by Don Foxe
“Healthy, how?”
“Self-confidence,” the AI replied.
Kennedy and Genna struck Coop as twin siblings. They had a bond, an electronically created telepathy, but remained distinct personalities.
“Is she making friends aboard ship?” Coop asked.
“Another interesting question, and another fascination for me,” Kennedy replied. The response perked Coop’s attention. “As you know, she considers you, Sky, and Storm as friends. She enjoys martial arts and physical fitness training with the Fellen, as well as what they call ‘girl time.’ She is scheduling opportunities to spend time with the younger Ventierran, Tista Korr. She teaches Tista about humans, and, in return, Tista is teaching Genna about aliens.”
“Why is this fascinating?”
“For one, as Genna learns about the different species inhabiting the galaxy, I also learn. More intriguing, Genna appears more relaxed with non-humans. Sky, Storm, Tista, and Adele. Do you think she feels less comfortable among humans because she is an engineered life-form?”
“I consider Genna a friend,” Coop said.
“You are a re-engineered human,” Kennedy replied. Not implying he was not human, but the validity of the statement remained.
“Touché,” he answered.
“I suspect Genna is more at ease with others also divergent from normal humans. Her discomfort will modify in time, as more interactions with normals occur. Genna remains unsure of her own humanity. She has had little chance to assimilate socially. Interpersonal relationships remain awkward, and she finds solace among people who experience a similar discomfort.
“Thank you for the conversation, Captain Cooper” Kennedy said, abruptly ending the conversation. “It always helps to hear your insight.”
Kennedy returned to doing whatever Kennedy did when operating as the ship’s intelligence. Coop wondered who really commanded the PT-109. Kennedy more likely to dismiss him at the end of a discussion, than he her.
About to return to his reports, a request-to-enter buzzed. “Enter,” he said aloud, and the office door connecting to the bridge opened. Elie, dressed casually in olive t-shirt and black cargo pants, walked in, crossing the floor like a woman on a mission. She took the seat facing his desk, propped her elbows on the desk top, and propped her chin in her hands.
“We need to talk.”
He set his pad aside, and said, “Talk.”
She sat back. “Same subject, Coop. You can’t keep building walls around yourself. It was one thing to push everyone away when you were a test pilot. You command a ship now, with a living, breathing crew.”
“I don’t need an intervention, Elie. I have less than two weeks to get this ship, and her crew mission capable. You know what our mission becomes once the 99 is launched. If I don’t get these people ready, they may die out there.”
“Except you would find a way of protecting them, and take on the Zenge by yourself,” she replied. “I’m not trying to keep you from abusing drugs, Coop. I’m telling you to let people in. You asked Pam’s permission to request the other Space Rangers join you. People you have known for decades. Other than sparring with Hiro, who have you spent any time with?” She did not wait on a reply.
“You call meetings. You lock yourself in this office, reading reports that make you sick. You spend your down time fucking Sky and Storm until you’re too worn out to think about anything but sleep.”
“Jealous?”
“Worried,” she replied, ignoring the jibe. “I lived with you for five years. I’ve loved you for twenty-five more. I’m your friend. You wanted the 109. Now you have her. That responsibility includes eighty-plus people who rely on you to command. They look to you for stability. You cannot simply protect them, Coop. You have to join them.”
“Or?”
“Or consider another job.” She rose to leave. “You have always dreamed of getting out here, and further. Exploring the galaxy. The people, humans and aliens, on this ship have the same dream. You need to decide if you can share.”
She started for the door, and Coop said, “Elie.”
“Yes.”
“Thanks.”
She left. Leaving him to confront old demons.
Elie was correct. He preferred taking control of his life, not others. Not because he was selfish. Responsible for the safety, the well-being, and the lives of those he commanded weighed heavily on his soul. The issue always became he cared too much.
He did want to explore the galaxy, and Space Fleet provided the means to follow those dreams. SFPT-109 was Space Fleet’s vehicle of choice for the initial expeditions. Had he lobbied hard and forcefully for command of her because she represented his way to the stars? Had he fully considered command included responsibility for a crew?
CHAPTER 4
Two days following Elie’s talk, Coop had a private conversation with Fleet Admiral Pamela Patterson. Her on EMS2, and he on the far side of Mars.
“Coop, in a few hours you will call a meeting. At that time, I will inform the crew of the goals for your mission to the Quentle system. What I am about to tell you, regarding your mission, is classified. Anton Gregory is the only other person you may brief regarding this conversation.”
Cooper did not interrupt. When dealing with time-lag, best to allow each party to say as much as they felt necessary. Interjecting questions, or unnecessary comments made communications more difficult.
“Your mission priority is to obtain crystals we can use to power more space-fold arrays, and weapons. Trent’s weapons development team recently completed, and successfully tested a tachyon particle-beam cannon. Crystals provided the power. Any other source of power capable of operating the cannon would be too massive to be practical. To produce enough weapons to make a difference, we will require more crystals than stored on Mars.
“The UEC’s preference is to establish an alliance with the government of Rys, and trade defense technology for crystals. But if you need to use force to get those crystals, you are authorized to use any means at your disposal.”
“It’s a diplomatic mission up until it becomes a raid,” Coop commented. “I’m not sure how theft will go over with the other worlds, once they learn Earth stole crystals from Rys.”
“Diplomatic missions require both sides recognize who negotiates from strength, and who owns the weaker position. Rys is vulnerable to an attack by the Zenge. We have the technology, and the will to challenge the Zenge. We need the crystals to protect Earth, and then launch any missions aimed at confronting them. If those who negotiate for Rys cannot see these obvious truths, then screw them.
“Other than Anton, you cannot allow anyone else to know we will use force to take the crystals. We also cannot allow too much time to pass in negotiations. If they will not bargain, or if they drag their feet, then you will take whatever steps necessary to collect as many raw crystals as you can.”
“Without knowing where they mine or store them, collecting them strikes me as difficult,” he pointed out.
“That is why you have a planetologist on board. Hiro will use surface scans and his knowledge of planet geology to make a pretty good guess at where their mines are located. I also expect Tasha Korr to request the Lisza Kaugh display the crystals, as proof they actually possess what we need. It is standard negotiating practice to inspect what you intend to buy.”
Patterson leaned forward to emphasize her follow-up point. “Make sure a tracking sticker gets attached to a crystal. That way you can locate them, wherever they keep them." She stopped, leaned back, and gave Coop a knowing look. “Before you ask. Yes, using force may cause collateral damage. No one wants aliens, especially potential allies, harmed or killed, but the priority is the crystals. If they try to stop you, stop them.
“Nathan will provide the elemental properties for the exact type of crystals we need. This will help Hiro limit the parameters for his surface scans. The specs also assure any crystals offered in exchange are compatible for space-fold, or weapons production.
Patterson sat back in her chair, the planet Earth visible through the portal over her left shoulder. “Coop, you are in a relationship with two Fellen. You have alien crew members, and alien civilians aboard your ship. I hate putting you in this position, but this is strictly need-to-know. Do you understand?”
“Perfectly, Admiral.”
“That was the official part of this meeting. Have Kennedy wipe everything we discuss from the record, starting after your last response of ‘Perfectly, Admiral.’”
“Yes, Ma’am.” The fact he received UEC authority to go to war was daunting. That something required greater secrecy, frightening.
“How are you coping with the mix of humans and aliens?”
“Trying to find structure,” he replied. “Establishing protocols to assure all hands respect the chain of command. Training to insure everyone understands their responsibilities, especially under stress. I have to leave enough leeway for the aliens to assimilate, while keeping Fleet personnel sharp. It’s been tricky maneuvering. As dicey as anything I ever tried as a test pilot.
“I also have civilians to manage. Aliens, scientists, and Space Fleet contractors not always comfortable taking orders,” he added. “Finding a way to be their commander, and not a dictator has been challenging. I may not have been the best choice as Pt-109’s Captain, Admiral.” The admission, openly declared, finally on the table.
“For every reasons you think you are not qualified, Coop, those are the reasons you are currently the best possible commander for that ship.” Patterson ran fingers through her still-blonde hair. A tick Coop witnessed a thousand times over decades of service with the Fleet officer. Pam stressed.
“Space Fleet remains a work in progress,” she said. “We’re a combination of civilians and military personnel, acting as a military branch of the United Earth Council. At the same time, our mandate includes exploration of space. Our operational standards are based on the rules of conduct developed by Navy tradition. We are not bound by tradition. Space Fleet is an entirely fresh model.
“I know you, Coop. I know you want to help your people; aliens, humans, civilians and military, trust one another. You have never given a damn about anyone’s race, sex, religion or politics. Getting everyone home alive is the one principle you would never violate. People who serve with you recognize your concern.”
Coop did not bother to reply. She had something more to say. He waited.
“Your mission’s success means more than returning with power crystals. By accomplishing your goals, whether through diplomacy, or by force of arms, you will prove the Space Fleet model is effective. We can operate a warship, with a mix of species and races, as well as military and civilian contractors, successfully. That same eclectic mix provides a greater chance of future success, when we encounter other extraterrestrials. A blended crew proves we understand Earth is now part of a galaxy of unique, and equally important beings.”
“Why the emphasis on the blend, Pam? Everyone is well aware of Space Fleet’s decision to recruit non-humans.” He waited patiently for his question to arrive, and her response.
Coop saw the concern in her features, before it registered in her voice.
“Traditionalists, those in the military, politicians, and among civilians, believe Space Fleet should exist strictly as a military force in form and function. They also contend Earth’s spaceships should operate exclusively with human crews.
“In a compact window of time, people have been forced to accept the concept of intelligent alien’s sharing the galaxy. The discovery of the Martian spaceship tickled the imagination, but never caused people to really question their belief systems. With asylum provided the Star Gazer refugees, aliens now share our planet. Trust is not easily given to strangers.
“Traditionalists receive support from a great many extremely vocal religious leaders. While holy people speak to the importance of accepting the aliens, they also fear inhuman religious beliefs, or non-beliefs, and how they might infect their flocks.”
“You’re talking about bigotry, and religious bias, Pam,” Coop said. “Those same stupid intolerant views created the conditions leading to the formation of the United Earth Council. We fought to erase borders. Diversity without divisiveness became our strength.”
“I’m talking about human nature,” Pam replied. “There are a lot of people afraid of what the future represents. I’m telling you there are people who desperately hold on to the past. And I am telling you they have sympathizers in powerful positions.
“The 109’s success . . . your crew’s successful completion of this first intergalactic action, can prevent those people from turning back the clock. We require a successful mission, Captain.” She signed off.
“Great,” the captain of the SFPT-109 said aloud. “I actually wanted this position.”
CHAPTER 5
The Communications and Tactical Conference Room (C-TAC), connected to the bridge via pocket-door. Super High Definition (SHD) video receivers dominated the front of the room. Screen displays operated by touch or voice command. Consoles provided access to ship systems. The center of the room accommodated a conference table with seating for twelve.
Captain Cooper explained C-TAC’s function, and the history behind separate tactical centers to Judge Tasha Korr.
“Naval warships once used Combat Information Centers, CICs, also known as Operation Rooms. A CIC organized and processed information into a form more convenient and usable by the ship’s commander. Communications, and data received over multiple channels, were funneled to CIC. Analysts organized, evaluated, weighted and provided timely information flow to the battle command staff.”
Coop waited for Korr to ask questions. She grasped the concepts quickly, and remained silent. He continued. “Space-bound warships now employ Operations and Tactical stations, or Communications and Tactical stations. These stations, integrated on the ship’s bridge, provide instant data to the officer at the console, who analyses and presents pertinent information to the ship’s commander. Advances in systems, and specially trained operators, reduced the need for an entirely separate operations group.”
Coop pulled a chair out for Korr. She accepted, and slid gracefully onto the seat. “If a conflict ever involves too many variables, or the quantity of communications proves too much for one person to assimilate, analyze, and present, then C-TAC becomes viable. Otherwise, it’s a fancy place to hold meetings.”
Captain Cooper took the end chair, furthest from the SHD screens. Yauni, on his right, and Genna to his left. To Yauni’s right were Col. Gregory, Commander Tony Camden (PT-109’s Chief Engineer), and last, Dr. Hiro Kimura.
Next to Genna sat Sky, then Storm, and finally Tasha Korr.
Dr. Nathan Trent, Space Fleet’s civilian Head of Sciences, joined them on the SHD. Trent and Mara Galletti, an exolinguist, deciphered the Martian codes decades before. Those codes allowed human’s to reverse engineer the marvels responsible for more efficient space travel. The original sources of information, an alien space craft, and its technology-laden hangar, were discovered on Mars half-a-century prior to the launch of the 109. Breakthroughs included space-fold arrays, which allowed ships to travel through the solar system, and well beyond, at incredible speeds.
The camera turned, and Fleet Admiral Pamela Patterson’s image filled the screen. The meeting, she instructed Coop to organize, called to order.
From her office on EMS2, she informed them, “The SFPT-99 will launch in two weeks. Two weeks thereafter, the 109 will be tasked to travel to the planet Rys.”
Everyone at the table knew the ultimate test for the PT-109 involved exiting the solar system, crossing open space, to arrive at a star system trillions of miles distant. For the aliens aboard, traveling between stars presented nothing unique. For t
he humans, it represented the first such trip in Earth’s history.
Patterson continued. “If Rys remains free of the Zenge, you will make contact. This is why Yauni Catacta, and Tasha Korr are on board the 109. It is Yauni’s home-world, and Judge Korr is known there. They know who best to contact. We have requested their help arranging a meeting with the authorities. The purpose for making contact is to offer the people of Rys a recently developed crystal-laser powered weapon. A weapon to help defend their planet from Zenge invaders. Dr. Trent.”
The camera returned to Trent. “Weapons engineers adapted designs found in the Martian records to create a cannon capable of launching a faster-than-light particle burst. The FTL tachyon-burst is effective against molecular-based force shields. This includes the electro-magnetic shields used by the Zenge. Based on data obtained during their attack on the Star Gazer, and the successful offense devised by Captain Cooper, we created a weapon that initially negates a force field upon contact. The force delivered by the FTL burst will cause significant damage, as well. Equally important, the interruption of an enemy force field allows other armament to penetrate the weakened barrier. It provides an effective range greater than other current surface-to-space weapons.”
“The downsides?” Coop asked. With any weapon system, came drawbacks. Knowing those potential pitfalls persistently proved as essential as understanding its capabilities.
“The tachyon particles must entangle before a burst is delivered,” Trent responded. “The larger the weapon, the more time required to coalesce the sub-atomic particles into a usable amount. Planet-defense sized cannon require thirty-minutes after firing a load, before the following load can be prepared. That’s why it is crucial to employ multiple systems. They should not fire simultaneously, unless absolutely necessary.