by Saxon Andrew
His question was greeted with silence and Gregor was the first to reply, “I think the scan of its approach verifies that.”
“I don’t think that warship’s gravity compensators are as good as the ones on this vessel.”
Toren’s observation was greeted with silence, until the computer replied, “I apologize. I missed it.”
“What did you miss, computer?” Elena asked.
“It took a long distance for it to come to a stop.”
“And if it was coming under emergency conditions, it would use its maximum capabilities to arrive,” Toren added.
“Help me understand what this means in real world terms,” Gregor requested.
“It means they can’t maneuver as well as our ship. If they could only stop in that distance, they couldn’t make radical turns any faster than their best stopping speed.”
“Toren is right.” the computer added, “That ship is incredibly fast, but it must not be able to change direction radically.”
“The gravity compensators couldn’t handle it?” Gregor asked.
“That’s what I see. They would not be able to turn fast enough to pursue us.”
“But they wouldn’t have to turn hard, if they were close enough to open fire with their blasters. And we have no idea of how their missiles could turn.” Elena paused, and then added, “Or am I missing something?”
“No, you’re right about that; missiles don’t carry crews, so they could turn harder than their warships,” the computer answered. “I have to believe those missiles have a stardrive on them.”
“Why is that, computer?” Gregor asked.
“Because they operate outside the filaments and must be faster than the vessel that fires them or they would be useless.”
Gregor smiled, “Missiles don’t have numerous thrusters to allow them to change direction. They can turn to home in on a target, but they can’t possibly move as radically as the Dragon Fly is capable of doing.”
“That isn’t something you can be certain about, Gregor?”
“Why not, Toren?
“If those missiles were developed to be fired at the members of my community, they would have to possess a means of changing direction quickly. Look at the size of those missile ports and it’s clear the missile is rather large; it could very well have numerous thrusters on it.”
“We could turn off the blue field and use our stealth system to avoid them,” Elena suggested.
“That might work, but probably wouldn’t.”
“Why not, computer.”
“Well, if we’re fighting their ships outside a filament, without the new stardrive field around us, we would be forced to move extremely slow. Now if it were just one or two-missiles fired at us, avoiding them should be easily done. But if a hundred were fired at us and they were flying in at known location, the chances aren’t bad one of them might fly through our location and hit us.”
“It wouldn’t take the Greng long to figure out to use large numbers to attack us,” Gregor noted. “However, I don’t believe any missile is capable of maneuvering with a Dragon Fly.”
“We’ll find that out when we eventually confront one of their ships.”
“Computer, I’m not waiting to find out. We’re going to come back as soon as possible to find out?”
“Why?”
“Because Toren’s community is in danger and they are systematically removing the filaments in their galaxy. I fear they will take out the 440 and getting to their galaxy will take a lot longer. We need to focus on the Greng as a real threat.”
“You have a call coming in from Kaylee.”
“Put it on the monitor.”
• • •
Two hours later, Elena turned to Gregor after the call ended, “What do you think about this?”
“I’m reluctant to do it. What about you?”
Elena shrugged, “If we’re going to hide Bellingham, why would it matter?”
Gregor rolled his eyes, “I didn’t think about that. I guess it wouldn’t matter, but it’s the principle of the thing.”
“They didn’t do anything we wouldn’t have done if the Insectoids had superior technology to us.” Gregor rolled his eyes again and looked up, as the computer continued, “I think seeing the King’s expression when he discovers that he can’t find Bellingham will be worth it. Besides, we’ll probably need their assistance against the Greng.”
“Why would we need that?”
“Gregor, how will we retrofit the new stardrive on the scouts? Their structure is made of Bellingham Metal and they don’t currently have a force field installed.” Gregor closed his eyes. The Insectoid ships can be modified for the new stardrive.”
Elena sighed, “He’s right, Gregor.”
“Before I agree to anything, I want to know more about this Gramget.”
“How do you intend to do that?”
Gregor smiled, “Elena, our first stop is Cartia; I suspect they might be able to help us with that.”
“Are we going to tell anyone about our arriving early?”
“No, computer. We’re going to make sure Bellingham can be hidden before we reveal our new higher speed.”
“Where are we going to hide out for five or more months if we decide not to reveal it.”
“We won’t. After we leave Cartia, we’ll use the failsafe to teleport back to Bellingham.”
“Now that’s something I missed.” Gregor chuckled at the computer’s remark and thought about what Kaylee told him.
• • •
Three-days out from Cartia, Elena turned from her monitor, “Gregor, I’m really glad the computer has all the ancient videos stored. This trip would have been mind-numbingly boring without them.”
“I’ve seen most of them. What are you watching?”
Elena shook her head, “I’m amazed by the animation movies. This one is called Zootopia and the song ‘Try Everything’ is incredible at how they made Tigers dance during the song. I don’t know if we can come close to that now.”
“Probably can’t,” Gregor replied. “The effort it took to make those was not easy.”
“You know, I’d pay to watch these.”
Gregor heard her and immediately looked up, “Computer, how far is Earth from our course?”
“We’re going to pass the Milky Way in about eight-hours.”
“Take us off the 440 and go to Earth.”
“Why?”
Gregor smiled, “Elena has given me an idea. Just do it. We have plenty of time before we’re due back and I want to see if my idea is feasible.”
“Ok. Changing course.”
“I thought it was in eight-hours.”
“There’s a sub-filament that will get us there faster.”
“Are you referring to the one that runs through Andromeda?”
“I am, Gregor. Very good.”
Gregor sat back and smiled.
• • •
Two months passed as Gregor set up a new commercial company to distribute ancient Earth Videos across the known universe. He put Bart Commercial Transport in charge of getting the videos out to the various vendors he set up and smiled. Let’s see if this works out.
Elena and Toren arrived from a tour of the former Movement’s temple in Tibet and Elena was still enthralled, “I should have come here long ago. Earth is amazing.”
“What did you think about Scotland?” Gregor asked.
“Our ancestors on Bellingham come from an honorable people. It’s beautiful, Gregor. Are you done?”
“I am. I managed to get the right people on board and I hope this turns out well. Anyway, we need to get back to business. I’m glad I came back, too. Earth is recovering nicely and should be free of food shipments in a decade. The crops are doing well in the soil being transported here and the force-field industry is booming. Computer, take us out.”
The Dragon Fly rose through the atmosphere and headed at high speed toward the sub-filament. “Gregor?”
“
Yes, Toren.”
“This planet was attacked several thousand-years ago.”
“It was.”
“Why?”
“Because Earth went out into the universe as conquers. They ran into a civilization that taught them it was a huge mistake to go out unprepared to confront a universe filled with giant threats.”
“Oh. And they gave up being conquerors?”
“No, they planned to rule the entire known universe and Kaylee and I were tools they planned to use to make it happen. We decided not to go along with their plan and removed the ones trying to make it happen.”
“That’s why you aren’t physically like others of your species?”
Gregor sighed, “I went through some painful DNA manipulation as a child, but I managed to escape. The changes made me different.”
“Elena is also different.”
Elena nodded, “I was changed by an Insectoid male that used devices to modify my DNA.”
“Are you referring to Gem?”
Gregor and Elena were surprised by Toren’s comment, “How do you know about him?” Gregor asked.
“I’ve been listening to your communications. It appears he has lost favor with you.”
Gregor was silent and finally answered, “I think he was manipulated and did things that I found unacceptable.”
“But if he was manipulated, why would you no longer favor him?”
“That’s a question I’m struggling with.”
“Did he ever do anything to make you distrust him before he was manipulated?” Gregor was silent. “Did he?”
“Not really. We fought together several times against a common enemy and we developed a bond.”
“Then that bond should still be there, shouldn’t it?”
Gregor glanced at Elena and saw her staring at him. “Gregor is somewhat hard headed at times,” the computer interjected.
“COMPUTER, HE’S ASKING ME, NOT YOU, SO STAY OUT OF THIS!”
“When has that ever worked in the past? You know you’re being stubborn about this.”
Gregor sighed, “I really don’t have a good answer for you, Toren. Gem comes from an aggressive species and I wonder if he’s still like them.”
“Has he been aggressive in the past since he changed his DNA?”
“You have been listening,” Gregor responded, “And no he hasn’t.”
“Then the computer is right; you’re being stubborn against a good friend. It’s worse to suspect a friend of wrong doing than to have them do something wrong. Either you trust them or no longer have them as a friend.”
“How long have you been thinking this, Toren?”
“A while.”
Why bring it up now?”
“It’s time.”
Gregor stared at the monitor as the Dragon Fly entered the huge filament and accelerated away. He was quiet without much to say all the way to Cartia.
• • •
The Dragon Fly was approaching the Cartia filament intersection and Gregor looked up, “Computer, shutdown the stealth systems.”
“Systems shut down.”
Gregor saw the intersection approaching and heard over the loudspeaker on the ceiling, “This is Cartian Traffic Control. State your business.”
“I’m going to Cartia to request a meeting with the Principal.”
“Please tell me your name.”
“Gregory MacGregor.”
Gregor waited and, a few moments later, he heard, “You are cleared for Cartia approach. I’m sending your parking coordinates, and do you require a shuttle?”
“I do.”
“One will be waiting for you. Welcome to Cartia, Gregory MacGregor.”
• • •
The shuttle ride down to the planet was uneventful; this time a Cartian flew the shuttle. They landed in front of the towering building and found Averel waiting for them. “Welcome back, Gregor. The Principal is waiting for you.”
Elena smiled, “Hello, Averel. How are you doing?”
“Fine, thank you for asking. May I assume your voyage was a success?”
Elena shrugged, “In some ways it was.”
“The Principal is concerned about the Filament Makers you sent back; they are refusing to communicate with her.”
“Sometimes there are consequences to one’s behavior, Averel,” Gregor replied.
Averel looked at him, “Please allow the Principal to explain her behaviors before judging her.”
Gregor looked at her with a stern expression, “Do you know why I might not be happy with her?”
“Yes, and you are wrong to feel that way.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“You should know the Principal is under extreme pressure from the Historical Council and may lose her job for assisting you.” Gregor glared at her and Averel smiled, “They do not like that she sent you with a copy of our database.”
Gregor continued to glare at Averel and then glanced at Elena. “Gregor, just hear what she has to say,” Elena said quietly.
The elevator stopped on the top floor and Averel stepped out. She led them to the front desk and they saw Madellee staring at the huge wall monitor with her back to them. Averel announced, “They’re here, Principal.”
Madellee turned around and nodded to the two-chairs in front of her desk, “Welcome back.” Gregor glared at Madellee, as she said to Averel, “You should stay and hear what’s said.”
“Principal, I will not take your place!”
“Averel, you will do what your duty calls for you to do. This is more important than any one person.” Averel lowered her head and went to a chair against the wall. Madellee turned to Gregor, “I suppose you’re angry that I didn’t tell you the truth about knowing the filament makers.”
Gregor snorted slightly, “There’s the truth and the whole truth. Omitting some items from what you told me isn’t a lie but has the same effect as lying.”
“I knew that then and I know it now.”
“So, you deliberately deceived me about the Filament Makers?”
“I did.”
“Why!”
“Gregor, would you have gone to search for them if you knew they were one of the most peaceful and gentle civilizations in the known universe.”
“No!”
“Now that you’ve made the trip, is the result of going to find them a good thing or bad thing?” Madellee asked.
“We could have been killed!”
“That’s not an answer, Gregor!”
“If I knew they did not represent a danger, I would have not left my family to go find them!”
“That’s still not an answer.”
“We discovered an advanced civilization that is systematically removing filaments. That civilization attacked the Filament Makers and destroyed their vessels leaving only a small number of survivors.”
“Is finding that out, a good or bad thing?” Madellee pressed. She paused and asked, “Are you going to do anything about that civilization?”
Gregor sat back in his chair, “Yes.”
Madellee nodded, “Your anger comes from two-places; first; you think we should have gone to find them, and second; we should have gone hundreds of years ago.”
Gregor nodded, “Something like that.”
“Gregor, have you ever seen a Cartian Warship?”
Gregor sat up straight, “There are thousands of them defending this planet.”
“We did not build them, nor do we operate them. My species are historians, scholars, scientists, but in no way, have we ever been called warriors. If we tried to go, we would have died in the effort; we are not qualified to go out and fight. We pay others to do that for us. It was because of our limitations that the Filament Makers chose us to control the filaments. I didn’t tell you because I knew something bad had happened to them and needed to know what. Unlike us, you are imminently qualified to go and determine what happened to them. I did what I could to help you.”
Gregor stared at her and then rea
ched in his pocket. He removed the small datacube and put it on Madellee’s desk, “I’ve erased this information from my computer and I’m returning it to you, as promised.”
The corner of Madellee’s mouth went up, “This removes some issues.” Madellee turned to Averel, “Please take this to the Council with my regards.”
Averel was smiling, “It will be my honor, Principal.”
“Why is my having that cube such an issue?” Gregor asked.
Madellee turned back to him, “You possessed the only filament map in existence that we do not control. You could have used it to sell maps to every civilization and we would be powerless to stop you.”
“You put a lot of faith in me by giving me that cube.”
“The Council thought I made a mistake. Your returning it proves I was right to do it.” Madellee paused and continued, “The Filament Makers are refusing to communicate with me.”
“It’s not just you, Madellee,” Elena replied. “They’re refusing to communicate with anyone until Gregor arrives.”
Madellee nodded slowly and turned to Gregor, “Will you put in a good word for us.”
“I will if you will do something for me.”
“What is that?”
“I want you to erase Bellingham’s existence from every Filament Map, when I call for it.”
“Why would you want that?”
“The civilization that attacked the Filament Makers possesses a stardrive that allows them to travel subspace without having to use the filaments. I’ve stolen that technology and I’m going to be forced to give it to the forces we’re going to send out to confront them.”
Madellee nodded, “Bellingham does not have a fleet to defend it.”
“No, it doesn’t, and I don’t want to be forced to use one. I’ll remove the filament leading to it and use the new stardrive to get where we need to go.”
“You’ll still be forced to use the filaments.”
Elena’s eyes narrowed, “Why? We can go anywhere without them.”
“But you won’t know how to find your way around. Why do you think the Filament Makers built them in the first place?”
“What do you mean?” Gregor asked.
“They have a stardrive that operates without the filaments; how else could they have gone out and constructed the filament network? But you need something to direct you to your desired location, a subspace stardrive doesn’t do that and you could be lost quickly without the filament maps.”