by J W Murison
‘Comms sir, message from high command, they have lost touch with the fleet too.’
The Captain sighed with relief. ‘Navigation, how far are we from their last reported position?’
‘At top speed sir, a few hours. At this speed, two weeks.’
‘What is the state of our engines?’
The engineer on the bridge reported. ‘Engines are fine sir.’
Han thought it over carefully. ‘Comms, advise high command of our situation. Tell them we are lagging behind the fleet by two weeks at current speed, due to a major engine refit. As advised by the Chief Engineer of the fleet, we are slowly bringing the ship up to full speed over the duration of the journey. We were scheduled to re-join them in five days if the refit was a success. However, if we go immediately to full speed, we can catch up with them in a few hours.’
‘Yes sir.’ The reply was almost ten minutes in coming. ‘We have a reply sir.’
‘Read it.’
‘Continue your journey as planned.’
‘Confirm that order.’
‘Yes sir. Order confirmed.’
‘Patch me through to the whole ship.’
‘Open channel sir.’
‘Thank you. This is the Captain speaking. I know you have all worked very hard these past few months. Something is happening with the fleet; we and high command have both lost communications with them. We have been ordered to continue as we are, though that situation may well change. If it does I will need everyone at their best. Section chiefs, maintain the minimum crew you can for the moment and send everyone else off to rest. You are not to seek the recreational lounges, you are to rest, sleep if you can. That is an order.’ He stood up and returned to his bunk.
Han had just stepped out of the shower when he was required to report to the bridge. He dressed quickly. It had been a full twelve hours since they had lost communications with the fleet.
An unknown Admiral was waiting for him on the view screen. ‘You took your time Captain.’
‘I apologise sir, you caught me in the shower, I came as quickly as I could.’
The Admiral shook his head. ‘I don’t see many men on watch, what time are you running on Captain?’
‘Due to the problems we have been having, my crew were exhausted sir. In light of the current situation, I thought it wise to strip the crew down to a skeleton staff and give them as much rest as I could in case we were required.’
The Admiral studied him for a moment. ‘All right Captain, I will give you that one. You are to proceed to the last reported position of the fleet as quickly as possible. Approach the area with caution, record everything and send it immediately, we will be watching closely.’
‘Yes sir.’ The screen went blank. ‘All hands to stations. Section chiefs to begin recording. Bring us to top speed, but do it gently.’
A few hours later they approached the last known position of the fleet. He cast his eyes over his crew. They all looked fresh and eager. Each were aware that everything they were doing was being scrutinised.
‘One thousand miles sir.’
‘Full spectrum scans.’
The reports began to come in. There was nothing.
‘Navigation, stop in the last known position exactly.’
‘Yes sir.’
When they reached the last reported position of the fleet the ship came to a halt.
‘We are in position sir.’
‘Report.’
All stations came back with nothing. The Captain felt himself tense.
‘Anyone got the engine signatures of the fleet?’
There was a pregnant pause on the bridge. ‘Yes sir, I have.’ Ventured one officer.
‘Then there isn’t nothing. Waken up and report properly.’
‘I have all the engine signatures of the fleet sir, on the same bearing they were previously.’
‘That’s better. Visual please.’ The screen came up. ‘Okay, now full scans from all directions, including visual.’ There was nothing to be seen.
‘Captain’s official report on our findings so far.’ He stood up. ‘We are now at the last reported position of the fleet. There is no sign of the fleet, no debris, no signs of combat. We still have the engine signatures of the fleet’s ships. We are going to follow them. End report.
‘Navigation, follow the engine signature of the command vessel. We will follow it until we either lose the signal or find the fleet.’
‘Yes sir, I already have the signature and it is now locked in. We will follow on its exact course.’
‘It is a very large vessel navigation. We don’t want to hit it, do we? Let’s go for a parallel course between it and the nearest vessel.’
‘I am sorry sir, recalculating.’
‘Let’s pick up speed slowly. Keep an eye on your instruments. The moment you detect anything unusual, shout out.’
The ship began to accelerate away. They had only travelled at light speed for a few minutes when an operator shouted out.
‘Sir, we have lost the fleet’s engine signatures.’
‘Full stop helm. Where did we lose them?’
‘There isn’t an exact coordinate sir. They are just gone.’
‘Can you narrow that down?’
‘It might take a while.’
‘Don’t bother. Navigation, take us back to a position halfway between this point and our last stop. Helm, top speed.’
The ship turned around and it seemed that almost before it hit top speed they reached that position.
Han was back on his feet. ‘Report. Did you find where they disappeared?’
‘No sir.’
‘Fine. Navigation, take us to a point half way between where we are now and where we stopped when we first lost the fleet.’
‘I understand sir. Do you want to keep bracketing the signal until we discover where we lost the fleet?’
‘That’s exactly what I want to do navigation. Cooperate with the helm until we reach that point.’
‘Yes sir.’
Three jumps later, they were within sub-light distance of where the signal disappeared.
‘Navigation sir. We are now within a few thousand miles of where the fleet’s engine signatures disappeared.’
‘Stay alert everyone. Helm, proceed at three thousand miles per hour.’
‘Yes sir.’
The tension inside the bridge grew until they reached the spot where the command ship’s engine signature disappeared.
‘Come to a complete stop.’ Ordered the bewildered Han. ‘Report.’ Most had nothing to report.
‘Half the ships’ engine signatures end here sir, some carry on for a few hundred miles.’
‘Anything at all? Check all spectrums. Is there any anomalies in the area?’
All the checks came back negative.
‘Could they have come to a stop and retraced their route?’
‘No sir, it would show.’
‘There must be something, find it.’
After a half hour of searching and scanning, the operator responsible for finding the engine signatures called for his attention. Han went over.
‘What is it?’
The operator looked really nervous. ‘I’m not quite sure sir. May I use the main screen?’
‘Of course.’
‘I have made a visual representation of the engine signatures and plotted them as accurately as I could.’ The data came up on the screen as light-yellow lines. At the end of each line there was a circle.
Han cocked his head to the side. ‘What are those spots?’
‘They aren’t spots sir, they represent the engine signature.’
‘At the point where they disappeared, the engine signature turned into a circle.’
‘Yes sir.’
‘Odd. What does it mean?’
‘I am simply an operator sir, not a scientist.’
‘So you have no idea!’
‘None sir.’
‘Why is this circle so small?’
&nbs
p; ‘In real terms, it isn’t sir. Engine signatures take some very sensitive equipment to detect them, and they dissipate over a short period of time. If we were a few days behind the fleet, we wouldn’t be able to see anything. We weren’t able to pick them up until we reached the spot that we lost contact with the fleet. The signatures are always represented by a straight line that spreads out and dissipates. I have never seen a signature in the shape of a circle before. More to the point… if I may sir?’
‘Go ahead.’
The yellow line disappeared. The operator zoomed in. It took Han a few moments to figure out what he was looking at.
The operator pointed to the screen. ‘The yellow line is a misinterpretation sir. What we are actually picking up is these tiny particles. The yellow line is the spread of the pattern. Every engine is different, even if they are of the same type. I do not know why. As you can see, there are very few of them, but the pattern repeats.’
‘I can see that now.’
The screen moved to the large circle at the end. ‘As you can see sir, the particles at the end of the line are very dense.’
‘Compared to the normal pattern, I can see that. It is as though many of them were released all at the same time. What on Albany could have caused this?’
‘I am sorry sir, I will not speculate. This is for my betters to discuss.’
‘How long until this dissipates completely?’
‘Maybe a few days sir, at most.’
‘Record everything. I will get in touch with high command, from now on you will be working under their direct direction.’
‘Yes sir.’
For the next few weeks the crew of the Vault got little rest. When other ships arrived, his crew were syphoned off to the respective departments. Eventually they all came together again and the Captain and his crew were sent off to take up station with one of the home battle groups. The crew and ship performed flawlessly and past transgressions were forgiven. Sworn to secrecy, the crew kept tight-lipped against all pressure to reveal the what they knew about the disappearance of the Albany’s last great battle fleet.
With the loss of the fleet, and the Humans, the Albany could do very little. It would take them time to begin building up the forces that they would need to invade the Sol system once again.
Chapter 40
It wasn’t long after they returned to the Modloch home world till Komoru received an invitation from the Emperor.
‘Congratulations Ambassador.’ Komoru’s eyes rolled up from her low bow. He indicated the chair opposite. ‘Please sit down. I have some of that green tea the Japanese like.’
Komoru sat, and a servant poured the tea. She thanked him and the servant left the room. Komoru took a sip.
‘How is it Ambassador?’
‘It is fine sir.’
‘No it isn’t. I am beginning to be able to read Human facial expressions. You thought it was unpleasant.’
She smiled. ‘It isn’t what I am used to sir. It is drinkable though. One day I will have to make you a cup.’
‘Ah! The charming little Japanese tea ceremony. I have been studying your culture Ambassador. It is quite fascinating. I will look forward to it. Now, you may well be wondering what I was congratulating you about.’
‘A little.’
‘You managed to wipe out the Albany’s premier battle fleet. They haven’t got a clue what happened. Well, that may not be strictly true. They had a destroyer that was straggling behind the fleet. They managed to document the engine signatures of the ships before they dissipated. A little unfortunate, however it seems to have confused them even further.’
‘Did you say their premier battle fleet sir?’
‘Yes I did. The brand new one to replace those you destroyed in your own solar system. Now they are back to their home fleets. You did exceptionally well.’
‘Better than I hoped, it seems.’
‘There isn’t so much as a particle of dust left of the whole fleet.’
Komoru was shocked. ‘Has that been confirmed sir?’
‘From the most reliable sources.’
‘That is a relief.’
‘It should put their plans for your planet back a little.’
‘But we still aren’t safe.’
‘No Ambassador, you aren’t. I promise I will work with your race to keep your home planet safe.’
Komoru smiled. ‘Thank you. You really like us Humans.’
‘You took a lot of getting used to Ambassador, but yes, I do like your race.’
She laughed. ‘I think we got the bigger shock. At least you grew up knowing there were other races out there.’
‘That’s is true, and of course highly amusing.’
They laughed together and conversation turned to small talk. When she got up to leave the Emperor asked her one last question.
‘How is my friendly Captain?’
‘I believe he has made a full recovery.’
‘I am pleased to hear it.’
Komoru hesitated. ‘Why do you like him sir?’
‘I have to admit, I feel very safe with the Captain about.’
‘Steven says the very same thing.’
‘Don’t you Ambassador?’
‘No I don’t. Maybe that is because I am a woman, and the Captain has a reputation.’
‘I see. That is a part of Human society that I still have trouble coming to terms with. You have seen this behaviour in the Captain?’
Komoru hesitated. ‘No, but I have heard his friends talk.’
‘I see. Good day to you Ambassador.’
Komoru bowed low and left.
Gord came in when called. ‘It is nice to meet a Human female who is demure and acts properly sire.’
The Emperor gave Gord a queer look. ‘You think that female is demure Gord?’
‘Yes sire.’
‘You are an idiot, and a terrible judge of character Gord. Maybe I need a new Commander.’
‘If that is what you desire sire. I still don’t see it though.’
‘That Human female’s death toll on the Albany is second only to that of the Captain’s. Do not underestimate her again, or any other Human female Gord.’
‘I wasn’t aware of that sire.’
‘I have heard the Captain is back on his feet after his illness. I have little doubt he will visit my Chief Engineer sooner or later. I want to know when.’
‘Yes sire.’
Chapter 41
Charlie kicked back and laid the steaming hot mug down on the table.
‘Man, I needed that.’
‘I’m not a man.’ The Chief snorted.
‘Wasn’t talking to you, was talking to myself.’
‘They lock you up and fry your brain for that here.’
‘Sounds like fun.’
‘Seriously Charlie!’
‘Lighten up Chief. How is your love life progressing?’
‘Very well. I finally got some leave, took her home to see my new estate. She was very impressed. My father was impressed with her, but my mother wasn’t. It would seem she thinks I should aim a little higher.’
‘Mothers huh.’
‘I know. I am, we are, from humble beginnings Charlie. I am only an engineer.’
‘You are the Emperor’s Chief Engineer. You are the big kahuna.’
‘Only amongst engineers Charlie. The lowest noble on the whole of Modloch wouldn’t toss a daughter at me, even if they were penniless. Title and breeding have far more worth than money.’
‘Aye well, it used to be like that on Earth as well at one time. Not so bad now, but there are those who still think like that.’
‘How’s your love life Charlie?’
‘Non-existent mate.’
‘What about your new team member. The little black-haired girl.’
‘She has the hots for me big time.’
‘Then why not!’
‘She is Komoru’s friend, and she would have the nuts off me if I dipped it there.’
; ‘Do you like her? Are you attracted to her?’
‘Aye of course, but getting involved with her would mean having to marry her.’
‘Is that a bad thing?’
‘It isn’t a good one!’
‘I don’t understand you Charlie.’
‘No, and I don’t care either.’
The Chief laughed. ‘You are worried about your lifespan, aren’t you?’
‘I suppose so. I have a damn sight more nanites floating around my body, keeping what little organs I have left in tiptop condition. The ship thinks I could well live three times longer than the rest of the crew. This skin won’t wrinkle.’
‘You could make it wrinkle.’
‘I suppose I could.’
‘You don’t like the deception, do you?’
‘No I don’t suppose I do.’
‘It ain’t natural Charlie.’
‘Rub it in why don’t you?’
‘Three life times, you could have three mates.’
‘Aye, three lots of children, and I will end up burying the lot of them, and the grandchildren and great grandchildren.’
‘Okay Charlie, I’m beginning to see the problem. So, what are you going to do?’
‘I have no idea Chief. Where could I go, where could I stay? Am I doomed to wander the universe endlessly once my friends have all gone? I can’t see me being accepted by my own people when they discover what I am.’
‘You aren’t immortal Charlie.’
‘I know that.’
‘What did you want to do?’
‘Find a wee cottage in the hills somewhere with a few acres of ground. Live off my pension, grow a few crops for beer money. You know, travel a bit. Retirement stuff.’
‘Find a mate, get married.’
‘I was thinking more along the lines of a merry widow that already had a grown-up family.’
‘That’s just laziness Charlie.’
They both burst out laughing.
‘What can I say Chief? I like my beer cold and my companions comfortable, and worn in.’
The Chief howled with laughter. ‘Charlie you are horrible.’
‘How?’
‘It isn’t supposed to work like that.’
‘It’s just how it has worked out for me Chief. I never chose any of this. There were a few women I could have settled down with in my younger days, but they proceeded to rip my poor wee bleeding heart right out of my chest.’
