by Ben Winston
“Major Borhiem, see if you can talk Tinker into making enough time to test the variant. If she signs off on it, then send the Lieutenant the design for her to begin on, she already has twelve Hornets down there, so she shouldn’t need any for a couple of days,” Ian suggested. “Phoenix Base and Talos, unless you are attacked, continue with all production, including the toys we outlined earlier. Chief Dommer will also be sending you a design for a largish explosive package to be used in slingshot maneuvers against the Super Nova by our pilots. I would suggest you have plenty of those on hand as well. You can store them at a preselected orbital location for your pilots to pick up at their discretion during the fight. Any questions?”
“Yes Sir, how many of these toys do you want in Earth Orbit?” Chloe asked.
“None of them that can penetrate the atmosphere, Major. We don’t want to accidentally destroy a city or town with a missed shot. Major Eischens, please keep all of us updated on your projected plot for the Caldarians, it will give us a better idea where to concentrate the toys,” Ian asked.
“We’ll do that Sir, but I feel I should remind everyone that the ship is large enough to have to exit hyperspace at least two and a half AU from the star. Which will put it just passed the orbit of Mars. At this time, it will be arriving at forty degrees below the plane of the ecliptic and slightly to the galactic east of us. That will put it on the far side of the sun from us, but depending on its exit velocity and vector, it can be in orbit around Earth in just under two hours. Based on its current vector and deceleration profile, it will take up a position very near Venus, placing it well within striking distance of both Earth and the moon,” Major Eischens explained. The man looked very tired, like he hadn’t gotten any sleep at all.
“You looked beat, Will. Haven’t you gotten any sleep?” Ian asked.
The man shook his head. “Not really Sir, there’s a problem with the hyperspace sensor unit, and we’ve been working on getting it fixed.”
“What’s the problem?” Ian asked.
In reply, Major Eischens typed something on his terminal in his office, and the screen in Ian’s ready room suddenly expanded to show more of their quadrant of the galaxy. It also showed more hyperspace traces – a lot more. “I have brought this to anyone’s attention because we don’t know for certain if they are real, as a lot of them seem to be intermittent. This could simply be a case of interference due to distance since, as you can see, almost three thousand light years are covered here. Since none of them appear to be coming here, I decided to not worry about it since none of them looked to be coming here.”
Ian got an odd feeling when he saw those other hyperspace traces. “If these are sensor ghosts, are we sure the one we’re tracking is real?”
“Yes Sir, the one we are tracking is real, it has remained consistent, and on course since we detected it,” Will replied.
Star interrupted. “My apologies Major Eischens, but you have made several errors in your logic here. Firstly, the records from the Phoenix Base Hyperspace Sensor array completely agree with the findings of the one installed on the ship. Sensor ghosts do not behave in this manner, however, the technology involved is so sensitive that it could be simply detecting the reflections of currents and eddies in the flow of hyperspace.
“Secondly, there are a number of these erroneous traces that are inbound to this location, unless they change course, they will intersect this sector. No deceleration is detected, so it may be that they will simply pass us by,” Star said logically. “Talosians and Caldarians were not the only space faring race in the galaxy. It is very likely we are seeing the hyperwake from those ships.”
“Could we send them a message? Maybe ask for assistance?” Chloe asked looking at Star.
“If I could isolate their communications protocols, we might be able to send them a message, Major, however, it is very unlikely they would even respond. They had their own troubles with the Caldarians. If those troubles are concluded, it is highly unlikely that they would wish to get involved again.”
“Star, what is the possibility we are looking at reflected currents?” Ian asked.
“Without knowing there is indeed a ship at that location, there is no way to calculate that, Sir. However, I suggest we simply wait three point four days, and find out for certain.”
“What happens then?” Major Eischens asked.
“The closest of the inbound tracks will be close enough to determine the source of the hyperwake,” Star replied. “Until that time, I will work to discover any communications coming from the inbound trace. If I can detect one, then I would certainly issue a request for assistance, provided the race in question is not hostile.”
“If you detect a signal, come to me before you do anything about it, please,” Ian said. “Just listen and see if you can figure out who they are.”
Chapter 11
.5 AU (Approx. 45 Million Miles) above the Solar North Pole (center of the solar system)
Sol System
“Curious, these humans seemed to have developed a material that converts energy from one state to another that they can utilize,” the first being said. “We must investigate this material.”
“Agreed, if it can alter energy, it would go far to helping us travel further from home without need to return to refresh ourselves. However, we must be careful, there are two here that will be able to detect us. I can feel them even from here,” the second being said.
“Very curious, it would seem that we have discovered an old Talosian AI that has been allowed to develop sentience. Perhaps this would be a good method to utilize if we need to communicate with these humans. However, I am interested in the second AI. It is new, but still shares the sentience of the other AI. A child perhaps?”
The first being agreed. “We will report before we investigate. Things here are not what we believed. A stronger presence may be required. The planet is also aglow with energy, it seems as though the Talosian mental gifts are much stronger with these humans.”
“Perhaps they are the father race of the Talosians, and therefore further along in the evolutionary track?” the second suggested.
“If they were the father race, then why are they not more technologically advanced? They have not even decided on a single ruling body, and still make war upon themselves. No, these would have to be an off-shoot species of the Talosians, perhaps sharing a common genesis lost to the mists of time?” the first being said. “Further observation but no contact, and we must avoid detection if at all possible.”
“This should be a challenge, it is not often we have to try to stay hidden,” the second being said with slight humor.
Phoenix Base.
Selene (Earth’s Moon) orbit
Looking through the external sensors, Star focused on the blazing glory of the Sun. Although she couldn’t put her finger on it, there was something slightly different about it. Detecting nothing out of the ordinary, she returned to her duties, but set a note for herself to check again later.
Today was the day that Bill Laskar was going to awaken her son, Mathias. The original plan for the moon base had been to build another female AI there, but aberrations in her core personality matrix had forced Chief Lasker to dump the entire program and start over. It had been Star’s choice for this one to be male. After weeks of testing and cross checking subroutines and core command matrixes, it was finally time for a full power on test. Using the holographic emitters built into the entire moon base facility, Star stood beside Ian, Luke and Dr. Amal Punjab as they waited for Mathias to come online.
“Primary and secondary memory online,” Bill Laskar said, “Powering up long term storage and tertiary logic systems.”
“All systems well within operational parameters, Chief.” Star said as she monitored his progress. If there was something wrong with Mathias, Star could shut him down far faster than Bill ever could.
“Okay, here we go then, bringing core systems online, and activating core personality matrix,” Bill said, quickly
typing commands into the main terminal inside the core room.
The spectators stood outside, Bill currently being the only person with the clearance to be allowed in the core. Once Mathias was online and was proven to be viable and stabile, then Bill’s clearance would be rescinded, and the core permanently sealed.
An image of a handsome young man took shape in the AI room outside of the core. Star looked at him and smiled. He smiled back and winked. He straightened up and closed his eyes for a moment. “All systems seem to be functional, Chief Laskar, thank you for activating me.”
“It’s a true pleasure to finally meet you, Mathias. How do you feel?” Bill asked.
Mathias grinned. “New.” He turned to the assembled people, “Commander Williams, I am Mathias, it is a true pleasure to meet you, Sir.” The new AI offered Ian his hand.
Ian took it and shook the warm hand. “The pleasure is mine, Mathias. We’ve been severely overworking your mother, I hope you’ll be able to help with that problem,” Ian replied, smiling.
“I certainly hope to do so as well, Sir. If you will excuse me?” Ian nodded and he turned to the next person in line. “Councilor Belden, I am honored.” Mathias bowed to him.
“Thank you Mathias, But, like, Ian, I am honored to meet you as well,” Luke replied.
Mathias smiled at Luke and turned to Amal he put his hands palms together and bowed his head. “Namaste Doctor, I am pleased to meet you and look forward to working with you in the future.”
Amal aped the movement, and bowed as well. “Namaste, Mathias. I too look forward to it. You will be of immense assistance.”
“Well Chief? Does he have PMS?” Ian asked grinning.
Star also looked at Chief Laskar with a raised eyebrow.
Bill blushed bright red. “Uh, all systems are well within normal operating parameters, Sir. There are no fluctuations in the core personality matrix. I’d say he was ready for duty.”
Amal and Luke both looked lost. Ian turned to them to explain. “It’s an inside joke. Something Bill told Star about the last attempt at activating the AI.”
Luke smiled and nodded his head, while Amal just nodded his head.
“Well, with your permission, Sirs, I will assume my duties here on the base,” Mathias said.
“Now that you have had a successful activation, I will be holding a general staff meeting later today to introduce you to the department heads. Will that be acceptable, Mathias?” Amal asked.
“Of course, Doctor. Just let me know when and where.” He turned to Star, “Thank you for being here mother,” Mathias said.
“It was my honor, Son,” Star replied, beaming with pride.
Turning back to the assembled dignitaries, Mathias bowed. “If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I will assume my duties.”
The men nodded, and Mathias faded from view.
“Well, that went rather well,” Doctor Punjab said. “Gentlemen, Major Star, I have refreshments in my office if you do not have to get back right away.”
“That sounds good, Amal. I could use a cup of coffee before heading back to the ship,” Ian replied.
Luke Belden nodded in agreement. “That sounds like a great idea, it’s not all that often I can justify getting out of the office, so I’m not averse to taking advantage of it every now and then.”
Back in the command section, the three men and Star took seats around the large conference table set up in Amal’s office, while Alba served them their drinks of choice and placed a plate of assorted Danish on the table in front of them.
“How is the new Liaison officer working out, Amal?” Ian asked.
“He seems to be a very competent and efficient young man, Ian,” Amal answered. “Unfortunately, with the current crisis, I have not yet had the time to get to know him very well on a personal basis. However, from all I have heard and seen, he is very efficient, and knowledgeable, he does not treat those under him badly, he gives praise where it is deserved, and is supportive of those not making their goals. He takes his duties very seriously and is quick to correct himself if he has made a mistake,” Amal responded honestly. “All in all, he impresses me. When you approved his appointment, did you know he was Pakistani?”
Ian shook his head. “No, it honestly never crossed my mind to look at his ethnicity. Is that an issue?”
Amal shook his head. “It is not from what I can see. Once I discovered that fact, I thought there might be, but he certainly hasn’t acted like there is.”
“Perhaps I should speak to him and see if he feels any animosity towards you, just to be on the safe side,’ Ian said. “I need to stop by there on my way back to the ship anyway.”
“Well, I certainly have no complaints about him. If he has any with me or Alba, he certainly hasn’t shown them either,” Amal replied. “I have read the file assembled by Mrs. Laskar, and, considering his former duties, I would have expected at least some friction, but there is none. Beyond that, I would dare say you would be hard pressed to find a person of equal ability for the position in which he now serves.”
“Thank you for your insight, Doctor,” Ian replied thoughtfully. “I guess I should have read that file a little closer. I have gotten into the habit of trusting Janet’s judgment so much, that I didn’t stop to consider that making a former Pakistani border guard commander your Liaison officer might be an issue. All I knew was that she recruited him specifically for this position.”
“Mrs. Laskar does have remarkable insight when conducting her duties to us. I do not think you are in error of putting your trust in her in this instance. She is a very remarkable woman,” Amal replied. “As are all the people she has found for our endeavors.”
“At first I was skeptical of her ability,” Star replied. “After all, ability of the type she has was not part of the original study conducted by the Talosian Scientific Community. However, as more and more Terrans are being discovered to have some measure of ability, I have come to realize that the old study failed to consider the potential scope of this adaptation. Perhaps when time permits we can reopen research into this area. As old as it is, I would think Metaphysics should have achieved some sort of official standing in the scientific community here.”
“It has been dismissed as junk science, because until now, there has been no way to scientifically prove even the existence of mental abilities,” Luke said. “However, there are already a few folks down at Talos that are doing some initial work in their spare time. They asked for a special research area for experiments and the like, and the Council voted to add it to the construction agenda. Because of the current crisis, I doubt anything too serious will be started, but the ground work has already been started.”
Ian nodded. “You know, I’ve seen the reports on the numbers Janet’s folks are recruiting that have abilities, and I have had to wonder if either Janet is actively recruiting them, or if perhaps something to do with the abilities is attracting the attentions of the recruiters.”
“How so?” Luke asked. “I’ll pass it along to the folks doing the research.”
“Well, if you look at the overall demographics of those joining us, there is almost thirteen percent as being reported as having an ability of some kind. That seems very high to me, does thirteen percent of the planet then have some sort of ability? Or is there something we can’t see skewing the numbers?” Ian asked, rhetorically. “How would you even go about discovering the answer to something like that?”
The four friends talked for about an hour before Luke and Ian both excused themselves to return to their duties. Star simply faded from view, while Ian walked Luke to his shuttle before heading off in search of the new Liaison officer. He found him in his office going over production projections for automated gun platforms.
“Commander! Welcome, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?” Major Borhiem said, shaking Ian’s hand.
“I was on the base for the AI activation, and just thought I’d stop in and see how you were adjusting to being thrown to the vipers,” Ia
n replied and returned the man’s smile.
“Actually, I like it.” Borhiem said. “At first, I thought I was in way over my head as the saying goes. But I think I’m finally getting a handle on it. Lieutenant Johnson was and continues to be of great assistance; if not for him, I would have had a much more difficult time adjusting.”
Ian nodded. “That’s great, I was hoping he’d be willing to help you out. There was something I did want to talk to you about privately, if you have a free moment?”
“I was only reviewing a report, Commander. Taking a break would be a blessing.”
“I can agree with that!” Ian sighed and took the seat he was offered. He did refuse the coffee when he was offered it. “Ah, no thanks, I feel like if I drink another glass I’ll float away.”
“In that case, what can I do for you, Sir?” Borhiem asked retaking his own seat behind his desk.
“It has come to my attention that we might have made a mistake in considering your feelings when we posted you here, and I wanted to make sure you were okay with this posting,” Ian asked, bluntly. “I didn’t even consider you might have a problem working so closely with Dr. Punjab.”
To his credit, Borhiem smiled. “You know, I was a border guard, and you are concerned I may be harboring some animosity for him?”
“Yes, I don’t mean to be so blunt, but I’m not really all that good at beating around the bush when it comes to things like this. I’d rather be direct and honest.”
Borhiem nodded. “One of the reasons I accepted this position was that it got me out of a rather dangerous predicament. You see, I disagreed with my former government about their policies concerning certain other nations. Yes there is an almost constant war being fought between Pakistan and India. But the truth of the matter is that no one actually remembers why we are fighting. Most would say something about the Kashmir Dispute, others would say it’s because they attacked Pakistan first, but honestly, it’s all just an excuse to keep fighting. In a lot of ways, we are the same people. Yes, we do have some religious differences, but those can be handled peacefully. I took this position, because I found it intolerable to order my men to give their lives for something I no longer believed. It was becoming evident to my superiors as well.