by Travis Sande
“Are there any that you consider possible or even likely?” Melissa asked.
“There are several that I believe could be possible. The first is unsettling but still a possibility in my mind. The theory states that the uniform frequency experienced prior to the collapse is a weapon of some kind. Either an organic life form or technologically capable species use it to attack our ships and destroy them. The lack of debris could be explained simply as salvage collection.” Torrin said. “That would explain the uniform frequency we always see.”
“That is unsettling.” Kris said. The thought of an unannounced alien race targeting Vryl and human vessels was a difficult proposition to imagine. “What others?” Kris pressed for more options, hoping they were less alarming.
“The second one I consider possible is that the ships successfully close the rift and continue on their way. However, this specific set of rift fluctuations causes residual feedback that eventually destroys the ship. There is no way to thoroughly explore every bit of a RIP path. We send a team out to search the last point of contact but if the ship survived and continued its journey for weeks, we have no way to locate them. A search of that magnitude simply isn’t possible.” Torrin said. “In my opinion, this is the most likely scenario. It is also a dire circumstance, and we still don’t know what causes the phenomenon.”
“In that scenario the ISO is a ticking time bomb, and we are helpless to warn them.” Melissa shook her head. “We can’t operate based on that assumption, we need a course of action.”
“Correct, these are only prevailing theories to describe the occurrence. The third and final theory I lend some credibility to is the RIP alteration theory. This theory is like the last in that they survive, but the result is different. Rather than continue and experience a residual failure, the thought is that the specific uniformity of these fluctuations causes the RIP trajectory to alter slightly. With no ability onboard to readjust the course, the crew would fire into an unknown destination.” Torrin said. “All of these scenarios would lead to the readings we discover. Uniform fluctuations, loss of contact, ship lost, and no trace.”
“So, every theory is negative?” Melissa nodded out of frustration.
“Not all, but most. The positive ones tend to stray into the supernatural, I don’t pursue them.” Torrin continued. “The results are unanimously negative when we detect fluctuations such as these, as a result the theories reflect that.”
“Supernatural, Like what?” Kris wanted to probe other options. She had often been described as having supernatural capabilities with her surgically implanted rift. Capabilities beyond current understanding are often described as supernatural.
“Like the first one, an intelligent rift selectively taking ships to a secret dimension, or the idea that a god approaches them to take them into its bosom. There are numerous theories covering a wide variety of Vryl myths and legends.” Torrin turned to face Kris as he responded.
“All this leads me to believe we need to be up there and on-site as soon as possible. Maybe there is a trace if we arrive sooner than five years.” Melissa became more urgent in her words, pressing the point. “All of your rescue efforts were limited by your government, preventing a prompt response.”
“There were several events in this category in which we arrived shortly after the disappearance. The results were the same.” Torrin returned his attention to the general. “I apologize if my assessment isn’t something you want to hear.”
Melissa took a breath and looked up at the ceiling of the room. “I understand you have experience with this, but we have to assume they are still out there and need our help. The alternatives are unacceptable. It’s my understanding that the Vryl refuse to RIP into open space. I believe we could substantially cut down on our arrival time by utilizing the FYRA’s Rip capability. We will know for sure what we can do once the Triumvirate makes its decision. At any rate, I would like to have a team heading that direction as soon as possible.”
“Understood, I look forward to the opportunity to personally investigate a uniform rift disappearance, pending your approval.” Torrin seemed to accept Melissa’s suggestion of using the FYRA’s RIP capability to arrive at the last point of contact.
“You seem well versed on the subject and a worthwhile addition.” Melissa went on. “We need the best onboard to ensure success.”
Kris raised an eyebrow at the general’s words. She was openly pledging support for the addition of the Vryl crewmember. Kris wasn’t exactly sure what Melissa was up to but trusted her enough to give her the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps the Vryl refusing to object to the use of RIP travel was enough to warrant her approval.
“I couldn’t recommend him any higher.” Niri said as she gave the general a nod.
Niri seemed to have explicit faith in Torrin. Was it possible that a Vryl was willing to go against the wishes of his people? Niri was close to Torrin in a way no other human was. It was possible that she had already discussed the option with him. Kris was running through several scenarios in her head before the general spoke again.
“I will make sure to get that approved, welcome aboard the FYRA team, Torrin. We are lucky to have you.” Melissa gave Niri a look of concern. Niri once again nodded to reassure her.
“It will be my pleasure.” Torrin bowed slightly in response to the honour.
“Council is about to meet.” Kris blurted out as she felt the message enter her mind. “Lest is on his way down here, get the feed on the main viewer.”
“We have the feed out in the main observation room.” Niri said. “We got it ready as soon as the news spread.”
The four of them moved into the adjacent room where one of the primary viewers was dedicated to the meeting. The live feed was showing the Triumvirate entering the council chambers with Zuryk still at their side. The Vryl’s presence at the debate didn’t bode well for their mission.
“They included the Vryl for this discussion?” Paul asked from his comms seat at the front of the room.
“There is a Vryl onboard the ship, they have a right to add their input.” Niri said. Clearly, she had grown close to Torrin as she snapped at the comms officer.
“I just didn’t see when they made that decision.” Paul clarified.
“It was earlier today, I think you were out when they reported it. Setu made an official request to include Zuryk in the talks.” A voice summarized the situation for everyone. It was Lest, he had arrived just in time for the council to begin. “Once Zuryk was included, the injunction was implemented until a decision could be reached regarding RIP travel.”
The sound on the viewer was a little quiet. Some voices could still be heard discussing earlier headlines. “Increase the volume” Melissa interrupted the faceless voices, commanding silence.
“Yes, one second.” Paul replied from his seat at the front. With a few swipes of his panel the audio erupted from the room’s intercom system. “Rerouted through our speakers here.”
The sound was immediately grating on everyone’s nerves as the voice of Jorun Firk began the proceedings.
Firk was standing in front of his seat at the official Triumvirate council table. “We all know the situation and are well versed in the subject matter of this meeting. Shall we skip the pleasantries and get to the vote?” Firk said, dismissive as always.
“This is a council for debate, the vote is not scheduled for today.” Sobune rebutted Firk’s attempt to dismiss the process.
“I agree with the representative from our lunar delegation. The vote is not our priority today.” Horst came to Sobune’s aid, pushing for debate.
The camera swung around between faces as they spoke. The broadcast was a public stream of the chambers but whoever was monitoring it was doing well. Firk was adorned in a gold trimmed white robe with a ridiculous hat that extended straight up from the middle of his head. It appeared to defy gravity and must have been secured in the back somehow. Horst and Sobune were both wearing the official Triumvirate uniform; a sim
ple robe with a modest hat. Sobune was wearing green and Horst was wearing blue.
Traditionally, the Mars representative would wear red. Firk was not one for ceremony. His white robes were all but transparent to everyone in the room. His attempt to elevate himself above his peers was shallow and uninspired.
Live tracking of population support would accompany the stream as always. Official polls and questions would be asked across all platforms and streams. The results were calculated and tabbed into a single overarching poll that would be consistent across any medium. Firk’s outfit was the first subject to hit the feed. It was a form of entertainment to keep audiences engaged in fundamental processes of their government.
“What is that idiot thinking, wearing that?” Paul threw his arms up, pointing at the giant screen in front of him. “Sorry for the language, I still don’t understand how he is there.”
“You would be surprised how much power the southern regions of Marsul have. One of my first tours as a peacekeeper was in Martonne as Marik pushed northeast.” Lest often talked about his time deployed on Mars.
“Was it really that bad? I always hear people talk about it, but it was over thirty years ago now, shouldn’t we have some official reports about it yet?” Niri questioned.
“Who said it ended?” Lest cryptically mocked Niri’s optimism.
They all turned their attention back to the feed as the first poll results poured in. Firk’s outfit had received an overwhelmingly negative opinion. Even on Marsul itself they saw it as disrespectful.
“They may have voted him in but even they have their limits.” Melissa moved into the center of the room for a better look at the proceedings.
“They’re okay with bringing back monetization of trade but a gold hat is too far. Seems counterintuitive.” Niri shrugged at the results.
The council was still struggling to begin the debate. It was such a clear waste of time with Firk playing an obstructionist. He was doing his best to obfuscate the issue by focusing on the validity of the debate itself.
“All I am saying is we don’t need to waste everyone’s time with an extended three-day debate. We know the issue, we have all the information, we should vote.” Firk asserted once more.”
Firk was clearly confident in the Vryl’s attitude toward the FYRA RIP authorization. He wanted to get the votes on record. The opening statements illustrated Sobune’s approval of the mission. Whether that was through sheer spite of Firk or genuine belief, only she knows. Horst was a different story; he was sitting on the fence regarding the issue. He stated that he held the Vryl alliance in the highest regard. Firk, sensing that weakness, kept hounding the prospect of an early vote.
“Horst seems like he might flip on Sobune. He might side with Firk.” Lest worried. “His phrasing seems much weaker than Sobune’s.”
“I see that, must be why Firk is pushing so hard for a vote. He knows that worst case he has the Vryl for a tie. With Horst talking like this, he might even get lucky and end the whole thing today three to one against Sobune.” Melissa voiced the concerns being felt throughout the room. Everyone seemed on edge as the debate went on.
“Don’t be so sure about Zuryk’s belief, he hasn’t said a word yet.” Torrin pointed out the noticeable silence of the Vryl member.
“The Vryl have already made their stance clear, I thought?” Kris assumed it was common knowledge that the Vryl openly opposed open space RIP conclusions.
“The ship that went missing is ninety percent human occupied, the rescue ship would have been all human, before I volunteered. They have recently felt like they are overstepping their authority on the matter.” Torrin provided some insight.
His words were a revelation to everyone in the room. The Vryl had voiced their opinion on this matter very clearly and publicly. It was astonishing to hear him announce their new stance so casually. Kris could hear the room erupt with emotion, Gasps and sighs permeated the air. It was as if the room couldn’t decide between relief or disbelief. If neither the admiral nor the general was aware of this, there was a chance Firk was depending on a vote that might not even be there. The room refocused on the debate with a renewed interest.
“Is there any way to tell Sobune to accept the vote? For all we know we could have the flight approved within the hour.” Paul spoke up from the front of the room.
“There are no communications allowed within the chamber. It is a candid debate. Before the comm ban, representatives would monitor polls and shift drastically to accommodate the population. To facilitate a more honest debate, it was banned.” Melissa said. “While representing the population is the end goal, we require diligent criticism.”
The council appeared to be drawing ever closer to a vote as Firk continued to push Horst.
“We have all the information we need to make our decision on this matter. Our words merely encircle us. We can vote now and potentially settle this. If it ends in a stalemate, then we can continue as we are until a decision is reached. If we receive a definitive result from the vote, then we have saved hours, days even.” Firk was using all of his allotted time to relentlessly push for the vote.
“I second the vote” Horst said. Sobune looked surprised at first but settled quickly. Perhaps Horst was simply trying to reach the stalemate of two versus two so Firk would shut up.
“I abstain from the decision to vote.” Zuryk stepped aside, allowing the Triumvirate members to approve the vote or not.
For the council to stop a debate and push a vote it required the approval of all three members. This ensured that a topic could not be removed simply due to majority.
“We shall vote.” Sobune reluctantly gave in to Firk and his childish ranting.
With a unanimous decision, all three primary members of the Triumvirate pushed to take the RIP issue to vote. With Zuryk abstaining, that was all they needed to begin voting on the prospect.
“The representative of Mars and greater Marsul votes to prohibit the use of the FYRA RIP engines in the matter surrounding the ISO disappearance.” Firk voted first, passionately stating his view.
“The representative from Earth votes to approve the use of RIP engines.” Horst’s decision to stay true to Sobune was a relief to Kris. For a few moments, it seemed like he may be weakening his stance on the subject.
“The representative from the Lunar delegation votes to approve the use of RIP engines.” Sobune concurred with Horst.
A stalemate was the worst outcome for Sobune and Horst at this point, so they had nothing to lose. They had security in their position and were prepared to reinitiate the debate, free from Firk’s distractions.
“The representative of Setu votes to approve the use of RIP engines.” Zuryk’s words were so sudden, and his translator stripped it of any emotion.
The room surrounding Kris had a delayed reaction. Confusion and disbelief quickly gave way to excitement. Cheers muffled the live stream as an animated Firk confronted the Vryl representative.
“Quiet!” Melissa yelled. “I want to hear the official decision.”
The room immediately fell silent. Although it wasn’t an order, the sincerity in her voice gave it a power all its own. Everyone reined in their excitement and once again turned their attention to the council meeting.
“How can you go against your entire population after so little debate, this is a disgrace, you are a disgrace.” Firk was enraged by what had just happened. His smug attitude had only compounded the effects of his inevitable failure.
“I was sent to represent Setu for a reason. This has been a topic of much debate amongst our people. Although we shared the technology with you, it is unrealistic and overbearing of us to hold you to a standard we chose to uphold. The ISO has gone missing with nine human lives onboard but only one Vryl accompanies them. The FYRA will have a similar compliment. It is our belief that given the circumstances, you should be free to decide. Words I heard in these very chambers earlier today gave me pause. Your general Melissa Lorn said, ‘I believe risking po
tential life is acceptable if it means there’s a chance to save confirmed life.’ Her words provided a nuance to a situation we have considered black and white for generations.” Zuryk defended his position to defy Firk’s intentions.
The room turned to face Melissa. Everyone was inspired by her passion and her words.
“Well said.” Lest nodded his head at the general.
The live stream once again centered on Holli Sobune. “By a vote of three to one, the RIP vessel FYRA has been cleared for launch. The use of the RIP engines has been authorized.”
“We wish the crew a safe journey.” Horst nodded in approval.
“Take care.” Firk struggled to veil his disgust.
“We hope for the safe return of all crew members aboard the ISO and the FYRA. Good luck on your journey.” Zuryk echoed the sentiments of the human panel.
Kris was stunned; all the running around in the shadows was irrelevant. They had succeeded through official means and the FYRA would be launching very soon. Speed was the only uncertainty now. When the whole operation was covert, the prospect of experimenting with speed increases felt like a simple addition. Now that RIP engines had been approved, deviating from official procedure felt substantial.
“We better get going. Is Torrin approved?” Niri asked.
“Yes, all crew are approved and accounted for, continue prep for launch.” Melissa was holding the data pad after approving all members for FYRA launch.
The room dispersed as everyone returned to their roles. Engineers scrambled back into the data room to continue reviewing every tiny piece of what the ISO commander had sent. Niri, Torrin, and Kris all ran to join the rest of the crew in prep. Melissa and Lest remained in the main comms room with Paul to stay in touch with the team.
It was an unlikely scenario that was suddenly thrust upon Kris. She was prepared to launch later in the week and receive a court martial later that year. Now here she was nearing the launch with no reprimand in sight. It was happening; her dream of going out into deep space was coming true. The FYRA was go for launch.