Analog Science Fiction and Fact - 2023 03-04 by Penny Publications

Author:Penny Publications [Publications, Penny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penny Publications
Published: 2023-02-28T23:00:00+00:00

Ira once told me that before the Commonwealth, before the first colonies, and maybe even before orbital flight (can you imagine?) people were ferried around the world on pitiful wooden ships, where all of them shared a single cargo hold. One! It makes me shiver. Tens, maybe hundreds of travelers were forced to share a cramped space with no opportunity for privacy, proper sleep, or fresh air.

Once inside the ship, I understand that there’s nothing new in the Universe. Oyakangokan is a spacefaring version of the ancient ships that once traversed the oceans of Earth. The upper deck is reserved for the crew. The lower deck is for everybody else.

Robbie and I are entitled to two benches, but one is already occupied by a family of Pahhakeds, who are extremely hostile toward any claims against their property. Their entire hairy pride chirps and confronts me when I ask them to move. I don’t want trouble, so sharing the remaining bench with robbie seems like the wisest option.

The head of the family watches me for a while with a dozen tiny eyes through the visor of an oblong helmet, and I try my best to pretend like I’m asleep. Surprisingly, I manage to doze off amid the chorus of noises generated by a multitude of sentients. I’m not even bothered by the shaking and rattling of the oyakangokan as it limps toward the jump point.

I dream about Ira.

In the dream, the module stands atop a hill, and a blindingly white star slowly rises above it, growing wider, occupying all visible space. The air hums and shimmers with accumulated electricity. The storm. The storm! Enormous jagged lightning bolts crackle as they slam into the module, testing its durability.

Pop! Pop!

“Ira!” I shout. “Hang on!”

I run, seemingly barefoot, across the red sand.

I’m only twenty meters away from the module when the air rustles, and a nearby explosion lifts me up in the air and drops me from the bench onto the ground. I realize that the reason for my fall is real.

The oyakan-gokan shudders with strain. We’re being boarded.

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