Space Fleet Sagas Foundation Trilogy: Books One, Two, and Three in the Space Fleet Sagas

by Don Foxe

  “Explain,” Coop nudged.

  “The tachyon energy burst benefits include an extended range. When it does not encounter an object, it eventually disperses harmlessly. A tachyon stream can travel forever, at a velocity thousands of times faster than the speed of light. Time, and distance do not represent limits to a tachyon particle, especially a tachyon particle in motion. A streamer,” the engineer from Fell said.

  ASparquila explained the concept gnawing at his inventive nature. “First you catch a single tachyon, and instead of entanglement with other particles, embed it with data. Next, you aim the data-loaded tachyon at a catch and fire it along a streamer. Even if the receiver is located on the far side of the galaxy, the embedded data arrives without a perceivable lapse in time.”

  “Hold on, Sparks. You’re suggesting using a tachyon streamer as a communications tool. Creating real-time communication between points in the galaxy trillions of miles apart.” As the full weight of Sparks’ theory coalesced, Cooper suddenly wanted to sit down.

  “In theory,” the Fellen replied. “A system for audio and video, and relaying all types of data, in real time. If we design a catch, similar to the one used for a tachyon cannon, only much smaller, with a more delicate nature, it could contain a single tachyon particle for the time needed to bombard it with data. Before the particle becomes explosive, we dispatch it in a way similar to aiming and firing a tachyon cannon. The particle, embedded with information, would remain superimposed, and therefore pass through every object between it, and the receiving catch. When the receiver captured the tachyon, you could download the absorbed data, and replay it. Everything would occur in our reality with no perceived lapse in time.”

  “I don’t see how,” Folly interjected. “How can anything travel that fast?”

  “I believe tachyons travel across dimensions,” Sparks answered. “Membranes separate dimensions, and tachyon particles are able to pass through those membranes. Space, time, and distance become inconsequential for anything traveling by switching dimensions.”

  “How would it know where the receiving catch is located?” Izzy asked.

  “You tell it,” Sparks replied. “A tachyon sub-atomic particle is invisible to us, but within its macrocosm, it is a complex structure, and enormous. Because it exhibits the capability for unlimited energy transference, it should also have the capacity for unlimited storage of data. It represents energy in a pure form, without the containment limits of a construct. Theoretically, it is possible to load a single tachyon particle with untold amounts of data, and then tell it where to go. Or, at least, show it where to go. Using a directional line made of streamers, particle upon particle, our tachyon with embedded information would ride the stream.”

  “Similar to a sniper using a laser to pinpoint a target, then pulling the trigger and hitting the shot,” Coop said.

  “The streamer is the laser, and the loaded particle becomes the bullet,” Sparks agreed.

  “Words and images would be absorbed, delivered, and recovered without a noticeable lag, regardless of the distance,” Coop said.

  “Theory and conundrum,” Sparks said. “How do you make it work?”

  “You begin by recognizing a use for tachyon particles besides weaponization,” Coop replied. “Exactly what you’ve already done,” he added.

  “You make it real by working with Storm and Manny. Use the technology already developed for tachyon manipulation, and your expertise with communication systems. The three of you build a send-and-catch array. You build two,” Coop amended. “Manny can redesign the current catch to capture a single particle for information bombardment, instead of attracting several to create an energy explosion. As soon as you have two working prototypes, no matter how rough, we place one at point A, then motor as far away as we want with array B, and we test your theory.”

  “You want me to actually build a tachyon-based communication devise?” Sparks asked, excited.

  “Kennedy,” Cooper said aloud, startling Izzy, Folly and Sparks who, like most, forget the ship is always aware.

  “Yes, Captain Cooper,” came the immediate reply.

  “Have you been listening?”

  “With great interest, Captain,” the AI confirmed.

  “I need non-essential processors available for Sparks, Storm, and Manny to solve his conundrum. Make any, and all information, regardless of classification level, available. They have my authority to use, take, commandeer, borrow, or steal anything, or anyone they need to make Sparks’ theory a reality.”

  “Yes, Captain Cooper,” Kennedy replied. “I am excited to assist you, Sparks,” the bodiless voice told the Fellen engineer.

  “Um, well, thanks, Kennedy,” he stammered, not having addressed the ship directly before. “Thank you, Captain.”

  “You may want to rest,” Coop suggested. “The remainder of this trip, and after we arrive at MSD, you will be busy.”

  CHAPTER 38

  Captain Daniel Marcel Cooper stood at attention before Rear Admiral (lower) Terrance Singletary. The Admiral pretended to read a report, leaving the Captain at attention, unrecognized. Message sent. On MSD, Singletary represented authority and Captain Cooper represented just another line officer.

  The Admiral did not appreciate his own light cast into a shadow by a brighter one. Everyone’s bloated opinion of the famous, and popular Daniel Cooper did not sway the Admiral.

  “I disagreed with Admiral Patterson when she agreed to allow a Fleet ship, a military ship, to be partially staffed with civilians,” he said. He set the data pad aside, leaning back to look up at the Captain. The experienced administrator long ago perfected talking down to others while seated. He allowed the disdain in his tone, and contempt in his eyes to establish his superior place on the food-chain.

  “Your mix of humans, aliens, civilians and Fleet personnel creates a lack of professionalism aboard the John F. Kennedy I find unacceptable. Your people address officers by first names, instead of rank. Your officers fraternize with lesser ranks and civilians, while on mission. Two alien women aboard the ship, civilian contractors, and you engage in [he hesitated, seeking the accurate words] a relationship. With both. At the same time. You apparently do not care how such a thing looks to those who serve under you.”

  Coop smothered a smile. Singletary’s unintended mix of his relationship with Sky and Storm, and people serving under him passed without a smirk.

  The Admiral, dressed in his best non-formal uniform, brushed invisible lint from a dark grey sleeve. “Now you expect Earth to negotiate with the Fell for technology legally belonging to Space Fleet. Tell me, Captain Cooper, why I should not have your ass tossed into the brig?”

  “Sir, technology allowing Space Fleet Command instant access, and full communications with ships, no matter where they are located within the galaxy, is the most valuable advance in space exploration since Fairchild discovered the Martian hangar,” Cooper replied, remaining at attention.

  “Oh, I agree with your statement,” the Admiral replied. “But the technology was developed aboard a Space Fleet vessel, with the assistance of Space Fleet personnel.”

  “ASparquila developed the theory and the parameters for practical application, Sir. He is a citizen of Fell. On board the 109, at my request. I intended to present him to Space Fleet as a potential asset. His cousin, AStermalanlan, as you noted, is a civilian contractor assigned to the 109. Dr. Manny Hernandez is employed by Dr. Nathan Trent. They developed the final design,” Cooper said.

  “The important points were,” and the Admiral extended his right index finger, “one, the Fellen was aboard a Space Fleet ship.” The middle finger lifted. “Two, his cousin is contracted by Space Fleet.” The ring finger emerged. “Three, Dr. Hernandez, and his team work for Space Fleet’s Head of Sciences.” Pinky finger extended. “Four, anything developed, designed, or dreamed up while aboard any of my ships [he closed his fingers into a fist] belongs to me,” Singletary said, his blood pressure rising with the count.

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nbsp; “You mean the Fleet, Sir,” Cooper corrected.

  “I mean, Captain Cooper, negotiations for communications technology developed by personnel serving on the Kennedy will not happen,” the Admiral responded. “You will inform your friends, they either provide the data related to this development to me, immediately, or they will find themselves under arrest. Dismissed, Captain.”

  Cooper did not argue. He pivoted, walked to the door, and exited the Admiral’s office.

  Genna waiting in the outer office, stood as he closed the door behind him. “Didn’t go well?”

  Cooper glanced at Lt. Lawrence, seated at her desk. He shook his head negatively, making no comment in front of the Admiral’s Aide. He departed, Genna close behind.

  “Kennedy contacted Dr. Trent,” Genna said, a few steps down the hall.

  “Mistake,” Coop replied, not breaking stride. “Singletary is the direct chain of command. Going around him will only cause more problems.”

  “Precisely why she contacted Trent, and not Admiral Patterson,” Genna said, catching up to walk side-by-side with her Captain. “She also informed him the ship is on lock-down, per Singletary’s orders. Trent will find a way to open negotiations with the United Earth Council, without appearing to bypass Singletary’s orders.”

  “Singletary has Kennedy monitored. He will know she sent a message without his release.”

  “Kennedy is friends with the computer systems on MSD. Singletary will not receive an alert.”

  Coop stopped, turned, and stared at his ship’s avatar. “She’s friends with the computers on MSD. She said that?”

  “Sure,” Genna replied, smiling. “You sound like a racist. Machines can have friends.”

  “Why not?” Coop relented, resuming the walk back to the 109 “I hope Nathan is sneaky enough to figure out a way around Singletary’s ego. This is my fault for returning to MSD, instead of directly to EMS2. I underestimated the Admiral’s dislike for what the PT-109 represents. We are the new reality. A ship staffed by people from a variety of worlds. It’s will take time, and a lot of errors before we figure out the exact protocols, but, at least, we’re trying.”

  “Admiral Singletary doesn’t hate the ship, Coop. He hates you. You had his girlfriend fired from Space Fleet, and every time he tries to control you, Patterson, or the UEC overrule him. You’re a Captain with more influence than an Admiral.”

  “I remind you,” Coop said, “you were the one who kicked her, and I quote, ‘skinny ass’ off the command chair, and placed a boot on her chest until Anton arrived to escort her to her cabin. He may hate you as well.”

  “True,” Genna replied, stifling a giggle at the memory. “It’s actually sad the Admiral is going to lose again. I’m afraid Admiral Patterson will finally admit Singletary’s skills as an administrator don’t protect him while Space Fleet is at a war setting. She’s going to reassign Singletary, and he does not see it coming.”

  “Counselor Bouvier.” Cooper’s tone respectful, with a hint of surprise. “You appear to have developed an impressive grasp of Fleet politics, and personnel. Your time with Tasha and Tista Korr is paying dividends. Not merely an ambassador, but a political strategist, as well.”

  “Economics, Captain,” Genna replied. “The tachyon-based communication design, if it actually works, is worth more to Earth than a dozen Admirals. When Dr. Trent explains the leap in advancing interstellar communications, with the possible discovery of a means to remain in contact with ships traveling in space-fold, the Governing Board of the UEC will give the Fell everything they want.”

  “Or they will side with Singletary, and force Sparks, Storm, and Manny to give up the technology,” Coop responded.

  Genna’s assessment of Admiral Patterson’s response, and the Board of Governors’ reaction to Nathan Trent’s report, proved correct.

  Within forty-eight hours, Admiral Singletary’s reassignment to an administration desk at Fleet Headquarters in Toronto was issued. In the tradition of military disciplinary actions throughout time, Singletary received a promotion to Rear Admiral (higher) to disguise discipline as recognition. A newly minted Admiral would shuttle up to take his place within the week. The Governing Board of the United Earth Council ordered Sparks, Storm, Manny, Prince Yauni, Tasha Korr and Captain Cooper flown to a hidden, fortified bunker in the heart of the Canadian wilderness for a discreet meeting with the six UEC Governing Board members.

  They entered through blast doors in the side of a mountain, and received a military escort to an interior chamber. The six from the PT-109 joined Nathan Trent and Pam Patterson, already present. The half-dozen board members greeted them from seats behind a curved desk, on a raised platform.

  Amed Hosny acted as speaker for the Board. He sat center right, looking down onto the gallery and the eight petitioners.

  “The United Earth Council does not appreciate extortion. We are especially displeased with extortion from those we have tried to assist,” he said in English, with a distinct Egyptian accent.

  Tasha Korr stood to respond. “First, we are honored you have agreed to speak with us, my lords. Some of us are recent arrivals to your world. We may not fully understand your rules, and regulations regarding commerce and trade. I ask you allow us leeway. In no manner do we wish to appear impolite. We appreciate your treatment of us, and all of the displaced refugees you graciously accepted to your planet.”

  She presented a compact bow, according the assembled representatives of Earth their due status as leaders of their world.

  “We are here to discuss trade,” she said, a bit of steel added to her tone. “The galaxy is filled with worlds of assorted, and diverse histories. Over the centuries, to avoid conflict, improve communication, and co-exist, a system of barter and trade developed. No monetary unit is universal. What one society may hold dear, another may see as inconsequential. Nearly everyone has something of value to offer others. Trade, Governors, is the diplomatic glue of the galaxy.”

  She allowed her comments time to resonate before continuing. “It is not extortion by ASparquila, and AStermalanlan of Fell. They represent a planet with a storied history of using technology as their coin. What they create, is theirs to do with, as they see fit. As a galactic judge, and mediator, I can assure you, if the issue we now discuss was brought before me in dispute, I would look upon their ownership of the communications designs as undeniable.”

  “Even though they developed these designs on board an Earth ship, with assistance from humans, and our own artificial intelligence unit?” Hosny asked, then added before receiving an answer, “AStermalanlan is a contractor to Space Fleet. We have something on Earth we call intellectual property rights, Judge Korr. A contractor, while employed, cedes their ownership of intellectual designs to their employer.”

  “If declared in the contractor’s agreement,” Korr countered. She had been warned about intellectual property rights. “I have read everything signed by AStermalanlan, and there is nothing regarding intellectual concepts worked on during her personal time. ASparquila has no agreements with Earth, or Space Fleet. He was, in effect, on his way for an interview.”

  Tasha moved ahead quickly. “Even so, I would expect the Fellen to recognize their debt to Earth. They do so by offering the UEC first opportunity to own this original technology. Should you decide not to barter for their design, they can negotiate a percentage of the profits to be shared with Earth when the ability to communicate across extreme distances, and between folded and natural space is sold it to someone else.”

  “They cannot sell it from prison,” another governor interjected.

  “Nor can Earth take advantage of it, if they are in prison,” Tasha countered. “But threats do not result in solutions. This is an opportunity for Earth to join the alliance representing a major portion of the sentient beings within this galaxy. There are those who refuse to trade, or to deal with anyone. Now a group attempts to take our property, and our lives, with force. But the majority of civilized worlds accept barter as
the way of assuring their societies continue to grow. It is our way of creating diplomatic ties. We create economic ties binding us more closely, and more honestly than any agreement based on faith alone. Trade, and respect for the contract insure peace through mutual prosperity.”

  “The Fellen request a lot in exchange,” Hosny said.

  “The Fellen ask that you liberate Fell,” Tasha Korr said. “If your world was under siege, your people under constant threat of death, and the opportunity to save them presented to you, would you not take the opportunity?”

  “Judge Korr, we have limited resources. If we dedicate those resources to attempt a forceful liberation of Fell, we leave our own solar system open to attack. Advanced technology is not valuable, if the cost risks the safety and security of our people. Advanced communications will not protect our people from missiles and lasers." Hosny sat back, having made his most important points. He continued, “We have already shown our willingness to open trade agreements with others in the galaxy. Prince Yauni sits with you. We provided Rys the means of protecting their world, and in return we received the crystals needed to advance our agenda for space travel. Have we not demonstrated Earth is ready to join the other worlds?”

  “Agreed, Representative Hosny. You make valid points. We cannot and do not argue with the facts. You must protect your system first. You have shown your willingness to bargain honestly with another world. I simply need you to understand not every world produces material items for trade. Rys has crystals, but they also have cutters who know how best to turn raw crystals into power sources. Fell has devices, but they are cheap when compared to their expertise in creating improvements, and inventing imaginative devices.”

  Korr pivoted from her presentation. “The Fellen would like to alter their offer to Earth,” Tasha said, and turned to Storm and Sparks.

  The two aliens, dressed in somber, conservative clothing, stood, and Storm addressed the board.

  “We understand you cannot promise to liberate Fell,” she said. “We will provide everything you need to build arrays to provide Earth the ability to communicate with ships, or ship to ship from anywhere within the galaxy, in real time. We can provide you the ability to communicate with ships traveling in space-fold . . . in real time. These advances in communications will place Earth decades ahead of most systems in the known galaxy. This technology will complete your ability to defend your solar system against any invaders.”