Shen Ark: Departure

by John Hindmarsh

  At last the pilot announced the pre-flight check was satisfactory and he was moving the shuttle to its lift off position. The big craft slowly moved away from the temporary loading bay at the old Heathrow Terminal Six and then sat for a moment as engine noise ascended to a crescendo. The shuttle was full, the passengers consisting mainly of Freddie’s team, with Rats outnumbering humans by five to one. The majority were tasked with checking inventories and surveying the starship. A select few, predominantly Rats, were to start training with Shen specialists as part of the technology transfer process. There was a platoon of Guards, and of course, Sabre. Ser Glide had advised Freddie that the Shen team was already on its way to the starship using their own stealth shuttle.

  The lift-off was smooth. The Shen pilot was in trainer mode, with Rat co-pilots seated on either side of him. Three trainees were seated in bucket seats positioned behind the pilot, intent on his every move as he flew the shuttle. Repeater screens displayed the cockpit and views of the exterior of the shuttle and its surroundings to the passengers, and the view quickly became a blue blur as the shuttle passed through 100,000 feet and was still accelerating. Most of the flight was automated, with Shen computers programmed to manage every stage, including eventual docking with the starship. However, there was always a possible need for action by the pilot, if a non-programmed event occurred, requiring an immediate and human reaction.

  Competition within the corps of Rat Air Force pilots had been exceptionally fierce and even senior officers vied for trainee positions. A hundred of the two thousand applicants had been successful and all successful applicants had now completed their first training course at facilities deep in the Shen valley. Some trainees now were on the starship, while a handful had returned to London to join this shuttle flight.

  ~~~

  Docking with the starship was uneventful. The shuttle nosed up to the access portal and automatically linked to Shen Ark’s life support and access way. Freddie and his team assembled in the large room indicated by Ser Nish, who had been waiting to welcome them on board. The immensity of the Shen Ark generated a common reaction amongst first-time visitors—they all fell silent as they tried to absorb the vastness of the starship, and were almost overwhelmed by its sheer size. Its exterior might be potato shaped; however, its interior was well designed and engineered. The landing bay and corridors were brightly lit, as was the meeting room, and the environment temperature and humidity were set for Shen comfort. Freddie expected such would be the pattern throughout the starship. Gravity was controlled and he estimated it was .8 earth normal.

  “Can we keep gravity low?” asked Sabre, enjoying his ability to leap further and higher than usual.

  “No, not if we want to maintain our fitness. Enjoy this while you can. We’ll soon work out how to change it.”

  Freddie and Ser Nish stood in front of the assembled team, ready to provide a short briefing. They were joined by a group of Shen, including Ser Akad and Ser Dene and their supporting language trainers. Freddie took the lead and introduced each Shen to his team members.

  After introductions were completed, Freddie continued, “We’ll use the remainder of the day for familiarization and settling in. You each have cabin allocations, and fortunately, there is plenty of accommodation, so feel free to change to another cabin, as long as it’s not already allocated. Shen will help with directions, location of offices, computer facilities, gyms, libraries, mess, etc. Our caterers boarded two days ago and they include some very good chefs. You’ll all probably put on weight. There’s a map hand-out to help you navigate—remember there’s about three thousand square miles of habitable levels. Shen have already added English signs for those of you who do not yet have your language implant. Ser Akad’s available to remedy any error; and of course, Ser Dene and his assistants will continue Shen language training for everyone. The Star Team requires you to become very proficient in Shen technical language, as quickly as possible. The military team are also receiving implants and language training; however, project teams have priority.”

  “I will meet with project managers here at 0900 tomorrow and they will hold their team briefings one hour after that. There are five project meeting and work rooms, they’re shown on the map and are within walking distance. If you need to travel further, to other layers or distant parts of the starship, we’ve small electric cars and other people movers. The Guards are tasked with providing drivers. You need to book them in advance. Questions?”

  A hubbub of conversation broke out. However no one raised questions, and Freddie brought the meeting to a close. As he left the room, he noticed that Sabre was looking very concerned.

  “What’s the problem?”

  “Sssabre doesss not have Ssshen implant. Isss it necesssary?”

  “No, Sabre, you don’t need it. Later, if you want, we can discuss this with Ser Akad, to see if he thinks it would be suitable for you.”

  “Good. Perhapsss Sssabre can learn more languagesss and help Engineer.”

  Freddie did not try to imagine how Shen would sound if pronounced with Sabre’s lisp, and did not mention this as a concern to Sabre. He decided he would be very interested in Ser Akad’s reaction.

  “Come on, Sabre, let’s go explore. I’ll use a map and you need to remember all the details. Don’t head off by yourself unless you are confident you can explore without getting lost.”

  “Sabre hasss ability to follow ssspoor, including hisss own, to find way back.”

  “Good. In that case you need only be well-behaved. Now come on.”

  Freddie wanted to familiarize himself with the immediate vicinity of the starship and selected one of the maps. Ser Nish offered to act as guide; however, Freddie thought he would learn more by navigating by himself. He and Sabre set off. Small groups of Rats and humans were also exploring with maps held out in different ways, and small debates were breaking out as to whether a corridor with a red strip was really green, or whether the blue stripe was really pink. Freddie smiled and carried on, hoping no one in the team was colour blind.

  “Sabre, you have your own cabin, next to mine. See, it says Sabre on the door, with your image. You will remember the sign? And you open the door by pressing here with your forepaw. Show me you can do it.”

  “Sssimple,” boasted Sabre. ‘Sssee?” He raised a forepaw and pressed the small access pad indicated by Freddie, and the sensor program reacted, opening the door.

  “The sensor recognizes you,” explained Freddie. “And if someone else wants to enter your cabin, they must request your permission. You can open the door from inside, of course. I asked Ser Nish to allow you to enter my cabin, as well.” He checked and verified that the access program opened his door on Sabre’s command.

  ~~~

  The first month passed at a pace Freddie hoped he would never need to repeat. More than anything, it provided an opportunity to define the size of their task. He was reminded of a fable, the task of cleaning the Augean stables, but without the horses. Freddie had a review meeting with Sam 32nd in London at the end of the month and reported his concerns.

  “Sir, it is just a tremendous craft, full of everything you can mention. The parts and components team have verified that inventories so far check off either exactly as stated, or with surplus items that have not yet been listed. The survey project team has been confirming Shen Ark’s dimensions, they are correct to an inch or so. The Shen computing structure would dwarf the largest server centre we have here in England, or indeed in Europe. Our computer specialists say everything so far works as stated, if not better. There are three fully equipped command decks, all identical, encompassing navigation, communications, weapons, general operations, and engineering. While I want the teams to continue their inventory validations, I believe everything the Shen have listed will be there, plus many other items.”

  “Excellent. Do you need more resources? I can send an entire regiment—or even two, if you need. My people must become completely conversant with the contents of the starsh
ip, and validating inventory and exploring and mapping levels would provide a good basis for this objective. I could send you an additional two, or four thousand Rats.”

  “I think it is necessary. At least three regiments, though, rather than one or two. One regiment to focus on supporting our inventory processes. The mapping team can continue with their project, they should complete on time. The second regiment to take responsibility for every operational item inside the ship—to learn what it does, how it operates, how it should be maintained, how to repair it, and where the spares are located. The third regiment should undertake a comprehensive study of all Shen weapons. Possible these tasks can be shared across a number of regiments. If you have a supply regiment or two, they should look at provisioning—Shen Ark has extensive hydroponics installations, gardens, and orchards—all of which is beyond me. We may need to ask the Shen to help with additional skills to assist the regiments. If I offload all of those tasks, I can concentrate fully on Shen technology.”

  “Freddie, I think we’re spreading you too thin, giving you too much to do. So, yes, focus on Shen technology, forget everything else. I’ll send more than three regiments. All of my military can take part, one way or another; they need to step up their pace. The Capins and their High Command can take responsibility; it’s all operational stuff, anyway. Is this acceptable to you?”

  “Certainly, sir. It’ll be a tremendous relief. I really need to dig into the technology, to understand it. Then I’ll be better able to design my bubble machine.”

  “Bubble machine? Very well, consider it done; I’ll have a Capin and two of my generals on the next flight to Shen Ark, to take responsibility.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Now, you and Sabre need to take some time off. He looks exhausted, too. I am serious, I want you to go away for a couple of days, go visit friends, do whatever you like. Just don’t think about Shen Ark until you are back on the shuttle.”

  “Sabre has been working very hard, exploring the more remote areas on the ship. He reports to me every day. Apparently he decided there was no need to guard me on the starship.”

  “Good, very good. All right, go now. Your report’s done. Solutions will be implemented. Relax.”

  ***

  Chapter 26

  In most ways, Freddie’s visit to Under Wychwood was very disappointing. Somehow, this was not surprising. On the first evening, Sally and he had a very serious discussion about their relationship, and both concluded they really did not have a future together. Freddie was committed to the starship venture and saw his destiny with Shen Ark. He did not even mention the Institute and Dr. Krowe’s request. Sally had realized at heart she was not willing to venture off the planet, and she did not fully comprehend Freddie’s motives. They parted with promises to remain friends.

  Sally’s parents were sympathetic. Sasha smiled and said she was pleased they could all be together while Freddie was visiting. Sabre just enjoyed running wild and making friends with Miles’s sheep dog. The next morning Freddie decided to return to London, to ensure he did not cause any family stresses. It took only moments to organize his small convoy. Sally’s parents saw him off with best wishes and invitations to visit any time he wished. Sally half-heartedly endorsed their invitations, and Freddie guessed she was privately hoping he would not. Sasha decided to join him on his return trip, on the basis that it would save her a train ride. Sabre just enjoyed the entire experience of making new friends.

  “Country isss good, Engineer. Like ssstarssship, lotsss of ssspace to run.”

  Freddie chuckled. It was an intriguing comparison. “I hope after a year or two you still think it’s so. Shen Ark has at least three thousand square miles of accommodation space, which may seem large. Just be aware, it also may seem small, after a while.”

  “Do you think it will close in?” asked Sasha. “It is three or four times larger than Old London, in total area. It should be plenty of space. You will have—what—perhaps five, six thousand humans, which is about two persons per square mile, plus of course Rats and Mice—who might work out at a few thousand per square mile. Even so, it is a sparse population and lots of space.”

  “I think we can terraform some of it, too—add some earth-like features. There is no doubt there’ll be a lot to do. I can’t see anyone being idle.”

  “Lotsss to explore. Isss good.”

  Sasha leaned over and scratched Sabre’s ears. His purring rate intensified.

  “Isss good. More,” he demanded, bumping Freddie’s leg.

  Freddie smiled. “You’re too spoiled already.”

  Sasha examined Freddie’s face. “You don’t look completely heartbroken?”

  “It seemed inevitable when I realized Sally didn’t share my feeling for space. I hope I don’t sound too callous?”

  “No, I understand. Truly.” There was silence for a while. Then Sasha spoke again. “I—I met with Dr. Krowe last week. He’s very interesting.”

  “Indeed? Yes, I thought he was interesting as well. Did he tell you much about the Institute?”

  “We spoke for an hour or so and then one of the people there—Fern 5—took me on a tour.”

  “Fern 5 isss nice. Nagsss.”

  Sasha laughed. “Sabre, you are being very unfair. I met your girlfriend. She is very nice.”

  “Sssabre doesss not have time for girlfriend. Job isss to protect Engineer.” Sabre paused for a moment and then continued, “And to explore Ssshen Ark.”

  “Sabre, really. She is a very pretty sabre tooth. Her fur is as white as yours and she has very pretty blue eyes. She misses you.”

  “Sabre, you didn’t tell me about this. Why aren’t you visiting with your girlfriend?”

  “Felisss isss very determined sssabre tooth. Mussst underssstand other needsss exissst.”

  “Sabre, you’re cruel. We’ll visit the Institute tomorrow, and I want to meet your girlfriend and I’ll apologize to her.”

  Sabre subsided into a round ball, hiding his head under his forepaws.

  “I didn’t get to tour the Institute when I was there. What did you think of Dr. Krowe?” asked Freddie.

  “Dr. Krowe made some very interesting claims. Sam 32nd confirmed them, from the point of view of Rats. He—the doctor—is very old, I think. The Institute was interesting, I met with some of the team leads. They have a very large research section, with people exploring cloning and rapid evolution. They are really extending knowledge in those areas. I think Felis—Sabre’s girlfriend—and Sabre, of course, are good examples of the effectiveness of their cloning and evolution research.”

  “Sssabre thinkss ssso, too. We’re very different from our ancient forebearsss.” Sabre realized he wasn’t speaking to anyone and dropped his head down again.

  Sasha reached down and scratched Sabre’s ears. “Dr. Krowe told me he wants the Institute to participate in Star Team activities and to join the starship, when it departs.”

  “Yes, Dr. Krowe mentioned his intention to me, as well. I agreed. I can use my share to support them, even more so when I am successful with my bubble machine.”

  “I discussed Dr. Krowe’s requirement with Sam 32nd and he said he approves. I expect he will bring you into planning sessions. His Highness has a very high regard for you, you know.”

  “I know. Sometimes it all overwhelms me.”

  They travelled on in silence, each deep in their own thoughts.

  The next day Freddie and Sabre visited the Institute. Freddie intended it to be only a short visit, mainly so Sabre could visit with his girlfriend, Felis. He was not ready to examine further the request Dr. Krowe had made, for Freddie to be the next Director of the Institute. He spent time with Fern, discussing general activities of the Institute. Afterwards, he met Felis and agreed with Sasha’s assessment of Sabre’s mate. When they were ready to leave, Freddie suggested she join their team on Shen Ark.

  “You’ll be able to share your guard duties,” he explained to Sabre, “and have company when you go exploring
the starship. Of course, that is, if Felis wants to.”

  “Very good idea, Engineer,” said Sabre, as he regarded Felis. “Felisss, would you like to join our team on board Ssshen Ark?”

  “Packed and ready to go,” was the unexpected reply. She looked at Freddie. “If you had not sssugesssted, I would be very annoyed with Sssabre.”

  Freddie shook his head. He was not sure he could cope with two sabre tooth tigers. “All right, now remember the rules, Sabre—remember Fern’s lecture. No mischief. More importantly, if you spend time on board Shen Ark, it means you must leave with the starship when we depart. Understand?”

  The two sets of blue eyes regarded Freddie with utmost seriousness. “We underssstand. No missschief. We want to travel to the ssstars.” They spoke in unison, as though rehearsed. Both bumped their heads on Freddie’s knees, seeking an ear-scratching. He obliged.

  “Very good. We’ll take the shuttle tomorrow. Sabre can stay here with you, Felis, and both of you be ready at midday tomorrow. I’ll collect you on the way to Heathrow.”

  Before Freddie left the Institute building, Dr. Krowe sent Fern a message, requesting a short meeting.

  “Engineer, thank you for your time. I hear Sabre’s made himself indispensable?”

  “Yes, Dr. Krowe. We’re stealing Felis, as well.”

  “Call me Joseph, please. We are very informal here. I am pleased you are pairing the two sabres. They are very intelligent, and experiences with you will help them mature. Now, I have an important security update for you. One thing I overlooked mentioning at our first meeting, not with any ulterior motive, is that we work closely with His Highness, supplementing his intelligence network. We trained Zen, for example, as well as a number of other Rats in Zen’s team. I think you know Rats have access to a large number of embassies, and to English military and commercial data centres?” Freddie nodded. Sam 32nd had told him about the embassies and data centres.