GENESIS

Part One

   I was surf-fishing off the rocks at Port Onium, on the planet Ingeria when they arrived. You are not allowed to fish off the rocks, so I was gambling I could bring something in before the beach patrol showed up and brought me in. It was the perfect time of day. The morning’s peak tide was just beginning to ease out, encouraging the pompano to gather beyond the breakers where they waited to collect sand fleas before the beach line became too shallow. They don't like you out on the rocks because it's easy to fall and if you do you will almost certainly be seriously hurt. 

   Then the medics must do their least favorite imitation of Laurel and Hardy trying to maneuver a body board out onto the jagged breakwater to bring you in. My six-foot-two frame would be an added disappointment to them if such an incident did occur, and I already have enough scars here and there to commemorate the philosophy of not obeying rules. But, there it is. So, struggling to balance myself and at the same time set a frozen shrimp on my hook, I was trying to keep an eye out for the shore patrol's ATV when the shuttle suddenly came streaking in above the trees. It was a gaudy entrance, really.

   They hovered over the parking lot for longer than needed, then settled into the RV parking area having caused everyone on the beach and in the picnic area to stop what they were doing and gawk. There were fifty or sixty others enjoying the ocean so I figured there was a good chance this wasn't about me. Still, the halo seal on the shuttle's polished blue and white surface gave me pause to worry since I recently had more attention from government agencies than any humanoid man should have to bear. It was too good a day to waste.

   I cast out, teetered a bit, then slowly brought in the slack until I could feel the pyramid sinker. Waiting to feel the quick hard taps on the end of the line, I watched in the direction of the shuttle, hoping its occupants had other business. Three of them emerged. They were not wearing beachwear. The lead man was short, balding, and wore a light blue Nehru-style suit with matching sunglasses. He was followed by two in standard black Alfani's with dark sunglasses. I don't know why those guys don't just have the word security embroidered in big letters on their suit backs. 

   The lead man took a confused path to the edge of the beach, chin up, looking erratically for a particular individual. Too late, I thought to turn my back. The delicate little man's gaze zeroed in and locked on me. He made an obtuse gesture and began tromping through the sand in my direction, dragging his black suits along with him. Beach-goers continued to stop and stare at the three white-skinned, fully dressed invaders intruding on their shore. He came to the rock-covered beach and began waving one hand as though it had a handkerchief in it. His bodyguards tried to conceal their embarrassment by scanning the beach for aggressors, though everyone had already decided this man was not worth their attention. I was far enough out that he had to yell, something he did not seem accustomed to. 

"Mr. Tanner…Mr. Tanner, may I interrupt your maritime quest for a word?" 

  I pointed to the water and yelled back, "My line's already out. Your shoes are getting wet." He looked down, became alarmed, and tiptoed back away from the foam. 

   "Really Mr. Tanner, despite the importance of your immediate investment, I think it would be wise for you to join me."

  "Who are you?"

  He looked down in dismay, gathered himself and began again. "My name is Bernard Porre, senior advisor to the Global Space Initiative, Nilvolla requires your attendance." I cursed under my breath. His title commanded more respect than his appearance. 

   "You'd better get out of the sun. I'll be right there." He stared for a moment, waved in disdain, and headed back toward the parking area.

   Begrudgingly I made my way to their shuttle, tapped on the hatch and stood back. It hissed upward, allowing cold air to push by. Bernard sat at a small desk behind the pilot. He motioned me in and pointed at a seat as the door gushed closed. "Bernard, right up front, if you're here to sell me on something you're setting yourself up for disappointment."

  He was not deterred. He picked up a folder, opened it and patted the top page. "I am going to propose a mission to you, Mr. Tanner. You are going to accept, and then I will leave, hopefully forever."

   "Well, you're right about one thing."

   "You haven't been in trouble recently, have you? No new injuries or illnesses? Anything that would affect your flight status?"

  "For God's sake, Bernard. What is this about?"

  "Have you heard of Genesis, Mr. Tanner?"

  Frowning, I cock my head. "No, I don't think so."

  "It seems a pod from Liapra has escaped, and you are our only hope in finding it Mr. Tanner."

   "Why me? I've been out of line of duty for a while," He didn't look pleased. "I'm not about to get back into it."

  "It's of utmost importance."

  "You find it then…"

  He slapped a hand onto my shoulder and gripped me hard. "Mr. Tanner, you are the best at finding things and this thing needs to be found."

  Cocking an eyebrow, I became somewhat curious. "Tell me what it is and I will certainly think about it."

   Shaking his head in silence, I grin. "I'm sorry…"

  "I refuse." Just like that, I started to walk away. Although I didn't want to. Genesis sounded rather exciting.

  "Fine! Mr. Tanner," he paused, reluctance making his face screw in an ugly way. "Genesis is top secret. If they find out I told you, I'd be dead. And you will too."

  I nodded in agreement. "Wouldn't I find out anyway if I'm to go searching for it?"

   "No, you would be ordered to call it in once the pod is spotted, that's all."

  "What is it?"

 Sighing, he brushed his rough hands over his aged face. "Genesis isn't some random technology that's gone AWOL, it's a human hybrid. Very dangerous."

  "A human hybrid?"

  "Yes Mr. Tanner. Genesis is the beginning and the end."

   "I don't understand."

  "An unknown alien DNA, merged with the purest Fedora DNA. It...is extremely dangerous, extremely hostile, and extremely sly. All we require from you is to locate the pod and call it in. Under no circumstances will you approach it."

  "Fedora?" I asked. And he nodded. "You do realize I don't work for Nilvolla anymore Bernard? Every aspect of this mission is exactly the kind I do not accept. On top of all that, I just barely survived the last mission, hence my retirement. I'm not looking to tempt fate a second time. Sorry you wasted your time on the beach, Bernard. Is there anything else?”

  "Yes, we know," he stutters. "But the higher ups need your...skill set…"

   "I see, still, it's not something I want to be involved in."

  "I've already told you too much Mr. Tanner. And you know what happens, you don't really have a choice...."

   "I get it." I snapped, cutting in.

   "You're our last hope, Mr. Tanner."

  I thought for a moment. "I guess my crazy ass self would come in handy again one day ...Well, then...Bernard, I shall take the request."

  "It's good that you change your mind very quickly Mr. Tanner."

  "I don't have a choice, right?" I said with a mock grin. Fucking asshole.

   "Please see that it's done discreetly." 

My inner self was hysterical, me, Tanner...doesn't do discreet things. I'm classed as a rogue now, well in retirement. "Fine, send me all the necessary details." 

  "Thank you for your services Mr. Tanner. You will be greatly rewarded." I moved back and left, the door hissed and popped then closed and they left in a blink of an eye. Hmm ...I thought. Genesis. I wonder? 

   Leaving my fishing gear I made my way home and checked my online status report. "That quick, huh?" They don't waste any time. Seems the pod left Liapra and headed towards Fontinial and Gronos, and then they lost signal. Could be fucking anywhere in that place. Dead planets, we call em, are full of freaks and the wicked. Gronos and Fontinial. Both shit-holes. Looks like I need to up my game and gear. I laugh...It's madness and they know for a certifiable fact I'm the only madman who's willing to go there. I guess I need to contact my buddy and get things rolling.