by John Walker
“How do we find such a person?” Reach asked. “They don’t exist on this planet.”
“I do have an acquaintance,” Thayne said. “He’s a bit of an … an adventurer but no one knows more about dead worlds than he does.”
Salina lifted her hand. “That would force the first contact issue, wouldn’t it?”
“Oh, not at all!” Thayne shook his head emphatically. “No. He cannot go home. We have laws about such places and he defied them for the sake of science. It’s meant he’s been exiled … sort of self-imposed to avoid being detained. He lives on the frontier at a place we call Rilla. A neutral space station where many cultures meld together.”
“How far away is this place?” Desmond asked. “And how dangerous is it?”
“The way your engines are currently calibrated, it would be twelve to fifteen of your hours to get there through hyperspace.” Thayne shrugged. “Once we arrive, we’ll be able to gather Gil and plan where to go next from the safety of the station. A simple trip, really. The next part is worrisome.”
Reach’s brows lifted. “Why is that?”
“Because we have no idea where Gil will take us.” Thayne lifted a finger. “That’s my colleague’s name, by the way. Doctor Gil Vaedra.”
Reach turned to Desmond. “What do you think?”
“It seems like our only course of action. We don’t have any other leads to follow. If we’re going to do something, this seems like what it should be.”
“Lieutenant?” Reach directed the question to Salina. “Thoughts?”
“Visiting other worlds is what the Gnosis was built for,” Salina replied. “I think that we’re ready for that part. Even if it turns out to be a little dangerous, we’ve proven ourselves capable of defending ourselves.”
Reach pointed at Cassie.
“The AIA fully supports our entrance into galactic affairs and I have total confidence in the crew of the Gnosis to take this assignment on and come home alive.”
“And Doctor Harper,” Reach said, “I assume you agree?”
“I do. We are at a turning point for human history where we have to rush forward to catch up with those around us. I’m not sure we’re used to that as a species so it will be a challenge … one I’m certain we can overcome.” Harper’s expression turned grave. “Especially if we learn when to flex our muscles and when to talk.”
“We’re fast studies,” Desmond said. “Admiral, how long will it take to get approval from high command for the mission?”
“They’ve granted me command authority over the Gnosis,” Reach replied. “I do not have to get permission for another mission at this time. I’d like to think it was because we were so successful, but I suspect the AIA might be behind it.” He turned to Cassie. “Care to comment?”
“If they did apply some pressure, they didn’t tell me about it.”
“Fair enough.” Reach stood. “Let’s adjourn for the evening. Tomorrow, start prepping the ship for the journey. Looks like Doctor Rindala will be accompanying you so we should get him some personals taken care of. Harper will help. The rest of you go about your business and Godspeed. I expect launch inside of five days.”
***
Desmond gave Vincent a quick update on the plans and let him know to remind the crew to keep everything they knew under wraps. They were allowed to disembark to visit family and friends but needed to be back aboard in two days. He knew they’d be subjected to dozens of questions, but they really couldn’t talk about their trip.
Especially in regards to the aliens. Earth knew the Gnosis left the solar system, but they didn’t know why. The official reports suggested it was an extension of their maiden voyage. Conspiracy theorists somehow picked up chatter about the attack but had no proof. This put the soldiers in a difficult situation of knowing the truth and having to keep it quiet.
Part of him wanted to keep the crew aboard in an effort to help them keep quiet but considering they were about to leave again, they may not have a chance to speak with their loved ones again for quite some time. Coupled with the fact he still had to report on the deaths of some of their people, he couldn’t hold them hostage on the eve of another big trip.
Desmond leaned back on his bed, allowing his muscles to relax after a day of tension. He felt sleep threaten to take him but a knock on the door jostled him fully awake. It took a second tap to get him off the bed and he felt somewhat thankful. He didn’t want to pass out in his clothes.
I think the day’s been uncomfortable enough without adding that particular misery.
He opened the door, stepping back as Cassie smiled at him. “Sorry to bother you so late. I hoped we could have a quick talk.”
“Come in,” Desmond gestured and let the door close behind her. “I’d offer you something, but I think all I’ve got in this room is water.”
“I’m fine.” Cassie paced over to the window and peered out. “I … met with the AIA today.”
“So I imagined. I’m guessing it wasn’t a pleasant conversation?”
“That depends on what you’re hoping for.” Cassie sighed. “Our mission together went very well in my opinion. I believe in your leadership and the crew we were working with. Everyone aboard did a fantastic job.”
“I’m not sure I like where this is leading,” Desmond said. He grabbed a bottle of water and took a sip. “What’s up?”
“The AIA pulled a string. I have an authorization code.” Cassie turned and looked him, brows raised. “It would grant me operational command of the Gnosis.”
“Oh?” Desmond stiffened but tried not to show it. “For what purpose?”
“Situational … but apparently, they know about the artifacts that Thayne talked about. Some of them are dangerous enough to be targets of opportunity. If for some reason you don’t go after them when there’s a reasonable amount of risk, I’m to exert that authority and ensure we claim them.”
“Why are you telling me this now?”
“Because there’s one thing I learned aboard the ship when we were on our mission, probably the most important thing for a civilian to see and realize.” Cassie took a step forward. “When a crew is together with only each other to rely on for their lives, they must trust one another. There’s no choice. Secrets like this have no place aboard a starship.”
“I admit it would’ve been pretty annoying if you pulled the card while we were in the middle of something.” Desmond tilted his head. “Won’t your bosses be upset that you let me know? I could report it to Reach.”
“I don’t think you will.” Cassie shrugged. “I figure this can be the trust between you and I.”
“Tell me about your obligations to the AIA. If I advise that we are in no position to do one of these … assignments, then are you going to trust me?”
“Of course. You’re the expert and I told them that. They’re going to agree with my judgement. I won’t burn you, Desmond. Certainly not after what I saw out there. This is your arena. I’m here to help and observe. If I need to make a suggestion, then I will but this authorization code … It isn’t going to be used.”
“Then I suppose I’ll keep it to myself.” Desmond took a step closer, meeting her eyes. “But please know that with this trust comes a fair warning. If you use that leverage for some AIA cause, it won’t go well for us. I’d rather us be partners than ever find ourselves in a situation where you have to force me to do something.”
“Fully understood.” Cassie extended her hand. “Shake on it?”
Desmond finally grinned. “Sure.” They shook hands. “Now get out of here. I’m exhausted and want to sleep in some regular gravity for a change.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, sir. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me.”
“Any time.” Desmond escorted her to the door and saw her out, leaning against the wall after she left. The AIA proved to once again be the boogie men everyone talked about. Playing games like that was dangerous. Cassie hadn’t even been in space twice yet and they had handed her the
keys to the ship.
Maybe they know what they’re doing but this course of action seems insane to me. Too bad they never fill anyone in on the whole picture. I guess that would be too trusting. Lucky for me, Cassie hasn’t fully embraced their games. Otherwise, the moment she used that code would’ve been an interesting day.
Desmond changed and crawled into bed. Scheming and trips to foreign space stations could wait until the morning. For the moment, he wanted to lose himself in some much-needed rest. All the problems of the universe would happily wait for him at the door. Until then, they could definitely wait.
Chapter 3
Desmond returned to the Gnosis two days later and found that the entire crew had also come back from their shore leave. Everyone went through the medical center to receive an inoculation based on the concept that the Pahxin attackers used, a universal shot that would protect them against foreign illnesses. After receiving his, Desmond went to the bridge.
Vincent worked with Zach and Salina as they plotted their course. Thayne gave them the coordinates and they simply had to do the predictive analysis before plunging into hyperspace. The captain took his seat and looked over the reports, noting that all departments reported as ready to depart. They’d leave Earth orbit in a half hour to get under way.
They’d replaced their damaged fighters, restocked their supplies and brought on additional personnel to make up the deficit. Thayne received quarters and would work closely with Nathaniel on theoretics to improve their hyperspace engines. They’d fill up as much of the fifteen hours with useful activities as they could.
“Alright, course locked,” Zach said. “We’re ready to depart.”
“Do we have clearance for departure?” Desmond asked Salina.
“Affirmative,” she replied. “The path is clear and we’re good to go.”
“Take us out and push for a safe departure distance.” Desmond sat back, feeling far more confident in their trip this time. There were still some nerves, touching the back of his neck, but those were likely jitters of plunging into the unknown, visiting something completely new. They were once again about to make history.
Everything we do will be the first time for a while. I doubt it’ll ever become old hat. If anyone on board doesn’t feel the weight of responsibility for our actions, they really know how to compartmentalize their feelings.
Eventually, they would meet the Pahxin who were not terrorists. That contact would be huge. Another culture, a spacefaring species who roamed the galaxy for years, could potentially mentor humanity. Providing they played the negotiation game properly, they could become fast friends. But hoping for an easy transition to that would be naive.
The station required a docking fee, which Thayne stated would be simple enough to pay. It seemed the facility always accepted silver, so they brought half a ton with them to receive docking clearance. They had to keep the station going somehow and without government taxes, making people pay to land there seemed like the next best thing.
Desmond busied himself with fuel statistics and energy output. He read through the different things engineering was doing to mitigate the random shutdown of systems after a hyperspace launch. The whole ship bustled as they prepared to depart their solar system once again. Hopefully, they wouldn’t find themselves in the heart of another battle.
After all, the space station was supposed to be neutral. Surely, there wouldn’t be any trouble at such a location.
I wish I could believe there wouldn’t be any. Here’s to hoping it’s manageable as opposed to nonexistent. That seems like the responsible way to approach this.
***
Cassie spent several hours going over the data she collected from hacking into the Tol’An ships. When she heard they were emerging in five minutes, it caught her off guard. She had no idea she’d become so engaged in her activities. Closing down her apps, she turned in her chair to watch the view screen.
She desperately wanted to see the foreign space station, to see how it was built and what it looked like out there, so far from Earth. Did they follow any semblance of human architecture or would it be totally foreign to them? Had the aliens adopted some sort of organic looking technology? Thayne could’ve told her, but she wanted to be surprised.
One of the best reasons to leave the Earth was to find new and interesting things. Seeing them first hand beat being told every time. If I’m going to be an explorer, damn it, then I want the benefits of awe. We deserve that much for what we’re doing out here. Take your rewards where you can get them.
“Emerging.” Zach announced just before they disengaged the hyperspace engines. The ship’s lights didn’t dim this time and the ship hummed down to regular operational noises in short order. Cassie held her breath, waiting to hear what rebooted but no one said anything right away. Salina finally spoke up.
“We have arrived at our destination and I’m putting the space station up for view.”
The screen came alive and they saw the monolithic structure of the space station Rilla. It towered over the largest structure mankind built in space with innumerable floors and expansions. A ring surrounded what must’ve been the center and it turned in place. Long arms went off in various directions, linked up to spheres.
At the top and bottom, the largest modules were connected by a massive cylinder bisected by the moving ring. Dozens of ships were docked all around the place, each one held fast by magnetic arms allowing access. Salina sounded off that the place had human safe air and that they would not need to wear environmental suits.
“We’re also being hailed,” Salina added.
“Patch them through and engage the translator,” Desmond said. Cassie worked with Thayne on their way to ensure they had the proper protocols to communicate with those who ran the place. They were Pahxin but the dialect required them to tweak their modules. “Greetings. My name is Captain Desmond Bradford of the Earth ship Gnosis. We need docking clearance, over.”
The translation software took a moment to convey the message and another few seconds to provide the answer. “Welcome, Gnosis. Do you understand the fee?”
“We do, and we have half a ton of silver to impart.”
“Sufficient,” came the reply. “Proceed to docking bay seventy-three. Follow the beacon. We will receive your cargo and you’ll be free to use our services. Thank you for coming to Rilla.”
Desmond turned to the others. “Looks like we’re in. Zach, do you know what beacon they’re talking about?”
“Yes, sir. I’ve got a lock and am closing in now. ETA … six minutes.”
“That gives us some time.” Desmond turned to Vincent. “Boarding party will consist of two marines, Agent Alexander and Doctor Rindala.”
“Sir?” Cassie asked.
“AIA is all about flexibility, right?” Desmond smiled at her. “Besides, I saw your eyes bulge when you saw that space station. You want a closer look.”
Cassie returned his smile and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Good. Vincent, make sure everyone’s ready to go. I want to make contact with the archaeologist as quickly as possible after paying the toll. Everyone else is on standby. This is a neutral location, folks. Let’s make sure we don’t tread on that with some kind of intergalactic faux pas.”
Cassie and Vincent left the bridge and headed down to the security area. Her heart hammered in her chest as they went, and she had to remember to keep her breathing steady. She stayed on board the entire mission last time but this situation … this was real excitement, true adventure.
I get to see alien races up close and personal. I should be terrified but I’m too thrilled.
“You guys are going to be armed,” Vincent said. “But I’m sure it goes without saying to keep it holstered unless it’s absolutely necessary to shoot someone.”
Cassie smirked. “I’ve been through some training. I’ve got this.”
“Let the marines do the heavy lifting if something actually goes down. They’re paid to do this sort of thing.”
“Thank you, Vincent.” Cassie was about to tease him when his tone struck her. He was genuinely concerned. His words were meant to sooth her nerves, yes, but he also was expressing worry. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“See that you are.” The doors opened, and they disembarked. “We can’t afford to lose a trained AIA agent … especially not on our second mission.”
His statement helped offset the chance he might be expressing feelings for her but the fact he spoke up at all let the cat out of the bag. They’d worked together closely upon her arrival on the Gnosis and she definitely considered him a friend. Maybe he saw more in her, but she didn’t think it was a good time to bring it up.
Especially since they didn’t have time for a real conversation.
Considering everything happening around us, the history we’re making, the places we’ve visited and the battles we’ve fought, the idea of something as simple as interest seems almost ludicrous. What a reminder that we’re still people, still human beings despite the enormity of this particular point in history.
Vincent led the way into a room where two beefy men geared up for the trip. They’d changed into civilian attire, leaving the uniforms behind. Each wore a large caliber pistol on their hip. One donned a leather jacket and the other, a black trench coat. They both looked at Cassie, then turned to the commander.
“Cassie, I’d like you to meet Gunnery Sergeant Geoff Heathrow and Sergeant Lawrence Gorman.” Vincent gestured first to the leather jacket guy then to the other. They were bald with some dark stubble coming in at the tops of their heads and their faces were made up of strong jaws and squinty eyes.
They could’ve been related.
“We bringing her?” Heathrow asked. His gruff voice sounded like he shouted. A lot. “You sure about that?”
“She’s an AIA agent,” Vincent said. “I’m pretty sure she can handle herself.”
“I hope so,” Lawrence replied. “I don’t know if we’re going to have too much time for babysitting.”
