Future in the Stars

by D Patrick Wagner

  “Wait until he hears that Dorogon has gone independent. That will really set him off,” Gopai offered.

  “Not independent. A member of HEBA,” Dean commented.

  “I want to watch when he hears the news,” Buster commented.

  “Me too!”

  “Cool your jets, people.”

  “It sounds like we’re heading to Old Earth, Krag.”

  “Yeah, Keiko. Let’s get it over with, right after we do our thing with the Mortek. Igaklay, are your pheromone rockets ready?”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  “Gopai, do you have a magazine of those rounds loaded?”

  “Yes, Captain. In the nose rail gun.”

  “Buster, find me a target.”

  “I already have, Captain. A frigate flying cover over Ravage Maker. Stationed just above the bridge. They’ll get a good look.”

  “Excellent. Keiko, take us in.”

  “Will five thousand miles do?”

  “Yes. And keep your hand on the panic button, in case War decides to get nasty.”

  “I already planned to, Captain.

  Keiko jumped Griffin.

  “Igaklay, bring up our shield.”

  After a pause, Igaklay announced, “The shield is activated, Captain.”

  “Thank you, Preceptor.”

  “And Clan Griffin Protector, Captain.”

  “Yes, Igaklay. That too. Isaac, contact Ravage Maker. Get ahold of War.”

  “Aye, ay, Commander.”

  Shortly, War’s clicks, whistles and clacks came over the speaker, quickly translated to galactic English.

  “What do you want, soft skin?”

  “You have been a bad boy, War. You have been rebuilding your sixth fleet and are almost finished with the seventh.”

  “We have that right, Human. We have done everything you demanded. We have withdrawn our ships to Nest One and we have removed all our ground troops from your planets. You said nothing about rebuilding our fleets.”

  “That is true, War. But rebuilding your war fleet is a provocation.”

  “That is unimportant to me.”

  “And, you have withdrawn New Dawn. We can only conclude that you are preparing for another invasion.”

  “Conclude what you will, Human. We will continue to do what Mortek do. Leave us and never return.”

  “I have a request, War. Cruiser One has surrendered to us.”

  “I am aware of that.”

  “As we do not execute prisoners of war, we have settled them on a planet.”

  “Then they are no longer Mortek.”

  “Well, about that. In order to sustain their colony, we require a Mortek queen.”

  “Never. First Cruiser and his crew are traitors and cowards. They will never get a queen to continue their corrupted line. If they ever return to Mortek space, they will become food for true Mortek warriors.”

  “I thought as much.”

  After saying this, Krag tapped the mute icon.

  “Do it, Gopai.”

  “Aye, aye, Captain.”

  Gopai worked his console. Griffin’s rail gun fired six times. Five times, small, meter-long rockets launched into space within less than a second, they fired their after burners, accelerating to a quarter of the speed of light. Keiko couldn’t track their trajectories, but she picked up the results.

  “Six fired, Captain. Five hits on the frigate.”

  “Thank you, Keiko.”

  Krag unmuted his link to War.

  “You have fired upon a Mortek ship, Human. That nullifies our peace agreement.”

  “I fired no explosives or weaponry, War. No harm has come to your frigate.”

  “I do not recognize this minor distinction. You fired on a Mortek ship.”

  “War, before you do anything rash, contact the frigate covering your bridge. Order them to withdraw ten miles.”

  “Why would I do that, Human?”

  “I wish to prove a point, War.”

  “What point could you possibly prove which would have any importance to me?”

  “Just check. You will see.”

  “Once this is done, you are to leave, is that understood?”

  “Understood.”

  “And, I will decide if we are to go to war, again.”

  “Bad idea, War. Just order your frigate to withdraw ten miles.”

  Everyone on Griffin heard War give the order. Then they heard him go into a rage.

  “What did you do, Human?”

  “I take it that the crew of that frigate is not following their captain’s commands?”

  “You have poisoned the crew!”

  “No, War. No harm has come to that crew. They will return to normal within fifteen minutes.”

  “What did you do! I demand to know!”

  “We simply nullified your chain of command.”

  “That is unacceptable! And it is a declaration of war!”

  “No, War. It is a demonstration. If you send ships through the Dorogon gate, we will nullify those ships then destroy them. Is that understood? Stay in Yeni Persia. Do not enter Human space ever again.”

  The rage in War’s voice came through as he shouted, “Leave! Leave now!”

  “You heard the bug. Keiko, prepare to jump to Atlantius. Igaklay, could you get us a jump drive?”

  “And another gravity generator?”

  “Yup. That too.”

  “Why don’t I equip a ship, and have it meet up with us?”

  “Nice idea, Igaklay. Something that hasn’t been weaponized or armed.”

  “I know! One of the abandoned ships we found in Atlantia is a passenger transport. Its thruster systems are pretty worn out. But I can get them repaired in less than a day. Same time as I can install the jump drive and gravity generator!”

  “Perfect.”

  “I want to take a look at it, Iggy!”

  “Only Mack gets to call me Iggy, Dean.”

  “And me.”

  “Yes, Buster. And you. You get to call me Iggy.”

  “And me!”

  “I suppose. You too, Guppy.”

  “Guppy?”

  “Yes, Gopai. If you get to call me Iggy, then I get to call you Guppy.”

  “But, but. No. OK. I won’t call you Iggy if you don’t call me Guppy.”

  “Sorry, Guppy. You asked for it, you got it.”

  “You’re getting as mean as Mack, Iggy.”

  “I have learned from the best.”

  “But, Igaklay, my mother is married to Mack. Mack is my stepdad. If he can call you Iggy, then I should too.”

  “Yes. OK, Dean. You can call me Iggy.”

  Krag and Keiko enjoyed watching the teasing and banter.

  “About that ship, Igaklay?”

  “I’ve been organizing the repair robots as we spoke, Captain. A jump drive is being delivered as we speak. I am right on schedule.”

  “Alright. Let’s get going. Igaklay, can you have your ship meet us in Atlantius?”

  “That is in the plan, Captain. I will have a ship there within two Ballisonian days.”

  “Good. We’ll go there and wait. Keiko?”

  Griffin jumped.

  Nest One – Aboard Ravage Maker

  The moment the communication link between Ravage Maker and that irritating soft skin ship broke, War exploded into a rage.

  “Science! Get in here!”

  Intelligence and Flight, who had both been listening in on the conversation with the soft skin, heard the frantic clatter of metal-shod claws as the Mortek science officer rushed into War’s office. Upon arrival, Science dropped his wings and head comb in subservience and waited for War’s next command or request.

  “Intelligence, replay the contact with the frigate. Science, pay close attention.”

  The four Mortek leaders heard the order and the frigate’s Captain panic at the lack of compliance by his subordinates.

  “Science, what just happened?”

  “As you know, each of us constan
tly exude a command mist which forces complete obedience from our immediate inferiors.”

  “Yes, yes. We all know that.”

  “After listening to the commands and watching the video from the frigate, I believe that the soft skins have found a way to neutralize our mist. The soft skins have found a way to disrupt our inherent command structure.”

  “What? How do we stop that?”

  “This has never happened to the Mortek before. There have never been studies on this possibility.”

  “Well, find a way to counter this new, insidious weapon which the soft skins have developed.”

  “I do not think that there is a scientific answer to this problem. Maybe, during contact with the soft skins, everyone onboard a ship could wear complete, self-contained pressure suits. This would keep the command mist trapped against our bodies while keeping out whatever chemical agent the soft skins have developed.”

  “Then, your only recommendation is that we place more than ten million Mortek in space suits when we invade the soft skin star systems?”

  “Unless we can stop the soft skins from dispersing their gas on our ships, then, yes. That is the only recommendation I can make.”

  “That answer is unacceptable. You are no good to me. Leave before I decide that you are better as food than First Scientist.”

  Intelligence and Flight had never seen the elderly Mortek leave with such haste.

  “What are your recommendations, My Lordship?”

  “I have none at this moment, Flight. Intelligence, what are your thoughts?”

  “If we cannot neutralize this new threat, My Lordship, it does not matter how large of a fleet we assemble. The travel gate into Dorogon is a choke point. If the soft skins are able to distribute this gas into any ships which come through, those ships will become nonoperational. With the soft skin jump drives and gravity rockets, they will be able to destroy all ships that enter their star system.”

  “What about our nuclear rockets, My Lordship?”

  “Sending a hundred thousand through to clear the way might be an option, Flight. But, the trouble is the jump drives. The soft skins do not need to hold position in front of the gate. They can simply ignore the rockets and jump in when our ships enter.”

  “What are we to do, My Lordship?”

  “I will think on this. With New Dawn out of immediate contact, I cannot ask for Minister’s input or support. I will need to find an answer on my own.”

  “We are at your command, My Lordship.”

  “I know. I will have an answer within five planet cycles of Nest One, Intelligence.”

  Intelligence and Flight saw the droop of War’s wings and head comb. They read the signs that their leader did not believe that he would find a solution.

  Aboard Gypsy – Ballison Landing Port

  Gypsy’s large cargo bay allowed for enough room to hold its entire crew as well as everything required to keep the ship and its beings alive and comfortable. As the moth-shaped ship squatted on the landing pad, its ramp hung open, resting on the ground, inviting anyone to come aboard. To the ramp’s right, a dais had been erected, a stage on which Captain Long stood, ramrod and ridged, in his most professional stance.

  Before him, standing in four groups, totaling just-over forty people, upturned faces waited for their Captain to speak.

  “First, let me emphasize that this voyage is a voyage of discovery, of travelling unknown space. What we find, who we discover, we do not know. What we do know is that we are in search of the Ballisonians who left many hundreds of years ago. We also know that this trip, to and back, will take at least two years.”

  Captain Long paused to let the last sink in. Then he resumed.

  “For at least the next two years, you will be away from your homes. You will be absent from your family and friends. For two years, you will not watch your children grow. You will not be with your husband, wife, bond-mate, or mate. Think on this.”

  Again, Captain Long paused.

  “There is no dishonor in reassessing priorities or importance. I want you all to reevaluate your decision to join Gypsy and be part of her voyage. I will wait a moment.”

  Captain Long waited. While he waited, he watched these forty-plus volunteers, saw them look around, up, down and at each other.

  “Any of you who wish to leave, you may do so, without dishonor or shame.”

  Again, Captain Long waited. No one left.

  “Good. Gentle beings. Welcome as crew and members of Gypsy.”

  Captain Long turned to his rightmost group.

  “Sub-Captain Baker, is your team ready and able to assume their responsibilities of flying, maintaining, and managing Gypsy during her voyage to the Ballisonian’s new worlds?”

  Although still dressed as goth, Kimberly slammed to attention and snapped off a crisp salute.

  “Yes, Captain. All are accounted for and ready, sir!”

  “Come aboard. We launch this evening. Prepare for takeoff.”

  “Aye, aye, sir!” Sub-Captain Baker shouted this as she snapped off another salute and began a parade-grounds march towards the ramp. As best they could, Gypsy’s bridge crew, including the procurement officer, Emilio, attempted the same formality as they followed.

  Captain Long watched his bridge crew march up the ramp and disappear into Gypsy’s bay. He then turned back to the remaining crowd.

  “Chief Medical Officer Abril. Are you and your team able to assume their responsibilities of the welfare of Gypsy’s crew and members?”

  Having previously been a member of the Federacy’s medical corps, Doctor Mia Abril was able to duplicate Sub-Captain Baker’s salute. After snapping off her own salute, she responded, “Sir, yes, sir. All members are present, able, and accounted for, sir!”

  “Welcome aboard, doctors and medical staff. Your quarters assignments are on your tablets. You have permission to come aboard.”

  Again, Captain Long and the remaining members of Gypsy waited for the disappearance, this time of the medical crew. And, again, Captain Long turned back to his ship members. This time, however, he relaxed.

  “Well, Doctor Ganakin. Your turn. Are you and your team ready?”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  Gypsy’s Captain looked at the boxy, six-legged android waiting patiently.

  “I see that you’ve brought some sort of android.”

  “Yes, Captain. This is Suhashi. He is a level three artificial intelligence. Very dependable and supportive. He’s been with me for years on Wisdom Seeker.”

  “Well, he is welcome, also. Come onboard. I believe that you have already been assigned your quarters.”

  “Yes, we have, Captain. Thank you for letting us come on this wonderful journey.”

  “No problem, Doctor.”

  With a nod of recognition, Doctor Ganakin led Doctor Roshnak, Junior Scientist Shukilar, Suhashi, and eight assistants up the ramp and to their quarters.

  “Lieutenant Negiani, are your people squared away?”

  The tall Elonian slammed to attention, his ears pointing straight up, the same with his tail. Then, with all the reverence of a military person saluting his commanding officer, Negiani slammed the back of his paw to his forehead, snapped a forty-five-degree bow and returned to attention.

  “Locked, cocked and ready to rock, Captain!”

  “You got that from Sergeant Sanchez, didn’t you?”

  “Affirmative, sir!”

  “Well, get your patrol settled in. we leave at nineteen hundred.”

  “Sir, yes, sir!”

  Lieutenant Negiani about-faced and addressed his charges.

  “You heard The Man! You Mud-ducks and Furballs! Move it, move it. Quick march!”

  Sixteen pairs of boots slammed together in formation. Then, as a single unit, all marched towards the ship, up the ramp and into Gypsy’s innards.

  Just as the last of the marines disappeared, Kimberly reappeared.

  “That went well, Cap.”

  “I thought so, Sub. H
ow is Eton doing?”

  “He’s a little obsequious, but we’ll get him straightened out.”

  “Good. Ready?”

  “I suppose.”

  Aboard UMCR Hightower One

  Once again, the luxuriousness of Hightower One’s conference room brought Fleet-Admiral Weiskoff to a momentary stop before he and his subordinates entered and took their places at the mahogany conference table. Once again, Lord Cedric sat at its head with his nephew to his left and Chairman Musselman to his right.

  Victoria, holding a cup of tea, set behind the three, within easy sight of everyone.

  “Welcome, again, Fleet-Admiral Weiskoff. May I get you anything?”

  “Coffee?”

  “Of course. Lord Cedric nodded to Burgess, who nodded to a server who quickly moved to the serving counter.

  “How would you like it?”

  “Straight black, sir.”

  Lord Cedric and Sir Reginald sipped their drinks as they waited for the Fleet-Admiral’s coffee to be delivered. Once done, the head of the Hightower family set down his glass.

  “Now, Admiral. What is the purpose of your calling this meeting?”

  The Fleet-Admiral held up his wrist which held a device unfamiliar to the Mars contingent.

  “The Vice-Admiral gave this to me as a communication device. He called it a ‘quant-com’. Apparently, it is capable of communicating anywhere in the galaxy, instantaneously.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, Sire.”

  “That is very hard to believe.”

  Lord Cedric looked at Victoria, who carefully set down her cup.

  “True,” she signed.

  “Well, I was contacted by a Commander Marston which the Vice-Admiral spoke of. He has some information to pass to us.

  “Hello? Can you hear me?”

  Everyone heard the voice emanate from the quant-com.

  “Yes. We can hear you just fine,” Lord Cedric answered. “With whom am I speaking?”

  “I am Preceptor Igaklay. Am I speaking with Lord Cedric?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ah. To set your mind at ease, let me explain about the device which Fleet-Admiral Weiskoff is wearing. Is anyone there familiar with the concept of quantum entanglement?”

  Lord Cedric looked over the room. His nephew raised his hand.

  “Sir Reginald?”