by D A Buckley
With that, eleven hypervelocity missiles were released simultaneously covering the distance to their respective targets in less than three seconds. The Southern Hemisphere forces, believing, until it was too late, that they were undetectable, perished in eleven balls of fire. The ship that was lucky enough to be on the eastern-most flank accelerated and banked away rapidly on its way back to Australia.
“Sir, this is Gunner Six Actual.” Major Grozdan used his tactical designation. “Eleven high-order detonations were observed. Eleven enemy ships destroyed. One ship has escaped. Rescue pods are en route. No survivors are expected.”
“Thank you, Major. Excellent work. Please inform your people that I am pleased.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Meri fell into a chair and covered his eyes with his hands.
“I’m sorry, Meri.” Tony placed his right hand on Meri’s left shoulder.
“I truly hate myself today, Tony. I have never ordered the death of anyone before today. I built the machinery that has been used to kill millions over the years in the war. But I’ve never given the order myself. I don’t think that I can keep doing this.”
“You had no choice, Meri,” Tony stressed. “They attacked us first and they were threatening to attack again. Up until this moment, this has been a non-military peaceful facility. Who knows how many lives you saved today.”
“You believe in God, Tony. Doesn’t your Bible say that God made all men in his image? Tell me, Tony. Will your God forgive me for the people created in his image that I destroyed today?”
“Meri, would God forgive you if you had the power to preserve the eleven thousand plus lives here at LBA and you did nothing?”
“Is it really that simple, my friend?” Meri uncovered his eyes and looked directly into Tony’s.
“I promise you…it is,” Tony said. “And, Meri, this is very important. J-Squared has proven that they are on our side. J-Squared saved this base today and the last best hope of human survival in this universe. I think they have earned our trust.”
“I believe that you are right. Please let Katherine know that I approve their installation on the Ark as soon as possible.”
*****
“Okay Dr. Chikere, let’s see what you’ve got here,” Dr. Mathis directed cheerfully.
“Ah, Dr. Mathis.” Akachi Chikere was always formal in the lab. “I was so happy when I heard that you were coming to LBA. How are you, dear lady?”
“I am wonderful, Akachi. The moon seems to agree with me. I slept like a baby last night. I’m seeing old friends like you that I have not seen in far too long. How is your family?”
“My family are all well. And soon I will return to Nigeria and we will be together again. I must say that it has been many years since I have seen such a glow on your face and a lovely shine in your eyes. If I did not know better I would say that you are in love.”
That shocked Katherine a bit and caused her to put on her more professional face. “In love with the moon, perhaps, Akachi.” She reached out and grasped his right forearm for just a moment. “And very happy to see you, again.”
“You are a great Bridge player, Katherine. You have a world class poker-face. But you are a very bad liar. There is someone. I know it. I am happy for you whoever he is. But let us get to this demonstration. I know that you are a very busy person.”
“I understand that this is part of our environmental control system, yes?” Katherine asked.
“You are absolutely correct. It is a four-phase sensor that I have miniaturized to the size of a penny. These sensors will be placed densely throughout every compartment that any living person or animal might occupy in the ship, and sporadically throughout all the ship. This will be most important at the terminal end of the trip to ensure that the environment inside the ship is safe for gestation and early development. I have recommended to the Re-genesis Board, meaning Meriwether Perkins, of course, that the warm-up of at least ten percent of the OGP’s should be executed not later than twenty years from arrival. Given that the trip is of such long duration the exact time of arrival could vary by decades so the timing must be determined by J-Squared. I would so like to meet them, Dr. Mathis.”
“If I can, I’ll arrange a trip for you up to the Ark. I’m sure that I can make that happen.”
“Then you are planning on integrating them soon?”
“If later today counts as soon, yes, soon.”
“It is so very exciting all these many disciplines and sciences coming together and finally producing Mr. Perkins’ vision. I am so proud to be a part of this effort that is unprecedented in human history.”
“I am too, Akachi, I am too.”
“So, the important piece here is the Consolidated Environmental Systems Display.” Akachi pointed to a subset window on the Environmental Systems Status Display. “You see these four channels, each displaying both analog and digital graphs as well as raw data numbers below each graph? They display a composite of every element we know of from the table of elements that might be dangerous to a biologic entity such as a person or an animal. If any element detected is considered to be at a dangerous level those graphic elements would appear in yellow or red for caution or danger, respectively. The raw data of that element, or those elements in the case of multiple detections, would be displayed below each graph.”
“That is a very elegant approach Akachi.” Dr. Mathis appreciated complexity made simple. “So, every sensor is more than one sensor, because some elements are only of concern depending on their current state?”
“That is correct. Each element is detected by one of four sensors on each sensor pad. There is a sub-sensor for plasma, gas, liquid, and solid. It is amazing that this level of miniaturization has been accomplished.”
“Then in whatever state the element is detected, it is only that sensor that detects it? The other sensors are blind to it?”
“You are correct. It is so precise, Dr. Mathis, that as far as the other sensors are concerned the element does not exist. It is truly brilliant.”
“How did you ever think of this, Akachi? It’s a wonderful technological breakthrough.”
“I wish that I could take credit for it, but I cannot. I received the technical designs for the sensors from J-Squared the day before the shuttle was attacked. That is why I would like to meet them.”
“Wait, you were contacted by J-Squared while they were in transit to LBA the day before the attack? That’s not possible. At least I don’t think it is.”
“I do not know, Dr. Mathis. What is not possible for them? I do know that the technical design specs came from them on that day.”
“Well, I’ll have to have a conversation with them about that.” Dr. Mathis’s right index finger was tapping nervously on the metal lab table. “They are full of surprises.”
*****
“Hello, Dr. Mathis,” Suki was already into her pressure suit with the exception of her helmet. “Man, this thing is tight when it’s not inflated. “But this gravity thing…I’m loving that.”
“Ha, are you kidding me. You’re so skinny you have to run around in the shower to get wet.”
“Don’t hate, Doc…appreciate.”
“No hate here, Suki, it’s pure admiration. One thing I’ve found to be almost universally true is that gravity sooner or later gets us all. You’re just getting a reprieve while you’re here. Let me get suited up and I’ll meet you at the gate. Is J-Squared on board yet, do you know?”
“Strapped ‘em in myself, Doc. No complaints, no requests for in-flight movies or drinks. Actually, I don’t think they like me any more. At least they’re not saying so.”
“Don’t take it personally, Suki. They’re kind of going through AI puberty. I think there are a lot of things they’re just trying to understand. I cannot imagine what reality is like for them.”
*****
“LBA Terminal Control, this is Ark Shuttle Beta 017. We are GO all systems and indicators. We are awaiting our VIP for departure. Wil
l contact you when she is aboard.”
“Beta 017, Roger. Monitor defense frequency at all times. You are priority mission per LBA Prime until you return.”
*****
“Hey, Suki.” The male voice was familiar. When she turned, she was astonished to see her brother Junji approaching from the Terminal Master’s office.
“Junji, what are you doing here.” Suki smiled wide and bright as she greeted him with a hug and kiss on the cheek. “I had no idea.”
“Surprise, surprise, Suki. I’m still in Cheechako status here myself but I’m the new Chief of Food Services. If it’s food, I’m in charge.”
“I am so glad to hear that. How long is your contract?”
“Like all first-timers…one year. How about you?”
“I’m on an open contract as a special assistant to Dr. Mathis. I don’t know how long. We have to have dinner or something soon. You know a good place, Mr. Chief of Food Services?”
“Wow, Special Assistant to ‘the’ Dr. Mathis. Should I salute you or something?”
“Sure, go ahead.” Suki smiled again.
Suki stepped to her left and called, “Hey, Dr. Mathis,” as Katherine approached. “This is my no-account brother, Junji. Someone screwed up big time and made him Chief of Food Services.”
“It is a very great honor to meet you, Dr. Mathis. How was your sea bass last night?” Junji asked beaming.
“It was excellent, Junji. If you had anything to do with that then the honor is all mine. And it was so fresh. We so appreciate having a Cordon Bleu Chef of your caliber here at LBA. I understand that you have earned your fifth Michelin Star.”
“Thank you. Yes, ma’am. We have a very advanced aquaponics garden here. That fish had gotten a little too large to maintain so I split him between you and an Anthony Mathis, also residing in the penthouses. Everything in the penthouses is my personal concern. Are you two related?”
“No, we’re not, not anymore. I’m sorry, we’re on a priority mission. Could you join Suki and I for dinner at my place in a couple of days?”
“I would be very happy to do that, thank you very much.”
“Make it short, Suki,” Dr. mathis said over her left shoulder as she moved toward the shuttle.
“Right behind you, Doc.”
“Tomorrow night, Junji. Make something special but simple. You know, chateaubriand, baked Alaska, that sort of thing.”
“Absolutely,” Junji said as he shook his head no. “Safe trip, sis.”
*****
“Ma’am, the magnetic boots take a while to get used to. It’s kind of like walking around in ski boots for the first hour or so,” Master Electrician Devine instructed. “Also, not all passageways are heated yet. So, please don’t go exploring anywhere on your own. It’s my job that’s on the line if anything happens to you. If you have time and would like a tour I would be happy to show you around myself.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Devine, I know what a pain in the kiester we are to you and our impact, negative impact, we are to your work schedule. We’ll behave. I promise. We’ll get out of your hair as quickly as possible,” Katherine replied.
“No, ma’am. You’re not any kind of interruption to my day. In fact, I’ve been looking forward to the arrival of our AI for quite some time. That and Mr. Perkins came to see me personally yesterday and told me in very clear and colorful language that the only reason my entire family was ever born was so that I could assist you today.”
“Are you serious? Meri never ceases to amaze me. Okay, Mr. Devine, let’s make a day to remember of this.” Turning, Katherine pointed to J-Squared. “There they are. Do you have someone to move them for us?”
“No, ma’am. Just me. No gravity up here makes it easy and, well, the fewer gawkers there are the better I feel - security wise. Do you require any special tools or anything?”
Suki lifted her left hand containing a small plastic case. “Got everything we need right here.”
“Great. Ladies, if you will go to the end of this corridor and turn left I’ll be right behind you.”
As Mr. Devine effortlessly lifted and maneuvered J-Squared onto the Ark all of the indicators lights on the hard drive illuminated.
“Ah, ma’am? Is this supposed to happen?”
“It looks like our friends know where they are,” Suki said. “I think it’s alright. Let me know if it starts beeping. If it does…run.”
Katherine smiled and turned to walk down the corridor.
The walk to the mainframe room was clumsy at first but got easier with each step as their brains seemed to quickly compensate for the new way of walking.
“Ma’am, the second door on the right is our off-ramp,” Devine said.
Katherine was impressed with the size of the room and the number of electronic data displays spread over what looked like nearly an acre. “How big is this room, Mr. Devine? It’s really astonishing.”
“Yes, ma’am. Everybody says that their first time here. It’s just over forty-five hundred square meters of surface area. This is the heart and mind of the Ark. And in this hard drive I’m pushing around, I assume, is the soul. Let me close this door and pressurize the room. Please don’t get far from your helmets, though.”
The door closed and sealed without a sound. The pressure suits deflating was the signal to remove their helmets.
“This must take up an enormous amount of power and the heat extraction systems have got to be huge,” Suki said.
“Yes, ma’am. Ark II has the largest matrix ever created, having propulsion and power generation capacity of just over ten times what the ship requires. Nothing is wasted though - not even the heat. Although during the trip no heat will be needed, or lights for that matter, because all biologically living things are contained, in embryonic form, in their own respective preservation, protection, and maturation devices. Consequently, energy needs will be considerably lower during transit than after biological wake-up about four thousand years from now.”
“It’s still difficult for me to get my mind around all the times and distances.” Suki’s eyes were wide with amazement. “Just think…four thousand years. We’ll never know if we were successful or not.” Suki took her time to scan the innumerable electronic displays in this enormous cavern. “I wish I could go. This room is my dream come true. This is geek heaven.”
“Well,” Dr. Mathis said turning to Suki, “the invention of the anti-matter matrix cut the travel time down to one-tenth of what was possible prior to it. Still, considering four thousand years of spaceflight, you could get yourself a man and by the time you arrived at terminus there would be a population of billions on board.”
Suki smiled and looked at Mr. Devine.
It took a minute for him to realize what her stare meant and then he actually blushed.“I appreciate the offer, ma’am, but I have a wife and children back home.”
“That’s how it always is with me and men.” Suki feigned disappointment. “All the good ones are taken.” She turned toward Katherine. “Do you think I could have Tony?”
That actually provoked a little bit of anger in Katherine’s face.
“Do you think we could do what we came here to do?” Katherine chided.
Suki turned away and tried to deflect the tension building in the air. “Just wondering out loud where to find a man on the moon.”
“When we get back,” Katherine said with some frustration, “try the men’s room.”
“Well, Mr. Devine, where is the interface bay?” Suki asked, chilled by Katherine’s response.
“Just the other side…”
A sudden flash of light from the observation window of the container in which the J-Squared hard drive was protected surprised everyone. There was a momentary power surge that caused the lights in the room to extinguish completely. During that time a blue beam of light was emitted through the glass to a light receptor about two-hundred feet farther into the mainframe room. That was the only light in the room for almost three full minutes. The blu
e light went out and slowly each individual system’s indicator panels re-illuminated.
“What just happened?” Dr. Mathis demanded.
“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” Mr. Devine stated. “That was scarry…but cool. Man, am I glad we’re still alive.”
Overhead a hollow-projector began to project what at first appeared to be a cloud of white particles about four meters high onto the deck ten feet in front of the three of them. The particles then seemed to coalesce into a vague shape with some particles becoming one color and others became another color until a humanoid 3-D shape finally appeared.
