Harvest End

by Max Dane

  “Ready to begin what, exactly,” said Alex, curious.

  “They’re building bombs, Alex, singularity bombs. They intend to drive the star of any infected system, to nova.”

  “That’s horrible,” said Micha, “That’s as bad as the scourge.”

  “I know, Micha, but they’re scared. It’s already been approved.”

  The thrust of the shuttle eased as they broke through the clouds, leaving the blue sky behind and entering the blackness of space.

  Alex rubbed his chin, “Do they realize that will change the mass of those systems?”

  “And very likely destroy the jumps in those systems as well,” Julian said, finishing his thought. “Yes, they know. They believe cutting off mankind’s access to the galaxy, is second to ensuring our survival.”

  “Bloody fools,” said Alex, watching the planet fall away outside the window.

  Finn unbuckled his straps, floating lightly in his seat. “So Julian, what is this ‘thing’ that we’re going to do; I still don’t really understand?”

  Julian unbuckled his seat straps as well, and let himself float to the passage leading to the cockpit. With a big smile, he said, “Captain Holt, we’re going to take this state-of-the-art ship, part battle cruiser, part science vessel, and we’re going to find the scourge. Then we’re going to figure out why it’s here and find a way to stop it.”

  Alex laughed, “Oh, well that’s all then. Perhaps we could have lunch along the way?”

  Julian motioned to the window, “Everyone, watch out that side. I think we should be coming up alongside her any time now.”

  Finn floated forward, pushing himself along the seats until he was next to Julian in front of the big picture window. The giant exoskeleton of the shipyard foundry filled the window, obscuring the planet below. As the shuttle moved forward, alongside the foundry arms, the big ship came into view. It looked like a giant tube with massive pie-plate disks on top and bottom. Finn’s jaw dropped; it was not quite the ugliest ship he’d ever seen, but it was close.

  “Julian, please tell me our ship is somewhere behind this one?” said Finn.

  “No, this is it, Finn. We replaced the typical two ion-drive, side-by-side engine configuration with four smaller and more efficient MagnetoPlasma Drives. Their acceleration curve is over fifty percent steeper, and their top speed is two thirds higher.”

  Alex joined them at the window, “So basically they’re faster and quicker at the onset.”

  “That’s right, Alex.”

  Micha pointed, “So what are the big discs on top and bottom? Are they the new sensors you mentioned?”

  “No, the sensor hardware is all inside. What you’re looking at is a new feature I believe will keep us safe from the scourge. Those are the Yates’ Magnetic Barrier Generators.”

  Finn smiled, “You named them?”

  “Yes, they are my design, and they’re the first of their kind.”

  “What do they do?” asked Micha.

  “Well, on Dr. Layton’s ship, we learned that the nanotech organisms had a metallic component in their composition. And knowing that, we were successfully able to contain them for study, using a simple magnetic bottle. So based on that idea, I proposed that a magnetic field might be configured as a bubble around the ship, and by reversing the polarity properly, might repel them just as effectively. They should not be able to get through that field.”

  “Have you had a chance to test them, Julian?” said Alex.

  “We are the test.”

  They all stopped to watch as they passed close to the field generators. The disks, clearly not part of the original design, looked as if they’d been built somewhere else and added as an afterthought. Looking at the giant plasma welds along their base, Finn thought it was probably pretty close to the truth.

  They passed around the nose, and Finn said, “Julian, the cannons are gone. I know this cruiser, and there should be four, huge Vorpal Class cannons in front and back.”

  “We needed the room for the new sensor hardware. Besides, we aren’t going to be able to blast the scourge.”

  Finn was thinking about the unexpected attack at Jorund’s Hope. “Julian, we need to be able to defend ourselves if we run into trouble. Has it been completely stripped of armaments?”

  “Actually no, it hasn’t; it still has the primary, offensive laser system. But knowing that you wouldn’t feel safe with just the run-of-the-mill laser platform, we replaced it with a repeating, plasma-focused lancing system. It will have a longer range, and longer sustained blast due to the fact that it pulses on and off very quickly. It’s the prototype of the next class of laser weaponry for the Fleet.” As if on cue, they reached the nose of the ship and sped around to see the large lens recessed into the hull. It looked impressive enough, but Finn couldn’t help feeling vulnerable without any cannons or missiles on board.

  The little shuttle slowed and moved inside the foundry framework, to finally rest against the new ship.

  “Julian, what is it called?”

  Julian grinned, “We waited for you Finn; it needs a name.”

  Finn smiled and looked along the length of the big ship, “Let’s see the bridge.”

  On their way from the forward airlock to the bridge, they passed countless engineers and shipyard personnel sealing access conduits, disassembling mechanical gantries, and removing installation carts. Finn thought they looked done; the ship’s modifications were probably completed, leaving it ready to be stocked with supplies and manned. As Julian had said, their first flight would be the test flight. He shook his head, stepping over a power coupling that was still exposed. This wasn’t what he imagined for his next command.

  Finally, they reached the doors to the bridge, and afraid of what he might see, Finn held his breath as they opened. But to his surprise, it looked big, more than twice the size of the Ajax, and round. Where the Ajax placed the bridge stations in tight rows, this bridge was spacious and rounded with separate, and disparate navigation and piloting stations. Communications was next to a large science station, probably responsible for the sensors and barrier field operations. The command chair was positioned in the center and elevated for an unobstructed view of the view screens that extended around the entire perimeter of the room. Secondary chairs flanked the command station closely on both sides.

  Finn walked to the command chair and sat down. Placing his hand on the command interface, the consoles on both arms activated, and with lights blinking, a mechanical voice responded, “Welcome, Finn Holt, you are identified and recognized as captain. When you are ready, please establish your command codes. Upon activation, all ship’s functions are available through this interface. Please state your directive.”

  The command design was newer than all but the latest ships, and light years beyond the simple push-button applications on the Ajax. He didn’t even try to hold back a grin that gave away his pleasure at this moment.

  “Computer, activate view screens.”

  Instantly the screens that circled the bridge provided a complete 360-degree panoramic picture of the space outside. He could see the ship gantry pulling away from the hull, the engineering crews on small jets taking their equipment back to the foundry stations, and dozens of tiny maintenance bots completing last minute welds and adjustments before drifting away. Outside and below them, the Adare colony was just coming back into view, and in the distance their star shined fiercely across the system.

  Finn looked from the scene around them, to his friends, “This ship will be called ‘Athena Rising’. As the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, it fits the ship and our mission.” After pausing for a second, he added, “And since we haven’t had a chance to test her, we’ll hope she rises well.”

  “Here, Here,” said Alex clapping, “Well done, we need champagne to toast the name.”

  “I agree, Alex, but I’m afraid that will have to wait a short while longer,” said Julian. “The ship’s supplies and new crew are coming on-board tonight, and
we will have a practical shakedown course on ship systems in the morning. By tomorrow afternoon we should be ready to leave. You need to get your things and return tonight. We’ll start your education right after breakfast.”

  “Our education?” asked Alex.

  “Yes, you all need to become familiar with the layout and function of the ship and its system interfaces.”

  Micha nodded, “It’s the usual protocol for any new command. Maybe a little faster than most.”

  “Computer, deactivate bridge view screens.” Finn stepped down as the bridge display went dark again. “Thank you, Julian, you never cease to surprise. I look forward to the walk-through in the morning. I suppose we should head back to the surface to get our things and say goodbye.”

  And leaving Julian directing last minute adjustments to the sensors, the three of them made their way back to the shuttle, to return to the surface. Strapped back into the shuttle, Finn realized he’d left most of his things back in New Brazil. “I need to send Miko a message and ask her to store my things there.”

  “Everything I own was lost on the Juliet,” said Alex, “Basically, I’m picking up some clothes, and that’s about it.”

  “Well, we certainly found our way back into the action,” said Micha.

  “That we did,” said Finn, “It’s not at all what I imagined, but we do seem to be in the thick of it now.”

  Alex snorted, “I’m quite sure I’m ready for that champagne now.”

  By the following afternoon, Finn had found his new quarters, established his new control configurations on the bridge, and located the wardroom for a quick lunch. The crew of the Ajax were well-trained and adapting quickly to the newly designed controls. Most of it was intuitive, with displays that prompted the user for input. Looking around, he thought they all seemed to be enjoying the ship as much as he was.

  Feeling restless and eager to take her out, he decided to have one last inspection outside, and borrowed a shuttle to run down the long-axis on both sides. The work crews were all gone now, and the umbilicals reeled in. Without the usual accoutrements, gun barrels and streamlined fins, it still wasn’t exactly what he’d call pretty. But, it looked solid, and it looked big, much bigger than what he was used to, twice as long as the Ajax, and fifty percent taller. Approaching the nose, he saw that someone had added the lettering, ‘Athena Rising’ along the edge. Smiling as he passed, he realized it was his ship, not a replacement for Ajax, but a worthy successor. Perhaps they could help after all.

  The ship’s meeting room was oblong with windows spanning the outer side. A long black table quickly filled as the command crew and lead scientific contingent filed in and took seats. Finn sat in the middle with Micha at his right. Julian sat opposite them, next to his prime assistant, a small man named Dr. Eric Tellis. Alex was farther down among the bridge officers.

  Finn cleared his throat and raised his hand, “I believe we’re all here, Julian. Is there anyone missing?”

  “I have two guests arriving shortly, but I don’t know exactly when, so I don’t think we should wait.”

  Finn nodded, “Very well then, let’s begin.” He looked up and down the table before speaking.

  “It has long been the tradition that the captain and officers of a newly commissioned vessel should meet prior to casting off. For those of you joining me from the Ajax, I rejoice that we can begin again, here and now. I have missed each of you greatly.”

  “And for the scientists and researchers here, I am enthusiastic about the relationships we will build together. This ship and its mission are the product of our two houses, the Science Council and the Fleet leadership, working together to protect humanity. Together, perhaps we can teach our houses the benefits of this arrangement and create a stronger people for it.”

  “At this time, I acknowledge true and for the record, the directive from Rear Admiral Jacob Radke, to assume command of this fine vessel, the Athena Rising. Further, as Captain, my directive is to support Science Council Representative, Dr. Julian Yates in our joint mission to find and end a common threat facing all our worlds. I’m fortunate to have Commander Micha Alwin as my second, Julian Yates as my Mission Science Advisor, and Dr. Alex Stiles as my Scientific Liaison.” Finn turned to look specifically at Alex and grinned, “Dr. Stiles, to facilitate your integration into our hierarchy, you will now receive the field commission of Lieutenant Commander for the duration of this mission.”

  Wide-eyed, Alex was taken by surprise as the crew applauded, led by Finn and Micha. “And now, I ask that Dr. Julian Yates, our Science Advisor, please brief the crew on our mission objectives.”

  As Julian was about to begin, the door opened and two men entered dressed in black jumpsuits and wearing the customary gold chest plates of the dissident movement. Finn recognized their dress immediately for what it was and leapt over the table at them. Diving at the first, he took the man under the chin with his elbow, driving him against the wall, hard. As the first man slumped to the floor, he took the second by the throat and kicked up with his knee sending him gasping for air as well. Finn whirled, catching his breath, “Commander, call security and alert the Shipyard Manager that we have spies here- ”

  “Wait, Finn!”

  Julian was up and running to the men on the floor. “Stop, Finn. They’re here to help.”

  Finn stood over the two men as they recovered on the floor.

  “Julian, they are dissidents, don’t you know about the massacre at Jorund’s Hope?”

  Before Julian could answer, the older of the two managed, “Not me, not me,” between painful breaths. Finn stepped back as Julian helped them to their feet, “This is Dr. Yeltor Nath and his assistant. They brought some very important information to us, in exchange for the right to join us on this mission.”

  “Why was this not explained earlier?” said Finn sternly, adrenaline like electric fire in his veins. The memory of Jorund’s Hope made these people reviled in the eyes of the Fleet. And at this moment his heart burned at the sight of them.

  Coughing and holding his chest, the first man said, “I-I am Dr. Nath, a scientist.” His accent was thick with long consonants and subdued vowels. He rubbed his neck and chest, his breathing slowing but still heavy and raspy. The man looked both angry and frightened at the same time. “We are a divided people, much like you. Our military, religious, and scientific leaders often fail to work well amongst each other. I was not at the battle you speak of, nor did I support it.”

  Finn shook his head and said, “A fine sentiment and certainly appropriate under the circumstances.” He turned to Julian, “I don’t trust them; I want them off my ship.”

  “Wait, please listen. I know what killed our worlds, and I know it was no science of your precious League of Worlds. This is something different. I knew it, and that is why I did not support the conflict at your colony. But our leaders would not listen to me. They were desperate to hold their positions while everything around them crumbled. They struck your colony to reaffirm that they were still in control. It was a foolish ploy by small men clutching at power.”

  Julian stepped forward, “Captain Holt, this dissident scientist discovered something that gave us hope to stop the nanotech organisms. If you will just give me a chance to explain.”

  “Very well,” said Finn, “have them wait outside while we review your report.”

  Julian motioned to his assistant who got up and walked out with them.

  Meanwhile Finn and Julian returned to the table.

  Taking a deep breath, Julian began again, “Computer, dim the lights by thirty percent, and begin presentation ‘Yates One’.” Video footage of the Madras colony filled screens at both ends of the table.

  “The organisms responsible for the destruction of the Madras colony are believed to be a highly advanced form of nanotechnology.” The video changed to an experiment performed by Dr. Barringer during his investigation of Madras, displaying a close-up of the creatures as they tore apart a synth-steel spoon.

&nbs
p; “They appear to pluck atoms of rare elements from the atomic lattice making up the shape and form of the matter they attack. Here we see that the structure of the spoon appears to be intact, but clearly it is not.” In the video the spoon was pressed against the surface of the table, instantly transforming to a sandy residue. “The sand left behind is the signature residue produced by this process.”

  “Moving on, we come now to the creatures themselves. With so little in their composition, it is a mystery how they are able to perform complex interactions.” The video ran side-by-side sequences of five individual microscopic scenes, each focused on a different creature. “We have identified five variations of them. Each version has a unique function: one for replication, a second for identifying appropriate matter, a third for actually disconnecting the desired atoms, and a fourth for carrying the atoms. Also, we’ve observed that each of them is able to become one of the other forms when needed. They sort of morph into the variant which is most needed at the time.”

  “This brings us to the fifth variation, and perhaps the most interesting.” The creature, even at extreme magnification, appeared barely more than a dot, motionless in the video. “At first, we couldn’t understand the presence of the last form. It’s always present, but it doesn’t seem to interact or have any useful purpose. And then we received this video from Dr. Nath.” Julian stood up and walked to the view screen, “Watch this, Captain.”