Walker puts his hands on his hips and adds, “It is imperative that no one touches any panel until we have some understanding of the language.”
Barbara attempts to inject some humor, “We don’t even know how to flush the toilet, if it even has one.” She glances at Walker with a whimsical smile.
The General replies with a grin, “I am pretty sure the craft has all the creature comforts of home.”
A couple of nearby scientists’ chuckle at Walker’s unintended joke. He sternly glances their way and they get back to work. The task of extracting and examining the alien’s body is not so much a difficult one, but a time consuming one. As for deciphering the language, that proves to be a daunting task.
The residents of Hawking are excited about the alien spacecraft, and enjoy the distraction from their usual routines. Rumors and speculation are rife about the origins of the craft, and its mission.
Location:
Manhattan Island
New York
The Texan’s drawl loudly sounds out from his office. “Where are my alien detectives?”
Both Edwards and Jones cringe at the title. Ever since they solved the mystery surrounding the deaths on the rooftops, they have been assigned any and every crime committed that even remotely has anything to do with the long since departed Gamin. The pair even have an office in the Gamin Quarter, one that holds a myriad of alien gizmos that were left behind.
Captain Harris strides from his office and bellows once more, “Edwards, Jones, you ‘ave another alien case. I know you’re here somewhere, so quit hiding.”
Both men stand, then while ignoring the cat-calls and various comments from their colleagues, step into the Captain’s office. Within minutes they leave, and hurry downtown.
With sirens blazing, Jones drives through the city traffic. He skillfully navigates his way around others who seem hell bent on making his journey as hazardous as is possible.
Edwards shakes his head as he comments on their assignment, “We get to investigate a stupid bank robbery.” He sighs, and then with disappointment in his tone, adds, “We’re supposed to be homicide detectives!”
“I know,” Jones replies disparagingly as he swerves around another car which just pulled out in front of them. He glances to Edwards, and attempts to imitate their captain’s voice, “Y’all, just quit yer bitchin, and git to it!”
With squealing tires, they arrive at their destination. The People’s Bank of New York is a new bank, and the one which was reported as being robbed. The detectives hurriedly exit their car, and then stop and stare at the bank’s entrance with bewilderment. The buildings entire facade is a gaping hole. Glass and concrete litter the ground, and the foyer. Dozens of police are busy cordoning the area off, and keeping the curious onlookers back from the scene of the crime.
Jones scratches his head and says, “Well, let’s get this over with.”
Edwards nods in agreement, approaches one of the policemen, and asks, “Who’s in charge?”
“You will find Matt inside,” the policeman replies while pointing to the ruined foyer.
The pair of detectives stride into the bank, crunching broken glass underfoot with each step. The bank’s countertops are a mess, as if someone had driven a tank through them. A wall at the back of the office space is similarly damaged.
Another policeman hurries to the pair and speaks rapidly, “I’m Matt. You guys from downtown?”
“Sure are,” Jones replies. Then while shaking his head, he adds, “I don’t know what you want us for though?”
Matt gulps and then says, “Come with me. I will show you.”
Edwards and Jones glance at each other, and then follow him through the opening in the wall. Matt is visibly shaking as he points to a pile of debris which is all that remains of the vault’s door. Twisted metal, and pink colored concrete chunks are all that remain.
Jones frowns, steps forward and then gazes around. It suddenly dawns on him that the walls of the office are painted a soft blue, not pink.
With a shaky voice, Matt speaks, “The staff says the bank manager was standing in front of the vault one second, and the next, he was gone.”
“Who moved the body? And why weren’t we told about the murder?” Jones demands.
Matt shrugs his shoulders and with wide eyes replies, “That’s all that is left of the guy. I didn’t know what to report, but everyone has heard of you guys.” He adds optimistically, “If anyone can figure this out, it’s you guys.”
Edwards sighs, and then asks, “Okay. What do you know?”
Matt is relieved to be handing over the responsibility of the crime scene. He takes a deep breath and then begins, “Witnesses say that an alien shuttle came through the front entrance, and then slowly made its way to the back of the bank. Everyone had plenty of time to get out of the way, and most of the people did.”
Jones nods for Matt to continue, and says, “Go on.”
“Well, it seems that the bank manager decided to stand in front of the vault.” Matt quickly checks his notes, and then continues, “The front of the shuttle began to shimmer, like a heat wave, and then in an instant, the vault door was shattered open. All that remains of the manager is, that.” He points to the debris, and then shakes his head.
“Okay,” Jones replies slowly, “and then?”
“Oh,” Matt says as he checks his notes again. Stammering, he continues. “Four people wearing bodysuits, like the ones the aliens had, stepped out from a hatch. They loaded all the money, and the valuables from the locked boxes into the shuttle. By the time we arrived, the thieves had made their escape.”
Jones stares at the officer for a few moments, and then with annoyance asks, “How did they leave? On foot? By Car? And which way did they go?”
Matt stammers nervously as he responds, “The left in the shuttle. As for the direction, well, they went straight up.”
Edwards stares out through the shattered foyer and states, “So, all we need to find is a group of bodysuit wearing thieves who have a shuttle with gravity plating mounted on its nose.”
Jones sighs as he nods in agreement. He glances to Edwards, and with a hint of hopelessness says, “Another case for the archives.”
The pair of detectives leave the scene. Both of them shake their heads as they head back to their car.
Chapter Seven - Derelict Demolition Duty
Location:
Starship Terran
Twenty One Thousand Light Years from Earth
Lifeless Planet
Gamin Derelict
John turns to look at Cindy, grins proudly and reports, “We’re in orbit around the planet with the Gamin derelict on it.”
Joe taps on his console with a grin and says, “The three Gamin satellites are still orbiting the planet. George, can you give me a hand? I want to try to link with them.”
While George and Joe busily tap away at their consoles, the rest of the command crew stares in silence at the scene before them. The bridge crew’s initial excitement at arriving is dulled by the depressing sight. This planet was once home to a thriving civilization. Instead, angry looking grey clouds swirl around the lifeless planet. Bright flashes from unseen storms, a spectacle not observed during their last visit, flicker through the cloud cover. Gaps in the clouds reveal the murky brown waters of the planet’s oceans and lakes. Vast patches of dark vegetation float like garbage on the waters of this bleak world. The planet looks to be as desolate as its solitary moon, and is a similar color.
George and Joe successfully connect to the Gamin satellites and transfer their data to the Terran’s systems. Both men grin at their success, and then begin the lengthy task of sifting through the data.
Cindy looks away from the forlorn view and sighs. After a moment’s silence, she issues her orders, “Launch the Victory.” She turns to John and asks doubtfully, “You’re sure that Robyn can handle the patrol duty? It may last for months!”
John nods, and replies confidently, “She has a crew
of ten to assist her.” He shrugs and adds, “Besides, all they have to do is fly circles around the solar system while they scan for engine signatures.”
Cindy reluctantly agrees, “You’re right, and if they find anything, they’re to hightail it back to us.”
John tilts his head, and with a cheeky smile, says, “You know, I did offer to pilot that ship for you.”
“I would rather have you handling the Terran, thank you very much.” Cindy responds frankly.
Emma changes the subject when she relays the new data that appears on her console, “The planet’s atmosphere reads as mildly toxic, and shows trace elements of a corrosive agent. The gravity…”
Cindy frowns as she interrupts Emma, “Did you say, corrosive agent?”
Emma quickly replies, “Oh, it won’t be a problem, the levels are extremely low. But I wouldn’t want to go for a stroll, that’s for sure.” She then continues with her report, “The planet’s gravity is slightly greater than Earth’s, and it has close to a twenty-five hour day. I am reading no life forms, but it looks as though the planet’s eco system is slowly recovering.”
Cindy sharply turns her head to Emma and states, “That’s something else we didn’t notice before!”
“No, we didn’t,” Emma replies in agreement. She then adds confidently, “I’m getting better at using these systems, besides it looks as if the satellite feed is coming through.” She shrugs her shoulders and says, “I wouldn’t get too excited. It looks as if the planet’s recovery is only in its Polar Regions, and we didn’t examine those areas the last time we were here.”
Robyn’s voice sounds out clear and loud from the bridge speakers, interrupting their discussion. “Victory calling Terran.”
Cindy taps he chair’s console and replies, “Terran here.”
Robyn’s voice fills the bridge once more. “We will commence our patrol duty as soon as you land.”
Cindy smiles at Robyn’s confident tone, and replies, “Don’t forget to check in every twelve hours, and if you find anything unusual, get back here.”
“Understood. Victory out.” Robyn replies.
Robyn sighs as she cuts the transmission and stares around the small spacecraft. She has been over the mission brief dozens of times and expects this to be an extremely tedious duty. She glances at her crew, offers a forced smile, and then turns her attention to the forward view. Gazing at the distant stars causes her to relax. Secretly she feels honored by the responsibility she has been given, and the confidence that Cindy is showing in her. Switching her console to display the Terran, she watches keenly. The crew begins to crowd around her chair, so she switches the display to the main viewer, allowing everyone to watch.
One of Robert’s reporters is Maggie, a slim young woman from New York. She has been assigned to document the Victory’s mission, and begins to record everything. She is extremely excited, and nervous, but goes about her task professionally.
The Terran looks small as it floats like a dead hulk against the backdrop of the smoky gray planet. The ship has no external lighting, and would easily be missed, if not for the Victory’s powerful sensors. The only sign that it is functional at all is the occasional glow from its thrusters. The Terran’s main drive and sub-light engines are dark, like the rest of the ship. Maggie fancies that they could pass each other unseen, like two ships in the night on an open ocean. She makes a note of her observations and thoughts while she watches the viewer.
Anticipation mounts on the Terran’s bridge as Cindy casts her gaze around at her crew. The earlier discussion is all but forgotten, for now. With conviction, she states, “Well, let’s go and do what we came here for. John, take us down.”
“Yes, ma’am,” John replies with a tinge of excitement. He taps on his console with confidence and grins as the Terran responds accordingly.
The Terran quickly descends through the clouds as it flies toward the Gamin derelict. As soon as the ship breaks the cloud cover, the bridge crew immediately notices a series of old monorails. Some lead to a distant city, while others snake off into the distance. The city is as desolate looking as the rest of the planet. Many of its tall buildings have collapsed, and unlike the Oglan world, those that remain are not covered in lush vegetation. The Terran flies lower and lower as John expertly pilots the mighty ship toward the area where the monorails converge.
Joe turns to John and states with admiration, “Great flying mate. I can see the derelict directly ahead.”
Cindy leans forward with renewed excitement; this is what they came out here to do. The derelict Gamin spacecraft is as she remembers. It is easily as wide as the Terran is long, and nearly three times longer. Massive struts support much of the ship, right up to the section just in front of the command area. There is a massive area missing, as if it were vaporized. The nose of the ship rests just ahead of this void, and it is still intact. It points to the sky, propped up by a massive landing strut. While the Terran has two main engines, this behemoth has three. They form a triangle with one being below the other two.
John flies them even lower, and swings around to the rear of the massive craft. He frowns, and then while pointing ahead states, “Uh, the ramp is open, but I can’t see the shields.”
Cindy chews on her lower lip for a few moments, and then replies, “Stick to the plan. Land the Terran so that the open ramps face each other.”
“Yes ma’am”, John replies.
John skillfully turns the Terran, while at the same time, lowers the ship’s landing struts. The ship hovers so close to the ground that the dust beneath it dances and bounces in sync with the rhythmic humming from the gravity lift systems. The landing struts make contact, and then flex as they are designed to do under the ship’s weight. A flurry of dust rises from beneath the ship, and promptly coats the underside in grey powder.
Cindy smiles and praises John, “I barely felt a bump from that landing. Well done.”
John grins as he states, “The Terran has landed.”
Peter groans inwardly as he turns to John, shaking his head at the old cliché.
The Victory still orbits high above the planet. Its pilot, Robyn, stares at her console intently. She smiles at the Terran’s smooth landing. Expanding the display, she loses sight of the ship for a moment. Noticing the settling dust cloud, she smiles once more. It suddenly dawns on her how small the Terran looks, now that it is on the ground. She gulps as the entire scene comes into focus. The derelict dwarfs the Terran by a magnitude of three to one. Staring at the two spacecraft for a moment fills her with a sense of awe. Satisfied that the Terran has landed safely, she pilots the Victory away from the planet. Glancing at the copilot’s console, Robyn confirms that the Victory’s engine scanner is active, and being properly monitored by one of her crew. Maggie smiles at Robyn, and then returns to her notes. She is taking her reporting duties quite seriously.
Cindy feels a sense of exhilaration. They are finally able to properly examine the massive derelict, with the objective being to obtain some of its technology. This time, they are on the ground with five teams of engineers, all eagerly awaiting her next order. She glances around the bridge, and then nods to Joe and says, “Open the ramp.”
“Yes ma’am.” Joe replies earnestly.
Cindy then touches the ship’s internal communication icon of her chair and says, “To the crew of the Terran, we are on the ground. Engineers, you may begin.”
The sounds of cheering resonate throughout the ship, from all decks, especially the hangar area. The Army Corps of Engineers from each nation have been planning for this day for months, and they waste no time in getting started.
Because the atmosphere of the planet is toxic, crews will be forced to travel back and forth from the Terran in shuttles, and when outside, to work in full spacesuits. These suits are poor copies of the Gamin technology that George and Patrick wear, but nonetheless, they will protect the wearer from the elements.
The American team begins to assemble a section of prefabricated tunn
el along the surface of the planet. Each section is carefully removed from storage, and then placed on the ground. The side walls, are unfolded, allowing the roof section to be raised into position, then locked into place, forming one segment. The tunnel starts from inside the Terran’s hangar deck, and is planned to extend all the way into the derelict’s hangar. This tunnel is wide enough for four people, and has enough room to one side for the modified Russian tanks to descend the Terran’s ramp. On other side is a second smaller one person wide, service tunnel, which is being constructed by the Russian engineers.
Members of the German team walk along the roof of these tunnels in protective spacesuits, and install a series of large tubes. These tubes are fitted with fans, and once powered, will be used to transfer oxygen from the Terran into the various work areas.
By the end of the first day, these two tunnels extend over half way to the derelict. Along the way, a dozen manually operated air locks are installed, connecting the two tunnels. Night fall does not slow the construction, instead, internal and external lights are fitted to the walkways, and illuminate the bleak landscape.
Twenty-four hours later, the British team gets to add their handiwork. A massive domed building is placed at the end of the two tunnels. A total of six exits are installed, in addition to the entryways from the Terran. Additional air-locks are placed at every passageway as a safety precaution. These air-locks are manually operated, and although they are slow to cycle through, it was deemed a valid safety consideration. The initial tunnel, and its associated service way, continue straight ahead, and aim at the derelict’s open ramp. The other five airlocks face other parts of the derelict.
The Russian tanks carve out massive portions of its armor with their powerful lasers, allowing the passageways to extend into the ship. The gaps between the tunnel walls and the carved-out armor is filled with a special resin. Once the resin hardens, the sections become sealed, and ready for pressurization. The Russian tank crews are surprised by how thin the derelict’s armor is, especially in comparison to the Terran’s. They had expected the larger ship to have more protection, not less. They do not bother to report this inconsequential detail, as it merely means they will be finished sooner.
Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles) Page 126