by R J Murray
“Someone writing all this down? This is good stuff.” Horace asked.
“I am recording the session, as always.” Betty responded.
“You get around don’t you?” Lee said laughing.
“I and my fellow computers have been copied many times as the need arose. We are all linked and share data when feasible. I would answer to most names, Lizzy, Marty, Betty or Asi as we are all one and the same as software. Does that fit into the description ‘getting around’?”
“You are indispensable by any name.” Eric said. “And yes it does.”
“Thank you. We try to be of use. May I suggest a classification system be implemented?”
“Like what?” Eric asked.
“Some information could be considered sensitive and therefore be restricted. The public might misconstrue discussions such as this as a form of control found on Earth. Concerns about a fifth column amongst the troops should not be general knowledge. The plans for an Empire as a protective force may be welcomed by our citizens but we need not tip our hand to Earth if they have spies among us.”
“Such a thing would be most efficacious at this point in our discussions.” Juan suggested.
“You do still talk funny.” Horace pointed out.”
“Alright Betty. Go over all records and earmark what needs to be protected information. Everyone in this room has full clearance and will go over your recommendations but do not let anyone else see anything on the list without our approval.” Eric ordered.
“Well, we are starting to act like a government at least.” Lee said.
~~~~~~
“Sergeant Nguyen, thank for meeting me here.” Lee said. “This is Commodore Maddwell.”
“We met briefly when the constabulary was begun.” Eric said, offering his hand.
“Nice seeing you again. What is that behind you?” Nguyen asked.
“It is a secret. We have some concerns about why Earth is sending so many able bodied troops here so any new weapons or tactics will be handled like this. Away from too many eyes and ears.” Eric said.
“This was an antique war machine called a gunship. We took part of the tail off and added contra gravity and a propulsion unit, upgraded the electronics but left the weapons alone after we reworked them.” Lee said.
Nguyen was almost crawling under the nose by now looking at the turret hanging from the chin. Then he stood and backed up, looking at the two stubby wings and the pods attached to them.
“We going to get more of these?”
“We have a container of these and assorted antique armored vehicles. If you like this, we fix up more. All will have contra gravity installed, weapons ready and more.” Eric said.
“You really think Earth is going to try something here, don’t you?”
“Wouldn’t you?” Lee asked.
Nguyen nodded and opened the hatch to climb in. “Show me how this thing works.”
~~~~~~
“I haven’t seen any of the Constabulary in the village lately.”
“Oh, yes. I meant to mention this earlier but, well, the coffee was ready, the new blends and I was so involved, well, you understand.” Juan answered. He took a sip of his coffee and smiled, his eyes closed and sat there until Fortnard cleared his throat.
“Sorry. Yes, it seems that one of those farm people found what appeared to be a nesting site for those lizard things. It turns out to be quite extensive and the troops have all gone there to surround the area and contain it until they determine just how many of those things have appeared. I took the liberty of moving the best trainees to the old positions for security until the constabulary regulars have finished their sweeps.”
“Do we have any idea how long they will be gone? I had hoped to merge those troops arriving with our existing forces soon.” Fortnard said.
“Well, no rush on that is there. Why don’t you have them continue running those drill things they started earlier. I am certain there are officers and such among them who could do a fine job of getting them into shape. After all, five months on a cargo ship does not make them ready for the increased gravity on Acadia, does it.”
“It is only one point two Earth normal, but I suppose it would be a good idea. I shall take care of it.” Fortnard smiled. That would fit in with his plan nicely. It was easier that he realized to fool this idiot. All he had to do was make sure there were new tastes and pleasures to occupy him and the planet was his.
~~~~~~
When they got back to the port Eric and Lee met up with Horace and headed for the officers mess. The spaceport had grown with the colony and now contained quarters for crews on leave, restaurants and bars as well as shops for the port personnel and ships crews.
“Why the Sergeant and not the Captain you ask?” Lee asked. “I know the Sergeant and the Captain is newer. He has only been here two years. Nguyen was on the second shipload so I chose to go to him. I think he is solid. He will be able to find others we can trust too.”
“Actually nobody asked and I had figured all that out already, but thanks for sharing.” Eric snickered.
“How long will it take for our boys to control the new outbreak?” Horace asked.
Lee grinned. “Wait.”
“Hungry or thirsty?” the waitress asked. Even the base had jobs that needed labor, skilled or otherwise.
“Thirsty but I could do with the fried platter while I drink. Large dark ale for me.” Eric said.
“Sounds good. Bring a pitcher. We aren’t flying today, are we?” Horace asked.
“Same for me.” Lee said. “Not after I drink this.”
The waitress grinned and left. After she was out of earshot Lee answered Horace. “What outbreak?”
“Well poop. It’s fake too? You had me going.”
“Most of this world is still unexplored other than scans from space. This emergency gives the Acadia troops a chance to learn the new equipment without the recent arrivals getting in the way or our supposed spy telling Earth what we are doing, yes? Or did you know that already?” Lee continued.
“I think I got that. But we could go back to the beginning and you could continue mansplaining about my heroic deeds.” Horace suggested.
“I could do what?” Lee asked.
“You’ve been looking at the historic vids, right?” Eric asked.
Lee raised an eyebrow.
“After watching old vids he always talks funny for a few days. Remember last week when he kept saying sayonara baby?” Eric asked.
“Yeah. I thought it was weird. Well, more weird than usual.”
“Now, for the reason I asked you two to meet me. We need to get back into space and check out a few more planets. I checked the data on colonies the Astangii had and the next closest system is only three weeks away. Nice place, half ocean half land and a big moon and a very big base on the moon. They had something special going on there and I am very curious to find out if anything is still there.” Eric said.
“How long ago?” Horace asked.
“Only nine hundred years ago. Practically brand new.” Eric said.
“How could they lose this planet three thousand years ago and the Catroph not take that one as well? That does not make sense.” Lee said.
“True. That is another reason we need to go. I want to know how these guys hid a planet.”
“So much drama. Maybe they just weren’t looking.” Horace chuckled.
“You know, he could be right. We don’t know how they searched nor what they searched for. The war could have been a long series of accidental meetings rather than a planned search for alien occupied planets.” Lee said after a time spent considering the idea.
“We have three ships here, our ships. Earth built ships are either used for training or getting upgraded as best we can. Never thought a ship a kilometer in diameter would be considered too small but when I figured out the weapons load and available space, the Pathfinder shrunk down to a rowboat fast.”
“Not to interrupt your thoughts, but shoul
dn’t we consider using them for parts? Just build more Astangii ships out of the materials on hand plus the recycled parts.” Horace said.
“You did interrupt, but yes. We should do that and we will. How long before the new one is ready?” Eric asked.
“Two months plus shake down and crew training. Reverse that but like that.”Horace grinned.
“So, as I was saying, the Asgard is on duty checking out the next planet on the list in the Astangii’s records. Of the remaining Earth ships, Avenger is accompanying the Asgard, the Deaths Head is in the shop getting ready to be cut into usable scrap and the Star Gazer is escorting the freighters. Of the freighters, most are being transformed into those super freighters things or scrapped due to age and generally uselessness. I intend to go to this planet and check it out. I am asking if you wish to join me.”
“Someone needs to remain here to keep this planet safe and that would be me this time. My turn this month.” Lee said sadly.
“I sort of promised my crew an extended week or two of R & R this time. We haven’t been on dirt for more than a day or two in a year.”
The drinks and food arrived and they ate for a time, just enjoying the moment.
“While you are pondering things, I have a doozy for you.” Horace smiled.
“Doozy? Never mind. What is the question?” Eric asked.
“Those first ships we chased down, the three that ran from the battle where Astangii was crippled. The rest of the Astangii ships chased them down and destroyed two, right?” Horace continued.
“Yeah. Waiting.” Lee said.
“They fled in FTL. How did the Astangii ships kill them in FTL?” Horace asked.
“Wait. How do you know they did it in FTL? Maybe the Catroph dropped out and fought them in normal space.” Lee suggested.
“We tracked the debris field, remember? It extends for several light years along the flight path and has concentrations in certain areas. Those areas also contain higher than normal radiation from nukes. They fought in FTL. After they received enough damage, the engines failed and they were destroyed.
“I think he may be on to something.” Eric said. “We need to ask . . . Asi, are you listening?”
“Affirmative.”
“Even here.” Eric grinned. “Could your people fight other ships in FTL?”
“Certain ships had that ability. I do not. I can locate the design features for such a ship, if you wish. They would require a differently equipped engine and weapons platform. All missiles would be of necessity equipped with FTL engines. The beam weapons would required modification and rail guns would be of no use at FTL unless the two ships fields were in sync and in sufficiently close proximity to interlock.”
“Wow. How close?” Eric asked.
“Five hundred meters apart, minimum.”
“So close. Any deviation and wham! Two dead ships. I would like to follow this up if you guys don’t mind.” Horace asked.
“Seems only fair since you did discover it in the first place.” Eric said.
“I’ll help while I’m in orbit.” Lee offered.
“Good. That’s settled. First, more beer I think and then, ummm, more beer.” Horace joked.
Chapter 17 Where did they go?
“Any electronic activity?” Eric asked. He had taken the Astangii alone to investigate.
“Nothing Sir. Still scanning the moon but it seems to be dead.” Ash answered. He was first officer since Reed was now a Captain. A new crew member was navigator, Hitomi Nakamura Smith.
“Ship detected in high equatorial orbit around the planet, no signature or ID. On plotter.”
A yellow dot appeared over the planet. It did nothing as the Astangii began an approach to come up behind the ship.
“Anything?” Eric asked, checking his own screens as he asked. “Maintain yellow alert. No need to get too excited yet. Is it close enough for visual?”
“Close. On Screen.” Ash said.
The planet was green and blue with pretty clouds flowing east to west. The ship was a tiny dot in the distance even under magnification ten. It grew quickly in apparent size and the magnification was soon reduced.
“Damage to outer hull at deck level eleven or twelve. They targeted engineering and engines looks like. More damage at levels three and four. Crew quarters. Definitely an Astangii ship, no rock covering. Drill hole! Crew quarters port side. Nasty.” Ash continued scanning and the damage he described was soon visible on screen even without magnification.
“Let’s assume orbit at twenty kilometers from ship and send the emitters along with a probe or two. Whatever science thinks we need.” Eric ordered.
“Science, you listening?” Ash asked.
“What else would I be doing? You actually think after being drug out of my lab and forced to come along I would be taking a nap while we were on approach? Three probes prepped and ready for launch whenever you get around to it.”
Eric had to grin. Martha would never make a proper officer but she had insisted on joining this mission, camping on Eric’s desk until he said she could come. The professor was also invited but declined, insisting it would be foolish to disrupt the experiment. He never explained what experiment and Martha wouldn’t talk about it, only that it would require her presence on this mission to complete. Eric, confused by the seemingly contradictory statements acquiesced and Martha was here. Not that he minded her company. It seemed that she did not mind his either.
“Probes away and emitter ready. Electronics are dead or off on the ship. No atmosphere inside and no life sign. Emitter away. Scanning for nanobots in crew quarters. I don’t read anything inside, nanobots, bodies, anything.” One probe was inside the ship and they watched the screen as it maneuvered through corridors.
“Stop probe and reverse. Right hand top in the corner of the screen. What is that?” Eric asked.
“Looks like an emitter of some type.” Martha’s voice came from Eric’s right side. He had been watching his board and the screen so intently he hadn’t noticed her enter the bridge. She rested her hand on his shoulder and tightened her grip as the probe continued down the passageway.
“Top left, another one. It looks like they covered the ends and junctions with these emitters.”
“Debris detected. Ship remains, planetary position zero three zero by zero two zero. Polar orbit shadowing us. Catroph ship fragments. Looks like the Astangii found a way to kill them after they latched on and used the drill.” Ash said.
“Nice trick. We should add emitters inside the ship as they did. Only makes sense if you think about it.” Eric said.
“Thinking may be hard for you, but at least you are trying. That’s so sweet.” Martha whispered to him. Eric tried not to laugh.
“Bridge ahead. Hatch open.”
The probe showed a bridge empty of life or death. It looked like they had shut it down before they left the ship to orbit alone for almost a millennium. It was dusty, the common denominator in all drifting vessels they had found so far.
“Send a team, weapons and emitters. Suit recommendation?”
“Level two. More flexibility and you can run faster.” Martha answered.
“Toward them or away?” Ash asked.
Martha gave him the look.
~~~~~~
“No internal damage other than hulls. Minor damage to engineering but it seems to have been mostly repaired before they left. This is confusing. Why would they abandon a usable ship?”
“If our research is correct, they did not need it. We may find a few more ships grounded here.” Martha added. She did not elaborate. “Scan the planet at the areas you would put a space port.”
“Best guess Ash.” Eric said.
“Yes Sir.” He directed a few of the scanners toward the planet near rocky areas in the northern hemisphere. The team aboard the ship kept finding signs of an orderly evacuation while the planetary scans picked up rocks, tree, and a few massive herds of cattle like creatures on the grassy plains toward the equator.
“Land at the position here.” She pointed at the planet below. It was in the open, a grassy plain with Astangii cattle roaming around.
“Let us descend Mr. Cherenkov.” Eric ordered.
They entered the atmosphere and headed for the cattle herd.
~~~~~~
“One hundred meters. Fifty meters. Twenty meters. Ten. Dead slow. Five.”
The ship bumped gently as the landing gear touched down on the grass. It settled for a several seconds before the pads hit rock a few feet beneath the dirt.
“Ship down, engines to stand by. Level and true. We are good for takeoff.”
“Very well. What next Martha?’ Eric said.
“Scan the ground over there, half a kilometer west for an opening. It will be disguised as a white block building.”
“We didn’t pick up on any structures.” Eric mentioned.
“You never saw the one on Acadia until you walked into it either, did you?”
“True. These are connected then. Ash, pick a team and break out a few minis and a weapons carrier.” Eric said.
“Yes Sir.”
“Three minis at least Ash and one needs to be number six-one-three.” Martha said.
“Yes Ma’am. Ash answered with a straight face.
After several minutes Eric and Martha watched the group fly towards the horizon. The screen split and the view changed to that of the weapons carrier. Soon the outline of a white hollow square appeared on the ground. The carrier circled, the lens pointing down. The hole went on into the darkness.