Confrontation: Aliens and Humans. Allies and Enemies. (Space Fleet Sagas)

by Don Foxe

  “More of a theoretical conundrum,” he replied. “I did not know Izzy was on the bridge until I arrived. She is helping me organize my thoughts.”

  “More like I’ve been a sounding board with no insight,” Izzy said. “He’s into physics, and sub-atomic particles, and theories I have no clue about.”

  “Tell me,” Coop said. “I may not offer much help either, but I’ve been around a long time. Maybe experience can shed light on your problem.”

  “The tachyon cannon got me thinking,” he began. “Physics is the study of energy, and matter in space, and time, and how they relate to each other. Physics also provide the laws governing action and reaction in the universe. But the laws can be broken. Wormhole travel should not be a reality. When a ship enters a wormhole, it is changed at the sub-atomic level. For those aboard the ship, because they are experiencing the change, everything appears to remain normal. If you were outside the channel, looking back at the ship and crew, you would see atomic dust blown down a tunnel at incredible speed. Speed faster than light travels.”

  “Similar concept to someone who exists near a blackhole,” Coop said. “For them time is exactly the same, but from millions of miles away they appear to move in slow motion.”

  “Similar, yes,” Sparks agreed. “Now take space-fold travel. With the crystal array you change space at the sub-atomic level. The ship and crew actually do remain the same, but space is compressed, and then de-compressed as the ship flows forward. The speeds are extraordinary. Time, basically, stands still. It is not clear if the ship is traveling in space, or actually traveling in time, or a hybrid of both. Either way, according to physics, it should not happen.”

  “But because it does happen,” Coop replied, “physics are flexible. Actions in the universe do occur outside of the known properties of matter and energy.”

  “Exactly why the tachyon cannon caught my attention,” Sparks said, warming to the conversation.

  Folly moved to the pilot’s seat, to get closer, and Izzy turned the command chair to listen. Both captured by the discussion.

  “I asked Dr. Hernandez how the cannon works. I never heard of a tachyon, and was totally surprised when he told me . . .”

  “It’s a made up word,” Coop completed the sentence.

  “Yes,” Sparks said, glad the captain was aware. “Earth scientists discovered a sub-atomic particle acting outside the laws of physics.”

  “Science-fiction writers once created a fictional particle of a similar concept, and called it a tachyon. Because most science nerds are also science fiction nerds, they decided to name the real one a tachyon,” Coop said.

  “Right. While the word is a construct, the particle is real. It exists within an atom, but can exist outside of atomic structure. It can bind atoms, or even the electrons, neutrons, and protons within an atom. It can interact with several atoms at once. It is faster than quantifiable.”

  “Physics accepts superpositions. A particle can exist in two places at once. It also recognizes entanglement. One particle’s behavior can affect the behavior of other particles,” Coop said. “The kicker with tachyons is they appear to exist within their own time,” Coop added. “They are faster than considered possible because they change places in time, not space.”

  “Humans are incredible engineers,” Sparks said. “Once tachyon were discovered and proven real, researchers immediately began attempting to harness their power. Scientists combined a centrifuge with a mercury-suspension gyroscope to control gravity. To dampen electrical interference, the construct was placed within a Faraday cage. This invention allowed them to catch a tachyon.”

  Cooper knew the history of tachyon cannon. He took up the story. “They discovered a tachyon particle in suspension will attract other tachyons. Normally, measurement of a particle’s energy, or knowing its precise position causes it to lose superposition, limiting it to one known state. Within the catch, tachyon entanglement continued.” He hesitated. The development of tachyon weapons was understandably secret, though not strictly classified. Sparks obviously knew a lot already, and he trusted Izzy and Folly.

  “Particles pods create tremendous amounts of energy,” he continued. “The first time anyone released the energy, it blew a hole through a steel and carbon alloy reinforced concrete wall. A wall twenty-feet thick, and located one-hundred feet beneath the surface. The discharge created a tunnel to the surface.”

  “They adapted the tachyon catch, and attached it to a modified railgun system. They calibrated a Martian crystal for power, and added a simple laser to aim the released energy,” Sparks recounted the engineering told him by Hernandez.

  “The system attracts a complex tachyon, catches it, and suspends it for the time required to entangle other particles, and build energy. By attaching the tachyon-produced energy to something as simple as a magnetic beam, they created a weapon with the potential to destroy asteroids, or small moons. Most certainly, space ships hundreds of thousands of miles away in space.”

  “I need to speak with Manny,” Coop said. “A lot of what you were told might be classified.” To the two listening, he said, “Keep that in mind you two. We do not broadcast the components inherent to top-secret weapons. Do you copy?”

  Both replied, “Yes, Sir.”

  “Dr. Hernandez did not tell me everything,” Sparks admitted. “I figured most of it out by myself. But anyone with a little understanding of physics could. The tachyon exists outside of physics, but has to act according to the laws of physics once it is harnessed, even while bending the laws at the same time. That is the conundrum.”

  “Explain,” Coop nudged.

  “The tachyon energy burst benefits include an extended range. When it does not encounter an object, it eventually disperses harmlessly. A tachyon stream can travel forever, at a velocity thousands of times faster than the speed of light. Time, and distance do not represent limits to a tachyon particle, especially a tachyon particle in motion. A streamer,” the engineer from Fell said.

  ASparquila explained the concept gnawing at his inventive nature. “First you catch a single tachyon, and instead of entanglement with other particles, embed it with data. Next, you aim the data-loaded tachyon at a catch and fire it along a streamer. Even if the receiver is located on the far side of the galaxy, the embedded data arrives without a perceivable lapse in time.”

  “Hold on, Sparks. You’re suggesting using a tachyon streamer as a communications tool. Creating real-time communication between points in the galaxy trillions of miles apart.” As the full weight of Sparks’ theory coalesced, Cooper suddenly wanted to sit down.

  “In theory,” the Fellen replied. “A system for audio and video, and relaying all types of data, in real time. If we design a catch, similar to the one used for a tachyon cannon, only much smaller, with a more delicate nature, it could contain a single tachyon particle for the time needed to bombard it with data. Before the particle becomes explosive, we dispatch it in a way similar to aiming and firing a tachyon cannon. The particle, embedded with information, would remain superimposed, and therefore pass through every object between it, and the receiving catch. When the receiver captured the tachyon, you could download the absorbed data, and replay it. Everything would occur in our reality with no perceived lapse in time.”

  “I don’t see how,” Folly interjected. “How can anything travel that fast?”

  “I believe tachyons travel across dimensions,” Sparks answered. “Membranes separate dimensions, and tachyon particles are able to pass through those membranes. Space, time, and distance become inconsequential for anything traveling by switching dimensions.”

  “How would it know where the receiving catch is located?” Izzy asked.

  “You tell it,” Sparks replied. “A tachyon sub-atomic particle is invisible to us, but within its macrocosm, it is a complex structure, and enormous. Because it exhibits the capability for unlimited energy transference, it should also have the capacity for unlimited storage of data. It represents energy in
a pure form, without the containment limits of a construct. Theoretically, it is possible to load a single tachyon particle with untold amounts of data, and then tell it where to go. Or, at least, show it where to go. Using a directional line made of streamers, particle upon particle, our tachyon with embedded information would ride the stream.”

  “Similar to a sniper using a laser to pinpoint a target, then pulling the trigger and hitting the shot,” Coop said.

  “The streamer is the laser, and the loaded particle becomes the bullet,” Sparks agreed.

  “Words and images would be absorbed, delivered, and recovered without a noticeable lag, regardless of the distance,” Coop said.

  “Theory and conundrum,” Sparks said. “How do you make it work?”

  “You begin by recognizing a use for tachyon particles besides weaponization,” Coop replied. “Exactly what you’ve already done,” he added.

  “You make it real by working with Storm and Manny. Use the technology already developed for tachyon manipulation, and your expertise with communication systems. The three of you build a send-and-catch array. You build two,” Coop amended. “Manny can redesign the current catch to capture a single particle for information bombardment, instead of attracting several to create an energy explosion. As soon as you have two working prototypes, no matter how rough, we place one at point A, then motor as far away as we want with array B, and we test your theory.”

  “You want me to actually build a tachyon-based communication devise?” Sparks asked, excited.

  “Kennedy,” Cooper said aloud, startling Izzy, Folly and Sparks who, like most, forget the ship is always aware.

  “Yes, Captain Cooper,” came the immediate reply.

  “Have you been listening?”

  “With great interest, Captain,” the AI confirmed.

  “I need non-essential processors available for Sparks, Storm, and Manny to solve his conundrum. Make any, and all information, regardless of classification level, available. They have my authority to use, take, commandeer, borrow, or steal anything, or anyone they need to make Sparks’ theory a reality.”

  “Yes, Captain Cooper,” Kennedy replied. “I am excited to assist you, Sparks,” the bodiless voice told the Fellen engineer.

  “Um, well, thanks, Kennedy,” he stammered, not having addressed the ship directly before. “Thank you, Captain.”

  “You may want to rest,” Coop suggested. “The remainder of this trip, and after we arrive at MSD, you will be busy.”

  CHAPTER 38

  Captain Daniel Marcel Cooper stood at attention before Rear Admiral (lower) Terrance Singletary. The Admiral pretended to read a report, leaving the Captain at attention, unrecognized. Message sent. On MSD, Singletary represented authority and Captain Cooper represented just another line officer.

  The Admiral did not appreciate his own light cast into a shadow by a brighter one. Everyone’s bloated opinion of the famous, and popular Daniel Cooper did not sway the Admiral.

  “I disagreed with Admiral Patterson when she agreed to allow a Fleet ship, a military ship, to be partially staffed with civilians,” he said. He set the data pad aside, leaning back to look up at the Captain. The experienced administrator long ago perfected talking down to others while seated. He allowed the disdain in his tone, and contempt in his eyes to establish his superior place on the food-chain.

  “Your mix of humans, aliens, civilians and Fleet personnel creates a lack of professionalism aboard the John F. Kennedy I find unacceptable. Your people address officers by first names, instead of rank. Your officers fraternize with lesser ranks and civilians, while on mission. Two alien women aboard the ship, civilian contractors, and you engage in [he hesitated, seeking the accurate words] a relationship. With both. At the same time. You apparently do not care how such a thing looks to those who serve under you.”

  Coop smothered a smile. Singletary’s unintended mix of his relationship with Sky and Storm, and people serving under him passed without a smirk.

  The Admiral, dressed in his best non-formal uniform, brushed invisible lint from a dark grey sleeve. “Now you expect Earth to negotiate with the Fell for technology legally belonging to Space Fleet. Tell me, Captain Cooper, why I should not have your ass tossed into the brig?”

  “Sir, technology allowing Space Fleet Command instant access, and full communications with ships, no matter where they are located within the galaxy, is the most valuable advance in space exploration since Fairchild discovered the Martian hangar,” Cooper replied, remaining at attention.

  “Oh, I agree with your statement,” the Admiral replied. “But the technology was developed aboard a Space Fleet vessel, with the assistance of Space Fleet personnel.”

  “ASparquila developed the theory and the parameters for practical application, Sir. He is a citizen of Fell. On board the 109, at my request. I intended to present him to Space Fleet as a potential asset. His cousin, AStermalanlan, as you noted, is a civilian contractor assigned to the 109. Dr. Manny Hernandez is employed by Dr. Nathan Trent. They developed the final design,” Cooper said.

  “The important points were,” and the Admiral extended his right index finger, “one, the Fellen was aboard a Space Fleet ship.” The middle finger lifted. “Two, his cousin is contracted by Space Fleet.” The ring finger emerged. “Three, Dr. Hernandez, and his team work for Space Fleet’s Head of Sciences.” Pinky finger extended. “Four, anything developed, designed, or dreamed up while aboard any of my ships [he closed his fingers into a fist] belongs to me,” Singletary said, his blood pressure rising with the count.

  “You mean the Fleet, Sir,” Cooper corrected.

  “I mean, Captain Cooper, negotiations for communications technology developed by personnel serving on the Kennedy will not happen,” the Admiral responded. “You will inform your friends, they either provide the data related to this development to me, immediately, or they will find themselves under arrest. Dismissed, Captain.”

  Cooper did not argue. He pivoted, walked to the door, and exited the Admiral’s office.

  Genna waiting in the outer office, stood as he closed the door behind him. “Didn’t go well?”

  Cooper glanced at Lt. Lawrence, seated at her desk. He shook his head negatively, making no comment in front of the Admiral’s Aide. He departed, Genna close behind.

  “Kennedy contacted Dr. Trent,” Genna said, a few steps down the hall.

  “Mistake,” Coop replied, not breaking stride. “Singletary is the direct chain of command. Going around him will only cause more problems.”

  “Precisely why she contacted Trent, and not Admiral Patterson,” Genna said, catching up to walk side-by-side with her Captain. “She also informed him the ship is on lock-down, per Singletary’s orders. Trent will find a way to open negotiations with the United Earth Council, without appearing to bypass Singletary’s orders.”

  “Singletary has Kennedy monitored. He will know she sent a message without his release.”

  “Kennedy is friends with the computer systems on MSD. Singletary will not receive an alert.”

  Coop stopped, turned, and stared at his ship’s avatar. “She’s friends with the computers on MSD. She said that?”

  “Sure,” Genna replied, smiling. “You sound like a racist. Machines can have friends.”

  “Why not?” Coop relented, resuming the walk back to the 109 “I hope Nathan is sneaky enough to figure out a way around Singletary’s ego. This is my fault for returning to MSD, instead of directly to EMS2. I underestimated the Admiral’s dislike for what the PT-109 represents. We are the new reality. A ship staffed by people from a variety of worlds. It’s will take time, and a lot of errors before we figure out the exact protocols, but, at least, we’re trying.”

  “Admiral Singletary doesn’t hate the ship, Coop. He hates you. You had his girlfriend fired from Space Fleet, and every time he tries to control you, Patterson, or the UEC overrule him. You’re a Captain with more influence than an Admiral.”

  “I remind you,
” Coop said, “you were the one who kicked her, and I quote, ‘skinny ass’ off the command chair, and placed a boot on her chest until Anton arrived to escort her to her cabin. He may hate you as well.”

  “True,” Genna replied, stifling a giggle at the memory. “It’s actually sad the Admiral is going to lose again. I’m afraid Admiral Patterson will finally admit Singletary’s skills as an administrator don’t protect him while Space Fleet is at a war setting. She’s going to reassign Singletary, and he does not see it coming.”

  “Counselor Bouvier.” Cooper’s tone respectful, with a hint of surprise. “You appear to have developed an impressive grasp of Fleet politics, and personnel. Your time with Tasha and Tista Korr is paying dividends. Not merely an ambassador, but a political strategist, as well.”

  “Economics, Captain,” Genna replied. “The tachyon-based communication design, if it actually works, is worth more to Earth than a dozen Admirals. When Dr. Trent explains the leap in advancing interstellar communications, with the possible discovery of a means to remain in contact with ships traveling in space-fold, the Governing Board of the UEC will give the Fell everything they want.”

  “Or they will side with Singletary, and force Sparks, Storm, and Manny to give up the technology,” Coop responded.

  Genna’s assessment of Admiral Patterson’s response, and the Board of Governors’ reaction to Nathan Trent’s report, proved correct.

  Within forty-eight hours, Admiral Singletary’s reassignment to an administration desk at Fleet Headquarters in Toronto was issued. In the tradition of military disciplinary actions throughout time, Singletary received a promotion to Rear Admiral (higher) to disguise discipline as recognition. A newly minted Admiral would shuttle up to take his place within the week. The Governing Board of the United Earth Council ordered Sparks, Storm, Manny, Prince Yauni, Tasha Korr and Captain Cooper flown to a hidden, fortified bunker in the heart of the Canadian wilderness for a discreet meeting with the six UEC Governing Board members.