USS Kepler Dawn

by Gerald Lane Summers

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  “Jean Luk, make sure the Umon understand the ship’s planned maneuvers.”

  “Done, and they acknowledge. It is their plan to stay to the east, kill the larvae they see and keep on searching for more until they reach the eastern edge of the continent.”

  “Confirm our understanding and thank them for their assistance.”

  “Done.”

  “Captain, how’s the shooting coming along?” I could hear his guns roaring in the background, his AG engine whining as he pulled up.

  “My trigger finger is getting sore. We’ve got them piled up like cordwood for miles.”

  “I suggest you clear your squadrons out to cool weapons and observe the ship’s attack.”

  “Roger that, and … “Holy cow and a herd of holy goats! The ship’s guns just cut loose and the shock waves damn near blew us all out of the sky. I had no idea it would be that huge.”

  “Casualties?”

  “None reported, thank God. We’re moving farther out until they are finished.”

  “Good idea.”

  The Captain paused, but I could hear him breathing into his oxygen mask. “You’re not going to believe this, Andy. The worms hit by the ship’s cannon have simply vaporized. Their protoplasm has boiled into a towering cloud that is blotting out our vision of the field.”

  “I suggest you switch to infrared visual mode.”

  “Excellent idea. All fighters, switch to infrared while making your passes. Confirm.”

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  “Jean Luk, confirm Colonel Lipscomb and Miki Sakura are safely at the main colony and organizing the colonists for a possible fight.”

  “They are both at the colony but I cannot tell exactly what they are doing. It looks like the people down there are manning the defenses, but … ah, Commander Sakura is among the colonists waving her arms and directing others to their positions. All are armed. The Marines are taking positions farther out from the colony walls. Apparently they are prepared to sacrifice themselves in case the larvae break through.”

  “Tell them I want no sacrifices. Kill as many as they can without going nuts. We will need them once all this is over. If the larvae reach the colony, I will order the ship to hover over the area and fry everything that moves. I will want the colonists in their defensive holes if that is to be done. They don’t want to be exposed under the ship’s massive fire.”

  “Tell them I need confirmation that they understand the order.”

  “Colonel Lipscomb confirms, although he does not sound happy. I think he has what you would refer to as a fighting fever. Commander Sakura also acknowledges your transmission. She is cool and collected and says the colonists are responding well to her orders.”

  The battle lasted all day and part of the night. Fortunately, the ship’s sensors could follow the larvae at night and destroyed them by the ton. When we could no longer detect movement on the field, I ordered a cease fire. The Umon were asked to search the battlefield from a place of safety and report their findings. The rest of ship’s fighters were directed back to their hangers on the ship for re-charging and maintenance. Only the captain’s guns needed to be replaced. The barrel tips had melted.

  He met me at the hanger and I handed him a bottle of cold beer. “Great work, Captain. I’ll bet your trigger finger is really sore by now.”

  He held up his hand. Both his index and middle fingers were bleeding. He had not been exaggerating.

  Miki returned to the ship with Colonel Lipscomb. He left his Marine contingent on the planet to make sure no larvae stragglers were able to harm the other more exposed colonial outposts.

  I met her at the hanger as the Marine contingent rolled in. She saw me and came running with her arms wide. We immediately embraced and held it for an extended period of time. I then turned and escorted her to the lounge. I was, like most other members of the crew, exhausted from the day’s activities. We flopped down in a couple of chairs still unoccupied and ordered our drinks.

  Miki reminded me this would be her last drink before she became pregnant. She had decided to initiate the pregnancy the moment the ship left the Kepler system. If all went as planned, that would be within the week.

  Knowing I was soon to become a father had a strange effect on me. I felt overwhelmed, nervous and doubtful. It was a huge responsibility and I had no doubt that a lot of weird hormones were rushing around my body. Men are just as subject as women to anxiety when child bonding is involved.

  I downed my scotch and soda, enjoyed the almost instantaneous relaxation it provided and then suggested we return to our room.

  Chapter 40

  “RED ALERT. This is Captain Hollenbeck. The Umon are reporting two space craft approaching the system at FTL one point five. They are now two hours from Dawn at the edge of the system and are definitely not Earth vessels. It is said they resemble those previously used by the ant aliens. Their approach is on the same vector as reported before.”

  I spoke into my AI/Com. “Jean Luk, can you confirm these ships are FTL?”

  “I have initiated a scan and now confirm two inbound warships half the size of the Kennedy at the edge of the system. They are running silent without EM emission or lighting. Both are black. They are definitely FTL and currently at maximum speed. Their relatively small size would preclude them from carrying AG engines large enough to propel them at any higher velocity. The Kennedy was built around its larger engines so that limit does not apply to it.”

  “Well, that is a relief,” I said.

  “Captain, Commander Kelso here. The AI computer confirms the Umon report. Their maximum speed is one point five FTL. Where do you want me?”

  “Stay in contact with the computer and work from the bridge. I am going to activate and control all squadrons. We need to hit them first to prevent them from using their nuclear weapons. Have the computer lock on to me and translate everything said between us and the Umon.

  “Yes sir. And my first recommendation would be for Kepler Dawn to go dark. Two can play that game. And, I think we should try to ambush them on a line between us, from behind an asteroid or planetoid as far out as we can. Computer, can you find us an appropriate place?”

  “Yes, I can direct the ship to a small planetoid just inside the system. If we keep that body between us as we approach, they may not pick us up. Commander Bogs should use his best speed to take us there and stop behind it. From that hidden position, the captain can launch his fighters. As a decoy, we could have the Umon pass them at high speed on the opposite side. While FTL, the Umon should be safe from any attack. If fired upon we will be able to analyze the enemy weapons. After that, the Umon should join the fight by concentrating on one of the enemy ship’s engines from directly behind it. The captain can do the same to the other vessel.”

  “That sounds like a good plan,” the captain said. “Get on up to the bridge, Stick. I’m on my way to the hangers. Computer, make us quiet. Commander Boggs, take us to your best speed as soon as you get us out of orbit and have a course vector from the computer.”

  “Captain,” I said. “I have one other suggestion. “The Umon should keep two or three fighters well out in front of the alien ships to destroy any missiles the warships might release. Those missiles are not likely capable of FTL speeds, however once the aliens know their force has been discovered, you can bet they will try to get in a few last minute shots at the planet. And, they are likely to be nuclear.”

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  The view from the bridge gave us an incredible panoramic of the small planetoid and the space beyond it. It was an icy body with many craters, all reflecting the star’s red light. Commander Boggs had pulled out most of the safeties on the engines and had achieved FTL seven point five on the way out. We were in position for our ambush within what felt like the blink of an eye.

  We’d no more than stopped when the captain launched all of his fighters and directed them to hover above the surface of the planetoid. I could see them forming line abre
ast as they awaited the approach of the enemy ships. I knew we also had Umon scouts several thousand miles directly opposite us and out of sight. They were keeping track of the oncoming ships and reported no suspicious activities on that flank.

  Neither of the enemy ships had changed their trajectory or their velocity when they finally appeared. We could only speculate that the ants had not expected resistance, at least this far out. If it was true, they might not be prepared to launch their missiles. If that was not the case, they would surely fire them the instant they could bring them on line. It was imperative that we stop those missiles if fired, lest the Umon suffer the same damage as before. At the same time, we could not allow them to turn toward Kepler Dawn. In anticipation of this, I ordered the ship ready to turn broadside to the enemy. If they did turn, we would use the side cannon to hit them with the full power of twenty large plasma cannon.

  The instant I saw the two black ships appear, blocking out the stars behind them while we were still beyond the horizon of the planetoid, I said simply: “Visual.” The captain did not acknowledge. The fighters were sitting a few meters above the planetoid one second and mere streaks of light the next. A large cloud of dust and ice was all that remained where they had been. In a matter of seconds the fighters were maneuvering all around the two larger vessels, firing at whatever protuberances looked interesting on them both.

  The enemy ships were shaped like triangles, each with one AG engine at the rear. As previously reported, they were a deep absorbent black and difficult to see against the void of space. I whispered into my direct line to Commander Boggs. “Steady as she goes. Stand ready to maneuver for firing if they spot us.”

  I did not want to alert them to our presence until I knew it was necessary. The fighters should have no problem dealing with the two much slower ships.

  The battle came to a sharp end when the two Umon fighters, previously working as scouts on the left flank, came charging up at full speed from behind the two alien spacecraft, emptied their plasma cannon into the engine compartments of each and then rammed themselves directly into the AG engines. Both alien ships came to a complete stop as their bubbles collapsed. They then exploded in a gigantic blinding flash as their fusion reactors lost shielding.

  Fortunately, our anti-gravity bubble had been at full strength at the critical moment and no damage had been inflicted on Kepler Dawn. Several of our fighters were damaged, without casualties. The fighters’ own smaller AG bubbles had been enough to prevent the damage from being too severe.

  Captain Hollenbeck’s fighter was not among those damaged. He had led the first charge and circled back in front of the two ships before they had a chance to react. He had guessed correctly that the instant the enemy detected our attack they would fire their missiles. He and Smokey were on the missiles before they were a hundred miles away from the explosion and blew them up. Neither knew whether the missiles would detonate upon being destroyed, but took a chance they would not arm themselves until much closer to the Umon satellite. Fortunately, their guess paid off.

  As for the two Umon who had sacrificed themselves, all we could do was mourn and celebrate their actions.

  “Jean Luk,” did either of the Umon contact you before they collided with the enemy ships?”

  “Not exactly,” it said. “Both of them let out loud yells as they did so. It reminded me of other historic events when individuals cried out: “Remember the Alamo. God is great and many other such sacrificing events just before death. I believe they did it to martyr themselves.”

  I found out later that the two Umon had been the two with whom Miki and I had been negotiating. Apparently they had been among the oldest and most respected on the satellite. Somewhere in their last second burst of static, they had implored the Umon to adopt our way of life and grow in a manner suitable to such a great people. By the computer’s estimation, this last translated to a plea for all Umon to be worthy of the sacrifice made.

  A great many tears were shed that day. Along with it came the knowledge that the Umon would never be conquered by an alien species.

  After all of our fighters were recovered and the remaining Umon streaked off for home, we followed at a leisurely pace. I think the captain wanted to give the Umon pilots time to glorify their leaders without our presence, but was also not interested in having Kepler Dawn stir up the outer bands of asteroids and comets that circled the system any more than we might already have done.

  Upon our return, the captain directed the construction of two gigantic statues of the two Umon elders who had sacrificed themselves for their homes. We learned their names were, Yannek and Gor. A memorial ceremony took place at the point of our original landing, and many thousands of Umon showed up along with most of our ship’s complement and the colonists on Dawn. Many tears were shed by all sides and the new leaders of Umon committed themselves to following the pleas of their beloved martyrs to grow into a modern society.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  Once we were certain the colony would be able to stand on its own, its relations with the Umon on a sound footing, plans for continuing the mission were implemented. The first order for those remaining on board was to start producing more children. The computer had to make only one adjustment to its selection for compatible DNA traits, and it was a happy time on board Kepler Dawn.

  Just before we departed, Captain Hollenbeck made his final decision. We would take the colonists who had chosen to continue with the ship, to the Trappist-1 system. Miki calculated that it was 542 light years from Kepler 186 and at six times the speed of light, it should take somewhere around ninety years to make it there.

  Commander Boggs calculated the engines could achieve and maintain the six point factor after he had successfully engaged them at seven point five during the battle. He was so proud of those engines people could hardly talk to him anymore.

  At Trappist-1, the colonists would be dropped off where they could join our fellow humans and the colony supposedly being built there. The new blood should be helpful for them all.

  Fortunately, the numbers wishing to leave were small and would make no difference to the viability of the colony on Dawn. Most were engineers who felt they could be of greater value on the new planet where they could help get a colony started. They were also salivating at the opportunity to set up and build out even more great vessels like Kepler Dawn.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  Our original orders directed us to continue from viable planet to planet as long as we could keep the ship in good order and continue generating colonists. So, after a vote by the officers and a complete review of the status of the ship, that became the plan. The captain was aware of the ambitions of his dedicated officers and realized all would deserve command sooner or later. It would not be fair to them for him to remain captain for all time. He therefore decided to give up command to other officers on a five year rotating basis so all could be given the experience needed. No contrary orders would be accepted from the Earth.

  Miki gave birth to our first son nine months after we left orbit. We called him Johan after Captain Hollenbeck and were both beyond happy. He was a skinny little thing, long and slender with a massive appetite.

  Final Report of the Captain.

  USS Kepler Dawn – Year 2470

  End of Mission to Kepler 186f - Now Known as

  Dawn.

  Captain Johan Hollenbeck, commanding

  I am delighted to report our mission to Kepler 186f is now complete. The colonists have established their homes and cities and gained invaluable allies in the species known as the Umon. Together they have fought off invaders, learned from each other and are working hard toward the establishment of long range relations that will be lasting and productive. More details on the events of the past five years will be forthcoming. All future ships should pay close attention to what we have accomplished.

  The Starship USS Kennedy remains at Dawn and its colonists are likewise building out their cities and towns. Together, we are proud to have provided
a new Earth determined to protect its environment and continue spreading the human race far and wide. Kepler Dawn, which has been re-named “The Wanderer,” to reflect our new overall purpose, is now on its way to Trappist-1 where it will assist pilgrims with whatever their needs might be.

  At my suggestion, the crew has decided by vote to rotate command of the vessel among its senior officers so all may be prepared for their own command at some date in the future. Our first new captain will be Commander Charles Boggs. Upon his succession, I will promote myself to Rear Admiral and stand by for consultations only.

  Two days later we received the following message:

  From: Spa/Com to Admiral Johan Hollenbeck.

  “Your command plan is approved. Congratulations on your promotion to full Admiral. Upon arrival at Trappist-1 you will assume command of the fleet which by then should number as many as fifty vessels. We recommend you use them to establish further colonies, continue to build new ships and eventually establish a perimeter from which Earth may defend itself from other possibly hostile species. Your search for suitable planets should fit into the overall perimeter plan. Someday we expect to control this entire section of the galaxy all for the purpose of maintaining human expansion.

  Spa/Com – Admiral R.J. Roosevelt, commanding.

  Author’s Comment

  The adventures of Commander Andy Kelso and his wife, Commander Miki Sakura, are just beginning. I like this couple and plan to follow them through their voyages until I have to give it all up.

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