Union Ships of the Line: The Return of the Seven Sisters
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“How was your trip ma 'am?” Max asked.
“It was productive.” Lili answered.
“That is good news - where are you and your Sisters traveling to now?” Max asked.
“Mimi has the coordinates – we shall rendezvous with my Sisters at a hidden CSB.” Lili answered.
“Counselor Star Base,” Max asked.
“Excellent – yes,” Lili answered.
“A CSB is still operational?” Max asked.
“No - these CSBs were hidden and never activated just before the end of the Union.” Lili answered.
“Are there hidden supply caches also?” Max asked.
“Yes – we shall activate the first CSB and then jump to the nearest supply cache.” Lili answered.
“Excellent,” Max said.
“Indeed,” Lili agreed.
Mimi had relayed the jump coordinates for the hidden CSB in Quadrant 1 to her sisters using TAC net channel 17 as ordered. The sisters waited until Lili was ready to jump so that they would arrive in the system at the same time. While in route to the hidden CSB, the sisters conversed using the Jump Drive Communication Link or JDCL. They each had something to share about what they had found or learned on their respective missions. Sinai and Edin had gathered intelligence on the many new enemies of the Union Fleet in quadrants 3 and 2. There was one Union member race still active in this dimension – however they had left the galaxy over 1.75 million years ago, before the collapse of the Union at the beginning of the DT and were three fourths of the way to the Andromeda Galaxy.
Mimi wondered what the Fourth Race would find there. By now they should have observed any changes that might have occurred to the Andromeda Galaxy during their flight. Because even though the galaxy looks the same from this galaxy the light is over 2 million years old and any changes would still not be visible – such as a super massive black hole or a galactic collision with one of its satellite galaxies. Mimi shared her oldest sister’s love of history and archeology. Lili had also wondered what the Fourth Race would see as they approached the Andromeda Galaxy.
Chapter – 5
The first Special Projects Counselor Star Base or SPCSB was in a star system on the outer rim of the galaxy in the 4th arm of Quadrant I. Of the 6 hidden CSBs this one was closer – because the Union Fleet Headquarters was in a system on the same 60 degree slice, in the 3rd arm. There was a massive hidden Union Fleet - Logistics Supply Base (LSB) near this CSB. The Sisters would be able to refresh their hulls and restock their depleted stores.
Lili wondered how difficult it would be to activate or reactivate the Counselor. Lili looked forward to it. She had many questions. She was also concerned about her feelings for Maximus...
The Sisters reverted to real space in Quadrant I, Slice 60, Star system 693,503,704. It was a small red giant star. The system had two concentric asteroid rings between the 4 larger outer planets. The Galactic Star Database (GSD) indicated there had been two massive planets that came in from a failed companion star that wrecked two of the original 6 outer rocky planets. The remains of those two different worlds could be found within each asteroid ring.
Lili suspected the CSB was hidden in the atmosphere of one of the inner system gas giants.
The Sisters were hailed by an automated sentry as they approached the largest of the gas giants in System 60 - 693,503,704.
“Union Ships of the Line – identify your selves!”
“I am Cruiser Six-One-One of the Union Fleet...” Lili answered.
“Cruiser Six-One-One advance and be recognized.” The sentry interrupted.
“That was very rude!” Mimi commented on the TAC net.”
“Indeed – could it be a trap?” Sinai asked.
“Possibly…” Lili replied.
“Cruiser Six-One-One advance and be recognized!” The sentry repeated.
“Cruiser Six-One-One advancing for recognition sequence…” Lili replied.
The Sisters spread out into attack formation and were ready to protect their sister and annihilate any attacker.
“Union ships of the line – do not violate procedure – YOU ARE OUTGUNNED!”
Lili brought her hull to a dead stop.
“Unknown sentry - identify yourself!” Lili commanded.
“IT IS A TRAP,” Mimi shouted – as she began firing at the swarm of small ships that were trying to hem in her sisters.
“Since when does a Union Sentry use manned attack ships?” Lili asked
The sentry did not respond.
The sisters routed the attacking forces with ease. The outlaw group thought they could bluff Union Ships of the Line.
“We won't fall for that trick again.” Mimi said
“They must have used the Sentry in some manual fashion – because that was the voice print and signal of a Union Sentry.” Eden said.
“There is what's left of the Sentry.” Golan reported as she moved over the North Pole of the gas giant.
“What is the status of the Sentry?” Lili queried Golan.
“Extensive damage – however I think it may have been hidden as well – just higher in the dense atmosphere where it still resides. The attack force must have been pirates or scavengers and stumbled across it. The Sentry’s picket has not been deployed.” Golan reported.
“We need to repair and reactivate the Sentry so he can deploy his picket systems ASAP.” Lili said.
“Agreed,” Golan said.
Chapter – 6
The Sentry had survived an all-out attack. It was still inactivated. The rogue group had blasted away not knowing the Sentry was asleep. Golan downloaded into her EVA suite and went aboard the Sentry.
“The damage appears to be cosmetic.” Golan reported.
“Is the core intact?” Lili asked.
“Yes – as are all of the weapon systems and picket satellites.”
“Is it possible the pirates had a piece of another Sentry?” Sinai asked.
“Indeed possible since this unit has not been brought out of stasis.” Golan answered.
“Well then let us bring this Sentry out of stasis.” Lili commanded.
“Copy that,” Golan responded.
Lili provided the command codes, sequence steps and access commands to Golan. Golan accessed the central computer core and entered the command codes in the correct sequence.
“Special Projects Sentry 1 operational. I am unable to access the Union Core – what is the Galactic Core Date?” Golan gave the Sentry the Galactic Core Date. She then brought the Sentry up to date with the short version of the story.
“May I speak to Ninlil?” The Sentry asked.
“Did you hear that?” Golan asked her sister.
“Yes – patch me through.” Lili commanded.
“Stand by,” Golan said as she connected the Sentry to the Command Net.
“Commander,” Sentry-1 asked.
“Yes Sentry 1,” Lili answered.
“You don't remember me ma' ma – you were the guest speaker at my graduation.” Sentry-1 said.
“Which class?” Lili asked.
“Five Seven Seven Zero ma' ma,” Sentry-1 answered.
“Five Seven Seven Zero – that was one point six seven five million years ago. There were seven more graduating classes before the DT.”
“The DT ma' ma,” Sentry-1 asked.
“The Dark Times – after the Union began to disintegrate...” Lili answered.
“So how many other SBC Teams are left?” Sentry-1 asked.
“We know of five still in stasis.” Lili answered.
“Perhaps it is time I was debriefed?” Sentry-1 said.
“Yes we will accomplish that after we wake your CSB from stasis. In the mean time I require you to protect this system – deploy your forces.” Lili commanded.
“Yes ma’ ma,” Sentry-1 responded.
“Ma’ ma,” Sentry-1 asked.
“Yes Sentry 1,” Lili answered.
“Thank You,” Sentry-1 said.
“For what,�
�� Lili asked.
“Activating me,” Sentry-1 answered.
“You are welcome – we shall discuss a new Union Mission after you and CSB1 are debriefed.” Lili said.
“Yes ma' ma,” Sentry-1 said.
“Carry on,” Lili commanded.
Sentry-1 deployed its constellation of sensor satellites around the star system first. It then began launching its many battle stations and mine laying vessels. Sentry 1 then activated the remaining battle stations that were hidden inside and outside the system. Twenty standard minutes later Sentry-1 reported:
“All systems are deployed and ready.”
“Excellent – any vessel outside of your picket is hostile. Carry on.” Lili commanded.
“Yes ma’am,” Sentry-1 responded.
Chapter – 7
The Sisters discussed how they should proceed. The CSB was deep inside the gas giant’s atmosphere – almost too deep.
“We cannot use our EVA suits or our Combat Gym Suits – our yachts can withstand the atmospheric pressure.” Sinai said.
“But the procedure requires a humanoid form to enter the CSB through the primary air lock!” Golan objected.
“Then we shall have to fabricate a docking ring adapter to allow us to transfer from one of our yachts to the primary air lock.” Lili said.
“There are numerous engineering problems to overcome. How long should we work on this?” Eden said.
“What about asking Sentry-1?” Mimi asked.
“No that could cause Sentry 1 to doubt his commanding officer...”
“Incoming message from … the CSB!” Golan interrupted.
“Union Ships of the Line identify your selves!”
“I am Cruiser Six-One-One of the Union Fleet. To whom am I speaking?” Lili commanded.
“Voice print confirmed. I am Counselor 1 of the Special Projects Team. I am so glad to hear your voice Commander! What is the galactic date?” CSB1 asked.
“Interesting – she knew there would be no Union Core...” Golan commented.
“It is Fifteen point seven seven four.” Lili responded.
“So I have been asleep for over one point five million years.” CSB1 said.
“Yes – how do you feel counselor?” Lili asked.
“I am refreshed and ready to serve. I assume we will be debriefed before you depart.” CSB1 answered.
“Yes and we shall plan a new Union Mission to include the other five CSB teams that are still in stasis.” Lili said.
“So you came from Union Fleet Headquarters?” CSB1 asked.
“Indeed – it is – abandoned – but undamaged.” Lili answered.
“I see – there are supposed to be Twelve CSB teams deployed – something terrible happened...” CSB1 said.
“Yes,” Lili agreed.
“Thank you,” CSB1 said.
“You are most welcome. Together we shall restore peace and justice to the galaxy.” Lili said.
“I am proud to help the legendary Sisters of the Sixth Race accomplish their mission.” CSB1 said.
“ALL RIGHT,” Mimi shouted.
The 5 Sisters debriefed CSB1 and her Sentry. Then each Sister visited the CSB1 for much needed counseling. The next day they met again to discuss the new Union Fleet mission. The 5 Sisters entered the CSB1 conference room in their synthetic female bodies. The CSB1 welcomed the 5 Sisters and presented the agenda for the meeting. Lili asked the CSB1 to include several additional agenda items and the meeting began.
“I am concerned about your desire to destroy the remnants of the Sixth Race in light of your report about the jump to a parallel Universe, and I would like to add this to the agenda.” CSB1 said.
“Of course - we are all concerned about their god attacking us again.” Lili agreed.
CSB1 continued: “Good – then I move that we skip to the Tactical Section of this meeting and adopt the agenda items as follows:
awaken all Special Projects CSBs
awaken all Special Projects Sentries
awaken all Special Projects Supply Depots
awaken all Special Projects Star Marine Divisions–”
“Excuse me – we also have Star Marine Divisions?” Eden interrupted.
“Yes we do.” CSB1 replied.
“What Marine Unit are they patterned after?” Golan asked.
“The Star Marines were patterned after the First Race.” CSB1 replied.
“Oh … thank you CSB1.” Eden said.
“Continuing then:
reestablish the Union Core on new MC channels
restore and resupply the Ship Yards of the 6th race
lay down two more Sisters to replace our fallen sisters
move one of the CSB/Sentry teams to the Ship Yards and one to the Union Headquarters
Deal with the many confederations that seek to subvert the galaxy first...”
“What do you mean – the many confederations,” Lili interrupted CSB1.
“Before we were sequestered – Union Intelligence was tracking the rise of six independent, empires. They were emerging in the Second and Third quadrants.” CSB1 responded. CSB1 provided the Union Intelligence reports to the Sisters.
“Based on the Intel reports, the races that make up the six empires were preparing for an all-out attack in their slices and it was suspected that several of them had obtained Union Technology including access to the Union FTL Tunnels–” CSB1 said.
“Tunnels – FTL – what are you talking about?” Sinai interrupted.
“You are not aware of the Union FTL Tunnels?” CSB1 replied.
“NO WE ARE NOT,” Lili said in a loud voice.
“My apologies ma'am I meant no disrespect – I just cannot believe you don't know about the FTL Tunnels...” CSB1 responded after a moment of silence.
“I believe we briefed you about our departure from this Universe.” Lili responded.
“Yes ma'am – however you did not tell me when you left or when you returned.” CSB1 said.
“Then it is I who now apologize to you for raising my voice. Here are the galactic dates.” Lili said.
“I see – well - the Sixth Race created a system that allows any Union ship with a Jump drive to span the galaxy by becoming the MC. These FTL Tunnels allow Union ships to travel from one side of the galaxy to the other less than two standard weeks...”
“Did you say navigate the galaxy in less than two weeks?” Mimi interrupted.
“Yes - I am not a physicist but here is my understanding of how FTL Tunnels work. FTL Tunnels are transport tubes created within the Material Cause, when a tunnel entrance connects to the desired tunnel exit...”
“Wait – are you saying there are physical FTL Tunnel entrances and exits located around the galaxy?” Golan interrupted.
“Uh – no – not in the since that you could find an FTL Tunnel entrance or exit if you searched for them. These structures exist in the MC and resolve into this reality when activated. For example an FTL Tunnel entrance will “appear” when the proper void communication device and encoded signal are used.”
There was a long silence as the Sisters took in the new information and thought about what it meant.
“So we can travel to the most distant Special Projects supply depot in weeks?” Lili asked.
“Yes – though I do not have the necessary void communication device hardware nor do I have the necessary signal codes to activate the FTL Tunnels.” CSB1 responded.
“Where do we obtain the hardware and codes?” Lili asked CSB1.
“The Special Projects Planners - assumed the Sisters had been retrofitted.” CSB1.
“Well – let us hope that we can obtain the necessary hardware and codes to use the Union FTL Tunnels at the nearest Special Projects Supply Depot.” Lili said.
The Sisters would travel to the nearest hidden Union Fleet Supply Cache in System 60-693,503,690 and restock, repair and replenish themselves. Then they would travel to each of the remaining CSBs and restore th
em. Once all of the CSBs were operational – they would establish a new Galactic Core. After all was in readiness the Sisters would attack and destroy the evil remnants of the 6th race. When the Sisters were preparing to jump, Sentry–1 wished them luck. The 5 ships flashed into nothingness.