by Chris Burton
The Modular transport was a high-speed low-altitude hover ship, which utilized Titan’s thick atmosphere, to hover at a height of just over fifty meters above the ground. The ship skimmed the planetoid on specially designated and controlled routes allowing for a precise and efficient network. Carla’s ship arrived at AUSWAS HQ at 12.30 p.m. and she headed immediately to the organization’s reception facility. Here she made several discreet enquiries regarding her sister, the ‘group’ and a Professor Nigel Winterburn, an English Interplanetary Consultant who left Earth some years ago and was rumored to be the head of the ‘group’ based here on Titan. Her initial enquiries found little, but after a quick lunch, she returned to the AUSWAS facility and headed to the reference library. Here she found various articles relating to the ‘Collective’ and references to Professor Winterburn. This led her to seek out Dr. Helen Smythers, a fellow Australian who not only was aware of the ‘Collective’s’ existence on Titan, but also the whereabouts and relative movements of Professor Winterburn. Carla left the AUSWAS headquarters and headed back towards the transport link. She was pleased with her afternoon’s work and she began to believe this link could lead to her Sister.
Dr. Helen Smythers was, however, concerned; concerned enough to make direct contact with Professor Winterburn. Far from being troubled, Winterburn made light of this and replied by saying that, “Perhaps this is could be a real opportunity, the Collective needs new blood and a new contact within Alpha could be useful. She will make an excellent new recruit.”
Carla arrived at the Hotel in downtown New Portsmouth just after six. She checked in, located her room, showered, changed and joined her colleagues and associates at a pre-dinner reception in one of the function rooms adjacent to the restaurant. During the reception, and afterwards at dinner, Carla exchanged pleasantries and engaged in several lengthy conversations with local New Portsmouth students, colonial students and associates from both affiliated and non-affiliated APF planets. She was able to make fluent conversation in some fifteen different non Earth languages and was even able to exchange a few words with a Plexiduran. This peculiar species were multi-dimensional and, during conversation, would shift between two or three dimensions, disappearing briefly and then reappearing momentarily while in mid-conversation. This made for an interesting dinner discussion.
After dinner and drinks, Carla returned to her room and opened a personal comm link with Earth. She would speak to her parents first. She needed to update them on her findings, and then perhaps do a bit more research before she spoke to Steve. She was still angry with him and despite the fact that they parted on seemingly good terms, she seethed about his stupidity—and Jake’s, for that matter. She felt confused about how she felt about Steve and what future they might have.
Jake answered the comm link when Carla called. Carla thought Jake’s actions during Steve’s Rapier fly-by incident were brave, but ill-conceived. He was lucky to get off with a caution, but Steve would be unlikely to be treated so lightly, his actions were idiotic. When Steve did eventually join the comm link, Carla and Steve greeted each other in endearing terms, much as you would expect from a couple, separated by over a thousand-million kilometers of open space.
There was sarcasm in Carla’s voice when she brought up the subject of the Disciplinary Panel meeting. She made it clear that, while she would support him, if he were booted out then he was on his own. Having reinforced this point and without laboring further, she then went onto discuss her days events and what was in store for tomorrow and the remainder of the week. Ten minutes later she closed off the comm link and retired to bed.
She lay awake for some time thinking about Joely and what would come from her further investigations tomorrow, and about Steve and what a fool he was. She was questioning more and more why she chose Steve as a partner at the Fresher’s ball in year one of the Academy, when she could have anyone. Not Jake though. He was with Joanna at the Fresher’s Ball. Joanna graduated from the Academy last year and flew Rapiers in frequent battle exchanges with the Sentinels. She and Jake split up a year ago and he remained single ever since. Why do I spend so much time thinking about Jake when I should be thinking about Steve? Carla wondered.
The next morning, she took breakfast in her room, showered and made her way down to the Reception room for a Q&A session with New Portsmouth’s new Alpha Ambassador. The session was interesting and challenging as, although the Ambassador spoke English, his Titan dialect was strong and he was more difficult to decipher than many of the non-English conversations she had on this trip.
After refreshments and a further session in the Reception Room on key APF languages, Carla left the hotel at one p.m., thinking she had until five to progress her search further for her sister. She was missing out on two language seminars this afternoon, both of which could have been of some interest to her, had she not already achieved fluency in both languages. At AUSWAS, the previous day, Dr. Helen Smythers gave Carla an address in the eastern docks area of New Portsmouth where she might be able to find Nigel Winterburn. She took the Modular Transport Link to the dockland area of the city and then set out on foot to find the address. At 2.30 she reached her destination: an abandoned warehouse in the center of the dockland area, purported to house several small sea going vessels while under repair. Closer inspection revealed they hadn’t been moved or touched for years.
Carla entered immediately. On first inspection it looked like a normal warehouse, but she could see that it was everything but. The ‘sea going vessels’ were a holographic projection which gave the impression that the premises were used as a boat repair house. In reality, the building housed a multitude of offices—some occupied, some vacant—and in the center was a large hall which was recessed into the ground to a depth of two stories below the surface.
As she continued her observations, she realized she was being watched. She turned around slowly to find her sister Joely.
“I knew you’d find me!” said Joely excitedly.
Carla stared in disbelief and then, as if the pain of the last six years of uncertainty suddenly lifted, she walked forward and clasped her sister and they hugged. The two of them stood there for a moment, holding each other before Joely pulled away. “We have much to discuss,” she said, as the emotion suddenly drained from her voice.
“What is this place?” asked Carla.
“All in good time.” replied Joely.
Carla followed her sister down into the recessed hall. She could see that the hall was structured in the form of a small operations center.
“Welcome to the ‘Collective’,” said Joely.
“The what?” said Carla.
Joely continued, “That’s who we are. We are a group whose prime responsibility is the protection of the galaxy’s cultural diversity. Let’s meet some of the others and then you will begin to understand.”
Carla met several of hers sister’s colleagues, and was then introduced to Professor Nigel Winterburn briefly before he disappeared into a different room. She learned that the Collective was not just linked to AUSWAS. Like the hologram, this was a front. The work they did was critical to the survival of the galaxy. Exactly what was ‘critical to the galaxy’s survival’ was unclear, but Carla was impressed. This was not a part-time operation and these people were committed to their work and to their ‘Leader’ Nigel Winterburn. Momentarily, a door at the side of the main hall opened and Joely ushered Carla inside. Winterburn granted Carla an audience…
Carla entered a small foyer, which in itself led to a much larger room, with a vaulted ceiling with attractive wooden architraves. This room was definitely more in keeping with a church than a warehouse office. Nigel Winterburn stood at the far end of the room facing Carla as she entered. He was wearing a black Saluc, the traditional dress of the Betanica Sect.
“Welcome” said Winterburn. “Come closer and let me see you.”
The atmosphere was electric. Carla could feel the hairs on the back of neck. Strangely she found that she could not resi
st and she approached Winterburn with eager anticipation. When she was within a few meters, she stopped. The adrenalin dispersed and she suddenly felt frightened. She turned to look for her sister for support, but found that she was alone. Alone, apart from the Betanic Priest.
“Don’t worry about your sister. She is keen to see you too, but she is preparing for a trip that we are making. I will make sure you can have some time together shortly.”
“I get the impression you knew I was coming.” said Carla boldly.
“Yes I did. You made enquiries about my whereabouts at AUSWAS and your sister always said that you would come.” He spoke in an articulate, but deep and reined tone. His accent was English. Strangely, she also felt comforted and slightly aroused by his presence.
“Why are you wearing the robe of the Betanica Sect?” asked Carla, who was surprised at how brave and direct she was being.” Because, my dear, I am a member of the Betanica Sect, “he replied.
“The Betanica Sect is a Sentinel religion.”
“That is a common misconception and is what Alpha would have you believe. Yes, we are represented widely within the Sentinel race, but we are spread widely across many worlds and many people including as you can see. Earth. Do you understand the basis of our beliefs?”
Is Joely a member of the sect? thought Carla. She was concerned about her sister. Was her sister a traitor? “Yes, I think that they have some religious predilection about the Tri-Star region, and particularly about the two wormholes.”
“You are surprisingly well-informed, but also a little naive. The protection of the Tri-Star region is the basis for which the Sect was formed. We are here to keep the evil from within at bay.”
“So why are you here, in a place where the people are so cynical to such beliefs? “
“Well it’s not the war, I can promise you. We have a presence everywhere.
“Where is your visit to?” Carla continued.
“Oh, I think enough has been said for now. We will talk again when we see you next time.”
“How do you know there will be a next time?” said Carla.
“Oh I believe there will be,” said Winterburn.
With that, the door to the ‘chamber’ opened and Carla’s sister reappeared. Winterburn smiled. “See that Carla is looked after and make sure she is sent on her way in time for her next seminar.” With that he strolled past the two young women and exited the chamber. The two sisters exchanged glances and hugged again. There was no need for explanation, thought Carla. It was really good to see her sister again.
Chapter Five
The Disciplinary Panel
Steve awoke early. It was Thursday morning and he had a restless night. Today was the day of his disciplinary meeting.
Even early in the morning, it was hot. The temperature over the last two weeks was excessive even by current standards for this time of the year, and the antiquated climate control in his flat could only cope intermittently when temperatures exceeded forty degrees. He showered, dressed, and had coffee and a banana for breakfast.
Steve stepped out into the baking September sun just before six a.m. He commenced his morning run, thinking that by the time he completed his circuit he would be exhausted but his mind might be clearer.
Jake awoke at 7.30 a.m. and, having washed and dressed, met Steve at 8.30 a.m. The two students then headed towards the security station and the main entrance to the Academy.
They walked in silence, both deep in thought on what was to happen this morning. They entered the main academy building and headed for the court room. Steve asked Jake to attend his hearing, as it was his right to invite an Academy colleague to support him. At nine a.m., Steve was summoned to his disciplinary meeting. He and Jake entered the Academy Disciplinary Panel’s Court room.
The room was circular with the ‘defendants dock’ set in the center of the room. Steve and Jake sat side by side in the dock. The disciplinary panel sat round the circumference of the room, with their seating some two meters above the dock floor. The five members of the panel entered the room together and each took their seat surrounding the defendant. The chair of the Panel then stood and stated the date and time and the title of today’s hearing. He then turned towards Steve and asked him to stand.
Steve stood and the chair spoke clearly and concisely.
“Enson Costella, you have been charged under Section 5 of the Academy Student Conventions of dangerous piloting of a type seven Rapier jump ship on September the 12th, this year. You have admitted your actions and have requested leniency in the Panels judgment towards you today. Is that correct?”
“Yes” said Steve.
“Who supports you in this request?”
Jake stood up and said “I do. I am Enson Jake Carter and I support the request for leniency.”
“Will both of you please be seated.” said the chair.
“We must first establish for ourselves the actions that took place on the 12th September. We will see recorded evidence from the Rapier that was immediately in front of your vessel at the time the incident took place. For the record, the defendant’s vessel was coded Red 5 and the recorded evidence came from Red 2.”
The evidence commenced, and was interrupted on several occasions, while the Panel asked Steve various questions relating to the ship, the training mission, the operational status of his ship and Steve’s mood at the time. They also asked Jake to confirm whether the facts Steve stated were correct. Jake confirmed each point and both he and Steve were then asked to sit while the panel made their initial deliberations.
The chair then rose again and began to cross examine Steve.
“Enson Costella, you are the product of a Titan education and upbringing is that correct?” This was answered in the affirmative and the chair went on to discuss Steve’s family history in Alpha and their eventual demise.
“Can you advise what you stood to prove by taking this action on the aforementioned day? Did you do this to prove that you were worthy of your family’s legacy in the piloting of jump ship?
“Nothing. (Steve ignored the question about his family’s legacy, hoping they would not pursue it). I only wanted to see how good the Rapier 7 was.”
“We will consider your past disciplinary history. Enson Costella. Is this the first time that you have been disciplined for Fly passing and Wing Tipping?”
“No.”
He was asked to provide details of his previous charges and the punishment meted out. The Panel then each asked the defendant questions regarding the actual events and what happened on that day. Steve answered succinctly, keeping his answers brief and to the point as he and Jake had agreed in their previous discussions in the days leading up to the meeting.
The Chair stood once again and asked Steve directly, what he thought the penalty should be for his actions. Steve replied that while he thought he should be punished, the jump ship was his main curricular activity in the Academy and that, whatever happened, he wanted to ensure that he was able to return to flying as soon as was practicably possible. He then sat down. The five panel members then proceeded to discuss the matter amongst themselves. After a few moments, the Chair stood once again and advised that the panel would retire to consider their verdict and that the hearing was in recess for a period of thirty minutes.
The disciplinary Panel was composed of three full-time permanent and two part-time elected members. The full-time members, who included the Chair, were Academy hierarchy. The Chair was the vice chancellor of the Academy and the other two permanent members were members of the senior faculty. The two part-time members were elected annually by the student populus at the end of the second term of each year. Election was only eligible for third year students, who would, when elected, take their seat in the Panel for duration of one year. At the end of that year, the outgoing panel members would then return to full time studies and revision in readiness for their Academy graduation finals. The year’s ‘attachment’ would then count towards one of the students elected speci
alty subjects, resulting in an automatic credit pass in this particular specialty.
Jake considered standing in the early stages of last year but was persuaded not to by Steve and Carla. Standing against Simon Ward Anderson would have been futile; he was a natural public speaker and a born politician, and while he didn’t excel in any other area he was ‘popular’ and was always going to win the vote.
His compatriot on the Panel was Maria Shavenosky, a veritable wunderkind who charmed the votes out of the majority of her male voters. Ward Anderson and Maria sat in front of Jake and Steve while they awaited the return of the Chair. Jake didn’t care much for Ward Anderson. He was a little smarmy, as far as Jake was concerned, and clearly considered himself to be a cut above the average student. A man destined for an Earth-based staff post and presumably a march up through the ranks, without anyone really noticing whether he achieved anything, thought Jake.
Maria Shavenosky was different, a petite and attractive Polish girl who was also one of the brightest students on the campus. She would graduate in the top ten and become a damn good pilot. She had also had a brief encounter for Jake in year one of the academy, a fact that hadn’t gone down well with Joanna, his girlfriend at the time. Jake got himself into trouble on several occasions in that first year when he was ‘caught with his trousers down’, but somehow Joanna always managed to forgive him. Jake told himself he’d grown out of this immature behavior and his relationship with Joanna ended not because of his infidelity, but because Joanna graduated. They parted as friends as she headed for her first jump pilot posting.
