To Touch the Stars (Founding of the Federation Book 2)

by Chris Hechtl

  Her department had been working on a way to upscale the hypersensors or to build computer systems and models that could refine what data they did get into a better image for the ship. Unfortunately, there was a scale limit on the sensors; they didn't get as much return and the power demand was exponential for the surface area of the sensors. Also, the larger sensor array would pick up distortion from the fields surrounding the ship.

  She had thought about the problem and then turned it on its head and applied a “what would Jamey do” to resolve the problem. Instead of building one large sensor array she modeled a series of arrays that would work together, pooling their data. By using dozens of smaller arrays, it cut the design and cost while increasing the resolution and range of the sensors. It still wasn't as far as she'd like, no more than two million kilometers beyond the ship's bow, but that was better than what they'd had before. And with Jamey's grav detectors they could detect shadow masses in hyper. When they finished the all up test in the lab, word came down Daedalus was a go.

  “Are they serious? Don't they know we still have problems to work out?”

  “We'll have that for a while, Amber,” Charlie said patiently during the meeting Trey called. He waved a hand. “There will always be something new in the pipeline, new software, hardware, whatever. Untested of course. We'll deal with it. My people have finished the design work with the dolphins, they have approved of the habitat. Finding out that they like a humid zero G environment helped a lot,” he said, smiling to Kathy.

  She shrugged. “They actually like it better than water,” she said, shaking her head. “I think it is because they never really got into water since they were born in space.”

  “It's going to raise hell with the inertial dampeners since they are built into the artificial gravity,” Charlie mused. “But we'll get around it,” he said, waving a hand. He turned as Levare opened his mouth as if to protest. “Yeah, yeah, I know, not artificial gravity. Get over it. Scientists,” he said in mock disgust.

  “Well, it's not.”

  “At least it's not centrifuge gravity,” Jamey said.

  “Thanks to you wunderkind,” Levare said, nodding to the young man. Jamey nodded. He'd done a lot of growing up on the project but still had a long ways to go. He was tired but exhilarated. “So,” Levare said, turning to Trey. “When do they make the announcement?”

  “Oh, it's already out there,” Trey said with a small smile. “The formal keel laying ceremony will be next week. We're all expected to be there, so wear your best. That's an order,” he said.

  “Will there be a party afterward?” Amber asked breathlessly, blue eyes flashing eagerly. She shot Kathy, the only other female on the design team a look of anticipation. Kathy smiled slightly but turned expectantly to the boss.

  “Oh, you can count on that too,” Trey said lounging back. “My wife is looking forward to it. We'll be rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, celebrities, the media, and powerful people. Everyone has to be on their best behavior and keep a lid on their tempers and liquor consumption,” he said, eying Charlie.

  Charlie smiled ever so slightly but held a hand up in surrender. “I'll behave as long as we can let loose after the guests are away,” he said.

  “If that's what it takes to keep you on your best behavior, fine,” Trey said. He gave Jamey a sidelong look. “Though you'd better stick to soda,” he teased. “The media people might get the wrong impression,” he said.

  Jamey blushed but noticed Kathy looking his way. The blush darkened a bit further. “I want a glass of champagne; I think I earned it,” he said with dignity.

  “We all did,” Kathy said with agreement. “And I'm dragging each of you guys out on the dance floor,” she said, eying Charlie, Levare, Alec, Jamey, and the others.

  “Hey! Me too!” Amber protested. The guys groaned as the girls grinned at them evilly.

  “Heh. If I've got to do it with my wife, you guys can too. It'd be good for you,” Trey said. “But we've still got a ways to go before this party, and a lot of work so no slacking off. Charlie, you have a presentation on the dolphin life support to show us?”

  “Yes,” Charlie drawled slowly, getting to his feet. He took the remote Trey slid across the table to him and then straightened as he used it to dim the lights and turn the main screen on. “Humidity is key to the dolphin's comfort, but we have to walk a fine line as Kathy here knows.” He paused as Kathy nodded. “Not just with their health, they can get lung issues like pneumonia or fungal infections if it's too high, but also with the wiring and condensation in other compartments. My team's solution is to have dehumidifiers in the compartments around the dolphin habitats and to reroute the wiring away from the walls, deck and bulkheads since any water that condenses will head there eventually.”

  He frowned. “That is an ongoing issue since they have to have data feeds to control the ship when they are on duty. We're working out helm stations for them to use. Fortunately, the data lines are fiber optic, so we don't have to worry about electrical fires there. But the other wiring harnesses are a concern. We're working on how to seal them.”

  He clicked the remote showing the dolphin habitat and highlighted the changes. “We have a bit of humidity in the air; if it is too dry, we two-legs have issues too. We're still working out the balance here, but I think that's more of a software issue. As I was saying, condensation will form on the walls, but only after it's gotten there. Water is cohesive due to its molecular structure being polar and that it has a high surface tension so it tends to bond and try to stay bonded to itself. We're going to have issues with water globules as well as water clinging to people as well as the dolphins. The team's solution is copied from their habitats on the space stations, using robots and vacuums to suck the water up for eventual recycling.” He clicked the remote and robots were added, as well as vacuum systems in what looked like airlocks leading in and out of the dolphin habitats.

  “Now, that gets us around one issue, but we're going to have to seal the compartments to keep the water contained as much as possible or we're going to have leaks and mold. I've been talking with the people who built the current generation of dolphin habitats; we've brought them on board,” he said, nodding to Trey. Trey nodded back. “And they are giving us all sorts of ideas and opening their playbook of tips and tricks they've learned over the years. For instance, lighting and fans have to be sealed due to the water …”

  Chapter 9

  Lagroose Industries held the keel ceremony in the yard, which meant people had to ship over in cutters and shuttles to attend in the evening after the local dinner time. It was a swirling madhouse of people, robots, and machinery as they crowded into the observation habitat. The Lagroose board was there, directors and department heads, the design board, plus celebrities and friends of Jack Lagroose. A couple dozen had only recently arrived on a liner from Earth for the occasion. One person who wasn't there was Aurelia Lagroose. She was reportedly too pregnant to travel. From the sound of it, her due date was perilously close.

  From the look of the room they were in, Jamey thought, examining the structure, it was an inflatable hab he determined. He poked a nearby wall and felt just a slight hint of give, proving his hypothesis. It was possibly purposely built for just the ceremony he thought. Hopefully someone somewhere was keeping a close eye out for rocks and such. It wouldn't do to have something pop the balloon they were in.

  He snorted softly to himself. Hell, with all the hot air in the room it could burst on its own. That thought kept resonating in him for a while until Jack Lagroose floated to the podium to begin his presentation.

  Jack looked around, bemused by the group. He'd spent six decades getting over his fear of public speaking. He hated it. But a glance to his rather pregnant wife's image and the wink she threw him settled his jangled nerves. The entire solar system was watching, so don't blow it he reminded himself as he opened his mouth. His speech immediately began to scroll in his vision before him.

  “Ladies and gen
tlemen, welcome to the Lagroose Mars orbital shipyard. We are gathered here today on a rather historic occasion to witness the beginning of the next step in mankind’s civilization, the exploration and eventual colonization of other star systems,” he said smoothly.

  Behind Jack through the clear plastic and glass, they could see robots and suited work crews moving into position with components. It seemed everyone was eager to get moving. Jack looked over his shoulder and smiled. “We're running a little late; I know the men and women outside are eager to get started and don't want any long winded speeches,” he said. “Well, some might since they may be close to clocking overtime,” he said. That earned a chuckle.

  “As I was saying, we are gathered here today to witness the beginning of the future. The first steps in the construction of mankind's first starship. This isn't just an achievement for Lagroose Industries and the people gathered here and outside,” he said. He smiled to Trey and the design team arrayed off to his left. “Though they did work their tails off to get us here,” he teased. That earned another chuckle. “This is man's achievement as well. Our ancestors have been looking up at the stars for thousands of years and dreaming of going there and seeing what was there. That sense of wonder has driven explorers to explore Earth, the moon, Mars, and beyond. Onward and outward folks.”

  He turned to the men and women outside and touched a control on the podium behind him. “Mister Eggebraaten, are you and your people ready?”

  “We're ready, sir.”

  “Then by all means,” Jack said, slipping his right hand into a remote control. He didn't need it, he had implants, but he did it for the watching media and public at home. He grasped his fingers a few times then manipulated the remote control. Outside a long limbed robotic arm swerved into action, mimicking Jack's arm it moved its payload to where he wanted it to be. “Back when man first built ships they had a ceremony marking the birth of a ship. Men and women would watch as workers laid the wooden keel of a ship into a slip to formally start its construction. Through the years that practice has evolved as we moved on to modular block components and later grand blocks. We've had these parts and compartments built and waiting for some time. Now we can officially join them together,” he said as two modules moved in to sandwich the one his arm was holding.

  “That is if the design board doesn't have any last minute changes?” he asked, ribbing Trey and the team. Trey made a show of holding up his hands in surrender. “What, no hot tubs or nuddy bars to slip in?” Jack joked. That earned a sputter of laughter.

  “The hot tubs are already in. The rest … well, you'll have to wait and see,” Trey retorted with a grin and wink.

  “Better not have any nuddy bars,” Aurelia said darkly over the intercom.

  “Yeah, I'm a married man,” Jack said. “So I have to behave,” he said with a grin.

  “Definitely. Go on, get this over with. People are waiting and the food is getting cold,” Aurelia ordered.

  “Yes dear,” Jack said submissively, sparking another chuckle through the compartment. He grinned and winked over his shoulder. “And now you know who really gives the orders in the family,” he said.

  “And don't you forget it,” Aurelia growled. That earned a laugh and applause.

  -*-*-^-*-*-

  After the speech the team was given time to shake hands with various dignitaries and reporters. They were warned repeatedly to be on their best behavior and to keep their remarks short and on point. After a public affairs flack came over and repeated the warning, Levare went off on her. “We get it! We know! Enough already! Geesh!” He rounded on her, fed up with being treated like a child. He shook his head as she warily backed off. “What, it's not like they trust us or something,” he said, looking at the others. Alec looked at him and then crossed his arms. The sudden movement sent him into a slight spin though so a hand flashed out to catch himself.

  Kathy and Jamey eyed him. Charlie snorted. “Yeah, and after that blow up you expect them to tamely back off?”

  “Hey, I'm not the one who gets snookered, remember?” Levare retorted. “And opens his mouth to insert his foot on a daily basis.” He paused with a thoughtful look. “They do have a point. We've got a lot of big wigs and media about, so we'll have to watch what we say around them. Remember folks, loose lips,” he said.

  “Yes daddy,” Charlie quipped. Jamey snorted as Levare glared at the older man. Charlie merely smiled, completely unphased.

  “Irrepressible,” Levare muttered half under his breath. If anything Charlie's smirk widened. Levare's eyes narrowed. “Behave,” he warned, shaking a finger at him.

  “I don't need to hear it from you as well. Enough. We're all adults here,” Charlie said. He turned to give a mocking look to Jamey. “Well, most of us. You aren't quite twenty-one yet, so no liquor for you,” he said mockingly. He made a show of pretending to measure Jamey as if he was going on a ride. Jamey batted his hand away with a half smile of tolerant amusement.

  Jamey shook his hand out to get the feeling back as the party started an hour later. “It's about time,” he muttered. He made the rounds and did a bit of small talk; some people expected the ship construction to go fast like the first sub-assembly. Jamey shook his head and moved on until he heard Alec repeat the statement to Sheldon.

  “Okay, hang on there. I'm no expert, but I do remember the briefing we were all given. You should too. And especially you, Sheldon, he said, eying the junior ship architect and engineer. Sheldon shrugged.

  “First, we've had those parts in storage for a while now. Second, the subassemblies were built in advance. Third, yes the nanotech the orbital works and yard are using could fabricate pieces of equipment rapidly, but they still had to be fitted together. But since there were also some lingering manufacturing defects that occasionally cropped up, every piece had to go through a thorough quality control checkup beforehand,” he pointed out.

  “Then how did they do this that fast?” Alec demanded, waving a hand to the large window. Someone had already taken down the podium. The room was thinning out, not everyone enjoyed being in null G. Half the dignitaries who had tummy trouble had excused themselves.

  Charlie came over with a couple long necks. He didn't care for wine and was not afraid of telling people that. The beers were actually in bulbs inside the plastic containers shaped like beer bottles. When a mouth covered the open neck the bulb's microcomputer would sense it and release the drink within. He passed one of the drinks to Jamey. Jamey took it cautiously but blinked at him in pleased surprise. “If anyone asks, you're just holding it for me kid,” Charlie joked. Jamey snorted in amusement.

  Charlie took a pull of his beer and then wiped his mouth. “Ah, that hit the spot. Been worth the wait. Now, what were you getting all uptight about?”

  “The demo,” Jamey said. “The perception that since this step went fast the entire ship should.”

  Charlie snorted. “Hardly. We've had these parts in storage for what, months? Years?” He looked at Jamey who nodded. “We've gone over them over and over. We've got copies in storage too. But some parts have yet to be made. The last minute changes to the habitats alone …” He shook his head. Sheldon grimaced in familiar memory of long sleep deprived anxiety driven days of work. “The parts we have on hand will give the construction bots and teams a head start. Sven's going to have his hands full keeping the logistics straight and keeping everything moving smoothly. I don't envy him.”

  “Which he won't. There will be design freezes,” Jamey said.

  “Don't curse us, kid,” Charlie sighed. Jamey shrugged but watched as his mentor rubbed his temple. Finally Charlie looked at them again. “Yeah, we're going to have problems. It's inevitable.” He looked at Sheldon. “If you thought the past couple of months were a pain in the kiester, think again. We're only just getting started. Expect last minute changes and frantic design reviews and changes. A lot of sleepless nights again,” he said.

  “Oh joy,” Sheldon muttered.

  “We'll deal w
ith it as they come. In the meantime,” Charlie took another pull of beer and then smiled. “I'm going to parrrrrty,” he said, saluting them with the beer. Jamey smiled as Alec and the other young people grinned or hooted. Charlie turned and headed off to another knot of people.

  “Think he's right?” Alec asked.

  “I think he's the expert, so yeah,” Jamey answered. Sheldon nodded. He took a sip of beer and then swallowed. “Different. I think dad liked a different brand though,” he said and then coughed as he realized he'd snuck a few of his dad's beers over the years. Alec chuckled.

  Once that beer was finished, Sheldon wrangled another for Jamey from the beverage wall. Waiters were floating about, and it seemed someone had cleared an area near the window as a dance area. A couple of the gals were there dancing to the soft music. Jamey looked about and noted that most of the older folk had taken themselves off to the walls or out of the compartment. He took another pull of his beer but was stopped from finishing it by a hand on his arm.

  “Come on, Jamey, don't be a wallflower!” Kathy said as he looked at the hand. He blushed when she didn't loosen her grip. Her free hand reached out to snatch the bottle. She took it from his suddenly nerveless fingers and then tossed it to a waiter nearby. The waiter caught it and then shot her a reproving look but she missed it.

  Instead she was too busy dragging her helpless captive to the dance area. Jamey groaned inwardly, thrilled a girl was interested in interacting with him on one level but suddenly afraid of making a fool of himself. “Can't we um …”

  “Don't you dare! I've been looking forward to this for months!” Kathy said, voice rising in reproach. He gulped. She pulled him into the throng of people who smiled as they made room.

  After the first song, Jamey admitted to her that he'd never danced. When a slow song came on, she pushed off the window daintily. He caught her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Together they floated slowly upward. She threw her weight to one side so they moved into a slow spin. “See? You can do it if you put your mind to it,” she murmured. Her arms reached up around his neck. He felt her nuzzle his shoulder and realized that she was extremely attractive despite being nearly three times his age … and that they were both a little drunk.