by Travis Sande
“What is the fastest any Vryl ship has gone?” Michael asked.
“We had experimental ships achieve eight times light. All of our efforts were never officially recognized by the Setu governmental authority. This is a momentous occasion in transportation efficiency, irrefutably demonstrated live.” Torrin confidently announced.
“How much time would it take to arrive at the ISO at twenty times speed?” Ohtom asked.
“Approximately forty-five days.” Torrin replied.
“A month and a half is a long time for a stranded ship, or worse.” Pamela expressed everyone’s thoughts.
“Ok, if you can push us beyond that safely, then do it.” Ohtom was out of his depth regarding this experimental speed and trusted Torrin to do it safely.
“Fifteen times has been reached. I will do my best to find our maximum speed in a safe manner.” Torrin reassured the commander.
Ohtom paused for a second and then attempted to coax more ambition out of Torrin. “I would like you to get our travel time to under a week if possible. We don’t know what state they’re in and I want to be there as soon as possible.”
“Under a week may not be possible. We would need to push nearly one hundred times light. Reaching theoretical limits may not be advisable under our current circumstances.” Torrin argued.
“I thought increasing speed once we were in transit was impossible.” Michael said. “How are you doing this, Torrin?”
“Not impossible, forbidden. It was seen as unsafe after a few less than ideal results. The Vryl governing body has been parading it as impossible ever since.” Torrin highlighted the influence of the Vryl government.
Kris found it strange that a society as advanced as the Vryl was still being hampered by an overreaching government. The perception that a more advanced race was without flaw was clearly short sighted. Torrin illustrated the issues faced by him as his companions currently studying RIP technology.
“Seems like a convenient way to suppress a population. So, everyone just dropped the idea?” Michael asked. “Why did they want to stop pursuing advancement anyway?”
“A few of us continued the research, but yes most of the population moved on.” Torrin continued. “I tried to convince Eilik to join our efforts. He always refused, saying it was a waste of time. Wish he could see this now.”
“You can show him the logs when we arrive.” Niri added. “I agree with Michael, why would Eilik of all people refuse to work on, and develop the technology?”
“Eilik dedicated his life to perfecting and understanding the rift. I believe he just didn’t see the value in RIP travel. He told me once that if the rift could be perfected, it would make all conventional forms of travel irrelevant. He believed that the rift could be used as a gateway. Nevertheless, I truly hope to see my old friend again and show him this progress.” Torrin gestured to the panel. “What we are doing here will cause a shift in dialogue all throughout Vryl civilization.”
“What’s our speed?” The commander interrupted them.
“Moving beyond twenty times now.” Excitement managed to permeate Torrin’s translator as he responded.
“This doesn’t seem experimental at all, you’re doing this effortlessly.” Greg spoke up, skeptical. “I was expecting complications simply exceeding five times light, here we are, beyond twenty, and it appears effortless.
“There is a group of us within the Vryl that have been working on this for a long time. I ensured that our entire team was stationed on Earth for the construction of the FYRA. This vessel is in possession of a wide array of experimental technology.” Torrin revealed the scope of the situation they were in.
The crew was silent in shock. This was the first time any of them were hearing of this, including the commander. Kris sat back in her chair, blown away by what she had just heard. The FYRA and its crew were caught in the middle of a political clash. She had always assumed Torrin would be pushing the limits of the established RIP engines. Finding out they were using entirely experimental technology was unsettling.
“Excuse me, what are you talking about?” Ohtom erupted over comms. “Are you implying this was planned by a splinter cell within the Vryl society?”
“There is no need for concern. It was quite fortuitous that you came to me with your proposition. We have parallel ambitions. You get to your crew much faster and we get to prove our technology.” Torrin continued. “Originally, we were going to attempt remote firing of the engines due to the fact there would be no Vryl presence onboard. The opportunity for me to join you affords the opportunity to keep a much closer eye on things.”
“Whether or not we have cause for concern, this is unsettling news, Torrin. I am sure you can empathize with that.” Ohtom pointed out. “The suggestion that you were prepared to implement this technology remotely is borderline terroristic.”
“I understand your confusion, but everything is under control.” Torrin continued. “I will do my job and you will all do yours. A moment ago, you were asking me to push over one hundred times light. Nothing has changed.”
“Why keep us in the dark?” Michael spoke up from behind Kris. “We trusted you with our plan.”
Torrin paused for second as Michael’s words sunk in. “Informing you of our intent was an entirely needless risk. Now that we are comfortably underway it is no longer a risk to inform you.” He attempted to dismiss the issue.
Silence came over the crew briefly. Kris agreed with Michael, it seemed like trust was only flowing one way in this relationship. She worried about what else the Vryl was hiding from them.
“There’s the risk that we would feel threatened and remove you from your position.” Ken was unimpressed with Torrin’s explanation.
“There would be no one to pilot the ship if you attempted that. The necessity of self-preservation would serve as my protection. Our goals align, I suggest we remain allies as we were when we embarked.” Torrin’s words started to seem almost threatening.
“Greg is a pilot, he has been trained in RIP travel.” Ohtom contradicted Torrin’s attempt at intimidation.
“He is most definitely trained, training that would be useful on a standard RIP vessel. My associates and I have made several modifications that will have rendered that training obsolete.” Torrin reaffirmed his confidence.
“Greg, take a look.” Ohtom ordered
“It looks standard to me, I don’t know what he is talking about. It would be a struggle, but I might be able to deconstruct what he has done and reverse it.” Greg rifled through his interface, searching for anything he didn’t understand.
“I ensure you that is impossible. All control systems were left with a standard interface to not raise suspicion. Your controls will operate nothing. The only available controls for the FYRA engine system rest with me. As I was saying, there is no reason for this to be hostile. We have similar goals and wish to aid you in your search.” Torrin proceeded. “My efforts to test the limits of RIP capability will only increase the chance of your mission’s success.”
The crew was becoming increasingly unsettled with every phrase uttered by the Vryl member amongst them. Kris felt that although their goals were aligned, that didn’t mean they were allies. The secrecy and arrogant defiance of his words belied the sentiment he was trying to express. Kris debated warning Melissa about the subterfuge currently taking place on the FYRA. She decided to restrain herself; the general would be incapable of helping in any case. If Torrin was somehow able to intercept the transmission, it could jeopardize the amicable interactions thus far.
“It’s difficult to consider you an ally when you inform us of our captivity.” Ken tried to relay the objectivity of their situation. Torrin wasn’t an ally if they had no choice regarding their course.
“Our mission remains the same, the only difference is the duration of the trip. Everything we are doing will benefit you. There’s absolutely no reason for us to be at odds.” Torrin plead with the crew to accept his terms.
“Torrin�
�� What is this?” Niri asked. Working closely with Torrin over the last several months, she seemed more personally offended than anyone else on the bridge.
“Nothing has changed, I simply respected all of you enough to elaborate on the situation. We need to move beyond this.” Torrin was defensive, clearly respecting Niri’s objection. “This opportunity has been in the making for decades. The full force of the Setu government has made every effort to prevent this knowledge from becoming public. Sacrificing the utmost discretion in favour of emotional wellbeing was not an option.”
“Are you assuming control of the FYRA?” Ohtom asked.
“I have no desire to commandeer this ship, I will conduct myself according to the position I was selected for." Torrin said. "It's a mutually beneficial situation."
As the crew debated the new circumstances with Torrin, Kris received another message from home. This message came directly from the general. Melissa said, "You are not in compliance with a planned directive. You will be subject to punishment upon return. I request confirmation of your desire to complete the recovery mission of the ISO.".
"The general wishes to confirm our desire to complete the recovery of the ISO." Kris went on, interrupting the unease. “She must be utilizing official channels to distance herself from our actions.”
"Confirm that." Ohtom said. "Inform her that the ship has been taken to experimental speeds as a direct order from me. If they want to come after anyone, let it be me."
Kris hesitantly crafted the message from the commander. Everyone onboard had given their consent for the mission and agreed to share in the punishment. Kris struggled with the idea of sending the sentiment. Once it was decrypted on Earth, it would be on record. She knew exactly what she was getting into and fought with the idea of absolving herself of wrong doing.
"Sir, you can't take the blame for this entirely yourself. We all agreed to it. This makes it sound like you have taken us hostage." Michael was the first to speak up.
"I don't want to hear another thing about it. We can discuss it once we are safely home with the crew of the ISO." Ohtom pushed on, leaving no time for rebuttal. "I won't have any single one of you lose your career over this. Torrin, let's get this out of the way now. Do we still have your loyalty regarding the crew and our mission?"
"Fully. I cannot emphasize enough how this is simply an overlap of priorities. My motives are not sinister nor dangerous. I simply wish to provide evidence of increased RIP capability." Torrin responded in a surprisingly passionate manner, his translator must have received some upgrades. Kris thought she could even hear some emotional charge in it.
"What was the plan if we never got onboard with the idea?" Niri voiced a hypothetical concern. She was right to question a scenario in which they were involuntarily along for this ride.
"We knew of the general's compromised state and began planting the idea through Niri a long time ago. With the addition of Zuryk to our team it was an inevitability. The intent to exceed known RIP capabilities would never have been accepted and was always intended as a deviation from operating procedure." Torrin expressed the plot he and his team undertook to get to this position.
"She isn't compromised, she did what anyone would do in her position and the vote proved that." Kris said, angry at the accusation that Melissa could have been manipulated.
"I understand you have a close relationship with her and I apologize for my assumption. This dialogue isn't helpful at all and I suggest we put it behind us." Torrin continued, trying to clarify. “Compromised may have been a poor choice of words. She was passionate about her wishes to come to the aid of the ISO, we saw that as an opportunity.”
"Enough!” The commander yelled. “For now, we focus on the mission and we can address this another time.” Ohtom attempted to refocus the crew. “Torrin, any further deception will not be tolerated. If there is anything else, tell us now. If there isn’t, we must regain focus to ensure the success of our mission. What is our current speed?"
"We have broken beyond thirty times light." Torrin confidently reported. “Still stable and increasing. FYRA engine capability is the extent of my covert operations within human society. I assure you that I am devoted to the success of this mission.”
"What do you expect the maximum to be?" Greg asked. “This all seems too easy for how far we are exceeding the perceived limits given to us by the Setu representatives.” Greg was the first to begin returning the dialogue to normal, forfeiting his offence to the revelation of FYRA’s capabilities.
"It's possible there is no limit, for now I am monitoring our stability and the moment it exceeds a comfortable level I will lower slightly and maintain." Torrin said. "Ideally I would like to exceed one hundred times light to accommodate the commander's request of under a week."
"Do what you can." Ohtom resigned himself to the fact that Torrin’s behaviour was dishonest but not necessarily nefarious.
"I am sorry for my part in this, I had no idea what was going on with this." Niri said to the crew.
"No need to apologize, Niri." Ohtom consoled her. “None of us were aware.”
Kris fought through some fog in her mental rift, receiving a new message from Human command. "The general would like everyone to know that we still have their complete confidence. Given the importance of our mission they would like to provide any support they can and delay all punishment until our return. She made it very clear that punishment still awaited." Kris kept her eyes closed while explaining the newest message. The fog within her interface was lingering even after the message was read.
"Understood and thank them on behalf of myself and the crew." Ohtom replied.
Kris once again entered her mental interface, preparing to send the commander’s appreciation. For a moment, her vision within the interface was obscured by the fog. She struggled to ignore it and just as she fought through, it vanished. Kris shook off the sensation and continued drafting the message. Although the fog was seemingly lifted, a slight amber hue began to overwhelm everything. It was the first time any prominent colour could be made out while she was operating the rift. Kris decided she would mention it to Pamela at their next meeting. "Sent." Kris said after finishing the message and sending it home.
"I know you said to leave it alone and I apologize, but can we expect any other surprises from you and your friends, Torrin?" Greg asked. “If we are all on the same page here, we need to end the dishonesty now.”
"As I have stated, RIP capability was our only goal. Our government has paraded falsehoods as fact for too long and we are exposing it. Any live broadcast on Setu has likely been terminated by now but the remaining Vryl within the human societies will be enough to start a wave to destabilize the corruption." Torrin explained in greater detail the plan for his cause.
"You make kidnapping us sound almost noble." Angela said, speaking up after remaining silent throughout the discussion.
"I apologize if you view me as your captor. It was never our intention to be seen that way." Torrin emphasized once more.
Torrin’s phrasing here bothered Kris. The way he interchanged the terminology ‘me’ and ‘our’ within the same thought seemed awkward. After a moment of thought, she decided it could easily be explained as a subtle translation error. She was shaken up by the revelation Torrin had laid on them just now and perhaps she was overanalyzing the situation.
"This is the final warning. Our mission is clear, I will no longer tolerate speculation or bickering." Ohtom once again broke the dialogue. “We may be a rogue crew, but I am still in command.”
Kris appreciated commander Ohtom’s attempt to restore order onboard. Accusations were flying wildly at Torrin. Whether justified or not, they were irrelevant at the moment.
"We are approaching fifty times light. At our current speed we will arrive in approximately eighteen days." Torrin reported the astonishing numbers.
"That's incredible, we are moving at ten times the speed of the ISO. This capability will change everything." Greg’s voice was
enthusiastic as he quantified what they were doing.
"We hope." Torrin succinctly responded.
"Are we stable?" Ohtom asked. “Is this the maximum you can sustain?”
"Yes, I have stabilized us at fifty times speed." Torrin answered. “It’s possible we could exceed this, but I am not comfortable adding any additional risk.”
"Inform the general of our situation, we are eighteen days out from the location." Ohtom accepted their result with pride. “Well done, Torrin.” It was odd to see the commander thanking Torrin. He was dedicated to putting the trouble behind them, leading by example.
"Got it." Kris said as she closed her eyes and initiated a message back home. The interface was more familiar this time, no complications or distractions.
"Everyone is free to move about the ship." Ohtom ordered the all clear, freeing the crew from their restraints on the bridge.
The crew removed their safety harnesses and breathed a collective sigh of relief. They had pushed the limits of RIP technology. Their concern seemed almost unwarranted after witnessing the ease in which Torrin was able to manage this.
Kris unbuckled herself and stood up. Stretching to free up the muscles that had been tightened for the extended launch window. She looked around the room and saw concern on the faces of her fellow crew members. Just then, Niri came over direct comms to her suit.
"I don't know what to think about Torrin anymore." Niri admitted her apprehension. She was the one closest to Torrin and was obviously hurt by this afternoon’s revelation.
"I think it's almost a blessing. Our biggest hurdle was going to be gaining his support for our idea. Now we know he has a stake in this too. I understand he went about it in an underhanded way, but we should just be grateful we had his support." Kris tried to be optimistic about their situation. Both for herself and Niri’s benefit.
"I guess you're right, it just changes the mood. I need to stop looking at the situation so negatively." Niri said. "I will see you back there once you leave the bridge."