by Rick Lakin
"Engage," Riley said.
Instantly, Riley was facing the Engineer Console on the aft end of the bridge of the Brilliant. Behind him were Navvy in the captain's chair and Jack in the pilot seat.
Navvy gave the order. "Pilot, we'll begin our outbound turn inside Mercury's orbit at my mark and engage the gravity drive to point-one light-speed outbound on a return course to Earth."
"Make the turn at your mark and engage, Pilot, aye," Jack said.
"Engineer, report systems status."
Riley surveyed his panel and made the report. "Em drive nominal. Gravity drive indicates ready. StarDrive available,"
"Five seconds to turn," Navvy looked at all the indicators. "Pilot, make your turn and engage the gravity drive."
The sun appeared as a giant yellow ball on the view screen. It moved to the left off screen, and Jack said, "Engaging." Jack pushed the t-bar with his right hand to mid-range.
Immediately, red lights began flashing, audio signals sounded. Riley immediately saw the problem, "Captain the main gravity drive relay has failed."
"Pilot, engage the em drive."
"Em drive at full power."
Ani, the Artificial Navigation Intelligence, sounded off, "Alert. Decaying orbit. Collision with the surface of the sun in thirty-seven minutes."
"Engineer, can you make repairs?"
"Captain, the Manual indicates that it will take three hours to fabricate and replace the relay."
"Navvy, we need to engage the StarDrive," Jack said.
"We don't know what will happen if we engage the StarDrive in the gravity well," Navvy said.
"Captain, I am going to attempt fabrication and repair," said Riley.
"Riley, you better hurry. It's going to get really warm in a few minutes," Navvy said.
Riley quickly reviewed the Brilliant Tech Manual. To do this, he would have to attempt something that had never been done.
"Alert. Decaying orbit. Collision with the surface of the sun in thirty minutes."
"Engi, show me the failed relay in place," Riley ordered the Engineering Intelligence.
Before him, the failed relay appeared. "Engi, I can see the main coil is fried. That doesn't explain why it failed." Riley rotated the relay in the air using his hands. He spread his hands and looked at certain parts up closely. Then he looked at the extensible latching actuator. "Do you see it?"
"Alert. Decaying orbit. Collision with the surface of the sun in twenty minutes," Ani said.
"Yes, that's it, Riley," Engi said.
"The actuator arm was fabricated below specifications and failed causing the main power coil to fry," Riley said. "How long will it take to pull it and fabricate it?"
"It will take three hours, Riley," Engi said.
"Alert. Decaying orbit. Collision with the surface of the sun in fifteen minutes," Ani said.
"Navvy, we need to engage the StarDrive and get out of here," Jack said.
Navvy turned his chair, and his eyes were wide open. "Riley?"
"I have an idea, Captain," Riley said. "Engi, what is the status of the matter transfer device?"
"Riley, it is unproven. It can transport fifty pounds accurately eighty percent of the time."
"How much do the two parts weigh?" Riley asked.
Engi replied, "Forty-eight-point-three pounds, Sir."
"Engi, jerk the two faulty parts and use the material to refab the fixed parts."
"Beginning processing. It will take eight-point-seven minutes."
"Alert. Decaying orbit. Collision with the surface of the sun in ten minutes," Ani said.
"Engineer?" Navvy said.
"Captain, we are fabricating the parts, and I will matter transfer them into the device."
"How long will it take?"
"Eight and a half minutes, Captain," Riley said. "Plus, I need a minute to test the relay."
"Seriously, Engineer, you are giving me thirty seconds leeway to fly or fry this starship?" Navvy said.
"Yes, Sir. I think it will work."
"Alert. Decaying orbit. Collision with the surface of the sun in five minutes," Ani said.
"Engineer, confirm the StarDrive ready in all respects."
“Sir, the StarDrive is ready in all respects,” Riley said.
"Pilot, be ready to engage either the StarDrive or the gravity drive on my mark."
"Ready, Captain," Jack said.
Riley focused on his console. "Engi, when the fab is complete, transfer the parts into the relay and I will begin the testing protocol."
"Alert. Decaying orbit. Collision with the surface of the sun in three minutes," Ani said.
"Transfer in one minute," Engi said.
Riley heard a tone on his console. "Transfer complete. Ready for testing," Engi said.
"Engi, basic operation check."
"Passed."
"Twenty-five percent power check," Riley said.
"Passed," Engi said.
"One minute to burn up," Ani said.
"Fifty percent."
"Failed."
Navvy turned to Riley. "StarDrive?"
"Recalibrate the latching actuator twenty microns and re-run the fifty," Riley
"Thirty seconds to burn-up," Ani said.
"Passed the fifty," Engi said.
"Seventy-five, Engi."
"Fifteen seconds to burn-up," Ani said.
"Passed."
"Ten-nine-eight-…"
"Captain, I certify that the gravity drive is ready,"
"…five-four-…"
"Pilot, engage the gravity drive."
Jack pushed the t-bar with his right hand to mid-range. Brilliant shook for a moment, and then the rear-view display went from bright white to a receding sphere.
The bridge crew cheered. Navvy turned his chair and said, "Way to go, Riley!"
The simulation faded to black. Navvy popped up again. "Congratulations, Riley McMaster. You have now qualified as Chief Engineer of StarCruiser Brilliant." The simulator faded to black.
That's strange. It normally posts the high score, and that's all, Riley thought.
"End simulator." Riley got up to get ready for bed.
"Call from Navvy Kelrithian," Lobo, his HoloBuddy said.
"I said end simulation."
"This is a real-time call, Riley," Lobo said.
"Put him on."
"Riley McMaster, my name is Navvy Kelrithian. Would you be available to fly in to Burbank tomorrow and have lunch? At Tovar's expense, of course. I would like to offer you a job," Navvy said.
Eleven
Lunch with Navvy
Jennifer came into the breakfast nook carrying her favorite caffeine and sugar fix. Sheila asked, “Are you ready for your big lunch with Navvy?”
“Yes. Should I ask for more money?”
“So far, Tovar Studios has been very generous in sharing royalties…to the tune of six figures. You committed to the summer and the stipend. I recommend that you accept that for right now,” Sheila said. “On the other hand, if he brings it up, negotiate but don’t get greedy.”
Sami popped up. “Navvy’s assistant sent you a message reminding you to meet Navvy Kelrithian in the Tovar Executive Dining Room at one o’clock. The dress is relaxed business casual.”
“Tell Kathy thanks and that I confirm,” Jennifer said.
“Remember, you also have an appointment at the stylist at two-thirty."
“Thanks, Sami. Mom, what should I wear to my lunch?”
“It’s summer. Dress for success like a working exec but don’t overdo it because you are working crew in the morning.”
“I’m going to wear my thigh-high Vans. I read that sneaker boots are the new business casual.”
“It’s going to be ninety-six in the valley today. It’s a break from the heat. When I was your age, half the days were in two digits. Do your boots come with a bucket for the sweat?”
“They are AutoSnug and AutoCool.”
“What if the batteries run down?”
&n
bsp; “Seriously, Mom, they run on public wi-pow.”
“My daughter, the supernerd. High Tech from head to toe it is, then. Good luck and ask Maiara for the raspberry iced tea and don’t stare at her tattoo. She comes from the indigenous people of New Zealand.”
Sheila was proud of her little girl as she departed but then she thought, The next time I see her she's going to be a lot more grown up.
Jennifer entered the Writers' Room as other writers filed in. Susie asked, “Jennifer, have you heard that Tovar may bid for the Galaxy Warrior movies?”
“No one has talked to me.”
“The rumor is that the David Masing wants to play Logan Jones.”
Gia walked into the room. “Gia, have you heard anything about the Jenna Seldon books?” Susie asked.
“I can neither confirm nor deny that Tovar wants that property for the off-years between the Brilliant movies.”
“Wow, Jen, can I be on your writing team?” Susie asked.
Jennifer looked at the others for their reaction. “I know nothing about this.”
Gia took charge, “It’s time to get started. We need to finish the sides for next week. Let’s focus first on the technical language while we have James and Jennifer here together.”
The meeting continued, but Jennifer’s mind was in several places. She contributed a couple of comments and then headed to Sound Stage One for the day’s short production schedule.
On her way over, Jennifer called her agent, Sara Suleri-Abarca, a senior partner at the Agency for Creative Artists. “Sara, has there been any noise about Warriors from Tovar?”
“Wow, news travels fast. Just this morning, I received a query from your studio. They want a pitch deck, and they want your ideas on who should play Logan Jones and Ayiiia.”
“David Masing wants to play Logan, and I support that. I wrote Ayiiia for my friend Tayla. I think she'll be great, but I don’t want to bring her name up right away. Do we have the deck in shape?”
“It’s dated and could do with a final look.”
“Send it to me, and I'll look at it. In the meantime, promise the deck on Friday. Let them know that Jenna will have a first draft of the screenplay by September First.”
“I know that you have a lot on your plate right now with the internship. Is that pushing it a bit?” Sara asked.
“I have most of it written in my head.”
“The vision thing?”
“Yeah.”
“You are an agent’s dream. Any other presents under the tree in case Christmas comes early?”
“I did a rewrite on Attack of the Hoclarth Alliance, and I gave it to Navvy. They are now shooting with my permission.”
“That’s not good business, Jen.”
“I know. I’m having lunch with Navvy. I'll drop hints for a contract and no matter what the number, I'll give you fifteen percent of the real value.”
“Be careful, Jennifer. Some people in this business are cutthroat. Try to get a hundred thousand. Anything else?”
“There may be a demand for me as a speaker on technology for HumanAI. Do you have anyone in your office who handles speaking gigs?”
“Yes, we do. What kind of time do you have?”
“Once a month. Max three days travel. I think I can ask low five figures.”
“Let’s start out at forty-K and see if anyone bites,” Sara said.
“Thanks, Sara.”
“You are amazing. Let’s do lunch next week.”
The Wednesday shooting schedule for Brilliant was abbreviated to accommodate demands on the talent for publicity duties. Jennifer greeted David when he came on set, “Did you mention to anyone that you were interested in playing Logan Jones?”
“Yeah, Jen, I had lunch with my agent last week. I told him I knew the writer. What have you heard?”
“Nothing but rumors. Have a good shoot.”
“I'm looking forward to tonight.”
“Oh, yeah, we have plans, don’t we?” Jennifer’s blue-green eye winked above the smile. “Remember, I'm a lousy dancer.”
“Nice Vans. Do you dance in those?”
“Go up there and pretend you're a movie star.” A girl loves it when a guy notices her shoes.
Just then, the Assistant Director announced, “Places, everyone.”
Production was accelerated by the short day but uneventful and the crew broke for lunch at twelve-ten.
Jennifer made a stop in an empty dressing room to check her makeup and hair. She entered the Executive Dining Room at twelve-thirty. She spotted a fifty-something female with a tattoo on her chin. Maiara Henare greeted her. “Welcome, Miss Gallagher. My name is Maiara. Mr. Kelrithian has informed me that he'll be five minutes late, but he has asked me to take you to his table.”
“Thanks, Maiara.”
“What would you like to drink?”
“My mom tells me that you have a special raspberry iced tea.”
“It has been a long time since I saw your mother. You remind me of her. You have her beauty and then some. I'll have your server bring you the special iced tea.”
“Thank you,” Jennifer said. “Sami, the sign says no electronics.”
“Low profile it is,” Sami said.
“Take good notes, though,” Jennifer said under her breath.
Jennifer looked around at the elaborate decorations in the style of twentieth-century English Royalty. Outside of Hollywood, they might have been considered over-the-top. But this was Tinsel Town. The waiter arrived with her drink and a martini for Navvy, “Miss Gallagher, the lunch choices today are Oven-Roasted Duck with an Orange-Ginger Glaze or Slow-Braised Lamb Shank Ossobuco in a Savory Red Wine Reduction. Lunch is preceded by our authentic Hotel Caesar Salad and followed by a selection of desserts.”
“Shouldn’t we wait for Navvy to come and choose?”
“Mr. Kelrithian always has a blood rare steak with a loaded baked potato.”
“You know, I'll have what he’s having. Hold the blood.”
“Very good, Miss.”
As the waiter walked away, Navvy Kelrithian stepped up to the table and Jennifer rose to greet him.
“Thank you so for this opportunity to dine in such a spectacular room.” Jennifer said.
Navvy caught the slight hint of sarcasm. “We make motion pictures here, Jennifer. These decorations came from a costume picture we did thirty years ago about the end of the British Monarchy. What are you having, young lady? I hear the lamb's very good. Most of the food they serve here leaves me hungry for dinner.”
“I'm having what you are having. I guess I have the same problem.”
Navvy paused and gave her a lingering look. “The main reason I asked you to lunch was to correct a faulty decision I made very quickly on Monday.”
“Sir?”
“You submitted the rewrite without going through an agent. That's unwise in this business. Do you have an agent?”
“Sara Suleri-Abarca at ACA. And yes, she used the words 'not good business.'“
“I know Sara. Very good. Very tough. Very honest. Many years ago, I met her grandmother. She was both an author and a critic, you know, someone who cuts off her tail and then eats it with lots of Tabasco sauce.”
They both laughed as the waiter came to the table and created the salads. “Do you know where we got the recipe for this salad?”
“May I guess?”
Navvy looked up. “Go ahead.”
“Margarita Lopez.”
“Correct. You dined with Jack and Ellie?”
“David and I played doubles on Saturday with Riley and my best friend. We won so David bought dinner…so to speak.”
“That’s right. You have stolen the heart of our young star.”
“I wouldn’t say that….”
“Jennifer, David was never a playboy, but before you came, he played a vast field. Take care of him. He's important to our studio. And take care of yourself. You are, too.” Navvy paused to attack his salad. “Let’s get back to business. W
e need to formalize a contract for the rewrite. We can talk some numbers and then you can call in Sara to handle the details. The normal number for a rewrite for a picture of this size is two, but an in-production rewrite at this point is normally twenty-five percent of that number. Would that be acceptable?”
“Two?” Jennifer asked.
“Yes, two million dollars, but you only get a quarter of that.”
Jennifer choked on a piece of lettuce. “You are going to pay me half a million dollars for a few hours at the keyboard.”
Navvy smiled. “There's a story about a nuclear power plant that went out of commission one day. The plant called in a retired technician as a last resort. He spent a minute looking at the panels, and then pressed a button. The plant was then returned to operation in just a few minutes. He then handed the supervisor his bill for $50,000.
“The astounded plant supervisor said, 'This is outrageous. Fifty-thousand dollars for pressing a button? Can you itemize this bill?' The old man then handed him a second piece of paper. It said, 'Pressing a Button: $10. Knowing which button to press: $49,990.'“
They both laughed. “Jennifer, as a writer, you know which keys to press.”
“Navvy, you're very generous. I accept…after my agent looks at the contract, of course.”
“Tovar would like the rights to Galaxy Warrior.”
“I'm working on a screenplay.”
“David wants to play Logan Jones.”
“He would be my first choice.”
“Did you have someone in mind for Ayiiia?”
“Yes, but I don’t know if she's ready. She's athletic. She started training as an actor and dancer before she moved to the valley. She's passionate. But I don’t know if I want to put my best friend through all of that.”
“You are talking about Tayla Mendoza.”
“You know about her?”
“The studio subscribes to several talent development agencies in SoCal. Young and hungry actors flood the area with great hopes but usually not much talent or looks. Tayla came on our radar after she did some junior theater. She has both talent and looks. She has that unique ability to get across the footlights and she has the passion thing.”