by Dennis Young
Simmons hit the button. “Captain’s in conference. Can it wait?”
“Captain is requested on the Bridge by I-techs. The main navigation console is down, and we are currently operating from the Aux Nav station. They’re requesting the captain’s presence.”
Haversen motioned to the engineer with a hands-down gesture. “On my way.” He nodded Simmons to switch off. “Get your preparations made for the change-out once we’re on station with Addisson. But keep us in one piece getting there.”
“Aye, sir. She’s a good ship. We’ll get the bugs out.”
“And see Fleet is advised of the problem with the coils so they can get it corrected.” Haversen’s look became serious. “I just hope the Jen’riss don’t give us any trouble.” He headed out the door for the corridor to the lift.
* * *
It was the “late shift”, as junior officers called it, when most senior officers were off duty. And, as sometimes happened, surprises popped up.
“Commander, we’re getting readings of activity across the I-Zone.” The ensign who had relieved Somura at the Science Station looked to Ndashimye in the command seat. “Likely Jen’riss, perhaps three ships, type unknown at this time. They’re right at the range of detection.”
Ndashimye nodded wordlessly, glancing around the Bridge at the relief staff. All consoles were manned, but everyone except Reid at Nav was no higher in rank than Junior Grade Lieutenant. Which meant two years’ service on a starship, maximum.
“Tactical, estimated distance to the Jen’riss?”
The T-tech at Tactical hesitated as he watched his scanners. “No less than half a million kilometers, course parallel to the I-Zone, pacing us. If they see us, they’re being quiet about it.”
The XO turned to Reid. “Ensign, time to Addisson rendezvous?”
“Four hours, Commander.”
“Helm, increase our distance from the I-Zone. Take us out an additional quarter-light year.”
“That will add time to our rendezvous with Addisson,” said Reid from Navigation.
Ndashimye nodded. “Proceed and recalculate time to Addisson, then advise them accordingly.” The Bridge was quiet for a few moments, save the soft voice of the communications tech.
“Estimating five-point-five hours, Commander.”
“Addisson acknowledges, and confirms, five-point-five hours, Commander.”
“Thank you. Tactical, extend your sensors and continue monitoring movements of the Jen’riss as long as they’re in range.”
Reid turned back to his console, blew a breath and gave a glance to the tech at the Helm. Sometimes Ndashimye could be so cold.
* * *
“Duty Log, Captain William Haversen, 160704.9. We are less than two hours from rendezvous with Addisson. I’ve called a meeting of the department heads for final briefing and thoughts. Once Addisson is on her way to Fleet Base Eight, we’ll be on our own for who knows how long.”
* * *
The last of the arrivals took seats in the crowded briefing room. Normally configured for ten, Haversen had invited not only the department heads, but their seconds as well, to insure everyone received essential information first-hand. Ship’s Services had set extra seating. Coffee and tea were served around by stewards, as the captain brought the meeting to order.
“Update on the Jen’riss?” Haversen looked to Karina Vikihrov and Aiko Somura.
“They continue to parallel our course, trailing by ten thousand kilometers.” Vikihrov sipped her tea. “At this time, they are certainly aware of us, but being careful not to alert us of their knowledge.”
“Three heavy escort class ships, Earthfleet Code Hokot, two nearly at the edge of the border, the third standing off about a million kilometers.” Somura paused and glanced to Vikihrov. “We’re not stealthed and neither are they. They’re just looking us over.”
“They’ve never seen the likes of us,” said Shaw from Communications. “There’s all sorts of chatter between the ships, heavily encrypted. I’ve got the hackers working on it now.”
Haversen grinned. “It’s not polite to refer to Intel as ‘hackers’, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, sir.” Shaw showed a sly grin of her own as soft laughter was heard around the room.
Haversen looked to Simmons. “Where are we, Stony? Still at 80c?”
Simmons nodded grimly. “Yes, sir. Phase coils are functioning normally, but I wouldn’t advise pushin’ it. We’ve done a full visual inspection on the replacement units and found no flaws, but we really won’t know until we do the change-out and power everything back up.”
“But you’re ready once we’re on station?”
“The techs have gone through the procedure over the last few hours and think they can do this in about two, maybe two and a half days.”
“I’d rather they take their time and make sure they don’t miss any steps. Use the time necessary and don’t cut corners.”
Simmons nodded. “Understood, sir. We’ll do it right.”
“One more question. What if we need weapons during the change-out?”
Looks passed around the table as Simmons paused in thought. “We’ll charge the accumulators to maximum, and I’ve had the techs break out another set to install in the auxiliary battery room. At full power, we should be able to fight for at least an hour. Launchers don’t take much, but the BlackMark and PAKS will drain us like wringin’ out undies after a rainstorm.”
This time the laughter in the room was more genuine and louder.
“Did I ever tell you how colorful your language is, Stony?”
“More than once, sir. And I still don’t understand.”
Haversen, grinning, turned to Ndashimye sitting at the far end of the table. “XO, what is the status of the auxiliary Bridge and crew? Ready for bear?”
She blinked twice. “We do not face bears, Captain, but Jen’riss, and perhaps not even that. However, the auxiliary Bridge crew is prepared for whatever may come.”
“Your assessment of the situation?”
Ndashimye considered. “True, the Jen’riss pace us, observing a class of vessel never seen, and will gather whatever data they can before deciding how to proceed. They certainly know of Addisson and its location. They likely surmise we intend to rendezvous. To them, two ships of considerable military strength in the same sector may be seen as an aggressive move on our part. The comm detected by Lieutenant Shaw may be a call for reinforcements. We would be wise to move with care and display no… surprises.”
A smile grew on Haversen’s face. “You’ve been thinking about this, Commander. Thank you.”
Ndashimye nodded.
He looked to Simmons again. “Chief, systems have been quiet for a while. Do you think we’ve passed the critical stage? Nothing major going to fail at this point?”
Simmons nodded. “We’ve had a full-systems burn-in for nearly forty-eight hours. Nav is back up, long-range sensors passed all the diagnostics hours ago. We’re ready as we’ll ever be.”
Haversen looked to the officer on his left, the only one not in duty uniform. “Doctor Blakeney, how’s the crew?”
Blakeney was younger than Haversen by five years, but as seasoned as the captain. Still, for the bulk of his career in Earthfleet, he had been stationed on various ships deep in the Earth Alliance. This was his first long-range assignment. Haversen had chosen him for that very reason, but that was before they’d been ordered to relieve Addisson.
“Anxiety levels are pretty normal, no one has reported to Sickbay with anything more than the general concern or nervousness. It’s a good crew, however newly assembled. No one has thrown up in the corridors yet.”
Again, a slight wave of laughter made its way around the room.
Haversen scanned the room, looking for signs of concern. Seeing none, he continued. “I want all department heads on the Bridge during the final approach and rendezvous with Addisson. Report in ninety minutes. That will give you a bit of time to rest and collect your thoughts. Relief c
rews currently at stations will remain there until your arrival. Commander Ndashimye will take charge of the auxiliary Bridge with all department seconds. I don’t anticipate any trouble, but I’m not taking chances either. Stay alert, keep your eyes on the Jen’riss.” He nodded to the crew. “Dismissed. XO, will you stay for a minute?”
Ndashimye had risen from her chair, but now sat once more. The room cleared and Haversen took a seat close by.
“I personally asked for you on this assignment, but I’m sure you already know that. Your exemplary record was part of my reason, but there’s more.”
He paused, but Ndashimye offered no reply. “I’ve been captain on the last five class-ships launched. It’s what I do, shaking down the ships, integrating the crews, Evaluating Bridge personnel for their abilities and how they translate to Earthfleet needs.”
Ndashimye lifted her chin slightly at Haversen’s comment, yet still said nothing.
“I value your work as First Officer. I know your past assignments have been on research vessels closer in to the core systems. I asked for you because I wanted you on this ship, a fighting ship, to see how you deal with the possibility of combat. I know you eventually want command, and it’s important you know how to handle the stresses, even if you decide to captain a science vessel.”
Ndashimye finally spoke. “Do you have advice for me at this juncture, sir?”
Haversen showed a small smile. “Just one comment. You don’t have to impress me. I know your record, I’ve spoken with a couple of your previous captains, and they agree you’re a fine officer. I only wanted you to know you have my full trust, should things get dicey out here on the borderland.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Haversen nodded. “Find your meditation for a bit, then report to the auxiliary Bridge as ordered. We have some big shoes to fill and I’m counting on you. Dismissed.”
Ndashimye rose, bowed slightly, and exited the briefing room. Haversen sat again and poured a fresh cup of coffee as the stewards entered and began to bus the room. He nodded to himself before his first sip.
* * *
“Addisson is haling, sir.” Shaw turned from her panel, expectant.
“On viewer. This is EAS Bellerophon, Captain William Haversen commanding. Greetings, Addisson.”
The viewer lit with a mature, fifty-ish woman in the command seat, a sly smile on her face. “Connor here, Captain Haversen. Welcome to the Outback.”
Haversen returned the smile. “We’re here as your relief, Captain, so your ship and crew can get some R&R. Anything in particular we should know before we trade official communiques?”
Connor shook her head. “Nothing you don’t already know. You brought company, but that was to be expected.”
“Whenever you’re ready to transmit, we’ll establish a secure channel. My Comm-Head will assist your communications officer.”
“Very well. I’d invite you and your staff for dinner, but with the Jen’riss lurking, we’re at Standby Alert.”
“As are we, Captain.” Haversen glanced to Shaw who nodded. “We’re ready to receive your transmission. Safe journey and Godspeed, Addisson. Haversen out.”
The screen returned to the star field and Addisson two hundred kilometers away. Haversen looked to Shaw. “Assist Addisson, let me know when you have the necessary files.”
“Aye, sir. She’s a beautiful ship.”
Haversen smiled. “That she is, Lieutenant. That she is.”
* * *
The Bridge stayed busy as Addison readied to leave the posting and Bellerophon received data and intel. Haversen waited patiently, watching the starfield beyond the ships, knowing adversaries were lurking about.
“No changes with the Jen’riss, sir. They’re still sitting out there watching.” Somura brought up images on her screens and quietly read off data to herself.
“Tactical reads no weapons power-up on the Jen’riss, Captain.” Karina Vikihrov slid into the seat as the T-tech rose and stretched his arms, then headed for the lift. “The third ship has retreated further beyond the I-Zone and out of range.”
Haversen thumbed the intercom switch. “Bridge to Engineering.”
“Aye, sir?” Simmons’s drawl sounded relaxed.
“Status of the secondary accumulators you installed?”
“Powered up and ready. We should have no less than two hours of combat power if necessary.”
“Thanks, Stony. Don’t start your change-out on the phase coils just yet. Bridge out.” The captain turned to the Comm station. “Are they still chattering, Lieutenant? If so, what are they saying?”
Shaw adjusted her headset. “They’ve changed encryption, sir. Whether it’s because we broke their code or simply as a precaution, I can’t say, but it would be standard Earthfleet procedure to rotate encryption if surveillance is known.”
Haversen touched the intercom button again. “Bridge to Auxiliary Control. XO, you can stand down your crew now. Things are quiet up here.”
“Aye, sir. Shall I join you on the Bridge?” Eight hours on duty and Ndashimye’s voice was clear as ever.
“Sir…” Somura motioned for attention.
“I think we might have something on scanners. Come on up.”
“Very well. Ndashimye out.”
“What do you have, Commander?”
Somura’s instruments flashed a string of numbers and codes once again. “Anomalous readings at the edge of detection ability on standard long-range, sir. Something very large or very powerful.”
“Jen’riss?”
Somura shook her head and glanced over her shoulder. “Karina, can you patch in your tactical sensors?”
“Doing so now. Signal clearing, check your screens.”
Haversen sat straighter. Vikihrov’s clipped Anglish always became more pronounced when she was “on point”. He waited as Somura analyzed her readings.
The lift doors parted, and the XO entered.
“Assist Sciences, Commander.” Haversen spoke before Ndashimye could announce her presence. “Lieutenant Shaw, anything new regarding the Jen’riss comm?”
“Sir, the volume of messages has picked up in the last few minutes. Whatever we’re detecting, they must see as well.”
Haversen waited, then finally looked to Sciences. “XO, Commander?”
Somura turned. “It’s a rogue, sir.”
Haversen held his breath for a moment. “A free-floating planet? Here on the I-Zone?”
“Yes, sir. Just coming into range, distance about three light years. The Jen’riss can probably detect the spacial and gravitational effects, but our tactical sensors can observe it directly.”
Haversen nodded. “Show me.”
A blurry sphere swam into view against the blackness of space. The picture sharpened as Somura and Ndashimye worked the sensor and image controls.
“Roughly estimating a mass one point six standard Earth but not quite as dense, atmospheric composition, nitrogen, oxygen, traces of other gases… not frozen.” Ndashimye faced Haversen. “Something is heating the planet to near-habitable conditions.”
Haversen met her eyes with his. “So a bit bigger than Earth, rocky core, breathable atmosphere… and internal heat source? Therefore, intelligence?”
Somura and Ndashimye looked at each other and returned quickly to the Science panels.
“Lieutenant Shaw, any electromagnetic signals from the planet?”
“Nothing, sir. Tactical scanners are picking up indications and echoes of hard edges, possibly artificial structures, buildings or bridges… but no RF activity.”
Haversen sat back as the planet drifted slightly on the screen.
“Sciences, what is the planet’s relative speed to us? Where is it going?”
Once more Somura and the XO bent over their readouts. Moments passed as tension on the Bridge grew. At last they turned nearly as one.
“The planet is traveling about ten kps relative, crossing our path at close to ninety degrees,” said Somura. “Course indi
cates it will enter the I-Zone in about thirty days.”
Two
Encounters
“Duty Log, Captain William Haversen, 160705.4. Addisson has left the sector with no problems. We tracked her as far as possible and watched as she went hyperlight. In the meantime, Commander Ndashimye has begun dissemination of assignments to the various departments while Tactical and Sciences keep track of the Jen’riss ships still shadowing us. If they’re going to make a hostile move, now would be the time, with Addisson out of the area.
The discovery of the rogue planet has thrown a real curve into this assignment. It remains to be seen what the Jen’riss will do regarding it. If anything.”
* * *
Haversen called a conference on the Bridge, as he didn’t want to leave the command stations unmanned by his department heads. Therefore, the senior officers stood in a semicircle around his command seat.
“A free-floating planet,” began Somura, “is just that. A planet drifting in space, not anchored by a star, subject to whatever gravitational whims it might encounter. Nearly all the free-floaters discovered to date are frozen worlds of gas-giant size, roughly Sol Seven and Eight, or larger.”
Haversen raised a hand. “Neptune and Uranus size, though some are larger than even Jupiter, as I recall, correct?”
“Yes, sir. No known floater is habitable or inhabited except for research stations either in orbit or drifting in the atmosphere.”
“XO, I recall planetary scientists encountered a free-floater about ten years ago close to the Epsilon Eridani system.”
“Yes, sir. Their science academy astronomers were concerned the planet would enter the system and upset orbits, including that of Eridani Prime. They devised a method of steering the planet away without its destruction. The operation took over thirty years and considerable resources of the Earth Alliance.” Ndashimye paused. “I was a member of that team and recall the… trepidation well.”
“Damn straight,” said Simmons. “Sorry Commander. But you were in fear for the planet.”
“Fear is often termed the ‘mind-killer’. It was imperative we not succumb. Calm and clarity were essential for success.”
