Earth to Centauri: The First Journey (Captain Anara - Antariksh Book 1)

by Kumar L

  The Directors recommendation for medicine was Dr. Tariq Khan who was a leading authority in space medicine Having done his post-graduation from AIIMS with many years of clinical practice, Dr. Khan had then spent 5 years on the Lunar colony and another 2 on the space missions to Jupiter’s Moons. His references were solid and more importantly his research on deep space effects on human physiology was now standard text in medical schools. Convincing the Doctor to join the mission was not difficult but to get him to move again from research to practicing medicine was managed by Srini himself. Most of the medical procedures would be managed robotically anyway and skeleton supplementary nursing support was to be provided as well.

  Finding a head for the science team was the next task. Unfortunately, there was no single person who fit the bill. Space exploration would require multiple skills like those of an astrophysicist, astronomer, astrobiologist, exobiologist, planetary scientist, geologist among others. After an extensive search Anara had decided to have a rethink as she could not carry too many specialists. Anara could have a scientist in nominal command with a whole research team supporting her. The number of people was fixed at four with a mix of the three sciences and an astronomer.

  Dr. Lian was the nominee from VSSC to head this team. A planetary scientist herself from IISST, she had exposure to the rest of the sciences and a good standing in the research world. However, she had never been to space beyond Mars and her orientation and training would be Anara’s responsibility.

  Her team was taking shape and Anara could now devote some time to plan for the logistics of the one year they planned to spend in space. Since resupply would be out of question, they needed a drop off and supply point at Pluto. A drone ship with a logistics would be sent ahead of Antariksh to set up supplies. Antariksh would interface with it at the outer rim of the solar system. The same would be repeated on the return journey.

  Reclaiming water and oxygen from all processes and by-products was the key to avoid carrying large amounts of these basic requirements in space. Over the many years of spaceflight humans had mastered the art of recycling almost every single drop of water and oxygen used in space. Recovery of moisture from air, human waste etc. would be the norm. Water would also be recovered from the fuel cells. Anara would be leaving this to the ship designers and was not too worried on this count.

  Taking fresh food would not be possible in limited quantities but a mix of concentrates, pellets, dehydrated and cryogenically frozen food would suffice. Printed food from base stock mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats was provided as well but would be kept minimum to preserve energy. Limited cooking could be done on the ship. Medical supplies would be important and she was waiting for Dr. Khan to come on board and approve both the supplies and the equipment. A separate medical bay was anyway part of the design.

  Anara would be reviewing the ship’s weight and propulsion data along with design engineers. Every aspect of the launch and the journey would be pre-planned as they could not expect any support from mission control in deep space.

  20th May 2117

  The attack

  Anara hated sitting around twiddling her thumbs waiting for the other ship to make a move. Two days had passed since their first encounter with the alien vessel. Tension was running high on the ship. They could not stay here indefinitely. She had to a make her decision.

  She sat on the Captain’s chair chewing her lips and gazing into the distance. Ryan was not due to relieve her for another two hours but she could call him in early. It was time to make their move.

  ‘Narada, let’s get the core team into the station now,’ she instructed. Then turning sideways, she said, ‘Please plot a course to the vessel, Manisha. Keep the speed low and be ready to sub-light if required. I want to move slowly giving us time to respond if required.’

  ‘Yes Ma’am,’ Manisha acknowledged as she entered the command and rechecked system readiness. Anara could not help admiring the calmness Manisha was displaying in this tense situation. She had completely belied her age during the journey so far and responded with composure during crisis thus becoming an invaluable member of her team.

  As Ryan, Madhavan and the Major entered the ops centre, the holo was displaying the vector to the alien ship with programmed velocity and time to target.

  ‘Commander, let’s go into the conference room. Manisha, Rawat please join us.’

  Anara briefed her team on the decision she had reached. They all nodded across the table providing their support to the plan.

  ‘We will proceed with caution. I do not know what to expect. If these guys wanted to make contact they would have made some kind of overture by now. Since nothing has moved, I assume they are studying us and gathering intelligence just like we are doing or they have an entirely unknown agenda. Either way we cannot be sitting here forever.’

  ‘Commander, you will be at the helm with Manisha. Keep a tight control on speeds and be ready to run if required. We are facing this situation for the first time and it is better to be prudent. That ship is much larger than ours and I expect better equipped as well. Major?’

  ‘The laser cannons are on line Captain. We will of course be getting off two shots at full power before the cannons recharge so I have set them in pulse mode. Lower power but we can get off many more shots. The cycling between the two modes will only take a few seconds if you want to change settings. The security team is still on standby. I don’t think they will be required at this time.’

  ‘Quite correct Major. Unless these guys have already developed Star Trek type transporters, I expect this meeting to be on viewers only if that. Any other suggestions on security?’

  ‘No Captain. Though as per protocol if we do make contact, I would recommend avoiding any discussions about our crew complement, weapons or capabilities.’

  ‘Of course. Madhavan, I need you at engineering on the communication systems. This is a time for us to put them to test. Keep the protocol sheet on display for reference. I also want all engines at full power.’

  ‘Guys, let’s keep all stations manned and all personnel on duty. We will need one hour to reach station keeping point at 1000 kms. Let’s look sharp and be on our toes. If everything goes well we may well be hosting a dinner for our first alien planet delegation,’ she finished.

  The course was plotted and Manisha eased the ship into flight mode. She had retained controls in part manual mode which meant that she could take control in a second if required. Her hand was in the control pad which had taken the personal design which she found most comfortable for us. Her eyes constantly scanned between the various screens and she kept the velocity steady. The front ports merged to provide a view of their progress interspaced with various streams of data. The manoeuvres did not tax her abilities but her senses were keen and ready to respond.

  Anara opened up the ship broadcast system. Her crew needed to know the situation to be prepared. ‘Attention everyone,’ her voice boomed over the system,’ we will shortly be nearing the alien vessel. We will be trying to make contact with whoever is on board and extend our hand in friendship. All of you have worked tirelessly to make this journey a reality and we are very close to making our plans a reality. However, we must remain vigilant as we enter unfamiliar territory. I expect complete focus from each of you over the next few hours. Let’s make history today! Anara out!’

  The atmosphere on the bridge contradicted the Captain’s cheery words to her crew. As Antariksh ate up the distance slowly conversation ceased with everyone focussing at their displays and entering commands. Manisha kept an eye on the distance and started reducing velocity as they reached closer. The ship stopped completely at the designated spot a thousand kilometers off the bow of the alien ship.

  ‘Hold position, Manisha.’ said Anara. ‘We have made our move. Let’s give them another chance to respond.’

  The two ships floated silently in space like two gladiators in an arena, only in this arena there were no spectators. Even then the results could well be simil
ar - the death of one gladiator and victory for the other. Stars shone at a distance lending the perfect atmosphere for the suspense between the two species destined to meet for the first time. The shapes of the two ships could not have been more different, one with soft lines and diffused light throughout its hull and the other with sharp aerodynamic lines, dark and silent.

  Another 15 minutes passed in silence in Ops. Anara was getting impatient. What were these guys waiting for? It was time she decided to announce their arrival.

  ‘Madhavan, let’s get the lights setup to transmit. First set to go would be one and zero.’

  The engineer manipulated his hands in the control pad and two sets of high beam lights popped up from the hull. He lighted them up, held for a second and then switched off to indicate one and zero position.

  Everyone looked eagerly for any response from the opponent but the alien ship remained silent. ‘Keep repeating sequence,’ instructed Anara.

  Madhavan repeated the one-zero sequence three times without getting any response.

  Anara sighed. ‘Okay Madhavan, let’s start signalling. Frequency range 1.’

  Over the last few decades most transmission and information exchange protocols had been standardized on Earth. Emitters and receivers across the globe were tuned to specific frequencies to allow information exchange at the speed of light.

  However, during simulations for the mission, it had been expected that any alien the ship met would probably use a completely different method of transmission. It had been decided to transmit signals in binary across various frequency bands till the final frequency was determined. Emitters were made broad based to pick up various frequency ranges. If they would be able to decode the signals received would however be determined only in the field. Simulations had been programmed into Narada and translation algorithms would theoretically help the Captain carry out a two-way conversation.

  Madhavan transmitted one-zero across the frequency ranges in sequence. There was still no response.

  ‘Let’s go to transmitting S.O.S. on visual and EM, Madhavan,’ ordered the Captain.

  The light pulses changed sequence and the EM signal changed as well.

  ‘Still no response,’ reported Ryan.

  ‘Secure visual. Keep transmitting EM. Add greeting signal 1.’ This was getting tiresome thought Anara. They had been at it for the last half an hour.

  ‘Captain!’ exclaimed Manisha. ‘Look. There is a small change in the orientation of the vessel. I am reading higher heat levels on the ship. They might be powering up their propulsion.’

  Suddenly a powerful red beam arced out from the alien ship and cut across the bow of the Earth ship.

  Manisha’s hand was still on the control pad and she instinctively jerked the ship away from the beam.

  Alarms blared across Ops at this sudden manoeuvre and people standing around lurched or fell down. Another shot passed just aft of Antariksh as it moved in space.

  ‘What the hell was that?’ shouted Ryan. ‘Did they just shoot at us?’

  ‘Looks like they want a fight! Major, fire lasers!’ commanded Anara.

  Rawat was ready having punched in range into the system as soon as they had stopped. However, Manisha’s evasive action meant that his laser pulses missed wide. In front of the red beams from the enemy, his lasers looked like torchlight beams.

  ‘Turn around, Manisha! Now!’ commanded Anara. ‘Ryan, new course 180 reverse.’

  In the din, people scrambled to follow the new orders while the ships engines reached a new crescendo.

  Another red beam headed towards the ship, again narrowly missing their stern as the ship turned.

  Manisha cajoled Antariksh to a new trajectory and punched sub-light. The sudden acceleration caused pushed the crew against their seats as the restraints held them, while the artificial gravity adjusted to the new speed. The ship raced away retracing its previous path.

  ‘Are they following us?’ asked Anara.

  ‘No Captain,’ replied Ryan checking his sensors and displays. ‘They have turned around as well and seem to be headed towards Proxima.

  ‘Manisha, increase speed. Let’s put some more distance between us.’ Her voice was a little shaky but she was rapidly gaining control. Her first military engagement had resulted in retreat but at least the ship was safe. Her priority had to be her crew and ship. They had been drawn into a trap and she may have turned tail this time but she was not done yet. She would be back.

  15th Sep 2112

  VSSC Thiruvananthapuram

  Anara entered the assembly area at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in South of India. This premier space vehicle development centre had been at the forefront of India’s space exploration effort for a hundred and fifty years. Starting with the first launch of RH-75 rocket to building the reusable launch shuttle Ganga in 2034, it had many firsts under its belt and this is where Antariksh was being built. VSSC was under direct authority of ISC but being more involved in research and development it enjoyed a large amount of autonomy.

  A secluded assembly area had been specially set up for the deep space program. Approach and access were restricted and for the latest programme the Director of VSSC Dr. Pratyush was personally leading the effort.

  He met Anara at the entrance to the assembly area and they walked together to his office. Along the way, he explained the various activities being carried out in the cavernous area. The sheer amount of work being carried out amazed Anara. Drones, robots and humans shared the massive workspace and there was a certain harmony to the manufacturing process she could only marvel at. She could make out the various parts of the space vessel taking shape. Pratyush told her that the engines and power plant were being built at the second VSSC facility near Bangalore.

  As they entered his office she noticed that large number of technicians sitting and working at their stations. Pratyush guided her to a chair and sat down behind his desk. A number of screens showed the various stages of the project while the large display in front of him showed the readiness of the vessel with a countdown clock indicating time to launch.

  ‘I’m very glad to have you back here Captain,’ he started. ‘I assume you are ready to move to T’puram with your team. The training facility is ready and so are the quarters for your crew and support team. Dr. Kumaran will be working with you for the duration of the training and the test flights.’

  ‘Thanks Doctor. My team is getting ready and the key members will be joining us today. I came up a little early so that I could brief you about them.’ She explained some of the choices she’d made in her team. Ryan and Dr. Lian would be joining her later that day while Madhavan was already working with the construction team at VSSC.

  Anara and Pratyush reviewed the progress of work while they waited. Soon enough Ryan, Madhavan and Dr. Lian joined them. Greetings exchanged they got down to business.

  ‘I trust you have been able to go through the basic designs I sent across to you?’ asked Dr. Pratyush.

  They all nodded in agreement. Over the last few weeks they had managed to get enough time to discuss the details of the spaceship design and had come prepared for a purely technical discussion. Unlike many scientists, Dr. Pratyush enjoyed being an administrator and he revelled in explaining the intricacies of the centre to his visitors.

  ‘We have gone through the schematics, Doctor,’ replied Anara. ‘Madhavan has also been able to clear some of the doubts we had. Perhaps we can go to the floor and see the actual construction.’

  ‘Of course, of course! After all it’s your ship!’ the Doctor said with a hearty laugh as he got up and guided them out of the office and onto the floor.

  They all marvelled at the feat of engineering which was taking shape on the assembly floor. The ship was massive as could be seen from the superstructure that was almost complete. Dr. Pratyush explained the various sections of the ship and Madhavan added details he was particularly excited about.

  ‘The ship has three different levels,’ explained Dr. Prat
yush. “The top is the command level, second the habitat and the bottom is the power and secondary systems. We have a central corridor on each level with two parallel escape paths along hull. Cross corridors provide access the rest of the areas.’

  ‘How are the crew quarters placed, Doc?’ asked Ryan.

  Dr. Pratyush gestured for a display and pulled up a schematic of the ship. ‘You see level 2 here,’ he indicated with a finger. ‘These are the crew quarters. We have various cabin sizes as well a dormitory arrangement. The dome is placed in the centre of the ship. Since the crew would spend a lot of time hibernating here in one place, we have tried to place it centrally for protection.’

  ‘These quarters look larger than my whole ship which took me to Mars on my first flight!’ quipped Anara drawing a chuckle from the Doctor.

  ‘Technology has come a long way in the last few years and this is the largest ship ever built on Earth. We will of course be completing the final assembly on the Moon which will allow for work to proceed faster as well as allow an easier take off,’ stated the Doctor.

  ‘This level also has the escape pods for all of the crew. Safe haven areas are distributed at four areas around the ship for immediate access. In case of catastrophic failure in any one section the crew can take refuge in the nearest safe haven. They can stay in the haven up to two weeks and can remain in contact with the rest of the ship and outside with a dedicated comm system.’

  ‘Where is the main computer, Doctor?’ asked Ryan.

  ‘There is no single central computer core, Commander. The computing power is distributed across the ship with core power designed for the task. All of these however works in parallel. The quantum networks allow for sharing of load across the cores and in a sense we have multiple redundancies built in. This is going to the most powerful computer ever put on a ship,’ finished the Doctor.