Off Course

by Doug Farren

  “Good job. Any word from Commander Moon?”

  “They're on their way,” Thomas replied. He took a moment to respond to a chime from his console, entered another command, and then continued, “They should be entering orbit in about five days. He also said the moons would have been a poor choice to extract deuterium. The gas giant seems to have a large following of small asteroids which presented quite a navigational challenge for them.”

  “They didn't put any holes in the shuttle did they?” AJ only half-jokingly asked.

  “He didn't say,” Thomas smiled. “Oh! That rogue star the Keldans told us about – confirmed. We didn't pick it up because we weren't looking out that far. It's coming in perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic and measures about zero point four solar masses. It's also dragging a couple of hefty rocks with it as well – both about the size of our moon. We've confirmed the trajectory. The Keldans were right.”

  “Son of a bitch,” was all AJ had to say.

  “Do you want to sit down?” Heather asked.

  AJ glanced out the window then averted his eyes. “I think I'll stand for now. Computer, can you get in touch with … what's his name … that councilman we met?”

  “Councilman Goeglict,” the computer refreshed his memory. “Stand by.”

  Three minutes went by before the synthesized voice of Councilman Goeglict said, “Good morning Captain. I hope you are feeling better?”

  AJ was impressed over how the computer had selected different voices for each of the Keldans to help them distinguish who was talking. “I’m doing fine,” he replied, speaking into the air and trusting that the ship's AI would translate his response and transmit it without having to be told. “Thank you for the steel. Our shuttle should be completely repaired in a few hours. When it is fixed, we can move it to your airfield if you like.”

  “Your ship fixes itself?”

  “We have several repair robots that work under the direction of the shuttle's main computer. They've been working around the clock to repair the ship.”

  “Amazing!”

  AJ noted that the question of moving the shuttle had been neatly sidestepped. Instead of pressing the issue, he decided to address the other question that had been on his mind. “Tell me, Councilman Goeglict, who are the Akuta? Your AI seems to be unable to provide us with an answer.”

  There was an uncomfortably long silence before the councilman replied, “It is apparent that you have been monitoring our communications.”

  Again, the question had not been answered. “Only your publicly broadcast transmissions,” AJ told him. “Who are the Akuta?”

  The delay was shorter this time but still noticeable. “The Akuta are a race of space travelers that invaded our world over a thousand years ago. They killed hundreds of thousands of our people and they appeared to enjoy doing so. We have been in fear of their return ever since they inexplicably left.”

  Things were beginning to make sense. “You think we may be the descendants of these Akuta? I can assure you, we are not. What did they look like?”

  Now that the subject had been broached, Goeglict did not hesitate in his response. “The stories have changed over the years. Many believe the Akuta possess special abilities and are physically much larger than the old records depict.”

  “Then how do you know they even existed?” AJ argued. “Perhaps they really are only a myth.”

  “Such stories from so long ago would have been quickly dismissed as a fabrication to scare children into obedience were it not for the fact that one of their ships survives even to this day.”

  AJ's jaw dropped as the implications of what he had just heard hit him. When humans first took to the stars, their greatest fear was encountering a technologically advanced, antagonistic culture. There had been a great sigh of relief when this did not happen. But now, there was conclusive evidence that such a race had once existed. Were they still out there?

  “Councilman,” AJ said, shock tempering his voice, “we are not the Akuta. If such a race still exists, they represent a threat not only to your people, but to mine as well. Based upon this new information it is now imperative that we return home to bring them this news. But for us to do so and for your race to survive, we must learn how to trust each other.”

  AJ's quick mind made an instant decision. Before the Councilman had a chance to reply, he said, “Computer, translate this order as well as your reply. Initiate a data transfer with the Keldan computer. Transmit all necessary technical details needed to build a fusion reactor and a hyperjump drive. If supporting information is required, then transmit that as well.”

  “Data transfer commencing,” the ship's computer replied.

  “The ball's in your court Councilman,” AJ said with finality.

  There was a long silence during which Heather quietly walked up and gave the Captain a kiss on the cheek. “You are a wonderful ambassador,” she said as she walked out of the room.

  Caught completely off guard, AJ was unable to reply. He stood staring out the window. His eyes, however, were not focused on the scene outside. He could still feel the warm touch of her full lips on his cheek. His mind was occupied with thoughts very unbecoming of a captain.

  The Councilman's voice startled AJ out of his reverie causing him to nearly drop his empty coffee cup. “I believe you and I need to have a long talk Captain. I can be there in 20 minutes or, if you prefer, I can have a bus bring you here.”

  “I have a better idea,” AJ replied, making his way to the unoccupied copilot chair. “Our shuttle is repaired enough to fly. If you will have your ground crew move back, we will come to you.”

  There was only the briefest of delays, then, “Agreed.”

  It didn't take long for the ground crew to pack up their temporary shelters and back out of the way. While the Keldans were getting clear, Thomas fired up the shuttle's fusion reactor and prepped the ship for flight.

  “Nice and easy,” AJ told him as they lifted off.

  The massive shuttle rose into the air as if lifted by invisible wires. No roar of flames; no screaming engines; only a gentle breeze caused by the drive field's interaction with the atmosphere. The Keldans watched in awe as the shuttle effortlessly floated through the air coming to a graceful landing on the airstrip which had been their original destination.

  Chapter 13

  “Thomas,” AJ said as soon as the shuttle was once again on the ground, “stay with the ship. Power down the reactor after the storage cells are recharged. Scott, see if you can build some sort of voice-actuated transceiver that both us and the Keldans can use instead of these hand-held units.”

  AJ deposited his empty cup in the kitchenette and continued walking aft. He found Heather sitting on one of the cots in the passenger section of the ship. “Come on,” he told her as he walked by. “You're coming with me – I need the moral support.”

  “Where are you going?” she queried from behind.

  “Cargo bay,” he said as they passed through the food storage area.

  Hurrying to catch up, she asked, “Why?”

  Instead of answering her, AJ said, “Computer!”

  “Yes Captain?”

  “Open the main cargo hatch and have a bot ready to offload the cargo module then get Councilman Goeglict on the line.”

  “Acknowledged.”

  AJ hit the button to open the door separating the main shuttle from the cargo bay. While the door unsealed and slid into the wall, he turned to Heather and explained, “We're going to be here for quite a while. I'm not going to eat and sleep in this shuttle for eight months. The survival pod includes a spacious tent and, if I remember my training from way back, the air mattresses are a lot more comfortable than the shuttle's cots. Besides, we're going to need the cargo bay to bring down the deuterium extractor when the Star-Pulse arrives.”

  Sunlight streamed through the door as it disappeared into the wall. The rear hatch was still in the process of opening. A long, narrow corridor led through the center of th
e cargo pod. The cargo bay took up one-third of the entire length of the 37-meter long shuttle.

  The entire back-end of the shuttle had slowly opened like a giant clam shell turned on its side. The open doors now rested on either side of the ship. A repair robot appeared climbing down from the top of the spacecraft where it had apparently been working on the hull. Oddly enough, it looked much like a mechanical, although much smaller spider.

  “How come you're not afraid of those?” Heather asked, pointing to the now quiescent robot.

  “Because I know it's a mechanical device,” AJ replied.

  “Councilman Goeglict is available,” the ship's computer interrupted.

  AJ started through the narrow passage as he replied, “Councilman Goeglict, Captain Zak here. Please tell your security forces not to be alarmed. We are going to offload a cargo module from the rear of the shuttle.”

  “What is the purpose of this module?” Goeglict replied. AJ was certain he could hear concern in the Councilman's voice even though he knew it was not actually his real voice.

  “This shuttle also serves as an emergency escape ship in case of a catastrophic accident. The cargo module contains survival equipment including a temporary shelter. We’ll need to offload it anyway if we are going to bring down the deuterium extractor.”

  “I would like to have someone examine its contents once it is unloaded.”

  AJ had reached the end of the cargo module and stood looking out over the tarmac. The heat wafting in from the outside was stifling. From his vantage point two meters above ground level he could see several vehicles rapidly approaching as well as a dozen individuals on foot. The site of the running Keldans caused AJ to take a couple of steps backward until he bumped into Heather.

  Keying his transceiver, he replied, “Still having an issue trusting us?”

  “I have no such issue,” the Councilman said. “I have not had time to explain the situation to everyone else including the head of security for this base.”

  “Well, at least tell them to stay clear while we unload the module and then have one, and only one, person approach.”

  Goeglict agreed to the terms and AJ waited for the area behind the ship to be cleared. “Computer,” AJ said into the air as soon as the area was clear, “offload the cargo module.”

  The cargo module vibrated and jerked slightly causing both AJ and Heather to put their hands on the walls. The module smoothly slid out of the aft section of the ship suspended from an overhead boom. Once clear of the ship, the hydraulic cylinders holding the module to the boom extended, setting it down gently on the tarmac. The repair robot suddenly came to life climbing up to the top of the module to disconnect it from the boom.

  With the module on the ground, the passageway AJ and Heather were in was now only a single step above ground level. AJ tried not to look around him as he exited the module. A single Keldan carrying a large weapon approached. “Would you mind showing him how the storage modules open,” AJ asked, putting his back to the module.

  Heather did as she was asked, then watched as the soldier opened the rest of the storage compartments. Each of the doors flipped open gliding upwards on pneumatic lifters. Inside were all the necessary items needed to support a stranded group of individuals on an unknown world: a compact, folded, solar-powered ATV; shelters packed into a cube that would expand as their double walls filled with quick-setting insulating foam; portable soil and atmospheric analyzers; a mini-medical station; and, of course, a large quantity of compact food.

  Heather followed the Keldan around the corner and watched as he popped open another door. The moment the contents were revealed the Keldan reacted by bringing his weapon to bear while chattering a string of commands which Heather obviously did not understand. The meaning of the weapon now pointing at her however, was very clear.

  She raised her hands and slowly backed away. The Keldan remained where he was and spoke into his radio. A moment later AJ's transceiver came to life. “Captain! Why are you carrying weapons?” Goeglict's synthesized voice definitely indicated he was angry.

  AJ had completely forgotten about the small weapons locker. “My apologies Councilman. This pod is meant to allow us to survive on virtually any planet. The guns are for our protection as well as to hunt for food. Your security forces may remove them if it would make them feel any better.”

  There was a moment's delay as Goeglict consulted with his head of security. “No need Captain,” he finally replied. “My security chief will allow the weapons to remain as long as no one from your crew attempts to gain entry.”

  Heather let out a sigh of relief as the soldier lowered his weapon and proceeded to close the door to the weapon's locker. The rest of the inspection was completed without incident. As the soldier departed, AJ keyed his transceiver and said, “Councilman Goeglict, if your security is satisfied with the search, I would like to meet with you. There are things we must discuss.”

  “I would like to bring someone else with me. Would this be acceptable?”

  AJ sucked his lower lip into his mouth and bit down on it. “You're eventually going to have to get used to them,” Heather told him.

  “Yourself and one other would be fine,” AJ said after taking in a deep breath to help calm his sudden nervousness.

  “We will be there in five minutes,” came the quick reply.

  It didn't seem possible, but the outside temperature was climbing. AJ took his hat off so he could wipe the sweat from his brow with his sleeve. Using his wrist-com, AJ called Thomas.

  “Yes Captain?” Thomas quickly replied.

  “Is the reactor still up?”

  “I was just about to shut it down – why?”

  “Think you can slide the ship to port about six meters without making it look like you're trying to take off?”

  AJ heard a chuckle then, “Me? Of course I can! I can turn this thing into an air-hockey puck if you want me to. Why?”

  “I'd like to extend the ramp but the cargo module is in the way. Do it real slow and easy,” AJ cautioned.

  “Roger that. Stand by.”

  “Do you think that's wise?” Heather asked from behind him.

  AJ looked around at the small ring of security forces that had taken up position around them. “They're pretty far back. If Thomas is as good as he says he is they may not even notice.”

  The shuttle creaked a couple times and a small amount of dust flew into the air as the weight was taken off the landing jacks. The huge shock absorbers relaxed until there was a tiny gap under each pad. Gracefully, like a curling stone on ice, the shuttle slowly crept to port. A moment later, it stopped and settled back to a resting position.

  “Nice job!” AJ commented.

  “Thanks Skipper,” Thomas replied, obviously happy with his flying skills. “I'll be powering down the reactor now. Storage cells are at full charge.”

  “Very well. While you're at it, extend the cargo ramp and make sure the cargo hold's ventilation system is running. I'm going to invite the councilman in for a little chat.”

  A long, flat vehicle arrived a second later. The doors flipped up and two Keldans emerged. One of them stopped and looked at the shuttle with its extended ramp and then back to the cargo pod. “I must ask,” he said, his synthetic voice was higher pitched and had an undertone of excitement, “what type of propulsion system does your ship use?”

  “Vevicty!” Councilman Goeglict scolded. “Now is not the time.” Turning his attention to AJ he continued, “I apologize for Vevicty's outburst. He is a theoretical physicist. I was afraid if I didn't bring him along he would find a way to get to you anyway. He’s been overly anxious to talk to you.”

  It was only then that AJ noticed that both Keldans were using transceivers of their own design. They must have been able to modify them to use the same radio frequencies as that of the humans. The transceivers hung around their necks and were connected to a small headset.

  “I understand his eagerness,” AJ replied. “Our propulsion sys
tem is a type of field drive that reacts with space itself on a higher dimensional level. Don't ask me how it actually works – I'm not an engineer. Would you two like to come aboard? It's pretty hot out here.”

  “We would be delighted,” Goeglict replied.

  “Thomas, Scott,” AJ said into his wrist-com, “would you care to join us in the cargo hold. Bring a couple of chairs from the passenger section for Heather and myself if you would.”

  AJ led the way up the ramp into the noticeably cooler cargo bay. “I'm afraid we don't have any Keldan furniture for you to use,” he said stumbling over the concept of how one of the six-legged Keldan's might sit.

  “We will be very comfortable standing,” Vevicty replied, his head swiveling on its long neck as he tried to see every inch of the interior of the ship. “The data you’ve been sending us is fantastic!” he continued. “We’ve been trying to develop fusion power for many years. How do you contain your plasma?”

  Scott and Thomas arrived while Vevicty was talking. Each carried two fold-up chairs. Scott handed AJ and Heather a small ear bud. “Set your wrist-coms to maintain an open link,” he explained. “The computer will monitor the channel and anything the Keldans say will be translated and sent to your ear bud. Anything you say will be transmitted to the radios the Keldans are wearing.”

  AJ put his ear bud in and set his chair close to the outer bulkhead. He was very nervous but the urge to run as fast and as far away from the Keldans as possible was not as strong as it had been in the past.

  “We also worked for decades to develop fusion power,” Scott, as the resident engineering expert, answered Vevicty's question. “We tried magnetic and inertial confinement as well as electric fields, all with minimal commercial applicability. Our breakthrough came when we discovered the ability to manipulate gravity at a fine level. The mathematics opened up an entire new avenue of physical science, all based on gravitic manipulations.”

  “Your plasma containment is gravitic?” Vevicty sounded incredulous. “I take it then that your propulsion system is also based on a similar technology?”