Harvest End

by Max Dane

  “Captain, it means that something very interesting is happening to this ship. I recommend we run a primary-level, ship-wide diagnostic immediately. Maybe we’re venting gas or water. Either would be bad. Also, we need to walk the ship and look for anything unusual.”

  Cervenko nodded, “Yes, of course Alex. Bowman, please send the order to everyone.”

  “Yes, sir,” said Bowman nodding, “but Captain, we’re still on course back the way we came, through the jump point to the Bunda Colony. Shouldn’t I stop the ship while we search?”

  Cervenko had been in worse situations, there was no reason to panic now. Stopping the ship was the worse thing they could do. Even if they were venting oxygen into space, they still had more than enough to make it to a good repair yard. The doctor wanted to find the leak, and that was fine. But even if they did find it, it might not be repairable without work from the outside. Yes, the best thing they could do now would be to get the ship to the shipyards at New Rome.

  “No, there is no reason to stop right now. Just past Bunda, the Rigel system has very good shipyards. We will stay on course until we reach Rigel and make repairs in the ship yards over New Rome.”

  Bowman turned back to his console and studied the readout, “Then we need to make the walk-through quickly. We’ll reach the jump in less than two hours.”

  Alex studied data on the main screen, watching the numbers continue to change.

  Worried now, he thought, ‘But what could be venting from the ship that isn’t being detected by any of a hundred other sensors?’

  Canis Major, The Ajax

  “Prepare to jump in three, two, one.”

  The First Officer’s voice echoed through every deck and cabin of the Ajax. Captain Holt gripped the arms of his command chair, as the ship passed into the jump point and through the gravity fissure. Emerging on the far side, the navigation officer, Mr. Eton announced, “Captain, we have left the Canis system and entered the Sabik system. The colony of New Dublin is on the fourth planet from the star, and currently on the far side of the system from our current position. I show no traffic in the system ahead, and estimate one day to the next jump.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Eton,” said Finn adjusting to the leap back into normal space. Fleet statisticians had studied the effects of jumping through gravity fissures on humans. Everyone suffered from a momentary sense of being dizzy or dazed, some even fainted. It had something to do with the effect of the forces around the ship interacting with neural activity, bending the jumps of electrical energy across the surface of the brain. Finn had always prided himself on being the first one ready to act when they emerged. However, when the ship navigator, Mr. Mathis Eton, joined the crew, he found he was now number two. That man was alert the instant they came through. Although a little unnerving, it was a good quality to have in your bridge crew.

  “Commander, please take us to three quarters speed and take us to the next jump.”

  “Yes, sir.” Micha directed the pilot and navigator, and then returned to Finn.

  “Captain, the next jump will take us into the Cetus Beta star system. Do you want to run another drill?”

  “No, Commander, but have the crew prepare for a standard jump into hostile territory. We will enter first, ascertain the safety of the far side and then send a probe back to alert Dr. Layton’s crew to follow.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The commander issued directives and sent the appropriate orders to prepare for the next jump. Meanwhile the Ajax hurtled through the system, accompanied by the science ship.

  Moments later, Commander Alwin returned to confirm that the Ajax was ready, and Dr. Layton had been advised of what to expect.

  “Also, Captain, the New Dublin colony has not responded to our hail. Should we set course for the colony?”

  Finn frowned; it was standard procedure for Earth Fleet vessels to announce their presence to the port authority of each colony as they passed. It was a custom intended to provide a sense of security and connectedness to each colony. For them to not acknowledge the hail was odd, but not unheard of. It didn’t happen often but it did happen. Out here, the colonies tended to operate at their own pace.

  “Please get me Dr. Layton on the comm.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Very quickly, the communications officer, Leila Banton had Dr. Layton on the big screen. He nearly always looked annoyed. Finn sighed; this time was no different.

  “Yes, I’m here, Captain Holt. Is there something I can help you with?”

  “Doctor Layton, is there anything you might need in New Dublin?”

  Layton frowned, “No, Captain, not a thing, why?”

  “The colony has not responded to our passing hail, and I would be agreeable to a short visit with the local port authority if we had a reason to go there.”

  “No, Captain, I have no reason, and I would remind you that we are on a strict timetable. One that we have both agreed upon.”

  “Yes, Doctor, I know. Very well, let us continue on to the jump. Holt out.”

  The screen returned to the forward view as the ship flew onwards.

  He turned to the first officer, “Make a note in the log, Commander, we’ll report the point on our return.”

  Commander Alwin was nodding as she made notes on the tablet she was carrying.

  “Also, Commander, when we emerge, I would like to immediately drop down and move behind the jump point.”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  The new communications officer, Leila raised her hand.

  Finn said, “Leila, you have a question?”

  “Yes, Captain, I don’t understand. Why do you want to move behind the jump point? The ship’s communications will be scrambled behind the gravity distortion of the jump.”

  Before Finn could answer, Commander Alwin said, “That’s precisely the reason, Lieutenant. If hostile ships did attack the colony, they might still be there, and that means they might be guarding the jump point. By moving behind the jump, the gravitational distortion of the fissure can refract lasers, and offset their aim. It could buy the Captain time to assess the situation and react.”

  Finn smiled, he picked well when he chose Micha Alwin as his first officer. “Well said, Commander, thank you. Now, let's get things in order, our next jump will be when things get fun.”

  The Ajax sped across the system and away from New Dublin.

  “Commander, I’m going to get some rest before we jump. I’ll be in my cabin if you need me.” Commander Alwin was explaining to someone on the science ship the protocol for intercepting the communications probe. She nodded but didn’t stop her dialogue with the other ship. Finn stood up and made his way to his quarters. His father had always said, ‘If you’re going into battle, get some rest if you can; it may be your last for a while.’

  Whether or not there turned out to be a battle with dissident ships over Madras, he couldn’t guess. But with the information Layton had brought, he anticipated some sort of trouble in the Cetus system. Entering his stateroom, he thought, ‘One way or the other, we’ll find out in the next twenty-four hours.’

  Rigel Star System, New Rome

  The Planet Steward for the colony, Flavius Corvus, shook his head. The reports that were at first a nuisance were now growing alarming, and more so by the minute. First it was the water purification dome, followed by the bio-crops restoration tanks and now the central port authority was having trouble keeping the landing facilities powered. From everywhere across the colony came stories of failing systems.

  They all indicated that something was degrading the integrity of their mechanical and electrical hardware. Locally, they had already given it a name. They were calling it ‘the scourge’. His own cousin Rufius Salice, had practically begged for help when his electronics factory had been identified with the problem. Apparently the entire factory had been decimated virtually overnight. Now, this ‘scourge’ was being identified in several places, and it was quickly becoming evident that the whole colony was at risk.


  And now he’d just received a missing persons list from the Security Office. More than a hundred people missing, and the chief thought there were probably more that hadn’t been reported yet. Flavius wasn’t sure what it meant, or even what exactly was happening, but it was too much all at once to ignore any longer.

  They needed help.

  He called Director Bassus at the Port Authority. When the man’s face appeared on his screen, he looked bedraggled and frustrated. “Greetings, Planet Steward. Please excuse me, but we are very busy today. I only have a moment to spare.”

  Flavius ignored the man’s hurried response. “Director Bassus, you will take as much time as is necessary to hear me out. As the Planet Steward, my direction supersedes all others, especially in times of emergency. Is that understood? I have information that may add dimension to what you are experiencing.”

  The Director looked stung, but still in control. “Yes, Steward Corvus, please forgive me.”

  “Of course, Director Bassus; now, please listen carefully. What you are experiencing is a symptom of something we do not yet understand, but the effects of which are now documented from points everywhere across the colony. Understand me, Director, our survival is rising in significance by the hour.”

  The Director’s face was ashen, but stable. “Yes, Steward Corvus, what would you have me do?”

  “We must seek help immediately. Gather people you can trust, and send two ships for aid, the first through the jump to New Dublin, and the second in the opposite direction, through the jump to Bunda. I am transmitting a recording for them to deliver when they arrive at our neighbors. These ships must leave within the hour, Director. This is the highest priority you have, do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir,” he said, his mouth drawn tight, “it will be done immediately.”

  “Thank you, Director, contact me again when both ships have departed.”

  The director saluted and the screen went black. Flavius wiped his brow, and sat back in his chair. Outside he heard a small explosion from somewhere across the street, muffled cries and then silence followed.

  ‘If only there is time.’

  The Deneb Star System, the Juliet

  Bowman was running down the corridor leading to the cargo bay, stopping intermittently to look in each room he passed. Storage closets, maintenance rooms and equipment charging stations, they all seemed in order.

  Over the ship’s intercom, he heard the doctor’s voice.

  “Bowman, have you found anything?”

  He didn’t stop running; the cargo hold was just ahead. “No, Doctor, not yet. But to be honest, I don’t really know what I’m looking for.”

  “Neither do I, but I think it will be evident.”

  “Thanks, that’s a lot of help.”

  “Time’s running short, Bowman.”

  “I know, Doctor, thank you for reminding me, Bowman out.”

  He opened the door to the last closet and stepped inside. Holding his breath and listening carefully, he waited for some sign of trouble, anything that might reveal why they were losing mass.

  But nothing was there, not a clue of any kind. If there were anything venting into space on the port side of the ship, he would have found it. This room, just like the rest, was normal in every way.

  Closing the door, Bowman turned and stepped across the hall and into the cargo bay. “Mr. Beck, Lukas, where are you?”

  From across the long bay floor, he saw Lukas stand up behind some pallets against the wall. “I’m here, Bowman; I’m nearly done.”

  Bowman walked quickly across the floor, catching his breath. “Please tell me you’ve found something.”

  “I’m sorry, Russell, I’ve been over the entire bay and I can tell you that it is completely secure. The sensors read that our pressure is holding and the air-scrubbers agree.”

  “There’s no chance you might have missed something, even a tiny leak might explain what’s going on.”

  “No, sir. There’s no mistaking it; I misted the entire room for a visual check but nothing moved. Russell, there’s nothing at fault here.”

  “Okay, thanks, Lukas. Please get with Sarah; she should be finishing up the crew’s cabins. Take her and make a run down the starboard side. And, Lukas, be quick about it.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Bowman wiped away the sweat from his face. “I’m headed to the kitchen and the Captain’s quarters. Alex has the lab.”

  Lukas nodded and ran off through an engineering service conduit. Bowman took a deep breath and headed back through the ship towards the kitchen.

  Alex had been over the lab twice, and was now making a third survey. Aside from the cargo bay, this was the largest room in the Juliet. Whoever had designed the ship had placed a great deal of emphasis on research, building a lab area that could house even some of the larger pieces he’d brought with him. This room was what first attracted him to the Juliet. Not to mention his long-time friendship with Cervenko. Now though, the lab presented a complex and problematic area to secure. Equipment and power conduits virtually obscured the walls and ceiling. Still though, the sensors indicated no change in pressure, and the water and gas lines all read normal. His last test was to set up motion detectors and read their output. Any venting would make subtle air currents readable by them, at least in theory.

  Abruptly, Sarah’s voice sounded over the communication interface in his lab. “Doctor, the crew’s quarters are secure. Mr. Beck and I are now making our way down the starboard side.”

  “Very good, Sarah, keep me posted.”

  He went back to the motion detectors and plugged in the last one. ‘That should do it,’ he thought as he raced back to his office. Activating the routine he’d set up earlier, the readout began to post to his screen. Moments passed, and the results were negative. He frowned, the answer had to be here. How is the ship losing mass, with nothing being sensed? He walked to the comm panel near the door.

  “Bowman, the lab is clear.”

  “I hear you, Doctor, so is the kitchen. I’m moving on to the Captain’s quarters- ”

  Bowman’s transmission was cut short by a loud crash.

  Alex thought he could hear him cursing, “Bowman, what was that? Are you all right?”

  Seconds passed; silence.

  “Bowman?”

  “Y-Yes, I’m here. I’m okay.”

  “Bowman, I heard some sort of a loud crashing or banging sound, what happened?”

  “I was running, and I tripped on the environmental seal outside the kitchen.”

  “Well, be careful and report back when- ”

  “Doctor, wait. Come here, I think you need to see this.”

  “What is it?”

  “Just come, Doctor, and bring something to take samples. And you better hurry.”

  Curious, Alex shut down the motion detectors and ran across the lab floor. He picked up a small hand carrier and tossed a box of sample bags, and gloves inside. Locking the case he ran out of the lab and quickly made his way to the kitchen. When he arrived he found Bowman crouching on the ground, holding what looked like a large piece of metal.

  “Doctor, you’re here. Come look at this.”

  Alex walked over and crouched down next to him. Bowman held up the metallic piece and pointed to the seal around the door. Alex’s eyes followed the seal around and to the top, where there was a large, jagged gap. The piece he held obviously came from that spot.

  “Bowman, that seal is molded from a high grade, reinforced nano-plate steel. It would survive even if the Juliet blew up around us.”

  “I know, Doctor, but it broke off when I ran into it. And watch this.” Alex stared in disbelief as Bowman crushed the edge of the piece in his hand. It seemed to collapse to sand as he squeezed. The particles streamed though his fingers to the ground.

  “Bowman, put it down.”

  Bowman set it on the ground and backed away. Alex opened his case, and put on the gloves from inside. He took out a handful of sample bags,
and carefully scooped the powdery sand inside.

  “I’m going to take a look at this, go clean yourself up.”

  “Yes, Doctor, should we call off the search?”

  “No, go ahead and complete the search. I’ll be in the lab. Come see me when you’re done.”

  Bowman nodded and headed off down the corridor.

  Alex closed the case and ran back to the lab.

  This was something they had missed.

  Fear began to tighten his chest.

  Sarah and Lukas finished the last storage room along the starboard side of the Juliet. So far everything seemed normal. “Bowman, Dr. Stiles, we’ve completed the survey of the starboard side. What’s next?”

  “Sarah, this is Bowman, please return to the bridge, I’m wrapping up the captain’s quarters and I’ll be there shortly. When you get there, please get me a read on how much time we have until the jump.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Bowman looked around Cevenko’s personal dining room. Just like the other rooms, this one appeared normal as well. By now he didn’t expect to find anything. Whatever was happening, he was certain it had to do with the degraded seal outside the kitchen. He stepped back into the corridor, and closed the door. Quickly he made his way to the ship’s lab.

  Alex placed the samples into his microscope array and powered up the unit. Moving quickly to his desk, he initiated the scanning sequence and sat back to watch.

  Bowman walked in and sat down behind him.