Harvest End

by Max Dane

  “I plan to talk to anyone who will listen. I think I can help; I may be the only witness to the fall of the colonies along Orion’s arm. Their stories need to be heard.”

  “Sure, I expected that, Alex, but I meant afterwards. Do you have a family, some place to go?”

  “The Juliet was my family.”

  Quiet moments passed. The ship’s hum the only sound, permeating the room. It was a comforting sound that Finn knew by heart. It wasn’t very long before Alex heard Finn finally fall asleep. Carefully, he left, making his way back to the medical bay. In the morning they would arrive at the next jump. Hopefully, they would find help in New Brazil.

  The next morning found Finn on the bridge with the bridge crew making the usual jump preparations. “Commander, when we come through in the Canis system, I want to take up position as near to the jump point as we can. I won’t risk spreading the nanotech organisms to New Brazil.”

  “Yes, Captain, I understand.”

  “How close are we to being ready?”

  “We need two minutes to lock down the mech storage bay.”

  “Very well, Lieutenant Banton, please put me on the ship’s comm. I have something I want to say.” Making quick adjustments to her control panel, she turned back to Finn and nodded.

  “Attention, crew of the Ajax, this is your captain. We have returned from what was supposed to be a simple escort mission. But what we found was a world destroyed by some kind of contagion. The science vessel we were to protect has been destroyed, and the worlds we have seen on our way back, appear to have fallen as well. It is certain the mission we set out on, is not the one we expected. I wanted to say that each of you has served with excellence, and I am fortunate to have had such an outstanding ship and crew.”

  “As you know, the Ajax has been contaminated with the nanotech organisms. How long she will last is not certain, but we must remain cool and steady. I don’t know how long it will take to get help, so stay alert. It is our duty to prevent any contamination of New Brazil or any vessel in the system. I doubt they are aware of what we’ve seen, and I intend to stay by the jump point and wait while we communicate what we know. We’ve kept the kites away from the Ajax, and as far as we can tell they are free of any contamination. If necessary, I will order our escape to the kites, and we will make our way from there.”

  Finn leaned back and took a deep breath, “May the wind be with us as we find our way home. Captain out.”

  He turned to Micha, “Commander, just set down next to the jump, out of the way when we arrive. I don’t know how long we’ll have to wait to get help.”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  “Very well, Commander, take us through.”

  The Ajax moved slowly forward until it reached the point of gravity shearing. The singularity drive engaged, nudging the forces around them to open, and instantly the ship was pulled through the slipstream. The Ajax emerged within a brilliant display of photons released from the conversion of matter and energy along the shear. Seconds passed quickly as Finn regained his senses. A voice was talking to him, loudly. He shook his head trying to understand what they were saying.

  “Captain, look. Captain.” It was the navigator, Mathis Eton; he was pointing at the view screen. “Captain!”

  The world slowed down, and the bridge came into focus.

  Ahead of them an entire fleet stood in the way.

  “Captain, they are hailing us.”

  “Put them on, Lieutenant.”

  “ATTENTION EARTH FLEET DESTROYER, AJAX. THIS IS THE EARTH FLEET COMMAND SHIP, THE SHIVA. YOU WILL POWER DOWN YOUR WEAPONS AND PROPULSION SYSTEMS OR BE DESTROYED. YOU HAVE SIXTY SECONDS TO COMPLY.”

  Finn looked from Micha to Mr. Eton, “Maybe we won’t have to wait very long, after all.”

  Chapter 6

  “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”

  - Marcus Aurelius

  Two weeks had passed since Finn and the crew of the Ajax had returned. It turned out that Captain Ben Hollister, a friend and classmate of Finn’s, had been promoted to Fleet Commander of the group waiting by the jump point. Finn had been taken by surprise when they questioned him about dissident involvement in New Dublin. Apparently, when communications were lost with the outer colonies, someone decided the dissidents had raised a fleet and were responsible. Earth Fleet had responded by assembling a blockade at the jump, in Canis Major. At least a dozen warships were present with more capital ships reporting to duty every day.

  Finn and the crew had been shuttled to an intermediate ship where they had been quarantined, sterilized, and processed through to a government vessel where the interviews would be conducted. He glanced at his ring, the vestment of a Captain. Sadly, he removed it and slipped it into his pocket.

  “Captain, there’s no reason for that,” it was Lieutenant Commander Silvan Noles, the investigator of what they had officially titled ‘the Madras Affair.’ Noles was entering Finn’s cabin to resume hearing testimony.

  “I have no ship, Mr. Noles; therefore, I am no longer a captain.”

  “Yes, I read the account of your quarantine immediately upon arrival. Apparently Fleet Commander Hollister believed your ship to be contaminated and a threat to the well-being of the inhabitants of New Brazil. After your crew was safely brought on board, the Ajax was destroyed, and the space around it burned. And to be thorough, Hollister did the same to the quarantine ship you all passed through on your way here.”

  “That’s correct,” said Finn, emotionless and weary of the questions, “and if I were in his position I would have done the same. I don’t blame Ben; the risk was too great.”

  “Nevertheless, Captain Holt, you hold your rank and have every right to wear any associated accoutrements. This investigation is wrapping up, and I have found nothing to indicate anything that might jeopardize your current standing. In fact, I must say that your actions would seem to be most appropriate given the extreme circumstances.”

  Finn nodded, but the sting of watching the Ajax destroyed still burned in him. He imagined it probably always would. When he didn’t respond or make any move to put the ring back on, Mr. Noles set his things down and began again.

  “Captain Holt, this is our last session. Everything certainly seems to be in order. The testimony from your officers and ship's logs corroborate your account, and I believe I now understand what happened. I only wanted to visit with you once more to ask your opinion of Dr. Julian Yates and Dr. Alex Stiles.”

  “What about them?”

  “Dr. Yates is now a controversial figure before both the Science Council and Earth Fleet. He seems to have betrayed Dr. Janos Layton when he abandoned ship and joined the crew of the Ajax. Authorities in the Science Council do not yet agree on the actions of Janos Layton, and the future of Dr. Yates is in question. How would you characterize his actions, Captain Holt?”

  “Julian was the single voice of reason within Layton’s officers. When Layton refused to return with us, I requested a copy of the investigation’s data logs. Layton refused again. You must understand that both of our ships had been infected with the organisms, and systems were beginning to fail. Layton’s ship was much farther along than the Ajax, and the mechanical problems were very pronounced. I asked Julian to bring a copy of Layton’s data because I believed it to be our highest priority. Julian agreed and that is how he came to be included among the Ajax crew. I would also point out that he was able to modify the sensors on one of our kites, thereby allowing a very important scan of the New Dublin colony.”

  “I think I understand, Captain. And what about Dr. Stiles? He seems to be taking responsibility for the destruction of several colonies along the jump-path we call Orion’s Arm. Do you think he’s responsible as he says?”

  “Alex is one of the bravest and most resourceful people I have ever met. I think he discovered that his ship, the Juliet, had spread the contagion from Madras, and the idea that he could play a part in something so ho
rrible drove him mad for a while. He survived aboard an automated maintenance ship when most people I know would have given up or died. But Alex wouldn’t let go until he could tell his story. I think he should be honored.”

  Noles nodded and collected his things. As he stood to leave, he said, “Captain Holt, I understand that Fleet Rear Admiral Jacob Radke arrived this morning and has been waiting for me to finish here so that he could visit with you. May I send him in?”

  Finn nodded and stepped across the room to look out the cabin window. From this point he could see the planet turning below. New Brazil was just coming into view over the horizon. He heard the whoosh as the door opened. Turning around at attention, he waited in grim silence for the inevitable meeting.

  Radke entered and stepped up to Finn, looking him over as he might with any mission failure. “Captain Finn Holt, I am not happy to see you in this condition.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “The Ajax was a fine ship with a good crew. I sent you on an escort mission, and you’ve returned with your escort destroyed and without your ship. How does that feel, mister?!”

  “Not well, sir.”

  “No, of course it doesn’t. You lost your ship, Captain,” he said sternly. Then reaching out to Finn’s shoulder, in a somber voice he added, “Finn, remember this feeling; one day you may find yourself in my position. I think it’s important that you remember how this feels. It will help you mature as a commander.”

  Radke walked to the window next to him and said, “At ease, Finn, come here and look with me at New Brazil down there; isn’t it beautiful? Did you know that the colony of New Brazil has over ten million people living there? And my daughter and her family live there as well. It’s a beautiful place with a warm climate and water so blue you’d swear you were on Earth.”

  “I’m sorry, sir, I don’t understand… ”

  “Finn, the price was high, and for that I am sorry. But your actions and level head may have saved those people from a terrible death. And maybe the colonies that follow it as well. No one knew what was happening until you made it back. If Ben’s battle group had pushed through the jump, as they were ordered to do by me, their entire fleet would have probably been contaminated and consequently forfeit, just like the Ajax,” he said earnestly adding, “By the way, Ben wanted me to send his regrets as well as his sincere appreciation for your timely information.”

  “Thank you, Sir. I understand what you’re saying.”

  “Very good, Finn. I can’t stay; we have a lot going on. I know that you are a captain without a ship, but rest assured it will not be that way forever.” He grabbed Finn by the hand and pulled close enough to hug. “You will come through this just fine, Finn.”

  Stepping away, Radke saluted and said, “Captain Finn Holt, I hereby order you and your crew to remain at Fleet Headquarters in New Brazil for the period of one month; during which time you are to rest and gather yourself into a presentable state.” Smiling he added, “I couldn’t possibly offer another command to any officer in such a sorry state. Get it together, man.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Finn saluted and tried to smile as Radke turned and left. It was and it wasn’t the speech he’d been expecting. He had no ship, and he was now effectively out of commission for a month. Sullen, Finn watched the colony on the planet rotating below. Radke was right; there were a lot of beaches.

  Three weeks had passed since the crew of the Ajax had been sequestered on New Brazil. Alex had regained twenty pounds and was sporting a respectable tan. Of all the planets the Fleet might have held them on, this was a good one, much better than most. It had been years since he was on a real beach, and not one to second-guess how he got so lucky, he decided to enjoy it. This morning he was about to try hover-sailing for the first time with Commander Alwin. Together they stood with a group of tourists, waiting for their turn to fly.

  “I still don’t understand why you’re here, Dr. Stiles.”

  “I suppose Micha, because I arrived with the crew of the Ajax. And I know too much. It might cause a panic in the homeward colonies if they understood what they were up against.” He adjusted his harness and then looked over her’s. “And when are you going to start calling me Alex?”

  “So you say that you’ve already done this and survived?”

  “Well, I’m here aren’t I?”

  “Okay, Alex, apparently you’re one of us for now; I suppose I will have to trust you.”

  “That’s right,” he said smiling as he adjusted her buckles. Satisfied that the antigrav harnesses were properly fitted, they headed to the front of the group and got in line.

  “Alex, you said that they pull us from a boat at something close to 300 kilometers per hour?”

  “Yes, that’s right. It’s a hover boat, so it can go extremely fast across the surface of the ocean. Your harness will keep you aloft and connected to the boat with a magnetic tether. Once it starts, you’ll gain speed until eventually you peak and the sonic boom forms behind you. Oh, and Micha, remember to keep your arms and legs inside the magnetic canopy.”

  “Isn’t that dangerous?”

  “Only if you forget and stick your arms outside the canopy; you don’t want to wipe out at that speed.”

  The line moved up again, and she nodded, “I can do it, if you can, old man.”

  “Have you visited Finn?” she said, over the noise, watching the eager vacationers ahead and behind them, catcalling and cajoling one another. They all looked nervous.

  “Yes, he’s still holed up in the records center reading about the scourge. He seems to believe he might end up facing them again,” he paused, “He’s still angry.”

  She stepped forward again as another passenger was lifted away.

  “The Ajax was his life; think they’ll give him a new one?”

  “I hope so, but more than that I wish he’d get out here in the sun and start to heal.”

  She nodded and moved up again, noticing that he was wearing a full wetsuit. “Alex, you told me to wear a swimsuit; why are you wearing a full-body wetsuit.”

  “This is my swimsuit,” he said smiling. Looking down at her marginal two-piece, she began to have doubts. “Alex, maybe I better change, I could-”

  “Next!” It was the man operating the boat.

  Alex nudged her forward, “Too late now, Micha, it’s time to go.”

  “Digging her feet into the ground, she started to balk, but the crowd waiting behind them began hooting and jeering.

  “Oh, all right old man, if I die it’s your fault.” She turned around and handed the communicator tag from her harness, to the staff on the boat. “Keep your arms down and legs together,” was all they said to her. A moment later the driver nodded and the boat surged forward across the surface of the water. Micha shot into the air like a rocket.

  Alex waved.

  The couple behind him stepped up, and a young man leaned forward to say, “Excuse us, I may have heard you mention that you’ve done this already?”

  “That’s right, I went yesterday.”

  “My girlfriend was wondering if it was cold up there?”

  “Are you kidding? At over 328 kilometers per hour, it gets pretty cold. And the wind around the magnetic canopy can blow your suit right off. So you better tie up everything very well before you go.”

  “Okay, thanks mister.”

  He turned back as the next boat was coming into shore. He glanced at his watch,

  ‘Micha should just about be peaking anytime now.’ As he handed the man his communicator tag, he thought he could hear her yelling his name in the distance.

  He was still laughing when the boat took off.

  Finn sat alone at a table in the local Earth Fleet Hall of Records. In one stack he had books on nanotechnology and current methods of manufacturing. In another were journals of scientific literature, and still another had engineering manuals. Over and around them were logs and notes and transcribed data from Dr. Layton’s ship. Even Layton’s personal notes lay amidst the mount
ain of literature. He’d been here for weeks studying nanotech applications, determined to understand what had happened in Madras and to know the thing that had destroyed his ship. Trying to compare a proposed manufacturing method using nanotech tools, to a report from someone named Carter Barringer at Madras, he failed to notice the presence standing over his shoulder.

  “Ahem.” It was a woman; she was young.

  Without turning he stopped and looked up, rubbing his eyes. “Miko, I know you’re there.”

  The young woman stepped around and sat down next to him, and as she did a precariously stacked set of journals toppled over covering his table.

  “My father told me to make sure you didn’t sit and brood in your room the whole time.”

  “I’m not in my room.”

  “You’re also not enjoying our wonderful planet. Instead you sit here, alone and read these same books again and again. The people in your crew are having fun.”

  “Miko, you are pretty, smart, and friendly. Are you sure Jacob Radke is really your father?”

  She laughed, “I’m taking my daughters out to the turtle run tonight; you should come with us. Hundreds of Crystal Backs migrate to the ocean under the moon. It’s beautiful.”

  “Miko, what I really want, is to know what’s going on out there. The local news doesn’t say much, but I know there has to be a lot going on. I’m stuck here, without a ship.” He closed his book. “I feel forgotten.”

  Gesturing to the table she said, “And this is how you stay connected?”

  He nodded.