Cora was reviewing the contract of service, so Sara took the lull in conversation to clarify why they needed a new contract.
“What’s so different about UHS Raven that we would need a new contract?” Sara asked as politely as she could, while her nerves rattled at her lack of magical abilities.
The Elif officer’s face lit up with excitement, “The Raven is the first ship to utilize the new controller tank setup. It’s an old design that we are eager to implement, now that the first fleet is ready and patrolling the Sol system. It integrates the controller completely with the ship, to the point that the controller becomes the ship, in a way.”
“Are you saying that the controller is a permanent fixture in the ship, and not just utilized in battle and warp duty? But no one can be on all the time. When would you sleep?” Sara asked, her brows knitting in concern.
“That’s the beauty of the tank system. There is no need to come out of the tank. All your nutrients will be provided, and REM cycles are induced, cutting sleep time to short bursts. Your subconscious would maintain any spellforms during REM cycles. The benefits of the system are undeniable; response times are cut down to the speed of thought, and situational awareness is enhanced exponentially. The controller would not feel as though they are cut off from the people on the ship, so much as they would experience everything on the ship. The amplifiers are able to produce fivefold the power output of traditional setups.”
Sara had her doubts that the controller wouldn't feel isolated from everyone if they spent all their time in a tank. “It sounds rather lonely. Have the tanks been tested long-term? Are there any drawbacks to the system?”
“The tanks have been thoroughly tested, I can assure you. We Elif would use the system ourselves, but we cannot make the system work for our physiology. Otherwise we would not have needed to come to Earth and ask for your help. Trust me when I say the system is the most advanced in the galaxy.” He beamed with pride at that proclamation, as if he had invented the system himself.
Cora looked up from the tablet. “It says here that the term of service is only two years, then we would have the option to re-up at that time, or retire. That seems a little short. Standard service from the academy is eight years.”
The lieutenant squirmed uncomfortably at that for a moment before answering. “The Raven is what you would call a ‘special operation vehicle’. It is designed to operate on its own with minimal support for long periods. While the tank system has been thoroughly tested, we are still worried that it would wear on the user too much in actual operation. This ship is our real-world test, so to speak. The shortened term reflects the heightened nature of the danger the crew and controller would face. Think of it as hazard pay on steroids, if you like. If you decide to re-up, the term would be for another two years, with the same conditions at the end of that term.”
“What if we go in, and our psyches can't take the stress? Are we just stuck there for two years?” Sara asked, concerned how she was going to pull this off with Alister. He couldn't very well go in the tank with her.
“Obviously, in that case, you would be pulled out immediately and reassigned to another ship. There are several coming out of the yards in the next month,” Commander Gregson said, looking at the Elif with a face that said he would not let his recruits be harmed.
The Elif smiled and nodded. “As the commander says. There is very little risk to you, beyond the danger the nature of the solo operations would entail. If I may, this is an extraordinary opportunity for the both of you. Your records and performance evaluations have been thoroughly studied, but our final decision to choose the two of you came when your final exam footage was reviewed.” He smiled and leaned back to appraise them. “Did you know, of all the students to take that particular exam, you were the only examinees who actually destroyed the Teifen carrier? Most of the captains in service right now either ran long enough for support to arrive, or were destroyed themselves. It’s a very hard test; one would say it’s nearly impossible to actually destroy a carrier with nothing more than a corvette.”
Sara blushed at the compliment. “We were really the first to defeat the enemy on our own?”
Commander Gregson barked a laugh. “Captain Sonders, you two are some of the most accomplished students I’ve ever had at this academy. I would have been surprised if you didn't do something extraordinary in your exam.”
“The commander is right. You two are exceptional. That stunt you pulled is exactly the kind of thing we need when it comes to the Raven.”
Sara looked to Cora, who gave her a nod. She was in.
Shit.
“Sir, this sounds like an excellent opportunity. We would love to take you up on the offer. Where do we sign?” Sara said, hoping to god they would have a few days to figure out the magic glitch she was experiencing.
The Lieutenant smiled broadly and reached over to point at the bottom of the tablet. “Cora Sonders will sign here, and Sara Sonders, here.”
It took Sara a moment to realize he didn't know which of them was which, and it made her want to giggle. She took the tablet and signed where he had pointed for her, then passed the tablet to Cora. Cora, instead of just signing, read the fine print beneath.
“Excuse me, Sir, but it says here that I will be the controller and Sara will be acting captain. We were under the impression that I would be captain, and she would be controller.”
“We are aware that that was the understanding, but in light of the final exam, and Sara's deep knowledge of tactics—along with your own knowledge of spell theory—we decided it would be a better fit to reverse the roles. There will be a need for much more inventiveness than flying in formation and using the standard spells. Do you still want to participate? Obviously, both of you must agree, if the Raven is to be yours.”
Cora took a beat, not even looking at Sara, and signed her name.
Sara opened her mouth to protest, but Cora shook her head. “They’re right. You’re the best choice to take the lead on this one. Maybe I’ll take the next.”
Sara appreciated the words, but she caught her sister’s crestfallen smile.
Chapter 12
They boarded the shuttle the next morning. The trip up to the shipyard in orbit had taken half an hour, and they were on final approach to their new ship.
“She’s bigger than Hilf made her sound,” Cora commented as they took in UHS Raven.
“Not in comparison to that behemoth,” Sara said, pointing to the cruiser next to the Raven. “I hear they are starting construction on a capital ship this year. It’s supposed to be five kilometers long and need over a hundred mages to power it.”
Alister pressed his furry head to the window and watched the cruiser disappear below them.
The Raven was different than anything they had ever seen. True, it was built on a Corvette frame, but the heavy modifications made the relatively small ship look dangerous. There were gun ports sprouting from bulbous sections all across the hull, and two Aether cannons protruded from side by side turrets, allowing them to be aimed independent of one another.
The hull itself was matte black, unlike the silvery gray of the other ships in the fleet. The coating, according to the report they had both read the night before, was a kind of Aetherically sensitive material that would give Cora greater insight with her scans.
“It looks formidable,” Cora said.
“It looks sexy,” Sara said, and meant it. She felt a flutter in her stomach as the sight of the ship made the reality of their commission more real.
“Sexy and fast. The thin profile looks like it could cut through atmosphere if it needed to.”
“The ship is rated for atmospheric flight if need be, but the three dropships should keep you in space. Though seeing that thing screaming down from orbit would make even the toughest Teifen soil themselves, I suspect,” Sara chuckled.
“Let’s hope this tank system is all they say it is. I want to do a beautiful piece of machinery like that justice,” Cora told
her.
Sara rubbed Cora's back in a familial way, “You’re going to do great.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about,” Cora said, flicking a glance at Alister.
Sara reddened a little. She and Alister had practiced all through the night; at least, Sara had tried to practice. Alister just sat there, looking at her like she was crazy, until he gave up and fell asleep.
“I’m getting better,” Sara lied.
Alister gave her a stern look that didn't escape Cora’s notice.
“ ‘Better’ is not good enough. You can't put our people in danger out of pride.”
“It’ll be fine. I can feel it. Alister made it clear that it would take a few days, and it’s only been two. I’ll let you know if it’s not happening.”
Cora didn't say anything, and Sara didn't want to keep this line of talk going, so she shut up and watched out the window until they were bumping up against Raven’s docking clamp.
Alister had curled up on her lap and fallen asleep. Sara thanked the cat gods that he didn't throw her any more looks for Cora to pick up on.
“Whose side are you on, you little shit?” Sara whispered to the small cat.
Alister flicked an ear in reply.
Chapter 13
The shuttle airlock opened to an older man in dress uniform who Sara recognized as Colonel Grimms.
She had read his file on the shuttle ride up, trying to familiarize herself with her staff. He was an ex-SEAL in the American Navy, in the time before the arrival of the Elif.
He snapped her a crisp salute, which she and Cora returned.
“Permission to come aboard, Commander,” Sara said formally.
“The ship is yours, Captain Sonders,” he finished the tradition.
Sara reached out and shook his hand as she stepped into the white corridor, “Pleasure to meet you, Commander Grimms. I am sorry we did not have a chance to meet earlier, but forty-eight hours ago, we had no idea we would be here. This is my sister, Captain Cora Sonders. She will be working as our controller.”
Grimms took Cora's hand. “A pleasure, Captain. I, too, regret not being able to meet earlier, but it seems the United Human Fleet already has a mission for us. The orders just came in twenty minutes ago, and I’ve sent the details to your tablet. As soon as the ship is buttoned up this evening, we are to make way,” he said.
“So soon? I thought we would have a day or two at the least,” Sara said with trepidation. This was moving too fast. She had gotten a taste of her ability back, but a taste would not shield them from weapons fire.
Commander Grimms turned and motioned for them to walk with him. “That was the plan, but it seems an Elif research colony has spotted a Teifen scout in the area, and they are worried that they will be attacked. We’re to move into orbit and guard the planet until the Elif can evacuate to the Raven.”
Sara was surprised she didn’t see anyone working, preparing the ship for its maiden voyage, as she walked down the corridor. “Commander, where is everyone?”
Grimms looked to see if Sara was joking. “They are in the docking bay, Sir.” When that didn't garner a response other than knitted eyebrows, he clarified, “They are waiting for words and introductions from you.”
“Oh, right. Sorry, Commander. My mind has been a little frazzled from the quick pace of our move. Please, lead the way.”
Cora gave her a ‘you knew this was coming’ look, and all Sara could do was shrug. She had known, but had not thought about what to say to her first command. She started making notes in her head as they walked.
“It’s fine, I understand the last few days have been hectic for you. It has for the crew, as well. We’ve been pushing hard to be ready to quickly make way. I’m sure the crew will be excited to hear what you have to say,” Grimms said, coming to a large double door. He handed Sara and Cora each an earpiece, showing them how to put them in. “These are your onboard comms and will allow us to amplify your voices. I’ll announce you, then please come in and say a few words.”
“Thank you, Commander,” Cora said as she wiggled the earpiece into place.
The Commander walked through the doors as they slid open at his approach, then they closed behind him.
They heard his words to the assembled crew in their earpieces.
“Attention! Ladies and gentlemen, you have worked hard to prepare this ship for her captain and our impending mission. The final two pieces of this great warship are now onboard and eager to meet you all. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Captains Cora Sonders and Sara Sonders.”
Sara gave Cora’s hand a squeeze then walked up to the doors. As they slid open, she could see a raised platform where Commander Grimms stood at attention, holding a salute. She walked up the few steps to the platform, closely followed by Cora.
The bay was large enough that the entire crew along with the three large dropships could fit with some room to spare. The door to the bay was open, a shimmering energy shield keeping the atmosphere in, and looked out on a view of the shipyard spreading out like a metallic lily pad in the ocean of space.
The assembled crew stood in rank and file. She knew there were nearly twelve hundred Marines and crew aboard ship, but seeing them all at once was a sharp reminder of her responsibilities. Every one of them held a rigid salute.
Looking over the assembled crew, Sara felt a stab of fear that she was making a huge mistake; she pushed that fear down into a little box labeled ‘too late now’ and put a smile on her face. She knew these people were putting their lives in her hands, and she was determined to do her best for them.
She and Cora snapped to attention, executing sharp salutes in return.
“At ease,” Sara said, taking the initiative and stepping up to the podium in the center of the platform.
Everyone stood at parade rest, awaiting her words. She looked over the crowd. Every eye was on her, every attendee no doubt wondering how a tall, thin, twenty-six-year-old, neon-red-haired woman achieved the exalted rank of captain. Then they looked to Cora, her identical twin standing a step behind her, and they knew the answer.
They were not just some young women; they were twin mages. By definition, powerful mages. Sara was determined to let her new crew know that she and Cora had earned their rank, and would work hard to make the Raven the best ship in the fleet. A twin set was needed to make a warship something more than hundreds of tons of metal. Their presence would elevate this hunk of steel and plastic into a warship unlike anything humanity had ever seen before.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Captain Sara Sonders. I apologize that we have not had the time to learn all your names just yet, but be assured, Cora and I will endeavor to do just that. We are honored to serve with you, and we would like you all to know that we appreciate every one of you, and the efforts you have already put forward.
“This ship is the most advanced in the fleet. So much so that we are tasked with a unique set of parameters. We are a lone operator, out in the abyss. We are a one-ship line in the proverbial sand. The enemy will cower in fear when our outline comes over the horizon. They will know that this ship is the best and is crewed by the best.
“Know that my door is open. You have all been trusted to run and maintain this ship, and that means I value your input. If you have concerns, come to me or send me a message. We are a relatively small crew and will be working closely together for long periods. I am your ally, and will do everything in my power to see you all home.”
Sara began to take a step back when something occurred to her. She stepped up to the podium once more and opened her shoulder bag, motioning for Alister to jump up on her shoulder. He gave her a disapproving look, but she was insistent, and he finally relented and jumped from the bag to her shoulder.
Some of the crew let out gasps at the black form shooting from the bag.
“This is Alister. He is my…” She hesitated then continued, “Pet, and will be granted full access to the ship. He will be wherever I am; don’t be surprised
if you happen across him in a corridor.”
She stepped back to let Cora take the podium, as the crew applauded and murmured about the cat.
They quieted, and Cora began her speech. “I am Captain Cora Sonders, your new controller. This ship is set up a little different than all the others, as I’m sure you have all become aware of. I will be interred in a tank that will provide me with an unparalleled connection to the Aether. Because of this semi-permanent arrangement, I will have many of you taking care of me personally as I take care of you. I want to thank those who will be my caretakers in advance. I am sure we will have many conversations in our time together.
“This is a new venture, and one that I must say has me excited for the possibilities. I will do my utmost to protect you all in my time as the heart of this ship.”
She stepped back, and the crowd once again applauded.
Commander Grimms stepped forward. “You have all been given your orders. We ship out in eight hours. Dismissed!”
The crew saluted in unison, then began to disperse through the many doors into other parts of the ship.
Grimms turned to the two. “Captains, I realize you have just arrived, but we are scheduled for departure in just under eight hours. I’ve taken the liberty of having a meal prepared for the three of us in your quarters; I am told it will be your last meal together for some time, so I had the cook make something special. After dinner, we will make our way to the controller’s room. We need to get Captain Cora in the tank, and test her connections.”
They walked from the hangar, Alister following close behind.
Sara caught a glimpse of the remaining crew regarding her as they left. She was sure the looks they were giving her were not ones of confidence. Why did she have to fuck up her speech by introducing a pet?
War Mage Chronicles- Part One Page 7