Olympus: Talosian Chronicles, #1

Chapter One

Hey Williams! I heard they named you Valedictorian because you’re the only virgin left in our grade!

Ian flipped off the football player amid the laughter from the good-natured ribbing.

Seriously guys! Here’s to Ian Williams! The semi-drunk teen raised a beer bottle in the direction of Ian. Without him, most of us wouldn’t have made it through school. Thanks Williams!

Ian smiled and nodded to the group of football players and cheerleaders as they toasted him. Just remember to keep studying when you get to UCLA Monty, and you’ll do just fine. Now, I gotta piss, be right back. Ian set his soda down, stood, and walked out of the little area the small ‘graduation’ party was taking place in.

He hadn’t really wanted to come to this party, but the guys on the team insisted. He had tutored most of them and helped them through the academic rough spots of high school most jocks appear to have. The result being that over the hundreds of hours of talking and helping the guys, they had struck up a friendship with ‘the nerd’.

‘Nerd’ was a moniker that no one called Ian anymore. The ‘Jocks’ wouldn’t allow it. Earlier today, at a final pep-rally, Ian had been called down and given a school football jersey that had his name printed on the back, and officially thanked by the coaches and the principal.

As Ian walked, he kept tripping over (sometimes literally) couples in various stages of undress that had sneaked away from the party. This was the part of coming to these things that Ian hated the most. The only person he would consider asking to come with him would have flatly refused.

As he walked, his thoughts turned to the beautiful, blond goddess he had been dreaming about for the last... well, almost ten years now. Jenny Laskar was Ian’s best friend. They took most of the same classes, and had most of the same interests. They’d known each other since second grade, and he’d loved her almost the entire time. Ian could talk to her about anything... except how he felt about her.

Ian was terrified of losing her. If he confessed his love for the girl, and she didn’t think of him that way, it would ruin their long friendship.

Although he hadn't known her as long, Cindy Swift, another friend of his and Jenny’s, was running a close second to Jenny, and the three spent a lot of time together.

Looking around, Ian realized he couldn’t see anyone anymore, so he stopped to do his business. While he relieved himself, his thoughts returned to Jenny and Cindy, and what to do about his problem.

Ian shook his head to dispel the thoughts that threatened to get him aroused. He really didn't need the guys to see him walk back to the party like that.

He shook it off, and tucked himself back into his pants to return to the party. After a few minutes of walking, Ian was starting to feel a little nervous. He couldn’t even hear the music from the party, and he knew he couldn’t have walked that far away. He stopped to listen carefully. All he could hear were the normal sounds of the night; that is, the nights that high school seniors were not out here in the hills drinking.

He sat down on a rock to try to figure out what to do. Park Rangers and emergency personnel always say that if you’re lost, just stay where you are, if you can, and wait. Someone will eventually find you. ‘...or what’s left of your decomposing body,’ Ian thought grimly.

Briefly, he remembered his family, and the many camping trips they had gone on. He still missed them, and all the fun they had together. Even though his father had been a lawyer, he still made time for his family. Initially, he had felt guilty for surviving the car accident that had killed both his parents, and had left him virtually untouched.

A year and a half before, a gravel truck had lost its brakes and slammed into them, crushing the front half of the SUV he and his parents had been riding in. The truck looked like it had been almost cut in half – the front was crushed almost flat, while the area behind the front seats was left intact. Ian broke his arm, and his parents lost their lives.

He was sitting in a small gully between two hills. He decided to climb the taller of these to see if he could locate the highway and navigate off that.

As Ian was nearing the top of the small hill, he felt a few strong gusts of wind. It really gave him the willies because it was a clear night and there had been no wind at all.

Finally, he climbed up a few more feet, turned and stepped between two large boulders into a small clearing. Sitting on a rock in the clearing was a person. In the dark, Ian thought it was a man wrapped in a blanket.

Excuse me, sir? Are you all right? Ian asked, as he slowly walked forward with his hands held palm down and away from his body.

Yes, I am fine. I could hear you climbing up here, so I waited for you, the man said cheerfully.

Uh, why would you wait for me? Do we know each other? Ian asked hesitantly. He was starting to get a really bad feeling about this.

Not exactly; you see, you do not know me, but I know a great deal about you, Mr. Ian Williams. I have been waiting a very long time to meet you; a very long time indeed.

The man had still not moved from the rock he was sitting on, but Ian was slowly edging his way back to the rocks he passed when he got here. Uh, why would you want to talk to me? I’m nobody special. The old man was starting to really creep Ian out; how had he known his name? If he could just find those two big honkin’ rocks, he could run back into the night. Then this old freak wouldn’t be able to find him.

I will not harm you, Mr. Williams. I have been waiting to speak to you about something very important. Something I think you will want to hear.

Where were those damn rocks? Uh, I’m sure that might be the case, sir, but I think perhaps if this is on the level, you can just come to the house and tell me this in front of my Guardian, Ian replied, ‘and maybe a couple of policemen,’ Ian added to himself.

The old man sighed heavily as he stood. Well, this is not going at all as well as I thought it would. Mr. Williams, would you please have a seat.

Ian’s mind almost came to a complete stop as the night sky was replaced by a light blue ceiling, and the surrounding rocks and outdoor nighttime scenery were replaced by walls of a padded looking, off-white vinyl. Along the walls were couches that almost resembled bench seating. The room was very dimly lit, but it was slowly getting brighter.

For the first time, Ian got a look at the other man. He was wearing a robe and looked like a stocky, clean-shaven, Alec Guinness from Star Wars. Ian almost laughed, If Yoda walks through one of these doors, I’m gonna shit myself.

The old man did laugh, No, Master Yoda will not be walking through one of these doors. However, the rest of what I have to tell you might be as equally hard for you to accept. If you will stay and listen, every word I tell you will be the truth. The old man gestured to one of the seats, mutely asking Ian to sit once again. Ian ignored the gesture.

This is just way too damn weird. Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to be getting home soon. I have a one o’clock curfew, and I really don’t want my Guardian to worry. Please, can you help me get home? Ian asked. He was obviously imagining all this; maybe he slipped on a rock and hit his head. That explanation sure made more sense than walls that just appeared.

You are on a shuttle craft that is currently hovering outside your house. You can go in at any time, but I really would appreciate it if you would listen to what I have to tell you. It will not take that long, and I can promise, your guardian will not be worried.

Look, you seem like a nice, harmless old man, and while I don’t really know how you got me here, I do appreciate the ride. I have to go in there and explain to my guardian what happened and then get her to give me a ride out to where the party was so I can get my car. She’s not going to be very happy with me. So unless you can give me a hell of a good reason not to go inside to face the music with her, I’m outta here, Ian said.

Roughly four thousand of your years ago, a starship was involved in a great battle and crashed on the far side of your moon. The crew that survived the attack, and the crash, made it to this planet and bred with the native population in an effort to keep their race alive. Now, a good portion of the population of this planet has one of those crew members as an ancestor, including you. Your ancestor was my Commander. You would know him as Zeus.

Ian chuckled nervously, You’re not only telling me the Greek Gods existed, but that they were aliens? Okay if that’s what you want to believe, but what does that have to do with me?

Instead of answering, another image appeared in the room; this time it was an image that looked a lot like Ian. At first Ian thought it was an image of himself, but small, subtle differences made him see it wasn’t. This man was slightly taller, and had more body mass. He also had a slight graying of the hair at his temples, and the beginnings of worry lines on his face.

He looks a lot like me. Who is he? Ian asked as he slowly sat down.

He should look a lot like you, for you are the same person – genetically anyway. This is your far distant ancestor, Zeus, of the House of Chronos, bond-mate of Hera and Commander of the Federated Starship Olympus. You are almost genetically identical to my commander, and because of that, you are the only person that can take command of my ship.

Chapter Two

Let me get this straight; the Greek Gods were not only real, they were actually aliens, and I’m a descendant of Zeus, which makes me the captain of some starship? Ian asked, getting tired of the game the old man was playing. However, you say it’s your ship, and you talk about all this like you’ve lived it. You said yourself it was four thousand years ago. I mean, yes, you are older, but you sure don’t look that old."

From the look on the old man’s face, Ian got the impression he was being laughed at. No, I do not imagine I do. Tell me, have you ever seen the TV show Andromeda?

Uh, yeah. It’s one of my favorites, Ian answered as the image of the ‘older Ian’ faded from view.

Do you remember the character played by Lexa Doig?

She played the ship, or rather the artificial intelligence of the ship. She was a hologram on the earlier episodes, but moved into an android body later on. What’s that got to do with this? Ian asked.

Quite a bit actually. You see, I am a hologram. I am the artificial intelligence construct resident on board the Olympus. I have been sitting on the moon making repairs and waiting for the original blood lines to reassert themselves so I could get my crew back, the old man explained.

So, the old man thought he was a hologram. Obviously someone hasn’t taken their medications this evening. Still, he seemed harmless enough; maybe if Ian humored him, he could get him someplace that could get the old guy back to the hospital.

Uh, okay, I can see how that can be true. So what do we do now? I have to finish high school, and then I’ll have to get permission from Doctor Hayes...

Would you be willing to shake my hand? No tricks, but I think you need to see I am not lying, the old man said.

Ian didn’t want to get any closer to the old loony unless he had to, but he couldn’t think of a reason to refuse, so he rose and slowly walked over to him. He was trying to think of something to say to the old guy when it was finally proved that he was solid, and not some kind of projection.

The old man was holding out his hand, making sure he held his other hand clear of his body, so Ian could see it at all times. When Ian arrived, he reached out to take the offered hand... and his own passed right through.

Ian jumped back in surprise. How the hell did you do that? What’s going on here?

Please, calm down, son. I only needed you to know I was not lying to you. Sit down and rest a moment; think about this, the old man suggested.

Maybe one of the jocks slipped something into his soda, and all this was some kind of hallucination. Well, it was the most ‘real’ hallucination he’d ever heard of.

Ian was starting to feel, down in his gut, that the old man was telling the truth, and everything he’d witnessed so far was in fact, real.

Why now? Ian asked. Why are you telling me this now?

"Well, I am a big ship, you will need crew. There are now sufficient numbers of humans intelligent enough, with the correct genetic structure to be able to take advantage of Talosian teaching technology. There was also the question of your maturity. I had to wait until you were old enough to recognize the responsibility of the position.

Talos was a long way from here, but not so far that I can believe that the enemy has not yet found this planet. I do not know why they have not simply invaded and taken what they wanted, but they have to know of Earth. I also do not want any of the governments on Earth to discover me, and one of the missions planned by the European Space Agency in the next two years will most certainly do that. There are also a number of things I require human assistance with, the old man explained.

Well, I can’t call you ‘old man’ all the time; do you have a name? Ian asked.

I was called by the ship’s name by my former crew: Olympus.

Can I call you Oly? When the old hologram nodded, Ian continued. Well, I don’t mean to be rude, Oly, but I’m exhausted; I need to think on this a little before giving you an answer. Is there a way I can get in touch with you tomorrow?

Oly smiled, Certainly. He walked to one of the walls where a panel slid open. He took the items he found there and turned back to Ian. "If you are willing, place the contacts in your eyes and the earpiece in your ear before you go to sleep tonight; try to make sure the watch is either on your arm, or close to you at all times. It is the central unit for the ear piece and the lenses.

I can give you all the information and background so you can make a better decision. These devices also have different functions, one of which is communication, so you can contact me at any time with questions, he said as he handed the objects to Ian.

Wait a minute! If you’re an insubstantial hologram, how can you hand me stuff? Ian asked.

Precision controlled energy fields and tractor beams can be used to simulate human-like characteristics. As per our earlier discussion, I had the shuttle return to the site of the party and retrieve your car. I used a small, cloaked holodrone to emulate you so you were not too late getting home tonight, and your guardian did not worry. I told her that you were delayed by a flat tire, Olympus explained while Ian slipped the contacts into his eyes. To use the communicator, one would normally simply press the small button on the watch and speak the person's name. But since, for now, I am the only one you could call, it will work if you simply speak my name.

So how does this work to give me the information? Ian asked. I plan on getting some sleep tonight.

It is simple really: while you sleep, the information is ‘downloaded’ to your brain via optic and aural nerve systems. When you wake in the morning, you will have all the information available to you.

Well, not to seem ungrateful or anything, but the ear piece is kinda bulky. I’d have a hard time wearing this around the house, since Doctor Hayes knows I don’t have an earphone for my cell. Do you have anything smaller? Like maybe hearing aid size? Besides, I don’t think I could sleep with that thing on my head.

Oly looked thoughtful for a moment, and returned to the cabinet he had retrieved the lenses and earpiece from; in his hand was what looked like a small ‘ear wig’. How about this? It should fit snugly inside the ear canal.

Much better, thanks. Ian paused for a moment. Look, I’ll probably agree to this, so don’t worry so much; I just need to get my mind wrapped around it. It’s a lot of information to absorb all at once.

The old man led Ian to a hatch. I understand, sir. I am confident that you will understand more of the situation after you have slept. Good night, sir.

Good night, Oly, Ian said as he stepped down from the shuttle.

Chapter Three

Once clear of the shuttle Ian turned around to see the hatch simply floating in mid-air close to the ground. Then it was gone as Oly closed the door. No sign of the shuttle craft could be seen, nor could Ian hear any engine noise. He did feel a sudden breeze that died out as quickly as it had begun.

Shaking his head, Ian turned back and headed across the lawn to his front door. Very quietly, he unlocked the door and let himself inside. One thing he noticed right away was that he seemed to be able to see better; there seemed to be more light than normal.

Cool; night vision, he said quietly.

All of the sudden he could see with perfect clarity as if the entire room was in bright sunlight. He blinked a couple of times, and quietly made his way to his bedroom. Once inside, he saw a flawless image of himself, in pajamas, sleeping in his bed.

Oly, are you there? He whispered.

Of course, sir.

That’s a really lifelike hologram of me, but I usually sleep in the nude.

I am sorry, sir, Oly replied. I did not know that.

Ian chuckled, No problem; no one ever checks on me after I go to bed. However, could you get rid of that? I don’t think I could handle sleeping with myself.  The image rapidly faded from view. Thanks, uh... this night vision is pretty neat, but how do I turn it off?

Just say ‘night vision off’ and it will fade as well, Olympus replied.

Ian had been stripping while talking to the old computer. Thanks again, Oly. Talk to you in the morning, he said while climbing into bed.

Good night, sir.

Ian was asleep almost as soon as he heard the reply.

During his sleep, Olympus gave Ian the history of the Talosian people. Ian saw how and why the big ship crashed on the moon, and the final message received showing the destruction of the planet Talos. Ian watched as the man that looked so much like him spoke to his crew about his plan to preserve their race with the help of the residents of the nearby planet.

––––––––

Ian awoke to the smell of bacon being cooked, and heard his stomach rumble. He rolled out of bed, and pulled on some sweats to do his morning ritual. He rushed through his shower in his haste to grab a shirt and head for breakfast.

While he was dressing, Ian thought about his friends, and how he would like them to come on this adventure with him. He knew Cindy and Jenny would most likely agree to it, but he wanted to take Doctor Hays as well. She really wasn’t that much older than Ian after all, and he would need a good doctor on the ship.

Beth Hayes was a very smart, beautiful woman. Jenny and Cindy teased Ian constantly about fantasizing about her. He had to admit, if even to himself, there was plenty there to fantasize about, but he really had enough problems with just Jenny and Cindy.

Before heading out to the kitchen for breakfast, Ian contacted Oly. Oly, you’ve been monitoring me for some time, correct?

Affirmative sir, I needed to make sure you were suitable for the position I needed you for, Oly replied.

Ian grinned. Okay, so then you know of my two friends, Jenny Laskar and Cindy Swift?

Of course sir.

Did you evaluate them as potential crew members? Ian asked.

I do that as a matter of routine sir. Both young women would be excellent crew members. Are you considering recruiting them? Oly asked.

Yes I am, I am also considering asking my guardian to join us. She is an excellent doctor, and has been a great friend. She helped me deal with my parents death, and has watched out for me ever since. I’d like to ask her to come with us.

Doctor Elizabeth Hayes would also make an excellent crew member. The records I can find on her performance as a medical practitioner support your assessment of her ability as well, Oly replied. You have great instincts sir, we will need a qualified medical doctor soon after you come aboard. There is a member of the original crew in status, and will need to be revived.

Definitely something to look into then. Jenny and Cindy are both supposed to come over to swim today anyway, so maybe I’ll talk to them then, Ian said thoughtfully. Now I just need to resolve the issue of my feelings for them.

You care for all of them, what do you need to resolve? Oly asked.

Ian sighed. Oly, I love Jenny, I can’t really imagine my life without her in it. The problem is that I’ve found I feel the same way about Cindy. If I’m forced to be completely honest, I would like Beth there as well. I can only marry one of them, and I won’t cheat on any of them. It’s one of the main reasons I haven’t asked any of them out. Well, that and Beth is a few years older than I am and it would most likely cause a scandal.

"Sir, I understand you were raised here, in this culture, but in Talosian culture, it was not unheard of for there to be multiple partners in a bonding. It actually made more sense to have multiple partners because of duties and jobs. If a person had duties that took them away from their family for an extended period, then the children would never be left without a parent. There is also the biological imperative at work that influence people to seek out multiple partners in an attempt to create better offspring.

Perhaps you should simply speak to the women about this and get their feelings on it before you make a decision that would alienate one or more of them? Oly suggested.

Ian snorted. I’d better wait until after they get that information after they decide to join us. Otherwise, I might get the crap beat outta me.

I understand. However, the love you feel for Miss Laskar is obvious to everyone except her. Perhaps you should speak to her first, and then you can deal with the rest after they learn about their history?

Ian shook his head. I don’t know, it doesn’t sound like there is a good way to do this no matter what. I’ll just have to play it by ear, and see what happens. But for now, I’m heading out to breakfast, I’m starving!

Before Ian’s parents passed away, Elizabeth (Beth) Hayes had lived alone. When her friends, the elder Williams’ died, she felt sorry for their only child, Ian. The family had been out celebrating Ian’s eighteenth birthday the night the accident happened. She knew that Ian was going to have a hard time trying to take care of his parent’s house, as well as finish high school.

Beth, as well as his friends, helped Ian get through the loss, but Beth also suggested that he sell the house, and move in with her. She would take care of him and continue to help him until he finished high school, and decided what to do from there.

He had a good idea what he was going to do, and the only thing left of high school were finals and the graduation ceremony. From his brief time with her, Ian knew Beth was a very lonely woman. She was very pretty, and very smart, and had a lot to offer to someone. Ian was completely at a loss as to why she was still single.

Good morning Ian, did you have fun last night? Beth asked.

Well, not really, but the guys really wanted me there, so... Ian shrugged. Sorry about it being so late when I got back.

Like I said last night, don’t worry about it – shit happens, Beth smiled and waved it off. So, do you have anything planned for today?

Jenny and Cindy are supposed to come over for a swim, Ian replied.

She nodded. That’s right, I forgot about it. Do you think they’d mind if I joined you?

I don’t see why they would. We all like having you with us, Ian said as his grin grew. And you certainly look good in a bikini!

Ian Williams! You are a horrible flirt! Beth said and blushed. I’ll have to tell Jenny on you!

Go ahead! I was only speaking the truth, and I’ll stand by it! Ian said. Thanks for breakfast, I thought it was my turn to cook?

Beth shrugged. It was, but since you got in late last night, I thought I’d do it for you. You can make dinner for me a couple times to pay me back.

Sounds good. Since I didn’t get a chance to talk to you yesterday, how’s work going?

Same shit, Doctor Peterson still won’t give me any real patients and no one listens to my advice during consults. I swear, sometimes I just want to strangle those idiot’s!

I know it’s kind of personal, but have you ever thought about moving? Getting a job someplace else, maybe a bigger city? Ian asked.

Beth sighed. Yeah, I do, almost daily in fact. I just don’t want to live in a city, too much crime. Lately, I’ve been thinking about returning to college, maybe shift my focus over to genetics or virology. At least the hours would be better.

I might have an idea for you, but you’re going to think I’ve lost my mind when I tell you about it, Ian replied, crossing his mental fingers.

She gave Ian a half grin. Ian, you are one of the most stable people I know. It would take a lot for me to think that of you.

Ian nodded. Trust me here, this is going to test that. Ian started talking, Telling Beth the real reason he was late last night, and some of what he learned while he slept. It surprised him when small holographs of what he was talking about took shape on the table between the two people. Beth almost jumped out of her chair, but controlled herself, and calmed down.

Ian, wait please,

Yeah? Ian asked.

How are you doing all of this? Holograms don’t even exist yet, and I don’t see the computers or the projectors it would need. Not to mention that it seems to be voice responsive, she shook her head. I know what I’m seeing is real, but I also know it doesn’t exist.

Not on Earth, no. That’s what I’m trying to tell you, Beth, Ian replied. Although they were human, the Talosians were not from Earth.

Well, if you’re schizophrenic, then I guess it’s contagious! Beth said, with a nervous grin. Continue please.

Ian did, and she became more and more interested in the images being displayed in front of her while he spoke. Ian finished the tale and Oly projected the hologram of Zeus for Beth.

...so, I’m genetically identical to Commander Zeus, so I’m the only one that can take command of the ship. The ship will need a crew, and that includes a doctor. You’re the best one I know, Ian finished.

You want me to join the crew? Beth asked amazed.

Ian nodded. Yeah, I’ll need someone I can trust in charge of the medical section.

You do realize I am just barely out of residency, right? I would think you would want someone with a lot more real world experience for this job, Beth said.

Doctor Hayes, there is no one on Earth that qualifies for it. The technologies involved are so far advanced that I will have to retrain anyone that agrees to it, Oly replied as he slowly took form to the right of, and behind Ian.

This is the ship’s AI, Olympus. I call him Oly for short, Ian said by way of introduction. Oly, My personal guardian angel, Doctor Elizabeth Hayes.

Since they had finished eating, Ian got up, and began clearing the table. He refilled Beth’s coffee before loading the dishwasher and starting it.

While Ian worked, Beth and Oly talked. She was adjusting to the situation remarkably well. Maybe Ian could ask her advice on how to deal with his feelings about Jenny, Cindy and herself? He’d wait to see how things went the rest of the day. If an opportunity doesn’t present itself, perhaps he’d speak to her then.

Sir, do you want me to bring the shuttle back and drop off a domestic crone? That way I will be able to replicate communicators for the people you recruit, and it could be very helpful in keeping the house clean as well, Oly asked.

As long as you can do it without being seen or tracked, I have no problem with it. Where are you going to drop the drone so it can’t be seen? Ian asked.

Oly pointed out the window into