Discovery (Terran Chronicles)

by Jackson, James

  “I think these dots are spaceships, each one with a console just like this one.”

  Cindy stares at the dots.

  “The Gamin and their fleet!”

  Joe scrambles between the two consoles. Andrew grins as he recalls the day they discovered the asteroid shower. Joe is on another mission. Joe suddenly frowns, his expression turning dour.

  “If we can see them, then I am sure they can see us!”

  Cindy considers the ramifications of this before answering.

  “They did not harm us before, but to be sure lets shut it down when we’re done and only use it to update our flight plan.”

  Joe thinks about this for a few minutes while he continues to compare the two consoles.

  “Oh heck YES. He exclaims. We can zoom the map way out to show us Earth, then transfer the data to another console. We would hardly need this at all after that.”

  Cindy considers his idea. “Sounds like a good plan.”

  Joe steps back to the unit showing the green dots. One tap resets the display centering the field of view over the green dot that represents the Terran. He zooms the map out, once again revealing the green dot that is in reality twenty individual objects. Expanding the field even more reveals another surprise. More green dots. Joe looks at Cindy questioningly.

  “If that other dot represents the fleet that came to Earth, what are these others?”

  Without waiting for an answer Joe expands the map to reveal a radius of almost one thousand light years. The screen is now ablaze with green dots, hundreds of them, if not thousands. Staggered by the sheer number of dots he taps a distant one, as the map zooms in it splits into hundreds of others. Cindy’s mouth drops open in shock. She nervously looks at Joe, then George.

  “Disengage the main engines and set a new heading. Make it happen fast people. If each dot is a fleet then we’re looking at tens of thousands of ships. And we thought the twenty or so ships that visited Earth were the Gamin race.”

  Andrew complies while Joe looks at her curiously.

  “OK. So the Gamin have a lot of ships. Why the panic?”

  Cindy turns to him and says with a chill running up and down her spine.

  “They are at war with something, some race, that hunts down ships just like this one. And with all those ships out there, they still seem to be losing.”

  She can see that no one is following her reasoning.

  “The video we saw of the Prime showed a lot of crew, and yet we never saw more than a few dozen on Earth.”

  She looks at the console one more time as a fearful thought comes to mind.

  “Shut it down, now!”

  George gulps, even on Regent Voknor’s command ship there were not as many crew. Thinking about the Gamin and Sharz in particular, he can’t help but feel sorry for the them. Just before he shuts the console down a single symbol flashes for the briefest of moments. It goes unnoticed by all.

  Location:

  Gamin Flagship

  Forty Light years from the Terran

  Sharz is most surprised when he receives a message summoning him to Regent Voknor’s command ship. The fleet hovers in open space between distant suns, another rare event. Presenting himself before the seated Regent he is further surprised to see two other Primes on the expansive bridge. Regent Voknor points at the three of them, his tone and actions quite tense.

  “I received a rather interesting message, as did you Sharz. It seems that George feels sorry for us and wishes he could help!” He stares at the three Primes, his intense gaze quite piercing.

  Sharz is baffled by the Regents statement, but dares not interrupt. George! The Regent continues, his tone a mocking mimicry.

  “His race is incapable of space flight. The satellite grid will keep them captive.” his voices gets louder, building into an angry crescendo. “And as for the incomplete spacecraft, it should be in a million pieces by now.”

  The Regent shakes his fist at the abashed Primes.

  “All these are your assessments. So why is there a stray ship with a navicon matching one that was destroyed sending us messages?”

  Regent Voknor stares intently at the three Primes before him, practically daring them to speak. He continues when they do not.

  “My crew has performed a systems check on the stray ship. Do you know what we found? The atmosphere is a match for the distant planet where we went to repair!”

  The Regent waves an arm in disgust.

  “You can talk!”

  Sharz stares at his colleagues, but they remain quiet so he speaks for them all.

  “The ship has a ‘navicon’ installed? We don’t install those on planets. Where did they get one?”

  Regent Voknor replies, his tone a little calmer.

  “It’s core matches an old ship, looks like they found a derelict and installed it.”

  Sharz is mortified.

  “They left their planet without a navicon. What else are they missing?”

  “A lot of gravity plates, both internal and external.”

  “That’s just insane, their casualties must be high. I am surprised the ship is still intact.” Sharz is not alone in being truly amazed.

  “Also they have no main power, just barely enough to charge the grid. Along with no main shields or weapons systems.”

  One of the other Primes interjects.

  “Are they suicidal, or just plain stupid? How did they even get that ship off the ground? It was set to detonate if a power source was connected.”

  Regent Voknor is just as baffled, and shakes his head in disbelief.

  “The ship does not have the energy reserves to achieve orbit, they must have augmented it somehow.”

  “They are crazy.” States the last of the Primes. “We need to destroy that ship before they cause unwanted attention!”

  The Regent’s gaze turns to the last Prime to speak. His words have a ring of truth to them. While staring at his primes he adds yet another revelation.

  “These simple creatures also installed their own computer system, it is very slow and seems damaged, we are reviewing its data.”

  None of the Primes speak up, they are shocked. In all of recorded history, no servitor race has ever done this with one of their ships. Regent Voknor stares at his bridge crew while he contemplates his next course of action.

  “These Humans, that’s what they call themselves, are quite industrious.”

  With a wave of his hand he dismisses two of the Primes, leaving Sharz behind. The pair hastily leave the bridge, sending Sharz nervous glances as they depart. Once they are gone the Regent stares long and hard at his newest Prime.

  “What is your recommendation?”

  “We should contact them. The human called George is aboard.”

  Regent Voknor continues to stare at Sharz, his anger diminishing further. “I like him, for a sub species he has some endearing qualities.”

  Sharz gulps as he considers something else that is on his mind. Something the Regent should know before contacting them.

  “I gave George a translator.” He blurts out.

  One of the bridge crew gasps. The Regent leans forward, his eye slits narrow.

  “You did what?” He states angrily.

  “I wanted George to learn about us. His race is not like any other we have met in a long time. They are so full of potential, yet their citizens are so fragmented.”

  Regent Voknor sighs. “Well that settles it then.”

  Sharz bravely meets the Regents stare for a moment, puzzled by what that means.

  “So, you wish to destroy them? I would suggest, ah, other alternatives.”

  The Regent stands then walks to his forward view past a stunned bridge crew. No one dares suggest anything to the Regent. He gazes out at his fleet for a moment then turns to Sharz.

  “I was right to promote you. None of the others have the courage to offer their own views. Many just tell me what they think I want to hear. Some of them actually disgust me with their drivel.”
/>
  He walks to Sharz and places a hand on his shoulder.

  “You shall be responsible for George and any of his actions. Understood?” As Sharz nods, He turns to his bridge crew. “Contact that ship.”

  The crew is so stunned by the unexpected request, the orders take a few extra seconds before they are followed. Regent Voknor stands before Sharz, a supportive hand still on his shoulder.

  “I wonder what the council will think of our clan now?”

  The Regent grins as he asks the question. He does not expect an answer. They spend the next ten minutes discussing the fate of the stray ship. The bridge crew remains quiet as this historic event plays out before them. Never before have they known a Regent to allow such an open dialogue, especially over a ship that would normally be destroyed without a second’s hesitation. They have seen George on this very bridge before, he is a creature with an uncanny charisma.

  Location:

  Starship Terran

  Twenty One Thousand Light Years from Earth

  The bridge of the Terran is a tense place as the realization that the Gamin that visited Earth were only a small fraction of their total numbers. The Gamin not only exist in vast numbers, they are also at war, but with whom?

  The bridge speakers crackle to life, interrupting all their thoughts.

  “Computer control here. You guys doing anything with GUS? It just ran flat out for almost five minutes then stopped.”

  Cindy glances at her bridge crew before answering.

  “We just installed that new console, but have since shut it down. Perhaps that was it?”

  “Must be,” replies the computer technician hesitantly.

  As Cindy waits for her crew to get on track, they all relax a little. The newly installed console has been shut down, and with a new heading being plotted any would be pursuers will have little chance of finding them.

  Cindy stares out at the distant stars, a smug expression on her face. We gained a lot more data in ten minutes than we could ever hope to glean from the small hops they had been doing. Her expression becomes one of horror as the forward view changes. Everyone’s breath stops at the sight of the Gamin before them. Its yellow eyes darting about, almost as though it can see them. Its mouth opens, the speakers crackle again.

  “I am Regent Voknor. I will speak with George.”

  George bolts upright at the sound of his name. Cindy raises an eyebrow as she replies with authority.

  “I am Admiral Cindy. I am in charge of the Terran.”

  George closes his eyes and shakes his head from side to side, he has heard this speech before and is not all surprised by the Regent’s reply.

  “I will say who is to be your representative.”

  George steps forward, raises his visor, then whispers to Cindy.

  “I think I should reply.”

  Cindy sighs in exasperation, then waves a hand for George to do so.

  He steps out from his suit, stands to Cindy’s left and bows.

  “Regent Voknor, it is my pleasure to greet you. Once again I am honored by your presence.”

  The alien face on the view screen even seems to smile.

  “Is it true that this female is your superior?”

  George stands straight and meets the Regents gaze respectfully.

  “She is, though she is allowing me to speak on her behalf at this time.”

  “She bested you in combat?”

  George is quite perplexed at this new insight into the Gamin.

  “Uh no Regent. Admiral Cindy requested my presence on this mission.” He pauses briefly as he recalls the way Sharz described his own promotion. “I accepted the honor.”

  “Ah, I understand now.”

  The Regent stares at them, his face an unreadable mask as it fills the screen. Finally he continues.

  “Some of my Primes would have me destroy your ship, indeed I am sure even the council would object to what I am about to do.”

  He grabs his sides with his arms, the bony ridges in his forearms stick out as he opens his mouth wide and roars, revealing a lot of teeth in the process. George grins as he recognizes the alien’s laughter, the others on the bridge can only stare at the spectacle in surprise. As the Regent regains his composure his yellow eyes with their vertical slits stare at them all intently.

  “Prime Sharz has suggested that I not only let you live, but that we should assist you.”

  George glances to Cindy who nods back almost imperceptibly. Seizing the moment he takes a small step forward and says cautiously.

  “Your assistance in getting us home would be greatly appreciated. We would be in your debt.”

  “Speak freely, as you have done in the past.” The Regent lifts his clawed hand suggestively.

  With a renewed confidence George takes a deep breath and states their immediate needs.

  “We’re experiencing constant problems with the plating we installed to compliment the ship’s gravity plates. We’re also suffering from a chronic shortage of power.”

  Regent Voknor replies instantly.

  “You have sufficient power to get you to your planet. Specifications on how to fabricate your own gravity plating will be transmitted along with the formula to adjust the gravity to your own.”

  Cindy gulps as she realizes the bounty they are being given. She almost speaks, but catches George’s sideways glance.

  George bows slightly.

  “Today you have made a friend Regent Voknor, and in doing so have earned our gratitude. May we one day be able to repay your kindness.”

  Joe is stunned as a bunch of new symbols appear on his console. In an instant the gravity aboard the ship drops. He stares at the information before him, then gulps as it translates into English right before his eyes. He glances at George, then continues to stare in an almost reverent fashion. What dealings has this man had with them before, he most certainly has gained their favor.

  Crew throughout the ship panic at the sudden change in gravity. Kitchen hands cuss again as pots and pans slide and fall.

  Regent Voknor stares at them from the view screen before continuing on.

  “Few creatures impress me, fewer still do so positively. Be safe George.”

  The screen suddenly returns to the view of the stars. Cindy considers everything that just happened and in a moments clarity realizes that the Gamin can control their systems, at any time and from a great distance.

  George is surprised to hear a familiar yet alien voice through his earpiece. “Be careful and go home. It’s too dangerous for your kind out here.” George can’t help but smile, he knows it was Sharz that stayed the Regent’s hand.

  Joe turns to Cindy.

  “They not only sent us specs, but adjusted our gravity as well.”

  Cindy tilts her head a little at his statement of the obvious. “Plot us a course for home.” She turns to George and stares at him. What the heck was that all about?

  The next few days are very busy ones for Olaf, Patrick, and George as they work almost feverishly replacing internal plating with gravity plating. Each time they drop to sub-light speeds, the trio replace as many sections as they can. The rest of the time is spent scavenging what they can to make more plating. Eventually they run out of things to convert, the suits do have limits on what they can create from energy alone. George sits back and considers their dilemma, while at the same time understanding why the Gamin wanted so many raw materials from Earth. What do we do now?

  Chapter Six - Life’s End

  Location:

  Starship Terran

  Twenty Thousand Light Years from Earth.

  The days have turned into weeks as the crew of the Terran make their way home. Each time they stop to recharge the main drive the bridge crew examines distant stars as best they can. It is during one of these jumps that a maintenance man happens to be near a section where Earth installed plating meets the Gamin gravity plates. Standing on the gravity plating, he waits for the shift to sub-light speeds before proceeding. He watch
es the standard plates in shock as they buckle a little then bend slightly. They then straighten back out right before his eyes. Was only a small bend, but it was there. The deck vibrates beneath his feet as usual. Walking over he examines the section and finds the weld joint is broken. He gulps, finds George and reports his findings.

  Meanwhile on the bridge, Joe is numbly staring at a flashing star on his navigation screen.

  “Cindy, I have something you should see.”

  She stretches, then walks over to his console.

  “Well, though I would love to investigate I think we should follow Regent Voknor’s advice and head straight home.”

  “As you wish.” Joe replies, a little disappointed.

  She glances over to Georges empty terminal. Where is he now? She wonders.

  Elsewhere in the ship, George and Olaf are investigating their previous repair work. Both men are wearing the Gamin body suits, as they usually do. George sighs as Olaf points at yet another section of damaged deck plating.

  “See! Where we have installed the new gravity plating everything is good. But over there,” he points to a section they have yet to tackle, “the welds are all breaking up.”

  “We’re out of materials to do anything more than patch up.” George answers, concern clearly in his voice.

  “Well we need more then!”

  “Easier said than done my friend.”

  George heads to the bridge while Olaf repairs yet another broken weld. George wonders what is holding the ship together. Every day he, Olaf, and Patrick are spending more and more time repairing broken welds, and now the report comes in of them actually buckling during the shift to sub-light speeds.

  Arriving at the bridge he wastes no time in relaying his thoughts.

  “Cindy, we have a new problem, well actually it’s an old problem, but we just became aware of it. Well that’s..”

  “Spit it out.” Cindy interrupts his senseless ramblings.

  He gulps as he tries to find the right words.

  “Well, as you all know we have been repairing broken welds all over the ship. It seems every time we change speeds, the plates that were installed on Earth are buckling.”