by Saxon Andrew
“Did we learn anything new?”
“Sir, there are a huge number of Carand Warships stationed at the borders with the other civilizations that surround it. There’s more than we thought.”
“How many more?”
“About half a million.”
Janell winced as she saw Admiral Connor suddenly appear on her monitor, “Admiral, we need your data.”
“I’m bringing it in now, Sir. What do you want me to do with my fleet?”
“I want all your ships to report to their home bases to pick up their new wrist units. They’re going to need them. After that, give them two weeks off to be with their families until their ships can undergo the change to their hulls.”
“Are you planning to send them to Andromeda?”
“That is still under discussion with the Darkness Leader; I’ll keep you informed.”
“Yes, Sir. I’ll be there momentarily.”
Steve ended the call and punched three buttons. His Senior Admirals appeared on his monitor and he said, “I want the three of you to reorganize our fleets into three groups.”
“Do you want us to take command of them, Sir?”
Steve stared at Malone and was silent for a moment. Finally, he raised the left corner of his lip and said, “One of the perks of being a Senior Admiral is that your job is here and not on a warship. I will not send anyone out to go through the change unless their responsibility lies in flying a warship.”
“I’m willing to do it, Sir.”
“As all of us are, Admiral Homes. But it doesn’t make sense to do it. We’re close to the end of our Careers and it’s just not good judgment to do it. Get them organized and prepared to go through Andromeda’s black hole.”
“Are you going to do it, Sir?”
Steve stared at Admiral Knott and then shook his head, “One of my responsibilities is to go out with the Fleets if we’re forced to defend Earth and Bosrean.”
Malone nodded, “That’s true. But you can command a vessel that has made the change without having to undergo the change. You can control things in Andromeda.”
Steve slowly exhaled and then smiled, “Malone, I am going to put you in command when I retire. I hope you enjoy the experience.”
“Sir, I didn’t realize you disliked me that much.”
Steve burst out laughing and said, “I like you very much but I want you to endure those under your command who constantly call you to task. I will not go through with the fleets.”
Steve ended the call and knew Malone was right. Besides, Malone was the oldest member of his staff. Admiral Holmes would probably be his replacement but let Malone worry about if for a while it might change his attitude.
• • •
Stella was back in Andromeda and stared at the long line of gravity towers surrounding the black hole. She exhaled slowly and heard Poul suggest, “We could just leave them to that civilization.”
“Do you think that’s the right thing to do?”
“It’s really hard to know the difference. They probably deserve what’s coming.”
“Yeah, but once the Darkness is gone, who is going to stop that civilization. It won’t be the Halo Civilizations. I prefer the Devil I know.”
“I’ve activated the Leader’s frequency on your console, Stella.”
“I guess I can’t put it off any longer.”
“No, go ahead and take your medicine.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Wasn’t it your idea to send the scouts through?”
“Now don’t get all logical with me. You know how I hate that.”
“Press the button. I think the Prophet would have been shocked speechless by your tactics.”
“Easy for you to say; you knew him.” Stella pressed her communicator and said, “I am here.”
“How long have you been here?”
Stella squirmed in her chair, “About twelve hours.”
“Why have you delayed contacting me?”
“I could lie but I’ve been sitting out here worrying about getting involved in what’s coming. However, I probably don’t have anything to worry about.”
“Why is that?”
“I don’t see you allowing anyone with a good warship anywhere near your domain.”
“You know us better than I expected. There is a discussion about that very thing that has not been resolved. It would require us to do something we never do.”
“What is that?”
“Trust.”
“Old habits die hard. If you like, I’ll leave and not bother you again. Just look at the information we provided as a gift.”
“If you honestly think this is as simple as that, you’ll disappoint me.”
“Oh?”
“You can face this enemy now or in the future. But make no mistake, you will face them if we fail to stop them.”
“You sound like my ship’s computer.”
“How’s that?”
“You speak logically. What’s the issue with using our assistance?”
“It comes from our inability to detect your ship. I’m going to assume that you are not going to send ships like the ones that went into the back hole to meet this enemy that’s coming, are you?”
“You’ve scanned those ships. Do you think they could stand up to the ships that will come through?”
“No, that’s why we anticipate that you will be using warships like the one you’re on now.” Stella was silent and the Darkness Leader said, “I suspect that we’ll need ships like that to confront this civilization but what’s to prevent you from then attacking my defenses and destroying my civilization?”
“Nothing.”
“So, you see our dilemma.”
“Nothing except our promise not to do it.”
“And there lies the issue. We have to be willing to trust your promise.”
“So, you’re back at trust again.”
“Exactly.”
Stella paused and shook her head. Could she trust this Leader? Trust worked both ways. She leaned forward and looked at her communicator, “Let me ask you a question.”
“Go ahead if it will help resolve this.”
“Why do you think we didn’t just bring our ships in and destroy you without sending our scouts through?”
“Perhaps you were worried about an invincible enemy on the other side of the black hole and didn’t want to do it for fear you would need us to help you stop it.”
“Boy, you really are the suspicious type!”
The Darkness Leader chuckled, “Yes, I guess we are.”
“Well, let’s look at this using the example you just used. If the two of us are able to stop this enemy now, do you think it will be their last attempt?”
“Probably not.”
“Then, why would we remove you as a buffer against them?”
There was a long moment of silence and Stella wondered if he heard her. Then she heard, “It would be unwise to attack us in that situation.”
“So that means the only situation in which we would represent a danger to you is if we go back through the black hole and destroy that civilization, wouldn’t it?”
“You are logical in your assessment.”
Stella turned off the communicator, “Did you hear him? He said I’m being logical.”
“Oh, please!”
Stella turned the communicator back on, “So what’s it going to be?”
“Give me two days to discuss this with my advisors.”
“Fair enough. I’ll be back in two days.”
“Just as information, would you keep your promise?”
“Of course. But how can you trust I’m being honest? You don’t know anything about my civilization.”
“I should tell you that the watcher I sent with your ships insists that you can be trusted. He has spent enough time with the two he flew with to develop a friendship with them.”
Stella smiled, “But that’s just one individual.”
“You’re
baiting me.”
“The greatest lie is when someone says, I can be trusted. The only way to trust someone is to see enough to determine if they are trustworthy. I think you should listen to your watcher. He saw us under huge stress where dishonesty would be easily seen.”
“I’ll see you in two days.”
Stella turned off the communicator and looked up, “Take us home, Poul.”
“You never cease to amaze me.”
“Why is that?”
“By telling him he can’t trust us, you make him want to do it. You’re unorthodox but really effective. I think the Prophet would have respected that about you.”
“Thank you for that.” Stella saw the huge black hole disappear from her monitor and leaned back in her chair. But could Earth trust the Darkness? She needed to talk with Commodore Kuhn. She thought for a moment and then shook her head. “Poul.”
“Yes.”
Stella sighed, “I think it’s time my brother took my place. I’m not even in the service.”
“Stella, changing the contact point between the Darkness and our alliance would not be a good thing to do now.”
“Even so, I’m going to suggest that Steve take my place leading this venture. I’m way over my head here.”
“I really think you should reconsider.”
Stella shook her head and pressed her panel. Steve appeared and she smiled, “Steve, you need to take my place as the leader coordinating with the Darkness.”
Steve’s mouth fell open, “WHAT?”
“Steve, I’m not equipped to continue this. I’m not even in the service and have not attended the Academy.”
“Stella, one of the best Admirals we currently have leading one of our fleets never attended the Academy. I was reluctant at first but she proved to me that personal talent and skills trump any education. I need you where you are.”
“Steve, I’m telling you that I’m dropping out of this.”
“You can’t.”
“You can’t order me around, I’m a civilian.”
“Sorry, but I drafted you into the service more than two weeks ago. You currently hold the rank of Admiral and you will continue doing this. Are you crazy? You’ve established communications with a civilization that never, and I do mean never, communicated with anyone. You are the reason that happened and if you try to change that now this whole thing could fall apart. What’s really bothering you? This is something you would normally love doing and don’t deny it, I know you.”
Stella sighed, “Steve, I’m frightened by what’s coming. I don’t want to lose any time I can be with my family.”
Steve stared at her and then slowly shook his head, “Stella, our family has an obligation to defend Earth and Bosrean. I know you didn’t choose this but it’s there. If I have to leave here to take your place, our ability to prepare to confront what’s coming will be impaired. I need you!”
“Steve, the Darkness Leader asked me a question about our warships and I had no answer. I don’t know enough about our current warships to be able to suggest anything to him.”
“I’ll assign someone to go with you who does. He’ll assist you.”
“I work better alone.”
“You can’t have it both ways, Sis.”
Stella looked up and rolled her eyes. “Have him ready to go when I get back.”
“Done.”
The monitor went black and Steve saw Janell and Gabriel enter his office. He raised his eyebrows and Janell said, “I brought Captain Eagle with me to explain some of the data we collected.”
Steve stared at them and both of them started to feel nervous. “Admiral, I’m reassigning Captain Eagle to the Prophet’s Eyes effective immediately.”
Janell’s eyes went wide and she looked at Gabe then back to Admiral Connor, “Sir, I depend on him too much to lose him!”
“Get over it. He’ll eventually be promoted and you’d lose him anyway. Select someone to replace him.” Steve saw the young Captain smiling. “You don’t appear to be upset by this?”
“Don’t misunderstand me, Admiral Connor. Admiral Dobson and I have done too much to get our fleet ready for me to like doing this.”
Steve tilted his head, “But?”
Gabe looked at Janell and turned back to Steve, “The Prophet’s Eyes. This is a chance of a lifetime.”
Janell was still shaking her head and Steve said, “You’ll get him back once this issue in Andromeda is resolved, Admiral. I need someone that completely understands the technology of our warships and their capabilities. Do you know anyone that knows more than Captain Eagle?”
Janell stopped shaking her head and blew out a quick breath. She looked at Gabe and said, “No, Sir. He’s more knowledgeable than anyone I know.”
“I need someone on board the Eyes to assist our main negotiator in dealing with the civilization in the center of Andromeda. I’ll lose her if I don’t give her the support she needs.”
Gabe tilted his head, “Who is the negotiator, Sir?”
“My sister, Stella.”
Gabe smiled, “Now this should prove interesting.”
Steve’s eyebrows lowered, “Why do you say that?”
“I listened to her confrontation with the Black Ships while I was in the Academy. She had an interesting way of expressing herself.”
“She’s terribly frightened by what’s going to come through the black hole in Andromeda. She tried to resign being the contact with the Darkness.”
Janell’s eyes opened wide, “Is it that bad?”
“Worse. Captain, she’ll be arriving shortly and you need to pick up your gear and be ready to leave.”
“We need to update you on what we found in the Carand Galaxy.”
“That can wait. Andromeda is a larger danger to us and the Carand will have to wait.”
Gabe nodded, saluted, and left the room. Steve looked at Janell, “You’re quite attached to him.”
“More than you know, Sir. He is absolutely brilliant and sees things that everyone else misses.”
Steve tilted his head, “Out of respect comes, friendship.”
“I know, I know. And then comes love, right?”
Steve chuckled, “You know that you might be reporting to him one day if he’s as bright as you say.”
“I’d have no problem doing that, Sir. I’d be safer with him in command.”
Steve stared at her and then looked at his panel, “Admiral, you should go to where the scientists are examining your old ship. You can learn what’s going to happen to the warships you took through the black hole. We’ll let Intelligence examine the data you brought back while we focus on Andromeda.”
“Yes, Sir.” Janell turned to go and felt like she had lost her right arm but knew it as for the best or Admiral Connor wouldn’t have ordered it. She also remembered Gabe’s excitement at having the opportunity to fly on the Prophet’s Eyes.
• • •
Stella arrived at the landing pad on top of Fleet Operations and saw a young man walking out toward the ship. She stood up and went to the entry port and said, “I need to take the data collected by our scouts to Admiral Connor.”
“Yes, Sir, but I thought it might be a good idea if we looked at that data before we take it to him. He already has a copy of it from the download sent by Commodore Kuhn.”
“How do you know that?”
“I heard the transmission on my panel.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m sorry, Sir. I’m Captain Gabriel Eagle. I’ve been assigned to Admiral Dobson.”
“You went to the galaxy through the black hole?”
“I did.”
“Why are you being assigned to me?”
Gabe smiled, “My incredible good looks, Sir.”
Stella burst out laughing. “They won’t help you, Captain. I have a husband that puts you to shame.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Well, I guess I’m number two on the list now. However, I also
have a pretty good knack of understanding things technological and I’d really like to see what was collected by Commodore Kuhn’s scouts.”
Stella stared at him and said, “Come aboard and let’s take a look. You can store your duffle bag in the first room on the left.”
Gabe walked up the steps and was once again amazed at the invisible ship that was built for the Prophet. He tossed his bag in the room as they moved up the corridor and followed Stella into the small bridge. Stella looked up, “Poul, this is Captain Eagle. He wants to take a look at the data that was collected by the scouts.”
“Good day, Captain. I’ll start the data as soon as the two of you take a seat.”
“Thank you, Poul. Will you be able to stop the data?”
“Just say the word.”
They sat down and the monitor activated showing a giant structure hanging in space just outside the event horizon of a black hole. Gabe said, “Stop.” The image froze on the monitor and Gabe stood up and walked up to get a closer look at it. “Poul, do you have other angles of this structure.” The monitor began showing the structure from the sides and back and Gabe remained focused on the images. “Stop.” The last image froze and Gabe said, “These images are from different structures.”
“The structure is located in four equidistant locations around the black hole.” Stella heard Poul and shook her head. She saw no differences in the images. She thought it was the same facility. Gabe turned and looked at Stella, “This appears to be a launch tube to accelerate warships into the black hole.”
Stella nodded, “That is the conclusion that Commodore Kuhn reached.” Gabe nodded and looked back at the image. Stella watched him and lowered her head, “Do you have anything else to add?”
Gabe heard the sarcastic tone and looked at her. “There are a couple of things that it reveals to us.”
“And what is that?”
“Well, first, our warships are faster than theirs. We don’t need a launch tube to transit the black hole. Second, any warships they send through are going on a one-way trip. They won’t have the speed to return.”
Stella stared at him and her mouth fell open. She shook her head, “You’re right. They’ll have no way of knowing what’s happening here.”