Biomass Rewind by Terry Persun

Author:Terry Persun
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: aliens, space exploration, biomass, sentient ship, colonize earth, manufactured humans
Publisher: Short Fuse Publishing

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Every colonization must incorporate a multitude of possibilities. There are only so many factors I can control.

—Argentina

CHAPTER 23: GENETIC OVERFLOW

Bill and his troop of Howlers crossed back over the river. Ellen and Chip returned to the group and she definitely looked dazed. Only a few of us had put our laser pistols back in their holsters. Angie, still holding hers, asked, “What now?”

Roger looked around to make sure everyone heard him when he answered. “Everyone remains on emergency call. Don’t get comfortable. We break into three groups of four. I’ll send a breakdown. Three people at this location at all times, one person walks the perimeter. Four on duty every minute. Anything—and I mean anything—out of the ordinary and you broadcast it to everyone. The three here stay put, while the rest of us group at an all-call position in front of the main tent. Got that?”

Several nodded. We heard him, believed him, and would take his orders. It was a good plan for now, knowing what we knew.

“I’ll be the extra person,” he said. “Three shifts from morning light to morning light.”

Doc reached for Sam’s hand and I heard her apologize for yelling at him about leaving Ellen alone. He didn’t seem to mind and put his arm around her as they walked away. Missy held onto me closely ever since I backed through the perimeter fence.

I kissed her. “I’m worried.”

“About what?”

“My apathy to the Howlers, to Bill, to all of this. I don’t have fear or love for those things? Maybe I didn’t get a full download?” I lowered my head. “Or I’m just not like the rest of you.”

She put a finger over my mouth. “Stop. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re just braver than the rest of us. But if you’re worried, go see Doc.”

“Shouldn’t I let Roger know? Or Angie? They might want to pull me from duties where I might put myself or others in danger.”

“Doc first. She can alleviate your concerns about having the parasite. Isn’t that what you’re thinking? You and Karen and that Howler. The first one?”

“Maybe. What if it’s more than that?” My recorder vibrated and I glanced at it. Roger had sent the breakdown. Chip, Donna, Roger, and Angie were taking first watch.

Missy did a quick check of her recorder, too, then returned her attention to me. “We won’t know until you check in with Doc. She’s your starting point.”

She was right.

Doc turned from her work as I stepped inside the infirmary. “Looks like we’ll be on the same watch,” she said.

“I hadn’t noticed.”

She poked at the touch screen on her monitor and the image disappeared. “You here for something?”

I looked around the room. We were alone.

Doc sat in her usual spot in front of the monitor. “Sam’s in the other lab where the animals are being inspected. You looking for him?”

“No, not really. I need to tell you something.”

She turned completely around, her feet planted firmly on the floor while she sat on the edge of the stool.

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