Altis-5: Book #2 of the Sleeper Series

by J. Alexander Black

  Anton stopped the vehicle in front of a large door. He pressed a pad and a hologram appeared. He mentally entered a sequence of symbols that flashed on the hologram; when the sequence was completed the hologram returned his name and authorization with a date sequence. Anton gave another mental command and the door sprung open with a loud click. That’s a lot of security for a Library, thought Tom.

  “Welcome to our Library," said Anton, as the interior lights came on. Tom was not sure what to expect, after all the security he expected something but an empty room with a single comfortable looking chair was not on the list.

  “This is a holograph room. It is the physical access point to our archives. The data contained is updated just as our navigation charts are updated whenever we are in range of another vessel or our home planet. There are hundreds of thousands of years of information stored here including some information that is of a sensitive nature.”

  “That explains the security,” mused Tom. “So, anyone who is not connected and needs information from the archives has to come here?”

  “Yes. Only the Captain can give permission and only three Senior Technicians have the access codes,” said Anton. “The Library contains thousands of reports collected from all over the Galaxy. When the data is received, it is screened for significant information, which is sent for further analysis, and eventually everything is catalogued and archived. You have been granted access to Earth’s Sleeper reports.

  “So, what do I do” said Tom, tiring of the history lesson.

  “Sit in the chair and put these on over your eyes,” he was handed what looked like some very thick sunglasses, “and place your right hand on the arm of the chair.” As he moved his hand a panel in the arm opened. “Place your hand on the pad.” As he did so images began to swirl in front of him. “It will take just a second as the connection is made.” The image came into focus. “You should see a list of names with dates. These are all the sleepers that were assigned to Earth. To access their reports simply scroll through the list by looking up or down then say their name and a holographic image will appear and you can read the reports. The first column is their Hevinian name, next is their Earth name and finally the dates of assignment.”

  Tom was taken aback at first there were some very famous names on the list he quickly scanned the first column for Mierium’s name. There it was; Earth name Miriam Magdala, Hevinian name Mierium Case Assigned 758061 - 758104. A chill ran up his spine. Could it be? He thought.

  “Mierium Case,” he said aloud. A folder indicating it contained fifteen reports appeared; each one contained at least twenty pages. He began to read:

  ‘This is 758062, or in Earth terms, the 771st year from the founding of Rome. This is my first routine report which will coincide with Esra’s departure. On my first day on the planet Earth Esra gave me my Earth name Miriam Magdala. I was to be known as the daughter of a good friend from Gaul now living in Etham on Lake Timsa. Having completed my studies of Greek medicine in Athens I have joined him for a one-year practicum. Etham I have found is beyond what is known as the wilderness of Shur in the land of Goshen. Many miles southwest of us. Far enough away that, apart from a few traders, none of the people of the village will have been there. Esra has warned me to be wary of my desire to cure everyone who come for help as this would conflict with the need to remain anonymous. Certainly we have the knowledge and the medicines developed over hundreds of thousands of years however if we cured what was considered incurable at this time we would be seen as miracle workers and naturally come to the full attention of the religious leaders and certainly King Herod Antipas who sees everyone as a threat.’

  He raised his eyes from the report. It must be her, everything fits.

  “It’s going to take a while to read all of this, is there a way to take copies with me?”

  Anton lowered his head slightly as he reviewed Tom’s clearance and the security level of the documents.

  “The security level given to you by the Captain exceeds that of the documents. I am sending a copy to this hand-held reader for you.” He paused as copies of the data transferred. “There, it is completed. When you finish just press this corner of the display and I will arrange for the reader to be retrieved. You have....,” He lowered his head as he converted time, “…twenty-four hours, village time.” He handed the reader to Tom and collected the glasses. Tom returned to his yurt. It was empty. Sande must be at the clinic, he thought. He poured himself a drink and sat down to read.

  ‘My first few days were a real test of my ability to blend in with the local community. I was appalled at the way females were treated. I was disgusted by slavery and angered by the brutality toward the indigenous population by the Romans. Being from Gaul exempted me from the rigors of being a Hebrew woman living under the restrictive rules of the Torah and it took several months before I was allowed to examine even female patients. Esra was concerned about my success treating the women of the village but it was explained away as new medical developments from the school in Greece. It has become obvious to me however that I will never be able to treat all patients. In order for me to complete my mission to observe and to learn more about these people I need to find a way to be able to treat everyone. For the next few months I will continue my treatment of women and complete my observations perhaps as I learn more a solution will be found.’

  The report then took on a more formal tone with observations on population densities, scientific progress, and political upheavals throughout the world. At five pm, he was on the last report when Sande came in and they went to the community dinning center for supper. Tom’s brain was reeling. He had to force himself to pay attention to Sande as she discussed some of her work. Tom had studied political science in college and his work at the U.N. gave him a broad understanding of the effects of religion on the majority of the people of Earth. If the information contained in Miriam’s reports was correct and he had not met a Hevinian yet who was not meticulous about the accuracy of information, the effect it would have on Earth would be devastating for many.

  “Are you OK, Tom?” asked Sande. “You look distant, is anything wrong?”

  “Sorry honey, I am fine. I have just finished reading the reports of a sleeper who was on Earth over two thousand years ago. Some heavy stuff.”

  Sande blinked at him and he realized his choice of words had confused her. When you come from different worlds, you have to learn to communicate in a way you both understand.

  “I mean the information has serious ramifications for the people of Earth.” And I won't be the one to reveal it. This stuff is way above my pay grade, he thought. He smiled at Sande. Man, she is beautiful. What she sees in me I’ll never know. He pulled out the reader and tapped the corner of the display.

  14

  The Pirates

  Captain Farank Barker of the Treasure Hunter was sitting at a round table in a smoky bar in the center of Keiran, the only settlement on the Moon of Gaberdine. It was one of many such places throughout this corner of the Galaxy where merchants could buy and sell anything without the inconvenience of having to explain where or how the goods were acquired. Naturally most of the transactions were handled with easily negotiable currency. And where large amounts of such currency flowed freely there were establishments ready and willing to convert said currency into a really enjoyable time whatever your interpretation of that was.

  Barker was well pleased, the cargo of the last Hevinian Supply Ship they hit sold well and the crews flush with currency were celebrating. At the table with him were the Captains of the other four ships that comprised their tiny but well-armed fleet. Barker raised his mug, “Here’s to another successful trip.”

  The others raised their mugs in unison.

  “So, our contact at the Commonwealth tells me there is a new planet in the process of being colonized. It is the fifth planet in the Altis system. There is an unaccompanied supply ship on its way and we should be able to intercept it before it reaches its destination. He was a
bit sketchy on the cargo, seems it was kept under wraps. That means secret which also means valuable.”

  “Do we have a name?” asked one of the Captains.

  “No, but that’s unimportant. What is important is we have the necessary information to intercept anywhere we choose. I want a meeting onboard the Treasure Seeker tomorrow. We will leave right after that.” The Captains finished their drinks and left the table to join their crews.

  Two months into the trip and things had settled down to a quiet routine. Captain Querrion was in his underway quarters drinking Muska with Colonel Markham.

  “Well Tom, things seem to be going well?” “Yes Captain. Our patrols are providing excellent training for our crews. We have cross trained every pilot and they are now qualified in either Jaguars or Barques. Although the preference is still leaning heavily toward the Jaguars and who can blame them,” said Tom.

  “Please call me Phillip, we are after all of equivalent rank and I feel we are also friends.”

  “Okay Phillip.” There was a pause as the friendly smile turned into a frown. Tom could immediately see something was up.

  “We have a situation that needs to be discussed,” said the Captain.

  “Okay.”

  “Before we left Earth the Colonial Minister informed me of an increase in pirate activity and he warned me that we may be vulnerable to attack by them. At the time, I dismissed the idea but I have done some research, I can see now why he was concerned and I think you should know the results.” He pulled up a holographic star map. Several marks were highlighted. “Each of these marks indicates where and when the pirates attacked a ship.” An overlay appeared showing the course of each of the supply ships and the intended destination. “Each time the target was a lone supply ship traveling to supply a newly established colony. As you can see they wait until the target is in the most remote part of its course. From the data gleaned from the empty ships the Captain’s name is Barker and the ship is the Treasure Seeker. We think there are four more ships with him and it is believed they have shrouding capabilities. They are difficult to locate because of their hit and run tactics. They hit only one ship then disappear only to reappear in a different sectant to hit another supply ship.” Querrion sat back and took a drink from his bowl. Tom remained silent absorbing the information. The Captain continued, “It’s obvious to me that the pirates are receiving information from someone who knows the supply ship’s schedules at the

  Commonwealth level. Someone high up in the supply service chain of command. The information we have of the attacks indicates a consistent time between attacks. This interval indicates their next attack would be in the next week or so.”

  Tom looked up from his bowl; the Captain really had his attention now. “Add that to the fact that this ship is the only supply ship in the quadrant at this time and we are only a few days away from the most remote position on our course to Altis-5. The kicker is; informants on the Moon of Gaberdine report about forty known pirates flush with money were drinking heavily as if they were leaving very soon. Coincidence?”

  “I don’t believe in coincidences,” said Tom. “I believe your research indicates we are a prime candidate for a pirate attack within the next few days. If we ignore this then we do so at our extreme peril. I am increasing our patrols to four Barques at each shift as of now.”

  Tom pulled out his communicator and gave rapid orders. Within seconds the two alert Barques were deployed and within two minutes two others were following them. “I would like a joint meeting with Brigade senior staff and yourself and anyone you think could help us plan a strategy to deal with this. Say in fifteen minutes? Where would be best?

  “I would suggest we use the Command Center, all the resources we would need are there,” said the Captain.

  “Very well, I will see you in fifteen minutes.”

  The small group assembled in the Command Center. With Tom and Commander Frulé were Sergeant Major Crease and Sergeant Woodrow Deming. Captain Querrion brought his XO Commander Allain and his Navigator Technician Shaun Dreck. As a technician served Muska and cakes Captain Querrion briefed everyone on what was known so far. Sergeant Deming was feeling out of place; for the first time at a Brigade meeting someone was serving him Muska. Technician Dreck was the first to speak.

  “I have looked at the information we have on the pirates and there is one thing I did notice, they use the same procedure every time. I guess if it works why change it. They form up shrouded around the target. The data says they were not visible to the ship’s search screens so they must have advanced capabilities. The pirate Captain fires on the ship’s propulsion system disabling them. He then contacts the ship and tells them he will spare them if he gets the cargo. Gives them some time to think about it then fires on the Command Center before the time is up. The other ships then clamp on to the side of the ship bore a hole and the pirates rush into the ship killing everyone. Once that is done they remove all the cargo and leave the hulk drifting in space. This is their one mistake. When the ships are found, we have been able to retrieve data from the ship’s Information System and have built up a picture over time. So, what do we know? We know exactly how they do it, we know how many ships there are and what their exhaust signature looks like. We also know their shroud is technologically advanced making then invisible to the search systems currently in use with the supply fleet. However, the upgraded Karnat search system we received from the colonial fleet before we left uses a sophisticated ion wave built into the pulse beam. This gives us the ability to detect the curve in the beam caused by their shroud. Basically, it means we can see what should be there but isn’t. It can also see their exhaust trail and now we have signatures we can tell which ship it is. We have to fine tune our search system for those signatures but at least we know what we are looking for.”

  “Can they see us if we are shrouded?” asked Tom.

  “Yes, I believe they can but I cannot confirm that,” said Dreck. “All the data indicates none of the supply ships were shrouded when attacked.”

  Frulé spoke up, “As I see it we have two choices. We can surround ourselves with Barques and Jaguars to let them know we are powerful so they will leave us alone, but that leaves them free to go find other ships to plunder or we can take the riskier action and try to sucker them in so we can destroy them. I see no reason to try and capture any, they have no information we need and they will be executed for their crimes anyway. If it were up to me I think we have an obligation to take advantage of an opportunity to neutralize them.”

  “Normally I would agree,” said the Captain. “But we have civilians onboard and I cannot put their lives at risk.”

  “I have to agree,” said Tom. “Ideally we need to find a way to draw them off away from the Orion so we can destroy them.”

  “Or we could go out and meet them,” offered Allain. “We know where they are coming from. If we could identify them early enough we could intercept.”

  “If we can identify them early enough why not just launch missiles at them?” asked Frulé.

  “What if they come in from different directions at the same time? The Karnat system should see the anomaly caused by five ships but it may have difficulty finding just one,” said Dreck.

  “The Orion has repulsar screens aren’t they powerful enough to block an incoming missile?” inquired Deming.

  “Yes, we do,” said the Captain. “The data from the plundered ships show their screens were on but the missile still penetrated. The screens draw their power from the propulsion room so when that is disabled the screens go out. They must have fired three missiles at the same spot milliseconds apart. Two hits at close range could open up a hole long enough for the third missile to penetrate.”

  “That would be consistent with the data,” said Dreck. “I hadn’t noticed that before but they would have to be very close to achieve that.”

  “How close?” asked Frulé, understanding where Deming’s thought came from. He looked over at Deming who nodded.
>
  “In Earth terms about two thousand yards.”

  “From the screens or the ship?” quizzed Frulé.

  Dreck lowered his head slightly as he accessed the information. “From the ship.”

  “What is the range of the Orion’s screens?”

  “One thousand yards,” answered the Captain. “Where are you going with this?”

  “If we cannot see the pirates and the first indication we get is when the propulsion system is hit. Why don’t we position Barques to cover the propulsion space? With their screens active and adjusted to mesh with Orion’s screens this should double the strength of the screens overall. We can evacuate the space and seal it off. Would that at least protect the engine room?” asked Frulé.

  “Okay,” said Tom. “Why not extend that plan to cover as much of the Orion as possible using all twenty Barques, focusing on covering the Command Center and the village warehouse. With the Jaguars inside the Barques on alert they can deploy rapidly. With the crews cross trained we can rotate them and maintain a continuous alert posture for at least ten days. As soon as we see them or when they release the missiles we can identify their position, deploy the Jaguars and take out their Command Ship.”

  “So, we have a tentative plan to protect this ship and destroy the pirate’s Command Ship but what about the four other pirate ships?” asked the Captain

  “I have some thoughts on that,” said Dreck. “The Karnat system, as I said before, will have difficulty detecting one shrouded ship but the closer they get they will become more visible unless they slow down and remain silent. That must be how they can get so close to the ship undetected. When the Jaguars deploy, they will either turn to run away rapidly or at least communicate with each other. Either way we will be able to locate them and provide that data to the Jaguars.”

  “Are there are any other ideas?” The Captain paused for comments. “Then I recommend we adopt this plan. Colonel Markham and I have other matters to discuss so we will leave you to work out the details.” The Captain picked up his Muska and led the way to his underway quarters. Inside he motioned for Tom to sit.