by Kocho
“That sir is the thing I wanted to discuss now. Sir, the coordinates show the warp point that connects this star system with another one. According to Anaya it might be a system from the neighborhood or a system that is really, really distant.”
As he finished he noticed the reactions of the people on the other side. He smiled as he noticed the exited faces of the scientists.
“I know how you feel Dr. Paterson. It seems that one theory of our imagination is now confirmed. We can travel to other stars, and we can do it even with ships like the Deadalus.”
Loud cheers erupted in the room all around the Admirals and Generals. And they were smiling as well.
“And sir I would like to take the Deadalus on the other side of that warp point. We need to know what is out there. And maybe we’ll have a chance to stop them there.”
Levin scratched his head. He knew the importance of the information’s they could gather and also considered the risks. If there was any enemy presence on the other side, that might prove disastrous.
“Captain taking a move like that would mean taking a huge risk. You know what would happen if there is any enemy presence in the other system.”
Jennings returned his gaze but didn’t flinch.
“Yes sir we all know the risks. That is why I also sent a request for nuclear bombs to be placed on the Demetrion as well, so that we can mine this side of the warp point. That way if the enemy comes here after us we can meet him. From the report you will notice that the cruisers are both in solid shape and are battle worthy. They will also move to cover the warp point before our mission. That way I believe that any enemy attempt to cross prematurely will be stopped. And if there is no enemy on the other side… well then we all know the implications on that. From the report Anaya gave me of the Dacarian Empire they were really far away at the time. And she believes that they still are. We might have been discovered through another race, and if that is so than they are really far and that is why they will need almost three years to reach here. I believe that it is a risk worth taking.”
Levin turned and discussed with Simonson, Paterson, Taylor and several other admirals.
He then turned to the screen.
“If you can implement those points of your plan, than your mission is a go captain.”
“Thank you Sir.”
“Is there anything else?”
Jennings considered for a moment.
“No sir I believe that that covers everything. I believe that you got the information’s we sent you.”
At these words he turned to Anaya and Levin turned to Dr. Paterson.
Both of them got affirmative answers.
“We have them.”
“Then that is all sirs.”
Jennings saluted and both admirals saluted back.
Without waiting his approval Anaya cut the connection. As the screen disappeared Jennings relaxed and returned to his seat. He turned to Evans and Harrison. Both pilots stepped forward.
“You two will need to do an evaluation of those fighters. Anaya will give you the necessary information’s about them. Be careful, but we have to test them and I believe that you two deserve the chance to have the first flight.”
They both smiled. It was something that he knew they were talking about since the first time they saw the vipers.
“Yes sir.”
They saluted and exited the bridge in a hurry. As he turned Anaya smiled.
“I’ll make sure they have the information’s they need.”
“Thank you.”
He stood up and went to where Ellis and Fillip were standing.
“I want you to send a platoon of marines on the Demetrion. I don’t think that there will be any need for them but… you never know. Several of the scientists and of the crew of the Deadalus will be there as well. Anaya thinks that Aria will enjoy their company and that she needs it as well. She says that the AI’s were always close to their marine contingents.”
“I wonder why…”
“Maybe because they are as crazy as you…”
Both Ellis and Fillip smiled. Jennings smiled as well.
“When do you want them to be ready?”
Jennings thought for a second.
“The scientists and the crew members will need couple of hours to finish their work here”- he checked the time and continued -”Let say in eight hours. Addison will fly with the Aurora.
Tell them that they will have the duty of safeguarding the weapons on the Demetrion. When they reach on Earth several of them will be taken. I believe that our military will like to have a look at them. That goes especially for the weapons for ship to ship engagements.”
“I’ll inform them.”
After this the soldiers saluted and left the bridge. Jennings turned and went to the chair. As he sat he looked at the scientists that were working on the consoles. They all looked at the instructions that Anaya gave them and learned from them. He knew that they will try to learn as much as they can and try to duplicate at least a part of the systems. He hoped that that will be possible. They needed every little help they can get.
“Anaya can you open the forward windows. I’d like to take a look outside.”
The AI followed his order without saying a word. The armor shielding lifted and he could see the black space outside. He could see the small planet they were orbiting. Sedna was scarred just as they believed on Earth. It was mostly consisted of ice, and its surface was covered with dust. Suddenly he wanted to be able to walk on its surface. He smiled at the thought. Edward noticed him at the moment and came to him with a smile on his face. He was looking outside as well.
“I believe that soon we might have that chance captain. If the shuttles are ok and when the people we requested arrive we can take a little field trip. There are hulls from several ships down there. We might take a look at them then. And from what Anaya told me there are plenty of space suits here on the ship. If they are in a good condition…”
Jennings smiled at the comment. He knew that that wish he just had was a wish that every astronaut, and probably every member of the mission had. The chance to take a step on an alien world…that was, would be a dream come true for everyone.
He exhaled.
“Yes Edward. Maybe we will.”
He rose from his seat and slowly went to windows. He stared with a wishful look outside.
Evans and Harrison slowly looked at the controls from the Vipers. Now that Anaya told them about the meaning of each console they could easily see how the fighters operated. It took them several hours to learn the controls, and they spent two hours in the ships simulator. Now was just that final evaluation before takeoff. They agreed that Evans will have the first chance.
As they discussed the controls, the two marines that watched them smiled. They had fun looking at their exited faces. Evans raised her head and mad a move to show them that she can see them, but she smiled as well. She knew that both she and Harrison had the childish look on their faces, and she knew that many others will have the same when they get the chance to fly them. She knew the feeling to fly the best fighter planes in the world and she knew even now before she had a chance to fly one of the Vipers that that will be nothing compared with the feeling she will have in several minutes.
“It’s time Harry.”
He raised his head and looked at her.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Ok then hotshot it’s time to take this bird for a test flight. Or maybe it’s the other way around.”
She gave him a stern look.
He raised his shoulders and looking innocently he just answered.
“What? She is after all older than you.”
“And by a big margin as well.”
Harrison gave Braddock thumbs up.
“Really funny boys, but don’t worry this lady will have the last laugh. As for you hotshot, you may stay jealous that I will fly first…”
As she said that she entered the cockpit a
nd closed the hatch. She checked that the cockpit is sealed well and activated the controls. The drive activated instantly. Even after all this time, after eons all the controls functioned perfectly.
She moved the fighter slowly to the launch pod.
“Anaya Viper one is ready for test flight.”
“Viper one this is command. Move to the indicated spot.”
Evans noticed that a small light appeared about twenty meters in front of her. She moved slowly to the indicated location.
“I’m in position command. Ready when you are.”
“Activating the shield…”
At those words Evans turned and noticed the shimmering light that indicated the shield being activated behind her.
“Opening hangar doors…”
The huge doors opened slowly.
“Thank you Anaya.”
“Godspeed Lt. Have a safe flight.”
Evans smiled and pressed the controls. The viper reacted instantly and before she knew she was outside of the ship.
“Woooow. Harry you have to try this. It’s …it’s amazing.”
Her comments brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
She flew carefully in front of the huge ship. She turned the small fighter in all directions testing its movements and its reactions. She knew from the simulator that it can rotate 180 degrees, and that its max speed is 110m/s.
She turned the small fighter and flew across the fleet. She flew first over Argus. She saw the scars and the huge damage to the ship’s hull.
“Evans, get the fighter at a higher altitude. The ships shields are active.”
She reacted instantly.
“Thanks Anaya.”
“No problem Lt.”
She flew across the fleet in several minutes and then accelerated at a max burn further out. She flew in orbit around the small planet.
As the small fighter disappeared from the screens in to the black void Jennings turned to the AI.
“Anaya do you have her on the sensors.”
“Yes commander she is in a stabile orbit around the planet. She is doing a great job and if I might say she is enjoying it as well.”
Jennings smiled.
“Tell Harrison that he has my permeation to join her. And if Addison and Atkins are there they can go as well. They will need to have more experience so that they can share their insights with the pilots on Earth when they bring the vipers and shuttles there.”
The AI turned and smiled. That was the plan they already discussed. A squadron of vipers and shuttles was already present on the Demetrion. It was far smaller than the one on Argus. They both agreed that when Demetrion reaches Earth those will be given to the EDF for training and research. He hoped that the manufacturers can manage to replicate them, or at least manage to use some of the information to produce more agile fighters. Anaya told him that the vipers will be a challenge but that they can be produced with the Earth’s current technology. She and Aria both agreed that they will give every possible help that will be requested from them in that regard.
“They will enjoy that command I’m sure.”
“Yes they will. I know I would.”
He smiled as he heard the excited voices from the three pilots. Anaya smiled as well.
Several minutes later three more fighters passed outside. They went after Evans immediately, and on the way they tested their capabilities.
Ten minutes later all four vipers came back flying in a loose formation.
“Sir we are requesting permeation to test the viper’s weapons.”
Jennings looked at Anaya and as she nodded he nodded as well.
Anaya’s voice answered them.
“You have a go One. I say again you have a go. Be careful and watch your shots.”
“We will.”
Evans and her wing mates turned towards Sedna and aligned. They choose a small hill on the planet.
“Ok let’s see what these babies can do.”
She received cheers from the other pilots, and seconds later they started firing. Small rail gun rounds crashed on the rock of the mountain. Huge chunks of rock were blasted where the rounds hit. And then, all four fired their main weapon. The Viper had three canons. Two rail guns on the wings, and one plasma canon on its nose. As the plasma rounds impacted with the rock the mountain simply exploded.
“Man this is cool.”
“Yea, it is. I told you before Harry. They are fucked when we meet them again.”
Cheers came from the rest of the pilots as they returned to flying.
Ellis looked at Harrick and Bradley. The marines knew why they were called.
“I guess we get the escort duty.”
“Yes you and your men will accompany the scientists and the rest of the people that will go back with the Demetrion. Don’t worry the journey will be quick and you’ll be back before you know it. I will need you for the next mission.”
“Is it true major?”
Ellis turned and looked at Bradley.
“What Lt?”
“He wants to know if it’s true that the cap is planning a mission through the warp point. Is it true that we are going out there?”
Ellis turned and looked at Fillip who was standing behind him. As he looked at him he smiled. But then his face took back his stern look.
“I can’t confirm that Lt. And you damn well know that. But let’s say that the days that follow will be filled with excitement.”
Both marines smiled and looked at each other.
Ellis knew what that look means. He knew that the secret was out.
“Go and prepare your men. Now it’s O five hundred. I want you in the Aurora in thirty minutes.”
“Sir, yes sir.”
“You are dismissed.”
Both marines saluted and hurried away. On the radio Ellis could hear their orders. He smiled as he saw Fillip watching him. He was older then the colonel but never the less he felt admiration and respect whenever he saw him. And it wasn’t just because of the fact that he knew about his missions and accomplishments. The respect was there from the first time he saw him, from the day when he saw how the other soldiers were watching him. He knew that Fillip deserved his respect. And he knew that the feeling was mutual.
“I told you.”
“Yea you did. You know I sometimes think that you have to be a marine in a disguise. You know us to well.”
Fillip smiled.
“Not my fault Arnold. You never change.”
Ellis stopped and looked at his friend.
“You really think so?”
Fillip grinned.
“Well even twelve thousand years old AI agrees with that. If you could before, there is no denying it now. No chance at all.”
Ellis shrugged and the smiled.
“We are a silly bunch aren’t we?”
“Yea you are. And I’m the same.”
“And why is that?”
“Cause I spent too much time with you. You are contagious.”
They both continued to smile as they slowly went through the hallway.
“Do you want to grab some breakfast?”
“Yea we might do that. Damn now I know why you are a colonel.
Fillip looked at him.”
“O and why is that.”
“Cause you always think of the important stuff.”
They both smiled.
Ellis stopped and turned on his radio.
“Manning…”
“Sir…?”
“You are in charge in the next half an hour. The colonel and I are going to grab some chow.”
“Good luck sir. Hope you find something good.”
“Hope so too Lt.”
After this they both went straight to the Deadalus. With the ships systems activated it was easy to reach the hangar and the Deadalus.
An hour later both of them accompanied Jennings as he escorted the crewman and the rest that transferred to the Demetrion. The platoon of marines was the first one to load. When the
scientists and the crewmen boarded the shuttle Anaya activated the shield and opened up the hangar doors. The shuttle moved easy and exited the hangar fast. The trip to the Demetrion was fast.
Five minutes later they were met in the cruisers hangar by another AI. Aria had a smaller figure then Anaya. She had blond hear, green eyes and small thin lips. She had a slender figure. The AI greeted its guests with great enthusiasm. She quickly gave them a short briefing about the capabilities of her ship, and then she allowed them to relax a little.
Same as Anaya she also enjoyed the company of the marines. It didn’t take long for the platoon of marines to adopt her as one of their own.
Two hours after the Aurora dropped its crew on the Demetrion the cruiser activated its sub light drive. The AI had the total command of the ships movement and trajectory. It plotted the course towards Earth and after submitting its report to Jennings and Anaya she activated the max burn on her engines.
The cruiser accelerated rapidly and it quickly faded away, and it could only be seen on the sensors
As it speeded away the ones that stayed behind continued to gather data.
They gathered the needed information’s and peacefully awaited the arrival of the cruiser…and they silently started preparing for their next mission.
3 May 2018 13:12 hours
Earth orbit
The trip that the Deadalus needed almost a month to pass the Demetrion passed it in less than three days. And the AI that had the control of the ship didn’t use the max trust for more than an hour. While the speed of the Deadalus was just 7500km/s the Demetrion traveled with a speed of 90000km/s.
When the small crew asked the question about the maximum sub light speed Aria smiled at their reaction when she told them that the maximum speed is 140000 km/s. She received all the needed information about the new command and about their new mission. The AI was astonished at the report for the short battle with the scout force of the Dacarians. Considering the current human technology she knew that it was a great, but lucky victory and from the small conversations that she had with the crew about it she knew that they were aware about that. But as Anaya told her she could see their determination not to fail at the task that they had and to stop the invasion. And just like the more advanced AI she also knew that she will give everything she had to help them in that task.