by John Walker
“Is that good?” Olly’s brows lifted. “I mean, if you don’t know what it is…that sounds bad.”
“It’ll be fascinating and we’ll definitely learn something on this trip,” Durant replied. “Anyway, I had the computer compare it to every form of engine and machinery in our database but nothing came close to matching. It truly is a mystery.”
“How will that help us find them?” Paul asked.
Durant hummed. “Through the process of elimination. We can rule out systems that do not have the energy reading.”
“How far out can we get that information?” Clea asked. “Because we don’t want to go hopping all over creation.”
“I’m not sure, I’m still writing a program to detect it.” Durant shrugged. “But for now, what’ve you come up with?”
“We’re checking the buoy network,” Olly said. “I’ve finished mapping it out and we can take a look now.”
Clea tapped the received link and watched the network form outward from the home world, reaching far and wide. Olly marked all the buoys that were in remote systems and the number was much higher than she hoped. Her vision was they might have a dozen or so but as she watched the numbers climb, she realized they’d have a hard time collecting from even half of them.
They needed a way to limit their searches, to narrow the parameters. Clea decided to assume they only jumped once until they had evidence to the contrary. The idea that they hopped out then found another system to go to seemed unlikely and if they did, they might be flat out impossible to find without another message.
Taking a look at the research area, she noted that the buoy there was still active. Also, it was off the civilian grid. Only their military software even located it. She squinted at the screen and filtered by the least used buoys in the area. Seven began to blink. Three were in close proximity to the compromised research facility.
“These buoys are interesting,” Clea said. “They barely have any use, especially since the research facility fell to the enemy.”
“Didn’t the military shut that off?” Durant asked. “If not, they should’ve. Anyone in close proximity could hack into it…learn our coding methods.”
“No,” Clea replied. “They just take it off the standard routing. By leaving it on, we retain a valuable tool. For example, if we wanted to spread some disinformation, we could turn it back on a few days early, route some gibberish through it then send the falsehood. Our enemies would pick it up and have to second guess whether or not we were telling the truth.”
“Ah…” Durant nodded. “This is why I’m not in the military I suppose.”
“In any event, we can use it to determine if the enemy is still in that section of space but, we have to be closer.” Clea rubbed her chin. “At least one system away…at one of the adjacent buoys so we can connect up to it and send the activation code. We can observe the research system and get scan information to determine how The Crystal Font actually left the area.”
“You think there’s anything left to scan?” Paul asked. “It seems like it would’ve dissipated by now.”
Olly added, “not to mention the fact we had a pretty big engagement there. I’m guessing any debris will interfere with our scans, especially with something as rudimentary as the buoy.”
“We can get all we need,” Clea replied. “And if they did what we think, then the signature will not have dissipated. That waste material, even ignited, stays around for a long time. It takes a while to recycle for a reason.”
“So you recommend we go to one of these three adjacent buoys,” Durant said, “scan it for information then check the compromised system to determine our next move?”
Clea nodded. “Exactly.”
“Sounds reasonable,” Paul said. “I can get behind it.”
“Me too,” Olly added.
“I’ll talk to the captain,” Clea said. “You’ll want to get back to your posts. When we arrive, we’re going to have to be on alert. This is dangerous territory we’re about to enter and if we have to fight, you should be ready.”
***
Kale woke as his computer chimed, indicating he had a communication. He checked, noting the caller as Meira. He sat up, rubbed his eyes and tapped the button, doing his best to sound awake and refreshed. The way his voice cracked, he failed miserably but couldn’t muster too much concern, at least in that moment.
“Anthar Ru’Xin here.”
“Anthar,” Meira began, “I’m sorry to have woken you. We…have a bit of a problem.”
“I’ll be down in a moment.” Kale killed the connection and washed his face, drying it quickly before throwing his uniform back on. Checking himself in the mirror, he knew he had to continue to look his best despite the circumstances. The crew needed to see him as dauntless if their morale was to remain positive.
He headed down to the engineering section and paced inside, looking around for anything overtly out of place. People continued to work, moving about the area between panels, taking care of different tasks. He found Meira by the crystal assembly chamber with several other technicians gathered around. She broke away and joined him.
“The crystal’s ready to put in,” Meira said. “But I’ve performed several tests and I’m afraid we have to spark it. Something happened in the jump and the container became unsealed.”
Kale knew the term well. It essentially meant they needed to give the gem enough juice to power the jump drive, a procedure typically performed in port. The last time it was done on a ship he worked on, he’d been a pilot. He remembered the stress around the situation then though the gravity of it then wasn’t what it was now.
If they didn’t find a way out there, they’d be stranded.
“I understand.” Kale scratched the back of his neck. “Do you have a plan? Any thoughts on how we might go about it?”
“All our generators combined can’t generate that kind of power,” Meira said. “But I spoke with Deva and she believes the energy on the nearby planet could work. I ran some simulations and I have to agree with her. There’s plenty down there. We just have to figure out how to harness it and pump it into the crystal.”
“There are a lot of ifs in that plan,” Kale pointed out. “Not to mention the fact we might not be able to survive on the surface of that planet. None of us has any clue what we’re getting into down there.”
“The risks are outweighed by the potential benefits,” Meira said. “If we don’t try, there’s nothing we can do up here to spark this.”
“What about using the other crystal?”
“The moment it leaves the assembly, it’s going to drain fast. The cracks are bad. It’ll be useless in less than ten minutes. The only reason it hasn’t given out already is the chamber it’s in…storing that power to ensure it doesn’t simply dissipate.”
Kale nodded. “I understand…it does sound like the planet might be our only hope. Unfortunately.”
“I’m afraid so. But Deva has done some outstanding work cataloging the place. She knows a great deal about the energy field, the foliage, the surface and the water. And I can spare a tech crew to help find a way to harness that power.”
Kale smirked. “I would hope so considering the situation.”
Meira shook her head. “A standard response for a nonstandard situation. But in any event, how long before we send someone down?”
“When will you put the new crystal into the assembly?”
“When we have a method to spark it,” Meira replied. “The generators can’t keep us going for long. At least we’re operating right now.”
“Understood.” Kale looked at the broken crystal, considering the situation for a long moment in silence. Several things needed to happen before he felt comfortable having anyone set foot on that world. The first of which involved recon outside of Deva’s scans. He turned to Meira and patted her arm. “Thank you for the assessment. I’ll contact you when we’re ready.”
“We’re poised and ready to take care of it the moment we can,�
�� Meira said. “Good luck, sir.”
Kale headed to the bridge, feeling pressured by fate. Deva was probably right. They needed to know what was happening down there and how the planet came to be. Their investigation for the power source would likely gather other answers as well. So far, the place seemed rather accommodating.
Now to find out if that’s actually true.
Kale stepped off the elevator into the bridge and immediately approached Deva. “It seems you’ll get your wish. We’re going to have to go down to the planet.”
“Sir?” Deva’s eyes widened. “But you said…”
“I know,” Kale interrupted. “We’ve got a problem with the replacement crystal. It needs to be sparked.” His comment led to several groans throughout the ship. “I know. But Meira has a plan and it involves using the energy source on the planet below. We just have to go down there to determine how we can harness it. Deva, have you found any dangerous plants or animals?”
“No, sir.” Deva shook her head. “But honestly, as I mentioned before, it’s hard to get too fine of detail due to the metal in the rocks and soil. I will say this, it is unlikely we would be able to grow food down there. It would have to be done in green houses with heavily filtered dirt. At least, that’s my assessment.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have to start a farm,” Athan muttered.
“Thank you for the commentary,” Kale said, returning his attention to Deva. “We’re going to launch several fighters to scout the area. I want you to coordinate their efforts and tap into their scanners. They’ll be able to get closer which should help I assume. Get them to narrow down where we should go to find the power source. It’s a big planet and we don’t want to wander too much.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Athan, get us a little closer. Just on the verge of their gravitational field.”
“That’s practically right on top of it,” Athan replied. “This place is weird.”
“Now you admit it?” Deva asked.
“Never denied it. I just don’t believe it’s what you think.”
“Enough,” Kale said. “We can debate this place after we have more facts. Arguing opinions is pointless. Thaina, get those fighters launched. Wena, open a com net for the various parties that need to talk. Meira’s preparing a team so we should as well. I want ten soldiers to accompany whoever goes down there.”
Deva raised her hand. “I volunteer.”
Athan chuckled. “Your eagerness is ridiculous. Don’t you want to know more before you risk your life?”
“That’s how we’re going to learn more,” Deva replied.
“I’ll be selecting the people who go,” Kale said. “Focus on your duties, both of you. We’ve got too much going on for this kind of banter.”
“Sorry, sir,” Athan began moving the ship and Deva tapped away in silence. Kale knew he had to pick those who wanted to go on the mission. There would be plenty of people who weren’t interested. The soldiers tended to be good sports about any sort of trip but any others, technicians or people like Deva, were less enthusiastic.
As the fighters launched, Kale hoped they found what they needed with minimal effort. Flying around down there might even be strange depending on the atmosphere. They’d learn a great deal from a few passes. Luckily, that’s all they needed to decide how to progress to the next step.
“Deva, have you been able to analyze the buoy?”
“I’ve been working on it. As I said, it seems to be functioning…seems to be. I still say we get someone out there to work on it.”
“Understood.” Kale hit the com and brought Meira online. “I need you to get a technician who can fix a com buoy. The one in this system is acting up.”
“They’ll be ready to go shortly. I’ll have them report to the hangar.”
“Perfect.” Kale turned it off. “Thaina, prepare a second shuttle for the repair of that buoy. We need to be hitting our problems from multiple angles if we’re going to get out of here. Okay, I’ll be quiet and let you work now. Let me know the moment you have something to report.”
***
Vinthari Alma Il’Var had been flying a fighter stationed on The Crystal Font since long before Anthar Ru’Xin assumed command. She started her career as a Zanthari and took a promotion just before their ill-fated trip to the research outpost. The whole mission left her with a bad feeling and the gravity of their jump out of the system confirmed her fears.
Arriving in the unknown sector with a broken down buoy and a strange planet didn’t do much to improve her confidence. Her duty, along with two other fighters, was to perform recon and gather additional scan data before a team landed on the surface. She didn’t envy them, especially since she had no particular desire to see what happened when they broke atmosphere.
They departed the ship in a group of six with a shuttle craft in tow. All of them escorted the larger vessel to the buoy, flying at a somewhat leisurely pace. The shuttle didn’t have the thrust of the fighters and even if it did, the technician aboard likely had no desire to have a thrill ride. Alma struggled with boredom, watching her scanner, half wishing they were on a combat mission.
Her wingmen included Zanthari Rahan Ti’Vane and Zanthari Hilot Va’Doth. They’d flown with her since they joined the ship two missions prior and proved to be quite good, especially during the action over the research facility. The Crystal Font was their first assignment but they shed their green status quickly.
The shuttle slowed and attached itself to the buoy and it’s primary escorts took up positions around it. Alma and her two companions departed, heading for the planet at a quick pace. She patched in to the bridge, communicating directly with the chief tech officer who could guide them if necessary.
“We’re approaching the surface now,” Alma announced. “Can you give me a safe vector? I need a window.”
“Actually,” Deva’s voice crackled in her speaker, “you don’t. Double check your scanners before committing but from here, it looks like you can just fly right down there.”
“That seems impossible,” Alma replied. “Are you sure about your figures?”
“As sure as I can be considering the place and how strange it is. Do what you can, please. Keep your scanners on full so I can acquire the data.”
Alma felt extremely skeptical but didn’t argue. She increased speed, closing the distance to break atmosphere. As they approached, she expected heat to react to the shields but nothing happened, not for some time. The scans didn’t make sense. They hadn’t even hit an oxygen patch yet and when it happened a few moments later, the reaction was mild to say the least.
The shields barely flared up.
This is bizarre. The briefing said strange but that’s an understatement.
The sky turned blue and she broke through light cloud coverage, revealing a vast landscape of glistening hills, forests and a sea off to the east. Rahan gasped into the com. “This place is spectacular…” He spoke in awe. “I didn’t expect it.”
“Not from the briefing,” Hilot said, sounding far less impressed. “I expected it to be a little more…mechanized I guess.”
“We’re looking for a structure,” Alma said. “Something that houses the power we need. My scanners aren’t picking up anything like that so I guess we’re doing some flying. Spread out for maximum coverage. Deva’s going to want as much data as we can get.”
She took up the center with the others falling out until they were barely within visual range. Alma relaxed into her seat, allowing the computer to collect all the data they needed. She directed her attention to the water. It stretched off to the horizon, not broken up by islands or any other obstruction.
It reminded her of an ocean near where she grew up. Her father taught her to sail there and the memory made her a little sad. She hadn’t visited home in a while, even before the jump incident. Pretty much everyone on board prepared to die when they drew the enemy away from the Earth ship. Despite the tactical necessity, the Anthar didn’t realize how sour
some of the crew had become over the decision.
Making such a call is his job but it didn’t have to be popular.
Her scanner pinged, drawing her attention back to the monitor. Four dots appeared, moving quickly toward them. “Are you two picking those up?”
“Affirmative, ma’am,” Rahan said. “I’m trying to get some details now.”
“They’re…no!” Hilot cursed. “Those are enemy fighters!”
“The enemy?” Alma couldn’t believe it. “That’s not possible! The Font would’ve picked up a battleship out there. This literally can’t be possible!”
“I’m afraid it is,” Rahan replied.
“Deva,” Alma asked, “are you picking up any enemy capital ships overhead?”
“Negative,” Deva replied. “What are you seeing?”
Alma sent the data up to her. They would close to firing range shortly. “Combat shields up. I think we’re about to be engaged.”
“Are they on a course for you?” Deva asked.
“Yes,” Rahan answered. “They’re flying right for us!”
“We’re on this,” Alma said. “If more come though, we’re going to need reinforcements.”
“I’m on it,” Deva said. “Just be careful.”
Hardly an appropriate wish considering what we’re about to do. Alma saw the vapor trails of the fighters ahead, grayish-white streams signaling their approach. They still weren’t close enough to see but they’d be there soon. They flew in an attack formation, picking up speed. They couldn’t maneuver as wildly in the atmosphere as space but they’d definitely push some Gs to get an advantageous position.
“Follow my lead,” Alma said. “I’m going to dive, get closer to the surface and draw them after me. You take up the rear and get a firing solution. We need to at least even the odds as quickly as possible. Do not hold back.”
“Understood.” The other pilots answered together, both climbing as Alma plunged her flight stick forward.
The force pressed her into her seat as she rocketed toward the ground. Shortly, the sky left her vision and her altimeter began warning her about collision. At less than two hundred feet, she pulled up, leveling out to fly toward the mountains to the west. Her companions would fly around up above, waiting for the enemy to make their move.
