Far Away from Home: The Enran Chronicles Book Three

Far Away from Home: The Enran Chronicles Book Three

By Anna Scott Graham

First Edition

Copyright 2025 by Anna Scott Graham

License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. It is the copyrighted property of the author and may not be reproduced, copied, and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copies. Thanks for your support.

This is a work of fiction. Names and characters, incidents and places are either products of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Cover photo by Catherine Lucas.

For my husband: his continued support makes all the words possible.

Chapter 1

Standing at the observation window, Sooz frowned at the odd ship landing on the exterior pad. It wasn’t a Tyrah vessel, but didn’t look at all familiar. Dardram might know its origin, but his mood remained poor and she would pester someone else for information if it became necessary.

Patting her pants’ left pocket, she sighed, then retrieved her pad, scanning messages. Tapping the screen, she studied her patients’ vitals, then closed her eyes, clucking at one in particular. Again she glanced at the large window, then put the device in her pocket. A jetway emerged through drifting clouds, then was attached to the peculiar ship, and Sooz sighed inwardly, cracking her knuckles. As long as you stay away from me, I don’t care who you are.

Others now gathered near her, several species chattering in various languages. Sooz tried to ignore their gossip, yet no one else knew what kind of vessel had landed. Identities were bandied about, though none spoke of the Tyrah. Finally an Ahlem tapped Sooz’s shoulder. Who do you think it is?

Sooz shrugged, pulling back her long dark hair. Curls sprung tightly and she shook out her tresses, wishing for a ponytail. Instead she took a long thin stick from her other pocket, twirling her hair atop her head, then maneuvering the stick through the bun. Her curls seemed affixed, and she twitched slightly, then sighed. Whoever it is, they better have a good reason for being here.

They wouldn’t have been allowed to land otherwise, a tall being to Sooz’s right huffed.

That’s fairly obvious. Sooz didn’t face the Gonquil, but she shrugged again, then sighed, wishing she hadn’t left the infirmary. If she had stayed put, all of this would have been a footnote to her shift. Now she felt as drawn as the rest to this spectacle, the jetway still in place against the side of the vessel. How many were departing, what did they want, Sooz wondered, shoving her hands in her pockets. She gripped her pad, wishing for a vibration that would tear her from this spot, but no one urgently needed her, and she grunted softly as voices in a variety of cadences discussed possibilities.

All those sounds were filtered into her brain as discernable speech despite the differing manners of communication. The only species she couldn’t fully understand was foreign to all on Enran, although at times Sooz was able to comprehend their…. It wasn’t actual language or the multix would have translated it. Instead The Other transmitted a melody that most assumed was how that species conversed with itself, though some considered its songs only as music. Briefly closing her eyes, Sooz permitted a snippet of melody to overwhelm the cacophony now filling the observation area. Then she grunted, stalking away from the group, heading back to her workstation.

Yet a newcomer’s arrival was all anyone could discuss. By the time Sooz reached the infirmary she had inadvertently learned one individual had been processed, although that person’s identity wasn’t yet for perusal. Gazing at her patients, Sooz wondered if another species would join this motley crew, most of them here for basic care. She didn’t ponder the iso unit, then sat at her console, glancing at the display. The same messages she had ignored on her pad filled the screen and she swiped away those unimportant. Quickly she read ones to matter, then paused at a missive from Dardram. Sent moments previously, he wanted to know if she was aware another Human was joining their collective. Sooz trembled inwardly, then sighed aloud. She was grateful Dardram’s attention had been piqued, but why had a Human made contact here?

Moving from the console, Sooz gazed at the clear partition along the wall, her reflection staring back at her. Her hair was a jumble, but stable upon her head. Her dark eyes were large, rings barely discernable under them. Her nose was wide, her mouth ample, her cheekbones prominent. She didn’t like how her lower jaw protruded, but that was the only feature displeasing. Her skin wasn’t the same hue as Dardram’s; his was far more pale, but they were the only Humans currently assigned to Enran, and often she found his company preferable to others, though lately he’d been a miserable sod and she avoided him whenever possible. When in a sociable mood, Sooz gravitated to the Ahlems. She appreciated their wisdom and sense of humor, as well as their need for solitude. Dardram had scant wit and even less patience and she vaguely hoped whoever had landed was here to replace him.

Inwardly she berated herself for such insensitivity. Yet she was tired of his continual irritability, he should have known better. She winced, then glanced at a door to a back cubicle. One patient required that privacy, the rest now calling for her. Sooz first checked those seriously ill, then she approached Hosta, an Ahlem nearing its end of life. What do you need, Sooz said softly, grasping Hosta’s hand.

What has happened? Hosta squeaked.

Nothing, Sooz smiled. Can I get you anything?

You are a terrible liar, Hosta sighed. One of my people is nearby. Are they here for me?

I’ll check. Sooz released Hosta’s hand, then returned to the console. No new admittances waited on the screen, though Sooz expected the newcomer to make its way here eventually. She returned to Hosta, then retrieved a nearby stool, seating herself beside this patient. No one’s slated to join us, Sooz crooned. Perhaps you’re sensing retrieval.

You aren’t getting rid of me yet, the Ahlem snickered weakly.

Sooz chuckled, again grasping Hosta’s hand. Well good. You’re one of my favorites.

"But not the favorite," Hosta grinned.

That’s a long time in coming. Sooz smirked.

Perhaps, or not. Hosta sighed, then squinted. Regardless, I feel my people near. If it is my time, let me go with ease.

Sooz blinked away tears. Maybe.

And if another takes my place, may they be as well cared for as what you have proffered me.

Stop talking like this, Sooz whispered sharply.

Hosta squeezed Sooz’s fingers, then clucked. How did you become a physician in the first place? Never mind, I don’t mean to pick at you. Check your console, by now someone must have information.

Sooz wiped away stray tears, then stood, but she didn’t release Hosta’s hand. The Ahlem’s grip felt like a vice, yet not painful, although Sooz didn’t expect Hosta to survive much longer. Hosta released Sooz, but a physician didn’t immediately step away, and only when another patient called for care did Sooz leave Hosta’s bedside.

An hour later the newcomer was escorted to the infirmary. Sooz nodded at the Gonquil who grimaced while making introductions: the being was indeed a Human, but not like any Sooz had previously encountered. It claims it’s from Earth, the Gonquil sneered. Let us know what you discover.

Sooz shrugged at the Gonquil, then quickly assessed her new patient; the being was probably male, was definitely young. She led the Human to a nearby gurney, then gestured for the being to sit. It frowned, then spoke, but the dialect wasn’t translated. Sooz tapped the side of her head. Don’t tell me you don’t have a multix, she huffed.

Again the being conversed, but still Sooz couldn’t comprehend its words. It sounded angry, also disappointed. Then it sat on the gurney, gripping the bed with force.

Retrieving her pad, she brought up this being’s file; it had arrived with a document asserting it was a Human from the past, allegedly from Earth. It had traveled through the rift in a ship previously belonging to Enran from eons ago, but already that vessel’s modifications had been noted. Sooz ignored those details, focusing on one key point, that no multix had been discovered in initial scans.

She put the pad on a table next to the gurney, making mental notes that would be relayed into the database. Her multix permitted that ability and as the being again spoke, she hoped her implant could figure out what it was trying to convey.

She sighed, the language still indecipherable. Softly she patted the being’s leg, then made eye contact. My name is Sooz, she said clearly, pointing at herself. I can’t yet understand you, hopefully soon. For now I’m going to scan you for any ailments. She collected a device from the table, waving it first at herself, then showing the being the results. It frowned, then shrugged, still grasping the gurney.

Sooz fought the urge to roll her eyes, placing the device near the being’s head. No multix was located, nor was there any such implant in the being’s upper body. She scanned its trunk, the results making her inwardly tremble. The readings were indeed of a Human, but not like any she had previously treated. Her physiology was similar, Dardram’s too, but even they weren’t like this being.

You must be from Earth, she muttered, digesting the results, then mentally directing them into the mainframe. Then she stared at the being. I’m Sooz, she repeated. Sooz, she then said slowly, tapping at her chest.

Sooz, the being said.

Sooz, she murmured as a chill spread along her back. The being was male, speaking in a youthful tone. She tapped on her pad, finding in this man’s file his name. Noth? she said slowly. Is your name Noth?

Noth, he answered quickly, pointing to himself. Noth.

Noth, she muttered, rereading his file. Then she met his eyes, which were gray, stirring a memory. She ignored that flashback, then grasped his hand which still clutched the gurney. His fingers were cold, his skin relatively soft. He wasn’t from anywhere near, yet he seemed…. Sooz released him, then patted his shoulder. Speak to me, she said, making with her hand a talking gesture. The only way we’re gonna communicate is by you talking. Whatever dialect you’re using, it’s not in our databanks.

He began to speak, still nothing she could understand, nor did anyone in the infirmary attempt to translate. But those able to pay attention did so, discussing if it was indeed possible that a Human had breached the rift, and how had it gained such capable transport?

Just as Sooz thought she might grasp his dialogue, two Gonquils entered the infirmary. We need access to it, one said.

I’m not done with my examination, Sooz said stiffly.

Enough information has been retrieved, the other Gonquil announced, coming toward Noth from behind.

Noth leaped off the gurney, backing away from the Gonquils.

Sooz stepped between the young man and the Gonquils. His language can’t yet be determined. Until then, I’m in charge of his welfare.

According to what treaty? the first Gonquil asked.

I’m Human, so is he, Sooz grunted.

Such distinctions are irrelevant, the second Gonquil snorted.

Not since Melor was abducted, Sooz said flatly.

The Gonquils stared first at Sooz, then at Noth, then muttered under their breaths. The first one cleared its throat, then glared at Sooz. We will be back for it. Do not attempt to allow its departure.

He came to us, Sooz said. But until we can understand him, nobody’s taking him from my authority.

The Gonquils grumbled, then departed. Sooz turned to face Noth, fright apparent in his face. She hesitated from touching him, then patted his shoulder. The sooner I can understand you, the better for all of us.

Sooz, he sighed, crossing his arms over his chest.

Sooz, she repeated. It’s a start.

Seated in a corner of what must be a medical bay, Noth ate tasteless food, wishing to be back in Jeannie and Caroline’s care. They had insisted he land here alone, asserting while his ship contained various improvements from the future, that was the only aspect of their connection he could share with authorities, most of which were tall aliens with minimalistic facial features and extremely unpleasant voices. Only Sooz looked like a human, the rest of the medical bay filled with a variety of species that Noth inspected only to acquaint himself with this…. He was in what Jeannie had claimed was the twenty-ninth century, in a universe so far from what he considered as home it was no wonder the food was bland and that he was considered a fugitive, but Sooz provided him a glimpse of the familiar. Her language wasn’t anything close to what he recalled from home, although it wasn’t the guttural cluck of the tall aliens. Sooz wanted him to talk, probably to prompt the multix she employed like another limb.

He had yet to see her make any kind of physical notes about her patients, though occasionally she sat at a console, reading the screen. Noth recognized the written dialects scattered about the medical bay and while he was grateful for a minimal level of comprehension, if English wasn’t in the database, it would take time for him to accomplish anything meaningful.

Caroline had implied that for now, his goal was to become acquainted with this planet, that Dorvuun wasn’t an issue at this moment in time. Noth had balked at being made to land here, what was the point he had argued. Yet the women had been firm, even Jeannie, with whom he had grown close after the memory sweep. Over replicated bowls of chicken soup they had shared stories about his mother, but now Noth put Dana from his mind, although in how Sooz stared at him, he wondered if somehow the women were related. He cleared his throat, then approached where Sooz sat at her console. He could vaguely decipher the messages, some about himself, the rest of a personal nature. Then he tapped on the console, making a typing gesture.

She studied his movements, then smiled. She said something he couldn’t understand, but her tone was upbeat as she went to her feet, rummaging through a drawer to the right of the console. Then she squatted, searching anxiously for what must be something akin to a pad. Noth tried to ignore messages still on the display, but someone was asking about him; how Human did Noth appear, what was his true agenda? He tried inputting information on the console, but was locked out as he had been in the office where he was initially processed. The officials hadn’t provided him with a pad there, probably to deny him access to their databanks, which Noth assumed was a security protocol. How the hell are we gonna communicate, he wondered. Then he rolled his eyes as Sooz stood, her shoulders slumped, nothing in her hands.

She grumbled, plopping into her seat, then tapping on the console. She shrugged and Noth smiled, grateful for a familiar gesture. Sooz gazed at him, a small grin on her face. Thanks for trying, he said.

Her tone in reply was apologetic and he chuckled, then cracked his knuckles. As he started to walk away, Sooz grasped his shoulder. She cracked her knuckles, then shook out her hands.

Noth again cracked his knuckles, meeting her eyes. She nodded, then smiled, then waved him off. He sighed, heading back to the corner, but an alien gestured for him. The being was small, fragile in appearance, and Noth approached slowly. Then it smiled, or what to him looked like a grin. Do you know who I am? he asked.

The being’s mood didn’t change, nor did it speak. Then it reached out in the direction of Noth’s right hand. Noth gently grasped the alien’s digits, feeling a spark of recognition tingle through his fingers.

The being whispered in a cadence Noth had heard Caroline and Jeannie occasional murmur. Are you an Ahlem, Noth asked.

Hushed conversations stopped as Sooz stood from her chair, joining Noth and the alien. Sooz spoke to the being, then softly grasped their hands, still clutched together. Noth nodded, assuming this being’s life was ending. I’m sorry, he muttered, feeling slightly flustered. I’m sorry I don’t understand.

Sor-ry, Sooz whispered.

He stared at her. You know what I’m saying?

Tears fell down her face. Sorry, she muttered.

Noth shrugged, then gazed at the alien. No longer was it alive, but that small grin remained in place. Sooz caressed the alien’s cheek, then took a deep breath. She recited something Noth couldn’t comprehend, but it sounded like a prayer. Some spoke with her, their differing cadences and dialects blending like a heavenly harmony. Then Noth gasped as suddenly the deceased disappeared.

What the hell? Noth said. Where’d it go?

Sooz released his hand, then moved from the gurney. She closed her eyes, but tapped her foot in a rhythmic pattern. Noth wondered if she was praying or making mental notes, or allowing herself a moment to grieve. He returned to his seat in the corner, pushed aside the table with his meal, then observed all those gathered. Some seemed to weep, others spoke softly. A few rolled to their sides. Sooz opened her eyes, then stared at Noth. He nodded, then spoke. Again, I’m really sorry.

Real-ly sorry, she said slowly.

Really, he sighed.

Real-ly, she repeated.

He shrugged. That word isn’t gonna do us much good.

She rambled incoherently, then threw up her hands. Noth had no idea what she meant and he shrugged, then cracked his knuckles. Sooz had been frowning, but she flashed a smile, cracked her knuckles, then hastily walked to what Noth assumed was her office. But instead of sitting at her console, she stepped toward the back wall, tapping on a small display. Security protocols were followed, then a door slid open and she met his eyes. Then she slipped into the darkness, the door quickly closing behind her.

Chapter 2

Returning from the isolation unit, Sooz frowned, finding Dardram lecturing Noth. Noth looked unbothered, but Dardram’s shrill tone cast a pall over the infirmary. Leave him alone, she said, taking quick strides toward the men.

Dardram turned to face Sooz. Does it seriously not have a multix, he barked. Then he gestured to the iso ward. How is….

No change, Sooz said in a clipped tone. And no, he doesn’t have a multix. But his name is Noth. You could try using that instead of berating him.

Dardram grimaced, shoving his hands in his pockets. Is it for real? he muttered.

He’s sitting here, what do you think?

Dardram grunted, then gazed around the room. Where’s Hosta?

Sooz winced. How many stupid questions are you gonna ask me?

Dardram sighed, then cleared his throat. When?

Very recently.

He studied the empty gurney, then removed his hands from his pockets. Was it peaceful?

Yes. Sooz glanced at Noth, then at Dardram. Both men had lengthy hair, although Dardram’s was lighter in color and he wore a thin beard. His black eyes were small, not conducive to kindness, although until Melor had been abducted, Sooz hadn’t attached a negative connotation to Dardram’s appearance. Or maybe she couldn’t help comparing him to Noth, then she sighed aloud. Hosta didn’t believe to be alone. That maybe he…. Sooz nodded toward Noth, then threw up her hands. Why are you here, she then growled.

Dardram crossed his arms over his chest. You know what kind of ship’s out there?

No, but I assume you’re gonna enlighten me.

Dardram grunted, then tucked loose hairs behind his ears. That vessel’s from eons ago. As far as I know, no one can even date it, other than it was assigned to….

The infirmary went silent and Sooz smiled, all of her patients itching for gossip. Assigned to what? she murmured.

Again Dardram grunted. Allegedly to the first Enran.

I don’t believe you, Sooz huffed.

Just telling you what I’m hearing.

Muffled murmurs now rose within the infirmary, but Sooz tuned out the chatter. That’s impossible.

Well its ship is still on the pad and according to Squee, extensive alterations have been made as well as….

Squee is hardly a believable source, Sooz clucked.

Dardram permitted the hint of a smile. Squee knows more about vessels than anyone here. If Squee claims it, I believe it.

You believe what you want. Sooz busied herself with her pad, then put it in her pocket. All right, you’ve seen him. You can go.

Dardram grimaced, then gestured to Noth. Him? Since when have you assigned a gender to it?

Since scanning him.

And pronoun attachment? That’s not gonna please the Gonquils.

I don’t care about the Gonquils. They allowed Melor’s abduction, blast them.

Dardram’s smile disappeared. They’re not gonna permit this to stay.

Get out, Sooz ordered, pointing to the door. I’ve had enough.

Dardram grunted, shoved his hands in his pockets, then strode to the door. He glanced toward the isolation unit, then clucked, exiting the infirmary muttering Parcathn epithets under his breath.

During that exchange, Noth made significant strides in breaking down the dialect spoken by Sooz and the rather unpleasant man who looked Human in appearance, but Noth wouldn’t discount any possible species combinations that might allow for such a disagreeable person. Did they consider themselves as people or…. The man’s anger had been palpable as soon as he’d entered the infirmary and for a few moments Noth feared being taken away. The tall aliens wanted him, but Noth wasn’t worried about their interest because Sooz seemed to have asserted her position usurped theirs. Despite being hundreds of years in the future, people still held biases, maybe that was a universal trait.

As an overhead device cleaned the now empty gurney, Noth took stock of where he sat; a few of the tall aliens were being treated as well as a couple that resembled the being that had…. Did Ahlems truly disappear upon death? Jeannie and Caroline hadn’t provided much background on species in this era other than the Tyrah, who were comparable in size to Humans, although their faces sported tiny eyes, a nearly indistinguishable nose, and a circular mouth without lips. According to Jeannie, there were four subsets of Tyrah, two which could reproduce, and two that did not. But when that species had been capable of natural procreation hadn’t been disclosed, nor was Noth aware if Humans in this century possessed the ability. Why didn’t you tell me more, he considered, as Sooz approached, thrusting a pad toward him.

She spoke and while her words remained a mystery, her tone seemed hopeful. Noth took the pad, tried to access the screen, then clucked in reading her message. She’d asked if he had a multix, and if not, could she implant one.

Noth tapped a reply, then smiled, handing it back to her. Not gonna like my answer, he muttered.

She read the screen, then grunted, glaring at him. She resembled his mother when Dana was pissed at him and Noth chuckled, ignoring the accompanying heartache. You’re too young to be my mom, he said, but you’re definitely Collette’s age.

Again Sooz grunted, but Noth closed his eyes; from where had Collette emerged? Considering another relative didn’t hurt, other than fearing the memory sweep was failing. He opened his eyes, then studied Sooz. She didn’t resemble his sister, merely their ages were comparable. Sooz was a little older and the angry man seemed about the same age. Jeannie had told him their journey had taken less than a year, which now that he sat among aliens and Humans that had no idea of English was less irksome than Noth had originally considered. Then he frowned, anger building at Jeannie and Caroline. If being here wasn’t about finding Dorvuun, time was being wasted. I just wanna go home, he blurted. Why the fuck am I here?

Sooz dropped the pad, then stepped back, and Noth sighed. Sorry, I’m not mad at you.

Sor-ry? Sooz murmured.

Really sorry, Noth muttered.

Real-ly sor-ry, Sooz repeated.

Noth retrieved the pad, then typed what he considered was the equivalent symbol in her written dialect. He handed her the pad and she read the screen. She gasped softly, typed a reply, then gave him the device. Noth digested her message, wrote a response, then returned the pad to her.

She studied his answer, then sighed. Noth had written that she reminded him of a relative, as well as confirming he was slightly literate in her language, although the verbal aspect was beyond his comprehension. Then she closed her eyes, but didn’t give him the device. Noth wondered if she was putting this information into his file or merely making personal notes.

He groused inwardly, pondering why Jeannie and Caroline hadn’t better prepared him for the language difficulty, and again wondering why he was here. He sighed, then sat forward as Sooz opened her eyes. She tapped a lengthy message on the pad, then handed it to him.

Some of the symbols were indistinguishable, but enough were familiar that Noth breathed deeply. Sooz couldn’t access his audible speech in her multix, but if he was amenable to using the pad as a translator, within several shifts, she might be able to communicate verbally with him. Noth wasn’t sure what a shift meant; days, weeks, months…. How was time catalogued here, what were the parameters? He didn’t ask those questions, but was curious about the man from earlier, and of course what would happen to himself. He wrote those concerns, gave her the pad, then stared at the floor.

Sooz sighed while typing, again taking her time. Noth then gazed at those within the medical bay. Some met his eyes while others wouldn’t look at him. Then he glanced at Sooz, who had been staring at him, but she averted her gaze, again clucking. She gave him the pad, then strode away, seating herself at her console.

Noth sighed, then read her message. Her answer about the span of a shift was lengthy but vague, and he smirked, not knowing more than previously. Then he shivered inwardly; the man was Dardram, another Human. Keep away from him, Sooz wrote, he’s nothing but trouble.

After several rounds of written communication, Noth fell asleep, emitting sounds that Sooz relayed to her patients weren’t out of the ordinary for Humans. Snores, Sooz claimed, meant the Human was deeply unconscious, but for how long he slept piqued everyone’s curiosity.

Gonquils and Ahlems required brief but routine regenerative periods. Donsarets like Squee went into hibernation for lengthy shifts, then emerged with no need to rest until another spate of hibernation. Noth had tried to describe his version of a shift, but Sooz didn’t completely understand, other than perhaps he cataloged a shift according to his requirement for sleep. She had noted that Enran was beyond this system’s main star, so the planet didn’t receive discernable light. Perhaps discussing that subject had tired Noth. Sooz made notes in his file, but