“Right, it was primitive, but when the early space craft were coasting, they could generate some delta V, that's delta velocity, or acceleration, in a desired direction, like a wind driven ship,” he continued. Both women nodded.
He waved the ship to one side, and then pulled up the engine of the Io. “Now, when mankind made the breakthrough to force emitters, one of the first proposed uses was a gravity drive.” He pulled up a solar system.
“But you said in class it didn't work, it only works when the two objects are close to each other,” Jen said slowly, looking at the holos then back up to him for confirmation.
He nodded. He smiled as he noted the crowd that had gathered around. “You're right, the further away, the more power needed, the less acceleration. But when a scientist, Doctor Smythe proposed crossing a plasma engine with a force emitter....” He straightened and waited for the fireworks.
“The ship pushes against the plasma exhaust, and since it is close to the ship and exiting, it gives a net delta V,” Jen finished.
“I see someone hasn't been sleeping in class,” Trisha teased. Several of the girls giggled as Jen mock scowled at Trisha.
“The plasma engines can use any form of material as a fuel, but we use helium waste from the reactor,” Irons said.
Faith nodded. “Right, only four electrons right? So it isn't very far from hydrogen, which is the preferred fuel anyway.” The group nodded.
“It makes sense,” a tech said from behind Faith. She looked over her shoulder. The woman blushed.
"Hey, it's not like its rocket science," Irons joked. He stopped and looked thoughtful. "Hmm, no I guess it is," he teased.
"Very funny." Jennie growled. "Can we get back to work now?" He chuckled.
"Okay, can anyone tell me how the subspace engines work?" he asked the eager class. Several of the girls raised their hands tentatively, but one practically bounced in her chair.
"I can I can!"
"Of course you can, you’re an engine wiper!" one of the others whispered.
The excited girl dropped her hand and glared. "That's not fair!"
He waved his hands down for quiet. "Okay then, let’s hear it." She stood, looked around and gulped as the other girls looked at her. A few looked bored, a few looked curious. "All right, the engines are plasma engines. Fifth generation plasma engines from the Practel combine. Rolls Royce Ion32-A's to be exact," she said. He nodded.
"How do they work?" She looked around then back to him. "We feed them water. They spit the water out," she said. She sat down with a triumphant grin.
He shook his head. "A little simplistic there. Does anyone else know?" He looked around. The girl looked crestfallen.
"No? Well, don't worry; the whole point of being here is to learn." He gave the girl an encouraging grin. "All right, first off, the engines are plasma engines. That means they accelerate particles to fractions of light speed with an electric induction field then allow them to escape through a thruster." He turned to pull up an exploded schematic.
"What about the water?" a girl asked.
He turned. "Jezel right?" She nodded. "We'll get to that in a minute." The room lights darkened and the hologram turned on.
"I never get tired of this," one of the girls whispered.
He hid a smile. "Okay, this is your basic plasma engine. Here is the particle intake, the electric induction grid, and thrust chamber." He pointed each component out one by one. "Now, plasma engines have been in use for eons by various races," he paused, feeling a depth of regret in that last sentence. Someone cleared her throat. He shook it off. "As I was saying, we've been using plasma engines for centuries." He sent a command through the net to pull up the next schematic.
"See the differences?" he asked. Some nodded. "The first plasma engines didn't have gravity emitters to accelerate the thrust and give the particles shadow mass." He fed a program to show the particles moving then a graph of thrust power.
"All right, now as to getting the particles." He turned and held up a glass of water he had left on the desk. "Within this clear glass is a wealth of energy waiting to be liberated. Hydrogen and oxygen, along with trace minerals and even some isotopes." He watched the class murmur for a moment. "This ship uses an electrolysis system to separate the basic molecule into its two elements and then compresses them for use by the reactor and engines."
He put the glass down. "As a side note, I can draw power the same way." He looked up and smiled. "Does anyone know what's needed for electrolysis?" He turned to a tech.
She tentatively raised her hand. "Yes, um electricity and carbon. That's why we have to trade for carbon and water when we go to colonies," she replied. He nodded.
“The ship uses its waste helium as fuel for the plasma engines as well. Eventually some of the space colonies will begin building helium 3 and deuterium fuel refineries in the orbit of local gas giants,” he said. “That's my plan anyway.” He looked over the class.
“I've told the Captain and purser that you can also build automated refineries in orbit of some of the gas giants, so you can draw fuel from them when you visit a system,” he said. Several of the girls murmured at this. “As a side project, why don't some of you form a study group and go over the general plans in the database and come up with detailed drawings to submit to the engineering board.” He waved to Jen and Faith. They both smiled.
"This ship, it truly has changed," Faith murmured. Faith watched as a pair of ladies in white coveralls painted a hull section. Another girl down the corridor was touching up lettering. "Amazing." Faith shook her head. "It seems like a dream." She ducked aside as a robot came flying by. It paused, bobbed, then turned and went about its business. "Are you sure we're not dreaming?" she asked, staring after the robot.
The Admiral and Jennie chuckled. "We're sure," Jennie said. Jennie pointed to another cabinet. "You remember the electronics cabinet right? Well, we've rewired everything back to spec." She waved to the girl touching up the paint. Dorah looked up and smiled. She had smudges of paint on her cheek. "Um Dorah." Jennie made motions to wash her face.
Dorah gave her a confused look then ohed. Hastily she took out a hanky and scrubbed at her face. "Better?" she asked. Jennie gave her a thumbs up and pat on the shoulder as they stepped past.
"Amazing." Faith shook her head. Her hair was short hair was still growing back; self consciously she ran her hand through it. She smiled at Dorah and another crew member.
"What are you up to?" she asked.
"Just checking the filters." Audrey replied.
"Audrey?" Faith grabbed the girl. "Wha? Let go! Wait Faith?" The girl looked into Faith's eyes then gushed. She hugged Faith ecstatically.
"They'll be at this all day at this rate," Jennie observed dryly. Faith wiped at her eyes and then held Audrey at arm's length.
"You’re looking good!" Audrey studied her. "Your hair is shorter, but you’re the same old Faith," she smiled, and then freed her left hand to wipe at her own tear blurred eyes. "Goddess it's good to see you!" She sighed. "There's so much to see, it's like a whole new ship! I hardly recognize anything, or anyone!" She gave Faith's coverall another look.
Faith smiled. "Me too. We'll have to catch up later," she said. She patted Audrey's shoulder as she passed.
She linked arms with Jennie. "Okay, now what?" Faith asked.
Jennie chuckled as they entered the lift. "Deck four," she said.
“Deck 4 transit commencing,” the computer acknowledged.
"An AI?" Faith asked as the lift began to move.
"A rudimentary one. The Admiral set it up," Jen said. Faith nodded.
"Good we need one, Is it um, a smart AI?" she asked.
Jennie shook her head. "Yes and no, it's a learning one, so someday with the right coding, it may grow into one..." She smiled softly. "We'll have to take good care of her." She patted the side of the lift. Faith nodded. "So if you're painting, I take it most of the important work is done?" She looked over to the ship's schematic projected onto the wall.
Faith whistled softly. "I hardly recognize the old girl. She's back in her glory." She patted the safety railing.
“What are you working on Admiral?” the tech with him asked. He finished feeding the cables into the recess then locked the emitter down. “That looks like a force emitter right?” she asked.
He looked up to the guard and nodded. “It is. The emitter is for the interior force field emitters.”
He waved to the ring of emitters. The tech looked confused. “Why do we have them inside? Why not just use the bulkhead doors?” she asked and then waved.
He nodded. “They suck energy so they aren't used unless they're needed. Usually during a hull breach, or in special situations, for security.”
He waved to the two guards watching. One looked startled, the other smiled. “I like that idea,” she said and then nodded. “We have them in the brig too, I'm hoping now that the Admiral showed us how, I can fix those there,” she said and smiled.
He waited for graveyard shift to approach replicator three. He had repaired all the replicators, so the ship could in theory rebuild a planet. He just needed to replicate a few tools for his next journey. “Sprite, excuse, me, Io, I'm going to replicate a few things, I'll need,” he said.
Io appeared on the LCD display before him. She had aged to about fourteen, and was sporting a silvery pony tail. “And you want me to fudge the records so no one knows what you make?” she asked. She smiled conspiratorially. He chuckled.
“Something like that. I want a couple things, a portable database, mini replicator, generator, pulser, and a few additional tools,” he explained.
Io shook her head, smiling. “You don't want much do you? Well, let’s see if I can skim off some power from replicators one and two and fudge the records a little...”
Chapter 17
The staff filed into the wardroom talking quietly amongst themselves. The Admiral followed. This would be one of his last meetings with the crew if things went well on Anvil station. They were a week out from the station. “Coffee Admiral?” He turned and nodded politely to the steward. She handed him a cup as he sat down.
“Sit down, sit down, we have a lot to discuss,” the Captain surprised them by walking in under her own power. The doctor smiled.
The chief stared at her grandmother then her eyes sparkled. “Glad to see you up and about grams,” she said softly as she took her seat. The Admiral nodded as each of the officers murmured politely.
“Nice uniform,” Faith commented looking over the Captain's outfit.
“What this old thing?” the Captain demurred, but her eyes twinkled. She had changed into a bridge uniform, but kept her trademark black shawl.
“Before we begin Captain, I believe it's time to introduce you to one more member of the crew,” the Admiral said after clearing her throat.
“Oh?” the Captain sat in her new chair and smiled as she took her tea cup from the steward. She took a sip then set the cup down in front of her. “And just who is this?”
The Admiral nodded to the holographic projector as it sprang to life. “Well technically, someone all of you know,” he said. A short black haired silver skin teenager in a gold uniform appeared and looked around. She blinked white eyes that quickly changed to blue. Some of the officer’s stared open mouthed, a few gabbled.
“Is this who I think it is?” Faith asked. The Admiral nodded.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Io11,” he said. As the Admiral spoke her image changed. Her skin texture morphed into flesh tones, and her uniform changed to silver with gold and glowing blue trim.
“Such a colorful young lady,” the Captain commented, taking a sip of her tea. “She'll fit right in.” She smiled eyes bright.
The AI image locked eyes with her, then lowered hers and bowed. “Why thank you Captain. I'll do my best.”
“So we have an AI now?” Vanessa the purser commented, studying the holo.
The AI turned to her. “I'm in my one point one build now, ma'am. I've been on line for several months,” she replied. She stepped off the table, and over to the Captain. She stood at her side and then turned to the bridge crew.
Shandra, Kendra, and Jennie were grinning in delight. They each waved hello eagerly. The AI smiled. “Since Io is a newborn AI, she's a little unstable, much like a teenager. As she interacts with the crew she'll learn and grow, and therefore mature,” the admiral said. The Admiral nodded to the Captain. She took another sip of her tea and studied him.
“Will she interfere with the systems?” Kendra asked.
“No, unless something is endangering the ship. She will however inform you if there's a conflict or problem,” the admiral replied. The Admiral took a sip of coffee then set the cup down.
“Think of me as another crew member Kendra, someone who is always on duty,” Io said. They both nodded.
“Is she a security problem?” the Chief eyed the AI.
“No. In fact she can aide you in that regard. She'll manage a lot of her own functions, and can protect herself if someone tries a cyber attack,” Irons said.
The chief nodded. “I'm still not convinced though,” she said. She stared at the AI. The AI stared back.
“You do realize I don't really need to blink right?” the AI commented after a few moments of silence.
The moral officer chuckled. “Well, I'm convinced. At least she has a sense of humor,” she waved. “I've been trying to set up a virtual reality sim, but the Admiral has been too busy, perhaps you can help?” she asked hopefully.
The AI smiled and turned her attention to the moral officer. “Of course ma'am, that's part of my job. Since it's my hardware and software you'll be using, I'm more than happy to help.”
The Captain raised her hand. “You can do that at a later time; let’s get on with the meeting.” She nodded to Kendra.
The young woman cleared her throat. “Well, ship status is optimal, shields are at ninety nine point three four percent. H&A, um, I mean Hull and Architecture are at ninety four percent, and drives are at ninety two percent. Our power reserves are topped off, and there are no problems with the reactor.”
Faith nodded to Kendra. “We have a few minor repairs still ongoing, mostly nit picking or routine maintenance things. Computer repairs are one hundred percent complete, we're, I mean Io is still working on programming.” She nodded to the AI who smiled and rolled her eyes.
“You got that right; it's going to take me another six months to get everything sorted out at this rate!” the AI said dryly. Faith chuckled.
“Moral is high, although there are some people who are upset over the Admiral leaving. Io and the virtual sim may offset that over time,” the moral officer turned a mock scowl on the Admiral, and then smiled to the AI.
“That's good to hear,” The Captain nodded. “And our course?” She turned to Lessa and Shandra. Shandra smiled.
“We should be arriving in six days Captain,” Lessa reported quietly. She was staring at the AI.
“five days, twenty three hours, twenty two minutes and fifty five seconds to be precise,” Io replied.
“Mindy and I are working on Clarissa's regeneration; her first surgery is this afternoon,” The doctor forestalled any retort from Lessa. “I'm hoping for good news, but please forgive me if I'm late for tomorrow's meeting,” he said.
The purser smiled. “Going to have a late night with someone?” she asked.
The Captain chuckled. “He said he's going to work on Clarissa, so in a way yes Vanessa. I believe the doctor will be spending much of his valuable time in her service.”
The purser looked sheepish. “Oh.”
"A word of caution Captain," The Admiral held up a restraining hand. "When I leave you will be limited to civilian grade replicator abilities," he warned.
The Purser looked at hi
m. Suddenly her delight at his leaving was fading. "What do you mean?" she asked warily.
"It means no weapons, no military grade hardware, no nanites, and no replicating replicators," he warned.
She grimaced. The chief's eyes narrowed. "But we did all that before," the chief said.
He nodded. "Because I was here, without a fleet officer on board the replicators will be limited to civilian production." The Captain sat back.
"Can it be over ridden?" the Purser asked, looking at Jennie and Faith before settling on Io.
"I wouldn't try it. If you do the replicator will lock down permanently," the AI warned.
Faith blanched. "Do you have a list?"
He handed her a tablet. She took it and scrolled through it. "I put the list up on the web as well. Io has special permission to replicate a few things, but I can't extend my authority to a civilian AI," he said. He nodded to the Purser and Captain.
"Good to know, thank you," the Captain said and then sat up straight. "Now, Vanessa, you were saying you want to trade a fuel injector for more shuttle parts?" Vanessa nodded. The meeting continued as usual.
The chief scowled as a knot of girls blocked their way. "So, Churchill says that evil prospers when good men do nothing," Tara comments.
The lean blond girl with her shakes her head. "No, it's Tyrants prosper... Oh Captain! Chief!" The girls look up and then immediately step to one side.
"Ladies. What were you discussing just now?" the Captain asked curiously.
"Oh um, Terran history, World War 2, actually," Tara blushed.
"History now?" the chief scoffed. "What good is that? I thought you were supposed to be studying ships?" She shook her head derisively.
Tara glared. "We are, but some of us got into the historical connections database, and well... we formed a study group," she said, feeling sheepish. She waved to the other girls.
"History?" the Captain murmured.
"Well, yes ma'am. It started with discussions on naval architecture and the chain of command, traditions, and it well..." red headed Dorah piped in and then smiled and shrugged helplessly.
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