Expedition (Galactic Neighborhood Book 1)

by Alexander Elliott

  I am Premier Gornott. What right have you to assault my planet? Where are my other ships? You will answer!

  “I am the Captain of this vessel. Your ships attacked us without provocation and attempted to steal technology which does not belong to you. Five of your ships were destroyed. We will return the crew of the craft in our possession, but this ship will also be destroyed. In a few moments, we will remove all evidence of the alien technology you already possess, as well as any ship building facilities or military bases. After we return your crew, you will be given time to evacuate your people, but you are to take nothing with you. Is this understood?”

  I do not take orders from alien scum. We will keep what is ours, and you will be defeated!

  “If you wish to live, you will comply. Contact me exactly 30 tolls from now. Any hesitation to obey or violations of my orders, will result in many deaths.”

  The viewer blanked out, and Perry notified Commander McClure to dispatch the alien ship and crew as planned. The boxlike vessel was handed off to one of the Sentinels, which repositioned the craft over the main military installation. In a swift one-two punch, the Lydokk crew was removed en masse from the vessel and deposited on the surface.

  Within seconds, the ship exploded into very tiny pieces and was sprinkled over the facility below. The demonstration produced the desired effect, and scores of Lydokk swarmed out of the base. Scanned by the Sentinels as they fled, anyone carrying records or electronic devices was held by a tractor beam. The buoys then gave them one last chance to hand over the contraband or die. Surprisingly, all of them complied and fled empty handed.

  The process was repeated at two other facilities, one being the main space port and the other a research center. As soon as each location was cleared, the Sentinels vaporized the premises down to bedrock. In orbit, everything except communications satellites was destroyed. A further scan of the Grazill system revealed no hidden bases, ships, or technology of Vingah design.

  Once the purge was complete, Perry ordered the Sentinels to take up their permanent positions around the planet. Each was accompanied by modified buoys, which would serve as messengers to update the alliance on activity in the system. When the time was up, Lynn’s panel came to life with another transmission, and Perry took it on the main viewer as before. This time the Premier looked suitably chastened.

  You have attacked my world and killed my people. The time will come for us to avenge ourselves, and we will remember your cruelty. Your orders have been obeyed - now leave us!

  “I remain unmoved by your threats, Premier, and your people may soon decide your leadership has come at too great a cost. We have placed Sentinels in orbit around Grazill, and they will remain there to prevent your greed and aggression from taking advantage of others who may cross your path. At the same time, they will also protect you and your kind, since we have deprived you of your weapons. Regular scans of your planet will be conducted to make certain you are not developing space flight technology or weaponry of any kind. Attempts to by-pass this order will be dealt with severely. This is the only warning you will receive; make certain you heed it.”

  Perry leaned back in his command chair with a weary sigh, catching his First Officer’s attention. Arlington stepped closer and spoke quietly.

  “You did what was necessary, Captain, and they were fortunate you have a conscience. Someone else might not have been as lenient.”

  Perry’s eyes were still closed when he spoke.

  “Thank you, Theresa. I still feel as though my hands have been soiled in this whole affair, and I regret we have made an enemy out of the only other sentient race we have met. I hope the safeguards we have in place will be sufficient to keep them out of mischief. If this particular genie ever gets out of the bottle, the Universe may become a very dangerous place.”

  Expedition remained in orbit for some time, continuing scans of the planet and surrounding space. No additional problems were discovered, but it did serve to remind the Lydokk of the limits placed on them. Before leaving, Perry consulted with Thriss and Threen in his ready room. They were more than pleased with Perry’s performance, and the outcome was considered a resounding success. Threen announced his plan to appoint a minister of Grazillian affairs who would keep close tabs on the planet and its inhabitants. Satisfied their work here was done, Perry returned to the bridge for the brief journey back to Khrusos.

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  The Lydokk attack created a small problem which needed to be addressed before they could leave the system. Assigning four of the giant Sentinels to Grazill meant there were not enough to go around once Expedition was ready to part ways with the Vingah. While more could be constructed after they reached the new Vingah home world, the recent events convinced them to play it safe.

  The orbital smelter was once again fired up to create a new generation of Sentinels which would be far more powerful and provide a higher level of protection for both new worlds. Every conceivable improvement was incorporated into their design, including a better communications system, more powerful shielding, self-generating power plants, stronger tractor beams, and a new stealth capability which made them virtually invisible and undetectable. On the off chance one was captured, each unit was programmed to self-destruct if tampered with. The eight older Sentinels were just powerful enough to create a planet-sized fold, and would be taking a one-way trip to the black hole along with Khrusos.

  Several more weeks of furious activity produced a dozen new Sentinels for each of the alliance members, and enabled the ship-building team to complete the Vingah vessel. With an adequate food supply growing on board, the Council was ready to awaken about a third of the adults in stasis. One hundred and six individuals were chosen, based on skills which would be needed immediately to establish the colony. As soon as they were brought up to speed, the transfer from mountain caverns to the ship would commence. Through their virtual connection in stasis, the new group was already aware of recent events and were familiar with the Expedition crew.

  Thriss invited Perry and his senior officers to join the Council in the crystal forest, where they waited to greet those newly awakened. Once out of stasis and able to maneuver freely, the Sentinels transported them in small groups from the caverns to the new ship. Excited reunions of old friends and colleagues were ongoing throughout the day, followed by tours of the ship and a chance to select a home for themselves in the forest.

  Most were fascinated by their renewed bodies, and much of the conversation revolved around how it would impact their society. All seemed grateful to be released from the dark underground caverns and into their beautiful new surroundings aboard ship. Mosis was in his element, switching easily from statesman to tour guide, and everything in between. Those who worked on the pack he now wore were anxious to speak with him, and he frequently found himself deep in conversation with various scientists and engineers.

  Perry and his officers were kept equally busy meeting each new group and answering questions about human culture, customs, and relationships. The Vingah were extremely adaptable and inquisitive, showing little discomfort with the strange beings who rescued them. The close friendship between their Governor and Captain Perry went a long way towards settling any nerves about the treaty between their peoples and the journey still ahead of them. After the last group cycled through the greeting process, the human contingent prepared to return to Expedition. Perry drew Thriss aside for a few words before they made their way down to the shuttle bay.

  “Thank you for inviting us here today. Your colleagues appear to be in high spirits, and they most certainly have a deep respect for their Governor. Based on a number of conversations I overheard, I believe our peoples will enjoy a robust exchange of ideas.”

  Your presence was well-earned, and essential to the integration of my people. We have significant challenges ahead of us, Captain, and I wanted them to see firsthand what we may accomplish together. As to their high spirits, well, we have not seen each other for several hundred years, which w
as a time of great stress and high hopes for the future. With the addition of the recent medical therapies, we have been given options which have never been considered. Our future appears full of promise, and we are most eager to be underway.

  “We share your sentiment, Thriss. The transfer process begins in the morning, which means our time here is almost finished. I trust you will all enjoy your new accommodations and will rest well this evening. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Governor. Goodnight.”

  Chapter 7

  The following day started early, with mixed teams of Human and Vingah, both in the Khrusos caverns and on the new vessel. The plan sounded deceptively simple, yet would prove to be fraught with details and grunt work. The main idea was to use powerful Sentinel beams to move the contents from the caverns to the new ship. The process would be greatly simplified if the two spaces were identical in size and shape, but of course, they were not. In addition, the stasis chambers could not sustain their occupants for very long with any significant interruption of power.

  Each unit was designed with a small backup power supply, but the units would have to be moved quickly from the service bay to their permanent places below decks. Each needed to be installed, reconnected to the power supply, and tested carefully before moving onto the next. There were almost two hundred adults who would remain in stasis, plus the egg carrying units. Afterwards came the supplies, records, and other items the Vingah chose to bring along. Even if all went well, it was going to take several days of frantic, backbreaking activity to get everything transferred safely to the new ship.

  Mosis was particularly well suited to coordinate the entire operation, with his ability to be in two places at once and his incredible processing speed. His already proven skills as a Mission Coordinator would come in handy for this complex assignment, and the powers that be were thankful to have him. All the non-living items which were being moved had their own separate storage areas on the new ship, and were on a different deck entirely. His plan was to start with this cargo to give everyone some practice with the transfer process, and work out any flaws which might crop up along the way. Once the procedure was mastered, handling the more time sensitive stasis units to follow would be much easier.

  With few exceptions, the containers were of uniform size and shape, but needed to be kept upright and level during the entire transfer process. Mosis chose the first few based on the less critical nature of their contents, and then notified both teams of the impending move. The new ship, which was now in orbit directly above the mountain caverns, signaled its’ readiness to commence. The waiting Sentinel also confirmed it was in position, and the time to begin arrived at last.

  With a signal from Mosis, a golden beam reached down into the recesses of the planet and targeted the selected container. Seconds later, it disappeared from its storage space and reappeared inside the cargo bay. Internal tractors lifted it onto a powered sled, and it was shepherded into the transit tube and down to the appropriate deck. Once in place, the powered sled was sent back to the cargo bay by an alternate route, and the next container was handed off. It took a few tries to get the timing and movements coordinated, but once these were successfully transferred, the process continued at a much faster pace.

  Perry and Thriss remained in the observation blister on the cargo deck, in constant communication with the planet, Mosis, and the crew below deck. They were the eyes and ears which Mosis relied on to make sure everything was moving along smoothly once the containers reached the ship. Down in the storage space, Vingah crew were scanning and recording the contents of each container as it came in. This detailed inventory would prove invaluable once they reached the destination planet, since the original records were sometimes inaccurate or incomplete.

  After the mid-day meal break, the process continued to flow smoothly with only an occasional hiccup. Eventually, the odd-sized containers were brought over, though at a slower pace. Many of these contained valued works of art, with specially designed alcoves where they would be better protected. By mid-afternoon, the last of the general cargo began to arrive, and included water, foodstuffs, medical supplies, records, and various machinery. At the end of a very tiring day, the stasis chambers were the only items left in the caverns. Despite the weary crews, the entire process had been smooth and free of incident, and both Thriss and Perry congratulated them on a job well done.

  The next morning brought the hard-working teams back together, as they prepared to begin the more delicate transfer of stasis pods. The units containing adult Vingah were significantly smaller than their Earth-designed counterparts, but were also heavier and bulkier. Due to time and equipment restraints when they were constructed, the pods all relied on a single power supply and centralized computer control.

  Each one was plugged into common ports, found at the top end of the unit, and could only be disconnected briefly without harming the occupant. To avoid trauma and save power, each of the Vingah were gently put into a deep sleep for the duration of the transfer. To ensure no one was harmed, small detachable power packs were constructed, thus bridging the gap between arrival in the cargo bay and the permanent connection below deck.

  Perry and Thriss were in the observation blister with an unobstructed view of the entire cargo bay. Human and Vingah crew were stationed along the full route each pod would travel, ready to lend a hand or sound an alarm if something went wrong. Down in the mountain caverns, Mosis and his crew were making final checks and confirming all was in readiness.

  There was a total of one hundred and ten empty pods, which would also be sent over and connected like the others. The Council believed it was prudent to have them on hand in case something went terribly wrong at the new colony. Mosis’ plan, heartily approved by Perry and Thriss, was to send the empty pods over first, allowing the crew sufficient time to become comfortable with the transfer process before handling those still occupied.

  With all stations reporting readiness, Mosis sent a ten second warning, and then signaled the Sentinel to begin. The first pod was disconnected and tractored over to a large open space nearby. It was captured by a golden beam, and then deposited in the cargo bay seconds later. The supplemental power unit was quickly attached before the pod was placed on a powered sled. Two crewmen guided the sled across the bay, through the transit tube, and into the new storage area. The unit was then lifted from the sled with a tractor, and slid carefully into place. Awaiting technicians reestablished the connections and then used a hand scanner to make certain the unit was operating correctly. Lastly, the temporary power supply was detached, placed on the waiting sled, and sent back to the cargo bay. Once it cleared the storage area, a signal was sent to Mosis and the observation blister to confirm the transfer was complete.

  The process was repeated nine more times before Mosis called for a stop in the action. Perry received his private signal and activated the small view screen.

  “Is there a problem, Commander?”

  Mosis looked apologetic.

  “I’m sorry, Captain, but we only allowed for a ninety second transfer time for each pod, and we are running more than double so far. At this pace, it will require nearly four days to move everything over. The longer it takes, the more likely fatigue will become a safety concern. I suggest we send over four pods at a time; there will be less down time in between, but we would need to add additional crew along each segment of the line. I also recommend we take frequent breaks and rotate the crew through different stations to keep their attention and energy at maximum.”

  Perry paused to consider the issue before giving him a reply.

  “Thank you, Mosis. Give me a moment to confer with the Governor.”

  He cut the connection and turned to Thriss.

  “His recommendations are sound, but I prefer to hear your thoughts before we proceed.”

  Thriss made a complicated gesture with her mid limbs as she spoke.

  “My primary concern is the safety of my people. If you believe these changes would be both s
afe and beneficial, you have my support, Captain.”

  It took some time, but Perry quickly ordered the recommended adjustments, and the transfer process began once more. Within the first ten minutes they reached their ninety second target, and then began shaving off even more. At each break, the crew was assigned to a different segment of the line, and though it resulted in a short adjustment period, the target was always reached in short order. By the time the midday meal break rolled around, all the empty units were transferred over.

  The crew took great pride in their accomplishment, and the combination of rest and food was enough to energize them for the remainder of the day. After the break, the occupied pods were now the focus, and they were handled with all the skill and care Thriss could have hoped for. The professionalism and dedication of the crew meant by the end of a very long day, the adult population was safely housed on the new ship. The medical team stayed on to monitor the pods very carefully, while the rest of the crew was given the evening off to rest and relax. Tomorrow’s task was going to require all the energy they could muster.