Home Planet: Awakening (Part 1) by T.J. Sedgwick Read Free Book Online Page A

coffee over Luker’s sleeve.
    “Oh, I’m very sorry,” said the skinny, bespectacled man with a foreign accent.
    Luker brushed at the coffee stain, but remained calm.
    “It’s okay … Accident.”
    He forced a smile. The blonde guy held out his other hand nervously, introducing himself.
    “Hi, I’m Evert Rietmuller …”

Tuesday, 1 March 2070, The Juno Ark Stasis Module, 30 days from Earth
    It was their turn to go to sleep as they stood on the cold, steel grating, barefoot in their skin-tight suits. Luker looked along the long straight row of stasis pods, their bubble-like canopies aloft, waiting for their occupants. The bright lights of Module 5 lit every nook and cranny with a diffuse, yet still harsh white light. Apart from some crew and a few select others, the seven levels below had all entered stasis over the last day and a half. They’d left Earth orbit a month ago, having already been on the Juno for six. There were some things you couldn’t learn in the virtual teaching environment back at Johnson. Next to each pod was its would-be occupant—each a colonist with a story, full of hopes and dreams for a better world. Many were hoping to make their name, make their mark, find purpose. To his right was the tall, gangly figure of Evert Rietmuller, the quiet, blonde Dutchman who looked young for his age. Luker liked Evert, but couldn’t ever imagine hanging out with him or sharing a lot in common. Decent guy, introvert, harmless enough. Luker knew the world needed all sorts to make it work and he was sure Evert would be an asset to the colony.
    Luker reached over his pod and shook hands with his neighbor.
    “All the best, Evert. See you in a hundred and twenty years.”
    “See you in fifteen minutes,” he replied, referring to the perception of time they’d actually experience.
    Luker turned the other way and met the gaze of Kate Alves, standing beside her pod. She looked small compared to the bulk of the one-size-fits-all capsule. He smiled, feeling at home in her eyes. She returned a nervous smile and blew out some over-held breath.
    “You’ll be fine ,” he reassured.
    “I’m scared, Dan. I’ve got all these butterflies in my tummy.”
    Luker went around and placed a hand on her shoulder.
    “That’s natural, Kate. None of us have done this before and the whole thought of it is a bit … out there .”
    He smiled warmly and went to shake her hand, but instead she hugged the giant former cop, resting her head on his chest for comfort. He hesitated then wrapped his arms around this good, kind woman, with noble aims and a love for teaching and children.
    He whispered, “Just lay back and relax. Think of something nice and breathe deeply. It’ll be just like the appendix operation you told me about. One minute you’ll be awake. The next we’ll be waking up at Aura. You’ll sit up, turn your head and I’ll be there smiling back telling you good morning.”
    She giggled nervously and nodded.
    “You’re right. I’m being silly. We’ve been through all this …”
    “It’s fine. Understandable.”
    They broke their embrace, Kate Alves looking up at him. She straightened and cleared her throat, her eyes moist with tears. Thrusting out her hand, she put on a brave face.
    He smiled and shook it gently, enjoying the feel of her soft skin.
    “See you in fifteen minutes, Dan Luker.”
    He leaned down and kissed her head protectively.
    “See you in fifteen, Kate.”
    The voice of Tiro came over the PA system and Luker returned to beside his own pod.
    “All colonists due for stasis, please enter your pods, close the canopy and follow the on-screen instructions. On behalf of the captain, crew and myself, we wish you a good sleep and Godspeed.”
    The training kicked in and Luker and the other colonists climbed into their pods. Their actions were regimented, by-the-book—no one wanted to be the one to call for crew assistance. Luker took one last look to the neighboring capsule before laying down.