HADRON Incursion

by Stephen Arseneault

  Johnny leaned back in his chair, looking toward the display wall. “Wow, that is a stunning view. And ominous.”

  Liam replied, “Well be taking her in close. Half a kilometer. We’re at full-rated speed already. Having to ease back on the throttle until we’re out of visual. Coming up in twenty-two seconds.”

  Johnny looked back at his console. “We’re getting a hail from that other ship.”

  “Ignore it.” Mace said.

  As the Rogers closed, the gravitational pull of the moon offered acceleration beyond the normal limits. As the former Kaachi cruiser slipped out of sight, Liam Hobbs applied the full energy of the five reactors to the drive system.

  Liam said, “Reaching minimum altitude in three… two… one.”

  The unreal image slipped by, covering the entire holo-wall for a fraction of a second. The ship rolled over, its underside facing away from the lunar surface.

  Jane came over the comm. “All reactors remain green.”

  Johnny looked over at Mace. “I know that image and the instruments say otherwise, but it doesn’t feel like we’re even moving.”

  Mace replied, “The inertial dampeners prevent that. Which I still don’t understand. How is it the Moon’s gravity has effect on the hull while we feel nothing?”

  Jeff walked onto the bridge. “There are two dampening fields. One’s inside the hull, the other outside. Liam can correct me if I’m wrong, but the outer field is probably switched off right now.”

  Liam nodded. “I have the extra energy from the reactors going to the drives. We’re approaching 18 percent over rated speed. Should come out of this at around twenty-five.”

  Jeff sat in an open bridge chair, spinning it around to face the Brit. “Mr. Hobbs, you did take into consideration that the dampening field is a major part of our shielding when traveling at speed, did you not?”

  Liam was silent for several seconds. “Well, no, sir I didn’t. Re-engaging external dampener.”

  Johnny asked, “For future reference, what was the danger?”

  Jeff replied, “The external dampener offers a reduced impact effect should we collide with any space debris. We’re traveling at a quarter light speed. This hull is solid, but not solid enough to overcome the physics of, let’s say, the impact from something the size of a marble. A strike of that size at this speed would be catastrophic.”

  As the Rogers emerged from the slingshot maneuver, it was traveling at more than 32 percent the speed of light.

  Liam adjusted the nav waypoints. “We have another slingshot coming up. This one around Mars in approximately eighteen minutes. With that we should be out of Mawga sensor range.”

  Mace nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Hobbs. Keep us informed.”

  Johnny walked over and sat in a chair next to Mace. Seconds later, his Dachshund came trotting onto the bridge.

  Johnny reached down, scratching the dog’s head. “I’d like to present you with this award this morning, Der Der. You and Miss Molly are the first canines in outer space. I’m of course excluding the ruskies with their low-Earth orbit dogs. Those weren’t space dogs at all. So tell me, how does that feel?”

  The Dachshund took a step back and barked.

  Mace laughed. “I think that was an acceptance. He seems to have adjusted well to the crew. One of the two most popular dogs on the ship.”

  Jasper walked over. “Two dogs and an ape. This ship is full of animals. Might as well be an ark.”

  The banter continued until Mars filled the holo-wall display.

  Jasper shook his head. “Between seeing this and the Earth, never knew planets were so beautiful. I could stare at that all day.”

  Johnny nodded as he stood to return to his station. “Almost makes you want to keep going, doesn’t it. Just go out and explore other worlds. Discover new civilizations.”

  Mace shook his head. “More likely to discover more hostiles. From the sound of it, the members of the Galactic Union are all out to expand. The Mawga have gone out of their way to look like they are helping us, but they might be the ones who caused our situation in the first place.”

  Liam said, “We’re entering the gravitational field of Mars. Only going down to five kilometers this time. Not certain how the atmosphere will affect us.”

  Gnaga Klept walked onto the bridge. “The inertial dampening field should provide adequate protection at that altitude.”

  Liam glanced back. “What if we hit a dust storm? Mars can kick up the dust from what I understand. And traveling at the speeds we are, I would think that might cause problems.”

  Jasper said, “Well, why take us so low then?”

  Liam replied, “We need that to gain the speed advantage we want. Not that we can’t get away from the Mawga ship anyway, but it would take us that much longer.”

  Gnaga said, “The dampening and surface armor are designed to handle upper atmospheric conditions at full speed.”

  Liam smiled. “Who said anything about doing full speed? This is a second slingshot maneuver. We’re already over the rated speed of this ship.”

  As the Rogers approached the atmosphere of the red planet, the cruiser began to shake.

  Johnny asked, “Is it supposed to do that?”

  Gnaga showed concern. “I don’t believe so. The external dampening field is on?”

  Liam replied, “And showing green. We’re really picking up speed now.”

  The shaking turned to rumbles, followed by extreme buffeting.

  Gnaga grabbed an arm of Mace’s chair to steady himself. “I don’t understand. I’ve been on a ship just like this at full speed and all was smooth and calm.”

  Johnny looked over his displays. “Hull temperature is showing in the yellow band.”

  In a fraction of a second the red planet slipped by.

  Gnaga asked, “How is this possible? I don’t understand. And you say we are at full speed?”

  Liam replied, “We’re at 37 percent light speed now.”

  Gnaga’s beady eyes grew wide. “What?”

  Liam repeated, “I said 37 percent SOL… and climbing.”

  Gnaga stumbled across the shaking floor. “Slow us down immediately! The dampeners are not designed for these speeds!”

  Liam shook his head. “We slow down and the Mawga ship will follow us.”

  Johnny said, “Hull temp is falling.”

  Mace asked, “If the external dampener was on, how is it the gravity was affecting us?”

  Gnaga took a deep breath. “The dampening field on this vessel is only designed to shield at rated speed or less. We are probably lucky to be alive right now.”

  Mace turned to Johnny. “Hull temp still falling?”

  “Another twenty-five degrees. We’re almost in the green.”

  “Liam, how long at this speed before we’re out of Mawga sensor range?”

  Liam looked over his shoulder. “We should be passing that point now.”

  Mace sighed. “OK. We’re getting our teeth rattled. But we need that distance. Mr. Hobbs, keep us at this speed for another twenty minutes. If we can’t lose that Mawga ship, we might as well turn around and go home. And, Jeff, where would you place our chances of hitting that marble-sized object like you spoke of?”

  Jeff shrugged. “Couldn’t say for certain. Space is a big place. We’ll be passing the asteroid belt on our way to Jupiter. Liam, how long before we close on the belt?”

  “Fifty-two minutes. We’ll be angling toward Jupiter. That will take another two hours. Rendezvous point is just on the other side. Current ETA is three hours, four minutes. That will lengthen if we drop our speed.”

  Mace looked down at his arm pad. “We have six and a half hours to reach that location. That should give us plenty of time to spare.”

  Jane came onto the bridge with the three Germans.

  Mace turned. “Jasper, Johnny, Liam. Shift change.”

  Jane said, “Tres and Vanessa are manning the reactors. They’ve been working flawlessly. I suppose we should thank Jeff an
d Gnaga for that.”

  Mace stood and gestured to Coran. “Mr. Daughtry, the ship is yours for a while.”

  Coran replied, “I see. You only pilot during the fun parts?”

  Mace laughed. “I’d say you’ll have to make your own fun, but that doesn’t leave me with a good feeling, so just keep us going to where were going.”

  Coran saluted. “Aye-aye, Cap’n.”

  Johnny slapped Mace on the back. “Let’s get some vittles, Cap’n.”

  Mace replied as they walked. “Vittles. Maybe that’s what we should start calling the nutrient bars, since that’s all we’ll be eating while we’re out here.”

  They entered the dining hall, grabbed a handful of the nutrient bars, stocked up on beverages, and sat at a table.

  Johnny took a generous sip from his plastic cup, setting it back on the metal table. With a magnetic bottom, the cup snapped into place.

  Jasper said, “You do realize that you’re drinking recycled pee water, right?”

  Johnny sighed. “I know what I’m drinking. I went through the same training as you. Or is that something your feeble old brain has already forgotten?”

  “My memory is just fine,” Jasper snapped back. “If anything, it’s better than ever.”

  Johnny raised his cup and then set it down. “Wait, you aren’t wearing the exosuit. When did that happen?”

  Jasper grinned. “I had it off about a week ago. Got up to use the restroom one night and found I was walking normally. I’ve only been wearing it half-days since then. Inflammation from the arthritis is gone and my joints and muscles feel better than they have in years.”

  Johnny smiled. “That’s fantastic! Welcome back to the real world, old man.”

  Jasper waved. “Eh. Still need it. I can feel my joints starting to swell by the end of the day.”

  Johnny took another sip, followed by a bite of a nutrient bar. “Well congrats. All I can say is a half a Jasper is better than a full Jasper.”

  Jasper scowled. “Shut your monkey puke hole, ape-man.”

  Johnny chuckled as he took another bite.

  Jane looked at Mace. “With the latest love-life developments, looks like I have to get started on finding you a new woman when we get back.”

  Mace held up a hand. “Don’t hurry yourself. My brain is so strained right now, don’t know if I could handle a relationship. Besides, where am I gonna find the time?”

  Jane slowly shook her head. “You make time.”

  She looked up to smile at Johnny. “You’ll find it’s worth your effort.”

  Liam took a deep breath. “Should be falling back to normal speed any second.”

  The vibrations that had rattled the Rogers since the approach of Mars quickly faded.

  Liam looked around before slamming his hand hard on the table, startling the others. “Peace at last!”

  Jasper slowly shook his head. “You Brits are warped.”

  Johnny laughed. “Skipped a beat, did you?”

  Jasper replied, “I did. What’s it to you? You even have a heart in there?”

  Johnny leaned forward. “I do. And it’s big and it’s beating.”

  Jasper waved as he took a bite from a nutrient bar. “Meh.”

  Hans Mueller came over the comm. “Just wanted to pass on that we are back to normal speed. Adjusted ETA is now four hours, forty-seven minutes. Should give us just over an hour of wait before the comm from the Kaachi is expected.”

  Johnny turned to face Gnaga. “Hear that? Another six hours and you might be talking to your people.”

  Gnaga nodded. “I am thankful for the opportunity. Am I to be allowed to speak to them directly?”

  Mace half frowned. “I think this first comm you should remain silent. Other than acknowledging that you are alive, I think it best that we do the talking.”

  “I find that to be fair.”

  Jane asked, “How are the designs for updates coming?”

  Gnaga sat forward. “Mr. Moskowitz is a pleasure to work with. At times he is explaining the functionality of the systems to me instead of I to him. He has an excellent teaching manner to him. His responses to my inquiries would make for an excellent simulated instructor.”

  Johnny said, “Wait? You’re asking him questions?”

  Jane laughed. “From what I saw, they were kind of feeding off each other. If anything, they make a good team.”

  Mace asked, “What’s David been up to?”

  Jeff replied, “The Kaachi have a nav training simulator. He’s been in it non-stop since just before we left. I would guess given his astronomy background, he’s in heaven.”

  After several hours of rest, the captain and his crew returned to the bridge. The remainder of the ride out to the far side of Jupiter was uneventful.

  Chapter 9

  *

  Johnny shifted in his chair. “Five minutes overdue now.”

  Jane replied, “Patience. Unless you have somewhere better to be?”

  Johnny returned a fake scowl.

  Hans Mueller held up a hand. “I’m detecting an interference with the comms. We have a signal!”

  Mace nodded. “Patch them through.”

  A Kaachi voice could be heard coming from the opened comm channel.

  Mace said, “Mr. Mueller? Can we enable a translation of that?”

  “One moment please. These controls are different than on the Mawga ships.”

  Johnny said, “Just drag the flashing yellow dot over to the green box and drop it.”

  Hans nodded. “Thank you.”

  “…are pleased that you would consider diplomatic relations with the Kaachi.”

  Mace replied, “I must apologize. We missed the first few seconds of your broadcast. I am Mace Hardy. The captain of the Earth Alliance ship, the Rogers. With whom are we speaking?”

  An image of an older, highly-decorated Kaachi military man appeared on the holo-wall. “I am Daavis Houka, First Director of the Kaachi Diplomatic Corps. Mr. Hardy, we found your invitation to be intriguing. As you know, given the outcome of the prior skirmish, we have no claim to your system. This invitation is most unexpected.”

  Mace nodded. “Well, as you know, the Mawga have a fleet in our system. They have been a help to us since after the electromagnetic storms hit, but at a price. We have another Human force that has taken up a close alliance with them. We find that unsettling and would be interested in adding some balance to the current situation.”

  Daavis raised his eyebrows. “I see. And this other force of Humans. Have they given them ships? Weapons?”

  Mace nodded. “They have. Let me cut to the chase here, Mr. Houka. I would like your opinion on the whole Earth situation. I realize it may come with some bias, but I’d like it just the same. If you would be willing to indulge us with some of your knowledge of the Mawga, it would go a long way toward establishing a base of trust between us.”

  Daavis returned an interested grin. His beady eyes glistened with excitement.

  Mace asked, “Let’s start with the electromagnetic storms. What do you know of them? Where did they come from? And before you answer, just let me say, if they originated from the Kaachi, we are willing to put that fact aside for the moment.”

  Daavis leaned forward, placing his chin on his small, balled-up fists. “The storms, as you call them, originated from four points in deep space. It was not the Kaachi, but we did have a scout ship nearby. You mentioned your awareness of the dark matter discovery being a trigger for interaction with your species?

  “We believe the Mawga to have hastened that development through the use of planted information. Two of your scientists had seemingly spectacular breakthroughs. We believe the knowledge given told both what to look for and how to find it.”

  Mace stroked his beard. “We’re aware of those rumors.”

  Daavis said, “And are you aware of the fact that the Mawga desperately wanted control of your planet for your people? You are more than twice the size of the next biggest species in th
e known galaxy. You have shown yourselves to be intelligent, and adaptable. The Mawga intent from the beginning has been to enlist you to fight in their armies and fleets. Had the founders known of your planet, you would likely be under their control instead.”

  Mace replied, “Well, that’s why we are here. The Mawga are getting what they want. Our newly self-declared king, Malcolm Stark, has allied with the Mawga and declared that we Humans will be going off into space to conquer other empires.

  “And I believe their first target to be yours, Director. And one thing I can say about Stark, it appears he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. If you thought we violated customs and skirted the rules in our little skirmish, you will be shocked when Stark attacks.”

  Daavis returned a nervous look. “The Mawga have declared war on us then?”

  Mace sat back in his chair. “From what the Mawga told me, they were already at war with the Kaachi.”

  The Kaachi director slowly shook his head. “It is set then. War was not official. Prior to now, it had only been a handful of minor battles. Most of which the Kaachi had won.”

  Mace crossed his arms. “Well, you better get ready for some losses, Director. Stark and his crews will bring new meaning to the word vicious. Rumor has it he’s already been putting those who disagree with him to death. Probably why so many are falling in line behind him so quickly. He has almost monopolized all the people of our planet.”

  Daavis asked, “Then what is it you bring to the table, Mr. Hardy? It sounds as though Earth is already lost.”

  Mace sat forward. “Not yet. We have the Australians with us. That’s about eleven million Humans. Of those, only a third would be able to fight. However, you give us the ships and weapons we need and we can keep Stark at bay. And with that force, we might be able to bring some, if not most, of the other Humans back to our side.”

  Daavis rubbed his chin. “And why should I trust you, Mr. Hardy? If we arm you, what’s to keep you from attacking us?”

  “Among your people, I’m sure you have some that are hotheads, others that are more reasonable. We are the reasonable Humans. We don’t wish to attack anyone. We just want our freedom. We want the freedom to govern ourselves.”