ASTRO S2 - Part 9: Project SS 236, Into the Unknown, The Ambassador E-Book

Martin Wintersberger

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

Seitenzahl: 61

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Hidden Powers and New Alliances! An abandoned space station holds countless secrets — and a dangerous mission for Lennard Cordes, who suddenly finds his position at risk. Faced with a dubious deputy and an alien species, Lennard fears he's caught in a game whose rules he doesn't understand. Astrolabius Winter embarks on his first major flight to Embassy 218, unaware of the dangers and revelations awaiting him. Meanwhile, Marvin works on a groundbreaking invention that could determine the success or failure of Project RS 236. A mysterious ambassador with disturbingly precise knowledge about the Travellers raises new questions, while Nolan uncovers clues that may finally reveal the secrets of the seven statues of Rogos Veridis.

Leseprobe

Authors: Manuela Wieninger · Martin Wintersberger

Cover and Illustrations: Midjourney

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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 978-3-99119-060-8

SEASON 2

SPACE STATION 236

Episode 25: Project SS 236

Episode 26: Into the Unknown

Episode 27: The Ambassador

»THE MOON IS JUST THE BEGINNING!«

EPISODE 25PROJECT SS 236

Lennard Cordes had been sitting on an antique wooden chair in the anteroom of Doctor Darryn Clark, Minister for Extraterrestrial Affairs and Ethics, for a full hour now. His buttocks and back ached, and every time he tried to find a more comfortable position, the uncomfortable chair creaked beneath him. The minister's secretary looked disapprovingly at him each time before turning back to her computer, shaking her head.

The letter of summons did not reveal what the meeting on Alpha Prime would be about. Lennard had only been given the appointment with the minister; he was left in the dark about its purpose. The secretary also refused to give him any information, except to say that Darryn wanted to speak to him about an important matter. As she said this, she lowered her head and looked at Lennard disapprovingly over her glasses.

It was certainly no coincidence that the minister had kept him waiting. After acting independently in awarding the honours at the Lunar Station, there would now be consequences. Lennard's thoughts went round and round in circles. He was the head of the Lunar Station, but for how much longer? Would he be replaced? With every minute that passed, he felt more and more uncomfortable. Suddenly, a soft chime sounded, the secretary blinked once and then said in a sharp voice, ‘Mr Cordes, you may enter now.’ She looked over her glasses again, but didn't even bother to stand up. Lennard rose with a loud creak, and the secretary flinched and closed her eyes. Lennard shook his head. ‘Ungrateful Alphans,’ he muttered and squared his shoulders. He entered the minister's spacious office as confidently as possible. But the sweat on his forehead betrayed his nervousness. ‘Welcome, Lennard Cordes,’ Darryn chirped, rising without offering his hand. Lennard found this very rude, but he was also relieved because his hands were dripping with sweat. He wanted to casually wipe them on his trousers, but the material was waterproof and Lennard's hands remained wet.

The minister was not alone; another man stood up and smiled at him. Lennard held his breath; it was as if he were looking into a mirror. This man was the spitting image of him, even his height and haircut were identical. Except for the clothes. Lennard proudly wore his Lunar Uniform, while the stranger wore an expensive-looking suit. ‘I'm sorry you had to wait.’ We are delighted that you have come. Please take a seat, we have a few things to discuss," said the minister, sounding overly friendly. Lennard did as he was asked and slowly sat down in the armchair offered to him, accompanied by a creak that echoed through the office. He did not take his eyes off his doppelganger. The thought that this man would replace him suddenly crossed Lennard's mind. Panicked, he turned to the minister: ‘Minister, thank you very much for the invitation. Let me explain the little misunderstanding with the flyer for Astrolabius Winter...’

‘Oh, nonsense...’ Darryn interrupted him, "...that's water under the bridge, and the young Mondians' flight was a welcome change for the Alphans. Closer to the people! The Mondians' poll ratings, as well as those of our government, have risen. Your spontaneous action was a complete success for all of us. I invited you here to introduce you to Louis Christopher. It is necessary that you work closely with him from now on.

‘Louis Christopher...’ whispered Lennard. L... C...?

It hit him like a blow. He swallowed and his face reddened. The same initials, damn it, so he really was supposed to replace him! The minister was playing a rigged game with him. Lennard would train this Louis at the Lunar Station and then be transferred back to that awful office on Orbit Alpha. ‘Are you feeling unwell?’ Louis asked worriedly, as Lennard's face had turned as white as yesterday's snow. Louis quickly fetched a glass of water and handed it to Lennard. After a big gulp of the cool liquid, Lennard assured him, ‘Thank you, I'm fine. I probably got up too quickly...’

The two looked at him, confused. ‘I mean earlier... when I was outside...’

The minister waved him off: ‘Yes, I understand! Mr Cordes, I'd like to get straight to the point!’ Darryn's voice was now firm and determined. Lennard looked down at the floor, his eyes welling up. So now it was going to happen, this was the end. The minister pushed the tablet on the table closer to Lennard: ‘Your last report was extremely interesting. You mentioned some kind of abandoned space station in Sector 236.’ Lennard raised his head: "Yes, Viktor Romaneschko and Marvin Winter told me about it after their return from Deimos. I didn't think it was important. The abandoned space station is a ruin.‘ Doctor Clark slammed both hands on the table and laughed: ’Are you joking, Cordes? That space station holds endless possibilities!‘ His eyes lit up as he continued: ’And those wolves you mentioned. Would that species actually help with the reactivation?" Lennard looked from Louis to Darryn. To be honest, he didn't know much about the brotherhood, but he didn't want to embarrass himself: ‘Yes, Viktor can confirm the agreement with Mr Halofax, the leader of the wolves.’ ‘Excellent!’ Darryn clapped his hands, his thoughts literally bubbling out of his mouth. "A space station in need of repair, but abandoned... without any insignia... ‘ Darryn paced back and forth, forming figures in the air with his hands. ’Restore the power supply... seal everything... green biotopes... smiling faces... families... children... we need lots of smiling children... babies and mothers... we need mothers and babies... yes, yes, and yes again!"