ASTRO S2 - Part 10: Mission Reactivation, Danger Zone, An Uncertain Future E-Book

Martin Wintersberger

• Herausgeber: Astro Entertainment
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 78

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Astro's Final Mission! As the season draws to a close, events spiral out of control and the future of the Mondians hangs in the balance. Space Station RS 236 is being reactivated — a daring project that demands a fragile alliance between the Mondians and the Brotherhood of Wolves. But rising tensions and a staged incident put the mission to a severe test. While Viktor Romaneschko fights for his life, Astro is forced to grow up fast, standing side by side with Ambassador Heimlich in the struggle for the future. Difficult choices may end the deep friendship between Astrolabius and Nolan. Long-hidden secrets come to light, unleashing a chain reaction that could change the fate of every civilisation in the Ares Dwarf Star System forever. Between old friends and new alliances, one question remains: who can still be trusted?

Leseprobe

Authors: Manuela Wieninger · Martin Wintersberger

Cover and Illustrations: Midjourney

astro-entertainment.at

This work, including all its parts, is protected by copyright. Any use outside the narrow limits of copyright law is prohibited without the written consent of the author and is punishable by law. This applies in particular to reproductions, translations, microfilming and storage and processing in electronic systems. ASTRO and all persons appearing therein and their names, all actions, circumstances and laws of nature are fictional. Any resemblance to living or dead persons or fish is purely coincidental and unintentional..

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Copyright © 2020, 2025 Martin Wintersberger

First English Edition 2025 – Based on the 2021 Austrian release

Published in Austria by ASTRO Entertainment e.U.

Based on an idea by Martin Wintersberger

Translated from German with DeepL

All rights reserved

ISBN 978-3-99119-061-5

SEASON 2

SPACE STATION 236

Episode 28: Mission Reactivation

Episode 29: Danger Zone

Episode 30: An Uncertain Future

»THE MOON IS JUST THE BEGINNING!«

EPISODE 28MISSION REACTIVATION

The flyer glided swiftly through the vastness of space. The occupants were tense, but for different reasons. Viktor had overestimated the flyer's top speed. After a few hours of flight, it was clear to him that they would not reach the RS 236 space station in time. It was possible that the Mondians could enter the space station without the wolves. That would not be good; the wolves might take offence.

Louis Christopher sat calmly and focused next to Viktor in the cockpit. His eyes darted across the displays and data on his tablet. As if he could read Viktor's thoughts, he explained: ‘We could optimise the Flyer's energy distribution to maximise the efficiency of the drive,’ he remarked without looking up, ‘... higher maximum thrust equals higher speed...’.

Viktor gave him a curious look. ‘You seem very familiar with these systems. I thought you were “just” a civil servant.’

Louis smiled: ‘You learn a lot working for Alpha Industries.’

Viktor paused: ‘For Alpha Prime?’

Louis looked up briefly: ‘Yes, Alpha Prime.’

Viktor knew that Louis wasn't telling him everything, but that was not unusual in diplomatic missions. ‘I hope that working with the wolves is as much of a priority for you as it is for me.’

Louis's eyes sparkled briefly before he replied. ‘Of course. Cooperation between nations is crucial to the success of this project.’

It was difficult to tell whether he was serious or whether it was just a rehearsed response. Viktor turned his attention back to the controls. ‘I can see an area with a lower asteroid density on the radar. I'm adjusting the course.’

Louis watched him closely. ‘What happens if the other crew reaches the destination before us and enters the station without the wolves?’

Viktor sighed. ‘That would be diplomatically disadvantageous. The wolves might see it as a betrayal if we start without them. I'll never forget our first contact with them. There was an incident when we were close to the space station. A mine explosion. For a moment, we thought the wolves had opened fire on us.’

‘I've read the report. We must always keep talking, without jumping to stupid conclusions. Then we'll make sure the advance crew waits for the wolves.’

Viktor nodded in agreement, but couldn't resist commenting. ‘Good. And I hope your loyalty lies with the Mondians and the wolves, and not with the profits of Alpha Industries.’ Louis smiled again, this time a little more coolly. ‘My interest lies in making this mission a success. How we achieve that is irrelevant to me.’

Viktor couldn't shake off an uneasy feeling, but he decided to trust the man. At least for the moment.

Time passed, and the silence in the flyer was broken only by the occasional humming of the systems. Viktor tried to organise his thoughts as he tapped away at the flyer's touchscreen. ‘I hope Halofax received my last report,’ he said thoughtfully.

Louis raised an eyebrow. ‘The ring you gave him means a lot to you, doesn't it?’ Viktor nodded. ‘Yes. My mother gave me the ring. She taught me my whole life to listen to my feelings. To be confident and to serve the community. Even if that sounds like a contradiction.’

Louis leaned back and folded his arms. ‘That's true. It sounds like a contradiction. Symbols often have more power than you think.’

Viktor looked at him searchingly. ‘And what about you, Louis? Do you have something that is important to you?’

Louis hesitated for a moment before answering. ‘Everyone has something that is important to them. But not everyone shares it with others.’ Viktor smiled. ‘A very diplomatic answer.’

The flyer continued to move through the dark space while the two men were lost in thought. Viktor checked the navigation data again and realised that they were still behind schedule. ‘We need to increase speed, can you do something?’ Louis nodded and opened another window on his tablet: "Let's see. I know the Corporation flyers' propulsion units. They're very good, but they run at a risk-free level. Any monkey could fly the flyer. There's more to it than that. I mean, if you know how to control it. I'll adjust the energy parameters. I want to emphasise that if a system alarm goes off now, take it seriously."

Viktor joked, ‘I usually use my hammer Molotok when something doesn't work.’ Louis grinned. ‘Yes. Yes. Self-confidence is the key to success.’

Louis made the adjustments with precise movements while Viktor watched the system displays. The flyer reacted immediately and accelerated. Viktor felt the change and hoped that they would now arrive on time.

‘There you go! We're on the right track,’ Louis said calmly. Viktor breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Well done, Louis. I appreciate your help.’ Louis nodded briefly and focused back on his tablet. The tension in the flyer slowly subsided, but Viktor couldn't quite shake off his concern. Louis had slipped up when he said he worked for Alpha Industries, and that wouldn't let him go. He knew there was a lot at stake, and he had to make sure their joint mission was a success. He would keep an eye on Louis Christoper.

‘Halofax, you have to see this!’ Gunnar stood in front of his captain's sleeping quarters, tapping his feet excitedly. Halofax growled, ‘Don't wake sleeping wolves.’ Gunnar replied, ‘There's news from the Mondians!’ Halofax's eyes widened, and he was instantly wide awake. He followed his first officer to the bridge of their ship. ‘You have to hear this,’ said Gunnar, signalling to the communications officer to play the message: "Start now! Joint reactivation of space station RS 236 as soon as the wolves arrive. I hope you have my ring with you, V.‘ Halofax let out a rough laugh and put a hand on the trouser pocket where he kept Viktor's ring: ’How did he manage to contact us?‘ The communications officer replied: ’Unmanned probes were sent into the system and transmitted the signal, Captain." ‘You have to hand it to the Mondian, he's always good for a surprise.’ Halofax grinned with relief and nodded. Gunnar knew that Halofax was thinking of the High Council's words that humanoids could not be trusted. Then Halofax added: ‘Double the thrust, we have a date.’

Drew, Viktor's co-pilot, entered the cockpit in high spirits. ‘Time for bed, boss,’ he chirped cheerfully, standing behind Viktor.

Louis was so engrossed in his work that he barely noticed Drew's arrival. Viktor turned to Drew. ‘Thank you, I'll hand over the controls,’ Viktor said formally and stood up. Drew replied, ‘I'll take the controls,’ then sat down. ‘I'm going to get some shut-eye for a few hours. Louis...’

‘All right, boss,’ Drew replied and began checking the instruments. Viktor disappeared into the back of the flyer and collapsed exhausted onto the small bed. As he slowly relaxed, he hoped that at least one of the four probes he had sent out had transmitted the communication signal.

He had initiated a barter deal with a trader friend who was on his way from the moon station to Orbit Alpha. Viktor would show up at Orbit Alpha for four rounds of poker, and in return, the trader would send four probes with the corresponding relay and amplifier units. Four poker games for four probes seemed fair to him. Viktor was happy to bypass the lengthy bureaucratic process. And sending a few probes wouldn't get anyone into trouble.

As he gathered his thoughts, the conversation with Louis ran through his mind. Viktor couldn't get Louis's slip of the tongue out of his head. Alpha Industries? It was obvious that Louis was hiding a secret.

The flyer hummed quietly, a soothing sound in the silence of the room. Viktor closed his eyes and thought about the ring he had given Halofax. It was more than just a piece of jewellery; it was a symbol of trust and friendship. He hoped that this trust would not be betrayed.

With this thought, he fell into a restless sleep, his worries and hopes intertwined. The flight would take several more hours, and he needed to be well rested to face the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that there was a lot at stake—not only for him, but also for the Mondians and the wolves.