Folger rubbed his chin. “Still, what about the jumps? There's no way a ship could cross the distances we've crossed without making EQ jumps."
"True,” said Meiji, pondering the question. “Still, it's theoretically possible that the ship making those jumps could image the normal space it's passing through. We haven't managed it, but it's possible. It could be presented to us as though we were traveling through normal space."
Coffin snorted, blowing smoke through his nose. “Not even the Titans have managed that trick."
As the three watched, the stars around the ship began to thin again, as though a vast wind had swept the stars away. The ship listed to one side, seemingly caught by a powerful current that was going to carry it into the stellar clearing. “Straighten your helm!” called Folger over his shoulder. In the center of the stellar clearing was blackness—blacker somehow than space itself. The blackness was roughly spherical, surrounded by a whirlpool of glowing matter. The blackness seemed wrapped in a crystal ball, light from stars behind it was warped and twisted. Folger, Meiji and Coffin all gasped at the sight.
"The galactic core,” said Meiji in a hoarse whisper. “We've made it."
"You're saying that's for real?” asked Coffin.
"Take a good look gentlemen, that's as real as you're ever going to see the black hole at the center of the galaxy."
* * * *
Later that day, John Mark Ellis sat at his desk, reviewing the Sanson's manifest, making sure that the ship had sufficient provisions for the return journey to Earth. Kirsten Smart sat, across from him, reviewing a list of potential crewmembers, in the event that anyone decided to leave the ship. The list had been provided by Herbert Firebrandt and was made up of members of the Alpha Coma military who had some experience with mapping vessels.
Both looked up at a rapping on the door. “Come in,” called Ellis.
Natalie Papadraxis entered the office wearing a brightly colored flower-print sundress. She held her hands in front of her and her eyes were wide. “I came to say that I'm sorry I passed out while I was on duty."
Kirsten Smart stood up and took Natalie's hands and led her to the chair next to the one she had been seated in. “Natalie, how are you doing? We've been worried about you."
"It was a shock to lose contact with the Earth so suddenly. I still don't feel myself,” said Natalie, her voice faraway, almost dreamy.
Ellis smiled, sheepishly. “I know what it's like to have a shock like that and pass out on the bridge. That happened to me when I was in command of the Barbara Firebrandt. It's how I was booted out of the Gaean Navy. No one understood.” Captain Ellis stood and moved around to the front of the desk and sat down on the edge, looking into Natalie's eyes. “Natalie, I understand what it's like to have the Cluster hurt you."
"Thank you, sir,” said Natalie, voice soft. She looked from Ellis to Kirsten and back to the captain. “Sir, I heard your address to the crew. I know the twelve hours are almost up, but I wanted to let you know that I would like to stay with the ship."
Ellis looked at his watch, and then rubbed his eyes. He hadn't realized how long he'd been working.
"Are you sure?” asked Kirsten. “You've had quite a shock. No one would hold it against you if you stayed behind."
"I know,” said Natalie, simply. “But, I want to find out what's happened. I want to help if I can. Will you let me?"
"Of course,” said Ellis. “You're a valuable member of this crew."
Natalie smiled. “That means a lot to me. Thank you.” Natalie tapped her head, indicating her communication's implant. “I've been getting messages from around the ship. The entire crew wants to stay on as well. A lot of them are scared, but they can't let the ship go home without them."
Kirsten smiled reassuringly. “We're all scared, Natalie."
Ellis nodded. “The Cluster is intelligent and it likes humans. I don't think we can overestimate the danger."
Natalie sighed. “I can't help but wonder, though, why it cut off communication with the home system. If it wants to help humans, why won't it let us talk to those people it's helped."
Ellis swallowed hard. “That's why we need to go.” The captain stood and moved to the wall. “Have you been in touch with the ship yard? How are repairs progressing?"
"They say we're on schedule. We should be able to leave orbit in just a little over 24 hours,” reported Natalie.
Ellis nodded, satisfied. He looked to Kirsten. “That should be enough time to get the provisions on board. If you'll approve the list—I'd say it's time for us all to go and get a good night's sleep, so we can be ready to leave tomorrow night."
Kirsten gave a thumbs-up. “Sounds like a plan to me."
* * * *
Edmund Swan felt like a nine-year-old child strapped into a seat that was too big for him. He faced a round command console. Hovering over the command console was a holographic projection that looked like a transparent honeycomb. Each cell of the honeycomb-like display held its own three-dimensional projection. Some cells showed space as it appeared around the ship. Others showed exterior and interior views of the ship itself. Still others flashed Rd'dyggian words so quickly that Swan felt he wouldn't have been able to read them even if they were Terro-Generic. Three Rd'dyggians sat at other chairs around the console, their massive six-fingered hands simply rested on smooth plates on the console's surface.
On human ships, there was constant noise as humans shuffled to and fro and various machines performed their tasks. For over twelve hours, the only sound Swan heard was the gentle breathing of the Rd'dyggian warriors. On human ships, care is taken to add design elements and artwork that catch the eye. The command center of the Rd'dyggian ship was like sitting inside an absolutely smooth metal egg. The floorplan was roughly trapezoidal, but there were no sharp corners. The walls flowed into the ceiling, floor, and each other. Swan had fallen asleep and awoke a few hours later to an unchanged tableau.
Finally, Arepno lifted his hands from the console and looked at Swan. “We are nearing Saturn and executing a scan of the system.” He touched a thumb to his control plate and one of the honeycomb cells expanded. He saw the great, golden planet Saturn surrounded by its glistening rings. As Arepno held his thumb on the control plate, the view zoomed in and showed the rust-red moon, Titan. “It appears that there are no Clusters out here by Titan."
As Swan watched, the view started showing different wavelengths. On the red end of the spectrum, it became apparent that the moon—the capital of the known galaxy—was surrounded by a halo of glowing dots, each one representing a space vessel. “You would think the Clusters would be interested in reuniting with the Titans if what Firebrandt told us was accurate,” mused Swan.
"Indeed,” said Arepno. “However, this does lend credence to Ellis’ hypothesis that the Clusters are no longer interested in the Titans.” The Rd'dyggian pirate captain turned back toward the console, lifted his thumb from the control plate and pointed to the display. “What also seems interesting is that ship activity appears normal. I see no evidence that ships have been damaged or are being interfered with. A ship from Zahar has just arrived and it would appear that the Titans have launched a probe."
"Meaning the Cluster is not afraid of what ships will do,” said Swan. “So, why would the Cluster block communication, but not ship transport?"
"That is a very good question, Brother Swan,” said Arepno, his mustache wriggling. He placed his thumb on the control plate again and this time the view changed to one of the Earth. “I am only registering two Clusters in orbit at this time. Apparently two are elsewhere."
"Or they're hiding,” mused the deputy sheriff.
"It would be impossible for them to hide from Rd'dyggian sensors,” said Arepno. Swan thought he detected a hint of indignation from the large warrior. “We will be landing on Earth in about thirty of your minutes presuming we are not challenged by the Clusters."
Swan swallowed hard, wishing desperately for something to drink. Suddenly he had an urge to get up
and find the restroom. However, he didn't know anything about how or even if Rd'dyggians ever needed to relieve themselves. With a deep breath, he sat back and did his best to enjoy the ride. Arepno placed both his hands on the control console and fell back into silence. The honeycomb cell that showed Earth shrank and morphed back into its place in the larger structure.
The deputy sheriff did his best to follow the ship's progress on the displays. In two, the Earth seemed to remain the same size. In three others, the Earth grew closer until light seemed to fill the displays. Once that happened the displays flashed briefly, replaced by the strange, flashing Rd'dyggian alphabet. Judging from the displays, Swan guessed that they were entering the atmosphere. However, he didn't feel the telltale rocking and bumping that usually accompanied a ship during re-entry. As a result, he was startled a few moments later when Arepno lifted his hands from the control console and looked at Swan. “We have landed,” he said simply.
This time, placing one of his fingers on the console, a hole appeared in one wall and a tunnel congealed and extruded itself toward the ground. Swan unbuckled the harness, stretched and stood. “I presume this means we weren't challenged by the Cluster."
"Indeed we were not,” said Arepno. “Most odd."
The deputy sheriff started toward the tunnel but looked around when he realized that Arepno was not following. “Aren't you coming along ... to get information about the Cluster and its activities."
"We are accumulating information,” said Arepno in a monotone.
"Where are we?” asked Swan.
"Southern Arizona spaceport,” explained Arepno. “Do you require transport to your friend's domicile?"
Swan pursed his lips and thought about it for a few minutes. “No,” he said shaking his head. “I'll just catch a cab."
"Very good,” said Arepno. With that, the warrior turned and faced his console again, putting his hands on the control plate.
With a shrug, Swan stepped into the tunnel extending toward the ground. At the end of the tunnel, he found his luggage waiting. He grabbed it and stepped out onto the tarmac of the Southern Arizona spaceport. The first thing he noticed was how blue the sky was. Growing up in Tucson sector, the sky was almost always hazy. The second thing he noticed was how quiet it was. Typically ships blasted off and landed at regular intervals. Looking around, it appeared that the Rd'dyggian ship was one of only about ten ships at the port.
Edmund Swan shook his head and made his way to the main terminal so he could go through customs, find a directory and a cab that would take him to Timothy Gibbs’ residence.
[Back to Table of Contents]
MISSION TO EARTH
The next afternoon, John Mark Ellis sat on the command deck of the Nicholas Sanson watching as the work crews began departing the surface of the ship. Shuttles and launches that had brought provisions left for the planet below. Natalie Papadraxis sat at her station, coordinating with the shipyard crews, making sure none of the pods, shuttles or space suited workers collided. Ellis and Yermakov each consulted their displays and talked with each other in hushed tones. There were sufficient provisions aboard the ship for a three-year voyage. Captain and first mate alike hoped the voyage would take days rather than years—however, neither was certain what they would find when they got to Earth. Along with the engineering crew, Ellis and Yermakov ran simulations, checking the tuning of the four engines. At her station, Laura Peters plotted a course to Earth that would let them come into the solar system as discreetly as possible.
Kirsten Smart stepped onto the command deck from her office and placed her hand on Ellis’ shoulder. “Looks to me like we're almost ready to go. I never would have dreamed that we would be heading back out this quickly."
"The fact of the matter is we aren't ready to go back on a mapping expedition. We can jump from here to Earth like any other EQ-ship, but the engines are not fully calibrated for charting jumps. That's what was going to take the time,” said Ellis, bluntly.
As Ellis spoke, the lift doors at the back of the command deck opened and Fire, along with Manuel stepped out. “Do you mind if we watch as we leave orbit?” asked Fire. “It's not the greatest of views down in our quarters."
Ellis looked to Kirsten, whose features remained neutral. “I have no problem,” said Ellis, with a smile. “But don't get too used to special privileges, Mom."
"Incoming transmission from the planet,” announced Natalie. “Senator Herbert Firebrandt."
"Put him on holo,” ordered Ellis.
The forward portion of the command deck metamorphosed into Herbert Firebrandt's planet-side office. He stood next to his desk. It was evening; the setting sun could be seen through the Senator's windows. “I'm given to understand that the Sanson is preparing to depart for Earth. I wanted to check that you had everything you need and to wish you a successful voyage."
Ellis stood and stepped into the hologram. To Firebrandt, it would have looked as though the captain had materialized in his office. “Thank you, sir. The ship is provisioned and repairs are complete. TransGalactic will certainly request some calibration and simulation time in the ship yard upon our return.” Ellis’ statement was calculated less to request time than to convey to the bridge crew his certainty that the ship would be back soon.
Firebrandt nodded approvingly and understood the impression that the captain wanted to convey. “Very good. Likewise, I hope we'll have some time to talk on your return. I'd like to learn more about my distant relatives.” Firebrandt's image stepped close to Ellis. “Godspeed Captain Ellis.” The Senator looked out to the command deck. “Godspeed to all of you and good luck."
"Thank you, Senator,” said Ellis, stepping out of the simulated office before it turned into a view of the planet below. A miniature image of the Sanson hung over the planet. A yellow line extended from its bow to a distant point in space—the jump point Laura Peters had calculated to Earth.
"Orbital control reports we are clear to depart,” reported Natalie. “All service vessels are clear."
"Take us home,” ordered Ellis.
Laura Peters pushed several simulated buttons and then gave a signal to Simon Yermakov. Yermakov wiped sweat from his brow, then pushed a lever forward on his console. “Thrusters responding normally,” he reported. “Proceeding to jump point at one-quarter speed, Skipper."
Ellis clasped his hands behind his back and stepped toward the rear of the command deck to stand with Kirsten, Manuel, and Fire. “Natalie, would you please give us the bow camera?"
"My pleasure,” said Natalie and the view changed to an image of the planet rolling away below the ship. The stars ahead seemed fixed as though one were standing on the planet looking up at an unusually clear night sky. Manuel caught his breath, having never seen this view of a ship departing orbit. Fire took his hand and squeezed it.
Ellis grinned, then moved in front of them, sat down in the command chair, and prepared the EQ engines for the imminent jump. “Please overlay the course projection on the standard view,” asked Ellis.
Again, Natalie complied and a broad, dotted yellow line shot out in the holographic display to a flashing point in space. While the distant stars appeared to remain fixed, it was clear that they were moving along the yellow line.
"Follow the yellow brick road,” quipped Fire.
"Lions and Tigers and Clusters, oh my,” replied Kirsten with a slight giggle.
Ellis and Manuel each shot a glance at the women. Kirsten only shrugged while Fire smiled and shook her head.
"Approaching jump point, sir,” reported Laura as Simon began slowing the ship. Laura Peters double checked her jump trajectory and nodded to the captain. “We're ready to jump on your command."
Simon sounded the jump warning and Ellis looked at Manuel, Fire, and Kirsten. “Time to get to your positions. Next stop, Earth,” said Ellis. Kirsten passed his chair and gave his shoulder a slight squeeze, then departed into her office. Fire and Manuel each nodded to the captain and entered the lift.
&nb
sp; After a few moments, Natalie looked around. “All decks report ready for jump to Earth. The lift tubes are all clear."
Ellis looked at Yermakov, who was sweating profusely but otherwise appeared calm, then looked to the front of the command deck. “Okay, let's get moving. Ms. Peters—Jump!"
With that, Laura Peters entered a command and the Nicholas Sanson jumped out of three-dimensional reality, en route to Earth.
* * * *
Edmund Swan breezed through customs and had no problem finding a public teleholo where he called Timothy Gibbs. His friend appeared, looking more relaxed than the last time Swan had seen him. “How are you doing?” asked Swan.
Gibbs smiled. “Surprisingly well ... though things have been happening ... things that are hard to explain."
"Tim, I'm on Earth,” explained Swan. “I'd like to come by and see you."
"What a pleasant surprise,” said Gibbs. He gave directions to his apartment.
Swan turned off the teleholo with an uneasy sense that something was not quite right. As he stepped out of the teleholo booth, he looked around at the pristine, clean spaceport. When he had left Earth, the port was grungy and dirty. People packed the place from wall to wall. As a cop in Southern Arizona, he was all too aware that many of those people had actually lived in the spaceport. In the aftermath of Doomsday, Swan had expected to see an Earth that was even worse than the one he left. Instead, he was surprised to find one that was clean and pleasant. It gave him the creeps.
Stepping out of the spaceport, Swan easily found a hovercab and gave the driver directions to Gibbs’ apartment. Looking out of the window, Swan saw the city he had grown up in. As he looked around, he saw that much of the route they traveled was, indeed, clean and pristine as the spaceport had been. However, he used his computer eye to take snapshots up side streets and back alleys. Most were as dirty as he remembered, though in one he saw a crew of people literally scrubbing the brickwork of a building. Ahead of the cab, Swan caught sight of a plume of smoke. As they passed, he took a snapshot with his eye. As his brain processed the image, his stomach almost emptied in the back of the cab.
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