Far Away from Home

I am not a hard-core sci/fi author. I like to dabble in science fiction certainly, yet the notion of that sort of world-building has always felt beyond me. In Far Away from Home: The Enran Chronicles Book Three, set mostly within an outpost upon a distant planet, I developed a society that despite being written in 2023 feels much like America today, an alternate universe gone horribly awry.

That somber premise aside, Far Away from Home is a rollicking adventure, as Noth, a human from present-day Earth, finds himself in the twenty-ninth century millions of miles from where he previously dwelled. Yet Humans reside on Mordan Station on the planet of Enran, and he gains the acquaintance of one in particular. Sooz is a physician; she's also surreptitiously engineering the regeneration of Chelak, a Tyrah citizen who Sooz hopes to keep hidden from the Tyrah authorities, eager to enslave those able of childbearing. Many of Noth's memories from home have been purged from his consciousness, yet he clearly recalls the hypocrisy suffered by women, and longs to liberate Chelak from Enran before the Tyrah abduct her. He also wishes to free Sooz from her self-imposed isolation, and is willing to sacrifice going home to do so.

In his corner is the ageless Donsaret named Squee as well as Dardram, an irritable Human. Opposing them is the duplicitous Chief Ryder Renavier, who at times appears Human, but possesses a hybrid lineage allowing Renavier to change form. As Noth absorbs the rules of his new locale, he also realizes his purpose might be occurring far more quickly than he'd assumed. That accelerated timeline hastens his and Sooz's plan to get Chelak off the planet, yet the Tyrah have other ideas....

Plenty of humor exists as do poignant moments as Noth uncovers Sooz's background. Often Noth feels uncertain of whom to trust; conspiracies and corruption are rampant. Yet Noth is bolstered by The Other, a vital yet odd entity that has taken over his ship, their vines also fond of Sooz. One of them has to stay behind, she tells Noth, as The Other won't permit both to leave. Who stays, who goes, and who exactly can Noth rely upon as a rampage looms, endangering not only Chelak, but the entire populace of Enran.

Hey, hey, hey.... Now that's a wing-ding for you! I knew great trepidation in crafting this novel, mainly in stepping out of my melodramatic Earthen comfort zone. Yet the characters welcomed me warmly, and I am often pondering their fates, as this series has plenty left to explore. Switching between spoken dialogue and internal conversations hearkens back to A Love Story and Life Stories, but Far Away from Home is singular in its danger and intrigue. And copious aliens, lol. But underneath all those differing exteriors beat many hearts wishing for joy and dignity, staples of my prose. Also a layer of faith that Noth embraces and Sooz shuns. And certainly love, which provides the necessary impetus for change. And while not to get ahead of myself, change hovers in Book Four, of which the first chapter is provided at the conclusion. That's planned for an August release, just to let you know.

For now, if science fiction mixed with humor and pathos is your bag, Far Away from Home is available on Smashwords for FREE, as all my novels are priced. Below is the first chapter; please enjoy this exuberant tale, and thanks for reading an indie author!

 

 

 

Chapter 1

 

 

 

Standing at the observation window, Sooz frowned at the odd ship landing on the exterior pad. It wasn’t a Tyrah vessel, but didn’t look at all familiar. Dardram might know its origin, but his mood remained poor and she would pester someone else for information if it became necessary.

Patting her pants’ left pocket, she sighed, then retrieved her pad, scanning messages. Tapping the screen, she studied her patients’ vitals, then closed her eyes, clucking at one in particular. Again she glanced at the large window, then put the device in her pocket. A jetway emerged through drifting clouds, then was attached to the peculiar ship, and Sooz sighed inwardly, cracking her knuckles. “As long as you stay away from me, I don’t care who you are.”

Others now gathered near her, several species chattering in various languages. Sooz tried to ignore their gossip, yet no one else knew what kind of vessel had landed. Identities were bandied about, though none spoke of the Tyrah. Finally an Ahlem tapped Sooz’s shoulder. “Who do you think it is?”

Sooz shrugged, pulling back her long dark hair. Curls sprung tightly and she shook out her tresses, wishing for a ponytail. Instead she took a long thin stick from her other pocket, twirling her hair atop her head, then maneuvering the stick through the bun. Her curls seemed affixed, and she twitched slightly, then sighed. “Whoever it is, they better have a good reason for being here.”

“They wouldn’t have been allowed to land otherwise,” a tall being to Sooz’s right huffed.

“That’s fairly obvious.” Sooz didn’t face the Gonquil, but she shrugged again, then sighed, wishing she hadn’t left the infirmary. If she had stayed put, all of this would have been a footnote to her shift. Now she felt as drawn as the rest to this spectacle, the jetway still in place against the side of the vessel. How many were departing, what did they want, Sooz wondered, shoving her hands in her pockets. She gripped her pad, wishing for a vibration that would tear her from this spot, but no one urgently needed her, and she grunted softly as voices in a variety of cadences discussed possibilities.

All those sounds were filtered into her brain as discernable speech despite the differing manners of communication. The only species she couldn’t fully understand was foreign to all on Enran, although at times Sooz was able to comprehend their…. It wasn’t actual language or the multix would have translated it. Instead The Other transmitted a melody that most assumed was how that species conversed with itself, though some considered its songs only as music. Briefly closing her eyes, Sooz permitted a snippet of melody to overwhelm the cacophony now filling the observation area. Then she grunted, stalking away from the group, heading back to her workstation.

Yet a newcomer’s arrival was all anyone could discuss. By the time Sooz reached the infirmary she had inadvertently learned one individual had been processed, although that person’s identity wasn’t yet for perusal. Gazing at her patients, Sooz wondered if another species would join this motley crew, most of them here for basic care. She didn’t ponder the iso unit, then sat at her console, glancing at the display. The same messages she had ignored on her pad filled the screen and she swiped away those unimportant. Quickly she read ones to matter, then paused at a missive from Dardram. Sent moments previously, he wanted to know if she was aware another Human was joining their collective. Sooz trembled inwardly, then sighed aloud. She was grateful Dardram’s attention had been piqued, but why had a Human made contact here?

Moving from the console, Sooz gazed at the clear partition along the wall, her reflection staring back at her. Her hair was a jumble, but stable upon her head. Her dark eyes were large, rings barely discernable under them. Her nose was wide, her mouth ample, her cheekbones prominent. She didn’t like how her lower jaw protruded, but that was the only feature displeasing. Her skin wasn’t the same hue as Dardram’s; his was far more pale, but they were the only Humans currently assigned to Enran, and often she found his company preferable to others, though lately he’d been a miserable sod and she avoided him whenever possible. When in a sociable mood, Sooz gravitated to the Ahlems. She appreciated their wisdom and sense of humor, as well as their need for solitude. Dardram had scant wit and even less patience and she vaguely hoped whoever had landed was here to replace him.

Inwardly she berated herself for such insensitivity. Yet she was tired of his continual irritability, he should have known better. She winced, then glanced at a door to a back cubicle. One patient required that privacy, the rest now calling for her. Sooz first checked those seriously ill, then she approached Hosta, an Ahlem nearing its end of life. “What do you need,” Sooz said softly, grasping Hosta’s hand.

“What has happened?” Hosta squeaked.

“Nothing,” Sooz smiled. “Can I get you anything?”

“You are a terrible liar,” Hosta sighed. “One of my people is nearby. Are they here for me?”

“I’ll check.” Sooz released Hosta’s hand, then returned to the console. No new admittances waited on the screen, though Sooz expected the newcomer to make its way here eventually. She returned to Hosta, then retrieved a nearby stool, seating herself beside this patient. “No one’s slated to join us,” Sooz crooned. “Perhaps you’re sensing retrieval.”

“You aren’t getting rid of me yet,” the Ahlem snickered weakly.

Sooz chuckled, again grasping Hosta’s hand. “Well good. You’re one of my favorites.”

“But not the favorite,” Hosta grinned.

“That’s a long time in coming.” Sooz smirked.

“Perhaps, or not.” Hosta sighed, then squinted. “Regardless, I feel my people near. If it is my time, let me go with ease.”

Sooz blinked away tears. “Maybe.”

“And if another takes my place, may they be as well cared for as what you have proffered me.”

“Stop talking like this,” Sooz whispered sharply.

Hosta squeezed Sooz’s fingers, then clucked. “How did you become a physician in the first place? Never mind, I don’t mean to pick at you. Check your console, by now someone must have information.”

Sooz wiped away stray tears, then stood, but she didn’t release Hosta’s hand. The Ahlem’s grip felt like a vice, yet not painful, although Sooz didn’t expect Hosta to survive much longer. Hosta released Sooz, but a physician didn’t immediately step away, and only when another patient called for care did Sooz leave Hosta’s bedside.

 

An hour later the newcomer was escorted to the infirmary. Sooz nodded at the Gonquil who grimaced while making introductions: the being was indeed a Human, but not like any Sooz had previously encountered. “It claims it’s from Earth,” the Gonquil sneered. “Let us know what you discover.”

Sooz shrugged at the Gonquil, then quickly assessed her new patient; the being was probably male, was definitely young. She led the Human to a nearby gurney, then gestured for the being to sit. It frowned, then spoke, but the dialect wasn’t translated. Sooz tapped the side of her head. “Don’t tell me you don’t have a multix,” she huffed.

Again the being conversed, but still Sooz couldn’t comprehend its words. It sounded angry, also disappointed. Then it sat on the gurney, gripping the bed with force.

Retrieving her pad, she brought up this being’s file; it had arrived with a document asserting it was a Human from the past, allegedly from Earth. It had traveled through the rift in a ship previously belonging to Enran from eons ago, but already that vessel’s modifications had been noted. Sooz ignored those details, focusing on one key point, that no multix had been discovered in initial scans.

She put the pad on a table next to the gurney, making mental notes that would be relayed into the database. Her multix permitted that ability and as the being again spoke, she hoped her implant could figure out what it was trying to convey.

She sighed, the language still indecipherable. Softly she patted the being’s leg, then made eye contact. “My name is Sooz,” she said clearly, pointing at herself. “I can’t yet understand you, hopefully soon. For now I’m going to scan you for any ailments.” She collected a device from the table, waving it first at herself, then showing the being the results. It frowned, then shrugged, still grasping the gurney.

Sooz fought the urge to roll her eyes, placing the device near the being’s head. No multix was located, nor was there any such implant in the being’s upper body. She scanned its trunk, the results making her inwardly tremble. The readings were indeed of a Human, but not like any she had previously treated. Her physiology was similar, Dardram’s too, but even they weren’t like this being.

“You must be from Earth,” she muttered, digesting the results, then mentally directing them into the mainframe. Then she stared at the being. “I’m Sooz,” she repeated. “Sooz,” she then said slowly, tapping at her chest.

“Sooz,” the being said.

“Sooz,” she murmured as a chill spread along her back. The being was male, speaking in a youthful tone. She tapped on her pad, finding in this man’s file his name. “Noth?” she said slowly. “Is your name Noth?”

“Noth,” he answered quickly, pointing to himself. “Noth.”

“Noth,” she muttered, rereading his file. Then she met his eyes, which were gray, stirring a memory. She ignored that flashback, then grasped his hand which still clutched the gurney. His fingers were cold, his skin relatively soft. He wasn’t from anywhere near, yet he seemed…. Sooz released him, then patted his shoulder. “Speak to me,” she said, making with her hand a talking gesture. “The only way we’re gonna communicate is by you talking. Whatever dialect you’re using, it’s not in our databanks.”

He began to speak, still nothing she could understand, nor did anyone in the infirmary attempt to translate. But those able to pay attention did so, discussing if it was indeed possible that a Human had breached the rift, and how had it gained such capable transport?

Just as Sooz thought she might grasp his dialogue, two Gonquils entered the infirmary. “We need access to it,” one said.

“I’m not done with my examination,” Sooz said stiffly.

“Enough information has been retrieved,” the other Gonquil announced, coming toward Noth from behind.

Noth leaped off the gurney, backing away from the Gonquils.

Sooz stepped between the young man and the Gonquils. “His language can’t yet be determined. Until then, I’m in charge of his welfare.”

“According to what treaty?” the first Gonquil asked.

“I’m Human, so is he,” Sooz grunted.

“Such distinctions are irrelevant,” the second Gonquil snorted.

“Not since Melor was abducted,” Sooz said flatly.

The Gonquils stared first at Sooz, then at Noth, then muttered under their breaths. The first one cleared its throat, then glared at Sooz. “We will be back for it. Do not attempt to allow its departure.”

“He came to us,” Sooz said. “But until we can understand him, nobody’s taking him from my authority.”

The Gonquils grumbled, then departed. Sooz turned to face Noth, fright apparent in his face. She hesitated from touching him, then patted his shoulder. “The sooner I can understand you, the better for all of us.”

“Sooz,” he sighed, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Sooz,” she repeated. “It’s a start.”

 

Seated in a corner of what must be a medical bay, Noth ate tasteless food, wishing to be back in Jeannie and Caroline’s care. They had insisted he land here alone, asserting while his ship contained various improvements from the future, that was the only aspect of their connection he could share with authorities, most of which were tall aliens with minimalistic facial features and extremely unpleasant voices. Only Sooz looked like a human, the rest of the medical bay filled with a variety of species that Noth inspected only to acquaint himself with this…. He was in what Jeannie had claimed was the twenty-ninth century, in a universe so far from what he considered as home it was no wonder the food was bland and that he was considered a fugitive, but Sooz provided him a glimpse of the familiar. Her language wasn’t anything close to what he recalled from home, although it wasn’t the guttural cluck of the tall aliens. Sooz wanted him to talk, probably to prompt the multix she employed like another limb.

He had yet to see her make any kind of physical notes about her patients, though occasionally she sat at a console, reading the screen. Noth recognized the written dialects scattered about the medical bay and while he was grateful for a minimal level of comprehension, if English wasn’t in the database, it would take time for him to accomplish anything meaningful.

Caroline had implied that for now, his goal was to become acquainted with this planet, that Dorvuun wasn’t an issue at this moment in time. Noth had balked at being made to land here, what was the point he had argued. Yet the women had been firm, even Jeannie, with whom he had grown close after the memory sweep. Over replicated bowls of chicken soup they had shared stories about his mother, but now Noth put Dana from his mind, although in how Sooz stared at him, he wondered if somehow the women were related. He cleared his throat, then approached where Sooz sat at her console. He could vaguely decipher the messages, some about himself, the rest of a personal nature. Then he tapped on the console, making a typing gesture.

She studied his movements, then smiled. She said something he couldn’t understand, but her tone was upbeat as she went to her feet, rummaging through a drawer to the right of the console. Then she squatted, searching anxiously for what must be something akin to a pad. Noth tried to ignore messages still on the display, but someone was asking about him; how Human did Noth appear, what was his true agenda? He tried inputting information on the console, but was locked out as he had been in the office where he was initially processed. The officials hadn’t provided him with a pad there, probably to deny him access to their databanks, which Noth assumed was a security protocol. How the hell are we gonna communicate, he wondered. Then he rolled his eyes as Sooz stood, her shoulders slumped, nothing in her hands.

She grumbled, plopping into her seat, then tapping on the console. She shrugged and Noth smiled, grateful for a familiar gesture. Sooz gazed at him, a small grin on her face. “Thanks for trying,” he said.

Her tone in reply was apologetic and he chuckled, then cracked his knuckles. As he started to walk away, Sooz grasped his shoulder. She cracked her knuckles, then shook out her hands.

Noth again cracked his knuckles, meeting her eyes. She nodded, then smiled, then waved him off. He sighed, heading back to the corner, but an alien gestured for him. The being was small, fragile in appearance, and Noth approached slowly. Then it smiled, or what to him looked like a grin. “Do you know who I am?” he asked.

The being’s mood didn’t change, nor did it speak. Then it reached out in the direction of Noth’s right hand. Noth gently grasped the alien’s digits, feeling a spark of recognition tingle through his fingers.

The being whispered in a cadence Noth had heard Caroline and Jeannie occasional murmur. “Are you an Ahlem,” Noth asked.

Hushed conversations stopped as Sooz stood from her chair, joining Noth and the alien. Sooz spoke to the being, then softly grasped their hands, still clutched together. Noth nodded, assuming this being’s life was ending. “I’m sorry,” he muttered, feeling slightly flustered. “I’m sorry I don’t understand.”

“Sor-ry,” Sooz whispered.

He stared at her. “You know what I’m saying?”

Tears fell down her face. “Sorry,” she muttered.

Noth shrugged, then gazed at the alien. No longer was it alive, but that small grin remained in place. Sooz caressed the alien’s cheek, then took a deep breath. She recited something Noth couldn’t comprehend, but it sounded like a prayer. Some spoke with her, their differing cadences and dialects blending like a heavenly harmony. Then Noth gasped as suddenly the deceased disappeared.

“What the hell?” Noth said. “Where’d it go?”

Sooz released his hand, then moved from the gurney. She closed her eyes, but tapped her foot in a rhythmic pattern. Noth wondered if she was praying or making mental notes, or allowing herself a moment to grieve. He returned to his seat in the corner, pushed aside the table with his meal, then observed all those gathered. Some seemed to weep, others spoke softly. A few rolled to their sides. Sooz opened her eyes, then stared at Noth. He nodded, then spoke. “Again, I’m really sorry.”

“Real-ly sorry,” she said slowly.

“Really,” he sighed.

“Real-ly,” she repeated.

He shrugged. “That word isn’t gonna do us much good.”

She rambled incoherently, then threw up her hands. Noth had no idea what she meant and he shrugged, then cracked his knuckles. Sooz had been frowning, but she flashed a smile, cracked her knuckles, then hastily walked to what Noth assumed was her office. But instead of sitting at her console, she stepped toward the back wall, tapping on a small display. Security protocols were followed, then a door slid open and she met his eyes. Then she slipped into the darkness, the door quickly closing behind her.