Fire Fury Frontier Read online

  Fire Fury Frontier

  Fire Fury Saga

  Amanda Rose

  © 2019 Amanda Rose

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact:

  [email protected]

  Cover by Daniel McCutcheon

  Dedication

  To all the science fiction lovers.

  After a long voyage…

  Chapter 1: Adrift

  “… 280 years ago, a handful of people tried to save the world we used to live on, but it was too far gone. They bought us time, though. Corruption, power, and greed, almost lead to our own extinction; when personal gains outweigh all other considerations, we are lost. The C.D.F.P. corporation ignored and hid vital scientific findings about global warming that was affecting the planet and that decision ultimately sealed our fate.

  “About 240 years ago the people living on our world realized the end was coming, that things had become too dire to sustain life. Plants wouldn’t grow, animals were dying off, weather patterns shifted, and the extreme heat and cold were killing us off. Seismic tremors were tearing the land apart, and it drove our ancestors to devise of our ship, the Saisei. It was a race against time to build it before there was nothing left to save. All resources were pooled from around the globe, scientists were pushed to their limits, and after many failures, the Saisei was built and launched into space 227 years ago.

  “All that once existed on our home world no longer exists. Just a few years after the Saisei launched, the long-range sensors of the ship detected a massive energy surge on our home world, and the best scientists determined that the planet had violently split apart. Only what we preserved on this ship has survived; our history, literature, genetic materials… we almost wiped out our own existence as a species.

  “We remember the past, so that we are not doomed to repeat it. The Empire is now governed by a democratic council, to keep singular desires and motives from effecting the whole. While we search for a new planet to make our own, it’s crucial you keep these lessons from our past in mind, and pass them down to the next generation,” Hiroshi stopped pacing for a moment, and leaned against his desk, facing his students.

  Hiroshi took in their faces, to see if his words were getting through to these teenagers. Most stared back blankly, a few took notes, and a couple were bored. Ah, do they even care about a world they’ve never set foot on? Some will. I guess I do. Hiroshi thought. “Ok,” he picked up a data pad off his desk, and opened up a book on it, enlarging the cover on the screen, and then held it up for the students to see, “read chapters 8 through 10 tonight from ‘How We Brought Down the C.D.F.P.’ Class dismissed.”

  The students lazily packed up their books and made their way out of the classroom. Hiroshi sat at his desk as they did and began to mark papers on his data pad. After all the students had filed out of the room, Hiroshi set down the pad, pulled off his glasses, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He stretched leisurely then put his glasses back on. Hiroshi was in his early forties, tall, with black hair, salted with a few stark-white greys. He was incredibly handsome, with sharp cheek bones, and green eyes.

  Hiroshi began to grade the papers again, but found his mind wandering. He pulled the tab back up with the book he’d assigned to his students. If only you had all taken down the C.D.F.P. sooner, maybe we wouldn’t have to live like this… Hiroshi took a deep breath, then stood up from his desk, and walked over to the window. Stars, far off in the distance, slowly passed by, twinkling like diamonds against the black ink of space. Hiroshi put his hand against the cold glass and sighed.

  |

  Suki lay awake in her bed, staring at the air duct running across the ceiling above her. She had always loved the natural curves, divots, and imperfections in the metal hull of the ship, and so she’d left her room sparse. Suki’s mother had wanted to cover it up, saying it felt “…too cold and impersonal,” so she’d used fabric draping’s to cover the rest of her families living quarters. But Suki took refuge in her barren room. Her bed, desk, chair, and dresser were all she had, and all she wanted in her space. She spent hours looking over every nook and cranny; it helped her think.

  Suki was 17, but she’d always been more mature than her age. She only had a few close friends, as she enjoyed her solitude far too much. As she laid there, she grabbed her long braid of chestnut-brown hair and began to undo it; the tight braid had been pulling on her scalp. Once her hair was free she ran her fingers through it, it was soothing, and helped her relax.

  The book bag she’d brought home from class was slumped on the floor, against the bed post near her feet. After gathering the energy, she sat up, and opened the pull rope on the bag, and riffled through the data pads which were loaded up with books. She pulled out How We Brought Down the C.D.F.P., and then laid back in her bed. Suki enjoyed history class and found Hiroshi to be a very interesting teacher. She opened the book to chapter 8 and began reading.

  A half hour later Suki laid down the book on her chest and shook out her arms. The blood had drained down, and made her arms hurt, from holding the book overhead; despite the aggravation, she always read this way. While her arms recuperated, Suki tried to imagine life on the home world of her ancestors. It seemed such a foreign concept to her to live on a planet. She was born on the Saisei, and aside from a couple excursions to planets the ship had stopped at to collect resources, she’d lived her entire life aboard the space craft.

  Even on the few planets they’d visited, there’d been no breathable atmosphere, so she’d had to wear her spacesuit the entire time. She had no concept of what it was like to feel a breeze, the warmth of the sun on her skin, or the earth beneath her bare feet. Her environment was one of stability, perfect climate control, and recycled oxygen. Suki had come to rely on the stability, after all, it was all she’d ever known. Still, she allowed her imagination to wander, and fell asleep dreaming about living on a planet.

  |

  “Empress Hiroshu,” before the councilor could say another word, the empress rose her hand to cut him off.

  “Please councilor, Jona, we’ve discussed this before, the formalities are unnecessary.”

  Jona stood unmoving and silent in-place for a moment, unsure what to do. The government assembly was in full attendance for the quarterly status updates, and all eyes were on Jona. “Uh, right… well, Norita, the inventories are in ship-wide. Food production is excellent, the hydroponics bays are producing a surplus this quarter. Fuel reserves are at 67%, oxygen backups are full, however our water reservoir is running low,” Jona explained while reviewing the data pad numbers in front of him.

  “How low?” Norita asked.

  “We’re down to 13%,” Jona said sheepishly.

  Murmurs of shock and dismay sounded from around the room, “How can that be?” “Why didn’t we know sooner?” “That’s terrible!” came the outcries from around the room.

  Norita raised her hand to hush the room, “Please, everyone, let’s stay focused. We all know the last 2 planets we visited had no water to replenish our stores with. Jona, at 13% how long will that last?” she asked calmly.

  Jona flipped through his paperwork, “Uh, at current consumption rates, about 7 months.”

  Norita nodded, “Ok, good. Jona I want you to get a long-range scan done of all nearby solar systems, and have it analyzed by the scientific division this week. In the meantime, we need to extend the supply we have, so water rationing will go into effect immediately. Get the word out and have a ship wide announcement this evening. We will meet back here one week from today to review our options, thank you everyone.”

  Chatter commenced as the government o
fficials began to get up from their seats and collect their things.

  |

  “… fighter pilot drills at 0600 tomorrow morning. Dismissed, Omega Squad,” General Takeo Yamamoto bellowed.

  “Yes sir!” came the responding reply from the Omega Squadron. They began to disperse.

  “Lieutenant Saito, a moment,” Takeo said, walking up to him.

  Raiden Saito turned around to face the General, “Yes, sir?”

  Takeo paused for a moment before he spoke, evaluating the lieutenant. Takeo was a thoughtful man, though he came across as somewhat gruff, and often intense. The General was well kempt, less for his rough short beard, which always looked like a 5 o’clock shadow. Raiden waited patiently, his years of intensive training allowed him to stay focused, and in control. Takeo finally spoke, “I want you to take point in tomorrow’s drills. We’re going to practice the raven maneuver.”

  Raiden nodded, “Yes sir, thank you sir!”

  Takeo smiled, “Go rest up Lieutenant.”

  Raiden saluted, and then walked away. His mind was abuzz with ideas for the next day. When Raiden turned the corner into the corridor, he found Freya waiting for him.

  “So, what was that all about?” she asked.

  “Guess who’s leading the drills tomorrow?” Raiden grinned.

  Freya punched his arm playfully, “Shut up, really?! Ha, congrats man. But don’t you be barkin’ orders at me.”

  “Lieutenant, that’s ‘don’t be barkin’ orders at me, sir,’” Raised teased.

  Freya pushed him, “Don’t start man, haha!”

  Raiden smiled, “I’m going to go look over the flight plan and maneuver sequencing.”

  “Right, I’ll come with,” Freya nodded, and they headed off the control room together.

  Later, after they’d finished their work, Freya and Raiden walked towards the mess hall. Freya and Raiden had grown up together, their quarters had been right next to each other on the Saisei. Freya had always been a tomboy and hadn’t gotten along well with the other girls. Raiden had always been quiet, reserved, and focused, and had a hard time making friends. When they met, they instantly had a rapport, and became inseparable. In their late teens they applied to be a part of the military on the same day. They always had friendly competition against each other as they progressed; both competitive, and both skilled, they achieved advancements at the same pace. Their friendly competition kept them both focused.

  Freya walked into the mess hall like she owned it, her confidence never lacking. Freya felt at home in the military, the rules made sense to her, and she fit in. She had a dirty sense of humor, quick wit, multiple tattoos, and short blond hair. Above all, Freya was driven to be the best, and so she never showed weakness in front of her peers. Freya walked over to one of the tables that some of their fellow Omega Squadron buddies were sitting at. Freya took a seat, and put her feet up on the table, then rested her head in her hands. Raiden sat down next to her.

  “What took you guys so long?” Koji asked, taking a swig of beer. Koji was a year older then Raiden and Freya but had joined the military 2 years year after them. He was level headed, easy to get along with, reliable, and held the rank of corporal.

  “Raiden got cherry picked to run the drills tomorrow,” Freya grinned. Raiden rolled his eyes.

  “That’s fantastic, congrats!” Koji said emphatically.

  “Gotta drink to that,” Masato, who sat bleary eyed next to Koji, raised his glass.

  “Shit Masato, you look like you’ve already had enough,” Freya said, swiped the glass from his hand, and chugged down what was left.

  “Hey!” Masato objected.

  “Dude, she’s right, early morning tomorrow, take ‘ere easy,” Koji agreed.

  “Yeah, yeah…” Masato pouted.

  “So, what’s for dinner?” Raiden asked, his stomach rumbling.

  Raiden and Freya grabbed their dinners, and another pitcher of beer for the table, and then came back. The group stayed long after supper, playing cards, and chatting. At 9PM the ship-wide speaker system came online with a BEEP! and a moment later a voice came on with an announcement, “Attention all citizens. This is a ship-wide announcement. Effective immediately, we are implementing water rationing. Each citizen is granted 2 liters of drinking water per day, and 1 liter for washing. Shower systems are banned. Departments requiring water usage will be sent individual water allowances. Water rationing will be in effect until further notice. Thank you.” Crackle! The speaker system turned off.

  “Seriously?!” Masato sighed.

  “Guess you’re going to be feeling that hangover even longer than you thought, private,” Koji jived.

  Freya and Raiden shared a look of concern with one another. Koji caught their look, “What is it?”

  Freya quickly changed the mood, “Just terrified of having to smell you without a shower, Koji.”

  Koji flipped her off, and they both laughed. After the card game, they went home for the night, and Freya and Raiden walked back towards their cabins together. “Something must be up,” Freya said, as they walked.

  “Yeah… I don’t know why, but I have a bad feeling about this,” Raiden agreed.

  “Think Yamamoto knows anything?” Freya asked.

  Raiden shook his head, “Nah, the General gets orders, just like us.”

  Freya huffed, “Fuckin’ politics…” They arrived at Freya’s quarters, in the barracks. Freya looked Raiden in the eye, “Keep your ear to the ground, man.”

  Raiden nodded, “You too.”

  Raiden walked off towards his bunk. Water rationing… I don’t think they’ve ever done that before, not that I can remember… Things must be bad… His mind continued to juggle possibilities, but in the end, Raiden didn’t know enough to make any concrete assumptions, so he gave up thinking about it, and focused on the flight plan for the morning.

  |

  Norita was burning the midnight oil, sitting at her desk in her office, going over figures, charts, and reports. After a while she picked up a hot cup of tea and took a sip, then sat back in her chair. Her mind was awake, but her body was tired. A gentle tapping knock on the door stole her attention. “Yes?” Norita called out.

  “It’s Jona,” came the voice behind the door.

  “Come in,” Norita called back, then took another sip of her tea.

  Jona came in and closed the door behind himself, then bowed to Norita, “I’m terribly sorry for coming by so late, but you said once we had any information to let you know right away…” Jona began to explain himself.

  “Jona, it’s alright, I’m awake anyway. What it is it?”

  Jona slapped down a data pad in front of Norita, on her desk. “The long-range scans came back. No planets, but we’ve found one asteroid with water at the furthest ranges of our scans. It’s going to take over two months with the neutrino engine running non-stop for us to get there. The problem is that it’s almost entirely ice, -107°F in the sun and -373°F in the shade, so collecting it isn’t going to be easy. On top of that it’s not just water, it’s an H2O and methanol mix. On my way here, I contacted Dr. Takei, and asked him and the scientists in his lab to start looking into best methods of distillation separation. And on top of all of that, travelling at near light speed for that long will take its toll on the ship, I’m not sure how the gravity plating will hold up under that much strain for extended duration,” Jona explained.

  Norita had been looking through the data as Jona explained everything. She nodded, “Alright then, let’s set course. 2 months will give us enough time to figure out how to harvest it, and with any luck we won’t lose too much of the methanol during distillation, so we can use it to fuel some of the ships systems and machinery. It may be a rough ride, but we’ll make it. Good work, Jona,” she smiled at him. Jona returned the smile, but Norita knew Jona well enough to see through the guise. “What is it?” Norita asked.

  “Nothing… I just, we’ve never cut it so close,” he said with worry hanging in his voice, �
��The science division is also looking to perfect our way of purifying our urine recycling system, so there’s less waste, just in case we have to extend our reserves.” Jona fought back his fear and swallowed the lump in his throat.

  Norita stood up from her chair, and placed her hand compassionately on Jona’s shoulder, “A par for the course, I suppose. Sometimes I’m amazed we’ve survived so long in space, but then I remember, it’s because we have a destiny, I can feel it in my bones.”

  Jona looked Norita in the eye and could see she meant every world she said. Norita was in her fifties and had lived through a few times of famine on the ship, as well as being caught in a deadly asteroid belt, which had pummeled and badly damaged a significant portion of the ship; ripping open parts, with many lives lost. She had seen tragedy and come through it on the other side. Her face was weathered, equally from smiles and frowns; Norita fully immersed herself into life, and it gave her an aura of wisdom. She was a strong leader, and as Jona gazed into her deep brown eyes, he felt a sense of security wash over him.