Giraffe fell asleep shortly after Zak and they both awoke to the alarm, tangled together, and just a bit aroused. Meanwhile, while they slept the station had been busy trying to get into the ship. Panther gave them the report on the attempts. One shuttle was disabled when it tried to dock with Panther and encountered the shield which fried all it's power circuits and had to be towed back in. One man was in the infirmary after attempting to hook a line over one of the ships grapple arms. Several shots with a laser only only caused the gun to feed back and destroy the weapon, Panther did not feel any of these attempts were worth bothering them with at the time.
Now they were faced with the reality that they would not get any help here and that captain Mindy McCord may have to resign her commission with the EDF. There was only one hole in the forward section of the ship and if that were repaired at least they could live aboard providing food supplies could be secured. The problems weighed heavy on Giraffe as she slid out of the med bed. Both had gone through a complete diagnostic exam and no alien pathogens had been found so there was no further reason for the quarantine. Giraffe said, “Let's go meet with the General”
“We need to see if we can get some food stocks at a minimum and possibly some people to help with the welding and fusing on the hull.” Giraffe said. If Giraffe had to do all the repairs it could take weeks, Zak, she had found out seemed to have no mechanical skills at all. This seemed curious for a independent ships captain. Giraffe simply spoke up as she knew they were listening, “General, we are on are way to you so get everyone on line so we can discuss things with everyone at once.”
When they left the shuttle bay they picked up an armed escort, so much for friendly first contact. Arriving at the control center the big monitor displayed not only the Admiral but the three presidents as well. The First Admiral gestured that he would speak first. “Captain McCord you are not only out of uniform you are also no longer needed as liaison so you are dismissed!” Then he turned his attention to captain Johns and smiled, “I hope you had a pleasant rest captain and that accommodations have been suitable.” Zak replied, “Yes the accommodations are adequate,” he said smoothly, “Please introduce me to the other three gentleman with you please.”
Zak then added, “I did not get an introduction to the General here but his name tag says Murphy so he must be in charge of this station, proceed with introductions please.” This was such a smooth put down of the Admiral that the presidents had to admire the high level of diplomacy, and they all introduced themselves, ignoring the Admiral entirely. Giraffe, who had not left the room when dismissed knew that Zak had to be more than a simple trade captain. The president of Africans was speaking, “You seem to have some technology that we would really like you to share and we in turn would be happy to share some things with you like the med bed you seemed impressed with.” And the president of Americas added, “We do understand that there may be things that you are not able to share, perhaps some things are beyond your authority?”
This was high stakes politics and while Zak recognized the skills he had no real desire to play games and he replied, “Gentleman I am free trader and quite frankly have no idea how all the technologies work. Most of my trading deals with food products, and durable goods so there is a limit as to what I can even do to help you.”
However,” Zak paused for effect. “If you could just help me out with some basic supplies and help to repair the holes in my ship when I get back to my home world I would be more than happy to have my governments ambassadors contact you.” Giraffe observed that General Murphy at least, seemed to think that this would be a wise course of action but the Admiral did not look impressed . The presidents that were nodding in agreement. Admiral Scotts jumped in, “I am sure, captain Johns that if you drop your ships shields and let our techs in we can figure things out without involving so many other people.” To which Zak replied, “I am sorry Admiral but that is not possible, in fact, the ship is not mine to command at this time, that pleasure belongs to your captain McCord whom you so casually dismissed.” Zak paused and looked directly at the Admiral, “This is something that she made you aware of from the second contact message” Now everyone was looking at the Admiral with suspicion as he made an attempt to get control of things again, “You realize, captain Johns, that we have three ships surrounding yours and they are heavily armed and ready.”
The Admirals attempt to up the stakes did not phase Zak at all, “Captain McCord, you are the captain of the CS Panther at this time so I believe the response goes to you.” This hand off approach was not unexpected to Giraffe so she took a breath and responded “Gentleman, the tenants of the EDF require that a captains primary duty is to the ship and crew so it is with great regret that I must resign my commission in the EDF.
“I can not serve under an Admiral that would risk his entire force against an unknown force. A force that has unknown capabilities and has shown no hostility whatsoever. I will now remain with the crew and ship that I currently command, the CS Panther” The presidents looked thoughtful while the Admiral just glared, but Giraffe was not paying attention to them instead looking at the tablet on her arm. Along with Zak, she typed into the pad and then looked up at everyone watching her, “It seems Admiral, that two of your ships have departed to their respective stations and left behind a small group of skilled volunteers to help repair the Panther.”
Giraffe continued, “I just sent a thanks to those Commanders.” “Treason!” screamed the Admiral, “All of them, it's treason!” The President of Americas responded first, “Admiral, I think I speak for all of us when I say, “you are relieved of command.” The others were nodding their agreement, “And your resignation is formally accepted, captain McCord.” stated President of Africas. “Guards, put the Admiral Scotts in jail pending charges of, of, well we will think of something,” added President of Eurasia.
5
The citizens of earth were unaware of the drama that had played out in space, clearly a military power play that did not go as planed. All the public heard was how the Presidents 'successfully negotiated with the alien captain Johns and are providing assistance on ship repairs and in turn, captain Johns will be sharing some significant technology' This served to boost the presidents image and put the alien invasion thing to rest. It would be some time before people started asking to see the 'significant technology'. And Panther the AI had listened to it all keeping track and filing for future reference. In fact, Panther was maturing, and monitoring earths wide open communications which provided much data.
All this told Panther much about the maturity level of the inhabitants of earth. Panther found that earth was at a level similar to a few of the core worlds and may have potential. The conclusion Panther drew form all this was, like other worlds, earth was not quite ready. Panther also discovered that the earth was headed for massive food shortages due to their own shortcomings.
Giraffe and Zak were working out plans to start repairs on the Panther and had started the first step, securing a docking tube to the station. The station was providing guards for the air lock entrance and only those volunteers that were authorized could gain access. All volunteers were sworn to secrecy of all they might see or hear. It would take a few days for the first hole to be sealed and all mechanics and engineers would take part in order for them to move on to the other holes. Only three engineers would be working on the damaged communications corridor after the holes were plugged. As soon as atmosphere was restored the serious systems work would begin. Surprisingly, Giraffe would be leading the repairs, Zak had no idea how to actually do any work. He had always relied on others. It seemed to Giraffe that he was something more than he let on.“I wonder how a simple trader captain came by such negotiation and diplomacy skills” she said. “Just come by it naturally” Zak said with a smile. Giraffe did not buy it though. Meanwhile, Giraffe had contacted Professor Hicks, who had taught her theoretical physics and more, as they needed help when it came time to figure out the gray nebula gateway. Professor
Hicks was one of the best, on earth. Hicks said, “Mindy McCord how wonderful to hear from you and as much as I would like to help I don't think that at my age they will let me in a shuttle or in space.” Giraffe replied, “How about we come and pick you up, I think we can provide a much better ride, beside we are going to need you with us for this.” Hicks said in disbelief, “You mean that huge ship is atmosphere capable!” Giraffe replied ,“It will be once we get the holes all plugged but that will take a few weeks as there are several layers to the hull.” “And you can't tell why until we meet in person?” Hicks asked. Giraffe was almost pleading as she asked, “Please, this is really important and besides, you could go down in history for your contributions on this.” It was the 'go down in history' remark that nailed his ego and he could not say no. “Mindy McCord you sure know how to hit this old man hard, I will start clearing my schedule.” And then Hicks said, “Ah, Mindy, are we coming back?”
He had never called her by her nickname and she always appreciated that about him so she knew that she would not lie to him, “I honestly do not know for sure, it will depend on unknowns and that's what you are good at, right?” She said and he replied, “See you in a few then, bye.” Professor Hicks had seen the pictures, heard the stories of how the Panther just appeared out of nowhere and he was going to be apart of it all! Of course he would go, if if it killed him, besides, just the sight of that thing landing on earth was worth it!
On the other side of the galaxy Zak's crew were sitting together in the common house they were staying at on Colusis Two. As the Panthers Second, Junes relayed the information from Zak's family back on Cyrillium, “They are sending a ship for us, should be here in about a week, tells us to please wait, all fees for lodging are paid, no further discussion till ship arrives.” Hart the navigator chittered, “Kind of cryptic message isn't it hmm, you know Zak was more than a trader captain right?” Since Zak had left on that last drop on Edahni no one had heard from him and Federated was claiming that they had destroyed a cargo ship trying to run their blockade.
Federated was using the event to further pressure the colony on Edahni to give up their rights to the planets resources. The crew felt helpless with not knowing and the two grax engineers wanted to go directly to Federated and and ask for verification. Colusis Two was a Federated protected planet after all. The problem with going to Federated was the questions they might ask which could implicate them so, bad idea. Every morning they met in the common house otherwise they all did their own things. Except the grax couple, Uhr and Dihr who through no fault of their own stayed to themselves. Humans and hegmons tend to find grax physically ugly to look at and, they have raspy voices. Because of this they tend to attract unwanted attention. As the days passed the only thing they could do was wait for the the ship from Cyrillium.
6
On the Panther work was progressing slowly, the forward section hull was sealed and holding pressure, crews were starting on the other holes and Giraffe and Zak were thinking of moving on board. So far, no one had asked any questions about power sources, or what some things were for in engineering. Of course, no one was allowed on the bridge but that would have to change soon.“I really want to turn on the gravity.” said Giraffe. “And how are you going to explain that bit of magic?” Zak inquired, “You know that is something like hat will get out a that is something we can not share,” Artificial gravity was created with anti-mater and so was the Panthers major power source which earth was not ready to handle. “So how about putting airlocks on the bridge and main engineering then we could run gravity in those areas?” Giraffe asked. Zak considered this for a minute. “Too risky right now, lets wait till we are underway OK.” “Ever the diplomat aren't you Zak, now could you show me my quarters please.” Giraffe replied. Zak took her to a panel on the wall of the bridge and said, “Just put your hand on the panel.” As she did the it slid aside and she stepped into a impressive space, not big, but fully furnished including it's own fresher! Zak said, “Just touch any panel and it will open for you.” And she did, checking out the spaces till she got to a tall closet and it contained several space suits like Zak had but in a rich, royal blue.
Giraffe gasped, “Whose are these?” Zak replied, “They belong to you, go ahead and put one on, they are much more comfortable than that antique 'earth made' you all wear.” She flicked her wrist indicting she wanted him to leave the room and he did, she then pealed out of her serviceable earth made suit and slid into the form fitting alien made suit, it was a perfect fit and so comfortable. This brought up a terrifying question, how could this possibly be?
Zak had never used the captains quarters. Instead, using the adjacent ready room to bunk in and the other room on the bridge level belonged to his number two, Junes. Zak was an excellent pilot but he never thought of himself as a captain and he had never looked in that closet before. The ships uniform spacesuits fit many sizes due to the weave of fabric layers and most comfortable despite the bulk of all the workings built in, all gray, only the captains was blue. Giraffe thought about how well the captains chair fit, how well the spacesuit fit and how this cabin fit, like it was always meant to be. She went to the fresher and looked in the mirror expecting the royal blue to clash with her fiery red hair and emerald eyes instead, she saw command and power. When she walked on to the bridge Zak's jaw dropped, she had command, she exuded power and, she was beautiful. “Panther, please respond vocally only when just Zak and I are on the bridge.” Giraffe added, “and report ships progress” Panther replied, With pleasure captain, work is moving along as expected on patching holes and should be complete in about ten days, the conduit damages have been identified and require your supervision to proceed, and, that uniform looks good on you girl!” What! Panther was a ship AI and they wondered why she came up with personal comments but before she could ask Panther added, “I hope you don't mind the personal comment, I am just trying to better integrate with the crew.” Giraffe had replied, “I certainly do not mind but where are you getting your basis for personal references?” “Earth communications.” replied Panther. Zak just shook his head and said, “That's gonna be trouble.” And rolled his eyes.
A Cyrillium explorer class ship entered into Federated space on it's way to Colusis Two and paid the usual fees for passage and reported it's purpose. A explorer class ship is made made for charting, discovery and contains science labs plus navigational facilities so it's appearance would not be that unusual out on the these fringe worlds. But requesting to survey beyond Edahni seemed a bit suspicious to Federated in light of the ongoing 'situation' on that planet. The additional fees were levied in order to approve the request. As an additional incentive to steer clear of Edahni itself a video was relayed of what happened to the last ship that had tried to ignore their blockade, it was the destruction of the Panther.
That video was quite convincing, compiled from the three Federated ships that did the deed and seemed to leave no doubt of the fate of the Panther. Deeply saddened they went on to dock at Colusis Two to meet the crew of the Panther, it was not a pleasant meeting. “I will not believe this until I see the whole video.” said Junes and navigator Hart added, “Even with video I do not believe Zak is lost.” Uhr the grax engineer added, “Let us first look at this video and then decide on a course of action after.” They all spent the whole day analyzing the video and concluded that the bright flash which would indicate a reactor implosion was not followed by a debris trail and left the possibility that the ship jumped. This would be impossible based on what most of the crew knew but Uhr confirmed, “The Panther has jump capabilities but it was thought best that no one know, it was only to be used for extreme emergency.” Junes concurred, “This would have been an extreme emergency but then, where did he go and why has he not contacted us?” There was a silence as they pondered this possibility and then the explorer captain, Jings said, “Of course, this is why we are going out past Edahni, to the gray nebula, it is the only explanation that makes sense.”
The Panthers
Junes, Hart, Uhr and Dihr would be joining the explorer crew and head out to the gray nebula. The rest of the crew was left to their extended forced vacation.
On earth, Professor Hicks had cleared his schedule and was sequestered in his home office looking over star charts and trying to figure out how a ship could travel over a hundred light years and what his roll would be when the Panther dropped in to pick him up. Even the thought of how a ship that size was capable of breaking atmosphere, it was a lot to think about. To top that off, how had his former student Mindy McCord become captain of that alien ship? Being a theoretical physicist meant he knew the answer was out there and he desperately wanted more information. Giraffe had just called and Hicks replied, “I really appreciate the update the on your progress Mindy but what I really want is more information.” Giraffe answered, “Do not ask questions please, you will have to wait but in the meantime could you call the president and make sure the governments are going to be alright with us landing there?” Hicks replied, “You think I can just call up the president of Americas and he will take a call?”
“Well, maybe not, even though you are one of the most distinguished Professors in the world.” She melted him with the flattery. “If you run into problems just tell them this is at the request of captain McCord” Hicks said, “That should work, bye for now.” What Hicks did know is that when he talked to Mindy, it was not through the earth satellite network it was direct from Panther so no one could monitor the call. When Hicks called to talk to the president and claimed he had talked to captain McCord directly from the Panther all the bells and whistles went off, he was put through immediately. Since there was no record of such a call within a very short while Hicks desert home would have visitors. “Sir, we have not discussed anything as I have repeatedly told all your people, The Panther is making landfall to test it's systems after the repairs and I have been invited to inspect the ship.” The president replied, “It is disturbing that this request did not come to us directly as a representative of earth government.” “Mindy McCord was a favorite student of mine and I can tell you, doing things conventionally, has never been something she has worried about. That is part of why she is so intelligent.” replied Hicks. They went around in circles a little more before Hicks made the suggestion,
Panther and Giraffe Page 4