by Dennis Young
Melinkov sat back, regarding the captain. “I must first trust you again, Captain. Regarding our last conversation, I am… worried of your state of mind.”
For a long moment, it wa silent in the tiny office. At last, Murphy waved a hand. “No longer an issue. I had a talk with myself and considered your advice. I decided to take it.”
“Excellent, Captain. How do I know this as true?”
“Because… dammit, because what you said made me really consider what I want.”
“And that is?”
Murphy looked away, saying nothing, then met Melinkov’s eyes again. “I what to do what’s right. For you, for the crew, for Earthfleet… but mostly for myself. I’m not a pirate. I’m just a bored officer looking for a thrill, and the type of Earthfleet I signed up for.”
Melinkov held her gaze for a long time, then turned to the teapot in the corner and poured two cups. She set them on the desk, offered milk and sugar, then drank as Murphy stared blankly into hers.
“Earthfleet gave me a second chance after my fiasco in med school,” said Murphy quietly. “I thumbed my nose at them with refusal to go back into medicine, then they gave me a third chance with the athletic scholarship. I screwed up again with my antics that got me tossed off the team, then they still gave me another chance with my education and the posting to this ship.”
She drank before continuing. “Somebody saw something in me that I refused to see in myself. Maybe I still don’t understand completely, and maybe I’m still looking for excuses, but I owe someone big time. If I screw this up, I’m done. Even if Fleet came back and said, ‘give it another try’, I could never look them in the face again. Or the crew. Or you.” She swallowed hard, drained the cup, and looked away, obviously holding back her emotions.
“Your mother was very important in your life. You lost her when you were becoming a young woman, yet not knowing what to do with that womanhood.” The doctor sipped. “In Russia, we grow faster, emotionally. We are forced to take more responsibility early in our lives, especially the girls. They become their mothers’ extra hands, because even in this, how is it said, ‘enlightened’ age, tradition is hard to break in some places.”
Murphy shrugged. “Maybe that’s my problem. I should have been born in Russia.”
Melinkov nodded. “Certainly, you would not have been so… what is the word? Coddled? Yes, coddled.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
“Is it not true?”
Murphy said nothing.
“Let us assume, for the moment, you are truthful, and once again the Earthfleet captain everyone wants you to be. How do we proceed?”
“You asked for a private line to my first officer. If I say yes, I want to be in the loop.”
Melinkov nodded. “Of course, as you are the captain. I would not do so otherwise.”
“Good. Now that the psyche exam is over, what’s this all about?”
“Life, Captain. And escape from a world gone mad.”
* * *
Melinkov had Murphy’s full and undivided attention as she spoke. For nearly thirty minutes, the doctor outlined her theories, seemingly plucked from Wèi’s data feeds, an hour’s study of jumpy videos from Ch’rehrin’s helmetcams, and thin air. Murphy asked no questions, made no gestures, no remarks, not so much as a wisecrack.
At last she let go a heavy breath. “Let’s do this from here, in private. I don’t want anyone to hear this but us, so we all have plausible deniability.” She sat back, her nervousness slowly fading. “Doc, where do you come up with this stuff?”
“Clues. A treasure map, I believe you alluded to once, yes? Certainly, we have found a treasure, have we not?”
Murphy touched the intercom switch on the desk. “Comm, Sickbay. Chuck, set up a private line between this comm station and Lieutenant Ch’rehrin. Full encryption, full scramble, totally secure. And I mean totally, Chuck.”
A pause. “Aye, Captain. This has to go into the log, you know.”
“Understood. But this is part of the OC matter, so it’s ‘eyes-only’ on my authority. Log as necessary.”
“Yes, Captain.” Honley was all business. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll call back.”
Murphy clicked off and blew another breath. “OK, Doc, once this is on the record, then what.?”
Melinkov thought for a moment. “Then my work is done, and you will decide. Surely Earthfleet must be notified immediately if my suppositions are correct.”
Murphy nodded. “Yeah… let’s just hope no uninvited company shows up.”
* * *
Ch’rehrin was studying the control board nexus when the call came to him. A tone sounded in his ear, then a second.
“This is a recording. The commanding officer of EAS Pheidippides has ordered a secure, private connection to your comm system. This communique is confidential to the highest order, and concerns an OC issue matter. Disclosure of this conversation to anyone other than the commanding officer of EAS Pheidippides or designated authority must be authorized by voice print, retinal scan, or other Earthfleet regulations. Disobeying of these orders is subject to review, reprimand, or court martial. This is the only warning you will receive regarding this matter. If you accept these conditions as an officer of Earthfleet, subject to all oaths given at the time of your enlistment and assignment, please say or type ‘accepted’. You have ten seconds to comply, otherwise, this message will become null and void.” Another tone sounded, then “Ten seconds, mark.”
Ch’rehrin hesitated exactly three seconds. He was very careful with his voice as he said quietly, “Accepted.”
He walked to a corner of the room away from Gil and Ball, talking quietly and sitting in fold-out chairs. His hands shook slightly as he waited, and he willed them calm, closed his eyes, and cleared his mind as he could. A tone sounded, then another. Then a third. He opened his eyes.
“Ch’rehrin here, awaiting connection.”
Another tone. “Lieutenant Eulenkav Ch’rehrin, this is Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Murphy and Doctor Ulyana Melinkov, speaking from the Sickbay office aboard EAS Pheidippides. Ship time is fourteen-thirty-two hours, Ship’s Timemark 121517.10. Can you hear us clearly?”
Ch’rehrin took a breath before answering. “I hear you clearly, Captain. My instruments show we have a private and secure connection. Please proceed.”
“This is Doctor Melinkov. I have thoughts regarding the contents of the vessel you are currently investigating. I need to ask some questions of you, Lieutenant.”
“Of course, Doctor.”
“I have reviewed your visuals and comm data. The tanks appear to be cryogenic containers. The venting of gasses, the perceived cold reported by Lieutenant Gil, and the markings on the tank surfaces support this conclusion. It is important that we translate the codes as soon as possible. Is anyone in your party capable of doing this?”
Ch’rehrin’s mind raced. Surely this was a job for someone in the encryption branch at Fleet Base Twenty-three! He took another breath. “The only member of our team with comm or encryption knowledge is Ensign Jia-Lan Wèi, currently on board the skiff in standard crew rotation, as discussed with the captain before we departed Pheidippides.”
“Very well. Does the ensign have access to your visuals?”
“Yes, and has been studying them since our second foray began.”
“Excellent. When this discussion is over, advise her it is imperative she decipher those markings as soon as possible. Further, I have theories I will now disclose to you.”
“Before you begin, Doctor, please confirm you’ve discussed such theories with the captain, especially considering the sensitivity of this communication.”
Melinkov’s voice took on an even more formal tone. “I assure you, I have done so. The captain and I have discussed these issues for nearly the last hour. It is by her order we are now talking with you.”
“Captain, please confirm.”
“Confirmed, Lieutenant Ch’rehrin. This is the Big One.”
Melinkov continued. “I have much research yet to do, but I believe we have found a myth, Lieutenant. There were stories in Russia many years ago when I was in medical school, of happenings after the Third War, the one nearly wiping out all of humanity. There were also tales from the wars that followed, but those have faded with the horrors from the Third War. Yet still they persist.”
“I have heard many of those stories myself, Doctor, but give little credence to them. But forgive my interruption and please continue.”
Melinkov drew a breath on the intercom. “There was a plan, say the tales, to save the world. Not the world of Earth, but the world of Humankind. To launch away from Earth an ‘ark’. The tales say this ‘ark’ was never completed, never launched, and never more than a dream. Certainly, such a task would be difficult during the Third War. Yet stories persist it was a secret project done afterward, or perhaps before, depending on the source. What if it was hidden for that time, surviving everything that happened? There is evidence, though difficult to find, that says it may be so.
“Still, it is said that once a thing is thought, it may be realized. I, myself, have seen such happen. Therefore, I lay this before you now, not as a myth, but a reality we could have never dreamed possible.
“It is my theory, Lieutenant, that within those cryogenic tanks you will find that world. Plants and animals of all varieties, in embryonic form. Seeds and egg cells and sperm from every species on Earth that was still viable during and after the Third War, and perhaps many before that time. Anything that could be gathered, saved, and hidden away from those who sought to enslave not only humans, but all of the Earth itself.
Melinkov paused for effect. ”In one of those tanks you will find humans. Fertilized eggs, embryos of people yet to be born. Surely at least ten thousand. Perhaps as many as a million.”
“The ‘Seeds of Eden’,” breathed Ch’rehrin.
“Precisely. I see we are privy to the same stories, Lieutenant Ch’rehrin.”
Four
Decisions
“Duty Log, Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Murphy, 121517.10. With the theories put forth by Dr. Melinkov, the focus of the boarding party has become deciphering of the codes seen on the tanks of the derelict vessel. I allowed Lieutenant Gil to remove one of his gloves and lay his bare hand onto a tank, which confirmed it was cold to the touch. Deep scanning has shown these tanks are heavily insulated, durasteel on the outside and some sort of honeycomb construction inside, with segmented areas. We presume each tank holds cells, spores, seeds, and other types of immature plants, animals, and yes, humans.
“General information regarding the derelict has been verbally disseminated, with strict orders not to discuss. I’ve allowed this for two specific reasons; crew efficiency, and the nipping in the bud the impossible task of keeping a secret on a ship this small.
“The hot topic on the ship’s net is Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a depository created in the late nineteen-hundreds, old calendar. What we appear to have found is a later version of this, after the Svalbard location, and others like it throughout the world, were destroyed in the Third War.
“I cannot overstate the importance of this discovery. I also cannot imagine how Earthfleet lost track of it. But at the same time, if this was truly launched during or after the Third War, I salute the brave souls who sacrificed so much to make it possible, and see the dream succeed. I’m humbled that the crew of Pheidippides has the honor of retrieving such a treasure.”
* * *
EAS Pheidippides…
“Captain, the skiff is docked and locked.” Engineer Thomas’s voice was filled with relief on the intercom.
Murphy pressed her command seat button. “Have them meet me in Sickbay immediately, Taylor. No detours.”
“Aye, Captain.” Thomas switched off as Murphy pressed a second button. “Sickbay, Bridge. Doc, I’m on the way to you as are the skiff boarding party. Debriefing is priority one.” Click.
“Ms. Connor, you have the conn, I’ll be in conference. Maintain our position relative to the vessel, and keep your eyes peeled.” Murphy headed out the door without waiting for a reply.
She met the boarding crew at the Sickbay door. “Before we enter, well done, all of you. I know it was tough and probably a bit scary, but really, an outstanding job. Thank you.”
Gil, Ball, and Wèi grinned quietly in reply.
Ch’rehrin only nodded politely and gestured to the door. “Captain.”
“Nurse Butler, since this is the only place aboard we can collect the necessary parties, please allow us some privacy. Take an hour off in your quarters or get a snack.”
Butler glanced to the group before her, noting Murphy’s “get out of here for a while” look. She nodded wordlessly, and took her exit quickly.
Melinkov emerged from her office in a clean, white smock. “You are to be commended, officers. This discovery is likely one of the most important in Earthfleet history. Allow me to offer my sincere congratulations and appreciation.”
“I already gave them an official ‘well done’, Doc.” Murphy grinned. “You don’t have to show me up.”
A small laugh went around the group.
Murphy paused, taking them all in with her eyes. “I know you’re all beat, but we need to debrief quickly, while it’s fresh. Yes, we’ve been in constant communication, and we have all the transcripts and notes, but I’m interested in your feelings about this thing.”
Wèi spoke. “Captain, the markings on the tanks are as we suspected, codes for what’s inside. They’re pretty general, and I’m sure there’s more information within the tanks. The data feeds contain plenty of information, though.” She paused. “We’re not thinking of digging into the tanks, are we?”
“That would not be advisable,” said Melinkov, before Murphy could reply. “My professional opinion is they should not be disturbed in any fashion.”
“Agreed, Doc,” said Murphy. “Hatu, what about the power source?”
“Old-style nuclear, Captain, and from what I could tell, a thousand-year fuel source. It’s pretty dirty, too.”
“Dangerous?”
Gil shook his head. “Not unless it’s breached. They built to last.”
Murphy looked to Ball. “You checked out the levels above and found bunks?”
“Actually rooms, Captain, as shown in our vids. Thirty-four rooms total, sixteen singles and sixteen doubles. None of them have been used at all. Everything is pristine.”
“So they launched without a crew. That tells me they were in a hurry or didn’t have the crew assembled. Regardless, a pretty desperate move.”
“Or one of simple precaution,” said Ch’rehrin. “Without a crew, and unless programmed or given commands to return, the ship would stay on course. Obviously, the launching had to be done in secret, and in such a situation that no ships were available to track it and bring it back. Or destroy it.”
Murphy nodded after a moment. “Point taken. Recommendations, Mr. Ch’rehrin, Doctor?”
“Continue the investigation, document findings thoroughly, and take all necessary precautions.” Ch’rehrin nodded to Melinkov.
“Also prepare a preliminary report to Fleet Base Twenty-three, Captain, for dispatch as soon as possible.”
Murphy pursed her lips. “With Qoearc lurking about, I’m reluctant to send any messages, Doc. OC regulations dictate radio silence until further contact by base.”
“But in this case—”
“I understand your concern and don’t disagree. But orders are orders, especially in a situation like this. Let’s continue for twenty-four hours and see if we hear from Fleet.” Murphy turned to Ch’rehrin. “Up for another foray? How about the rest of you?”
“We’re prepared, Captain,”
replied Ch’rehrin. The others nodded eagerly.
“Alright, take six hours rest, use the sleep-sets if you need to. Okay with you, Doc?”
Melinkov nodded. “Food, a shower, clean coveralls. A bit of meditation would not be a bad thing, either.”
Murphy motioned to the door. “You heard the doctor. Go say your mantra and burn your incense, but keep it quiet and in quarters. And no gossip.” She looked to Wèi. “None.”
* * *
Jia-Lan Wèi sat on the edge of her bunk. Her roommate, Karen Connor, was on the Bridge, so she had solitude and time to think, now that she had taken a quick shower and eaten a decent meal.
She twirled the sleep-set headpiece in her hand. The mission aboard the vessel had been exciting and a bit scary, as the captain had said, but also, now that she knew what was likely contained in the cryo-tanks, it had taken on a whole new meaning. This wasn’t just a mission; this could be the future of Mankind. There were plenty of human colonies in and even beyond Earth Alliance Space, but this… this was a voice from the past, species and genera, and even breeds no longer existing on Earth. She’d always had a passing interest in biology, but this… event seemed to have raised it to a roaring fire.
Or maybe it was just her own pregnancy that made her more aware. She laid her hand on her belly gently. Yeah, carrying a new life in your own body gives one a different view, that’s for sure.
The door chimed.
“Come in.”
Martin entered quietly, and she rose to kiss him. They held each other for a moment, then Jia-Lan drew back and beamed. “It was amazing. Maybe you can get a seat on the next foray.”
“Yeah… rumors are rampant about what’s aboard.”
“Martin, you know I can’t talk about it. OC, and all that.”
He looked away, nodding slightly.
“… What’s wrong?”
He took a seat at the tiny desk under the hull curvature and shook his head, still not meeting her eyes.
“Look at me, mister.” Jia-Lan grinned and laid a hand on his arm. He drew it away. Her face fell.