Space Race (Space Race 1) by Nathan Hystad (book recommendations for young adults .TXT) 📕

ThermaSuit helmet, with pulsing thrusters, and visors across their sphere-shaped front ends.

The people of Lotus were gathered near the parking pad, a portable dome erected around them. At best guess, all forty thousand workers were present, cheering their team as Lotus walked from their ship and toward the crowd, their captain Chen Wei smiling and raising an arm. I saw this from afar and heard the commentary from Holland’s screen behind me.

“Look at the reception. The Race is a hit, and the people are in love with it. What a privilege and honor for the great Lotus to host the Mars Pod Race. This is a testament to Sage Industries, who were the obvious choice to accommodate the event. Kudos to Sage’s CEO Frank Under for having the class to step aside to let Lotus bloom.” Yon was embracing his role as lead commentator a little far for my tastes.

The other five Racers were already grounded, and I flew into sixth position, the SeaTech trident displayed on the landing pad.

“Well, team, congratulations on making it this far. We kept a good pace, and Sage only has a couple hours’ advantage on us.” I smiled at my companions as I faced them. Two hours was a lifetime in a Race like this, but errors could occur. “Now let’s connect with Bryson, and then Luther and Holland can scope out the race terrain. Our Pod is expected to be delivered within two hours.”

Holland hugged Jade, then Luther, and stopped at R11, eventually shaking the robot’s hand. “We did it, guys. Dad’s going to be so proud of us. I hope I don’t fail us tomorrow. Two teams are being cut. That’s a lot of pressure.”

“Don’t think of it that way, kid,” Luther said. “There are nine teams, and you just have to be seventh or better. You can’t worry about winning.”

I didn’t think that was the pep talk Holland Kelley needed, but I’d speak to him later. “You guys want to stay around for the call with Bryson?”

“Of course,” Holland exclaimed.

I connected using Jade’s new integrated communication hub, and the SeaTech CEO’s face appeared in an instant. He was in his office below the water’s surface, and sat at his desk with the ocean displayed through a vast window behind him. “Number eleven. Well done.” His smile was genuine, but his words were a little forced. “You’ve made us all proud.”

“Thanks. This isn’t quite what I was expecting. But in spite of that, we’re having fun,” I said.

“The Corporations haven’t put out many surprises so far.” Bryson looked up past the camera. “The only real moves were by you. I’m impressed with what I’ve seen.” He turned toward Holland. “Son, you’re going to do wonderful things tomorrow. I can see it already. Pass that finish line, and we’ll be here cheering you on.”

“I’ll make you proud, Dad.”

“Holland, you already have.”

“Sir, if I may,” Jade said.

Bryson watched thoughtfully. “Go on.”

“You’d asked me to modify the comm system using my Core booster tech, and I’ve done that, but we found something unexpected.” Jade was nervous to tell him, and she glanced at me, seeking her captain’s approval.

“Bryson, let’s cut to the chase. We think we’ve received an alien transmission, and R11 is attempting to untangle it. I’m sending you a copy now. You’re confident this is secure?” I asked.

Bryson went still, his eyes the only thing moving. I could almost hear the gears grinding inside his mind. “Nothing’s safer; go ahead. Wait, what did you say? Alien?”

“Aliens. Transmission. Decoding.”

And he smiled, laughing and pounding his palms on his desk. “We’ve done it. I always knew this day would come. Contact with another race. I’ve been waiting to test your technology ever since learning about it, Jade, but you structured it to work from a Core drive, and without some serious adjustments, I couldn’t find a way to utilize it from the ground. I desired to work with you on a solution when the Race was completed, but you’ve already managed to pick up a transmission. Let me guess… Paedra?”

“How did you know that?” My words were quiet, and the entire bridge filled with a cold tension.

“I’ve told you, we’re not meant to remain on Earth forever. I’ve reached out to the stars my entire life, waiting for this moment. I’ve received whispers from there, but nothing as detailed as what you’ve found. This is a momentous day in our history!”

I was almost swept up in his excitement, but there were too many unknowns. I felt like we were being pulled in a few directions, but I wanted to focus on the Race alone, if possible.

“Why didn’t you ever mention this to me before?” Holland asked him.

“Don’t you remember? Those nights at the tower in Kauai, with you sleeping in the chair beside me while I searched for signs of life?” Bryson glanced toward the window in his office as a fish swam by.

“I guess I do. But you stopped when I was young.”

“I took over from your grandfather and didn’t have time for foolish endeavors. I had real things to accomplish, but I didn’t let go of the hope of a life outside the Corporations and Earth.” Bryson sighed, a quick and hurried sound. “Keep working on the translation, and I’ll see what I can do on my end. I don’t want to show anyone quite yet, but maybe we’ll make some headway.”

“Agreed,” I said. “We’re leaving for the hotel and Race track.”

“Oh, speaking of which,” Bryson started. “I have a surprise for you at the hotel, Arlo.”

What could this possibly be?

“We had some delays extraditing your father. Whatever he was working on for Sage, it created some stirrings when I offered to buy out his contract.” Bryson appeared puzzled, but he broke into a smile. “I hope you have a good visit. He’s departing after the Pod Race tomorrow, and we’ve given him a pass for the event.”

“Thanks, Bryson. I don’t know what to say.” And it was true. I hadn’t been expecting