by S. H. Jucha
26: Ude’s Vision
On the Our People’s bridge, the admirals listened to Lydia explain what was transpiring.
“Our communications intercepts are working as we expected, Admiral,” Lydia said, addressing Ellie.
“What are we hearing?” Ellie asked.
“That’s the issue, Admiral,” Lydia replied. “They’re speaking in code.”
“Digital code?” Adrianna asked.
“Negative, Admiral,” Lydia replied. “It’s the SADEs’ consensus that the nine envoys discussed in detail what they would do if they lost their grip on the majority opinion. They made plans that they could communicate among ships in simple terms.”
“Then they expected us to be able to intercept their conversations and messages,” Alphons volunteered.
“Precisely, Admiral,” Hector said. “The escorts probably knew they had an initial window of opportunity to communicate openly. However, after they made their first maneuvers against the Talusians and Commander Quizra, which we blocked, they knew we would suspect their motives and monitor their communications.”
“Can you decipher any of their code?” Ellie asked.
“Negative, Admiral,” Lydia replied. “They say things like ‘I favor option two A,’ which offers us no insight into what they’re speaking about.”
“If they’ve planned multiple scenarios,” Alphons said, “then they’ve been plotting their end game for as long as they’ve been in attendance in the hall.”
“We can’t waste any more time thinking about the past,” Ellie said. “We must ask ourselves how they’ll execute their scenarios and the extent of damage they intend.”
The holo-vid displayed a wire model of the ring, highlighting in yellow the nine battleships that concerned the Omnians.
For a few moments, the highlighted ships whirled around the planet, as the SADEs calculated optimal opportunities for the envoys’ battleships to cause trouble.
“Admiral, our nine disruptors won’t have any success against the battleship ring,” Hector summarized. “There are too many potential adversaries to any actions against the others.”
“That’s the good news,” Ellie said. “What’s the bad news?”
“The SADEs believe there is one scenario that allows the envoys optimal pressure for their demands,” Hector replied.
The wire model sent the nine battleships outward of the ring and collected them together.
“They form their own wedge,” Adrianna remarked.
“And you can guess who has the lead position,” Alphons added.
“If the envoys create an attack wedge, then they would be planning to launch missiles at Toral,” Ellie surmised.
“Precisely, Admiral. That conjecture has received our highest probability rating,” Lydia said.
“Hundreds of missiles per launch from each battleship at close range,” Adrianna said.
“We can’t defend the planet against thousands of missiles from a wedge,” Alphons added. “What if they have planet killers?”
“If the envoys’ ships exit the ring and coalesce in a wedge, we’ll be in a no-win scenario,” Ellie said. “We can’t let that happen.”
“At this time, it would be premature to disable their battleships despite our estimation of what they might be planning,” Hector pointed out. “The other envoys would view those actions as unprovoked aggression on our part.”
“Maybe that’s a chance we should take,” Adrianna suggested.
“We have the nine surrounded at the bows and sterns,” Alphons pointed out. “If we kept the travelers there, we might convince the envoys to remain in place.”
“What if the envoys request our forces move away from their ships so they might leave the system?” Hector asked.
“Even though we think that’s just an excuse?” Alphons returned.
“Just so,” Hector replied.
“I’m wondering how much time we have before these nine make their next move,” Ellie mused. She eyed the SADEs, hoping for some insight, but they quietly observed her. So much for hope, she thought.
* * * * *
While the admirals discussed the possible actions of the renegade envoys, Nata and Neffess received Petite’s directive to abandon their stations at the Kirmler battleship and make for the Our People.
As Neffess swung her traveler out of position and took up Nata’s wing position, she shook her muzzle. Her friend couldn’t have received more emotionally contradictory messages. She would meet again with the boy who had been the wild ones’ leader in the bowels of the derelict colony ship. That had to excite her. In contrast to that pleasant news, she was informed that she might face the admiral and learn her fate within the fleet.
Neffess sent.
“Yes, I am,” Neffess softly whispered. If the admirals dismissed her friend, she’d yet to make a decision as to whether she would remain with the fleet.
The lieutenants received a SADE’s link to their bay assignments, and they landed their travelers aboard the city-ship.
Nata linked to the Our People’s controller and sought Ude’s location. “He’s in the grand park,” she said to Neffess.
As they exited a lift near the center of the park, Neffess remarked, “We won’t need an implant to find your friend.”
Ude’s three-meter-high avatar stood high above the heads of individuals and shrubbery. He waved to Nata and Neffess and left his post at the tree.
“Thank you for coming,” Ude said graciously.
Nata chuckled, and Neffess chortled.
“You made a request of Admiral Thompson. That translates into orders from our captain,” Nata explained.
“Expedient,” Ude replied, grinning, which made the lieutenants laugh.
“Where would you like to talk?” Nata asked.
“Here is fine,” Ude replied. “When I was aboard the city-ship, I didn’t spend enough time in the grand park. I was too busy hatching plans to destroy Artifice.” Ude sadly shook his head at the wasted time and energy.
Nata stretched her arm to gently touch Ude’s cheek. “You and me both,” she said. “Although, I don’t think I’ve fully gotten it out of my system.”
“When you start with as much anger as you’ve carried, Nata, it takes a while,” Neffess commented. “You should be fine by the time you die of old age.”
Nata squinted at Neffess, who chuffed, dismissing her friend’s reaction.
Ude’s chuckle brought Nata’s head swinging toward him, which made him laugh.
“Don’t you two team up,” Nata warned.
“One lifetime might be enough,” Ude commented to Neffess, and the Dischnya’s tongue lolled widely outside her muzzle, enjoying the tease.
Ude could see the frustration mounting in Nata, and he took pity on her. “Come,” he said. “We’ve more important things to discuss.”
Ude led the females to a patch of soft grass, which was near a stream. “Be comfortable,” he offered. When they were settled.
He lowered his avatar to its knees. Then he sat on his heels and locked the frame.
“This is meant to be a private discussion,” Ude began, “and it hasn’t anything to do with the present. I want you to think in terms of the far future. Also, what I’m proposing is something that might affect your choices for careers and promotions.”
Nata and Neffess were entirely focused on Ude. His opening wasn’t anything they’d expected.
“After living on Toral, I don’t think I’m suited to staying here,” Ude said.
“But you need the sisters to maintain you and your avatar,” Nata objected. She was horrified at the thought that Ude might do something rash that would abandon his needed medical and mechanical needs.
“Admiral Thompson has promised to see to that,” Ude replied.
“Then the rumors about alliance space are true,” Neffess said.
“Apparently,” Ude replied. “At least, the information is solid enough that the admiral feels confident to assure me that she’ll see that I get there and get repaired.”
“Totally?” Nata inquired.
“We didn’t get into details,” Ude replied, “but the admiral didn’t qualify her comment. My impression was that there is, at least, one race who’s capable of completely repairing an individual.”
“So, what’s your idea, Ude?” Neffess asked.
“Alex is knitting together these disparate worlds,” Ude said, his voice communicating his excitement. “His aim is to generate a galaxy-wide alliance, which is commendable.”
“Wait,” Nata interrupted. “How do you know that’s what Alex wants to accomplish?”
Ude stared at Nata, and his brow furrowed. “How can you not see that?” he asked.
“She’s been too busy hating the human,” Neffess commented. It wasn’t meant to be a tease just a statement of fact, and Nata briefly ducked her head.
“Accept what I’m saying, Nata, but you might want to talk to a SADE, any SADE,” Ude said. “SADEs are unique entities, with tremendously long, if not forever, lives. They can support any race or individual they wish. Why do you think they follow Alex in such great numbers?”
Nata started to reply, and Ude waved away her response. “That was a rhetorical question, and I want to continue with the theme of my discussion,” he said. “While Alex has been working to bridge the races, I realize that the events of his life have created mixed worlds. Look at Omnia, Haraken, and Toral.”
“What’s wrong with Omnia?” Neffess asked.
“Nothing, for those who are comfortable with present conditions,” Ude replied. “Is every Dischnya happy with their world?”
Neffess considered the question. Then she replied, “Well, Queen Homsaff and three squads of Dischnya warriors are in alliance space, fighting an enemy called the Colony.”
“Why are they there?” Ude asked. He was pressing Neffess to think through her answer.
“Because they don’t want to be part of the new culture,” Neffess replied. “At heart, they embrace the old ways. They’re warriors.”
“Are you thinking of a warrior society?” Nata asked. She was confused by the turn in the conversation.
“No, not at all,” Ude replied, waving his hands in negation. “In fact, just the opposite. I’m merely pointing out an example of individuals not entirely happy with the world they find themselves inhabiting.”
“Then what are you suggesting?” Nata asked, a little peevishly.
“Maybe two lives,” Neffess remarked slyly.
Before Nata could react, Ude interrupted by saying, “What about a new world that becomes a choice for those individuals?”
“Isn’t that what Omnia represents?” Neffess asked.
“Is it?” Ude riposted. “Dischnya and Swei Swee occupied a planet called Celus-5. Then a Haraken exploration ship arrived. The rest you know. Now, the world is called Omnia, and humans and SADEs from other worlds arrive and settle there.”
“I’m with Nata, Ude,” Neffess said. “I don’t understand where you’re going with this discussion.”
“Think of this new world as a kind of experiment,” Ude replied. “It would be a place for individuals who didn’t feel like their world fit them anymore. If you want, think of them as misfits, outcasts, or those seeking something different.”
“But couldn’t these individuals have a negative opinion about others who arrive after them on this new world?” Nata asked.
“They could, in which case they’d be free to leave,” Ude replied. “I haven’t entirely thought through this concept, but you’re the first individuals I’ve had an opportunity to bounce it off of since I’ve been on Toral. Like I said, it’s something to think about.”
“There’s always the possibility that you’ll discover a world in alliance space that suits you,” Nata pointed out. “If that happens, I might never see you again.”
“Doubt that,” Ude said grinning.
“Seeing you or you finding a new world?” Nata queried.
“You do need to spend more time with the SADEs,” Ude gently chastised. “Communications from alliance space speak of gates ... instantaneous transport between systems.”
“I bet Mickey’s intrigued,” Neffess volunteered.
“Apparently, a long-gone, ancient race built the gates. No one knows how they work,” Ude said. “That’s all I know.”
“Then it’s also the SADEs who would be fascinated to discover a new tech,” Nata reasoned.
“Precisely,” Ude replied. “I wonder how long it will take the SADEs to unravel the mystery and build gates between alliance space, Sol, the colonies, and federacy space.”
Nata and Neffess shared stunned expressions.
“Lots to think about,” Ude said. He unlocked his avatar, but before he could move, Nata leaned over and kissed his cheek.
“I want to see you repaired,” Nata said. “Hold the admiral to her promise.”
Ude chuckled and replied, “You don’t hold someone of the admiral’s rank to her word. You depend on the person’s integrity. In this case, I’m fairly certain that it’ll happen.”
As Ude stood, Hector linked with him.
“Uh-oh,” Neffess said, when she saw the color drain from Nata’s face.
“What?” Ude asked, with concern.
“Admirals’ review board,” Nata said quietly.
“Good fortune, Nata,” Ude said, encouragingly. He held out a hand, and Nata slapped it gently.
“Lead on,” Neffess said. “I’m going with you.”
27: Admirals’ Review
Ellie wasn’t surprised to see Nata enter the conference room in the company of her friend, Neffess.
A single chair had been set before the table that held the fleet’s three admirals. Neffess spotted the arrangement and chose to stand beside the door.
Nata saluted and was asked to sit.
“Lieutenant Nata, this review board is convened to determine your fitness to remain within Omnia Ships’ fleets,” Ellie stated. “Included in your performance review will be your actions on Celus-4, the work aboard Captain Draken’s ship, and your assignments in the Talus system. We’ll begin with Queen Nyslara’s comments.”
The holo-vid rested on a table to the side of the admirals. It activated, and Nyslara’s head and shoulders were projected.
“I don’t seek to dictate to you, Admiral Thompson,” Nyslara began. “These weighty decisions fall on the shoulders of queens and admirals alike. I’m reporting that the Dischnya of the Tamassa Soma nest have been stabilized with food. This is the only nest to have survived the deadly Sawa environment. By whatever circumstances Lieutenant Nata came to be on the planet, it was good fortune
for the soma. It’s known that the stars speak to Alex Racine, and he’s reminded us, more than once, that fortune is a part of what makes an individual successful. Perhaps, this is what Lieutenant Nata possesses, a bit of fortune. In the view of the Omnian queens, the fleet shouldn’t waste a valuable asset.”
Nyslara’s words squeezed Nata’s heart. Her eyes teared, and she blinked rapidly to clear them.
“Admiral Jagielski, proceed,” Ellie said.
“Next, we’ll hear from Chief Thomas Lassiter of the Intrepid,” Alphons said.
Again, the holo-vid display was of a head and shoulders, but the chief’s background held the glow from the power banks that fed a Trident’s beam weapon. It was an odd place to record the review.
“I’m thinking that most of you on the review board have never been in a Trident’s beam hull after the ship was powered and launched,” Teddy said. “Few are ever allowed here. It’s too dangerous. One mistake and an entire ship and its crew are lost. I’ve trained many a crew member for duty in the bays. One out of ten to twelve of those individuals receive training on beam calibration ... here in this place.”
Teddy had tossed his head back to indicate the location. “Admirals,” he continued, “I’d like you to ask Lieutenant Nata what she just saw me do. Please, pause my testimony now.”
Alphons signaled the holo-vid, leaving Teddy’s image frozen in the air. “What did you see, Lieutenant?” Alphons asked.
Nata smiled at the memory of Teddy’s constant instructions on how to be safe in the twin beam hulls of a Trident. “Chief Lassiter is standing near a power bank within a beam hull. After entering the hull through the secure hatch, you compress your body. That’s what the chief always instructed.”
“Explain the phrase, Lieutenant,” Adrianna requested. She had never been in a powered beam hull, and she was intrigued by the chief’s message.
“The chief means that you should act small, Admiral,” Nata replied. “Never wave your arms. Never indicate something with an extended hand or a tool. Never back up. Never turn quickly. The chief had many more admonishments, if you would care to hear them.”
