by Ben Winston
“You know when Beth told me ‘Twins’, I didn’t realize exactly how big I was going to get,” Cindy said. “You do realize we’re only seven months along, right?”
Ian grinned and kissed her on the tip of her nose. “Yep, only two more months to go!”
“Only two more months, he says! I think we should replicate one of those mock baby-belly things they have expectant fathers wear so they know what their wife’s going through!” Cindy said.
Ian kissed both girls. “Head back to our quarters, I’ll meet you there. I love you both, and am very proud of you.”
“Now, he’s tryin’ to butter us up for somethin’!” Talena said obviously imitating Cindy.
Cindy giggled. “Right! We’d better scoot before we find out what that somethin’ is!” Ian followed the two out the door, but got caught by some proud parents before he could follow the girls to the maglev.
Twenty minutes later, when he finally got to the bridge, he saw a frustrated looking Jenny sitting in the command chair. The navigators, who looked as is if they hadn’t moved (they hadn’t) had gained an engineer (E-Tech), and a programmer from Bill Laskar’s department (C-Tech).
“What’s up?” Ian asked.
“They get one problem fixed, and two more pop up. At least we’ve only had two other catastrophic failures,” she replied.
“Oh? What other kinds of failures are there?” Ian asked
“Well, like this last run we went through. Everything finally worked, but once we got our hundred kilometer altitude, the program refused to release control. I swear, if I didn’t know better I’d think the damn thing had grown a gremlin.”
As Jenny finished speaking, the whole navigation console as well as the big monitors on the forward bulkhead all went dark. No power, as if they’d been shut down. With many fearful glances at Ian, the navigators tried to figure out what they’d just done.
The C-Tech sighed, and pulled what looked like a hard drive out of a slot, and nodded to the E-Tech, who bent down started removing a panel.
The C-Tech, went to the replicator, and had the part he’d removed replaced. He returned to the console, gently inserted the new component, and nodded again to the Engineer. The E-tech reached inside, and suddenly the whole console came back to life. The main monitor also lit back up, with the displayed dysfunctional code.
It looked like an argument was brewing, so Ian excused himself for Jenny to handle it. He went through his ready room and took his private lift down to their quarters. When the doors opened, he found a party happening.
The first thing Ian did was head for their bedroom to use the restroom, and change into his duty uniform. He gave his three present wives a kiss while he made his way to the replicator for a non-alcoholic beer.
“Handy gadget, that. I wish I could have one in my house,” a woman Ian had never met before said.
“Yes, Beth said the same thing when she first saw them. But we can’t allow that to happen,” Ian replied.
The woman cocked her head. “I’m not disagreeing with you, but why not?”
Ian turned back to the replicator. “Computer, ten gold bars please.”
The replicator beeped at him. “Unable to comply. Item requested exceeds delivery area maximum safe weight.”
“How many can you safely replicate?” Ian asked.
In response, four bars of pure gold, complete with the U.S. Treasury stamp and serial number, appeared in the delivery area to the utter amazement of the surrounding people.
Ian picked one up, and handed it to the woman so she could see that it was real. “What do you think would happen to the economy, not just of the United States, but the entire planet, if everyone on the planet had one of these? Yes, starvation would no longer be a problem, but there would be no reason for anyone to work either. It wouldn’t take very long at all for the whole planet to become totally reliant on these machines. Our society would stagnate, wither, and eventually die.” Ian looked at the faces of those around him that had been listening.
“It makes sense to use them on a ship like this one; it eliminates the need for other ships to supply her, we don’t need massive holds for food and munitions storage. It also solves the air recycling issue.
“One small point I should mention; replicators cannot replicate living tissue. There is a universal law of nature that we know of as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle that prevents it. A replicator cannot produce an original of something; everything they ‘make’ is an exact duplicate of a scanned item, at the moment it was scanned.”
“I don’t understand, you just had it make the gold,” a man said.
“It produced the item I asked for, but if you could compare them closely, you’ll see that all of the bars are exactly the same, right down to the atomic level. They are the same as the gold bar that was originally pattern-scanned,” Ian finished. He got the gold bar back from the last person to examine it, placed it back in the delivery slot and told the machine to reclaim the items.
“So, what about teleporters, like they had on Star Trek?” Another of the small group asked.
“Same reason as before; The Uncertainty Principle. Living tissue randomly changes on the molecular level from moment to moment. Even in the micro-seconds it would take for disintegration and reintegration, you would have changed too much for the computer to accurately reassemble you. Even if it could, how could the computers scan the spark of life, or your soul, or whatever you believe makes you, you?”
“I had the same question, so I did a little research,” Beth said entering the conversation. “Talosian scientists, tried to do numerous experiments based on replicator theory. Every trial had horrific results. Luckily, they were only using plants for the initial tests. Later, the Ruling Council at the time adopted disintegration as a method of capital punishment reserved for their worst crimes.” She turned to Ian. “Honey, you should go congratulate the Johnsons and say good-bye to Laura and Elias before they leave.”
“Please, excuse me folks,” Ian said, and bowed his way out of the small gathering.
Ian made his way over to where Cindy and Talena were gabbing with Tara and Stephanie. Elias and Laura where talking with another, Mediterranean looking couple.
“I’m sorry I’m so busy today, and can’t spend more time with you guys.” Ian said by way of joining the conversation.
“Ah, Ian! There you are. I was beginning to wonder if they locked you up on the bridge!” Elias teased.
“Nah, Jenny volunteered to serve my sentence for me, so I could hob-knob,” Ian replied as he shook first Elias’ then Kyle’s hand. He took Laura’s hand “Thanks again for the help earlier, Laura.”
“Well, we couldn’t have the Commanding officer of the Earth’s only starship not be a pilot; that would just be embarrassing!” She replied, teasingly.
“Ian,” Elias said. “Let me introduce Apostolos Stavros and his lovely wife, Elani. They didn’t have anyone graduating today, but I snuck them along.”
Ian shook hands with Apostolos, and was about to shake hands with Elani when a black haired little whirlwind came running up to him giggling, followed by a young man of eleven or so.
The giggling little girl held her arms up for Ian, and looked like she was going to jump on him, so he caught her, and lifted her up. “And who are you young lady?” Ian asked smiling as he tickled her a little.
The young man looked up at Apostolos in failure. “I’m sorry, Papa; she got away from me.”
The man smiled down at his son. “Don’t feel so bad, Michael, she gets away from all of us.” He had a strong accent that Ian assumed was Greek.
“I’m Andreya and I’m four. Are we aliens?” The adorable little bundle asked.
Ian laughed, and hugged the girl. “No honey, we’re not aliens. But some of our ancestors were from places other than Earth. Do you see that pretty, silver haired girl?” Ian pointed to the grinning Talena.
“Uh huh. She’s Talena she loves Cindy!” The waif said snickering. “But it
’s a secret!”
By now most of the grown-ups were chuckling at the girl’s antics. “I think everyone knows that secret sweetheart,” Ian replied.
“Momma and Papa too?” Andreya asked cranking around to see her parents grinning at her.
“Yep, even your Momma and Papa. Did you know that Talena was born a long, long, long way from here? It’s so far, it would take us almost two months to get there with the ship,” Ian said.
“Wow! That must be a gazillion miles away! Michael said the ship is really fast.”
“He’s right, it is really fast,” Ian said before turning back to Elias and the girl’s parents. “Welcome aboard. How do you like our ship so far?” Ian still held Andreya, who cuddled up to him like she’d known him all her young life.
“It is beautiful, so many things to see and new wonders everywhere we look. We were expecting narrow passageways, cramped living quarters, and more of a ‘warship’ feel like the ships of Earth.” Elani said.
Apostolos was nodding his agreement. “This has a much warmer feel, far more comfortable than an Earth warship would be. There is more of a feeling of... well of hope, and strength here. Earth ships are dreary grey things with dark corridors, and stern looking men. Here it is mostly young people of both sexes; they look busy with purpose, not imposing and unapproachable.”
Ian nodded his head in agreement since he’d noticed the same thing. “I think it’s because we use Talosian law on board, and also encourage our people to either further their education, or develop a hobby. People here on the ship can relax and be themselves without worry of persecution or societal biases against them.”
“I think that is the hardest part of all this for me to accept. Even though it’s against the law, no one is preaching to anyone how they are going to burn in hell, or that they are wrong for having feelings for someone that the church hasn’t approved,” Elani said. “There is gossip about all of this, but no one is really criticizing anyone. I think people mostly agree with the new way of things, but are having a hard time getting past what has been so deeply ingrained.”
“Well, I just hope they can get past it. I think a lot of people down there would be a lot happier if they could be true to themselves,” Ian replied as a soft tone was heard and an announcement of a pending shuttle departure.
“I’m afraid that’s us, Ian,” Elias said. “It’s been a pleasure to see her finally. I hope there’ll be opportunity stay longer next time.”
“I’m sure there will be, Elias. If not, you can always have your wife pull some political strings!” The group chuckled. “Speaking of wives; how is Andrea getting along?”
“She’s never been happier,” Laura said. “She told me that she finally felt like she was where she was meant to be.”
“Well, I don’t want you to be late for your flight; I imagine all of them are pretty full. I’d offer to put a shuttle at your disposal, but all of them are currently in use,” Ian replied.
“I had a thought about that on the way up here,” Apostolos said. “I can understand the need for dual role shuttles, but perhaps you could make a couple that were for passengers only. It seems we have a lot more people traffic than we do anything else.”
“You know, that’s a good idea. I’ll give it some thought, and maybe see what our engineers can come up with for designs. Thank you, Mr. Stavros,” Ian said as he walked the group to the door. Have a nice flight.” Elani leaned in and took a pouting Andrea out of Ian’s arms. Ian gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll come and visit you sometime sweetheart.”
“Promise?” the girl asked.
“I’ll try my best, honey. Take care of your parents and big brother, okay?” Ian answered.
“I will, bye!” Andrea said and waved at Ian as the adults carried her away.
“Bye sweetheart!” Ian waved back.
When he turned back into their quarters, he almost ran over a grinning Beth. “I see that the girls and I have some stiff competition!”
Ian chuckled, took her in his arms and kissed her. “I think she might be just a little too young for me.” He kissed her again. “She is pretty adorable though, isn’t she?”
“I got to meet her when they first got here, and definitely agree with you,” Beth replied. “Now, you need to mingle a little with the rest of our guests before you kick them off the ship to go play Captain.
Ian again entered the bridge, this time it was a lot more active. Jenny announced him on the bridge, and he relieved her before taking his seat. He needed a moment to regain the feel of the ship.
Like this morning, only stronger, the feeling that Star Dancer was coming back to life vibrated through the deck plates, infecting the crew. It was almost as if the ship herself knew she was going back where she belonged. At that moment, Ian knew that everything would be fine.
Glancing at the clock on his screen, he looked around his bridge. “Well, folks, let’s get this show on the road. All non-essential personnel; clear the bridge!”
Chapter Thirty-Four
“Clear the Bridge!” Ian ordered.
Pleased by the instant compliance to the order, Ian called John.
“Flight Control,” John said grinning.
Ian grinned back. “Secure Beta. Report when you’re done.”
“Aye Skipper.”
Ian called operations this time. “What’s the status of getting our visitors off the ship?”
“Sensors report all clear, sir,” Major Brighton replied.
“Well done, Major. Stand-by to secure the maglevs and seal the doors,” Ian ordered. He tapped another button.
“May I have your attention; this is the Commander. At this time all personnel should be in their assigned positions for the lift. This is the real thing people. Secure all non-essential systems and prepare for the lift. All departments report Go/NoGo to the Exec. We launch in twenty-five minutes,” Ian said.
“I would guess that now is the time that I should say something profound, and full of wisdom. Heck, you all know me, I’m definitely not one for speeches. Yet, as I sat in my ready room planning for tonight; I thought about what the future may hold for us, and all the tasks still ahead,” Ian continued.
“Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures; Go,” Star reported.
“Communications; Go,” Lieutenant Liefson reported.
As Ian spoke, other department could be heard reporting their status.
“I sit in awe of what all of us have accomplished in such a relatively short period of time. I wondered at what we’ll accomplish in the future. We’re growing larger each day. Each new person brings their own unique skills, added to our existing society, they help create a sum much larger than its parts.
“I looked down at the plan before me, and was, once again awe-struck; never, in all the sordid history of our planet, has one single task affected the lives of so many. No one but us will know about it, but it is the whole planet we are protecting.
“Very soon, we’re going to be joined by those of other nations, even some that Americans and her allies would consider to be enemies. We are no longer Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, or Indians. Our nation of birth is no longer a reason to dislike one another. We are, all of us, Earthlings. It is only as a united force will we ever stand a chance against the enemy that destroyed the Talosian race.” Ian glanced down at a grinning Jenny. “Oops! I think I just made a speech! Sheesh, I’m starting to sound like a politician! Carry on, people.”
Ian watched as Jenny put a green check beside each department. He stepped down from his chair and got a tray of different drinks from the replicator. He set one beside Jenny, and Liefson, before headed for a tired looking Chekov.
“Are you sure you’re up for this, Cory?” Ian asked for once using the man’s name.
“Da. I’m Russian. In Russia nights are colder then space. We have to stay awake all night to keep from freezing to death,” the young man replied, grinning.
Ian snorted. “You were born in Brighton Beach to wealthy
parents. You’ve never been cold a day in your life!”
“This is true,” Cory replied, nodding and grinning tiredly.
“I brought you a double mocha espresso. Try to get most of it drank before we start this, okay?” Ian said.
“Thank you, sir. I’d meant to get something before you got here, but I ran out of time. I’ll probably be looking for another one by the time you order me to lift, Commander.”
“Just don’t give yourself a hernia; she’s a big ship,” Ian said before heading back to his chair.
Chekov found that extremely funny, but managed to get some of the hot drink down between guffaws.
“Sir, Flight Control reports a NoGo; one of the launch tubes is failing to seal. The deck gang’s already on it,” Jenny reported.
Ian nodded acceptance. He just hoped that the delay wouldn’t put them too far off schedule. In the meantime, they could get some of the rest of the preparations complete.
“Operations.” Ian called.
“Operations here.”
“Secure the Maglev and seal the doors.”
“Aye sir.”
“Flight Control, stand-by to launch Gold Squadron,” Ian said to the Flight Operations Center.
“Issuing the alert, Command.”
“Commander, I have a Go from Flight. Beta’s secured,” Jenny reported. At that point, Ian simply left the comm open to all departments as things got moving rapidly.
“Engineering is a Go.”
“Operations is a Go, we have a green board, XO.”
Jenny nodded up to Ian, confirming Operations’ report. “All departments are ‘Go’ for Launch, Commander.”
Ian nodded, and tried to control his excitement. “Okay Boys and Girls, Don’t try this at home.” He took a deep breath. “Sound General Quarters. Flight; launch Gold Squadron and the navigation drones. Engineering; bring the reactor up to twenty percent.”
Ian heard the acknowledgment of his orders, but his mind was on his ship. He could feel the pulse of her excitement now. He glanced at Liefson who looked back at him and grinned. He also noticed that Jenny’s eyes sparkled. Even Star seemed affected as she appeared to be breathing heavier, and she stood prouder.
