Corb immediately knew he did not want confirmation of Landry’s statement. He stared, unblinking, at Cass until she responded. Her soft response surprised only the Ajawlil and Plentari.
“Earth.”
“Corb, I have Chairperson Patterson available.”
“Put her on the monitors, thanks.”
The chairperson appeared, looking none too happy.
“Corb, do you know what time it is? What is so damned urgent you interrupted my dinner?”
Ignoring the informal barb from the chairperson, Corb quickly ran down the group’s discussions and resulting plans.
“Let me get this straight. You are recommending we accelerate the fighter upgrades to protect Earth. To make that happen, you want me to authorize sending our only freighter, the only ship earning credits for the TCCC, to pick up and ferry the fighters to Earth.
“I thought we had a plan? Take ore to Plentari and Kripkeni. Pick up the fighters and a load of who-knows-what, rinse and repeat. Why the urgency? And don’t give me some line about precautions. What is going on?”
“Janice, we do not know where Admiral Jymind is or what he is doing. I need to go find him. The only way to do that is to accelerate the fighter upgrades. I need the Marissa to transport the fighters to Earth. Also …”
“Also what, cowboy?”
“We received a message from Admiral Jymind.”
Corb waited for the murmuring to fade away. It was the chairperson who chimed in first.
“Let me guess, cowboy, you made a new friend and he wants to have high tea next Thursday?”
A few smiles, but no one laughed at the comment before Corb retorted. “Drinks and dinner, actually. We received the message two days ago. It is audio only and only traceable back two hops using the FTL communicator. Landry, play the message.”
“Captain of the Jaguar, Raitt, I offer you a deal. I will spare you, your crew, and Earth in exchange for the Jaguar and the Enlightened One.”
Horrified silence was broken by the career diplomat. “Captain Turner, get those upgraded fighters to Sol as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Captain Raitt, do not give up the Jaguar, do you understand?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Corb, get Jexond moving with the fighter upgrades and replacements.”
“Already done. Landry, when will the fighters reach Kripkeni?”
“Ten Ajawlil fighters will reach Kripkeni in three days.”
“Let me guess, cowboy, forgiveness is easier to get than permission. Don’t bother, I don’t care. Davinder, speak.”
“Until this threat is removed, we need to support the Triad.”
“Interesting choice of words, Davinder. I expected you to support Corb. Why the change?”
“Madame Chairman, I have come to understand the nature of these events is directing us, the galaxy collectively, to an understanding of the Triad. Corb happens to be the fool who fell into the dung pile and came up smelling rosy. Corb is the focal point, but the Triad is the center of this saga.”
Davinder’s words were surprising enough that Cass stopped reading and, along with everyone else, sat gaping at Colonel Khatter. Waiting, the colonel looked to the Plentari. Eventually, Jirmina picked up and responded to the nuanced non-verbal request.
“Colonel Khatter is stating what is known to all. The Enlightened One is the redeemer. The Triad has supremacy based in the Rule of Three.”
Expecting everyone to understand the reference, Jirmina stopped and waited. Nick could not help himself.
“Buncha tosh. I’ve lost the plot. Before everyone throws a wobbly, someone explain supremacy based in the Rule of Three.”
The Plentari and Ajawlil translation devices were slow in correctly addressing Nick’s slang. Janish sat forward, pulling the group’s attention away from Nick’s outburst.
“He said … this is frustrating and pushing us to our limits. We have known and unknown threats to our safety. A cryptic statement about a Rule of Three does not help. Jirmina, please explain your statement.”
“I do not know how to explain it. It is the Rule of Three. Every child learns the Rule of Three and its power.”
Cass sat forward, level with Janish, and smoothly brought everyone up to speed.
“The Three Blind Mice, Three Little Pigs, Three Little Kittens, Baa Baa Black Sheep. The three pyramids at Giza. Those are the ones off the top of my head. There is one more … DNA … human DNA is written in a pattern of threes.”
Cass looked from Janish to Corb, who understood. It was Corb who continued.
“The Triad is the key. It is a door, it is a pathway, between our realm and the realm of dark matter. There is a third realm, or domain. A third existence. Invoking the Triad connects the three domains and creates a crevasse in the space-time continuum. Think of the crevasse not as a tear in the fabric of space but as a warp conduit.
“The Alcubierre Wave theory uses the two known domains to interlace their fabrics. The slipstream, the hyper-tunnels, and the star-portals all use a variant of the Alcubierre Wave theory.
“The Triad is something more. When the Triad pulls in the third domain, the acceleration effect of transit within the trilateral domain is …”
Pausing, Corb realized he was jumping ahead of, and confusing, most in the group. He had forgotten Chairperson Patterson was still online. Catching Janice’s intense focus, Corb veered away from the details.
“It is all a theory I have been working on. We know, we accept, the Triad is the key. We need to find the meaning of the Triad. First, we deal with Jymind. If we are done talking, I suggest we light the candle and blow this pop stand.”
A frustrated Jirxena broke the tension. “Landry?”
“Yes, Jirxena.”
“Landry, can you compile a list of idioms and colloquialisms commonly used by the human members we routinely encounter.”
“Yes, of course, I can create the list. The data you request is easily found on Earth’s grid. I will prepare it for you now.”
“No. I want the list added to the language translators. Can you do that, upgrade the translators? I presume the Ajawlil would like their translators upgraded also. Upgraded translators will be of value while we continue to serve the Enlightened One in Sol.”
“Yes, I can upgrade the translators. I will prepare the protocols and issue them before we depart.”
Not someone to let a sleeping dog lie, Nick asked the obvious question. “Jirxena, is there a reason you asked for the translator upgrade now?”
“Yes, Nick, there is a reason. I am sure your comments earlier, buncha tosh, I’ve lost the plot, and before everyone throws a wobbly, were translated poorly. It required several minutes to receive the correct translation. It is frustrating to wait for important points to be understood.”
“Ah, sorry, love. What I said was not important. I was frustrated and venting. Janish is always on about me being more professional.”
Looking to Janish for support, Nick did not expect Jirxena’s next comment.
“Nick, we need the translator upgrades. I am sure you did not say what we heard.”
Nick’s mischievous grin returned. Jirxena understood the non-verbal request.
“There is much poop on my knuckles. It is making me upset.”
The humans roared with laughter and Patterson dropped her video feed. Everyone stood to depart, leaving on a positive note. Lucinda put on her metaphorical captain’s hat.
“Landry put up the clocks. Also, teach the crew on the Marissa how to calculate and display the transit times.”
“Will do.”
Time to Shuttle Departure: 00:19:11.
Time to Jaguar Departure: 01:22:11.
Chapter Twenty-Three
ᚳᚻᚪᛈᛏᛖᚱ ᛏᚹᛖᚾᛏᚣ-ᛏᚻᚱᛖᛖ
“There’s only one basic principle of self-defense—you must apply the most effective weapon, as soon as possible, to the most vulnerable target.”
Bruce Lee
“Four more hyper-tunnels. Another nine to twelve weeks. It is unlikely Jymind will be in Caracol when we arrive.”
Seven weeks after departing Sol on their way to the Caracol system, the Jaguar was idling in deep space between the third and fourth of seven hyper-tunnel legs.
“Landry, put up a map of our current location.”
The monitors on the bridge exchanged the images of Earth with a black mass with thousands of distant points of light.
“Landry, are we really that far from any star system?”
“Yes, Lucinda, the nearest star system is more than six thousand light-years from our current position.”
“Wow, okay. How far to the next hyper-tunnel entrance?”
“Five-point-two light-years.”
The crew was attentive, but the long faces told Lucinda it was time for a change.
“Corb, Janish, we need to use the star-portal. We can cut months off this trip if we figure out how to use the star-portal.”
The crew sat up a little taller. Lucinda’s suggestion had grabbed their attention.
“Landry, plot a route to the Caracol system.”
A long red line appeared on the monitors.
“Landry, split the line ten light-years from the Caracol system and terminate it at a location two light-years from Caracol Seven with negative declination.”
A green line appeared, veering off the red line.
“That is what we must do. Use the star-portal, follow the red line, veer along the green line, and drop out in the middle of nowhere. If we’re to have any chance of catching Jymind, the star-portal is the key.
“When we drop out of the star-portal trilateral domain, we will rest. We will be far enough from Caracol to go unnoticed. When we are rested, we will slipstream the Jaguar into the Caracol system. We will make it look like we came through a common shipping route.”
Lucinda waited, letting the implications of her suggestion linger. Janish realized everyone was slowly curving to look at her.
“I suppose I need to put all those hours I spent in the gym and on the treadmill to some good use.”
“Janish, it is a very long way.”
“Yes, Corb, but what if we don’t stop Jymind? I can do it. Lucinda?”
“I agree with Janish. If we don’t stop Jymind … what’s the point? We will make one change. We will practice entering and exiting the trilateral domain using the star-portal. Corb, tell us more about the third realm you mentioned back in Sol.”
“Landry and I have been working on this theory for several months. There is our realm, the known universe. Everything we can see, touch, and feel. There is the dark matter realm. It is the dark matter which allows us to teleport and travel FTL. The FTL communication devices create a micro-wormhole in dark matter. The slipstream and hyper-tunnels are conduits in the dark matter realm.
“We started using the term domain in place of realm when we concluded the third realm was not like the others. We have the domain of our existence. Then there is the domain of dark matter. The third domain is dark energy. This is where it becomes a little tricky. The dark matter domain is, essentially, a void. The unusual physics inside the dark matter domain are what permit the FTL speeds. The velocity when entering the dark matter domain is amplified. The quantum calculations are mind-boggling. Theoretically, entering the dark matter domain at close to the speed of light, at c, would create an instantaneous point-to-point transit.
“Our ships, and probably our bodies, would not survive the transit into the domain at c. Therefore, we enter the slipstream and the hyper-tunnels between point-four and point-five-eight c.
“The star-portals do something else after emergence into the dark matter domain. The star-portal reaches across and pulls forward a narrow portion of the dark energy domain. Dark matter and dark energy are analogous to magnets. The dissimilar poles, north to south, repel. The similar poles, north to north, attract. Dark matter and dark energy are north poles, they repel each other.
“Enter the dark matter domain, pull a small piece of the dark energy domain in behind you, and the opposing force accelerates the transit. You can think of the dark energy as a wave on the ocean. Like a surfer, if you are paddling fast enough, you let the wave catch you and you ride it for as long as possible.
“The more dark energy you pull behind you, the bigger the wave, and the faster you will transit through the dark matter conduit. It is also harder to control a bigger wave and the resulting faster transit. That’s it boiled down.”
“That is a good summary, Corb. You know, I presume, that surfers occasionally hit the rocks. What have you done to ensure our safety while using the star-portal?”
“NT, that is a good question. First, we slip the Jaguar into the dark matter domain. Once we are moving FTL, we invoke the star-portal. That is an important distinction. Before, we jumped directly into the star-portal. By invoking the star-portal conduit after reaching FTL speed, the Triad will have the ability to meter the flow of dark energy.”
“Meter the flow?”
“Nick, we will control the size of the wave. We will not let the light, the energy, of the symbols run rampant. If we focus on limiting, focus on metering the light emissions, less dark energy will be drawn into the flow.”
“Is that proven or is that your theory?”
“Cass, it is a theory. Landry?”
“Cass, everyone, the math works. Corb and I have run millions of simulations and revised the quantum calculations. Lucinda’s recommendation to engage in training sessions, shorter duration events using the star-portal, will provide data necessary to refine the calculations.”
“Yes, but. … We can assume the quantum calculations are fine. Doesn’t it come down to the Triad being able to control, being able to meter, the flow?”
“Yes, Nick, ultimately it comes down to Lucinda, Janish, and me controlling the flow.”
“How do you propose we test your theories?”
“Lucinda, the first step is to stop using the blindfolds. They are a crutch. We will use sunglasses. If the light becomes too intense, we meter back. We try two or three hops, gather the data, and adjust the calculations. If we make two or three hops, Landry will be able to correlate the lumens produced by the symbols to how far the Jaguar transits. We meter the light to control the Jaguar’s speed within the star-portal.”
Lucinda cut off the debate. “It is settled. Dinner, a movie, and in the morning, we meter the star-portal. Jirxena, it is your turn to pick the movie.”
Jirxena’s response produced cheers and groans. “Just a few household chemicals in the proper proportions.”
Rising, the crew moved to the galley for dinner and the movie, Nick and NT trading quotes from Tremors along the short journey.
“What kind of fuse is that?”
“Cannon fuse.”
“What the hell do you use it for?”
“My cannon.”
“Ragnar, Nick, you two be ready for anything when we drop out of the star-portal conduit.”
Lucinda’s request came out as an order.
“Confirmed.”
“You got it, skipper.”
“NT, when we drop out of the conduit, I want a complete system’s check.”
“Already programmed and ready, Lucinda.”
“Janish, have you and Landry agreed upon a methodology for calculating the time displacement?”
“Yes, Lucinda. Landry will monitor the lumens produced by the symbols. We will be able to correlate the time and distance to velocity.”
“NT, Cass, Jirxena, Jirmina, anything to add?”
Lucinda’s query was met with silence.
“Okay, let’s light this candle.”
The Triad rotated their chairs to the center of the triangular riser. Along with the crew, they slipped on their sunglasses and pulled their restraints a little tighter. Feet flat on the floor, forearms on the chair arms, the trio focused on pushing the Jaguar into the slipstream. The crew had beco
me accustomed to the nauseating effects of entering and exiting the dark matter domain. No one cared to look at the monitors showing the odd blue-green vortex of the slipstream.
Time in SP Conduit: 00:00:00.
Without speaking, Corb, Lucinda, and Janish focused on the symbols, creating a faint glow. Increasing their focus amplified the intensity of the symbols’ light emission.
Time in SP Conduit: 00:01:13.
If the Jaguar’s FTL velocity increased, it was imperceptible to the crew. Normally a vocal crew, the silence was intense. With their stations closest to the waif, Cass and NT watched Janish carefully. Nick and Ragnar monitored Lucinda from their stations. Jirxena and Jirmina were unable to take their eyes off Corb.
With an eye on the chronometer, Ragnar waited for the agreed-to duration to expire.
Time in SP Conduit: 00:10:00.
“Time!”
The glow from the symbols faded gradually. The Jaguar slowed until the transition into normal space was felt by the crew. Pulling off their eye protection, everyone looked at everyone else with satisfaction. Loosening their restraints, the crew’s rehearsed efficiency took hold.
“Ragnar?”
“Lucinda, scans report no bogies.”
“NT?”
“Five-by-five, captain.”
“Nick, where are we?”
“Lucinda, I am rerunning the positioning algorithm. Stand by.”
Lucinda was internally proud she was capable of waiting quietly for a full thirty seconds.
“Nick?”
“Landry, have you confirmed this position?”
“Yes, Nick, your analysis is correct.”
“Where in the hell are we?”
“Lucinda, we are still nowhere. The closest star system is approximately five-point-five light-years from our current position.”
“Well, that is good news. Right, Nick?”
“Yes, of course, Cass.”
“Our experiment is a success. What is the problem?”
“Cass, we traveled two light-years in ten minutes. That is point-two light-years per minute. Rounding up, Caracol is six thousand light-years from our current position.”
BairnGefa- The Akashic Expedition Page 17