by Ted Iverson
As the probe’s camera came online, the planet appeared on the holopad between them. They entered into a high-altitude orbit and began scanning. The probe descended into a much lower orbit and sent images back to them. They were impressive. The oceans appeared larger than Earth’s and were a very deep, bluish-green. The inland seas were almost a light, sky blue. It was hard to tell without having the time to really analyze the pictures, but the land masses also had features similar to Earth’s: mountain ranges; dry desert areas, a deeper darker brown in color; foliage areas an incredible dark green. Orion knew they would have to come back and explore this place sometime, just not on this mission.
They had completed twelve orbits using a crisscrossing pattern when a scanner started to chirp. The computers spat out data. Orion rapidly analyzed the data that appeared. Again he was astounded. He began adjusting and tapping the plasma knobs.
He rubbed his eyes, trying to make sure that he wasn’t seeing things. After reentering data and reanalyzing what the computer was telling him, he broke the silence. “Zach, you’re not gonna believe this...”
The moon hung motionless in the sky, casting a faint glow as the young boy’s father finished. “And that, son, is how we came to fly among the stars.”
After he’d finished talking, there was nothing but the night sounds for several moments. He broke off a long blade of grass, placed it between his lips, and began to chew on it.
Still staring up at the clear night sky, the boy said, “Dad, someday I’m gonna be up there. Someday I’m gonna go faster than light.” His voice was filled with wonder and excitement.
A wide smile spread across the father’s face. “Son, I have no doubt that you will.”
As the two lay there on the hillside, a pair of meteorites streaked across the darkness.
“Just like the Captain, Dad!” He pointed to the white streaks plummeting through the Earth’s atmosphere.
Just then a distant female voice could be heard. “Do you know what time it is? Alec, bring Jeff in. It’s a school night!”
Rolling over and ruffling his son’s hair, the two stood and brushed themselves off. Picking up the telescope with one hand and grabbing his son’s hand with the other, he glanced up once more at the sky, then slowly lowered his gaze as father and son walked toward home.
Space Tech Glossary
CHAMP: Computer Help Administrative Maintenance Program. CHAMP is a life-size holographic virtual guide to Space Tech. It is available in all of Space Tech’s research areas.
CHIP: Computer Holographic Image Program. CHIP is Space Tech’s main access program.
DES: Droid Executive Supervisor. A droid created by Jeff and Jennifer Bindl, DES became part of the Outpost crew. Upon re-gaining his “memory,” he was appointed by Orion to oversee the main body construction of all Outpost ships.
EVA: Extra-Vehicular Activities. These are commonly known as “spacewalks.”
FESC: Framing, Electronics, Structure, and Construction – The area on the Outpost where the basic structural and electronics for all ships are manufactured and then transported to the construction platforms outside the Outpost.
Holocam: The camera that sends images to holonet and also holopads and holophones.
Holodisc: The video disc one would insert into a holoplayer. It contains 3-D images and the accompanying sound track.
Holonet: Like today’s internet, but has no monitor. 3D Images are projected up from a holopad, allowing the viewer to view a 360-degree image, adjustable to any size.
Holopad: A small, mat black, octagonal pad that is about ½ inch in height. There is a small hole in the center through which 3D holographic images are projected. A small plasma touchpad allows adjustments in size of image, volume, and other image related items.
A smaller portable version exists; it can be attached to one’s belt when not in use. To use, one places it in the palm of the hand. It is voice activated, and projects a 4-5-inch image.
Holoplayer: A version of holopad that is modified to accept crystal video discs.
Mag rail: Magnetic rails that Space Tech’s shuttle’s ride on as they lift off. The shuttle underbelly rail attachments and rails are charged with opposite charges to maintain stability. As the shuttle nears the end of the rail system, (rails curve up in a 45-degree angle) the shuttle and rails are charged with strong like poles. The shuttle repels off the rails with incredible speed.
OEC: Outer Exploration Committee. A senate committee that is in direct control of all private space activities and government agencies, including NASA.
PTF: Peace Task Force
Strong AI: Artificial intelligence that exceeds human intelligence by continuing to learn at a rapid pace.
SMES: Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage. The StarDancer’s primary energy storage system. It is used in conjunction with cryogenically cooled superconducting coils. Energy can be converted to either AC or DC using inverters or rectifiers.
TAPS: Torus Armor Protection Suit. A suit that uses a system of five inner tube-like bands made of a light wire. When worn, they interact together to create a magnetic plasma shield to protect the person wearing it. It is also armed with lasers.
VGID: Virtual Gel Identification Device – A device used to identify an individual by submerging ones hand into a virtual plasma gel. Sensors then read all five finger prints and palm print. Upon removing the hand, the substance appears to drip off leaving the hand completely dry.
Wall com: A basic intercom system.
TED IVERSON currently lives in northern Illinois with his wife, Joanne. He has been writing science fiction for seven years. The first edition of Mission to the Stars: The Search for FTL won a Best Books Finalist Award in 2009. He has also published Mission to the Stars: Hostile Takeover and a collection of short stories entitled First Endeavors. He looks forward to bringing you the further adventures of the Bindl brothers in Arbitration, book three of the Mission to the Stars series.
Please visit www.tediverson.com
