by Dennis Young
We’re in this to the last, so I’m going on record in case we don’t make it out of this alive. This is the finest crew and the finest ship I’ve had the honor to command. They’ve been the consummate professionals through an extremely unique situation no one could have ever dreamed of, and have done their duty with distinction. I’m proud to be among them.
William Haversen, Captain, Earthfleet Command, Earth Alliance.”
* * *
Three hours later, dirty, disheveled, and thoroughly exhausted, Somura and the landing team exited their shuttle aboard Bellerophon. As the scientists and security guards loaded the plates on carts for storage during whatever might come with the Jen’riss in the following hours, Haversen met with the Science Officer and XO in the briefing room.
“Any further thoughts on these creatures, Commander? We’ve only got about a million questions yet to answer.”
“None at the moment, sir, but we recorded several conversations between ourselves and the inhabitants, as well as questions and comments from the science team. Once we’re underway and we’ve had a chance to debrief, I’ll work up my report.”
“Underway to where, Commander?” asked Ndashimye. “Bellerophon is still on station during Addisson’s absence.”
Somura began to speak, then paused, closing her weary eyes. She nodded. “Understood, yet I thought in light of the situation…”
“Your findings will be secure during our tenure in this sector. Debriefing and report, certainly, but Bellerophon will remain until relieved.” Ndashimye’s measured response and cool gaze paused any response Somura might have had.
“Captain, request permission to see to the plates being stored.”
“Request denied, Commander.” Haversen smiled softly. “Get cleaned up and requisition a sleep-set from sickbay. Then get some time under the wire and report to the Bridge at 0600. That will be about two hours before the planet crosses into the I-Zone.” He glanced to Ndashimye, then back to the Science Officer. “I need my best people at their posts. We still don’t know what the Jen’riss have in mind, but we’re taking no chances.”
Somura raised her face, nodding once again. “Yes, sir. I’ll be ready.”
“Well done, and we’ll talk again when things aren’t quite so pressing. Dismissed.”
Somura took her exit as Haversen poured tea for himself and the XO. “Your assessment, Commander?”
Ndashimye accepted the cup and sipped carefully. “Interesting, and as noted, many questions remain. I spoke briefly with Doctor Cooper in the hangar bay. Some of his suggestions are rather obtuse. Regardless, we must consider all possibilities.”
“What do you think of Somura’s handling of the events?”
Ndashimye paused before her answer. “Adequate, and certainly innovative when the creatures offered the plates. I find no fault with her methods or manner.”
Haversen chose his next words carefully. “You don’t particularly care for the Science Officer, do you, Commander?”
“Captain, she is a competent officer and knows her duty. But her actions in some ways spoke a bit of… desperation.”
“On the contrary. Recall what I said about not needing to impress me? That goes for all my officers. Somura’s actions were not done to impress me out of desperation, but to further science in general and our understanding of this situation in particular. It’s the reason I sent her to lead the landing team. She has a creative mind that comes in handy when other methods fail.”
Ndashimye considered for a quiet moment. “More of our experiment?”
Haversen grinned. “You could say, yes.” He refreshed her cup, then faced her with a more serious eye. “Commander, during this time I’m going to rely heavily on you in auxiliary control. I’ve been working with Engineering for a plan which is pretty much in place now.”
“May I know the details of this plan, sir? The crew would be able to function more efficiently with knowledge of what to expect.”
“For the moment, let’s say it’s crazy and desperate, but the best we can come up with. Be prepared to expect Bellerophon to be put to the test and the crew to exhibit emotional responses to what may happen. We may take casualties, either from combat or evasive tactics.”
Ndashimye raised an eyebrow. “Injuries from evasive tactics would indicate failure of the gravimetrics. That would only happen if energy were not available to operate them.”
“That’s correct, XO. You will plan your auxiliary stations accordingly.”
Ndashimye considered. “I’ll brief my crew and advise them as well. We will be prepared as we may, sir.”
Haversen nodded with a smile. “Very good. The Jen’riss may do nothing, but we’re too big a prize to expect that. Personally, I don’t expect them to do anything about the planet until it’s out of Earth Alliance space. Bellerophon is a different matter, however.”
Ndashimye set down her cup. “I’ll contact you of our readiness two hours before crossover of the planet.”
“Let’s hope it’s all for nothing. Dismissed, Commander.”
She exited, leaving Haversen alone. He poured another cup of tea, drank in silence for a moment, then left the briefing room, heading for the Bridge.
* * *
“Five minutes, Captain.” Karina Vikihrov reported from the Tactical Station as the Bridge crew waited anxiously. Haversen glanced around, noting all eyes on monitors and readouts, not watching the main viewer as he currently was. That was his job, and that of Helm and Nav, as everyone else kept their eyes on ship concerns.
“Commander Somura, any changes in the Jen’riss?”
“None yet, sir. Intel reports a lot of subspace chatter and regular RF as well.”
Haversen nodded. “Communicating with the third ship lying in wait. Keep me posted.”
“Aye, sir.”
Haversen punched the comm panel on his command seat arm. “Bridge to Engineering. Everything ready down there, Stony?”
“Ready as we’ll ever be, sir. Awaiting your command.”
“Noted. Out.” Haversen took a deep breath, looking around again at the stations. “Helm, Nav, prepare the ship for maximum hyperlight on my signal. Commander Vikihrov, note you will have thirty seconds only of PAKS and two spreads of twelve torpedoes each, or four of six at your discretion. Accuracy is essential in this plan and you will fire only on my command.”
Vikihrov turned quickly. “Sir? May I ask—”
“Attend your duty, Commander. Also, everyone, use your seat harnesses. We may have some rough maneuvers and I don’t want you losing your chairs.”
“Sir, you said…? As in 200c?” Richards looked over his shoulder to the captain, then to Reid as Haversen nodded assent.
“Two minutes, sir.”
“Full view on the screen, Lieutenant. Everyone can watch this, but keep one eye on your readouts.”
The planet slowly slid to the side, and Bellerophon’s sensors followed. There was no indication of a change, but after a time passed, Shaw announced softly, “I-Zone, sir. They’re out of Earth Alliance space.”
Haversen turned. “Log it, Lieutenant, and backup into the ship’s buoy. Bridge, attend your stations. I don’t know if or what the Jen’riss have in mind, but now would be the first real chance they have.”
Minutes passed.
“No changes, sir,” reported Vikihrov.
“Subspace comm between the Jen’riss has peaked, Captain, holding steady.”
“Energy outputs from the two Jen’riss across the I-Zone unchanged,” reported Somura.
“Bridge to auxiliary control. Ndashimye, are you showing no changes from the Jen’riss?”
“Affirmative, sir, no changes.” She paused. “A moment…”
Vikihrov at Tactical turned to Haversen. “Captain, energy spikes from the Jen’riss. Powering up, beginning to move, they are charging weapons.”
“Prepare your stations, XO, looks like the Jen’riss are starting their move.” Haversen clicked off. “Commander Vikihrov, Batt
le Stations. Bring weapons online. Mr. Richards, stand the helm ready.”
The claxon wail filled the air until Haversen motioned it off. Harsh red lights sharpened the mood and bathed the Bridge in muted colors.
“Report by station,” said Haversen quietly.
“Comm, Jen’riss code at peak, all subspace now.”
“Sciences, life signs active on Jen’riss ships, energy levels high, they are one minute from the I-Zone on their side. Computer recording, all sensors at max.”
“Aux Nav tracking, ready to assist.”
“Engineering reports 200c available on your command.”
“Life Support at Battle Conditions.”
“Tactical tracking, Jen’riss One leading, Jen’riss Two trailing, thirty seconds from I-Zone. Weapons charged, launchers ready.”
“Damage control parties at stations, Sick Bay prepared to receive casualties if necessary.”
“Helm answering ready, sir.”
“Nav tracking, Jen’riss are in the I-Zone… now.”
Haversen nodded. “Very well. Helm, move us behind the planet. Tactical, keep the Jen’riss in view by Comsats One and Two, advise if they go down. Lieutenant Shaw, broadcast standard warnings to the Jen’riss regarding entry into the I-Zone. Also advise them the planet is under Earth Alliance Protectorate and any attack on the planet will be considered an attack on Bellerophon. Send that in clear, Lieutenant.”
“Jen’riss approaching the planet, sir, one million kilometers, sublight.”
“Mr. Richards, keep the planet occluding Bellerophon from direct Jen’riss view. Nav, plot a course directly away from the planet. Helm, stand by to engage.”
“Comsat One is down.” Karina glanced over her shoulder at Haversen, who nodded.
“So it begins. Helm, 80c, follow Nav’s course.”
“Sir, that will take us deeper into Earth Alliance space.”
“Exactly, Mr. Richards. Take us hyperlight, now.”
The engines began the familiar whine, and though Haversen couldn’t be sure, the compensators felt slightly off, as though not all the initial momentum had been dampened. Once past light speed, travel was inertialess, and compensators weren’t required. It was only during sublight travel, or the push to get the ship’s speed high enough to go hyperlight, that they were needed.
“Jen’riss tracking, coming around the planet, one each side. No fire directed at the planet.”
“Tactical, where is Jen’riss Three.”
Karina took only seconds to scan her readings. “Still half a light year away, not yet crossing into the I-Zone.”
“Captain.” Ndashimye’s voice was clear from the intercom. “The third ship will not engage unless the others are successful in driving us into it.”
“Understood, Commander. Otherwise, they’ll watch our tactics and learn.”
“Yes, sir. Classic technique.”
“Jen’riss are following, Captain, 90c and closing.” Somura’s cool voice from Sciences brought a nod from Haversen.
“Jen’riss One is going stealth!”
“Aux Nav, track that ship.” Haversen looked quickly to Tactical. “Number Two?”
“Following, no change, Tactical advises watching our back.”
“Captain, Jen’riss One… sorry, sir, hard to tell. Neutrino trail indicates increase in speed, likely going for our stern. Estimate twenty seconds before they’re behind us… mark.”
“Helm, take us directly toward Number Two.”
“Aye, sir. Course changing, corrections made. 80c at Number Two.”
“Sublight… now.”
Richards hesitated a second, then dropped Bellerophon back to real space. No one lost their seat, but the ship shook bow to stern.
“Number Two flashing by, changing course. Number One passed, not yet turning.”
“Tactical, ready a spread of six torpedoes. Helm, get us facing Number Two.”
“Number Two turning. Firing!”
“Cloud weapon, Captain, range one hundred thousand kilometers and closing fast.”
“Lieutenant Shaw, log the time, EAS Bellerophon fired upon by Jen’riss ship in Earth Alliance Space. Request immediate assistance. Code ‘Stinger’. Send that in clear via hypercomm.”
“Range fifty-thousand kilometers. Number One turning, coming around, trying for our stern. Going sublight.”
“Twenty thousand kilometers, Captain.”
“Is Number Two directly behind the cloud?”
“Yes, sir, our sensors penetrate it easily.”
“Fire four torpedoes, then follow with two, one to each side after three seconds.”
“Aye sir.”
The soft sounds of the launchers were felt in the decks more than heard.
“Three thousand kilometers, Captain.”
“Z minus ten thousand meters… now.”
Again, Bellerophon lurched, and Shaw lost her seat. Haversen felt weight hit his chest, but in seconds it dissipated.
“Tactical, report!”
“The cloud missed us, sir, but it was close. Torpedoes One through Four missed, Five missed, Six… hit!”
A cheer went up around Haversen.
“Belay that! Sciences, report.”
“Damage, sir, Number Two may be out of action or only waiting, but they’re still in real space and appear to be drifting.”
“Number One is on our tail!” Karina shouted from Tactical as weapons fire hit Bellerophon.
“Countermeasures holding, eighty-two percent.” The tech at Damage Control licked his lips and stared at Haversen, wide-eyed.
“Eyes front, Ensign. Helm, bring us around. Tactical, load six more.”
“Sir, Number Two is powering back up, still sublight.”
“Energy spike in Two, Captain. Firing!”
“Tactical, fire six at Number One, five seconds of PAKS at Number Two. Helm, bring us about, course 180 mark 90, go to 100c!”
Bellerophon shuddered again and Vikihrov clung desperately to her panel. “Jen’riss following, at maximum speed, 100c and a bit, sir.”
“Captain, Jen’riss Three is crossing into the I-Zone, taking up position ahead.”
“Lieutenant Shaw, send the same messages as before regarding I-Zone encroachment and the planet. Log their position and transmit everything you have to the recorder buoy. Helm prepare for maximum hyperlight.”
Looks passed around the Bridge but no one spoke.
“Sir, Helm is ready at your command.” Richards glanced to Reid, who crossed his fingers and held his breath.
“Go to 200c… now.”
Bellerophon leapt.
Haversen punched the intercom. “Mr. Simmons, give me a three-minute countdown.”
“Aye, sir, two forty-five… mark.”
“Tactical, where are the Jen’riss?”
“Falling behind quickly sir, but still in pursuit.”
“They’re burning up hypercomm with their chatter,” reported Shaw.
“Two minutes, mark. Coil temperature rising.”
“Commander Somura, monitor and advise phase coil temperature and call it out on Engineering’s mark increments.”
“One minute thirty seconds.”
“Coil temperature fifteen hundred.”
“Tell me when it hits redline. Tactical?”
“Jen’riss in pursuit, sir. Falling behind rapidly.”
The decks began a subtle vibration, one Haversen had never felt in all his years in Earthfleet.
“One minute, mark.”
“Two thousand degrees, sir.”
“Comm, send the hail, ‘Code Stinger’ again.” Haversen clung to the arms of his command seat as Bellerophon shook.
“Thirty seconds, Captain.”
“Twenty-two hundred degrees, coming up on redline.”
“Fifteen.”
“Twenty-four hundred.” Somura nearly slid from her chair, but managed to stay upright. The decks shook as loose objects fell about.
“Three minutes… mark!”
/>
“Redline.”
“Sir, shall I—”
“Keep your foot to the floor, Mr. Richards.”
The Bridge was silent as they hurdled on. The ship groaned, nearly as in protest.
“Captain, plus thirty seconds!”
“Redline plus two hundred.”
“Tactical?”
“Still following, sir, but continuing to fall behind.”
“Sir, plus one minute! Please reduce speed!”
“Redline plus four hundred.”
The shuddering of the decks had become intense vibration. Screens began to blink out and the main viewer went black for several seconds. The Aux Nav tech nearly bounced from her seat.
“Plus ninety seconds!” Simmons’s voice was nearly pleading.
“Five hundred degrees over redline.” Somura’s voice was cool as ever.
“Sir, may I ask—” Ndashimye’s voice from the intercom was rigid.
“Later, XO.” If there is a later, thought Haversen.
“Sir, six hundred degrees above redline.”
“Captain!”
The ship bucked, groaned, and Haversen was certain he could feel Space itself racing through his body.
“Two minutes over!”
“Captain, seven hundred degrees above redline.”
“Reduce speed, 80c, Helm. Commander, let me know when temperatures have fallen to normal.”
Somura watched as the temp monitor clicked off numbers slowly.
“Tactical, where are they?”
“Closing now, sir, still at 100c. We don’t have much time.”
“Ready weapons, activate all countermeasures and rotate the frequencies. E-tech, assist Tactical.”
Bellerophon lurched, then again, dropping to sublight. A rumble rose from far beneath the command seat, then all was quiet.
“Engineering to Captain. Our Number Two phase coil just failed.”
The Bridge was silent as Haversen nodded slowly in his command seat.