John walks over to Lisa, “It’s the best we could come up with. Emma insisted we cremate everyone, and a wall with names on plaques, well that feels more like it belongs as a war memorial, not for this colony.”
The room goes silent for a while as they all offer their respects. John returns to the Terran with George and Lisa.
Once Lisa and George are back in their quarters, he says, “Only a little longer. Once spring arrives, we should be going back to Earth, and we can return to a normal life.”
Lisa smiles, “I am fine up here, just bored that’s all. But you’re right, we need to go back, and get Johnny caught up with his schooling.” She stares at George for a while, deep in thought.
Chapter Ten - Ramparts, Near and Far
Joe glances around the Terran’s bridge. Standing behind his console are Peter, Radclyf, Hayato, and General Walker. After he confirms there is no one else around, he says, “Okay, we have a number of defensive systems in place.”
Joe taps his console, bringing up the ship’s deck plans. He touches the outer hull area where the Effen Raiders landed, “These long axis corridors now have additional bulkheads installed, along with a modified GAU Avenger.” He points to a series of corridors that traverse from the hangar deck to the forward storage area, and continues, “These guns are so large they almost fill the corridor, and they’re mounted, facing the front of the ship.”
Walker frowns, “Firing these weapons inside the ship is insane.” He glances at the others and explains, “Those guns use depleted uranium shells, and have a firing rate of almost four thousand rounds per minute.”
Peter nods, “Yes, and these babies have fifty thousand shells each, in specialized ammo carriers.”
Walker’s eyes go wide, “Fifty thousand rounds!” he exclaims, “The barrels will melt!”
Joe grins cheekily, “Not these barrels, mate.”
“Well, what about damage to the ship? The shells will impact the hull here, here, and here,” Walker says, as he points to various areas of the Terran’s hull.”
Peter answers stoically, “If we get boarded again, then the hull will have already been compromised. Besides, with the additional bulkheads in place, only the outer layer of the ship will be at risk.”
Walker rubs his balding head, “When you asked me to get you a bunch of GAU-8’s, I figured you were mounting them on the outside of the ship.” He shakes his head in amazement, “I can’t believe that what’s out there, scares you more than blowing holes in your own ship.”
Hayato nods in agreement at Walker’s comment, then draws their attention to Joe’s display. “I can see that almost no matter where the outer hull is breached, our crew is protected.”
Joe turns to Hayato and nods, “Yes, exactly. The entire outer layer of the ship is completely sealed off, and inaccessible without a security code. The upper and lower decks were easy to lock down, however the sides of the ship were more challenging. But we have effectively created a cocoon around the ship’s core.”
Hayato continues, “I see a few notable exceptions, the hangar deck, and the old hydroponics area.”
“Yeah,” Joe replies reluctantly, “We have a pair GAUs at each location, but their firing arcs are restricted, so as to avoid hitting any vital systems.”
Peter chuckles, “Yeah, it wouldn’t be good if we blew up our own engines!”
“Most of the levels along the ship’s flanks do not have GAUs either, but these areas are deemed less critical, and less likely to fall under a direct attack.”
Walker rubs his chin thoughtfully, “Okay, so where did you put the other weapons?”
Joe grins once again, “Ah, yes. Each GAU is protected by its own twelve-barrel Metal Storm system.” He smiles proudly, then adds, “This is in addition to the Metal Storms we installed on every level, covering the ship’s flanks.”
Walker whistles, “Nothing that enters those corridors is going to survive.”
Joe agrees, “Yeah, the combined firepower of both systems is quite impressive.”
“How much ammo do the Metal Storms have?” Walker asks curiously.
Joe replies, “With space not being a real issue, we installed a rack mounted system behind each unit which holds two million rounds.”
Walker stares at Joe while he calculates the numbers, “Hmm, roughly five minutes of ammo.”
“If that doesn’t stop any invaders, nothing will.” Joe pauses then adds, “We feel that if any attackers are given a ‘bloody nose,’ as it were, they will leave us alone.”
Radclyf has been quietly listening. He runs his fingers along Joe’s console, following the deck plans for a number of levels, then nods his head, “Every key system is protected, good job.”
Peter adds his thoughts, “It would be like peeling an onion. Each layer is going to make you cry.”
Joe proudly taps his console, “The whole lot runs through GUS, even the cameras we installed to monitor every level. With the right access code, any system that’s hooked to GUS can control them.”
Walker stares at the men, “You guys have almost as much firepower up here, as I have protecting the colony!”
Joe turns and asks, “Oh, please tell?”
Peter grins and says, “General, you have to share,” he glances at Joe, “It’s rather impressive.”
Walker feels a swelling of pride at the mention of his defense systems, “Well, you all probably know about the nukes in the satellites, and the ones in the bunkers. But what you have not seen are the anti-air missile batteries, and our own GAUs.”
Joe’s eyebrows lift, “I have flown over the mountains a hundred times, and all I have noticed are the concrete slabs.”
“That’s all you’re meant to see,” Walker replies with a wide grin. “The main defensive screen is built into the top of the mountain, itself. We have thirty GAUs, and when combined, they cover the entire valley floor.”
Peter smiles, “General, I have some good news for you. George and Patrick upgraded the barrels on your guns as well, prior to installing them.”
“Why wasn’t I informed?” Walker replies, a little annoyed.
“Wouldn’t be a very good surprise then, would it?” Quips Peter.
Walker sighs, “True!” He looks at Joe and continues, “We also have vast numbers of our own Metal Storm sentry guns installed along the mountain ridges.”
Joe is impressed, “So, you’re literally blanketing the valley with shells, effectively creating a shield.”
Walker nods, “Not only that, the mini-steel mill is set up to switch over to manufacture both types of shells at a moment’s notice.” He grins at Joe’s shocked expression, “As you know, our defense systems use ammo at a tremendous rate.” His smile turns into a full-face grin, “And if that Chinese ship comes here, they’re going to be in for a big surprise.”
Joe’s jaw drops, “That’s why you wanted the mini-steel mill set up so fast, and why it’s inside the valley. I am so stupid, I really thought it was for the construction of the town.”
Walker pats Joe in the shoulder, “It’s okay. Of the townspeople, only Barbara knows the truth.” His tone turns serious, “We have no idea what kind of threat Jie really is. But as he knows where we are, my job was to plan for a worst-case scenario.”
Joe looks at the others, “Friends huh?” he shakes his head while grinning, “You all kept me in the dark on that one.”
Peter says seriously, “We felt that if you didn’t catch on, then no one would!”
“So, I was your guinea pig?” Joe replies, then after a few seconds, adds, “I will have to watch you guys a little closer from now on.”
Everyone chuckles at Joe’s comment.
All Work and no Play...
Emma stands, fidgeting nervously at a small podium in the middle of the playing field. She wishes Cindy was delivering this speech, and is still mystified as to why it fell on her. She gazes around at the thousands of people seated in the stadium, Hawking’s latest achievement. She taps the micro
phone before her, hesitantly, then says, “Welcome citizens of New Earth.” She pauses, then with mounting confidence, says, “Today marks an historic day for all. It was one year ago today, that Cindy performed Hawking’s ground breaking ceremony.”
Cheers and claps resound from the crowd, after a few moments, Emma continues, “We have experienced our ups and downs, and though we have a long way to go, it’s time we started living normal lives. One year of hard work deserves to be recognized, and appreciated.”
Another round of cheers fills the stadium, interrupting her. She smiles at the townspeople, and waits until she can speak into her microphone again, “Not only do we open this stadium today, but there is another surprise for everyone.”
A murmur runs through the crowd as people wonder what the surprise could be. Emma’s voice fills the air once more, “You have probably noticed the towers that have been installed along the mountain ridges these last few weeks. Well, in conjunction with the satellites that orbit this planet, we now have a working communications grid.”
The crowd’s murmur turns to a mass of noisy confusion since no one has a phone. Emma holds a hand in the air, then says, “We have mobile devices that will act as GPS units and phones for everyone.” the noise begins to drown her out. She practically shouts the last words, “The units will be available as of tomorrow, in the main supply building.”
The crowd roars in appreciation. It is many minutes before Emma can speak again. “I have another important announcement. Hawking is to prepare for its first elections. In the meantime, as a representative of the Terran, I hand over full control of the colony to General Walker in preparation for our departure.”
The crowd cheers again, loudly and happily. Emma shakes her head in bewilderment, if Cindy had delivered that news, I wonder if they would be this happy. She glances at her brief notes, and confirms that she has covered everything, then says as loud as she can, “thank you all for coming today.” Most of those present do not hear her, but all understand that the day’s announcements have concluded. The stadium empties quickly and efficiently.
Emma recalls the private meeting last month, where Cindy had said, ‘give the people sports and a phone, and they’re happy.’ Emma shakes her head as she stares at the emptying stadium. Judging by the elated expressions and general chatter, Cindy was right. She smiles as she recalls overhearing Barbara’s plan to activate the colony’s first television channel, just before voting begins. She imagines people turning on their laptops to watch all sorts of shows.
Homeward Bound
Cindy’s pride swells as she gazes out the window at the sprawling settlement before her. The third floor of the General’s building affords a great perspective. She had wondered about the wisdom behind wanting the command center to be built on the edge of town, nearer to the mountains, but now she can see why. She turns to Walker, “We have done a great job here, General.”
Walker replies, “Yes we have, haven’t we?”
Cindy sighs, “I can’t believe a year has passed, and it’s time to say goodbye.”
Walker smiles as he gazes out at the thousands of houses that make up the bulk of the residential district. He holds his hand out to shake Cindy’s, “Safe travels, Admiral.”
Cindy glances at the offered hand, then does something she’s never done before. She suddenly gets the urge to hug the man, and does so. Surprised, he hesitates for a second, then tentatively hugs her back. After a moment, she steps back and grins, “I never would have thought that I would come to like you General, but you’re a good man.”
General Walker gazes out at the town and reassures her, “I will take good care of everything while you’re gone.”
She follows his gaze, “I know you will.” Tilting her head a little, she looks at the General with appraising eyes, “George was right about you.”
The General frowns, then recalls the day he stepped onto her bridge. His frown turns into a smile, “And he was right about you, too. You’re the one to command the Terran, no matter the mission.”
Cindy takes a deep breath, then says, “I am not sure how long we will be gone, but we will be back, of that I am sure.”
General Walker stands straight, then salutes Cindy quite formally. She smiles at the honorary gesture, then offers her best salute in return. Without another word, she turns and leaves the room.
Walker feels an odd sensation as he watches her depart. He has no desire for her, and yet as she gets farther away, he feels an invisible field of comfort leaving him. He has never felt so suddenly vulnerable, as he does when she turns the corner and leaves his sight. A chill works its way up his spine as a feeling of impending doom overcomes him. He fights back a tear, one he can’t explain.
Looking out the window, he watches as she comes into view and walks to an awaiting shuttle. He continues to observe as the shuttle lifts off, and flies away. Its flight path carries it past some distant storm clouds. They are dark, menacing, and approach from over the mountains. Winds of change, he thinks as he stares at the darkening skies.
The shuttle makes it to the Terran without incident. Cindy and her pilot John, begin to make their way to the bridge. The hangar deck feels strangely empty, especially as most of the shuttles have been left on New Earth. All that remain are the shuttle they just arrived in, and the long transport. Finally arriving at the bridge, Cindy casts her gaze over those present.
John walks over and sits in the left most seat. Joe sits on his right, while Peter sits between Joe and Emma. Radclyf and Hayato are seated at their usual positions, while George stands, as always, at his wall console. Cindy frowns when she notices Johnny sitting quietly on the right. He is alone.
George notices Cindy’s gaze and speaks up, “Lisa is laying down. I told my son he could be here, as long as he stays out of the way.”
Cindy nods, “Sure, that’s fine.” Her thoughts drift to Lisa, and other crew members, eighty-seven! Eighty-seven people are unable to adjust to New Earth’s environment.
Henry, Cindy, and every other medical expert they have, are still baffled by what is simply called, the New Earth Malady. No other term really applies to those afflicted. Some suffer motion sickness, which Cindy can relate to, as she recalls their first launch into space. Whereas she enjoys the color spectrum and flashes, when traveling faster than light, Lisa becomes ill by the same experience. Her thoughts are inexplicably drawn to various theories of evolution, one particular concept comes to mind, as a species, we either adapt to our environment, or die.
Cindy chews on her lip as she ponders the ramifications of her thoughts, well, less than one percent can’t cope, so I guess that’s not too bad.
John interrupts her thoughts, “Your orders, ma’am?”
Cindy looks up and smiles at the scene. The screen shows New Earth filling the bottom half of the view. Its blue waters and large landmasses are partially obscured by clouds. The planet is very appealing, just as it was when they first discovered it. That feels like it was another life time. She leans forward, and instead of issuing her usual order, she simply says, “Take us home.”
John hesitates for a fraction of a second, then engages the sub light engines. He pilots the Terran away from planet and its fledgling colony below.
Cindy frowns, Earth does not even feel like home anymore. She slowly gazes around the bridge. In a flash of insight, she realizes that Walker is right, she leans back into her chair and smiles. I am home.
Epilogue
Location:
Outback
Western Australia
General Hayes rests in his chair and thinks about the second colony ship that is under construction. Eventually, plans call for an entire fleet of spacecraft. A fleet that will travel the stars, colonizing, and hopefully trading, wherever they go. He smiles, then thinks back to Australia’s early colonial days. The wooden tall ships of that time took many months of travel over rough seas, to land on distant shores. They faced many dangers, and took great risks. The possibility of great rewa
rds has always inspired early adventurers.
Hayes glances down at his desk, his thoughts drift to a more current dilemma. His orders lay there before him, just as they did when he first received them many months ago. Every page is stamped, ‘top secret,’ in bright red ink. He closes his eyes, refit the Terran for planetary landing capabilities. The orders seem simple enough, except that it falls on him to convince George and Cindy to undertake a special mission. The derelict spacecraft they found some twenty thousand light years from here, has weapons systems far beyond anything we can make. His thoughts drift on, remove its weapons, and return to Earth with them.
Hayes stands up, then walks to his window, how do I convince George to go? He won’t go for weapons, he’s a good man, a moral man. Hayes ponders and ponders, then suddenly he has an idea, but would he go to get Olaf’s remains? We could offer the man, no, the hero of the Terran, a decent burial. Hayes smiles, but then his conscience kicks in. He paces for a long time, until he finally decides what to do, I will ask George to go, but I will let him read my orders first, all of them.
The construction of the second colony ship proceeds slowly. The gravity lift plating scheduled for it is transported to Space Station Unity instead. The space station itself, receives a massive overhaul. Entire sections are added, allowing the refit to the Terran to proceed as quickly as possible, once it returns.
Hayes smiles, the second colony ship can wait. The Liberty will be able to travel back and forth, supplying the colony. He sits down, leans back in his chair, then returns to his thoughts, and as for the Terran, it should be home any day now.
###
Section Seven: Jie’s World
Short Story
Preface
In this story, we learn of Jie’s fate, and discover what happened after he vanished into the cosmos with his spaceship and crew.
Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles) Page 97