The Search for FTL

by Ted Iverson

  “On what?”

  “Your presentation to the OEC. What I have here is the answer to our prayers.” Zach pulled a small pack off his back, unzipped it and fished around inside. Then, pulling out a small box, he tossed it to Ty. “What you are now holding is all of this on holodiscs. I’m pretty sure you’ll need those if you’re going to secure Space Tech some cash!”

  “Honestly, I don’t think I’m following you.”

  “Oh, geez, man.” Zach slid the lid off one of the tubes and pulled out a large roll, put it on the desk, and began unrolling it. “Here, hold this end and I’ll hold that end. Take a good look!”

  Ty glanced down then moved closer to take a better look. Surprised, he took a step back and looked up at Zach. “This... this is a schematic for the outer hull of the model Alec found. Is this StarDancer? No, it can’t be.”

  “Here,” Zach said, rolling out another paper from a different tube.

  As Ty looked at schematics for what appeared to be the forward interior portion of the ship, he couldn’t stop shaking his head.

  Zach held up tubes in each hand. He could no longer contain his excitement. “Propulsion! Electronics! It’s all here.”

  “But where did you find all this??”

  “Find? We didn’t find anything. We did all this. Orion and I haven’t had any real sleep for days, and we had teams working round the clock. We analyzed the model forward to aft and then put our theories to computer models. It will fly. Ty, this is the real deal. This plan can and will work. No more chatting, better have that secretary of—”

  “Assistant, Zach.” Ty was firm with that statement.

  “Okay then, assistant. Could you have her bring us some coffee? I really need it.”

  “Sure, but,” glancing at the clock on the wall, “I’ve only got, like, two hours before I have to board the plane. Think you’ll be able to explain all this to me in time?”

  Laughing, Zach said matter-of-factly, “Not a chance in this world that will ever happen.”

  “Then we’d better get started.” Ty was grinning from ear to ear.

  Two hours later, Ty was on the corporate jet on his way to the capital, thinking about all he’d learned in the past couple of hours. There was so much to take in. It would be hard to come up with a good, let alone great, presentation to give to the OEC. He knew he had to, of course. He was also wondering if he’d forgotten to tell Joanne anything that she might need to know. She had his com link though, so he let that worry pass.

  Joanne, now there was a whole different issue. Not only was she nice looking, but she was intelligent and capable. After their breakfast today he’d seen a side of her that made him want to get to know her a little better. Maybe when he got back he’d address that issue.

  For now he needed to concentrate on work. He had his holopad out and was working on his speech when, suddenly, it flew upward out of his hands. The jet was diving steeply and veering left. Ty strained to move, but the seatbelt held him down. The jet now turned sharply right and climbed steeply. Ty managed to turn his head toward the window just in time to see another larger jet go streaking by. It made a left, cutting in front of them. Ty was desperately trying to free himself from his seat when he heard a voice coming from the cabin, “Sir, we are currently experiencing some turbulence. Stay seated.”

  “Turbulence?” Ty shouted at the top of his voice. Then he heard it. He heard it clearly but he didn’t believe it.

  “Captain, they’re locking on!” Then the com went dead and the plane once again dove. As the plane plummeted, it spiraled tightly while angling left. Ty could see the countermeasures they’d released to divert the missiles streaking toward them. He was beginning to feel sick.

  Now out of its spiral, the plane once again screamed upward. Up in the cockpit, the pilot, who had been desperately trying to evade his pursuer, reached up and managed to flip a toggle switch on the overhead console. The green light above it changed to red. Both hands now back on the stick, he leveled off.

  The other plane was above him now, coming down straight at them. Having had enough of running, the pilot decided to pull back on the stick and jolt upward. “Time to play,” he announced matter-of-factly to his copilot.

  The two planes were closing fast and were within seconds of colliding when a third entered the arena. The third ship streaked directly between the two planes, forcing the enemy’s plane to cut sharply up from its dive and forcing Ty’s to move down quickly.

  The third ship moved directly behind the attacking plane. Its pilot quickly acquired the enemy and fired its forward plasma cannons, catching the attacking pilot off guard. The bolt hit part of the tail, and the enemy quickly retreated into the mass of dark clouds looming above.

  The conquering pilot wanted to follow in pursuit but needed to make sure all in Ty’s plane was okay. He punched at a plasma button on his console and opened a com link. “Turtle to SPT One, over.”

  “Alec, thanks.” The pilot was relieved.

  “Is everyone alright? I got here as quickly as I could.”

  “I think so. I haven’t checked on Ty, but we’re okay. By the way, that was pretty quick.”

  “I just happened to be up in the air when your message came through, and you weren’t too far out from the airport. Any idea what that was about?”

  “None. He came out of nowhere. The guy even fired on us. I had to use the flares. It really shook us up. Would you be willing to cover us the rest of the way? We could sure use the assistance.”

  “That’s a good plan. I hurt the guy, but didn’t take him out, so I’m sure whoever he’s working for already knows you guys are safe. From the looks of the plane he was flying, I think he could have taken you out if he’d really wanted to. It appeared to be an older military jet. I don’t think it was one of ours. I’ll look at the data video when I get back and see if I can identify any markings. See you on the tarmac. Alec out.”

  Ty, shaken, was now beating on the cockpit hatch and demanding, “Hello? Anyone wanting to fill me in on what just happened is welcome to do so!”

  The copilot unlocked the door and let Ty in. He plopped down on the small third seat. “Well?” He glanced out the cockpit window as he waited for an answer and what he saw amazed him: a ship flying just in front and slightly above them. “The Turtle?” he asked, confused.

  “Yes, and thank goodness your brother was in the area. Sorry we couldn’t explain earlier, but we were just a wee bit busy.”

  “That other plane shot at us! Are you listening? He shot at us!”

  “Ty, calm down. It’s done. Your brother got a good shot off and damaged his plane, and he just took off. The threat is over. Alec is going to cover us in.”

  “Shot him. Alec shot him,” Ty muttered under his breath.

  “Ty, feel free to finish the flight up here, but you’ll need to buckle in; we’ll be landing shortly. Be a shame to get injured after the roller coaster ride you just had.” The pilot was smiling like he’d just had an uneventful flight.

  Ty, head in hands, shook uncontrollably as he thought, That didn’t just happen.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After doing a once around the airport, Alec set the Turtle down next to the corporate jet. He could see that the airport ground support team, ramp agent, and bag runners were already hard at work. Through the ship’s cockpit window he watched Ty disembark. After unbuckling himself and finalizing the shutdown procedure, Alec made his way out of his ship. Once on the tarmac, he immediately circled the Turtle to verify there was damage. Then he ducked beneath the ship’s belly and headed over to his brother on the other side.

  “We almost got killed up there! What was that all about?”

  “I don’t know, but we’ve got to find out. That was incredible!” Alec patted the ship, “This bird can fly!”

  “This bird can what? Are you serious? I’m a sitting duck up there and that’s what you’re concerned about?”

  “No, of course not, but you’re okay. Sorry, sometimes
I get excited during stuff like that. It’s kind of like being back at work and breaking down someone’s door. What an adrenalin rush. I got some video of the other plane and I’m going to figure out what it was and who it belongs to.”

  Ty gave a disgusted wave, turned and headed toward the hangar. Looking back he shouted to his brother, “I’m going to check into the hotel. You just do whatever it is you’re doing.” Shaking his head again, he went to find his luggage.

  Confused but excited, Alec went back to checking on his ship.

  After gathering up his bags, Ty headed out of the terminal. This day hadn’t exactly gone as planned: a leisurely flight, some much needed shut-eye, and maybe a little work done. But no, instead they’d gotten jostled like a can dropped down a flight of stairs, chased all over the sky, and were fired upon. And at ten thousand feet! He decided that corporate transportation wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, so he hailed a hover cab. He didn’t even care about the possible danger of being alone right now. The driver placed his baggage into the trunk, and Ty climbed into the hover and told the driver to take him to the AxMet. The driver pulled away from the curb and entered the maze of vehicles.

  Ty wanted to block out what had just happened, so he tried to focus on when he’d been here last. He was twelve, maybe thirteen, and his parents had brought him here to see what his dad did. He’d always known his dad was well connected, but that particular trip had opened Ty’s eyes. His father knew just about everyone he came in contact with and, when they had passed by, his dad always told Ty something about that person: just a small tidbit, maybe the wife’s name, a pet’s name, who they worked for. Ty had never been so impressed, but it was good business. Ty hoped he could carry on that practice. Back then, being so young, Ty was not allowed into the OEC hearing. Only later had he found out that his father was lobbying for a grant. He vaguely remembered the Capitol itself. Sometime on this trip he would have to do some sightseeing.

  The cab pulled up to the AxMet hotel, one of the largest in the capital. Ty looked at the building through fresh eyes. It was modern looking: a round building, with twenty-five stories encased in dark-tinted glass. About halfway up, every other large window had a half-circle balcony with black wrought iron rails. It was quite a majestic sight.

  The driver pulled the suitcases from the trunk and gave them to the doorman. Ty shook the driver’s hand, thanked him, and then paid him. The doorman loaded Ty’s bags onto the hovercart and walked Ty through the doors as they slid open in front of them.

  “Mr. Bindl,” the baggage handler said, “I will take these to your room now. Just see someone at the front desk and they will get you checked in.”

  He added, “Mr. Bindl, it is truly nice to have your family represented once more. We were all saddened to hear of your loss; your folks were really special people. If you need anything, just ask.” He bowed his head respectfully and went about his job.

  Ty stood silently for a moment, watching the man push his bags onto the elevator. Shivers traveled up his spine, making him shudder. Had his parents made such an impression that, even though the man had never seen Ty before, he would show Ty respect for their sake? He felt the weight on his shoulders growing by the minute.

  As he walked up to the front desk, the man behind it said, “Bindl? Ty Bindl? No, it can’t be! I received your company’s reservation. It is so good to see you after so long! Mr. Bindl, I have you in a room, but a suite just became available. We will change that right awa—”

  “No, what you have booked is just fine,” Ty interrupted. “No special treatment. I am a guest just like everyone else. I do appreciate the offer, but I’ll be fine anywhere. And you might be?”

  “Me? I’m Paul Spencer. I am the manager here at the AxMet. I can understand your not remembering me. It’s been many years since you were here. Your father and mother were two of our finest customers. They weren’t here often, but a more decent couple you’d never find, a couple whom, once you’d met, you’d never forget. You have many of your father’s features. I met you just once, some years back when your father brought you along on one of his business trips. I knew instantly then that you were his son, and now even more so.

  “Wait! I know how you’ll remember me!” He reached under the desk then brought up his hands and held them palms up, turning them about as if saying, “Look, nothing up my sleeve.” Then with one swift move he brought his hand up to Ty’s right ear and removed a coin from between his thumb and forefinger.

  Ty could not hold back the laughter. “Yes, I remember you now! You did that silly trick when I was just a boy.” Spencer looked different now, of course. He was still short with the same tanned complexion, but he was older: balder, and with a heavier build that must be the reason for the added suspenders. “I still love that trick,” Ty added. “As I recall, Dad and I had dinner with you that evening. Then, after dinner, while Dad was at a business meeting, you took me to the hotel arcade until he was done. It’s good to see you again, Mr. Spencer.”

  “No ‘Mr. Spencer.’ You’re an adult now. Call me Paul. Ty, I would once again be honored if you and your brother Alec would join me for dinner tonight.”

  Ty had almost forgotten Alec. He was probably still drooling over his ship. “We’d like that very much, thank you. I’ll let Alec know.”

  “Very well, then. Here is your key, room 257. Alec is staying in room 261. We will see you two in the main dining area at 7:00 p.m. sharp.” Spencer handed the key to Ty, then grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously. “Welcome back, Ty. Welcome back.”

  Ty made his way to his room without any problems, except that, as he entered the elevator, some children recognized him. They started whispering and pointing at him. It made Ty a little uncomfortable, but he figured this wouldn’t be the last time it would happen.

  Ty reached his room and slid his card key into the slot next to the door. The card popped back out and a computer voice spoke: “Welcome to the AxMet, Mr. Bindl. We hope you enjoy your stay.”

  Ty started to answer, but stopped short, realizing the voice had been computer generated. He turned the ornate brass handle and entered the room. He set his carry-on bag in a chair, found another chair, and sat down, trying to soak in the day.

  This was going to be a very long week. He wasn’t scheduled to appear before the OEC until Wednesday afternoon, but he knew he would first have to attend a briefing with Senator Fillmore, who might’ve been a close friend and supporter of his father. He’d have many questions for the committee, as they would for him. A glance at his watch told him it was just about 5:00 p.m. He thought about catching a quick nap, until he heard a knock on the door followed by a voice.

  “Hello. Is Grace in?”

  He made a beeline for the door and opened it. “Alec. I was wondering if you were going to part with the Turtle tonight.” He laughed a little. “Mr. Spencer said you were rooming just a couple of doors down.”

  “I made sure we’d have rooms close together. I was flying the Turtle here in case we needed it and, as it turned out... well, I don’t need to say anymore. The AxMet has its own private airstrip with a few hangars out back. Now I know why the parents always stayed here: the amenities, personnel, and location, it’s almost perfect.”

  “Yes, it seems to be. Even the doorman acknowledged Mom and Dad’s death with a condolence; how weird. Anyhow, right now we need to make plans for this week. My schedule is pretty much set. What do you have planned?”

  “Well, I’ve been doing my homework already and I have to tell you Ty that this may not be as easy as we think, as shown by our little incident today. There seems to be a perception that a certain someone has been trying to undermine our recent efforts for the continuation of the grant money. Care to take a guess?”

  Ty frowned. “Axion, I suppose.”

  “Yes, and he’s already called the OEC into session tomorrow afternoon. Convenient when you figure you won’t even get to present your case until Wednesday. Any ideas on what you’re going to do?” />
  “Well, Alec, not much I can do at this point. I meet with Fillmore tomorrow morning. He’s on the committee. Maybe I can see if he’ll continue to back us and, if so, put in a good word for us during the committee meeting. Other than that, I’ll have to wait until Wednesday. By the way,” he held up one of the tubes Zach had given him, “I had a visitor this afternoon.”

  He took off the tube’s cover and rolled out one of the schematics. Seeing the surprised look on his brother’s face, Ty added, “These aren’t the originals. Zach and Orion busted their tails to come up with a workable theory, and their teams worked really hard.” Ty and Alec then spent about thirty minutes discussing all the data.

  Ty stuffed the last schematic back into its tube. “Alec, I’m really exhausted. Right now I’d like to take a short nap. Last night is catching up to me. Also, you and I have a dinner date with Mr. Spencer tonight at seven. How about I pick you up at 6:45, pal, and we’ll have some food and conversation? You know, I seem to remember Dad always having dinner with him when he came here. I overheard him tell Mom once that Spencer ‘had his finger on the pulse of everything.’ Maybe we can prod him a little tonight?”

  Alec nodded in agreement, “Tactfully, of course. If he’s heard anything, and if he and Dad got along, he might want to pass on some information. See you later, Ty.” He left the room.

  Exhausted, Ty moved over and plopped onto the bed. He set the alarm on his watch for half an hour. That’s all he’d have time for. As he lay there, he attempted to put together a plan of attack, but failed as sleep washed over him.

  Alec sat in a plush chair in his room and pondered the day’s events. His meeting with Ed had been the only highlight after his earlier flight encounter. It had been good to see Ed. He’d provided some great information, as well as some insight into certain individuals who sat on the OEC. Alec decided to make a copy of the video and data Zach had sent and pass it along to Ed. Maybe he could make some sense of it. He was happy to know that Ed would be keeping a close eye on his brother, which would free him up to try to get to the bottom of things. Not that that would be easy.