Solbidyum Wars 3: Pirates of Goo'waddle Canals

by Dale Musser

  “How would I do that?” A’Lappe asked with some surprise in his voice.

  “Well, I would say that’s what I pay you to figure out, but since I don’t pay you…” I chuckled. “…I guess I can’t use that line. But how about investigating a way to improve the efficiency of one or more RMFF mechanisms to reduce the operating power?”

  “And you think I can do this?” A’Lappe said as he cocked his head to one side, while his huge eyes stared into mine.

  “Yes, I think you can. I even suspect you know how already, but for reasons of your own, have decided not to share that technology yet.”

  “Hmm. You’re pretty smart, you know?” he said as he turned away and began pacing. “I’ve been trying to figure out how you know when I am present when others do not, but you never give any clue and you seem to read and understand me better than anyone else on the ship. Yes, I have been withholding some information and technology that I am willing to share only when it’s sorely needed. That you know, or at least suspected, but the fact that you have never pushed is something I deeply respect. I told you when I first presented myself to you that there were things about me that I would not reveal, and that there are people who want to capture me and some that want to kill me. Some of the reasons behind my situation are the same reasons that motivate me to withhold much of what I know. But understand this, Tibby; nothing I withhold is of a nature that presents a risk or threat in any way.”

  “A’Lappe, it’s apparent that you have gained knowledge that is not known in the Federation, so it’s safe to assume that you are not from anywhere in this sector of space. Likewise, if any culture in this galaxy were to have the knowledge and technology you seem to possess, we would have already heard about them, as they would have gotten to us by now if they posed any kind of threat. That leaves only three other possibilities – one, you are a time traveler from the future; two, you come from a completely different galaxy; or three, you are from another dimension or universe entirely—one far more technically advanced than this one. Personally, I’m betting on three to be the correct scenario.”

  For the first time, I saw a look of shock and fear on A’Lappe’s face, and he seemed at a loss to say anything. He froze momentarily and then resumed pacing about the room, his hands clasped behind his back. I could see he was struggling with something internally. Finally, he turned and faced me; in a calm and quiet voice he said, “I’m glad you are a friend, Tibby. I hope you will keep what you suspect a secret, at least for a little longer, anyway. I know that other members of the crew are suspicious about me and have their own ideas, and sooner or later I’m going to have to face the fact that they will find out. But for right now please keep this between us.

  “You are correct; I’m not from this universe. The universe I came from is similar in some ways to this one, but very different in others. The way I appear here, for one thing, is not as it was in my home universe. Believe it or not, I look more like you and the other humans here on the ship when in my own universe, but here… Well, you can see my appearance is quite different. By the same token, the laws of physics here —again, while similar — are not exactly the same as where I come from. The speed of light is different in my universe; we have both attractive and repulsive gravitational forces; and the behavior of elements and the manner in which certain chemicals react are also different.

  “I was a renowned scientist and was working on a way to develop a dimensional doorway to this universe, when an accident occurred and I was transported here. As it happened, I appeared in a laboratory of another scientist here in the Federation working on the same problem. I was in a state of shock on my arrival, as was he. I didn’t know exactly what had happened to me — my body was all wrong, as I could see it, and I thought that somehow my mind had been transferred into a new body. The other scientist and I could not communicate at first, because of language differences, but with the use of one of the learning headbands, I was able to learn his language quickly. My colleague here in this universe — whom I will simply call Mr. Z — was working on a project funded by none other than Galetils, who was hoping to open a dimensional doorway into a universe where solbidyum might be more common. Not so foolish an idea as you might think, as solbidyum is quite common in my universe. Only there, its properties are much different than here. Galetils hoped to be able to harvest the solbidyum there and bring it back or perhaps set up trade between the two universes. The problem was that Mr. Z and I were not able to activate the apparatus in this dimension to successfully open the doorway. It was as if the passage opened only in one direction when I passed through, so we were ultimately forced to conclude that an operator was required on both sides to establish the opening.

  “We don’t know how, but word of our research slipped out, and that’s when the Brotherhood contacted Galetils. I lied to you before when I told you it was the 10X reactor that they wanted; they wanted the secrets for the dimensional doorway. An attempt was made to kidnap Mr. Z and me from the lab on Astamagota. We escaped, but the attackers took what they thought was the field generator apparatus that makes the dimensional doorway. Luckily for us, what they actually took was a new replicator prototype recently designed by other scientists in the lab. A week later, they attacked again, but by that time I was living in hiding on Galetils’ space yacht that was under construction at the Nibarian shipyard, this ship that we now call your NEW ORLEANS. Mr. Z was killed in the attack, and the attackers were killed by Galetils’ security forces. The laboratory equipment was supposed to be transferred here to the NEW ORLEANS from Asmagota to be included in the ship’s final installations; however, before the lab could be disassembled and mobilized, the solar flare hit…and you already know the rest of the story.

  “At the moment, the Brotherhood thinks I’m dead; but if they find out I am alive, they will make every effort to capture me and use whatever means they can to force me to open a door to another universe for their nefarious purposes.”

  “So you already know how to make the dimensional doorway?” I asked.

  “Yes and no. I know how to do it in my universe, but not in this one. As I said, the laws of physics are not exactly the same in both universes; and certain substitutions need to be made for some of the necessary materials, but I don’t know which ones yet. It’s even possible that the elements required to make it work don’t even exist in this universe. But do you think that would keep the Brotherhood from trying to get me?”

  “No, I don’t imagine it would.”

  “My knowledge is still useful, but I still have to work very hard to find the right components to duplicate what has been achieved in my universe. Before I came to this universe, our scientists were able to tap into communication signals emitted from here — your universe — so we knew this universe was here, even though we could not translate the signals into anything intelligible on our end. Unfortunately, since my arrival here, I have not been able to likewise develop a device that can detect communication signals from my home universe.”

  “Is it possible for someone in your universe to reopen the door using your device back there?”

  “I’m afraid not. As I said, it was an accident that I fell through the doorway. I suspect the machine was damaged badly when I passed through and is likely beyond repair, assuming anyone in that universe rediscovers the technology.”

  “What happened? What kind of accident?” I asked.

  “Pretty much the same thing that happened on Astamagota — a solar flare. In a way, the universes are parallel, but in my universe the solar flare event happened several weeks earlier. I actually think it was the EMP surge from the solar flare that made the machine work in the first place. I was caught in the doorway created by the event and ended up here. I didn’t realize exactly what happened until the solar flare at Astamagota wiped out everything.”

  “So your reason for withholding technical information and discovery is to protect yourself from the Brotherhood and those who might want to acquire your knowledge by any
means?”

  “It’s not as simple as that, Tibby. It’s like I was saying earlier—the laws of physics don’t all work the same here. I can’t be sure what will work and what won’t, but slowly, I have been able to figure some of it out. With some work I can determine what things need to be changed or substituted to achieve similar results. For instance, while the technology of the RMFF exists in my universe, the mechanism by which it works is not exactly the same as here. So to make it work here my work had to focus more on determining the subtle modifications in components and frequency required to achieve the results that were already realized in my universe. I understand the principals, but I need to find the corresponding components that apply to its operation according to the physics of your universe. As I determine what is required to improve RMFF efficiency, I will pass the information on to you.”

  “I think I understand, A’Lappe, and I want you to know that, regardless of what happens, I am most appreciative for all you have done already. Kala and I personally owe you a great deal and the Federation, while it may not know it, also owes you a huge debt.”

  “Thank you, Tibby. I’m hoping that one day very soon I may be able to provide you with some technology that will help end the reign of the Brotherhood and unite the galaxy into one huge Federation.”

  That evening, Kala and I dined with Senator Tonclin, Commander Wabussie, Lieutenant Marranalis and Captain Kerabac. Commodore Stonbersa had command of the ship while Kerabac dined with us. Kerabac had been fully briefed by Commodore Stonbersa as to what transpired earlier. Conversation during the first part of our meal was light and general, dealing mostly with social amenities. Finally, I asked, “Senator, do you know how many Mirage Fighters are currently ready for delivery at Nibaria’s shipyard?”

  “Indeed I do. In anticipation of your inquiry, I communicated with Orcpipin this morning before I boarded the NEW ORLEANS. He advised that eighteen craft are ready for delivery. If the Honorable First Citizen would care to inspect them, I am sure arrangements can be made.”

  “Marranalis, how many Mirage Fighters do we currently have on the NEW ORLEANS?”

  “At the moment we have thirty-two, plus eighty patrol ships, five shuttles and a small freighter.”

  “A small freighter?” I laughed.

  “Yes, a small freighter. We need it to supply the ship itself and to transport the equipment that A’Lappe and Cantolla need for their laboratory.”

  “Ahh, OK. When we arrive at Nibaria, I want us to take delivery of all available Mirage Fighters. We will add eight of them to our own fleet and the rest we will deliver to any Federation starship we encounter that hasn’t already been supplied with a Mirage fleet.

  “Commander, have you been able to communicate with the admiral concerning the information we received from Senator Tonclin?”

  “Yes, I did. He agrees that it’s a good idea for me to travel with you to Gaimse to recover the Mirage Fighter. He said he would not be adverse to you destroying their shipyard there if you needed to. The planet of Gaimse does have a formidable military to protect its space, but nothing that can pose any real threat against the NEW ORLEANS. In all probability, they will send out their ships once they are aware you intend to reclaim the Mirage Fighter. The admiral does suggest that you reduce the size of their fleet considerably if they are uncooperative.”

  “If the Gaimseians have been dissembling the Mirage Fighter and drawing up plans to make more, where do you believe they have located their engineering department and the Mirage Fighter plans?” I asked.

  “The Gaimseians are highly competitive, business-wise, and fiercely proprietary about any information they get their hands on that gives them a competitive edge. My guess is that the drawings will be produced and kept at the shipyard under the tightest security.”

  “We may have to destroy the shipyard, because I do not intend for them to be able to keep any of the information they may have already gleaned from their reverse engineering efforts.”

  “This could be very interesting, Tibby — one ship slightly smaller than a starship going up against an entire planetary force. The Gaimseians have a formidable fleet and, while I don’t believe they can hurt the NEW ORLEANS when armed with the RMFF, it’s going to be a real shocker throughout the Federation when it is learned that one ship has taken on an entire fleet of military ships,” Wabussie said. “Senator, how do you think the senate will react to this kind of situation?”

  Tonclin grinned. “For the most part, I suspect that, other than making comments about it, they will not show much concern. Any actions taken by Tibby to recover his personal property and eliminate any threat to himself will be seen by most of the senate as justifiable. Furthermore, he will not be violating any Federation laws in doing so, nor will he be violating any laws in defending himself if he is attacked. But it would be best for him to recover the ship, rather than to destroy it and the shipyard. That initial approach may appear to be a decisive act of aggression, and some members of the senate might not look on it favorably.”

  “Hmm, I see what you are saying,” I said. “We’ll take every measure to ensure the first shots fired are by the Gaimseians, and that events are properly recorded and documented should it ever become an issue.”

  “I think that would be a very wise idea,” Wabussie agreed.

  As we spoke, Kerabac’s wrist com signaled and Commodore Stonbersa’s voice came across the link. “Please advise the senator that we have arrived at Nibaria and he is able to depart at his discretion.”

  “Thank you, Commodore, I shall see to it.”

  I turned to the senator and said, “You’re most welcome to spend the night aboard, if you wish. There is no rush, as we will need to complete the inspection and loading of the Mirage Fighters from shipyard, which will require a number hours to arrange and accomplish.”

  “Honored First Citizen, I appreciate your offer, but I must be getting to the surface. I know that Chanina is excited to hear about my trip home on the NEW ORLEANS. Ever since she and I visited last year, you and the NEW ORLEANS is all she talks about. If I may be so bold as to tell you, she even says that, when she finishes her schooling, she wants to apply for a job with you here on the NEW ORLEANS.”

  “Really?” I said. “What is she studying?”

  “For all of her little girl silliness, she actually wants to be a Gravity Wave Specialist. She studies everything she can find on the matter.”

  “That’s interesting,” I said. “It’s possible that I might actually have a position for her after she finishes her schooling, if she sticks with it.”

  Chanina was the senator’s young daughter who visited the NEW ORLEANS with her father a year earlier, during which time she managed to get lost while wandering around the ship. She was discovered by A’Lappe who, at the time, was an unknown stowaway on the NEW ORLEANS. He escorted Chanina to the bridge while under the invisibility cloak before retreating again to an unoccupied area of the ship. This event set off a ship-wide search for A’Lappe that failed to locate him or his hiding place. A few days later, he appealed to me personally to stay on the ship in exchange for his help and information.

  While the senator prepared to leave, Marranalis and Kerabac made arrangements with the shipyard to take delivery of the eighteen Mirage Fighters. Marranalis asked me if I could take over with a martial arts practice session with our security team, and I agreed, as I was in need of a workout. Kala decided to join me, as she had not been exercising as much of late, either.

  When I arrived at the training gym, I was shocked to see Lieutenant Commander Sokaia working out there with the others. I really should not have been, as she had trained with many of them a year earlier under Marranalis during the joint security team and Federation Special Operations troopers sessions.

  A’Lappe and Cantolla enhanced the learning headbands to enable transfer of the knowledge of martial arts techniques to the troopers; however, even though they knew and understood the movements intellectually, their bodies still need
ed to be trained to carry out the motions as natural and instinctive reflexes.

  “Vice Admiral,” Sokaia said, snapping to attention.

  “Lieutenant Commander,” I said. “It’s good to see you here working out with the squad.”

  “Just trying to refine my skills, sir” she said.

  I began the workout by having everyone perform a sequence of fundamental moves before pairing them off to spar. I was impressed with Sokaia’s technique and speed and it was apparent that she took her exercises very seriously. Once the sparring began, it was obvious Sokaia was a step above all the members of my security team. Kala observed me as I watched Sokaia and said, “She’s good. I think I’ll try sparring with her — it should be challenging.”

  “Oh, you mean you’re tired of sparring with me?” I said.

  Kala laughed. “Something like that,” she said as she walked over to Sokaia’s sparring mat. The two spoke for a moment and soon after took their positions. The match was on.

  Kala was good; in fact, other than me, no one of our team was able to beat her. But when she and Sokaia started, it was apparent that Kala was up against a solid opponent and the two seemed to be equally matched. Kicks and jabs were thrown and blocked by each opponent, moves and countermoves were made as the two danced in a deadly dance. Suddenly, I realized everyone in the gym had stopped and were focused on the two ladies as they seemed to move faster and faster, trying to get the other into a kill position.

  Kala was trying too hard and was not letting her natural instincts take over, and I was almost inclined to yell something out. Suddenly, I saw her step back and the realization in her eyes just as Sokaia made a lightning attack. Kala seemed to melt, her body flowing like a liquid as she moved to the side, so Sokaia’s attack missed her by the merest fraction of a millimeter. Kala’s body continued its liquid flow, following Sokaia’s move and forcing her along the lines of her own momentum. She lost balance and Kala followed behind as she gained the dominant position. Before Sokaia realized what was happening, Kala was on top of her and Sokaia was faced with what would have been the fatal blow, had it been delivered.