by Saxon Andrew
“Yes, Sir.” The view went dead and she smiled. There was a picture of her and Dillon somewhere on that old ship and she wanted it. Perhaps now she’d get it.
• • •
Stella saw Commodore Kuhn on her main monitor and he looked nervous. “What’s wrong, Commodore?”
“I know this is a scouting mission but do we have weapons free after we transit the black hole?”
Stella’s head tilted, “I’m not sure what you’re asking.”
“If we arrive in that other galaxy and there is a force there preparing to transit the black hole. Do we have the authority to attempt to stop them?”
“I honestly don’t know. I think that will have to be decided by the Civilization in Andromeda.”
Admiral Kuhn looked at Stella on his display, “Are you sure about our clearance through the Halo?”
“It was an iffy thing but the appearance of a Darkness Warship cleared up that issue. They will not bother your ships. Have all of your crews been made aware of the change that will happen if they go on this mission?”
Kuhn nodded, “Yes, they’ve been covered. I had to replace about two hundred of them but their replacements are excellent scouts.”
Stella nodded and buckled into her command chair, “I’m going to Andromeda to discuss your first issue with the civilization there. I’ll contact you to start your run once that’s handled.”
“We’re due to be there in twenty hours.”
“I’ll be there in less than one hour to make sure everything is on the up and up with the Darkness. If there are any problems, I’ll let you know.”
“What if something happens to you?”
Stella’s head went back, “I haven’t considered that. If I haven’t contacted you before an hour before you start your run, call off the mission.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Commodore, no matter what the Darkness says, use your best judgment. This situation will impact the safety of our species. I understand that half of your warships are Bosrean.”
“They are and they’ve worked in nicely. Their telepathic ability is a real asset to getting orders out quickly.”
“I’m going to remain on station until you return. Don’t keep me waiting too long.”
“Ten days, sir.”
“If you finish before then, come back.”
“Count on it.”
“I’ll contact you shortly. I’m launching now.”
“Be safe.”
“Does anyone control that, Commodore?”
“Not really. But do your best, we need you.”
Stella smiled and leaned back in her chair, “Poul, time to go.”
“I recommend going in and doing a little scouting ourselves.”
“A mind reader you are.” Stella smiled as the stars around her ship disappeared.
Chapter Sixteen
The Prophet’s Eyes arrived a hundred thousand miles from the watcher’s station where Kuhn’s warships were due to arrive. She looked at the main monitor and shook her head, “Poul, do you see anything?”
“There are a huge number of Darkness warships not far out from the black hole’s event horizon where our ships are going in.”
“How close are they to the course our ships are going to take?”
“They’re not close at all to the entry coordinates. It appears the Darkness is living up to their agreement.”
I want you to start skipping around and take a good look at where those gravity towers are directing their barrels.”
“I’ll start skipping through the garden now.” Stella waited as the view on the monitor changed rapidly. All of the gravity towers had their weapons oriented on the black hole. She thought about it and decided that she would have done the same thing. There was a danger the Earth and Bosrean ships might cause a reaction from the forces on the other side of the black hole.
“Take us back to the Watcher’s station.” The monitor changed and she saw the station in the distance. “Activate the Leader’s communication channel.”
“The channel is active.”
“If anything starts our way…”
“I know, get the flock out of the valley.”
Stella smiled and pressed the communicator’s button, “I’m here to make sure everything is still acceptable.”
There was a pause and she kept her eyes on the monitor for incoming warships, “I’ve had my forces arranged to meet anything that might come out of the black hole after your ships enter.”
“The commander of the ships we’re sending through had a question.”
The Supreme Leader of the Darkness Civilization stared at her, “And it is?”
“He wanted to know, if his ships go through and find a huge number of warships preparing to move into the black hole, does he have the authority to open fire on them?”
“That’s a tough question. His attack may cause a major invasion.”
Stella Shrugged, “It could also delay an invasion.”
“How good is this Commander?”
“He’s the best Scout Commander we have. He won’t do it unless he sees an issue that calls for immediate action.” There was another long pause and Stella said, “What type of atmosphere does your species breathe?”
“We’re primarily oxygen breathers. Why do you ask?”
“Would you like to send one of your Commanders in with our ships?”
The Darkness Leader smiled, “Are you serious?”
“I am. Your representative could make the decision.”
“You’d be giving away the process of how you are able to move through the black hole.”
“I doubt it. Your representative would have to know how our systems work and how we use them. The viewports will be shut and the entire trip will take less than fifteen seconds. You will learn something but I think it’s worth having one of you there with us.”
“Wait for a moment and let me discuss this with my advisors.”
“I’ll need to know before ten hours so I can inform my Commander.”
“I’ll have an answer faster than that.”
• • •
Kuhn waited with his ships and ten hours had passed. He fidgeted and stood up. He walked around the small bridge and Captain Gibbons laughed, “Commodore, does that really help?”
“I can sit in my chair and wear out the cushion fidgeting or I can stand up and focus on my feet. This confounded waiting can drive me nuts.”
Gibbs announced, “Incoming communication.”
Kuhn was in his chair in a heartbeat.
• • •
Stella saw the Darkness Leader appear on her panel’s display, “We have decided to send one of us with you.”
“Where do we go to get him on board?”
“The Watcher in the station close to your ships’ course will go with you. Send a ship to his station and he’ll exit wearing a space suit.”
“Do you have an issue with my ships going ahead of schedule?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m going to have the Commander come now to bring the Watcher on board. Once he’s on the ship, we might as well start sending them through the black hole.”
“I’ll notify my forces of your early arrival.”
“My commander should be here within the hour.” Stella shut down the channel and said, “Poul, connect me with Kuhn.”
• • •
“I was worried about you.”
“I had to wait for them to make a decision. Here’s what we decided. By the way, you do have a third chair on your ship don’t you?”
Kuhn’s eyes opened wider, “Uhh, yesss. Why do you ask?”
“You’re coming to my location immediately to pick up one of their watchers to make the trip with you.”
“WHAT?”
“Hey, having one of them on our ships decreases the likelihood of them attacking us. Besides, he will assist you in deciding if an attack is needed.”
“But he’ll see all of our technology.�
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“So what? They’re already far ahead of us technologically. It also gives us the opportunity to learn something about them.” Stella paused and said, “Kunny, we need to get this civilization to work with us. Before that happens, they have to know us. It’s worth doing.”
Stella heard a sigh, “Yes, Sir. This Watcher being does understand that he’s here as an observer and that I will be in command.”
“Yeah, I guess. Sort of.”
“SIR?”
“Just do your best. I’m sure it’ll work out.” Kuhn looked at Gibbons and saw him shaking his head. He looked at his panel and saw the coordinates appear on his control panel. “By the way, once you have him on board, your ships will start their run at the black hole.”
“Yes, Sir. I’ll be there shortly.” The display went dark and Kuhn shook his head. Gibbs, this is crazy?”
“I think she’s doing all she can to make sure we remain safe, Sir.”
“Why do you say that?”
“It’s like she said; if they were planning an attack on us, they might hold off because one of them is with us. She also changed our arrival time so that would throw off the timing of any plans they might have. Besides, I’d like to meet a being from a more advanced civilization. I’m already wondering what they look like.”
Kuhn sighed, shook his head, and entered the coordinates in the stardrive. The small ship flew away at an incredible speed as Gibbons began issuing orders for the squadron to follow them in to the black hole in thirty minutes.
• • •
They arrived at the coordinates and heard on his wall speaker, “I’ll be waiting for you at the portal on top of my station.”
Kuhn saw the station in the distance and knew the Prophet’s Eyes had to be close. He didn’t detect it so he pushed the thrusters forward slightly and headed toward the large station. He arrived above it and saw a round portal open on top of the large structure as a being stepped out. “It looks like they’re bi-pedal like us.”
Gibbons nodded, “I can see that on my monitor. It’s about six feet tall. Two arms, two legs, one head…”
“Oh be serious.”
“I am.”
Kuhn flew the ship down to the station and stopped it next to the portal. He gently moved it down to the station’s hull and pressed a button to open the entry port. “Go and meet it in the entry port.” Gibbons stood up and left the bridge.
He arrived in the entry port as the being passed through the weak force field. It had a large backpack, which it took off and put on the floor. Gibbons looked up, “Ron, do you have their language in your database?”
“I do,” The ship’s computer announced over the wall speaker.
“Please interpret.”
“Start whenever you’re ready.”
Gibbons smiled, “Our ship’s atmosphere is composed of oxygen and nitrogen. Will that meet your needs?”
The being turned toward Gibbons and listened to the wall speaker. It twisted its helmet and lifted it off its head. It took a breath and Gibbons was shocked. Except for eyes that were wide slits with dark green eyes, it looked human. He could see the watcher was just as shocked as he was. Its skin color was a light green and its hair was black. “I saw you looking at my pack. I assumed that I would need to bring whatever food I might need.”
Gibbons smiled and listened as the computer interpreted their conversation, “We should have thought about that. Welcome aboard. My name is Gibbs.”
“My name is Pondern.”
“How were you chosen to go with us?”
“Bad luck.”
“Huh?”
“I’m the one that contacted my leaders about your request to communicate. This is their way of getting back at me.”
“Are you telling me that we might be attacked?!”
“No, our Supreme Leader is too curious about how you make it through a black hole to stop you. He’s not been this entertained in years.” The being paused, “I have to say that I’m surprised by your appearance.”
“Wait until my commander sees you.”
Pondern smiled, “He was expecting a bug with eight eyes?”
“Something like that.”
“Well, let’s go meet him.”
• • •
Kuhn saw the two enter the bridge and his eyes went wide open. Gibbs said, “Commander, this is Pondern.”
Kuhn tilted his head, “My name is Kuhn.”
“Good to meet you. Are we going to die, Kuhn?”
“What?”
“You are going into that black hole aren’t you?”
“We are.”
“Well, I don’t see how we’ll survive but this should prove interesting.”
Kuhn smiled, “Why would we be coming here if we didn’t think we’d survive.”
Pondern actually shrugged, “I initially thought you were going to attempt to attack one of our planets.” Kuhn looked up and rolled his eyes. Pondern shrugged again, “You should understand that all watchers are trained to shoot first and don’t even think about asking questions. If it moves, it’s an enemy.”
Gibbs smiled, “That’s why you’re being punished for communicating with us.”
“I can’t see any other reason they would send me instead of one of the warrior commanders.”
Gibbs shrugged, “Perhaps they don’t expect us to survive either.”
Pondern thought a moment and then sighed, “That has to be it.”
Kuhn shrugged, “It could be that your watchers are trained to observe things and remember them. They want you to see as much as possible and bring the information back to them.”
Pondern looked at Kuhn and then looked at Gibbs, “I like his opinion better.”
Gibbs laughed, “Come on and let me get your chair set up.”
Kuhn shook his head and had to admit he liked this being. He contacted his squadron and said, “Start your run now. Follow the coordinates you’ve been given and fan out once you exit the black hole. Stand by for instructions once everyone arrives.”
Gibbs set up the chair and said, “I notice your uniform has scales on it.”
Pondern looked down and nodded, “Each of these scales is connected to a sensor in my coverage area. If one is activated it will send an impulse directly to my helmet.”
“Clever. Why do they appear to be moving?”
“They’re seeking the scanners they’re normally linked with.”
“Alright, I’m placing one of our helmets on you to set it to your senses.”
Kuhn almost stopped Gibbs but decided not to do it. Stella was right. They needed to get to know each other. Kuhn waited and the first ships in his squadron began arriving and accelerated toward the black hole. He fell in line behind the first ten and saw the rest of the squadron was lining up behind him. He held his breath wondering if the Darkness Warships were going to attack but they remained in place. In fifteen minutes he arrived at the event horizon and went to full speed. He heard Pondern squeal as they flew into the huge monster. He almost joined him but couldn’t manage to get his vocal cords to work.
• • •
“Admiral Connor, I have three hundred sailors that have chosen not to participate in the mission.”
“How does that break down?”
“Only one ship had both members of the crew choose to leave. The others were single members of a ship.”
“What about the crews on the flagships?”
“None chose to leave, Sir.”
Steve stared at Janell on his panel’s display and leaned back before saying, “Promote the weapon officers to take command of the ship where the Captains chose to leave. I’ll send you enough weapon officers to replace the others. I recommend you promote one of the weapon officers that remained to take command of the ship where both crew members left and put one of the new officers with that ship.”
“I’ve already done what you’ve ordered, Sir. If you can get them here quickly, we’ll be ready to go eight days after they arrive.”
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“The replacements have already been chosen by Fleet Personnel. We’ll take the highest rated officers and send the bulk of them to you tomorrow. Some should arrive later today.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Get them ready, Admiral.”
“Yes, Sir.”
• • •
Amy sat on the pontoon boat and watched John and Timmy as they climbed back on board. They took off their masks and coiled the airlines up neatly in the rear of the boat. “How’s Sally doing?”
“She looks like she’s expecting again.”
“That’s wonderful.”
Timmy smiled, “Yes, it is.” He paused and said, “Mom, I’m not sure what you mean about this change in you that’s going to happen after this mission.”
Amy patted the bench seat next to her and her two sons came over and sat on each side of her. “From what I understand, the cells in my body will undergo a change that will make me invisible. I’ll have a wrist unit that will allow me to appear normal but if I take it off, you won’t be able to see or touch me.”
“Will we be able to hear you?”
Amy looked at John, “Yes.” John nodded and Amy said, “What are you thinking?”
John raised his left shoulder, “We learned about pacemakers last week in school. It’s a device that keeps one’s heart beating. I guess this is not really different from having to use one of them.”
Amy shook her head, “That’s a good analogy, Son.”
Timmy looked at her, “Do you have to do this?”
Amy sighed, “No, I can choose not to go and leave the service.”
“You really didn’t want to go into the service at first, did you?”
“No, Timmy; I didn’t.”
“So why are you going to do this?”
Amy shrugged, “I feel I owe it to Dillon.” Timmy stared at her and she slowly shook her head, “And now I feel I owe it to the brave men and women that I command. I feel like I would be betraying their trust if I don’t go.” She paused and hugged both of them, “But if both of you really don’t want me to do this, I’ll resign from the service.”
John’s eyes narrowed, “Mom, was that lady that came to our house to get you to join right about needing you?”