Farr arranged the communication between Alain´ and Solis and the two men got along very well from the start, which pleased Farr immensely.
“How poetic of your Admiral to send the ships named after the very men who are responsible for the succor of my people.” Farr watched the conversation between the two men and he marveled at the progression of the Foreman’s speech. He would’ve sworn a week ago that the man would be overwhelmed by the introduction of the twenty third century to his people, but he and his people just seemed to absorb everything that came their way. They incorporated literature and scientific terms into their speech at a phenomenal pace. It was just another strange aspect to a strange people, so he let it go once more and finished his departure preparations.
The underway replenishment was completed quickly and Farr once more floated onto the bridge.
“Dr. Thangruph, is the course to our next destination calculated and lain in?”
“Yes Commander, it will be updated every ten seconds until initiation.”
“Thank you Dr. Thangruph.” Farr initiated ship wide comms and announced their departure.
“All hands, this is the captain. Standby to depart lunar orbit, destination 65 Cybele.”
Farr heard faint cheering
He disengaged communications and spoke to Thangruph again.
“Doctor, please initiate the Vasimr for the preset destination. Alright people, we’ve got work waiting on us out there.”
“Vasimr initiated. I estimate being free of lunar gravity in two hours and seventeen minutes.”
Farr felt a lifting, as if the dark cloud that had settled over his mind had finally been broken. His heart was suddenly light and an eagerness to see what was over the next hill settled in, like an old friend returning from a long absence.
Farr noticed the attitude of the crew as they went about their jobs, their steps seeming to bounce a little higher, allowing for the minimal gee produced by acceleration force, of course, and the smiles they exchange reflected the same eagerness that pervaded him. Their first mission was under their belt and it was a success. He’d hand out a substantial number of compliments in twelve hours at the preplanned ship meeting. While he was introducing them to the new protocols he and Ming had drawn up, that is. It was good for their first mission to be an overwhelming success. It gave them confidence. But Farr knew that it had been an easy workup. The next destination would be more difficult, if for no other reason than the three hundred million kilometers that would separate them from Earth.
Twelve hours later, with the lunar surface rapidly receding in their displays, the crew of the Resolution gathered in the ship’s conference room, a makeshift bay in the cargo area converted for just this purpose.
Farr addressed them, quietly lauding their performance at Lunar Base Five and their assistance to its residents. He praised the team while singling out certain individuals for what he considered quick thinking and performance above and beyond what could normally be expected of them.
He informed them that Dr. Takashi was being singled out for a letter of commendation signed by the Admiral. His inventiveness in designing an EMP device which neutralized the Kashi 1123 warbots had been instrumental in the success of their mission, Farr told them.
“The next recommendation I submitted was for Dr. Skorsson for bravery under fire. Admiral Ngata has approved the Earth Services Commendation Medal with V for valor.” There was a wild round of applause at the table while Skorsson looked slightly abashed. The other scientists congratulated him and clapped him on the back. Tegev beamed at the news and hugged Dr. Skorsson. When the applause had died down Farr continued. “I would like to add my personal thanks to you doctor for your actions, which, in all probability, saved a member of my crew. For that I salute you. Now a toast wouldn’t be a toast without refreshments, so I’ve had security break out one round of alcoholic refreshment for our celebration.” There was a surprised murmuring at the table and Farr held up his hand for silence. “Yes, I know this is normally against regulations but I’ve obtained special dispensation from the Admiral, so take your glasses and raise them high to Dr. Skorsson.” There was another round of cheers while Skorsson continued to look embarrassed. Ming leaned in and whispered so that no one else could hear.
“You got the Admiral to approve that this close to Earth?” he said with surprise.
“I’m sure he’ll approve it just as soon I tell him,” Farr said offhandedly.
“Ah,” Ming said, “I understand. It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.”
“A fleet officer’s motto if ever there was one,” Farr agreed.
Dr. Skorsson rose suddenly, still looking embarrassed, but quieting everyone down. “Please save a little of your drink for one more toast.” They all stopped and waited. Skorsson looked at Farr and raised his glass. “To our captain, who leaves no one behind. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here.”
Farr raised his hand before anyone drank.
“Let’s drink, instead, to the crew of the Resolution. We will leave no one behind.”
“To the crew of the Resolution,” the group intoned standing and Farr nodded an acceptance as they all drank.
“That’s what shipmates do people and we’re a crew now,” Farr said sliding the event easily into the new protocols, “we take care of each other and we never leave anyone behind. Now we just finished a mission where the protocols and mission parameters were drawn by people who never set foot on the lunar surface. I’m telling you now, that those protocols are history. We’re the ones on scene, we’re the ones who’ll have to deal with a variety of situations that could arise on any given world on which we disembark. So we’ll now set the protocols for away teams and crew function.” He paused and looked around the group. They were listening intently.
“First, I would like to introduce your new XO, Lieutenant Commander Ming.” The scientists cheered and Farr knew this would go a long way toward integrating the civilian and military personnel. Ming waved everyone quiet again and then he spoke.
“The captain and I’ve been working on protocols for the last two weeks and we’ve got quite a few drawn up. First, a full security team, fully armed will accompany every away team. No more protocols that expose our team members to unnecessary danger. These protocols were designed by people who obviously expected us to encounter mausoleums rather than vibrant worlds. I want inputs from you on things we can do better and precautions we can take that we’re not taking now. We’re all in this together so we need everyone’s input.” Ming nodded at Farr who picked up the thread and continued.
“Dr. Takashi, congratulations, I am designating you as the Chief Science Officer for the Resolution. Dr. Skorsson will be your assistant. The rotation of scientists resides solely with you. I will give you my requirements and you will select the best people. There will be two scientists on every away team. I need you to conduct cross discipline training to ensure that the away team is well equipped for all possibilities.” Farr continued on detailing duties and training requirements that he wanted accomplished on the four month transit. He left no doubt that they were commands despite the polite tenor in which they were delivered. Then he broached the final topics of his agenda.
“Dr. Takashi, as much as I appreciated the effectiveness of the homemade EMP you constructed for us on the lunar surface, there was a certain amount of collateral damage I’d like to avoid in the future.” A few covert sniggers issued from around the table but quickly disappeared when the Master Chief glared his displeasure.
“Yes,” Farr said wryly, “I’m sure we’re all aware of what they were. Doctor I’ve taken the liberty of supplying you with several dozen models used in the past on Earth when the warbots were being used. Let me be clear, I’ve no idea whether we’ll run into these terrors again or not. But I intend to be prepared if we do. If you could doctor, please submit four or five designs that you’d like to pursue to the XO within the next week. Give me a production schedule as well. I think twenty of
various sizes should do nicely. Confer with the XO on the operating parameters we might see and the expected scenarios that could occur. We got lucky this time people. Those warbots were on their last legs otherwise I wouldn’t be addressing you now.” He scanned the room and was pleased to note the serious looks occupying the faces he saw. No one relished the thought of taking on a fully functioning warbot without EMP.
“And finally, I’d like you to welcome aboard cadet Eric Gaetos. When the Foreman discovered our mission, he was adamant about his people contributing to its’ success. So please help the cadet adjust to his new environment.”
“I’m shocked the Council allowed you to bring him. I mean we’re all highly trained for this mission. I don’t see what he can contribute.”
The speaker was Dr. Kemmler. He’d been somewhat standoffish on the lunar surface, not voluntarily having any sort of interaction with the Workers. Farr was afraid that the man might be experiencing a little xenophobia and he didn’t wish it to go any further. He was about to speak when Dr. Skorsson inserted himself with surprising forcefulness.
“What can he contribute? I’d like to point out that he’s the only one of us who could navigate the dark tunnels like the ones we saw on Luna and I don’t think those are the last ones we’ll see. But that aside, he’s well versant in mathematics and the sciences, if you’d care to test him.” Skorsson flung the last out as a challenge, his eyes daring Kemmler to take up the gauntlet. “He’s also qualified on your Vasimr engines, by the way, right Master Chief?” Wells turned his gaze to Kemmler.
“He’s definitely qualified and he’ll be assisting me on the maintenance and shakedown of this ship. Do you have any questions you’d like to ask me doctor?” Kemmler took one look at Wells eyes and averted his gaze.
“Alright, alright,” he said quickly. “I was just asking. If you two say he’s qualified then he’s qualified.
“Relax Santiago,” Arenson said laughing. “We’re not planning on giving him your job for another couple of months at least.” The other scientists laughed and teased Kemmler and everything seemed to move past the awkwardness of his comments. Farr dismissed the crew after that.
Several hours later, at a private meeting in Farr’s cabin he addressed Wells, Alexeyev and Ming.
“The three of you are in the Admiral’s confidence and that’s good enough for me. Ming and I’ve already discussed the possibility of a saboteur on board. I’ll ask you, Chris, and you, Ilsa, to keep your eyes open as well and let me know of anything you see that’s suspicious.” They both agreed.
“Now,” he said, “can anyone give me a good reason why that boy is on my ship?” He looked at Wells. “I’ve seen you tell bald faced lies to Admirals and dare them to contradict you. Why couldn’t you come to my rescue with the Foreman?”
Wells hung his head and when he looked up there was a bewildered look on his face. “I don’t have any earthly idea why, because I was going to lie. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve lied for you. I’ve done it a hundred times before and dollars to donuts I’ll do it again in the future. But when the old man put his hand on my shoulder and looked at me, I just couldn’t,” he sputtered.
“Are you getting soft on me?”
“No, it wasn’t like that. The words just poured out of me like I had no control.”
Farr was quiet for a moment, just thinking, as the others regarded him. He looked at Alexeyev.
“Why would you give Eric a flight physical? That’s much more detailed than the physicals you were giving the others.” Ilsa thought for a moment, a look of uncertainty creeping over her face.
“I don’t know,” she finally said. “I was giving Eric a physical because the Foreman asked me to and he was talking to me as I conducted it. He suggested that I give him a more thorough physical. You know, like the ones I give our crew, because I wanted to know more about their physiology and that was an excellent way to learn more. Then he touched me on the shoulder and suddenly it sounded so reasonable that I couldn’t refuse. His readings were perfect. I doubt if any of the scientists could match his chart,” she finished, more puzzled than when she’d started.
“I see.” Farr said sitting down in the chair next to her and enjoying the slight ten percent gravity that the acceleration of the ship provided. “And he touched Quincy’s shoulder as well,” Farr murmured still lost in thought. The others looked at him oddly.
“Anything you want to share captain?” Ming asked with raised eyebrows.
“Not right now with a psychologist sitting across from me. It’s something I want to think on a little longer. You’re all forgiven for that momentary lapse. Doctor you’re going to get your wish. I‘d like you to quietly probe his abilities on this journey see what his capabilities are. Let me know what you find. Try not to let him know you’re doing it either or he just may confound your test results.”
“That’s not likely. I’m very experienced with the tests I want to run so I don’t think we have to worry about him sabotaging the results,” Ilsa said confidently. Farr chuckled.
“And the Master Chief, who’s chewed the asses of half of the admirals in the fleet, just happened to slip up around the Foreman, and you just accidently gave a flight physical to a fifteen year old boy, granted a very tall fifteen year old boy, but still a boy, at their suggestion. And Ming just happened to find a twelve year old who could solve quantum mechanics problems and after a century old conflict everyone just kissed and made up?”
“Actually it was a fifteen year old that solved it,” Ming said slowly, turning over the things Farr had just said in his mind. Farr gave him an impish smile. Alexeyev and Wells had pensive looks on their faces and glanced at each other uncertainly.
“Let’s all just agree that there was something different about the residents of Lunar Base Five, at least the Workers. There was something there that we weren’t privy to, something underneath the surface. What, I don’t know, but there was something.” He looked at each of them and he could see them going over events in their mind, some of which they’d probably dismissed at the time.
“Think on these things I’ve said and we’ll gather again in a couple of days. I’m expecting a royal ass chewing coming my way and very soon. It’ll probably happen when the Council gets together in four days. When’s our point of no return Chris?” Farr was referring to the point at which it would not be feasible to return to Earth.
“Three days,” he said flatly. “By that time we’ll have a separation velocity of more than a hundred thousand kilometers an hour. The Earth’s basically heading in the opposite direction as us, which is a point in our favor.”
“Good, Ming if you’re not ordered to relieve me by that time, we should be good.” The meeting broke apart after that, each member lost in their own thoughts as they exited.
CHAPTER 21
On the fourth day the expected priority communication came. It was too late by this time for the Council to order him back, but not too late to remove him from command. The Admiral must’ve run some heavy duty interference, but he dreaded the conference anyhow. It was patched into his stateroom and he sat rigidly in front of the display table as the holographic images appeared one by one. There were fourteen, which meant that the full Council was in session, along with Admiral Ngata and some other party. Maybe he should’ve had Ming here just in case, he thought. The full Council could relieve him on the spot.
“Commander,” a pleasant English voice hailed him. That would be the Chairman, Edwin Smyth. “It is good to see you again.”
“It is good to see you as well, Chairman.”
“Councilman Trekos has called this special session to discuss your actions at Lunar Base Five,” the man said bypassing any unneeded pleasantries.
“Is that so sir?” Farr inquired innocently.
“Yes, he says he has some concerns that were raised by your after action report.”
“I’d be happy to answer any questions the Council may have Chairman.”
“I th
ought as much Commander. Why don’t we let councilman Trekos air his concerns so you may get back to the business of running your ship.” Was the chairman a potential ally Farr wondered?
“I’d be delighted to hear his concerns.”
“Of course, Councilman Trekos you have the floor.” Smyth said in a businesslike manner.
Trekos appeared standing in front of him now, a balding middle aged man with a thin nose and a straight line for a mouth and eyes that were hungry. Farr knew the only thing that would sate that hunger was power. He had seen this type of man before.
“Commander, I’m very concerned that you left orbit before we could go over this after action report with you. Can you tell me why you did that?”
Farr gave his best imitation of a puzzled look before he answered.
“I can’t think of any reason we should’ve stayed in orbit after the arrival of the Lansing. According to the original protocols we weren’t supposed to stay as long as we did. There were just certain things we wanted to ensure were done on behalf of the lunar colonists before we left.”
“You don’t think the death of several civilians warranted an extended stay on your part?” the man accused.
“Combatants, Councilman, combatants,” Farr corrected, “and no, there was no reason to stay in orbit because of the death of men who were engaged in murder and slavery. It never happened on Earth when we routed out a nest of vipers and I don’t think the lunar surface is any different.”
“You don’t think the surface of another world is any different, is that what you’re saying Commander?” Trekos said with wide eyes.
“Not when it comes to murder and slavery I don’t,” Farr said with steel in his voice.
“You just turned a society upside down on your own whim then. That is not your choice to make for these people Commander!” Trekos almost shouted.
“I don’t call an organization founded by Alekos Antonopoulos and predicated on the forced alteration and enslavement of human beings a society at all Councilman.” Farr’s reply was cold and his blue eyes blazed fiercely.
Children of the Dark World Page 28
