Prytec steps forward and asks, “What shall I do with this one?”
Voknor is genuinely annoyed, and replies, “Get him out of my sight.”
As soon as Prytec leads the man off the bridge, Voknor grins and says, “I do believe that man will comply, and we didn’t have to kill anyone in the process.”
The bridge crew agrees, and then begins coordinating the construction efforts. They watch as Prytec’s shuttle travels back to the homestead.
Sovereign Larcos steps from the shuttle, then struts confidently to his delegation and says, “Order all ore shipments to come here.”
Joh stares at Larcos in disbelief, he had thought his leader would start a war or something, and is pleasantly surprised by the Sovereign’s change in attitude. He watches as the Sovereign orders his military to retreat, and then becomes troubled when Larcos begins talking in whispers with the delegation of advisors. Joh can sense that his ruler is up to something, and only hopes that it will not further jeopardize his crops. He sighs as it dawns on him that his entire farmland is probably ruined. Between the aliens, the Sovereign’s military, and the few comments he overheard about tracks being laid all the way to the ships, he won’t have any crops left. Realizing there is nothing he can do, he resigns himself to his fate.
He is about to step inside when one of the advisors approaches him, smiles, then says, “I am the Minister of the Interior, how would you like to get rich?”
Joh glances around warily, and then hesitantly replies, “What do I have to do?”
“Oh, nothing special really. Sovereign Larcos wishes to turn your farm into a tourist attraction, where the populace can come and watch the aliens, for a price!” The Minister replies with a devilish grin.
Joh sighs, nobody says no to the sovereign, thus with a weak smile, he replies, “Yes, simply tell me what I must do.”
The Minister talks and talks, and as he does, Joh realizes that he is being offered an opportunity. The Sovereign wants Joh to tell people how their leader successfully negotiated a trade deal, one that will benefit the people.
As a witness, Joh adds credibility to the story. He gazes at the spacecraft and grins, he realizes that he has no idea what transpired on the alien ship, so why not share his Sovereign’s version of events? He heartily agrees, and sleeps well that night.
The dock which will be used to refit Roggard’s vessel quickly takes shape as most of the construction force focuses on the task. A handful of engineers travel by shuttle to the tracks, and then use their bodysuits as protection while utilizing demolecularizers to absorb the damaged track. These units are bulky, requiring both hands, and considerable power stored in a backpack unit, to operate. Once done, they begin using their basic functions, and craft a new track to the same exacting measurements, one that leads toward the fleet. The team decides that as they are next to the bridge, to repair it, but they do not connect the tracks, thus the only path is to the fleet. The team’s leader is pleased that they will not have to return when it comes time to leave.
The rail line is extended toward the dock and forms a raised loop, where the ore is to be unloaded from beneath the wagons onto angled skid plates. These will direct the dumped ore towards the side of the tracks supports, for ease of collection. The task takes a few days, but finally, it is complete.
The construction dock is going slower, but at an acceptable pace. The first delivery of ore is expected well before the dock is finished, allowing a stockpile to build up.
Six days pass, before the first ore shipment arrives; it is followed by another later that day, then a third that night. The shipments increase to four per day, then five, until it becomes eight per day-night cycle.
Primes Ratski and Huuntus have the unenviable task of locating, then processing, the various animals. As soon as the meat samples have been tested, and deemed safe for consumption, they present them to Regent Voknor.
Voknor sniffs, then tastes each piece. He is enjoying this perk of being their leader. After a few moment’s consideration, he says, “Restock the craft in order of those who arrived in space, safely.”
Both Primes hesitate, then Ratski asks, “After your ship?”
“Negative,” Voknor replies, surprising them all. He leans back as he states, “I would see those who were first into orbit, being rewarded for their efficiency!”
Huuntus stares at the huge pile of samples they brought with them, then hesitantly says, “Regent, it would be inefficient for us to transport this mere sample back. Would you object if we left it here for your crew to dispose of?”
Voknor grins as he replies, “I should include you on diplomatic missions! Yes, leave it here.”
The two Primes leave the bridge, then begin supplying the fleet with fresh meat, as instructed. They make sure that their own craft are served last, which merely inspires them to be extremely efficient. Great herds of creatures are culled, but none of the local populace approaches them, and the Sovereign does not return.
Though the Sovereign receives word that animals are being slaughtered wholesale, he simply smiles and tells his advisors that this is part of the agreement. Secretly he is happy that the aliens are not eating his subjects; he still suffers from nightmares over the tooth-filled snouts.
The fleet’s supply officers work together to make sure that Roggard’s refit is completed as fast as possible. Teams of bodysuit wearing Gamin absorb the ships old hull with their bulky demolecularizers. They work feverishly, and soon outstrip the supply of new material, leaving sections open to the elements as they forge ahead. They tirelessly work night and day, to meet Voknor’s deadline.
Fifty-three days later, Prime Roggard proudly strides aboard his bridge; the refit is completely finished. He sits in his command chair and orders, “Get us into space, and test everything.”
Regent Voknor watches the test with interest, then asks a nearby engineer, “Why don’t we reabsorb the dock? Wouldn’t that provide us with its resources?”
The Engineer replies, “Yes Regent. However, the dock will only function when connected to one of our craft, and even then, it requires direct control. So, it’s safe from the locals. The construction team leader felt that we should remove the molecularizers and then leave it, in case we need to conduct hasty repairs in the future.”
Regent Voknor tilts his head as he responds, “And when was I to be informed of this decision?”
The Engineer hastily replies, “I meant no disrespect, he plans to file his report after the completion of Roggard’s tests.”
“Understood,” He replies.
Voknor reflects on the other construction docks that were left on the other worlds, and skims through the engineering briefs. He is relieved that the complex molecularizer tips were removed from those as well, and are being re-used on each new dock. The molecularizer is a complex piece of equipment, and a significant investment of resources. He had not thought that they would be removable, and makes note to credit the designers for their foresight. A swelling of pride fills him at his crew’s resourcefulness.
Farmer Joh wakes to a strange sound, then rushes outside to see the alien fleet leaving. The undersides belonging to most of the craft radiate bright orange, while the largest glows an angry-looking red as it flies away. He watches as a small section of red on the massive craft flares brightly, and then goes dark. He blinks in surprise as the airships vanish into the clouds, then he chuckles; the first tourists are scheduled to arrive later that day, and they have missed the entire show. He squints as he notices a shiny structure in the distance, something the aliens left behind. Well, at least the tourists will have something to look at, he reflects, and then walks to his mount to go and look at it.
Let’s Do It Again
Regent Voknor turns to Frazik and states, “Find us another planet; one just like the last one!”
The bridge crew grins; they know they have all exceeded Voknor’s expectations, and with three craft now refitted, are feeling confident.
Frazik replies
without looking at his console, “I have another similar world around twelve hundred light years away.”
Voknor relaxes back in his chair as he orders, “Inform the fleet, Plot Three!”
“Yes Regent!” Frazik replies.
Voknor considers the enormous strain each planetary landing is having on the flagship. Engineers have warned that many hull segments are flexing, buckling, and in some sections failing completely, under the intense forces involved in the process, and have suggested they resort to landing on an emergency basis only, at least until the flagship is upgraded.
“This time, I would prefer if we stayed in orbit!” Voknor states as he considers that each landing does have an element of risk to it. It is an unnecessary risk now that they have proved they can land and launch the mammoth vessel if the need arises.
The journey to the next planet takes a little more than a single duty cycle, which allows the crews on all vessels to get some well-deserved rest.
Voknor strides on to the bridge, reinvigorated, and sees that they are approaching a planet at sub-light speeds. He sits in his chair, proud of how efficient his crew is becoming.
Cushkull grins as he reports, “The fourth planet of this system has a technology level similar to the last one, but has an unusual astral phenomenon. It has five moons, which create massive tidal forces, and huge waves when they line up. This explains why most of the planet’s densely populated areas are away from the coastline, and even those near rivers have protective walls.”
Regent Voknor nods, then after a moment says, “Inform the fleet that only four craft are to land; Primes Algathor, Tralik, Roggard, and Leprax. I suspect the planet’s tectonic plates may be unstable.”
“Yes Regent!” Intones his bridge crew.
Voknor taps on his armrests, then orders, “Inform the Primes that once whoever is in charge down there contacts them, Prytec will bring them here to me.”
The fleet establishes a high orbit, well away from the moons, as four craft land. The three refitted vessels find the task of landing much easier than Leprax, whose crew struggles to maintain formation as they all descend.
As before, the local population mobilizes its military, and sends representatives.
A group of eight, tall, heavy-looking beings stumble onto the bridge. They wear crude clothing, which barely covers their thick heavy legs, powerful arms, and muscular chests. Their elongated faces and hairless heads exaggerate their already large foreheads. The gravity on board is obviously not a problem for them, however the air is. They choke, sneeze, and cover a trio of holes in their long faces, through which they breathe.
One of the group, its narrow, deep-red eyes, weeping, says, “Star-flyers, we are the combine! We welcome you to our humble world.”
Voknor decides that as they are actually taller than him, standing would reduce his impact and presence, so he remains seated and responds, “I am Regent Voknor, and I require resources to be transported to my clansmen below.”
The new comers glance back and forth uneasily. The bluntness of Voknor’s demand surprises them. Another of them steps forward and says, “I am Blanfil, speaker for the Iradi, the lands your flying craft occupy.”
Voknor nods, then says, “Meet our requirements, and you shall find us a social race,” Voknor taps his claws on his console as he continues, “but should you not, we have other methods to extract what we require.” He motions to the main viewer.
The eight members stare in shock as the image zooms in, and then travels across the planetary landscape below. They are baffled as to how this is possible, and become increasingly agitated as cities, towns, and industrial areas are displayed.
Prytec leans against the frame at the entrance to the bridge and suppresses a smile. He was at the meetings where the Primes encouraged Voknor to talk tough, in the hopes that they would not have to fall back to his father’s methods. The Primes speak of dying off, and will do all they can to survive, no matter the cost.
Blanfil glances at the other seven for encouragement, then asks, “What do you need from us?”
The negotiations do not take long; the type of materials required for the refit are not too demanding, the quantity however, is an issue. Planetary infrastructure is minimalistic due to powerful quakes which regularly shake the land. Massive airships ply the skies, and are utilized for much of the civilian transport network with heavy steam engines plying road ways; the invention of rail seemingly forgotten.
After the group leaves, having agreed to everything, Voknor rises from his chair and paces the bridge, deep in thought. He leaves without a word, and finds his engineering team. They are surprised by the unexpected visit, and assuming it’s a surprise inspection, quickly begin cleaning their work area.
Voknor casually waves for them to stop and says, “I wish for you all to speak openly, and to tell me what you think of an idea.”
The engineers have spoken with Voknor on a more relaxed basis a few times before, but they are still wary. He is after all, their Regent.
Voknor rests his butt against the edge of a desk, half sitting, then asks, “What would you say if we gave this race rail technology. A suspended flexible rail system, one capable of withstanding their planet’s tectonic shifts.”
The engineers look at each other, perplexed, then one replies, “Well they already have steam power harnessed, and it’s not like they’re going to use a steam engine to launch into space.”
The group, including Voknor, chuckles at the thought of some steam powered vehicle launching into space, its engine chugging as it enters orbit.
Another engineer shrugs and sates, “Why not? It will allow us to get resources faster!”
Voknor grins, then says, “Though I am your Regent, it is in the best interest of the clan that I seek your recommendations.”
The first engineer nods in understanding and adds, “You listen to us, this is something we have never had before.” He stands tall; the rest quickly following suit. They lift their fists in the air and shout, “My life is yours Regent Voknor!”
Voknor stands straight, then raises his fist and replies, “My life is for the clan!”
The engineers grin, the comradery created by Voknor’s leadership style is something they are beginning to enjoy.
Voknor activates a wall communicator and says, “Prytec, contact the engineering section.” While he waits, the group discusses a number of finer points about the proposed rail system, and more. The issue of fresh water collection is brought up, with many ideas put forth, then dismissed.
The rooms communication panel chirps, “Prytec here.”
Voknor responds, “I would like to discuss rail technology with Blanfil, and the other leaders of this world. Bring them to the engineering area.”
“Rail technology, locals, got it.” Prytec replies efficiently, then leaves to find the group.
The engineers continue to discuss a myriad of technical details with Voknor, primarily focusing on the manufacture of new craft, and how to deal with the new armor. Some debate about adding this to the outside of an inner hull system, supported by additional superstructure, others recommend simply replacing the hull completely. The group then returns to the rail proposal, again discussing numerous options.
It takes Prytec a while to locate Blanfil and the others, but he is eventually successful. This ends up being fortunate, as it allows the engineers time to put together a set of plans and instructions that the Iradi should be able to follow, and more importantly, manufacture using their existing foundry technology.
Blanfil sniffles as he steps nervously into the engineer area. He immediately postulates, “I know we are slow, please do not punish us!” As he, and his council drop to their knees.
Regent Voknor stares at the kneeing group, then demands, “Stand, as leaders of your people.”
The group slowly stands, still afraid of what is going to happen next.
“We have a gift for you!” Voknor states as he holds outs a large folder.
; Blanfil stares at the offering, then takes it, and opens it. Though he has little skill with technology, he sees the drawings and notes, and is stunned. He hands the folder to the others, who are all equally awed.
“What did we do to earn this?” Blanfil asks apprehensively.
Voknor replies bluntly, “I require resources, and I require them quickly. Put all your efforts into constructing this system, while my engineers start at the fleet that is on the ground. Your existing ground vehicles will require modifications, but my engineers will do this.”
Blanfil nods, then says, “We are thankful to you, sky-fliers.”
Prytec transports the group back to the planet, where they hastily begin work on the new rail concept. The rails themselves, are made from secondary building support struts, thus there is already an available supply. The elevated rails require the same foundation work as any building, allowing them to flex, and not break. While the locals use their existing supplies, Gamin engineers craft theirs from scratch.
It takes fourteen local days before the rail line starts to takes shape. While the locals are working on dozens of mines simultaneously, Gamin engineers have finished the dock, and constructed a double rail line virtually all the way to the first mine. Another team of engineers work on fitting a retractable rail system to the underside of the steam powered ground vehicles. They will soon be able to operate on the existing roads, or the new rail lines, delivering ore.
Ten more days pass before the first load of ore arrives at the dock, then to the surprise of the waiting engineers, another long load arrives shortly after the first has left. A nearly never ending supply of resources begins to arrive, and quickly overwhelms the storage area. The flow of resources is so steady the engineers assign more crews to convert it all before more arrives, allowing the dock to operate non-stop during the refit.
Voknor notices the flow of resources and calls an urgent meeting of the Primes. The last Prime strides into the meeting room and sits down; they are all curious why the meeting is called.
Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles) Page 151
