by Chris Hechtl
“Because I couldn't finish them, but I could keep building them knowing they'd be needed. I had faith in Admiral Irons, I knew he'd send support, which he did, and I knew eventually he'd settle somewhere and we'd finish the hulls, which we did. Or at least, which is what Pyrax is currently doing. They are about three quarters through the buildup.”
“I see, sir,” Gemma said thoughtfully.
“It is easier to ship hyperdrive, grav node, and reactor parts here and then put them in assemblies,” Leo said thoughtfully.
“Exactly. Hopefully though someone will be sent who has those keys or we'll be sent upgrade keys when the ansible arrives—if it arrives,” Horatio stated.
“Ah, I see,” Gemma said thoughtfully. She opened her mouth, Horatio expected a question about ansibles but was surprised by her sudden change in topic.
“Does everything have to be built with bloody nanites?” Gemma asked caustically.
“Gemma,” Leo sighed.
“What? I want to know. I know you do too,” she retorted.
Horatio fought a brief smile. It was easy. Gemma had picked up some of her partner's speech mannerisms through osmosis. That was normal. When she turned an expectant look on him, he shrugged. “You can't get around everything. Molecular electronics, certain medications and treatments, regen for instance … molecular layering … eventually you have to use the right tool for the job. I know people have reservations about it, but that's why replicators are built as they are. Everything is contained in a box, and stays in it.”
“Oh,” Leo said thoughtfully.
“But the medicine …?” Gemma asked.
Horatio felt a ping from Pietro. “Is something you can look into on your own time I believe. For the moment we're done here. I've got another appointment. Good day,” he said with a nod.
“Yes, sir. Thank you for your time,” Leo said with a nod.
Chapter 34
Caroline had an uneventful flight to Nuevo. When she arrived in the star system, she immediately broadcast her IFF as protocol required. That transmission shocked and surprised the public on both habitable planets. Two hours after their transmission, they got a stammered reply welcoming them back.
When they entered orbit of Planet Alpha three days later, Governor Tribek called them. "I admit Captain Perth, I hadn't expected to ever see you again, at least not in my lifetime." he said wryly.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Governor," the captain replied.
"Oh no, it's not a bad thing. I didn't mean to insult you earlier. I really was busy, and hell, like I said man, I thought you'd be a one-shot wonder. So, is this going to be a regular thing?"
The captain nodded. "Hopefully, sir. Hopefully, more than just us," Captain Perth replied.
"Well then! I guess I misjudged you."
"I don't know what you mean, sir. We're going to do our best to reforge the Federation. Any help you can provide would be appreciated," the ship captain stated.
"Ahem, yes. Um, yes, your gifts were quite valuable and helpful. Um, I'm not sure how to reciprocate however," the governor said.
"We have material for you, sir. And more equipment to help your emergency services and schools get back on track," Captain Perth said.
"That is definitely a pick-me-up we need. Again though, I don't know how we're supposed to pay for it all. Food is scarcely something of high value," the governor drawled.
"You'd be surprised how valuable fresh food is to a spacer after being in space for months, sir," the captain said. "But we can trade for resupply including fuel."
"Fuel um …"
"We can process water into fuel, sir," the captain explained patiently.
"Ah," the governor replied in a tone of relief. "I think we can arrange it so you can get all the water you need," he said.
"Thank you, sir."
"I've been going over the rather lengthy files you downloaded to us. I'm afraid our computers aren't as up-to-date as you expected," the governor drawled.
"I can have someone hand deliver you a chip, sir," the captain said.
"That would probably be for the best; there are gaping holes in the file. I'm afraid our receivers were spotty on the data," the governor stated. "But one thing did come through. A request for resettlement?"
"I … do not know, sir. I'm just the mail man in this case," the captain replied.
The governor snorted. "Heh, I suppose so, but it affects you as well I believe. The request is actually for our sister planet, Baker. I believe you'll need to forward it to them."
"Um, yes, sir?" the Neochimp captain replied cautiously.
"You can pass on the request for resettlement of the Pyraxian Centaurians and other heavy worlders. According to this letter, the surviving Centaurian colony in Pyrax wants to explore the option of relocating to Nuevo B to join the herds there." The governor expanded. "I've transmitted the file to Nuevo B, but I don't know if we'll get a response. Their hardware isn't as well kept up as our own," he warned.
"I … see, sir," Captain Perth said slowly. He frowned. He hadn't planned on a trip to the heavy G planet.
"Oh, you are in luck!" the governor said, interrupting the captain's train of thought. "It looks like they did receive the request. I'm getting a text file. Harrumph. Apparently, they are … intrigued I guess you could say. I'm forwarding you the short but sweet reply now."
The captain nodded. When his comm rating turned to him, he raised a shaggy eyebrow. The Elf rating held up two fingers. He nodded and turned to his number two display and clicked on the file.
He read the short statement. "The inclusion of fresh genetic material is of interest to the herds, but they will need to vote on the subject." He frowned.
"And don't hold your breath on getting a prompt response like this one, Captain. The governor is a talking head; she runs everything through her constituents. It means decisions that aren't emergency ones are glacially slow. They could be debating it for years," Governor Tribeck said succulently. "I know they are still debating a few things we settled here ten years ago. But I will admit, they are very thorough," he stated.
The Neochimp officer grimaced, then nodded. "Well, we got the information into their hands; what they do with it from here is their decision. We'll make certain the … people in Pyrax won't come here without their say so."
"I'd think that's for the best, though it might force their hand. They tend to procrastinate a lot. They are deep thinkers though. I wish we could send them the computers they want. I understand they've been etching equations and science journals into stone over there."
"I'd like to see that," the captain said, shaking his head in wonder. "Why though?"
"Centaurians aren't thrilled about cutting down trees, and the idea of making paper is anathema to them. We were trading with them for awhile, at least until our last ferry and shuttle broke down."
"Well, I can assign a couple of engineers to take a look at it, sir. In order to facilitate inner system trade and cooperation," the captain suggested.
"No need. The last surviving shuttle is in the bone yard. I'd say surviving, but it's just a partial frame that the kids play in at this point," the governor stated. "I'm getting a dirty look from my wife. I think I've been on the radio too long," he said in a stage whisper.
The captain snorted. "I see who really rules the roost, sir. Thank you for your time and help, sir."
"No problem, son. Let my staff know when your shuttle is ready to come down. I've got a couple people willing to go with you."
"And we've got a pair of people for you, sir," the captain replied.
"Oh?"
"Government aid workers, sir. One is an industrial professor; the other is a doctor. Both are looking forward to meeting your establishment," he explained.
"Harrumph. Yes, well, we can use them I suppose," the governor said. "I'll let the army know you are coming down. I don't suppose you can take a few of them?"
"We can make room, sir."
"Good. A few of them should be in a
museum. I think that with your medical tech, they might gain a second chance at life."
"Yes, sir. We can see that they get it, sir," the captain said with a nod. His fingers flicked out to alert medical to keep an eye on the personnel coming up with a pointed warning that some may be infirm geriatrics.
"I'll check in with you later," the governor said. "Nuevo Alpha out," he said as they heard a rustle of fabric and a firm female whisper to get off the radio. "Now …."
Captain Perth snorted as the signal cut off from the planet.
~<><{<^>}><>~
Caroline spent a week in Nuevo A orbit. The crew took turns shuttling down and experiencing what limited facilities and resorts that the planet had for liberty. Work crews moved cargo down in each shuttle flight and barrels of water back up. The barrels were supplemented with foodstuffs, some of it raw but some of it canned or fresh. According to the reports from the shuttle crews, they were given warm welcomes on the planet and were fed until they waddled and were afraid the ship wouldn't be able to handle the weight.
Halfway through the week, the fuel team got exasperated with trying to move the unwieldy barrels to the point where they replicated a bunch of flexible plastic containers. The containers went down and were never seen again. More barrels came up.
Apparently, their smug attempt to fix the problem had fallen on deaf ears or someone groundside had kept them for themselves, Captain Perth thought with a wry snort when he read the acid report from his cargo master.
Near the end of their stay, they picked up two civilian delegates. They made certain their people were settled in a day before they also received three army reservist officers, one of which was elderly. On the last shuttle flight to go up, two army noncoms showed up with their kit and orders to go with them.
Captain Perth shook his head as he talked to Governor Tribeck before their departure. The bosun was making certain the passengers were comfortable.
"Maybe next time you can come up for a tour, sir," the captain suggested.
"I'd like that. If I can find time in my schedule and if I'm still in office, I'd like it a lot," the governor said. "I don't think you'd appreciate my kids running all over the place though," he warned.
"You'd be surprised, sir. They are the future," the captain replied.
"I'll take you up on it next time then. But don't take this the wrong way, Captain, but I wish you had room for more. But if you want us to help, and believe me, we do, then you need to send more than your ship. Otherwise, we'll be sending tiny drips, little dribs and drabs that will do little to help," Governor Tribeck stated bluntly.
"I'll pass that along, sir. We're working on it, that's what I can tell you. Admiral Irons has passed orders, and we're trying to do something to facilitate regular traffic," Captain Perth stated.
"Good."
"I can also pass on that we've delivered hyperdrives and industrial plants to Bek in order for them to upgrade their industrial plants and shipyards. Hopefully, by the end of the year, they will be able to rebuild regular trade between Bek and Nuevo," the captain said.
The governor seemed nonplussed about that idea for some reason. He didn't say anything.
"And of course between Nuevo's planets of course. Perhaps they'll be able to help you terraform the others if you wish? Or build an orbital industry of your own?" the captain suggested.
"I won't hold my breath," the governor muttered darkly. That made the captain raise an eyebrow in surprise. "But I appreciate the sentiment I suppose," he said in a noticeably cooler tone of voice.
The captain frowned thoughtfully. He wondered what that was about, but nothing more was forthcoming.
"Have a good evening, sir," he said.
"Safe sailing, son. See you real soon," the governor replied.
"Thank you, sir," the captain replied as he signed off.
~<><{<^>}><>~
Caroline returned to B-102c space and alerted the ansible, downloaded a brief report for it to slowly transmit, then crossed the star system. Four days later the ship jumped into the rapids once more.
Admiral Irons received the report and was gratified by the progress. They were seeing small progress across all fronts. Some progress seemed to leap though, case in point, Protodon. He was fairly confident that baring any major damage Amadeus was going to hang onto the two dreadnaughts, hell, most likely everything he'd sent. It amused and annoyed him.
But there was a way to fix that, he thought. He checked his schedule and then nodded. "Are we still on?" he demanded, eyeing Protector. "No last minute backing out?"
"No, sir. All parties have sent back their RSVPs. We're still on, sir. Admiral Sienkov, Commander Turner, and Captain Sprite will handle things while you are busy, sir," he stated.
"Good. I'm going to need a nap and big meal before we do this and a refuel. Let Captain Burrows know we're going to be very damn busy shortly," he warned.
"Aye aye, sir," the A.I. replied.
"And get some downtime when you can. You're going to be put to work too," the admiral warned.
"Um, aye, sir?" the A.I. replied dubiously. The admiral chuckled.
After a moment the levity ended. He waved a hand. "Second Fleet SITREP is up-to-date?"
"Yes, sir. All of the ships that were damaged have a handle on their repairs. First BC Squadron has gone into stealth as have half of the forces in the star system. The remaining ships have either stepped down their power plants to try to avoid detection or are engaged in repairs. Most of the repairs are now being staged around the gas giant instead of the picket force or planet. It's making it tricky to maintain the logistics though," the A.I. warned. "And slowing repairs down," he stated.
"I thought as much. Amadeus wants to keep them out of easy pounce range. If they are taking their drives and shields down, it's vital. And doing it at the gas giant means they won't have a habitable planet at their back that could act as a missile sponge if the enemy throws things their way in hopes of getting easy kills. It's smart," he said.
"Yes, sir."
"Okay, keep me posted if anything changes. Next problem," the admiral said, making a show of cracking his knuckles.
Chapter 35
Zek returned to his billet with great hopes of the future. He'd been a good boy, done as he'd been told. He hadn't made waves or offered a complaint when he'd been ordered to use his keys to make parts. He'd enjoyed his time with Ilmarinen but hadn't gotten too chummy with Horatio.
He'd dropped hints that he would do better in command of Commodore Logan and would do a better job of keeping the outsider in line. Things were looking up he thought as he checked his mail. He spotted the transfer order and grinned. The grin faded when he opened the file and found out just where the brass had transferred him to.
He was getting an academy posting under Commandant C'v'll. He would be in charge of the engineering department at the academy. He grimaced. He wasn't just slated as an administrator; he was tapped to teach a series of courses on advanced engineering, most of them having to do with what he'd learned in Pyrax.
Apparently, his neutrality hadn't helped him in the slightest. He was still getting caught up in the works and being taken down by Horatio's antics.
He was being labeled a collaborator and traitor by his own people and couldn't defend himself. Any attempt to do so would be … he shook his head. “Talk about a catch 22,” he murmured. “Damned if I do,” he sighed heavily, “damned if I don't. Possibly double damned.” He sat back and considered the problem from all angles. When nothing presented itself to him, he rubbed his brow tiredly and then began to pack.
~<><{<^>}><>~
To Zek the writing was on the wall; he just wasn't sure what to do about it. He was too stubborn to back down though. He realized he had to be more circumspect about his actions in the future. He'd stepped on a lot of toes obviously; hence, his current assignment.
Despite all that he tried to argue the assignment with BuPers. Admiral N'r'm'll took his protests directly and ordered him to the Ve
raxin's office for a face-to-face meeting. That was a bad sign. He braced himself for a bawling out. He wasn't disappointed.
“The last time I checked, Admiral, the last order of the senior-most officer present in a star system still holds.”
“Yes, I get that, sir. I pointed it out to Commodore Logan two months ago,” Zek said woodenly as he stood at attention.
“Good, I'm glad that's settled. You'll handle the job of course. If you can't or have a problem, well, you could always retire,” Admiral N'r'm'll said. “Retire, not resign. We don't need another black eye. Are you going to retire?”
“No, sir, I'll do my duty,” Zek said quietly.
“That's good,” Admiral N'r'm'll buzzed, clearly rubbing the situation in. “Very good considering so many people are departing the service and job prospects are rather low at the moment,” the Veraxin pointed out.
Admiral Zekowitz grimaced but didn't reply.
“According to Admiral C'v'll, the new semester will be starting in a week. You've got that time to prepare. I understand you've got a lot of new tech to teach, so you'd better get your teaching plan and course syllabus done within the next two days and submitted to the commandant for approval.”
“That doesn't give me a lot of time, sir,” Zek replied in dismay, considering the project. He could use the old syllabus as an outline and fill in the necessary blanks but …. “And some of the tech-like grav nodes need their own dedicated courses,” he argued. “They'll need demonstration software and models, sir. The students will need a proper foundation to get it all.”
“Then write up a proposal. The current courses can be updated if necessary. But you are the current authority on the subject so don't be too surprised if you get to teach those courses too,” the Veraxin said happily, clearly ready to saddle the human flag officer with more responsibility than he was able to handle.
Zek grimaced but then nodded in understanding. “Yes, sir.”
Admiral N'r'm'll eyed him with all four eyestalks and then nodded slowly. “Dismissed then, Admiral,” he said, signaling second-degree indifference and dismissal.