Deep Space Intelligence : Complete Series

by Gary Weston

  Millet tried to keep things light, and not to show his internal anxiety in his expression. But he was affected by the same concerns as the others. Most missions, they knew what they were up against. This one, had too much going on. The anomaly known as the split was enough a challenge without wondering what they would be facing in the other universe. Would they find themselves in battle and against what odds? Would they be able to help the small people on the brink of extinction? Then, if that wasn’t enough to contend with, would they be able to find their way back into their own universe?

  The nearer they got to the split, the more pronounced the tension would become.

  Chapter 341

  Baralov Gin Sippa, the first ever female Principal of Varlindra, had decided to chair the conference herself. She had been Chief Debating Secretary prior to being elected as Principal, and she saw no reason why she shouldn’t continue in the role. She also had the deciding vote in the event of a debate being evenly divided. She brought the assembly to order.

  ‘Quiet, everyone. This is the final debate of the conference. Should we be unable to conclude today, it will be allowed to run on tomorrow. Several Councillor’s and representatives have expressed concern that the levies imposed are too much and unsustainable in the current difficult trading climate. Mars Commander Fripp Norton will start the debate. Commander?’

  Fripp was jabbed in the ribs by his partner, Isy Koldart, and he got to his feet. ‘Hrrm. Thank you, Principal Sippa. Fellow Councillors and representatives. Transportation costs are one of the most crippling parts of the budget. Fuel costs have risen sharply for everyone, of late. With the increases in helium three due to dwindling supplies, we simply cannot afford to have ships darting about the galaxy on whimsical missions for the D S I.’

  ‘Objection,’ said Freeman.

  Sippa said, ‘You may respond, Councillor Freeman.’

  Freeman got to his feet. ‘Thank you, Principal Sippa. As you all know, I was former Boss of the D SI…’

  ‘And not biased at all,’ said Fripp, causing a ripple of laughter.

  ‘Silence,’ snapped Sippa. ‘Commander Norton. It is impolite to interrupt a fellow Councillor. If you have comments to make, conduct them through me. Please continue, Councillor Freeman.’

  With a frosty glare at Norton, Freeman said, ‘Thank you, Principal Sippa. I acknowledge that The old Earth Moon’s supply of helium three will be exhausted at the present rate of extraction, within seven to ten years. The planet formally known as Nyzon Five, now Korvalia, is rich with helium three. The Korvalians are willing to consider modest trade with us providing they are accepted as a member of the Interplanetary Council with full benefits and representation, which we agreed they would be yesterday.

  That will more than provide all we need in the way of fuel for at least fifty years, during which time we will explore several promising looking planets for new deposits. We have already tentatively chosen three uninhabited planets having a reasonable probability of worthwhile deposits of the fuel to be economically extracted.’

  Fripp Norton stood up. ‘Principal Sippa, if I may?’

  ‘You may.’

  ‘Thank you. The esteemed Councillor’s logic mystifies me. He would have us racing around, using up our dwindling stock of fuel, trying, desperately, to find yet more fuel. Oh, yes. The Korvalians will more then likely supply us with what we need, but they are hugely dependant on helium three. Inevitably and quite understandably, they’ll put their own needs first and make supplies to us extortionately expensive.’

  Freeman said, ‘Principal Sippa?’

  ‘You may respond.’

  ‘I’m sure we would all be interested in hearing Commander Norton’s alternative suggestions?’

  ‘Commander Norton?’ said Sippa.

  Norton said, ‘Simple. Stop his, sorry, our D S I, and its unfettered use of the fuel we do have, at a discounted price by the way, to squander it on any little field trip they see fit.’

  ‘Principal Sippa.’

  Sippa sighed. She could feel her migraine coming on. ‘Councillor Freeman.’

  ‘All missions, both scientific and or of a military nature, are closely vetted before being authorised by Boss. They are not approved lightly.’

  Graggon Torus Col Dirla stood up awkwardly on the unsuitable seating, using his P A’s head to lean on so he didn’t fall over. ‘Forgive me, Principal Sippa. I have heard on good authority, that very recently, not one, but two fighters, and a freighter, were sent millions of miles to collect a piece of space junk. Would the esteemed former D S I Boss, Councillor Freeman, enlighten us on the logic of that…mission?’

  ‘Ouch,’ whispered Freeman to Saltoe.

  ‘Get stuck in there, tiger.’

  ‘Right. Councillor Dirla. Thank you for the opportunity to tell the assembly of the latest mission. It came to our intelligence division that the very last satellite probe launched from Earth, Scortrax, was still functioning, and not only that, had gathered disturbing information regarding two previously unknown races.’ He had to pause to let Sippa bring the assembly to order. ‘Not only that,’ Freeman continued, ‘The two races were, or possibly even are, involved in a deadly war. One of the messages retrieved from the probe, turned out to be a desperate plea for help from us Humans. After some consideration, Boss and the D S I military, decided we would respond.’

  Norton stood up. ‘Principal?’

  ‘Commander Norton.’

  ‘Without being aware of this mission until now, Principal Sippa, I have to ask, why something of such importance wasn’t brought to the attention of the Council for due consideration?’

  ‘A very good question, Principal Sippa,’ added Dirla.

  With a gesture, Sippa glared at Freeman. ‘Do you have a good answer, Councillor?’

  ‘Hrmm.’ Freeman resisted the temptation to say a decision had been required within days, not years. ‘Expediency, Principal Sippa. But, I admit, if any of us here think we should not respond to a desperate cry to save a race from extinction, please…Tell me now, and I’ll call those brave D S I military Humans off the mission.’

  ‘Nice one, Clifford,’ whispered Saltoe, proudly.

  ‘Silence. Silence,’ demanded Sippa. ‘Councillor Freeman. Dare I ask if we have all the pertinent information?’

  ‘Maj. Do I tell them everything?’

  ‘Yeah. Blow them away, Clifford.’

  ‘Right. Hmm. Well, it seems that the two races at war are actually in another universe and our fighters have to go through a split between our universe and theirs, to try to help them.’

  Pandemonium followed, everyone shouting at once. It took several attempts to bring things to order.

  Sippa signalled for Freeman to go to her. ‘You and I need to talk. But not here. Meet with my private buggy outside in fifteen minutes.’

  Sippa ended the debate for the day, arranging to start again the following morning. She waited for the debating hall to clear, spoke to an usher to give him instructions, then taking a deep breath, met with Freeman and Saltoe outside, where Sippa’s buggy pulled up beside them. The usher hurried out of the building carrying a small case which he placed in the rear of the buggy, then he went away. They stepped inside the buggy and it drove off.

  Chapter 342

  ‘Why here?’ asked Freeman, standing a good few yards from the edge of the abyss inside the cave, letting Sippa pour him a goblet of a slightly bitter concoction of fruit and vegetable juice.

  ‘Away from everyone else,’ said Sippa. ‘I also feel this is a very appropriate place, under the circumstances. Cheers. This is a very fine vintage.’

  ‘An interesting taste,’ said Saltoe.

  ‘Indeed,’ Sippa said. ‘Varlindrans, Graggons and Humans have had an interesting association, Clifford. Less than two hundred years ago, we were intent on killing each other.’

  ‘We came quite close to wiping each other out,’ said Freeman. ‘Here’s to our now more peaceful times.’ He downed the drink to be polite,
refusing a top-up.

  ‘I sometimes come here to reflect on things,’ said Sippa. ‘The Blackness, when she lived here, came right out of that hole. She lived down there.’

  Saltoe said, ‘I read all about it. Rivers of molten rock, miles deep. I didn’t realise the story was actually true.’

  Sippa said, ‘The legendary warrior, Ambassador Craggy, took a ship down into that hell-hole to rescue a stranded Graggon ship. All were saved. Then, when on his own, Ambassador Craggy, in pain from a war wound in his leg, was the first to converse with the Blackness. Only then did we, all of us, realise her true nature. That was a remarkable turning point in our histories. She took Graggons, Varlindrans and Humans, through the split and into the other universe.’ Sippa smiled, softly and looked up into the eyes of the Humans towering above her. ‘One of my ancestors was on that journey. Clifford. Do I recall correctly that one of your ancestors, the one they called The Giant, also went with them?’

  ‘Space Security Commander Lance Dillow. I’m proud to say he was there. A war was ended on that occasion, Barrelov. Many lives were spared.’

  Sippa said, ‘Is that why you Humans are keen to go again?’

  ‘Keen? Not keen at all, Barrelov. Myself and Boss were quite against the idea. Boss left the Military to decide for themselves and they elected to go.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Hmm. Partly curiosity. Partly because we genuinely want to help the race of people threatened with extinction.’

  Sippa finished her drink, staring up at the huge creature before her. ‘Ambassador Craggy was a wise and fearless warrior. I suspect a thread of his blood runs through the veins of all Humans.’

  Freeman grinned. ‘I sincerely hope so, Barrelov.’

  ‘And so do I,’ said Saltoe.

  Chapter 343

  ‘I knew it was important,’ said Raven. ‘I mean, it is ten minutes after three in the morning.’

  ‘I hope you’re not waiting for an apology, Boss?’ said Saltoe, at the ship’s radio.

  ‘It would be a first if I got one from you,’ said Raven, stifling a yawn. ‘Developments?’

  Saltoe said, ‘A lot of doodah flying around. I had no idea how much Clifford had to contend with. Many want to nail his hide to a tree. Even a few Humans.’

  ‘Such an interesting image you weave.’

  ‘You should know something,’ said Saltoe. ‘It all came out about the mission. I thought we’d have a riot on our hands. Principal Sippa suspended the debate until tomorrow morning. Now that debate I wouldn’t miss for anything.’

  Raven said, ‘Sounds like you’re enjoying your trip.’

  ‘Very much so. Clifford and I…Boss. I like him. I mean really like him.’

  ‘He’s one of the best. If he says something, he means it.’

  There was a pause, then Saltoe asked, ‘About me as well? Boss. I know what I look like. I can’t believe the compliments he keeps paying me.’

  Raven thought about that for a moment. ‘Miss Saltoe. I never knew his personal life. To me, he was just Boss. But I’ll say this. The man is deep. He also cares passionately about the D S I and all the men and women in it. I never once heard him say anything he didn’t mean.’

  ‘Tagg. I’m afraid to let go of my feelings.’

  That she had called him Tagg spoke volumes. ‘Has he told you he loves you?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘If he does, he means it. My advice, and Joy would laugh at me giving such advice, enjoy the moment. Enjoy each other. But just hold back that ten percent. If and when he tells you he loves you, feel free to fall in love.’

  ‘Ok. Who are you and where is the real Boss?’

  Raven chuckled. ‘I miss you, Maj. Listen. He’ll need all the support he can get. You be there for him no matter what, ok?’

  ‘For as long as he needs me. I’ll call you as soon as I can after tomorrow’s debate. Over.’

  Raven said, ‘Good luck. With everything. Over.’

  * * *

  ‘Nice of Boss to keep us in the loop,’ said Millet. ‘Does that guy never sleep?’

  Captain Dorran said, ‘Not when Miss Saltoe calls him in the small hours from Varlindra. It looks like being an interesting debate. If the Council tell us to turn back, do we?’

  ‘Yes. That takes it right out of our hands if they do. Is that split still where it was?’

  ‘For now. Its position doesn’t change much, but it seems to expand and contract a lot. And I’m talking by many thousands of miles. The rate also seems to be increasing.’

  Millet said, ‘Hmm! I wonder if that’s significant. How much longer until we get there?’

  ‘Nine days, plus a bit.’

  ‘Ok. Keep on going. Boss promised us a result one way or the other, as soon as the verdict came in.’

  Dorran said, ‘I think two to one against.’

  Millet laughed. ‘I’m not sure if that makes you an optimist or a pessimist.’

  ‘I’m a D S I pilot. I’m a realist.’

  ‘Sure you are. I’ll have a ten credit bet with you on those odds. I think this is destined to be.’

  ‘Ten whole credits? Are you sure you can afford it?’

  Millet slapped his pilot on the back. ‘You just drive the bus.’

  Chapter 344

  There was a buzz as Freeman and Saltoe entered the debating hall. They took their seats, feeling the glares of everyone upon them. Principal Sippa called everyone to order.

  ‘You have all had the opportunity to study the D S I budget. By the end of today’s session, we will consider aborting the mission the D S I Military are at this moment on. So we are all clear about what this mission entails, I call upon Councillor Freeman to explain it. No interruptions until Councillor Freeman has finished. Councillor.’

  Freeman got to his feet. ‘Distinguished assembly. A few of Home university’s scientists discovered in the far reaches of largely unexplored sector seven, a probe sent out from Earth in twenty-fifty-nine. The probe, Scortrax, was still functioning. It had been designed to not only transmit, but to receive and record messages from any sentient beings with basic technology.

  By hacking into the probe’s computer, the scientists were able to find a plea for help from a race of people, under attack from a different race and they were facing annihilation. D S I Military were sent to retrieve the probe for further examination. Scortrax was on collision course with the moon of an uninhabited planet. Had we not gone, the probe and all the information gathered would have been lost forever.

  During the journey back to Home, the scientists retrieved the data from probe which was quite surprising. The warring races are not in sector seven. A split had appeared between our universe and an alternative one. Those up on your history may be aware of a similar event occurring, when members from our three races went on a combined mission, and actually ended hostilities, thus saving many lives.

  The dilemma faced by Boss, was do we involve ourselves in other races wars, in a universe not even our own. A free vote by all D S I Military, decided the mission to help the race in trouble should go ahead, which is why three fighters are now heading for the split. Principal Sippa. That brings everyone up to date.’

  ‘Thank you, Councillor Freeman. Tryzon Councillor Todd Vale.’

  ‘Thank you, Principal Sippa. Just one question, Councillor Freeman. At this moment, is the mission scientific, or military, because if not military, it has clearly been funded from the scientific budget, taking it into the red by several million credits.’

  Freeman said, ‘My understanding is that at this moment, it is indeed still on the original scientific mission. If it turns into a military engagement, funds will be transferred to pay for it all.’

  Sippa said, ‘Councillor Dirla.’

  ‘Councillor Freeman. If this mission is aborted by the decision of this assembly, Boss and the D S I will have seriously exceeded the budget. May I ask where that shortfall is expected to come from? Additional contributions from the rest of us? Sorry, Councill
or Freeman, but I for one find that totally unacceptable.’

  The entire assembly roared out their comments and it was as much as Principal Sippa could do to bring order to the debate.

  Freeman stood up again. ‘Principal Sippa. May I make one final comment, please?’

  ‘You may.’

  Freeman stared out at everyone staring at him before speaking. ‘Yes. As Councillor Dirla has said. If the mission does not become a military engagement, additional funding will be required. Even if we don’t call off the mission, there’s a possibility General Millet will call it off when he reaches the split. If he considers the risk to his people is too great, he may well do just that.

  If we don’t call off the mission and neither does General Millet, the mission then becomes a military engagement and the question of funding becomes irrelevant. I just have this to say in conclusion. The whole purpose of the mission is to answer a call for help from a race of people facing annihilation. Before you vote, consider the possible implications for those people. Their whole existence could well be in our hands. Thank you.’

  Chapter 345

  Boss sat alone in his office. Baby Dixon wasn’t about to let anyone sleep, so he decided to do his worrying in the sanctuary of the D S I headquarters. The call came in from Varlindra.

  ‘Miss Saltoe. I must have had a premonition about you calling. Has the Council voted?’

  ‘Boss. Yes. I’ll cut to the chase. The mission is allowed to continue. It was a split decision, leaving Principal Sippa to cast the decider. This wasn’t easy for anybody.’

  ‘Ok. Interesting. And if General Millet decides not to go through the split, what happens about the budget?’

  Saltoe said, ‘That didn’t go so well. The mission will be regarded as a scientific one, with a seriously blown budget. You will not receive additional funding, nor will you be allowed to transfer funds from the military budget.’

  ‘Which leaves me where, exactly?’

  ‘Unpopular.’

  Boss sighed. ‘In other words, hung out to dry.’