“I am Sir Reginald Hightower. I know of the theory. Preceptor Igaklay, is it?”
“That is correct, Sir Reginald. Then you are familiar with the concept of joined nucleoids which mimic each other’s activity, regardless of distance.”
“Only in theory, Preceptor.”
“We of Ballison have taken that theory and applied it to plasmatic condensates. This allows us to create communication links anywhere in the galaxy.”
“Oh, where are you?”
“I am orbiting the planet Ballison, approximately six hundred lightyears from the Sol system.”
“Unbelievable.”
“Magic of science, Sire. I just wanted to give you a quick education on our quant-coms before Commander Marston began speaking.”
“And is Commander Marston orbiting Ballison?”
“No, Sire. He is in the Federacy, in a star system named Atlantius, onboard his ship, Griffin.”
“Oh.”
A new voice entered the conversation.
“Lord Cedric, Fleet-Admiral Weiskoff, Commander Marston of the Human-Elonian-Ballisonian Alliance reporting.”
“Welcome, Commander,” Weiskoff responded for the group. “As you have heard, the United Mars Colonial Republic’s Director and his assistants are here. Please expand on what you told me earlier.”
“Aye, aye, Admiral. Vice-Admiral Weiskoff notified me that you are in negotiations for finding living space for your refugee fleet. He further stated that, as part of those negotiations, he offered the gravity generator technology. He also offered access to jump drive technology. Is that correct?”
“That is correct, Commander. You stated that there are some proprietary issues with those offerings.”
“That is correct, sir. The Federacy does not have the intellectual rights to either of those technologies. The Elonians are the inventors of the gravity generators. That race holds all legal patents to the design, technology and manufacturing of those generators.”
Lord Cedric became rigid as he interrupted. “You are saying that this Federacy Vice-Admiral made promises which were not his to make!”
“Yes, Sire. However, I am opening up a conversation which will lead all of us to a mutually beneficial conclusion.”
Lord Cedric glared at Fleet-Admiral Weiskoff. Weiskoff dropped his head, recognizing the situation his deceitful son had put him in.
“Continue.”
“As for the jump drive. It is Ballisonian technology.”
“The same race that made this quant-com communicator.”
“Yes, Sire. The Ballisonians are technologically very far advanced from anything we Humans or the Elonians have ever created. The technology for the jump drive is far beyond anything we could possibly understand. Simply put, it is a microscopic black hole controlled by dark matter.”
“That sounds like something out of a science fiction vid.”
“Yes. But it’s real. We’ve used those technologies for almost two years to defeat the Mortek invasion. Continuing, even if Preceptor Igaklay transferred the specifications for the jump drive technology, Humanity would have no way of building or maintaining the drives.”
“So, what the Vice-Admiral offered is not on the table.”
“I didn’t say that, Lord Cedric. I am going to turn the meeting over to Ambassador Suzume, the lead negotiator for the H.E.B. Alliance and spokesperson for the Mistress of Ballison. Ambassador?”
Everyone in the room heard the female voice speak.
“First, let me state that, how we arrived at this negotiation will not influence, in any way, the outcome.”
“You are saying that we will be able to acquire the gravity generator and jump drive technology?”
The whole room took on apprehensive silence as they let the two power brokers take control.
“Obviously with mutual benefits, Lord Cedric. Fleet-Admiral Weiskoff, is it your intention to have your people settle in the Sol system?”
“If we are accepted, Ambassador.”
“Lord Cedric, you currently own fallow land on Earth. Is that correct?”
“Actually, House of Musselman owns the land, Ambassador. It has been a holding of their family for more than three hundred years.”
“I also understand that all other holdings are on Mars. Is that also correct?”
“That is also correct.”
“Am I negotiating with the Hightower family, the Musselman family or the government of Mars?”
“The governing body of mars is made up of seven founding families. We have formed a ruling body named the United Mars Colonial Republic. I am the Chancellor of UMCR.”
“Then, any negotiations upon which we agree must be approved by the UMCR?”
“That is correct, Ambassador.”
“I wish to stress that a relationship between the UMCR and the H.E.B. Alliance would be extremely beneficial to both of us. I also wish to stress that the well-being of Fleet-Admiral Weiskoff and his people is of utmost importance to us.”
“I wish to support both of those sentiments, Ambassador.”
“Thank you, Lord Cedric. That being said, I have been given permission by Mistress Analyn and Preceptor Igaklay to utilize the two discussed technologies while working towards a mutually acceptable outcome.”
“I am very pleased to hear that.”
“Preceptor Igaklay has assured me that a ship containing gravity generators and a jump drive will arrive this day in the Atlantius system. That ship will also contain a protective molecular dissimulator shield, as well as full quant-com communications. At this time, that ship if for demonstration purposes, only. It is a presentation of what the HEB Alliance can offer in opening negotiations.
“Will be able to do a short journey to test its capabilities?”
Chancellor Cedric looked at his nephew as he interrupted.
“And this is?”
“Sir Reginald, Ambassador. I apologize for his interruption.”
“No apology needed, Chancellor. Yes, Sir Reginald. We plan on demonstrating the ship’s capabilities to add substance to our negotiations.”
“Thank you, Ambassador.”
“Four days from the arrival of that ship in Atlantius, we will be arriving in the Sol System with a negotiation team to establish a treaty between our two peoples. Is that acceptable?”
“More than acceptable. We will be prepared. I will have my captain send you the coordinates.”
“That will not be necessary, Lord Cedric. We know where you are. We will disconnect, now.”
Everyone in the conference room heard the silence from Fleet-Admiral Weiskoff’s raised arm. He lowered it and tried to rub some feeling back into it.
“I am really glad that you are handling the negotiations, Uncle. Ambassador Suzume doesn’t mess around.”
Chapter 17
Aboard Heimdallr – Yeni Persia
“Man, I’m getting tired of this,” Brooksy said to the air.
“Ours is not to reason why, Brooksy. Ours is just to do and die.”
“Yeah, Toast. The operative word is ‘do’. We ain’t doing squat.”
“Good point, Brooksy. Maybe we should do another complete KP on our little home away from home,” Captain Scott offered.
“Nah, Cap. I’m good. Just bitching at nothing happening.”
“Be careful what you wish for, Brooksy. Something’s happening.”
“What are you seeing, Toast?”
“Not sure, Captain. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of ships are chain launching from Sasania.”
“What kind? Assault craft? Cargo?”
“Everything, Captain. It’s like the Mortek have packed up and are leaving.”
“Brooksy, launch a bunch of sensor drones. Low orbit. Search the whole planet. Find out what’s happening.”
“Roger that, Captain.”
Moments later, Heimdallr’s launch tubes fired hundreds of saucer-shaped autonomous drones at Yeni Persia’s primary planet. Within hours, the pre-programmed little ships
succeeded in encircling Sasania and sending back live time-lapsed, digital photographs of the conquered planet.
“You’re right, Toast. The Mortek are packing up and leaving.”
“Yeah, Captain. And look at the wreck they left behind. It’s going to take decades for this planet to be habitable again.”
“If ever,” Brooksy chimed in. “I know I wouldn’t want to come back here. There’s nothing left.”
“The Mortek fleet is on the move, Captain.”
“Where?”
“Back towards the gate.”
“The Mortek are heading back to their original world?”
“Looks like it, Captain.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
‘I don’t know. Could it be because of Griffin’s visit? Captain Marston having a conversation with War?”
“I wouldn’t put it past him. He seems to get the job done.”
“Does that mean we get to boogie on out of here, Cap?”
“Not yet, Brooksy. Let’s give it a few more days. See the end result.”
“Copy that, Cap.”
“Toast, put together a com package. Get it fired off to our new Fleet-Admiral.”
“Will do, Captain. Let me do another hour of launch recordings. Then, I’ll send it off.”
“That works. Do it.”
“What about Hawk?”
“Not yet. Not until we know for sure what these Mortek are up to. Brooksy, after Toast sends off her package, jump to the Mortek home world. I want a look-see there.”
“Will do, Cap.”
Aboard Gypsy – Ballison Landing Port
Captain Long sat in Gypsy’s command chair and overlooked his bridge crew. He saw that, over time, they had become a cohesive, close group, confident in their jobs, confident in themselves confident in each other. He focused on Kimberly.
“Well, Sub-Captain, are we ready to set sail?”
“About as ready as we will ever be, Captain.”
“Not a ringing indorsement, Kimmy.”
“Professionalism, when we are on ship, Pilot Briar.”
“Might I make an observation, Captain Long?”
Everyone on the bridge looked at Eton as he stood attached to his anchor pole. They all showed their curiosity as they wondered how this rendition of the ship’s artificial intelligence would act, now that it had an emotional matrix as part of its core.
“Go ahead, Eton. Your opinions and observations are always welcome.”
“I have studied various interactions between military personnel and there seems to be a, for a lack of a better term, casual formality. I believe that, since we are going to be on an extended voyage, we should adopt this casual formality.”
“Go on, Eton. What are you saying?”
“When you, Captain Long, are communicating in a casual manner with your equals or others you accept as personal contacts, they refer to you by your call sign, Slim. The same is true with Gunnery Sergeant Sanchez. She is addressed as ‘Sanch’.”
“What is your recommendation, Eton?”
“I think that we should each have a call sign. Then we can create a casually formal atmosphere which will contain less stress and greater comfort during our long voyage. I know that I would be more comfortable in that atmosphere.”
“You would be more comfortable.”
“Yes, Sub-Captain Baker. I would not be so prone to worrying about if I did something wrong or offensive.”
“Captain, that is not a bad idea. During times of stress or conflict we can always go full military. But, during the down times, we can hang a little looser.”
“One problem. Everyone doesn’t have a call sign or nickname. Do you have one, Mz. Baker?”
“Well, yes. When I’m with my friends.”
“OK, Kimmy. Give.”
“Um, well, Gack.”
This surprised Ollie. “Gack? Like cocaine?”
“No, limp wad. Gack like in gothic hacker. Gack.”
“I like it. Gack it is. What about you, Mr. Briar?”
“Nah. You’ll laugh.”
“Give, limp wad. Or you’re stuck with the one I just gave you.”
“Aw, Kimmy. Don’t be mean. OK. It’s Patch.”
“Patch?”
“Briar Patch.”
“Like the old fables by that writer on Old Earth.”
“Uncle Remus. Yeah, those stories. I found them when I was a kid. My buds caught me reading them. So, they stuck me with ‘Patch’.”
“Patch and Gack. Good to know. Eton, this is an excellent recommendation. We will implement it when the dog days hit. Thank you.”
“You are welcome, Captain. I am pleased that my recommendation has been accepted.”
“You did good, Eton. Keep observing and thinking about ways to make your crewmates more efficient.”
“I certainly will, Gack. Is Eton my nickname?”
“Yup, Eton. Your callsign.”
“Lieutenant Negiani, pickup,” Captain Long commanded to the air inside Gypsy.
“Negiani, here, Captain.”
“Lieutenant, are your people ready? We are about to make our first jump.”
“As this is our first extended jump, Captain, I have ordered all of the troops to occupy their bunks and strap in.”
“Good thinking. Doctor Ganakin?”
“Yes, Captain?”
“Lieutenant Negiani came up with a good thought. Have your people strap in for the first jump. I don’t want them rattling around if things get dicey.”
“Give us ten minutes, Captain. We will be ready.”
“Doctor Abril, get your people into their bunks.”
“I’ve been monitoring your commands, Captain. We are already strapped in.”
“OK. That seems to be it. Everyone, tighten up your harnesses. It’s time.”
Captain long looked at each of his bridge crew, which now included his procurement officer, Emilio Cortez.
“Any doubts, speak them now.” Long waited. No one spoke.
“Eton, do you have the ship monitored?”
“Always, Captain.”
“Any issues?”
“None, Captain.”
“Pilot Briar, take us to the Big Dark.”
Aboard Griffin – Atlantius space
Tranquilly, Griffin floated in Atlantius space, looking down on Pantea. The blue and green orb, partially covered by floating clouds, sat as though the last two years of horror and war never happened.
Within Griffin’s galley, her bridge crew, the two leaders of her defense force, Mistress Analyn and Vidhee sat at the multiple tables pushed together. Sir Mahajani, as always, stood with a view of the room. Rikka, in her snow leopard form, lay curled at Analyn’s feet, doing what normal cats and dogs did. Buster, as becoming normal, sat next to Vidhee, the synthetic couple obviously bonded. Krag and Keiko also sat close, their bond tighter and stronger than ever before.
“How did your com with Captain Long go, Krag?”
“Good, Keiko. He’s excited to get on the road, so to speak.”
“Two, three years from now, we should know what happened to the Ballison people.”
“Yes! Then I can show them that I have evolved! I can show them that I understand where I made the mistakes that drove them away!”
“Calm down, Preceptor Igaklay. Three years is a long time. You must be patient.”
“I know, Mistress Analyn. It’s just that, I miss my creators. I want them back.”
“I am sure that Captain Long and his crew will do everything in their power to break through that ice wall and let them know how much you have evolved.”
“What? I and Vidhee don’t count?”
“I never said that, Buster. Of course you count. You are part of my den. As are the rest of you. But, it is not the same. You are not my creators.”
“As I said, Preceptor, you must be patient. Time and Bashia will show us our path.”
“I know. It’s just so hard.”
Krag saw the sadn
ess in the eyes of Igaklay’s avatar. He changed the course of the conversation.
“Well, Tribune, Sergeant, are your people ready?”
“Yes, Commander. Speaking for the Furballs, we are ready, sir.”
“As are the Mud-ducks, Captain.”
“Good. Mistress Analyn, how did your parents accept your leaving Ballison in their hands?”
“Mother is accepting. She always is. Father, on the other hand, has mixed emotions. He likes the idea of once again ruling a planet. But he also is nervous about ruling multiple species. Maybe a little fearful. Also, he is worried about my negotiating with these other Human clans.”
“Are you concerned, Mistress?”
‘No, Ambassador. Father and Mother have trained me for this my entire life. I am looking forward to interacting with these new, strange people. As for my parents and Ballison, from what you described, we shouldn’t be gone more than a month. Ballison is in good hands.”
“Captain?”
“Yes, Igaklay?”
“The Hightower passenger liner has arrived. I am currently sailing it to us.”
“Thank you, Igaklay. How soon before it arrives?”
“Three hours, Captain.”
“Dean, Isaac, you heard Igaklay. Give your stations a final once-over. We have four jumps for Griffin and the tag-along. Igaklay, can we get that ship’s telemetry linked to Griffin?”
“Easily, Captain.”
Igaklay performed a slight pause.
“I have set up continuous links to Ambassador Suzume’s, Engineer Benton’s and Specialist Carter’s consoles. They now have full monitoring capabilities of the passenger liner.”
“What about control?”
“I still retain that, Captain.”
“Of course you do. OK, people. Four hours. Then we jump. Dean, Isaac, get started.”
The remainders at the table watched the two young men take their kitchenware to the service bar then leave.
“You seem a little nervous, Krag.”
“Maybe a little, Keiko. I don’t know what we’re getting into.”
“It can’t be that bad. The Vice-Admiral, um, the Fleet-Admiral jumped there and back. We have his target points.”
“Yeah. It’s not the jumps. It’s the political crap storm we’re dropping into.”
Future in the Stars Page 30
