CHAPTER 1: Packed a Lunch and a Lie
READ CHAPTER 1 HERE Chapter 1: Packed a Lunch and a Lie
READ CHAPTER 2 HERE Chapter 2: In The Void
READ CHAPTER 3 HERE Chapter 3: Finding David
On the quiet farmlands of Planet Delli, David had everything: a loving family, a bright future, and dreams that stretched beyond the twin suns. But when his father takes him on what seems like a life-changing trip to a distant planet, a horrifying betrayal strands him alone in the endless void of space. What begins as a coming-of-age journey quickly turns into a fight for survival and a search for the truth.
A cosmic betrayal. An adventure. A lesson learnt.
It was morning in Abner Field. The twin suns rose over the quiet farm like every day. Their pale light crawled across neat rows of grain, metal irrigation pipes, and stacked crates of fertilizer. Every dawn looked the same. Today was nothing out of the ordinary except for one thing. David had turned eighteen three days ago, and at eighteen, he had known all that his mother and father had taught him and, of course, the curriculum from the local school that he attended. His father, Robert, checked the ploughing machines on a handheld device while James, David’s tiny new brother, just a month old, slept in Mother’s sling as she worked on her bakery orders. Mother Nala sang songs as she iced the cakes and decorated the pastries. All four looked like the picture of a modest farm family on Planet Delli, filled with love and warmth.
It was time for college for David, who was a bright young adult. His teachers wouldn’t call him a prodigy, but he sure was above average in his studies. Unfortunately, due to baby James’ flu last week, Father and Mother were occupied, and so David missed the admission date to one of the prestigious colleges in the solar system. He had received a full scholarship and was accepted into the university on his first attempt. However, their family values had always been passed down as being selfless and being there for your family. David did feel the pain of missing out on college. For the past few days, he felt lost in his career path and would have creeping thoughts that maybe one of the parents could have taken out time for him. But baby James’ cute giggles and warm embraces would wash away all the sadness.
This morning, breakfast was simple, boiled root cakes and warm broth. David ate fast and wiped his mouth on a cloth. “I’m ready dad,” he said excitedly, “My bags are packed. Mom packed me a tiffin too.” Robert nodded in acknowledgement, “Let’s get going.” David obeyed and stacked all his bags in their spaceship sitting in the garage. “Bye mom, I’ll miss you. I’llcome and see you soon,” David’s heart softened, almost sobbing. “Work hard my son, call me every day, you are my best child,” mother Nala hugged a tall David as he departed with his father for a university plus work opportunity on a faraway planet, that his father had arranged, after David missed out on university admissions in this solar system.
Work off-solar system was rare for anyone on Planet Delli. People here would travel merely to neighboring planets, neither such long-distance travel was required nor anyone possessed that kind of tech in their spaceships. David looked at his mother for approval. Nala gave a soft smile. And they boarded and departed.
The family spaceship lifted from the garage pad and punched through the thin pink clouds above Abner Field. David sat in the copilot seat, wide-eyed at every reading on the dash. He had visited nearby planets and moons with his father but never left the solar system. The sound of the main thrusters turning on made his pulse race, David was indeed nervous.
Robert guided the ship along the trade lane that arced past the solar system’s outer ring. “Two jumps, then a refuel,” he said, tapping coordinates into the navigation console. “After that, straight shot to Verdan Prime and your placement office,” Robert continued. David noddedhappily. He pictured lecture halls, labs, and new friends. The ache of missing the local university faded a little.
They cruised in silence for an hour. David unpacked his lunch box, flatbread, cheese, and a slice of honey cake. He offered half to his father. Robert waved it away and kept staring at the scopes.
Suddenly, alarms flashed amber. The system announced, “Pressure fault, cargo bay.” Robert slapped the override and spun in his seat. “Bay leak. Suits on, now!” His voice cracked with urgency that jolted David to his feet.
They hurried to the rear lock where two sleek gray suits hung ready. Robert shoved one at David. “Quick seal,” he ordered, sliding into his own. David’s fingers fumbled with fear as he struggled with the collar ring, but Robert helped the clamps shut. His wrist monitor glowed green: Oxygen read 100%. He followed Robert into the small air-lock chamber at the very back of the spaceship.
Robert pressed the control panel, “We’ll step outside, scan for the breach, patch it, then crawl back in. Stay close.” The outer hatch door slid open, and a rush of air tugged at them, then the stars were visible.
Robert signaled David to move out first. David glanced at the tether cords and did have a thought that they weren’t connected to his suit yet, but he brushed it off, thinking maybe Dad had a better approach. David stepped off the spaceship, one foot into the void of black space, then another, and in a moment, he was floating. David now waited for his dad to do the same.
Robert saw David in his eyes and pulled down the lever to close the latch door. SLAM! The door shut, sealed, leaving David outside and Robert inside.
“DAD!” screamed David.
Robert heard his scream but turned away from the door, headed toward, and sat in the pilot chair. Not a flicker of remorse.
David’s breath quickened with anxiety as he swam a little in the zero gravity to the latched door and slammed it with his fists. “Dad! Dad! Hello! I’m stuck here! The door’s jammed!” He screamed and screamed. Suddenly, WHOOSH! The spaceship flew away, faster than a blink.
Robert didn’t look back, didn’t check on David. He just flew away.
David couldn’t believe what had happened. “Dad? Did he just leave?” Teary-eyed and in disbelief, he gathered his mind. “Something must’ve gone wrong. Yeah, he’ll fix it and come back, I’m sure. I’ll just wait here. Here in the cold, vast open.” The thought brought a moment’s relief before he muttered, “Ugh, why does it happen to me.”
The cold void swallowed his vision, pupils dilated to the maximum started straining his eyes. It was almost hypnotizing. He floated alone, with nothing but millions of stars visible in distances unimaginable. David tried to distract himself with thoughts about his new workplace and university and the people he’ll meet there, the friends he’ll make and food he’ll try. He also noticed the familiar pattern of the Kerion constellation behind him.
Minutes crept by. David was thirsty, his breath started shortening. He checked his wrist monitor, oxygen: 92%. He forced himself to inhale slowly and stabilize as he tapped the suit’s message log. A single unread file blinked.
FROM: Robert
“Sorry, David. You’re not my son. We adopted you when we had no hope for a child of our own. Now that James is born, you cannot stay with us.”
END OF CHAPTER 1.
If you liked Chapter 1 Cast Off space opera by Word Jelly M, SHARE with a friend!
READ CHAPTER 1 HERE Chapter 1: Packed a Lunch and a Lie
READ CHAPTER 2 HERE Chapter 2: In The Void
READ CHAPTER 3 HERE Chapter 3: Finding David
All elements of this story, including the names, characters, plot and accompanying artworks, are the intellectual property and copyright of Word Jelly M. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
