Kodon

by Chris Mills

  “Please, sit,” Jim said. “I promise to make this quick.”

  Stephen took a seat by Andy. Jim worked with a small console before him attached to the table. He pressed his handheld once more. A white glow grew from the table. A starship rose from its depths and floated before them. A swipe on the console made it grow.

  “Here we are,” Jim said. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t send information on the Celestial.”

  “I thought this was a prototype,” Herald said.

  “It had been. We decided to go forth and make it a starship six months ago.”

  The Celestial didn’t appear like it would be a big ship - regardless of blowing it up. It would make the engine segments too large. It had a slim body, similar to that of a small cruiser, which grew some in the front. A front section came out and curved around. Not more than two-thirds of the ship were taken by these engines. Six of them were attached, three above and below, angled around the body and hanging over the back.

  “Let me explain,” Jim said. “This is the Celestial, and the only of its kind. It serves as a deep space exploration vessel. It’s equipped with the most advanced stealth technology. We had developed it so it can pass through space of known life without alerting them.”

  “Huh?” Gabe said.

  “From where you came from, you had technology to be in space, correct?” Jim questioned. Stephen nodded. “If we passed through it, we may be seen. This Celestial is designed so it is not. It can also fool many vessels at a distance”

  “Can it be invisible?” Kim asked.

  “There is a feature which can make it appear to not exist. The sort of technology to completely cloak a ship without any distortion hasn’t come to where we need it. The Celestial can mirror its surroundings. For its purpose we are concerned with it being silent and kept off sensors. This is what it looks like then.”

  The six engine sections rose from the hull, each being held to a point. Jim took his handheld and muttered something. Stars soon were projected in. The bland Celestial came to color and faded slightly with its pitch-black coat. The blue glow of its engines was faint. It sped by a planet, appearing like a shadow in the night. Back the sections came into place. The Celestial kept its pitch-black hull. Red appeared in strips down each of the engines and the front.

  “Wow,” Stephen said.

  “That may be a simulation,” Jim began, “and is what it does. We had to make some modifications so it could serve. No one likes the idea of a starship that can completely blend. That does not matter when it comes to its stealth mode.”

  “Those engines were cool,” Gabe said. The Celestial faded, along with the light at the bottom of the table. “Why do they have to extend?”

  “It creates specific fields,” Jim said. “The Celestial may be small, but in its stealth mode, it can outmaneuver plenty. Sadly, that form does limit its full speed. It’s faster than any ship I command.”

  “You take a lot of pride in it,” Stephen said.

  “Yes, I do,” Jim said with a large smile. “I hope you will find it fitting.”

  “It looks awesome,” Andy said. “So, what do we do?”

  “I have picked a team of individuals to assist in finding the Aliefens,” Jim said. “I have pulled needed data to assist in determining the best starting point. There will be an away team and there is a resource team to assist. Tomorrow, you’ll learn more about Sterno Operations.”

  “If I may ask,” Stephen began, “how many will be onboard?”

  “The Celestial had been meant for exploration specifically,” Jim said. “Vessels that spend a lot of time with its original role don’t have a lot of people. There are sixty crew members who will board tomorrow.”

  “Sixty?” Herald questioned.

  “There are family members atop that,” Jim said. “I think we are at seventy-one total occupants. I would need to confirm that. We have some fresh graduates and those taking to a second round. I do apologize, you are the oldest onboard, Herald.”

  “You’re making me feel old.”

  “I do apologize. Are there any questions before you enjoy the party?”

  Stephen grabbed another of the purple eggs with an orange yolk. Deviled eggs had met their match. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and eyed a drink. The upper level had the same food as that below. There were four areas to get food and drinks. A place on the lower level had been designated for desserts which he’d have to get to - a couple times.

  Seventy-one people seemed a little small for a community, yet not too bad knowing there will be a lot of people his age and into their mid 30s. He could make friends easily. He met a couple people already who seemed very nice. Stephen sipped away on some blue punch. Its tang could be less.

  “Papa,” a little girl said. “More.”

  “No,” the father of a little Telicion said. He picked up the youngling and brought her back to her chair. The three at the table had crumbs left on their plates.

  “More?”

  “No, Lex.”

  “One more can’t hurt,” the wife said. The father rolled his eyes. Off the little girl rushed and snatched another of the awesome stuffed shells. She might have been three at the most.

  “I apologize,” the father told Stephen.

  “It’s no problem,” Stephen chuckled. “I’m Stephen Jones.”

  “Mike Vandabar,” Mike said with a smile. He shook Stephen’s hand. “This is my lovely wife, Gecopi, and our little bundle, Lex.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Stephen said. “Are you all staying onboard?”

  “Yes,” Gecopi said. “We thought it best with Lex at her age. I’ve heard good things about the Celestial.”

  “Where are you two serving?”

  “I am the teacher aboard,” Gecopi said, pulling their daughter close. Her giggles brought a smile to each of their faces. “I will be watching the young.”

  “I’m in Sterno Operations,” Mike said.

  “Sterno?”

  “Yeah. I’m not sure everything I’ll be doing. I’m a science officer and found myself handpicked a days ago.”

  “They don’t always give enough forewarnings,” Gecopi said. “We were placed on a station a month ago. Now we’re going back into space. It isn’t all bad. Lex is young.”

  “Fun,” Lex said. She nibbled away on her treat with her adorable smile.

  “And you didn’t mind being told that soon?” Stephen asked.

  “No,” Mike said. “Some people are told the very day they have to leave. Our housing is by the empire, so they are taking care of some of the move today. Stephen, what will you do?”

  “Sterno Operations,” Stephen said. “I didn’t mind the move.”

  “Well, I hope we can talk more later,” Mike said. “It will be a pleasure to work together. I never thought of all places it would be the Celestial. My, I saw the design. It will be a nice voyage.”

  “I agree,” Stephen said. “I’ll see you all later.”

  “You too, Stephen.”

  “Take care,” Gecopi said.

  Stephen grabbed another drink and decided to find the others. He stopped not far from the table. Andy didn’t at all need to be bugged. A lovely purple-haired Kazmilin and he chatted away at a small table. Her smile didn’t fade, and her eyes wouldn’t leave Andy. The two laughed once more. Andy raised his glass. The two knocked them together.

  Stephen grinned. He neared the stairs, taking back a large sip. Fingers drummed at the table and once more stopped. The girl sighed, reading her tablet. Those ears and hair quickly pointed to a Melistinian.

  “What are you reading?” Stephen asked.

  “An old novel from my planet,” the girl said. “It’s boring. I’m not sure what my father liked about it.”

  “What’s it about?” Stephen asked. He motioned to the chair. The girl nodded. “It can’t be that boring, can it?”

  “Everything has been done before. Six hundred years ago it would be better.”

  The girl pushed the
tablet aside and took hold of an interesting drink. Stephen heard he could get a mixed drink around here. The purple didn’t mix with the red and seemed to lighten as the fluid sped. She sipped once more from the tiny straw and pushed it away.

  “You don’t seem very happy to be here,” Stephen said. “Or was it the book?”

  The girl chuckled. “The book could have made it worse,” she said. “I really don’t feel like going on the Celestial. It will look good on my standing. My father urged me to take the offer. Time will tell if I made the right choice.”

  “Time reveals all,” Stephen said. “I’m Stephen.”

  “Serena,” Serena said.

  Serena was around Stephen’s age and was very beautiful like other Melistinian he had seen. Hair color for Melistinians was interesting; hers a darkish magenta that fell to her shoulders. That natural shine could rise easily. Her ears poked through her hair, yet only enough for the tips to pierce with how they were and how her hair lay.

  “Now,” Serena said. “What do you think about the Celestial?”

  “Me?” Stephen questioned. It wasn’t hard to quickly notice that now her words matched her lips. “I like what it’s capable of.” Serena sipped a bit from the straw. Ice rose. “It’ll be interesting when we leave tomorrow.”

  “Very,” Serena said. “What?”

  “Sorry,” Stephen said. He needed to quit staring at new races. “I haven’t seen that tint of eyes before.” The violet was unique and beautiful.

  “They’re my mother’s,” Serena said. “I have been fortunate to receive much of her. She passed before I could remember. My father is glad I take after her.”

  “That’s nice,” Stephen said. “I can’t say if I take after either of my parents.” His adopted father, Caleb, did have similar hair. All he saw of his birth parents were pictures, and he did share a lot from his birth father in that face. “I like being me.”

  “Your hair is a mess,” Serena warned. “You may want to get in under control before tomorrow.”

  “They’ve never said anything before about it.”

  “I see. You may want to read up on standard grooming. I’m certain the captain will be sterner than your last posting.”

  “Why are you upset?”

  “I’m irritated,” Serena admitted. Melistinians tended to have good control of their emotions. “This vessel’s capabilities are beyond what it will be used for. Councilman Wallace’s judgment has slipped.”

  “Don’t speak of him like that. He is a good man.”

  “You’re excited about what’s ahead and do not see what I do. I don’t think an average human can.”

  “That’s uncalled for.”

  “I’m not here to pretend, Stephen,” Serena said. “I believe in facts and reason. I apologize if I offended you.” She sighed. Ice remained in her glass. “I will see you onboard. Perhaps this mission will not be a waste of the Celestial. The councilman should have chosen a fitting starship for this.”

  One word had never been uttered since Stephen’s teen years. He had great respect for women. It could have slipped as Serena walked down the stairs with her drink. There was a lot he could have said, and ‘bitch’ would fit nicely. Tonight, should be cheerful, and he shouldn’t care about one opinion. She had a point that the Celestial seemed a bit much for this. Did some people already know the mission?

  “Lousy party,” someone muttered. Gabe slid into a chair with a foamy cup. “When did they lose touch of real music.” The two snickered. This orchestral crap of the future needed to fade. “The foods good. Drinks are free. I’m set for tomorrow. When are we supposed to get our uniforms?”

  “I think they should be at the hotel by now,” Stephen assumed. “I’m sure things will be fine before we leave tomorrow.”

  “I wish we knew more,” Gabe said. “Jim didn’t give us a lot of time.”

  “Herald probably has something already for us to read. I wouldn’t worry. Soon enough we’ll have our own comm lines and not hear second hand.”

  “I always hated that.”

  “Me too,” Stephen said. “Where’s Kim?”

  “She met,” Gabe began, and dropped his voice. He leaned close. “This real hottie. I mean drop dead gorgeous. One of Willard’s race.”

  “Melistinian.”

  “Yeah, them,” Gabe said. “I think her name is Laura. Why do some of them have Earthly names?”

  “Humans have been in the empire for a while. Some names are catchy. I met a nice woman named Geco…pe…maybe pi. I’ve heard a lot of weird names. I just met a real, you know what too, named Serena. Watch out for her. Where’s this Laura.”

  “It’d be wrong to spy,” Gabe said with a cheesy grin. He about tipped the chair getting up. Stephen hurried to the rail. Kim wasn’t alone talking to this real beauty. Laura could be on the cover of any magazine in their time. The two backed. “See.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah,” Gabe said. “I still can’t believe the crew is this small.”

  “There’s still a bunch to meet,” Stephen said.

  “Yeah,” Gabe said. “I’m going to try. I’m sorry. I mean it.”

  “Don’t worry,” Stephen said. “You’ll get home. We can spend some more time together at least. We’re coworkers again, minus our cars that smell of french fries.”

  “God, I hated that job,” Gabe said. “You had the right idea to quit. It ran too late.”

  “It almost killed me.”

  “No, that bitch almost did,” Gabe said. “I hope she never gets on the road again. Damn drunk.” The worst part of that accident was hearing what happened. All Stephen saw were lights and woke in pain in a hospital.

  “Hey guys,” Andy called. “I’d like you to meet, Sophie Zalbador.”

  “Hello,” Sophie said. “Andy has told me a lot about you. Which one of you is Stephen?”

  “I am,” Stephen said, quickly shaking her hand.

  Sophie had some nice fur to her. Large black spots were on her arms. Her smile revealed some pointy teeth. “I’m Gabe,” Gabe said. “It’s nice to meet you. How much has Andy told you about Stephen?”

  “Only that he’s accident prone,” Sophie giggled. She nudged Andy lightly. Her soft green eyes kept to him for a bit before they met Stephen’s yet again. “I’m certain you don’t have bad luck.”

  “I shouldn’t,” Stephen said.

  Kazmilin did have normal hair on their heads, which for some reason could not grow naturally longer than that of a human. Sophie’s differed a little darker than her coat. Hers fell naturally and for what Stephen’s saw of her race, it fit her well. She was very beautiful. The blue dress hugged her figure, and she had been gifted. A slit gave a view to something that did attract Stephen, yet the fur made things blend a bit much.

  “I’m in Sterno Operations,” Sophie said happily. “We all get to work together! I couldn’t believe when I got the message to join. I’ve never served on a starship before.”

  “I’m sure we’ll all have a good time,” Andy said. “Would you -”

  “Can I have your attention?” a voice came over the room. Jim had taken to the stage that now had risen. He spread his arms. “Attention. Put down your drinks. You’ve all had too much. You have duty shifts tomorrow!” Laughs rang out. “I wanted to introduce a very promising man. He took command in a grave time and proved himself fully. I can’t think of anyone else to take command of the Celestial. May I introduce, Captain Andrew Maley.”

  A well-built man in his early thirties shook Jim’s hand. Military cut sandy blonde hair, sharp eyes, and dressed in uniform; Captain Maley stepped forward. He turned about with only a slight smile.

  “Good evening,” Captain Maley spoke. “Enjoy this night. Drink and eat till you drop, or you’re forced out.” Stephen chuckled like many. “Know this, you will arrive at the time designated for each of you and you will be ready for inspection at ten hundred sharp. Do not fail to show. We have a schedule to keep. Do not let the name of the Galatian Empire co
me to shame. The Celestial is a grand vessel. Let’s not abuse it. I’ll see you tomorrow. Be dressed to code. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  A new officer of the Galatian Empire received three pairs of uniforms, a pair of black boots, pins for rank, and a strict duty to uphold themselves to the highest standard. Stephen tapped a small band at the back of his boots, and the very boot became snug on his foot. He tapped them both on the ground and rose. The package had arrived, and everything fit him without a need to come and get measured like he had for a tux.

  Dark green marked all science officer uniforms in the Galatian Empire, theirs spanning part of the chest and partially down the one side of their pant leg. It blended well with the black. Stephen stood in front of the bathroom mirror soon, patting down his shoulders. He nodded. If only his dad could see him in a uniform that finally looked good on him.

  “Are we supposed to put on our pins?” Andy called.

  “What did it say?” Stephen asked.

  “We must arrive in uniform.”

  “Pins are part of it,” Stephen said.

  “Do you want me to open yours?”

  “Just toss it here.”

  Andy instead, put the sealed green pouch on the counter with care. Stephen grinned. “They are delicate,” Andy chuckled. “I’m not sure how they are going to stay on.”

  “They have to,” Stephen said. A spot on their chest had been made for them. Andy revealed to Stephen his pin, a single gold star. “Uh, does it stick?” Andy shrugged. He brought it to the area made. It pulled from his hands as he started to line it and turned on its own into place. “Sweet.”

  “What’s one star mean?” Andy questioned.

  “Uh,” Stephen said. The brief read flashed in his mind. “A hollow is a crewman and a whole is - oh yeah. You’re Ensign Miller now.”

  “Isn’t that having some command?”

  “I don’t know,” Stephen admitted. “This isn’t Earth and it’s a special operation.” He pulled the tab off his pouch and let his own designation fall into his hand. “Huh. Grab that booklet off the bed.”

  Stephen brought the whole star to the spot. It turned slightly as it took its place. The hollow one to follow and took its own distance before it settled in. This was but another way they could keep unison. He patted at his chest. The Celestial wasn’t a military vessel, but he would still serve as an officer in the empire.