past, and they all had a stake in Earth’s future. At a quick glance, all these people looked similar to Terrans as they shared the same DNA. Although there were subtle differences, there was nobody present in the crowd that would scare the Earth people too much, except for possibly the Arcturians. Zandia had just noticed three of these beings standing against a far wall. The Arcturians were a tall race—over eight feet in height. Their skin tone had a bluish tint. Their heads were bald with huge sunken eyes. A long robe was wrapped around their bodies. The Arcturians were the oldest, wisest, and most advanced race in the Council and were highly respected. They seldom interfered in the affairs of others, so Zandia was surprised to see them here on Laus. She didn’t even realize one of their starships had entered this solar system.

Zandia motioned toward two unarmed guards whose sole purpose was to direct the guests where to go. On Earth, security is so tight that they have armed guards everywhere. Just to get to my work station, I had to endure retina and voice scanners. It’s a little different here, don’t you think?

It sounds barbaric!

Sometimes the retina scanners failed to work properly due to my large almond-shaped eyes, and I wasn’t able to enter the building. When that happened, Captain Dawson would laugh and tell the guards that I was a security risk! He would always insist on seeing my ID card. The nerve of that man! It’s hard to believe his people put him in charge of a starship. What were they thinking?

Clara had to smile. Captain Dawson certainly sounded like an interesting man. Perhaps he had feelings for Zandia as well.

They followed the crowd down a large corridor to a bank of elevators that took them up to the appropriate floor. Several workers were handing out small universal translators to those who wanted them. There was no need for translators if the races spoke through telepathy. But the Terrans weren’t accustomed to this form of communication, so the spoken word would rule this day. At the end of a short hallway, stairs led up to a balcony, where Clara and the other guests were directed to go. They would get a bird’s-eye view of the proceedings from that vantage point. Zandia was part of the welcoming committee and was required to be on the landing platform when the Terrans arrived.

After the reception, I’m going to speak with my director about my new project. Perhaps he’ll be more receptive to my plan today. So if I don’t see you for a while, stay out of trouble.

Clara was bound to run into Dawson, even in this large crowd, so Zandia cautioned her friend. Stay away from Captain Dawson!

She watched as Clara ascended the stairs toward the balcony before heading into the landing bay. As Clara found a seat with a good view, she couldn’t wait until she met this Captain Dawson that Zandia kept talking about … even if she had to track him down!

A small glass-enclosed room adjoining the landing bay was where Zandia headed. Other Council members were already in the room waiting for the Terrans’ arrival. The landing bay was a huge oval-shaped room. The room was empty, except for a teardrop-shaped starship resting beside a far wall. Before leaving Laus for Earth, Zandia had designed and helped build this ship as a new prototype explorer class vessel. She planned on using this ship for her next project. She simply had to get her director’s approval first.

Suddenly, the bay’s overhead door began to swing open, letting in soft reddish-orange rays from the late-afternoon sun. A tractor beam activated, and a dark-blue beam of light emanated from it. All eyes were on the overhead door.

Several tense minutes passed. Then finally, the tractor beam guided the Earth ship Voyager into the landing bay. The Voyager was basically oval shaped and painted white with a single thin blue stripe circling the craft. Above the stripe were painted all the national flags of Earth. At least that’s how Zandia remembered it. She was shocked by what actually came to rest on the floor of the landing bay. Most of the paint had been scorched off the Voyager’s sides. The hull was dinged and dented with many of the sensors sheared off.

What did Dawson do to my ship? Zandia thought. She was livid!

The man standing beside Zandia picked up her thought. It looks like the buffers failed. Do you think there’s any injuries? Maybe a medical team should be present.

I’ll take care of Dawson myself. Zandia grumbled as she pictured her hands around Dawson’s throat.

Workers rolled out a red carpet. Terrans thought these were important and used them for important functions. A small podium was floated out next. The air was scented with lavender. Zandia and the other members of the welcoming committee filed out of the waiting area and stood in line near the red carpet.

Zandia had never laid eyes on a starship in this rough condition. It looked even worse up close. As she was thinking about some nasty things she wanted to do to Dawson, the ship’s ramp slowly lowered. Moments later, the main hatch slid open.

The first person to exit the Voyager was the ambassador herself. She was a short stocky woman with her long but graying hair tied up into a neat bun. She hailed from the country of Peru and had studied exopolitics for many years.

Zandia could see that the ambassador was nervous—especially after she glanced behind her and saw the damaged starship for the first time. Finally, she waved and gave a weak smile as she descended the ramp. She was met at the bottom by an official from Laus. They greeted each other in the proper fashion: a slight bow with an open hand over your heart.

The ambassador was followed down the ramp by her assistant and then the six scientists who would be spending a couple of years studying on Laus.

Zandia recognized the Russian woman Anna Vronsky exit the ship next, followed closely by Captain Dave Dawson. While working with Dawson on Earth, she remembered him as a large uncouth man. His long hair was seldom combed, and his large unruly beard was a constant source of annoyance. (Beards were unheard of on Laus as no one had the ability to grow facial hair for many generations.) Zandia had never met a savage, but if she ever did, he would resemble Dawson. But standing there on the ramp was a tall slim figure with a clean-shaven face and short cropped hair. He still had that mischievous grin that so irked Zandia. He paled slightly as he got a good look at his ship.

One of the officials from Laus walked up to the podium and gave a short speech, welcoming the Terrans to their world. She was followed by one of the leaders of the Council of Worlds. She spoke briefly before stepping aside to allow the ambassador, Lady Moira, to speak.

It is an honor to finally arrive on your beautiful world. She announced in a rich, deep voice. She spoke for some time as Terran politicians were apt to do. When she finished speaking, a Laus official escorted Lady Moira and the other Terrans down the red carpet to meet with the welcoming committee. There was the soft murmur of voices and a lot of bowing as the group made its way down the reception line.

When Lady Moira reached Zandia, both women greeted each other. The ambassador smiled and then commented on how Zandia had helped her people design such a smooth riding starship; then she winked. Zandia felt her face flush. She still pictured her fingers closing around Dawson’s throat!

Captain Dawson brought up the rear as they were led down the red carpet. He heard some background music and smelled a strange scent of lavender that tickled his nose. He tried not to sneeze. He was introduced to people whose names he would never remember. In the back of his mind, he couldn’t help but worry about his damaged ship and the hell he would give Zandia if he ever saw her again. Then, suddenly, there she was, standing right in front of him! He couldn’t help himself. Forgetting proper protocol, he wrapped his arms around Zandia and gave her a bear hug.

It’s good to see you, Zandia. He stepped back to study her. You look good, although a little pale. It was a running joke. Pale skin was normal here on Laus. He was just trying to get a rise out of her. He suddenly realized he had broken protocol. So he tried to bow and shake her hand at the same time. Flustered, he placed his hands behind his back and then laid into her.

You designed faulty buffers for the Voyager! The Mach effect thruster was way underpowered as well! Didn’t I tell you they weren’t—

You didn’t tell me anything! Zandia interjected. I told you that the buffers had to be properly calibrated! It’s a very simple calculation! And there’s nothing wrong with the MET. The problem lies with you—the commander!

Bah! Dawson shook his head. Look at my ship!

Suddenly, they both felt as if all eyes were on them. The reception line had stopped, and everyone’s eyes were indeed on them. Lady Moira cleared her throat, loudly, and motioned for Dawson to keep walking.

Well then … , Dawson mumbled. He finally got around to greeting Zandia in the accepted fashion. I hope we can continue this conversation at a later date.

I’ll be looking forward to it, Zandia replied coldly.

Council members escorted the Terrans toward an escalator, which took them up to the balcony where Clara and the other guests had witnessed the ceremony. Captain Dawson heard one of the officials announce something about refreshments being served up on the loft.

But food wasn’t his top priority at the moment. He was more concerned with his ship. So he stayed behind and began a quick inspection of the Voyager. Dawson was joined by several technicians from Laus. They poked and prodded and took measurements before asking Dawson if they could go inside to check the engine room. Dawson followed the technicians up the ramp and was about to enter his ship when he heard his name called out. He turned around, thinking that Zandia had returned to continue their little talk. Instead, he saw a young woman standing at the bottom of the ramp.

Captain Dawson? she asked again. She had shoulder-length blond hair, pretty face with the same large blue eyes, and long thin chin similar to all residents of Laus. She wore a toga-type dress with sandals that laced partway up her long legs. In fact, she looked just like Zandia, only younger.

Dawson quickly forgot about his ship as he made his way back down the ramp toward this beauty. He was always a sap around a beautiful woman.

I’m Captain Dave Dawson of the starship Voyager. He greeted her with a deep bow. How may I help you?

My name is Clara. She bowed in return. I’m a friend of Zandia’s.

Dawson nervously looked around, thinking that Zandia was lurking nearby. When he didn’t see her, he relaxed. Are you part of the welcoming committee? he asked.

No, Clara replied. Zandia has spoken highly of you, and I just wanted to meet you.

Zandia spoke highly of me? We must be talking about two different people.

Clara laughed. Well, she did talk about you, but maybe not ‘highly.’

That sounds like the Zandia I know.

I see that your busy. Clara nodded toward the Voyager. Maybe we can talk later, at the reception.

I’m never too busy to escort a beautiful woman to a party. Let’s go to this reception of yours. Before leaving Earth, everyone on the Voyager attended classes in proper etiquette on alien worlds. One of the first rules to remember was, No physical contact! Dawson ignored this rule yet again, as he placed Clara’s arm in his and began walking her toward the escalator.

Clara felt her face grow warm. This man was certainly forward! They only took a couple of steps when Dawson noticed the second starship in the landing bay. The ship was huge, at least by Earth standards. It was teardrop in shape and silver in color. It rested on four short struts. Clara noticed his interest in the ship, so she said, That’s a prototype starship of the explorer class. Our mutual friend Zandia designed it before leaving for Earth to assist you, Terrans, with your starship. She plans on using it on her next project.

Amazing, Dawson said in awe. He gave Clara a nudge and whispered in her ear as if he were telling her a secret. I bet Zandia installed enough buffers on her ship!

Clara laughed.

Dawson liked the way Clara laughed. It was something he wished Zandia would do more often.

When the two of them arrived at the reception, Dawson surveyed the scene. There were over seventy people present on the loft. His universal translator allowed him to hear everything in English, although he was sure that at least a dozen languages were being spoken. He took his translator out of his ear to listen to the myriad of languages. After reinserting the translator, he mused.

It’s strange to be on a foreign world. The air is different. The gravity lighter.

I wouldn’t know, Clara said. I’ve never been off world. Most of us from Laus have never left the planet. The majority of us are content to stay here.

This surprised Dawson for some reason, so he asked why.

I never really wanted to travel. Most of us prefer the simple life we’ve created for ourselves here on Laus. Maybe excitement and adventure have been bred out of us. People like Zandia are the exception to the rule. She shrugged. Besides, I’m way too busy. There is no word in your language for what I do here on Laus. But, basically, I monitor the planet—communicate with it. I have the gift for working with plants.

You’re a gardener? Dawson was clueless as usual, but it made Clara smile.

You can say that. It keeps me busy.

Dawson leaned on the loft’s railing. He looked down at his damaged ship, but soon his gaze rested on Zandia’s ship. The Voyager reminded him of an old Model T car sitting next to a brand-new model.

Your people can teach us so much … , he mumbled.

It works both ways, Clara said. She motioned to a bar. Would you like a drink?

You read my mind, Dawson responded, then looked over at Clara. Did you read my mind? He knew that these advanced races often used telepathy to communicate.

No, I didn’t. Not without your permission. She led Dawson over to the long bar filled with glasses, bottles, and decanters of every conceivable shape and size. The races that were present at the reception had samples of food and drink from their home worlds. Earth was no exception. Dawson saw wine bottles from Italy and the US vodka from Russia and beer from Germany.

Clara chose a pale yellow drink, while Dawson was drawn to a dark, rich, amber beverage. Before Clara could warn him, Dawson lifted his glass and said, Cheers. He drained his glass in one smooth gulp. Immediately, his face turned the color of the drink.

God. He gasped as tears welled up in his eyes. It’s burning!

Clara quickly grabbed some crackers from the bar and handed them to Dawson. Eat these.

He stuffed them in his mouth. She then offered him her drink, which was nothing more than flavored water. After another handful of crackers, he opened his mouth and exhaled. He expected flames to shoot out of his mouth!

I think my mouth is numb.

I’m sorry, Captain. I should have warned you. That beverage is from the people of Sirius. The rule is, the darker the liquid, the more potent it is. Never drink it straight!

Now you tell me.

Are you okay? Here, eat some more food …

I’ve drunk worse, my dear. He lied, but it seemed to calm Clara. She really appeared concerned.

Anna Vronsky was deep in conversation with two males from Laus when she happened to walk by Dawson. She noticed the crumbs on Dawson’s red face and his watery red eyes.

Are you drunk, Captain? she asked, appalled at his condition. Get a handle on yourself! Especially here. She wiped some crumbs off his chin.

I’m perfectly fine, Lieutenant Vronsky. Thanks for asking. He turned and picked up another dark amber drink and offered it to Anna. I understand that our hosts blended this drink just for us Terrans. He fibbed. It’s a tad strong. I’m not sure your delicate stomach can take it—

Delicate stomach! she interrupted him. I’m Russian. She put the drink to her lips and swallowed before anyone could stop her.

Dawson was smiling when he took Clara’s hand in his and quickly led her away from the gasping Anna. Her two new friends jumped in to attend her.

You did that on purpose! Clara said, shocked.

Anna will be fine. She’s Russian, you know. And I did try to warn her, Dawson said, laughing as they made their getaway. Besides, she would have done the same thing to me.

Clara didn’t understand Terran humor, but she got caught up in the prank and was giggling when they ran right into Zandia.

Zandia’s feet were firmly planted, and her arms were crossed.

What are you two doing? Using telepathy, she scolded Clara. I told you to stay away from this man.

She then gave Dawson a dark look. I’m not worried about your health so much, but I am concerned about Anna’s!

Sorry, Dawson mumbled. I believe that drink that Clara forced down my throat clouded my judgment.

I did no such thing! Clara countered.

Zandia couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s discomfort. I saw everything, Clara. Pay no mind to what Captain Dawson is babbling about. By the way, you can stop holding his hand now!

She motioned to a couple of empty chairs against the back wall. Take Captain Dawson over there, please, until he feels better. Keep him out of trouble if you can.

As Zandia watched the two of them go, she was pleasantly surprised to see her plan unfolding so well. She knew that if she cautioned Clara to stay away from Dawson, she would be attracted to him like a bee to honey. Zandia knew things about these Terrans that few others did, and how their culture would interact with hers. The humans thought that they would benefit the most from this relationship. It never accrued to the Terrans, or even her own people, how much influence these earthlings would weld while living on Laus! Her own people were in for a rude awakening. The

Laus Project

was now officially underway, and her people would never be the same . . .

As Clara sat beside Dawson, her thoughts were a little different from those of Zandia’s. Clara hadn’t been told about the Laus Project and was ignorant of any secret project that was unfolding. Instead, her thoughts were on Captain Dawson. At first, she was angry at him, and herself, for that matter. But the more she thought about it, the more she smiled. The society on Laus was all about balance and harmony. People were expected to work, meditate, and gain new insights (knowledge) throughout their lives. It led to a very dull life indeed. But within an hour of meeting Captain Dawson, she had more fun than she had in years. She couldn’t remember the last time she was scolded by anyone. She should be embarrassed, but all she could do was smile.

Dawson’s thoughts were different yet. He’d done some stupid things before, but he did them on Earth, and not on some distant world! He was warned about being on his best behavior too. It was a long time since someone told him to go sit in the corner. He smiled in spite of himself. Maybe it wasn’t that long ago . . .

As he sat with Clara, he reflected on the past six years of his life. He was an astronaut training to command one of the many missions to Mars. Then one day, he was summoned to the conference room for a very important briefing—a briefing that would change his life.

Over thirty people were crowded into the little room, including several strangers whom he had never seen before. They looked and dressed a little odd. The director at NASA then introduced the three guests as visitors from the Orion Nebula! Planet Laus to be exact. Everyone in the room was stunned!

In truth, most of the NASA community believed in extraterrestrials—especially those employees with a high-security clearance, which included everyone in the room. He had handled ancient artifacts from both the Moon and Mars. He had talked with fellow astronauts and scientists who had returned from previous missions to the red planet. He viewed the classified material and saw photos that few others were allowed to see.