“Permission to open main bay doors?”
“Granted, get that POS off my ship.”
“Gravity, off. Vacuum forming. Forty seconds to doors.”
When the bay doors stopped sliding open, the bridge crew watched the shuttle rise off the deck when the gravity emitters were turned off. The shuttle pilot, realizing he was being scrutinized, slowly backed the shuttle out of the main bay, making sure he was well clear of the Marissa’s hull.
“Look at the deck plating. It will take two full shifts to replace all those bent deck plates.”
Captain Turner was not attempting to hide his annoyance with the shuttle pilot.
The shuttle was a full two kilometers from the Marissa before the pilot turned and headed to Earth.
“I wish the Jenny was here, we could get to R&R quicker. At this rate, that shuttle will eat up half the R&R time before the command crew can get off the ship.”
“Yeah, I thought about that. I sent a message to Lucinda. They will be here tomorrow.”
Himari did something she rarely did, she smiled at Joshua.
“Lucinda, thank you for getting here so quickly. That shuttle is slow, and the pilots are green. I feel safer teleporting with you than riding in that POS.”
“You are welcome Joshua. Happy to help, Janish too. She and I will get your crew back to the ship. Corb is a little busy, otherwise he’d help also.”
The bridge crews from the Jenny and the Marissa are meeting at Q’eqchi. The Marissa is scheduled to depart in twenty-four hours for Plentari.
“Landry?”
“Yes, Captain Turner?”
“Is it possible to get more slip-stream speed out of the Marissa?”
“I do not understand the question. The Marissa does not emit speed while in the slip-stream.”
“No, sorry, poor phrasing by me. He really is learning. Learning slowly. I mean, Landry, is it possible for the Marissa to traverse the slip-stream at a higher velocity?”
“Yes, of course, I understand. Velocity in the slip-stream is affected by many variables. The most obvious is mass. Reduce the mass and the result is higher velocity.”
“Argh, of course it is, physics one-oh-one. Let me ask again. Without reducing the mass of the object in the slip-stream, in this example the object is the Marissa, is it possible to move faster through the slip-stream?”
“Yes, faster slip-stream travel is possible for the Marissa. However, the Marissa is not currently capable of meeting the parameters.”
“What is required for the Marissa to travel faster in the slip-stream?”
“There are several options. New quantum engines and a new flight control computer would be the easiest solution to faster slip-stream speed for the Marissa. Earth does not possess enough Core Credits to purchase the engines and computers necessary to retrofit the Marissa.”
“What are the other options?”
“There is only one other option. Replace the Marissa with a new cargo hauler. The new class of Nebuinian cargo carriers travel the slip-stream more than twice as fast as the Marissa.”
“Don’t tell me, not enough credits?”
“Correct, Captain Turner.”
“Landry is there any tuning we can do to the Marissa that will result in any more speed while in the slip-stream?”
“Yes, increase the crossover speed between the nacelles. If the reaction time is reduced between the FTL engine nacelles, the constant requirement to balance thrust will result in a six-point-seven percent increase in slip-stream velocity.”
“Almost seven percent! Why didn’t you start with that information?”
“Because, you do not possess the technology to improve the crossover speed between the FTL engine nacelles.”
“Landry, if you were human I’d kick your ass. Does Earth possess the technology to improve the crossover speed?”
“Yes, there are enough spare couplings for the improved crossover links on the Jenny. The couplings can be adapted to the current nacelle inter-links to improve crossover performance.”
“Landry, you have a lot to learn. Can you instruct my team on the installation of the new crossover link couplings? If so, how long will it require to retrofit the links?”
“Yes, I can instruct the maintenance crew. It will take, approximately, nine hours to complete installing the crossovers for all three nacelles.”
“Can we complete the installation and not miss our departure window?”
“Yes, if we begin immediately. Either the Jenny will have to dock in the Marissa’s main bay, or one of the Triad will be required to teleport the couplings to the Marissa.”
“Is the Triad, Corb, Lucinda, and Janish?
“Yes, they are the Triad.”
“Landry how much do the couplings weigh?”
“Using Earth metrics, collectively, the couplings weigh one-hundred and eight kilograms.”
“How many are needed?
“Six”
“So, they weigh eighteen kilograms each?”
“Correct.”
“That is a little heavy for Janish or Lucinda.”
“The weight of the couplings is not the issue. The couplings are too large for one person to lift. It will require two people to lift with the artificial gravity engaged.”
Captain Turner looked around the table, stopping on Lucinda, Janish, then Corb.
“Not me. I have to meet with Davinder and Jan.”
“Corb you suck. Janish and I will do the hauling. We don’t want to turn off the gravity and break who knows what when we turn it back on.”
Turning to look at Janish, without looking back, Lucinda gave Corb the middle finger over her shoulder as she and Janish teleported to the Jenny to retrieve the couplings.
“Landry, one more question.”
“Yes, Captain Turner.”
“Are you monitoring the spy?”
“Yes.”
“Well?”
“Oh, sorry. I see, that was a request for information. The spy is imprisoned in Colorado and is undergoing interrogation. In his first examination session, he threatened to reveal the fact of my existence.”
“I bet that went over well with the interrogators.”
“It did not. The orders have been issued. The spy will not leave the interrogation facility.”
Chief Symington softly voiced the affirmation.
“Article 106.”
Nods of confirmation around the table.
“Unless there is anything else, Corb and I are scheduled to attend a meeting. Nothing else? Dismissed”
“Colonel Khatter, we are ready to depart.”
“Yes, Captain Turner. Are you sure you do not want more downtime?”
The first meeting completed, the team at Q’eqchi were joined by the rest of the leadership team in the large conference room at Q’eqchi.
“I am good, Colonel. When we return, I plan to rotate off-ship for six months. The Carina Celestial Council is adopting the Blue and Gold crew rotation system resembling the rotation used by the submarine command. Six months on, six months off. But six months might be much longer because of the interstellar distances. We need more speed out of the Marissa.”
“Before I link in the Celestial Council, anything else to discuss?”
“Yes, you all call yourself the Coterie. I get it. You all have the Summitate abilities, have that connection thing, and have been a group for a long time. Do you think, I mean, will the Coterie ever expand?”
Astonished by the request, everyone raised an eyebrow and looked around, not knowing what to say. Eventually, Jan chimed a short statement then thundered with enjoyment.
“Ag man! Aikona.”
Corb translated.
“He said. Oh man! Not on your life. But he forgot the humor is lost in translation.”
“Enia. Dom Kop. When did you learn to speak Afrikaans?”
“Landry translated and sent it through the bots.”
Jan shook his head at Corb and turned back to Captain
Turner.
“Boet, I will stand up for you. We will consider our Coterie’s future.”
“Boet? Bother? Thank you, I can wait. Davinder?”
Davinder nodded to Jan who pressed a few buttons on a tablet resulting in the Carina Celestial Council conference room appearing on the large monitor. Several Generals, Admirals, and civilians, from a half dozen nations, sat around the conference table.
“This is Colonel Khatter, the link is secure. I believe everyone knows everyone at both tables? Admiral, please commence.”
Two hours of a lecture, disguised as discussion, centered around reminding Corb, and the Coterie, that the Carina Celestial Council is in charge of, and will direct, interstellar missions. Sprinkled with praise for the successful missions, the command authority let everyone know they did not appreciate freelance actions.
Tired of the lecture, Corb interrupted a long-winded British general.
“That is enough. We get the point. You are in charge. Let’s get to the real purpose of this meeting. Do you want me to bring back the new ship or not? If not, we are done here.”
“Mister Johnson, I am sure you understand our position. Our governments put a lot of money into funding the crews for the Marissa and the Jenny. Not to mention the cost of building that shuttle.”
Unimpressed by the American general trying to placate Corb, Captain Turner chimed in to the conversation.”
“About that, General. Did you read my report?
“Yes, Captain. The shuttle pilots have been replaced and new training protocols are being installed.”
“That is not the point, General. The point is…”
Captain Turner stopped speaking when Corb reached over and touched his arm.
“General, members of the committee, we understand your need to be involved. But I ask again, do you want me to bring back the new ship or not?”
Everyone in both conference rooms went silent waiting for a response. The general deferred to the admiral to respond.
“Mister Johnson, I know you know what is at stake. I also know you do not put much importance in politics or finances. We have put a lot of faith in you and your team.”
Before he could continue, Corb’s frustration boiled over and he teleported out of the conference room. He appeared on the monitor, standing next to the admiral. Several people tried to stand, Corb waved his hand, forcing them back into their seats.
“Landry?”
“Yes, Corb?”
“In American Dollars, how many Nebuinian credits are required to purchase the new generation scout ship?”
“The Nebuinian ship merchants do not accept Nebuinian credits in exchange for an interstellar spacecraft.”
“Okay, what form of exchange do they accept?”
“They accept Core Credits.”
“What are Core Credits?”
“They are the basic monitory form of exchange. The exchange currency is controlled by the planets in the Core System.”
“Thank you, Landry. How many Core Credits are required to obtain a new generation scout ship?”
“One-hundred and twelve million Core Credits are required for a new generation scout ship.”
The Celestial Council leadership took the price at face value with nodded enthusiastic agreement.
“Landry, please convert one-hundred and twelve million Core Credits to American Dollars. Wait, Landry, round it up to the nearest billion.”
“A rough estimate is all I am able to provide. There are no interstellar exchanges trading in Earth currency. One-hundred and twelve million Core Credits is four-billion, seven-hundred million, American dollars.”
The enthusiastic nods of agreement turned into grunts of shock and disgust.
“Gentlemen, you are wasting our time. We are going to trade the ore in the Marissa for a new generation scout ship. Any more questions or should we get on our way?”
“Mister Johnson, may I ask a question?”
“General Myers, please.”
The United States Marine General, Shannon Myers, had not spoken until he asked the question.
“That ore, it is valuable, but it is not one-hundred and twelve million Core Credits valuable. What else are you giving them?”
“That is the only good question in over two hours. Thank you, General Myers. I presume you mean what else, besides the contraband we tossed into the deal?”
“Yes, Mister Johnson, that is what I mean.”
“I am going to stand behind Jexnell when we exchange the ore for the ship.”
“What, that makes no sense? He is making stuff up.”
One of the Council’s civilian members erupted with the statement framed as a question.
“Shut up Donald. It makes perfect sense and you would know it if you bothered to read the mission summaries. That is good thinking, Mister Johnson.”
“I thought so too.”
“We will make a strategist out of you sooner rather than later.”
General Myers showed a warm and friendly grin toward Corb.
“Will someone explain it to me, and before you bark at me, Shannon, I read the briefs.”
“Admiral, when the Enlightened One stands behind, to the side, in a subservient position, Jexnell’s power over the Plentari will become unquestioned.”
“Thank you, General Myers. Will there be anything else?”
“Mister Johnson don’t get killed and bring back our new ship.”
“Will do.”
Corb teleported back to Q’eqchi and made a slicing action across his throat, indicating to Jan to cut the conference link.
“Landry, seal this room.”
“Done.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Stay, enjoy the differences.
“Once I make up my mind,
I'm full of indecision.”
Oscar Levant
In the Q’eqchi Conference Room
“Who gets the new toy?”
“You will get the Jenny. We are going to move the Coterie to the new ship. The Jenny will continue in the role of escort for the Marissa and trading runs between Earth, K’an, and Kripkeni.”
Captain Turner was surprised to learn they traded the ore, a few items of contraband, and a modicum of political posturing, for a new interstellar scout ship.
“Thank you, Colonel. Did these orders come from the Celestial Council?”
“Not yet. They do not yet know they are going to make the correct decision.”
In a rare moment, Davinder smiled at Captain Turner, then changed the subject.
“Landry, have the changes to the Marissa’s FTL drive been completed?
“Yes, Colonel Khatter. The new couplings and interconnects will increase the Marissa’s FTL speed by fourteen percent.”
“Fourteen percent? I thought you said seven percent?”
“Captain Turner, I said six-point-seven percent. However, I did not realize at that time, the Jenny’s flight computer was running old command and control options.”
“Did you install an application upgrade?”
“Not exactly.”
“Not exactly? What, exactly, did you do Landry?”
“I gave the flight control computer new algorithms. The controls for the engine nacelle cross-links will be automated and considerably more efficient.”
“Well… Okay… I think… Landry is there a possibility the new algorithms will not work correctly?”
“Corb, is Captain Turner a worry wort?”
Everyone spurted forth with snickering. Even Davinder raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, Landry, Captain Turner is looking a gift horse in the mouth.”
“Ah, I see. Captain Turner?”
“Yes, Landry?
“I got this.”
Aboard the Marissa
“Landry, were you able to complete the background checks?”
“Yes, Captain Turner.”
The crews had reported in, duty assignments issued, and the current shift personnel were confirmed on-s
tation. All the flight parameters were set for the Marissa to embark for Plentari. Captain Turner was in his ready room, anxious to see the mission completed. He wanted to be the new captain of the Jenny.
“Well, did anything unusual appear in the backgrounds of the crew?”
“Nothing too unusual was noted. I accessed the grid, you call the World Wide Web, and researched all public data for the entire crew.”
“Landry, that had to be millions of documents. Are you sure your research was thorough?”
“The latency in the grid did slow the process significantly. I was able to complete the research in twelve minutes.”
“Twelve minutes? Landry, please explain the process you used to investigate the crew.”
“Corb, are you listening to this? Why am I being interrogated?”
“Yes, Landry, I heard. Answer the captain’s questions.”
“Landry, you linked in Corb?”
“Captain Turner, whenever I feel there is going to be a question or concern with my actions, I request Corb’s assistance. It required four minutes to obtain and evaluate all the publicly available information. There were fourteen crewmen who needed further research due to information gaps in their personal history.
After gaining access to the correct data repositories, I was able to confirm, none of the crew are working for any group other than their respective military under the direction of Carina Celestial Council.”
“What are the correct data repositories?
“Captain Turner, it is better you do not know the answer to that question.”
“You hacked confidential databases? No, don’t answer that, I don’t want to know. I am needed on the bridge, good-bye Landry.”
“The Jenny is clear of our wake.”
“Thank you. Helm take us up to forty percent sub-light speed.”
“Forty percent, Aye.”
The Marissa heads out with two full command crews and an augmented Marine contingent. Displaced from the crew quarters, the Marines bunked in the forward auxiliary cargo bay.
“Comms give me a link to the Jenny.”
“Comms to Jenny, stand by… We have Captain Raitt.”
“Joshua?”
“Lucinda, we will see you in twelve weeks.”
A Calm Mind Page 12