Panther and Giraffe

by Gregory Anderson

  17

  “As I thought,” professor Hicks mumbled to no in particular. “Their back up copies were destroyed by the pulse, so much for hardened storage!“ Everyone was listening to the professor, he tended to lecture rather than talk directly at any one person. “Dear, do you still have the copy you pinched from the other earth cruiser?” Hicks treated Panther more like a spouse than a computer. Panther replied, “Of course dear, shall we give it a go?'” And so Panther treated Hicks the same, most unprofessional. They would start a download as soon as Giraffe gave the command. Commander DePaul looked at her tech in disbelief, “You mean we can't operate anything, just because some idiot decided to save money on shielding?” She turned away and quietly talked into her arm “Captain McCord please.” After only a few seconds she got a reply. “Troubles still DePaul?” Giraffe asked as she already was aware. DePaul frowned in answer. “Our back-up system files were toasted by the pulse, my tech informed me that proper shielding cost to much and I, am out of ideas.” “Tell your crew to step back and relax while we take care of that. Put your XO in charge and come on over, do I need to make that an order?” Giraffe asked.

  Hart was waiting for her at the airlock which made DePaul's heart skip a beat. Already she was stressed but realized that this was just another part of adjusting to life in the galaxy. Hart was chittering frantically, “Watch your step, gravity watch your step gravity!” While pointing at the deck. She still did not quite understand as she pushed forward, right into the arms of Hart as gravity tried to pull her to the floor. Her face turned three shades of red as she got her feet under her and slowly stood away from Hart. He was smiling. “Oh my, I thank you.” she said, still flustered as he handed her a earpiece device and pointed to her ear, she clipped it on just in time to hear Harts chittering translated. “It has been awhile since I had a real woman in my arms!” DePaul started to smile, then started laughing and Hart joined in. He then offered his arm and they walked to the bridge. Stepping on to the bridge she looked at Giraffe and rushed to her and they embraced. “What a day and it's still not over, any chance of getting a stiff drink?” Giraffe replied, “Hart, you have the bridge, Susan and I have a lot of catching up to do so do not bother us unless it is a true crisis or the download is done.” With that they headed to Giraffes quarters. For the first time in over a year Susan had someone she could unburden to. It is lonely when you're in command. Seven hours later and totally refreshed both were ready to take on the worlds again.

  Mar was staring at Hank, who was having trouble focusing his eyes. “Mar, it looks like a whole Cyrillium armada comin this way what you wanna do?” Said the Federated comms man. Mar was still focused on Hank when he said. “Hank here is going to sit in the captains chair and get us out of here.” Cutting him loose he pointed a stunner at him and said, “Don't do anything stupid Hank.” Doing anything at all was a problem as he staggered to his seat and sat down awkwardly. He banged his elbow and looked at the blank control panel in front of him. His anger was doing a good job of clearing his head and bringing the situation into sharp focus. Hank slowly reached forward then under the console as Mar moved to get a closer look. “No tricks now Hank!” That was the last thing Mar said as a laser pulse burned a hole through his head. Before he even hit the floor the rest of the bridge crew was suffering the same fate. Hank understood that being a Federated captain meant being a traitor was always a fatal mistake. Had it not been for the lingering effects from the long jumps he might not have been able to eliminate his problem so readily. “No more grax on the bridge.” He mumbled while placing the blaster back in it's hidden spot. After picking up weapons from the last bridge crew he got on the now working communication system. “Attention, I need bridge crew to replace the ones no longer able to do their jobs. Oh, and two to clear out the garbage, now!” It did not take long for a few to come forward. No one gave a second thought to the bodies, no grax stepped up to fill any positions. This was just another case of the Federated employee promotion system. Just after the bodies were disposed of the new comms man stated, “Wow, hey captain, according to the chronograph, we were in the nebula for forty days.” Hank shook his head. “Say that again?” He repeated, “We were in the nebula for forty days.” Although this was not exactly true, it was what Panther left in the ships computer in order to confuse them, it worked. Hank was the only one left that saw the video warning to stay out so he concluded, there is nothing on the other side. The new radar man said “Long range is showing a bunch of ships coming.” Hank shrugged and looked at the still blank screens in front of him.

  The Cyrillium armada consisted of six frigates and the explorer captained by Jings. This was what would be expected to establish a presence around the planet Edahni. The ship on their long range radar appeared seemingly out of nowhere but in fact came from the gray nebula. It was curious that the ship was not moving under power but had life signs. They would hail the ship and offer assistance. By the time they were close enough to identify the ship as Federated it suddenly started moving away under thrust. As it was still not answering hails, it was decided to send a ship after it and to subdue for questioning as it had come from the nebula.

  After eight hours the earth ship had undergone a huge upgrade to its control systems showing great improvement in navigation, communications and propulsion, all thanks to Panther and crew. Commander DePaul was being escorted back to her ship by Hart. He insisted on giving her a hug before leaving and much to her surprise, a firm pat on the rear. “Hart, did you just make a pass at me?” She turned red and looked at his wide eyed face. “I just don't want you to forget me!” With that he turned to walk away taking a few steps and then turning, blew her a kiss. DePaul had had a hard time wiping the grin off her face before sliding on to her own bridge. Hart was such a flirt, she wondered if all hegmon were that way.

  They were on their way to Mars to help out, under orders from Admiral Jalbahn. Through General Murphy they had taken advantage of Panthers super fast comms. It had been decided that the nuclear indecent would be kept quiet so they could flush out the culprits, earth ship two would stay off the grid for awhile. Marx had seen to the transport of two of the Panthers smart missiles which had been programmed for limited uses and protected from any tampering or attempts at reverse engineering. It had been decided that someone on the earth side of the nebula have a way of protecting it and Giraffe put trust in her old friend Susan DePaul to do just that. As soon as the colony from earth was situated on Mars they hoped to get Zak and his crew home.

  Three telescopes caught the brilliant flash out beyond Pluto, two were satellite based and one earth based. One had recorded great video of the event and because of that, it qualified as news. Headlines proclaimed 'Devils Gate Destroyed' and a sidebar linked to a missing EDF ship. The story had little impact when balanced against a real story. 'New EDF Battleship design to cost one hundred billion.' EDF had a bigger problem than money, it seemed that one Mike Nerdahl had gone missing shortly after the shuttle touched down on earth. Despite orders for him to be detained. Nerdahl was the 'hero' who sent the nuke to destroy the Devils Gate and there was no doubt now that he had indeed pushed the button. Andsom corps desert facility was going full speed to complete the two 'habitats' and the public had lost all interest in that story. Even the fifty six people quarantined there went unnoticed. Fifty six people, really fifteen families that were getting acclimated to their new lives on Mars. A large amount of time was spent getting to know their new neighbors which was most important because once on Mars there was no going back. Two families had been dismissed because of personality conflicts being detected, one at the recommendation of Berdle's group on Mars and the other by the earth group. Mars colony would be a bold new venture that could eventually bridge the gap between earth and the sixty two other known worlds.

  Panther remained at the nebula and had finally received a message from the other side, it was safe to return. All on board were relieved that Cyrillium forces were guarding the gate and amused to
learn of how it came about. The Federated ship that had come through had been detained and the entire crew questioned about their trip in the nebula. Later it was released when it was determined that none had any idea there was another side to the nebula. There were many accounts of hallucinations, sickness and near starvation with half still not fully recovered. Absolutely no desire to repeat the experience. Giraffe had made the right decision, they all agreed, as she continually did, and all concurred, earth was not ready. Giraffe passed on some of the information to General Murphy and made a recommendation that cruiser two remain patrolling around Mars for the near future. There was real concern for another nuke being sent that way. Murphy questioned what good the ship could do against a nuclear missile and got a simple reply.

  ”DePaul can handle it, just leave it at that.” The plan for moving the Mars colony from earth was simple also, Panther would jump to earth and then drop to pickup and turn around as fast as possible. The operation would be much like when picking up the professor. At the same time, Hicks and Marx were given the choice to get dropped off, a big decision since they may never be back to earth again. When put to professor Hicks he stated, “I am alive now, more than ever in my entire life, the challenges and discoveries are endless. Besides, I am in love again, how could I ever leave all that!'”. Marx did not have much to say but, “My future is out here and my family is here, what more could a person want.” They would notify EDF and earth air defenses just before dropping into earth hoping to be away before anyone was the wiser. Hallbrook was furious, not only had one of his ships disappeared but now it seems to have reappeared in the hands of a Cyrillium armada, the armada that he expected would be circling their new planet Edahni. After selling the planet to the Cyrillium high council he expected them to start mining soon. He wanted his cut but they seemed to be ranging out by that gray nebula instead. To top it off, he had lost communication with his snitch Mar, aboard Hanks ship. Federated was still below strength since the incident with the Panther. No one could tell him how one ship had destroyed nineteen of his. He still had thirteen that he figured he could spare to go investigate out by the nebula and why Cyrillium was not mining Edahni. At a minimum he wanted his ship back, one way or another. It would be some time before the high council got back to him with the news. He did not realize that Cyrillium had no immediate plans to mine Edahni and there was no agreement to that effect either. The Cyrillium armada reported to the home world of their progress and of the contact with Panther and Giraffe.

  Giraffe was faced with a dilemma once again to jump or thrust. As much as she wanted to get Zak and crew home she was concerned the jump, short though it would be would be, too hard on the new colony members from earth. Under thrust would only take eight hours and could provide them a little time to adjust and the gravity could be set at Mars normal. Panther was no help on this question, it was almost like the AI forced her to make the hardest decisions alone. Other that her old friend Susan DePaul she really had no one to confide in, no one to share doubts and fears with, she was lonely. It was strange that an alien ship with a dormant AI would respond just to her and that circumstances would put her in charge. She was responsible for so much. Giraffe took it in stride most of the time but every once in awhile she had to wonder, why me? After a good meal and nights sleep it seemed easy, thrust to Mars.

  Panther appeared on radars out of nowhere and was moving faster possible for a man made object. The conclusion was asteroid, and EDF had not destroyed it. Almost as quickly as it appeared it disappeared, now the conclusion was radar malfunction. The Panther had just flipped to slow down from near light speed in order to land at the Eurasia desert facility of Andsom. They had pulled six gees over the dampers on the way in but would not exceed them on the way out. Zak and Junes looked tense with Giraffe at the controls. Although she was performing these highly skilled maneuvers like she had done them a thousand times. She had actually done this in simulation, hundreds of times, in private, in her quarters. She was right on top of the two containers and was settling down over them without mishap, not a scratch. Hart, Uhr and Dihr got busy securing the containers while Zak and Junes stood ready at the air lock to let in the colonist from the containers. As soon as connections were made Giraffe was on comms. “This is captain McCord welcome to the Panther, please move quickly into the passageway and secure in jump seats as instructed. Zak and Junes will assist you, as soon as you are secure we will be moving.”

  There were a lot of nervous looks as they sat down and strapped in the seats. The seats looked strange but turned out to be form fitting and ultra comfortable for all sizes including a three year old. What became odd for them was the sense of moving but not, the inertial dampers kept all motion at bay. Giraffe quickly brought the Panther vertical and hit the four main thrusters but all they could hear was a faint rumble. She set the gravity to slowly drop to Mars standard over a period of time so that it was barely noticeable. They had already broke atmosphere and most thought they had not even taken off. If you have never been in space, no matter how it is described, it is amazing and for the colonist it came after the course was set for Mars. Monitors that had been set up for them, looking like portholes on an actual ship, gave them the view. There were many oohs and aahs. Everything looked good as the captain came on, “This is Captain McCord, we are on our way to your new home and should arrive in a little less than eight hours. She continued, ”If you want to get up and move around feel free but you must stay in the spine. Be careful getting up as we are now gravity Mars normal.”

  A couple of the children launched off their seats and pushed off the ceiling, landing on their feet, laughing all the way. This relaxed all of them and more started to move around. Zak and Junes were moving around talking to people who were asking questions about many things but mostly about them. Both being Cyrillium and seven feet tall made for interesting conversations and helped pass time. About four hours in, after everyone had eaten, one man complained that he felt funny, stood up slowly and then fell down, fortunately at Mars gravity this did not cause more harm. Zak and one other quickly picked him up and moved him forward to their sick bay. Giraffe was alerted and after a brief moment, sent Hart and Hicks to look him over. This would be a first contact for the earth humans but they should be prepared for Hart. He was after all, Panthers best medical man. The man was unresponsive as they put him in the med bed that EDF had provided. Soon found that he had a undiagnosed heart defect that was agitated by the lower gravity and would require treatment they did not have. Hart and Hicks consulted and agreed that the sooner they get to Mars the better as they had a doctor there that could correct the problem.

  Hart sent data to the Mars colony with a live feed of vitals. Giraffe asked if they pushed pass the dampers. would it make things worse or better. “This is McCord, things are going to get uncomfortable so get strapped in as we are going to push to maximum in order to get to Mars so your man can be treated as soon as possible. Arrival now in just over one hour, hang tight, out.” Every one was silent that last hour coming into Mars. Mars was in the middle of a huge windstorm. Giraffe asked, “Zak, have you ever landed in these conditions before?” Hart and Junes answered in tandem, “Belisile four, Zak did fine.” Belisle was a planet with similar conditions to Mars with three hundred mile winds. “Zak take the helm, attention all, we will be landing in a windstorm and it may be a little rough.” This was flying blind visually but with ground and ship systems working together the virtual view was excellent and Zak brought them down without much trouble. When it came time to move into the giant cavern he was having problems with the long ship. Giraffe quietly said, “I will take the aft thrust systems, just concentrate on the front and we will bring it in together.” Although the cavern entrance had been opened up it did not yet have doors so it was still a little windy inside but very quiet compared to outside.

  Between the two they had all they could do to bring the Panther in safely. As soon as they touched down Zak breathed a sigh of relief, “That was harde
r than Belisile!” As soon as a docking tube was connected they moved the ailing man through quickly with his family following right behind. The rest of the new colonist were slowly getting to their feet after the grueling last hour, welcome to be on solid ground again. When the new colonist stepped into the main chamber they were awestruck. They had seen pictures but they could not do justice to the large space with the long, long row of housing pods. The pond and stream meandering in front of the giant glass wall made it almost seem like earth. All they could see out the windows was red swirls in the dim light, inside soft artificial yellow light came from above and provided a comfortable ambiance.

  Very little noise came from outside and the noise of the children getting to know each other was inspiring. Giraffe was still on the bridge of the Panther. The storm would cause a problem with lifting off the two containers. She decided that moving out of the cavern, as large as it was it would still not be safe. “Best estimate till safe to move out of here please.” Giraffe asked. “Thirty six hours.” Replied Panther.

  Because of the storm communications were limited and so Giraffe gave the word. “Attention crew, Looks like we are here for the next thirty six hours so have fun or whatever.” She turned to Zak and added, “We will get you home, just have a little more patience.” Zak replied, “We have been away almost a year now, a few more days is not important.” Junes looked at Zak and a smile broke on her face. “I'm sure we can find something to pass the time!”

  18

  Hallbrook was at Colusis station when Hank showed up and Federated 'employees' escorted him to see the boss. At the same time Hank was being questioned so was his crew by other Federated employees. Hallbrook knew Hank was lying, his story of the accidental death of Mar and the rest of the bridge crew was not plausible. And the story of the time in the gray nebula, clearly was not possible. It was Hallbrook's conclusion that there was something in, or through, that nebula, why else would the Cyrillium ships be there? Further, it seemed that the Cyrillium had no intention of mining Edahni. There must be something far more valuable out there somewhere the deal was too easy, a sham. He decided to keep Hank close at hand and sent him to his ship under guard.