Barbara turns to him and says, “Let’s encourage more people to take up fishing. We have a large ocean, and a decent sized lake right on our doorstep.”
“I will see if my crew can build some sort of fish-finder. We have a ton of radar equipment, so I am sure we can rig something up.” Walker offers.
“That would be fantastic,” Barbara replies enthusiastically.
Walker stands and says, “If there is nothing else, I shall get started making some fish-finders.”
“Nothing else today,” Barbara replies with a slight sigh. It seems that they meet every day to discuss one issue or another.
Once Walker leaves, Barbara goes back to the rain splattered window and stares outside at the growing colony. She sighs as she ponders another dilemma. We have almost no spare parts. Hawking needs George and Patrick to return with their Gamin bodysuits. We have no way of manufacturing many of the things we need. There are already three construction vehicles earmarked as scrap, thanks to minor mechanical issues. She continues to stare out the window, trepidation building as her thoughts continue. Without a constant supply of parts from Earth, the colony cannot sustain itself. At the very least we would have to revert to a more primitive culture. She shudders, shakes off her negative fears, and begins to focus on more positive events.
Chapter Two - Refit and Restock
The bridge of the Terran has never been so busy. Not only is the entire bridge crew at their stations, but Robert McKnight leads a team of six reporters and journalists who insist on recording the day’s historic events. Cameras have been set up covering every crew member, with one even being mounted above and behind Cindy’s command chair, to get a view directly ahead through the ship’s main view.
George stands in his suit at his usual station and tries to focus on his task. He sighs, as his thoughts keep drifting to his family who are settling into their new home in Germany. He gazes around the bridge; his feelings are torn. How can it be that we have been home for almost four months already? It feels like we just got back yesterday. Soon I will have to leave my family behind. He smiles as his gaze traverses the busy bridge, but this feels like home too.
Cindy flicks back a lock of long blonde hair, then issues her orders. “Release the ship, then prepare for atmospheric descent.”
Joe taps his console as he replies. “Umbilicals retracted, Unity’s docking clamps released.”
Cindy smiles as Unity’s holding clamps retract from the Terran. She leans back and says, “Take us down.”
“Yes ma’am,” John replies formally.
The bridge crew met earlier and decided that if they were going to be on display for the world to see, then they would make a good show of it.
Robert pans his camera past the four main consoles in front of Cindy’s impressive command chair. He dictates his commentary while he slowly moves the camera. “Captain John Thompson is the Terran’s pilot, a far cry from his days as an American shuttle pilot. Sitting on his right is Joe Fields, who used to be an Australian astronomer. Now he is the ship’s resident engineer, and after George Stanton, probably has the greatest understanding of this ship’s alien technology. Next to him is Petrovich Ivanov, or as we know him, Peter. He is a mysterious Russian who has been with the Terran from the beginning. Emma Davis is another American, and the crew’s lead planetologist. She is also the one responsible for many of the recent innovations in hydroponics development.”
John activates a series of thrusters, then states with all seriousness, “Activating the GLS.”
One of the reporters nudges the man next to him and quietly asks, “What’s the GLS?”
Joe catches the near whisper, and says, “It’s the Terran’s Gravity Landing System.” He turns his attention back to his console, then after a few seconds, swings around, looks at the reporter and explains, “Basically, it allows the pilot to control the ship’s planetary maneuvers using the gravity plating that lines the underside. And before you ask, the thrusters are not powerful enough to land or launch the ship.”
Once clear of the space station, John activates another bank of thrusters. He tilts the Terran forward, bringing Earth into full view. The visiting reporters gasp at the scene.
Joe touches the surface of his console once more and begins to monitor the Terran’s power usage. He glances to his right, and catches Peter looking at Emma, which brings a smile to his face.
Robert continues his narration with enthusiasm, “Admiral Cindy Klein hails from Germany, and commands this ship’s multinational contingent. Perhaps the greatest example of this is Radclyf, a British Special Air Service veteran, who works hand in hand with Hayato, his Japanese counterpart. Both commands originally consisted of four man teams, but between them, they lost three members during the ships maiden voyage. Chokichi, Paul, and Henry, survived that ordeal.”
Pausing for a moment, Robert stares at the five elite soldiers. He is suddenly aware that they are all wearing identical uniforms. He frowns when he notices their arm patches, which instead of displaying their country of origin, match those on the jackets worn by the rest of the bridge crew. These patches show a mottled green hand with three claws clenched in an upward fist. A small rendition of the Terran is shown orbiting the fist. He zooms his camera closer while talking into his microphone, “The hand is that of a Gamin, the alien race who left this partially built ship in a construction facility in the Australian Outback.”
A gasp from one of the other reporters causes Robert to look up from his camera. He turns to the forward view, which displays streaks of red and orange as the ship descends through layers of clouds.
Joe turns to John and says, “Power curve optimal. Utilization well within expected parameters at twenty percent.”
John nods as he activates another bank of thrusters and increases the power to the gravity lift system. The ship slows its seeming freefall to Earth.
Joe raises his eyebrows, then says, “Thirty percent, boosting the IGD.”
Robert catches the acronym and quickly adds to his commentary, “IGD stands for Internal Gravimetric Dampeners, which, if I understood Joe properly, works in conjunction with other systems to compensate for the ship’s rapid speed changes. Now over here,” he adds as he swings his camera around, “we have another example of alien technology, and that is the Gamin bodysuits. George and Patrick both operate these fascinating pieces of alien technology. They fully encase the wearer, allowing them to work in virtually any environment.”
Cindy turns her attention to Robert and says, “If your colleagues have any questions, they should feel free to speak up.”
George recalls Cindy’s request for a show piece landing. Using his suit’s audio system, which adds a metallic gravel to his voice, he states. “I am monitoring three dark zones in the GLS, indicating gravity plate failures.”
George’s visor is pitch black, adding to his mystique. The visiting reporters glance around warily. George almost chuckles at their obvious distress. He has known about the non-function plates for some time, and knows they pose no real risk.
Cindy responds to George with one word, which only adds to the reporters’ uneasiness, “Acknowledged.”
One of the reporters swallows hard, then with slight fear in his voice asks, “We are safe, aren’t we?”
Cindy raises an eyebrow, then says, “Captain Thompson is quite skilled at piloting this ship.” She motions to him, then adds, “However this is our first attempt at a planetary landing.” She emphasizes the word attempt, all the while managing to suppress a smile.
Clouds whisk past the ship, then unexpectedly, it drops below them, revealing clear skies. The nose of the ship continues to point downward, which is not necessary, but it affords a great view of the Australian desert rushing up to greet them.
Emma almost forgets her part in the landing, until she receives a questioning look from Peter. She makes a show of reviewing her console, then reports, “Internal atmospherics normal.”
John taps his console, and makes a few
small adjustments to their course and speed. He also adjusts the Terran’s trim and levels the ship off, much to the relief of some of the reporters.
One of the reporters, a short chubby man, quips, “The Terran is enormous. What do you do with all the empty space?”
Cindy nods at the reasonable question, then after a moment’s consideration replies, “Almost one third of the ship’s length is taken up by the main engines. The cargo hold accounts for a vast area, as do the five command levels. Then we have reactor control, which is really twenty independent nuclear reactors, spread out throughout the forward section of the ship. Another large area is the hydroponics bay, which is where the Gamin normally house their hatchery.”
All six reporters turn their heads to her in surprise, “Hatchery?” the chubby man states curiously.
“Yes,” Cindy replies, then adds, “The Gamin species lay eggs, from which their young hatch.”
The chubby reporter continues with a doubt filled voice, “And how is it that you know all this?”
Radclyf recalls finding the devastation to the hatchery on the crippled Gamin spacecraft. He stands, then speaks up solemnly, “We discovered large eggs on the derelict we found, in the same area as our hydroponics bay.”
Joe quickly adds, “We did not choose that area for our hydroponics just because of its open area. He pauses, glances at Emma then adds, “The environmental controls for that section of the ship are most sophisticated.”
John interrupts the discussion with his formal tone, “Twenty seconds to arrival, extending landing struts.”
Cindy crosses her legs and replies, “Acknowledged.”
A slight vibration emanates from the deck plates as John feeds more power to the gravity lift systems, along with the thrusters. The visiting reporters glance at each other warily, but say nothing.
Twenty seconds later the Terran’s landing pads make contact with the desert floor, kicking up huge clouds of dust. John shuts down the ship’s thrusters and gravity drive. Each strut flexes, then locks into place, as they are designed to do.
Joe taps on a series of symbols, reviews the data, and glances at John. They are both surprised at how smooth the landing actually went. Joe turns to Cindy, then says, “I will open the ramp once the dust settles.”
Cindy nods to Joe and smiles. She takes a deep breath, stands, then states quite formally. “The Terran has landed.” Turning her attention to the reporters, she says, “Last chance for questions, we have a lot to do.”
They reporters seemingly all speak at once. Now that their apprehension over the landing has passed, they have their confidence back. Cindy sighs, sits back down, and proceeds to answer their never-ending barrage of questions.
Eventually, the reporters are all satisfied with the material they have. They pack up their equipment, then under escort from Peter, depart.
Once they have left the bridge, Cindy turns her gaze to Radclyf and Hayato. Her eyes narrow as she motions to their uniforms, and demands, “What’s this all about then?”
Hayato grins, offers Cindy a slight bow, and replies for both men. “We have quit our respective military postings, and now report exclusively to the Terran, or to be more precise, to you.”
Radclyf stands, salutes Cindy, then with a grin adds, “You’re stuck with us now.”
Cindy frowns and asks, “There has to be more to it than that?”
The two men glance at each other, then Hayato replies, “I was specifically ordered to monitor certain individuals,” he pauses then adds, “and I felt that such orders conflicted with our primary mission.”
Radclyf nods in agreement, then adds, “I too, had orders that I was at odds with.” He sighs, then motions upward, “Besides, we have all learned what’s really important, and that’s working together.”
Cindy stares at the two men, smiles, then feeling abashed, simply says, “I am honored.”
George interrupts the exchange when he steps from his suit and says, “I would like to spend as much time with my family as I can before we depart.”
Cindy nods, then as his words register, she frowns. She tilts her head, looks at George and asks, “I thought you were staying on Earth.”
“I was planning to,” George replies in a despondent tone. Staring at Cindy he adds, “It is in my family’s best interest if I join the mission.” He offers her a thin smile, then shrugs his shoulders.
Cindy puts a hand to her chin and wonders what it was that changed his mind. With a nod, she replies, “Well to be honest, you being here is in our best interest too.”
Joe is also baffled by George’s apparent change of heart, but instead of asking more, he says, “Now that the Terran is on the ground, we can conduct a proper survey of the hull.” He grins as his thoughts drift, then he adds, “I think we should install an ice cream machine in the mess hall.”
The comment changes the mood in the room as the group begins to chuckle. Of all the things Joe could have suggested, this was the least expected.
Peter returns to the bridge to find them all still laughing and grinning. His expression deepens, then before he can speak, Cindy says, “We’re having ice cream on our next trip.”
Peter’s jaw drops, then closes with an audible snap. Tensions have been high recently, so finding the bridge crew laughing is rather unexpected. He is so caught off guard, he almost forgets why he came back to the bridge, then remembers. He motions to Radclyf and says, “That note you found.”
Instantly he has everyone’s undivided attention. He continues, “My superiors saw fit to include an operative on board.” He catches Cindy’s intent look and adds, “One who has since briefed me.”
Cindy’s eyes narrow at the thought of spies on her ship. She stares hard at Peter and waits for his report.
Peter takes a deep breath then says, “Doctor Nelson, it seems, is interested in more than just medicine.”
“Oh?” Cindy replies inquisitively. This was not what she expected to hear.
Peter’s eye narrow as he adds, “I will find out what my contacts know, then get back to you all.” He glances around the bridge, then leaves.
Joe stares at his departing form, then once he is out of sight, says proudly. “Having a Russian agent on board is pretty damned handy at times.”
Cindy’s expression is still quite terse at first, but then she recalls all they have been through. She relaxes and says, “Peter’s dedication to us is without a doubt, unwavering.”
Radclyf and Hayato add their voices in agreement, whole heartedly endorsing Peter’s credibility.
Joe turns his attention back to his console, then after a few seconds in deep thought, he opens the ship’s ramp. He does not see the huge dust cloud that wafts in, but he can imagine it. Oops, he thinks, I should have left the navigational shields on.
The dust covered reporters walk down the ramp, then make their way to the distant buildings. The rest of the day finds many of the crew departing, their contracts completed. A few have signed up for another tour, while most take their vast earnings and leave.
Once again, John spends much of his time shuttling key people to various locations around the world. With the Terran’s expected departure coming soon, many of the bridge crew visits family and friends one last time.
Western Europe
Johnny rushes around and says excitedly, “I can’t believe where we’re living.” He waves his arms, and with wide eyes, says, “The Harz Mountains in Germany, this is too cool.”
George smiles warmly at his son’s enthusiasm, then takes Lisa’s hand and walks to the villa’s wide windows. He gazes off into the distance and shakes his head. Turning to Lisa he says, “You were right. As soon as I agreed to stay on the Terran, a spot immediately opened for our son.” He gazes around the spacious room, then adds, “And then this amazing place just happened to be available for you, for free.”
Lisa replies slowly, “Yes, amazing. You know,” she adds with a tinge of sarcasm, “they could have just asked you to stay on the sh
ip instead of using our son as a pawn.”
George sighs while gazing at her, and says, “Well, he is in the space command officer training program now.” He turns his attention back to the view outside the window, and while looking upward says, “I don’t think we will have any issues salvaging the ship we found, so we shouldn’t be gone too long.”
The pair continues to stare out the window, oblivious to the man who discretely, yet intently, watches them from the doorway of nearby villa. The man studies his surroundings carefully, then once satisfied with what he sees, turns and unlocks the villa’s door. He steps inside and scans the unfamiliar room quickly. Everything seems ordinary enough. A central coffee table rests before a large couch and two recliners. The flat screen television is one of the latest in technology, as is the villa’s security system.
He steps into the unoccupied room and says, “Akardy, project vigilance.”
The room’s unseen computer system responds, “Voice print confirmed.” A few seconds later the computer’s synthetic voice continues, “Body scan complete. You have one new message.”
“Play,” he says blandly as he quickly peeks into each of the rooms.
Peter’s voice plays, “Akardy, I trust all is well. I appreciate your constant efforts, and understand that the situation in Prague was beyond your control, as much as it was also unacceptable. Therefore, I have taken steps to ensure that you have the means to provide transport, should the need arise, in the future. The villa which has been procured for your use, has a garage. It is stocked with various equipment, which you may find useful. My loyal friend, you have my eternal gratitude.”
Akardy raises his eyebrows, and opens the door leading to the garage. He turns the lights on, then frowns. The spacious garage is completely empty. He steps onto the concrete floor, gazes around, and shrugs his shoulders. Suddenly, the floor begins to lower, heightening all of his senses. His adrenaline kicks in as the floor continues to sink downward. When nothing untoward happens, he relaxes and waits for the elevator to stop. The basement of the villa is most impressive, even to him.
Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles) Page 109