The Definitive SpaceFed Trilogy (SpaceFed StarShips Trilogy).: A thrilling, action-packed Sci-fi space adventure. (SpaceFed StarShips Series Book 8)

by Gerry A. Saunders

  “Well, we aren’t able to on Earth. But here, gravity is set to point three of Earth's. So, the tray has a built-in low-level magnetic repeller that enables it to float,” Frank explained.

  “Whereas, to stop people from floating. All of our passage-ways, work areas, and, of course, the crew quarters, have computer controlled magnetic attractor-mosaics built into their floors.”

  He grinned as Alan looked confused. “There are metal inserts in our footwear. So, with the built-in mosaics, the floor becomes the centre of gravity and helps to keep our feet on the ground.”

  “So that's why moving and walking feels so natural.”

  “Yes, and the ship doesn't have to spin to produce its gravity, so it’s much better for navigation and targeting.”

  “But what happens when we take our shoes off, at night, for instance?”

  “Well, there’s enough gravity to prevent people from floating around, and you get used to the effect anyway.

  But, if it wasn't for Andromeda's ability to control millions of objects simultaneously, combined with the tiny magnetic strips attached to virtually everything. Then lightweight items would just move and float around as you touched them.”

  “You mean things that aren’t bolted down?”

  “Yes, in a way. Because the artificial gravity generator can't produce more than point three G, without making the ship's outer hull seem to be the centre of gravity. So, it generates just enough to keep light objects stationary, even with the air supply system operating continuously.”

  They put their empty glasses back on the tray, which receded into the wall. Then Alan handed Frank a small grey capsule.

  “This is what you're waiting for I believe.”

  “Ah! At last,” Frank muttered as he took the security capsule from Alan.

  Then, placed his thumb on the matt side of the capsule. His thumbprint was recognized, and the exterior layer of the capsule immediately turned to powder leaving two sheets of plastic foil. One had the words Proceed. Procyon. Hawk. Acarea. The other, computer coordinates.

  Frank read the Interstellar co-ordinates slowly and deliberately, then directed his thoughts to Andromeda and ordered her to prepare the crew for jump.'

  Immediately, the output level of the ship’s power generators surged, causing everyone’s skin to prickle. Then, as suddenly as the feeling came, it was gone.

  “What happened?” Alan asked, as he nervously pushed his black hair back.

  “We’re under way,” Frank told him, surprised at Alan’s lack of understanding. “But we can only use the ship’s Sublight Photon drive, to slowly accelerate us away from Mars. Then, when we’re far enough away, the Andromeda will orientate itself with Procyon.”

  “And then?”

  “We warp space, to create a wormhole,” Frank replied with a smile on his face.

  He ordered rear-view display. And another screen lit up, showing the bluish colored Photon stream’s build-up behind the Andromeda, as she eased herself away from the Mars orbit and out towards the designated departure point well away from Mars itself.

  “Ok, let’s see what’s happening on the main screen,” he said, as he ordered the rear-view display to close.

  Now, the large screen that was suspended in front of them showed the blackness of space, a blackness that now seemed menacing.

  “Show me our planned route,” he commanded Andromeda.

  A view of their target area appeared on the screen, with a bright yellow line shooting out in a hyperbolic curve, connecting their ship with Procyon's double stars.

  “From here, we'll make four jumps through warp space via artificially created wormholes. As you may know, some people refer warp space as Hyperspace.

  Anyway, the last jump will be short, ending at Procyon itself,” Andromeda explained.

  “Once we initiate the first leg of our interstellar jump, we’ll change to Ships Time’ as a reference, until we return to Earth again, of course. We have an advantage, Alan, in that we know where the Hawk should have been at any given time.

  Earth’s Astro department was able to provide us with a trajectory that will take us along the same route taken in 2290. With the necessary corrections for movement of space and time during the lapsed time, of course.

  With each of the first three translation points being two point eight five light-years apart. My long-range detector will be able to search for the Hawk at these translation points, and hopefully, detect the Hawk’s mass within that area.

  I’ll then be able to determine if the Hawk is within one-point-six-three light-years radius, or half a parsec, from us,” she said, ending her explanation.

  Then asked, “Do you know how my Jumpdrive works Alan?”

  “Not really, I’m not an engineer.”

  “That seems to be borne out by the lack of information about you in my crew-register.”

  “Enough, Andromeda.”

  “Huh!”

  Frank shot a reprimand thought at her for trying to act too human.

  “Basically,” Andromeda continued, ignoring Frank’s ticking off. “We warp space-time so much that we create a small tube or wormhole.

  It's like shooting something semi-buoyant into the water, at an angle. It will surface some distance away, with the actual length being dependent on the power used. Gravity bends our four space-time dimensions. But matter curves spacetime back on itself, hence the analogy to a semi-buoyant effect.

  But the destination point isn’t a hundred percent accurate. Because, as Einstein showed. The effect of gravity on the wormhole would typically be caused by the gravimetric distortions produced by any star that happened to be close to it. This gravimetric distortion could cause space-time to warp. Or, the wormhole that you've just created, for instance, to curve.”

  Andromeda stopped. Then, to humour Alan, added, “It’s reassuring to know that quantum theory is not so rigid in its effects.”

  Frank could see why Andromeda had queried Alan’s credentials and his apparent lack of operational understanding to a trouble shooter. And, Frank knew rumours were circulating about the Navy trying to take over the Space Federation again.”

  “Are you a navy spy, Alan?”

  “What?”

  “You were asked if you were a spy.” Andromeda icily repeated Frank’s question.

  “No! Of course, not,” Alan looked and sounded hurt at the question. “What on Earth makes you ask that?”

  “Just that you seem unprepared. And there are rumours about the Space Navy.”

  “Well, I’m not in their pocket, Frank.”

  “Fair enough, Alan. Then I suggest that you gen-up on ship functions as soon as we’re underway.”

  Then to Andromeda.

  “What's the available 'over' power, Andromeda?”

  There was a slight pause.

  “Plus, forty-six per cent.”

  “Good” Frank exclaimed. “Activate your entry circuits Andromeda, and start the warp countdown.”

  “What’s the additional forty-six percent?” asked Alan.

  “It’s the percentage of power, that’s surplus to the power needed to create a wormhole.”

  “I see. Uh, don’t we need seats?” Alan then asked as he looked around for one.

  Frank couldn’t help grinning. Having had several jumps and exits during Andromeda’s trials under his belt. He knew that they were unpleasant. But, Alan would soon find that out for himself.

  “For a novice, an inertia damping chair would be wise. But, the ship’s artificial counter-pressure will be enough, a little sickness is all that you’ll feel.”

  “And if the pressure fails?”

  Frank rested a hand on Alan’s shoulder as two chairs rose out of the floor, re-configuring to their required function as they went.

  “You won't know what hit you,” he replied.

  Frank ignored Alan, and watched his tactical display continuously updating from Andromeda’s sensors as she did a final trajectory adjustment, using her maneuverab
ility thrusters built flush within her hull.

  Chapter 3.

  Warp.

  “Andromeda. Send the two-minute warp entry warning to all the crew now,” Frank instructed.

  Within twenty seconds, the AI had sent it, and had ascertained the readiness of the other nineteen crew members via their transceiver implants.

  “Entry in ten seconds” it announced. “Jump rings extended.”

  The lighting dimmed. Only the necessities to maintain human life remained. With every ounce of energy being required by the ship’s twin fusion reactors to achieve the warp pulse needed to warp space and make the jump.

  Warp-field creation and wormhole formation occurred simultaneously, and Andromeda seemed to stretch, as it plunged into the wormhole.

  Frank, as did the rest of his crew, suddenly felt as if he’d left part of himself behind, almost as if he was surging past a catapult’s arms under immense power. Then, for a moment, nothing. It felt as if he was stationary. Then the rest of his body caught up and he knew they were in the wormhole, and in transit.

  The exit point from the wormhole was always accurate, but transit time could vary considerably. With gravimetric distortions making the transit tube curve.

  So, for the three days or so that it would take to transit, there wasn't very much for the crew to do, except for carrying out their daily routine.

  Frank, having time to relax, thought back to when he and Andromeda first experienced their mind-link.

  It was when they started working together at the Mars Space Dock and were waiting for the finishing touches to be made to the ship.

  They had run several battle scenarios, and when a simulated target-ship passed at a speed of up to 150 to 200 kilometres per hour, he managed to hit it most times.

  But, at higher speeds, of up to about point three of light. The expected speed of ships in battle. Then the Andromeda, with her targeting processors operating at the speed of light, would always win.

  It was at that time that he had wisely decided to only issue commands and directions. Leaving the real fighting to Andromeda.

  Frank, having no real work to do for the next few hours, decided that now, would be an ideal time to get together with his crew. From experience, he knew that it would almost certainly be impossible later.

  “Andromeda. Which is the largest restroom on the ship?” he asked.

  “Room 1C, Captain. It was designated to be used as a recreation room and canteen, but it’s hardly ever used.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, the crew members have automatically synthesized food and water dispensers in their cabins. So, they seem to prefer eating there.”

  “That seems a bit unfriendly to me. More reason to get everyone together now.”

  Andromeda seemed puzzled. “You are the Captain, are you not?”

  “You know I am.”

  “In my protocol instructions, it states that the ship's Captain doesn’t fraternize with the crew.”

  “Well, lucky for us, you’re not me then. And I want the service droids to rustle up some wine and light snacks. Oh, and they can serve us all, as well. So organize that please, Andromeda.”

  “That is not one of their functions, Captain.”

  “True. But it will be today. Now, give me broadcast.”

  “Broadcast is now live Captain.”

  Frank gathered his thoughts, then began.

  “This is your Captain speaking. All crew members, not on essential duty, please report to room 1C in ten minutes. Please dress casually, as this is an informal get together while we have the time.

  If you're not sure where room 1C is, just ‘think’ location, and Andromeda will guide you via your transceiver implant,” he ordered.

  “End broadcast, Andromeda,” he said, then sat back, thinking about things.

  Frank had met most of his crew before leaving Earth. Some of them way back during the period he had spent on the astronaut’s basic training course. And others, more recently, on their mission specific operational training and assessment courses.

  Then, after his crew members had been selected, they had all attended the mandatory induction course. All of them taking this opportunity to mix and get to know each better, before being sent off to work in their own specialized departmental simulators.

  These simulators had enabled them to familiarize themselves with the equipment they would be using on the ship. Some of which, with the ever-increasing pace of change in technological design, would already be to a later specification than the equipment that they had previously worked on.

  Frank sighed, as he thought about the small contingent of space marines on board.

  Marine Captain Stewart seemed likeable enough. He knew that they had always kept pretty much to themselves and had highly organized daily routines, leaving them with hardly any free time. But, even so, Frank had noticed that Space Marines were even more insular these days, especially now they were in a Starship. So, he had reluctantly agreed that they should be kept aware of what was going on but would keep a low profile until they were needed.

  Then, he sighed again as he thought about the transceiver implants. It had almost certainly been the most stressful time for everyone when they had all agreed to have a Transceiver implant inserted in their brains. Although there was some pain involved in fitting it, the mental confusion it produced continued for a few days while it trained itself, and its host, where and how to operate.

  Ten minutes later he walked into room 1C. Sure enough, there was snacks and wine, and the service droids were already zigzagging between people, with glasses of wine on trays held in their manipulating hands.

  “Good afternoon everyone, nice to see so many of you have made it here,” he said with a smile.

  He noted that four male crew members were absent. And he couldn't see either of the two female crew members.

  ‘Perhaps they were on shift. I must see them both when time permits he decided.

  “Your attention, please,” he said out loud, and the chattering stopped abruptly.

  “Thanks. This is really a preliminary briefing and for everyone to get to know each other.

  Our brief is to find two ships. The Hawk, which went missing sometime after 2292.

  Then, we’ll continue on to Procyon and hopefully locate Acarea, the lost settler starship that was launched almost two hundred years ago,” he said, as the crew uttered a slight murmur, then were silent.

  “We have the best ship and crew for this mission. So, whatever happens, we will safely return to Earth,” he said, then stopped and looked around.

  “Those of you still a bit wary of your transceiver implant, don't be. We all have them; myself included. They will prove to be indispensable. So, familiarize yourself with using the transceivers. They may save your life one day,” he paused again.

  “I know you've had basic training on most things, but you must also familiarize yourself with how your force-suits work.

  Try them out, with Andromeda's guidance if needed. She's your link and protector. Use her.”

  He paused, then added. “Section sixteen has a fully equipped gym, with all the standard equipment including a rather good ISO shower. You know that fitness is important especially on a ship. So, use the gym and keep everything clean and tidy.

  Anyone who hasn't used a magnetic two-metre running field before, remember to hold the support handles. The magnets in the running shoes are stronger than in standard footwear so you may feel a bit wobbly when you are running,” he paused again and looked at them smiling briefly.

  “Start slowly, until you get used to the effect. Oh, and note that the maximum running speed is eight kilometres per hour. Being technical, you'll understand the limitations that are set by the hysteresis effect of the magnetic mosaics.

  Two more items on this subject. First, when you enter the gym, you’ll notice that the overall sensitivity of your implants automatically reduces. This is for your security.

  Second, you'll have to concent
rate much more when you issue your 'thought' commands. Otherwise, when you order the Control command, for example. While thinking of your other half at home, you might turn those thoughts into the command.”

  This last comment provoked a collective chuckle from the crew.

  “Lastly, I know you all have work to do, but in the future, I would like you to use this room much more. It's perfect for meeting up and relaxing with each other.”

  Then grinning, he added. “By the way, the service droids go back to their duties in one hour so make use of them while you can.

  Right, that’s all. We’ll be in transit for about three days, with a good tailwind,” he ended jokingly. Most of them clapped, not sure if that was the right thing to do.

  Frank mingled for a while talking to some of the crew members, then left for his cabin. Then realized that he hadn’t seen any Marines.

  “Andromeda, why weren’t the Marines at the get-together?”

  “Marines don’t socialize with the rest of the crew.”

  “Really. Well, I’ll see what their Captain has to say about that.”

  Chapter 4.

  Space Marines.

  Later in the day, Frank left his cabin and went to talk to the Marine Captain.

  The Space Marines’ quarters were situated next to the bulkhead that separated the massive warp-drive complex from the habitation area.

  Opposite their quarters, a door led to a service area that catered for the recycling of all waste products in the ship. These waste products were broken down into molecules. Then, reformed into vital commodities by atom manipulation techniques. These techniques had rapidly advanced in the last fifty years and had changed the way materials, and food could be re-generated.

  Most of the other crew’s cabins were also located further along in this section. While the officer’s cabins were further forward and closer to the front of the ship. All of this had reduced the distance that waste-products needed to travel to be recycled.