Junkyard Dogs series Omnibus

by Phillip Nolte

  "Sensor console active," said Carlisle.

  "Helm active," reported Talbot.

  "Weapons board active," said Carlisle, "but I won't have any power to the capacitors unless we power up the other reactor."

  "All in good time, Tamara," said Talbot.

  Before too long they had powered up all of the systems they thought they'd need and were encouraged to see that everything appeared to be working. After giving everyone sufficient warning, Hawkins switched on the artificial gravity. With the ship beginning to warm up, and the sleeping facilities on the small cutter barely adequate for any kind of comfort, the salvagers decided to get a couple of hours of sleep on board the experimental craft. Harris took the first watch and went back on board the cutter, in case someone from the Scrapyard attempted to contact them or something went wrong on the experimental ship.

  Carlisle, Talbot and Hawkins had gravitated to what had to be one of the most intriguing locations on the entire ship, and found themselves in the bow section of the ship inside the retractable turret. In this area, there were surprisingly generous accommodations for six crewmen. By turning the heat way up in that relatively confined area, it had become warm enough for reasonable comfort while the rest of the ship continued to warm more slowly.

  It had been a very long day, all of them were tired and there wasn't a lot that could be done until the rest of the ship warmed up some more. Without knowing for certain if the old prototype ship was totally safe, they left their suits on but had removed their helmets.

  "I surely do not have the energy I had as a young man," said Talbot, as he stretched out on one of the bunks against the side of the compartment.

  "I'd say you're doing just fine," said Carlisle. "I'm pretty tired myself."

  "Those were the days," mused Talbot. "I was going to change the Universe!"

  "I've read some of your writings and seen some videos from your 'Crusade.' You were pretty persuasive. You haven't changed your mind about any of that stuff have you?"

  Talbot thought about that for a long moment.

  "Yes and no," he replied, finally.

  "Would you care to elaborate?" asked Carlisle.

  Talbot pondered his reply for a few moments longer. Finally he responded, not with an answer but with another question.

  "How do you wish to be remembered, Tamara?" asked Talbot, "What will your legacy be?"

  "I...guess I've been too busy to think much about it," she replied, "Where are you going with this?"

  "Pondering such things can have a profound effect on how a man conducts himself. Think about it this way: what if you could read your own obituary? What would it say about you?"

  "What an extraordinary thought," replied the Ensign.

  "It actually happened to very famous man. Certainly you've heard of the Nobel Prize?"

  "Of course, it has been awarded for outstanding accomplishments for centuries now."

  "What you may not know is that Alfred Nobel, who established the prize, was the inventor of dynamite, and a number of other even more advanced stable explosives. While the materials were used for many beneficial purposes like mining and demolition, they were also almost immediately put to use for war. Before Nobel died, he also had invested in a number of arms manufacturing facilities."

  "Dynamite and arms manufacturing. I hadn't heard any of this," said the Ensign.

  "As a matter of fact, this turret we currently find ourselves in was manufactured by Bofors. Alfred Nobel was the owner of Bofors before he died in 1896."

  "So how did he come to be readin' his own obituary?" asked Hawkins, who had also been caught up in Frank's discussion.

  "It's really a pretty good story. Here's what happened. In 1888, Alfred's older brother Ludwig died of a heart attack after a long illness but several newspapers mistakenly thought that the Nobel who had died was Alfred. Because of that mistake, Alfred read what would have been his own obituary in the local newspaper. When he saw that he was to be remembered as 'The Merchant of Death' he vowed to change his legacy. When he finally did die, the bulk of his fortune was dedicated to the Nobel Prize which is, as you noted, Dr. Carlisle, still one of the most important awards that can be bestowed."

  "Wow," replied Carlisle.

  Perhaps it was the fatigue or the fact that the old engineer cum philosopher did not feel threatened by the present company. Once Carlisle had gotten him talking, it seemed that Talbot had more to say, quite a lot more.

  "I confess that I was a great deal angrier when I was a young man. Even knowing that the factors underlying the continued success of the various religions and economic systems are very complex, I tended, as many do, to oversimplify, to see too many concepts in stark black and white. Naturally, I also liked to debate and one can find ready arguments for these subjects anywhere at a moment's notice. As I got older and more weary I also became more wary."

  "So you just got tired of it?" asked Carlisle.

  "I suppose that's one way to describe it. It was a transition that actually took several years but one day I realized that converting people over to my way of thinking didn't seem to be as important anymore. I came to some other realizations. At the core, what is most important about religions, economic systems and governments is that they all share the same basic feature: Ultimately, they all depend on the faith of their constituents. People have to believe in them or these institutions will fail.

  Force can be employed to subjugate the populace, witness what we are currently caught up in, but there will still be those who never bend their knee and but wait an opportunity to push back. They pass these beliefs on to the next generation and that generation on to the next. With that in mind I suppose it's easy to see where all of the hatred between and within the various religions comes from. However, as far as I can determine, none of the major religions has a doctrine of hatred at its core. The hatred is fostered by men seeking power; who twist the doctrines to match their own uses. As I have said many times, where does it all end?"

  He stopped there and took a deep breath. "Sorry about the long, drawn out answer but, as you can see, it's a frightfully complicated subject. I will still stand by the things I've written and spoken about but I realize now that it is far more important that the various factions of Mankind figure out how to co-exist in spite of their differences. That's why I accepted Ambassador Saladin's invitation to be a part of his summit meeting."

  The three salvagers conversed for a short while longer but everyone was tired enough that sleep claimed them shortly after.

  Chapter 34.

  Heard's World Star System, on board Onboard FNS Asimov, January 8, 2599.

  Captain Shirleen Nesbitt was in the process of using the Asimov's stage II communicator to report back to the Reclamation Center.

  "This is FNS Asimov calling Commander Oskar Kresge at Scrap Central,"

  Within a minute Nesbitt was looking at Kresge who had remained on the Greyhound but was being patched through the Stage II communicator on the Istanbul.

  "Kresge here," said the Commander. "What is your situation, Asimov? Is everything okay in that system?"

  "We just destroyed two Jasmine Republican Navy gunboats, Sir," said Nesbitt.

  "Two gunboats! In Heard's World space? What the hell is going on over there?"

  "We didn't have much choice, Sir, they attacked us shortly after we got into the system."

  She paused for a moment before continuing, "We have a problem, Commander. Those ships were waiting for us! It was a coordinated attack. I allow you to draw your own conclusions as to what that means."

  Kresge sighed, "Duly noted, Captain," he replied, "Let me just say that there have been some changes in the communications personnel onboard the Istanbul."

  "So you have the situation in hand?" asked Nesbitt.

  "We think so," replied Kresge, "but this may not be the right time or the right venue for further discussion on the matter. Is everyone alright?"

  "These Fletcher II destroyers can take care of themselves, Co
mmander. The enemy may have taken us by surprise but they had no idea what they were dealing with. They paid the price."

  "Is that planetary system secure now?"

  "Secure in the sense that we destroyed those two gunboats," said Nesbitt. "There's still a freighter parked near the moon with that derelict ship on it. I can't believe they're up to anything good. We're preparing to check it out."

  "What is the status of the Dingo?"

  "We instructed Dingo to microjump back towards the hyperlink point and prepare to translate out if Asimov ran into trouble. The enemy never had a chance to fire at her. She's fine, Sir."

  "You might consider having Dingo with you when you confront that freighter, Captain. Sergeant Kelley and his marines could turn out to be very useful if there're bad guys holed up dirtside in that wreck."

  "That's an excellent suggestion, Commander. We'll stand by until we can team back up with the Dingo."

  "I don't need to tell you to be careful! Keep us informed. Kresge out."

  ***

  The Dingo microjumped back to rendezvous with the Asimov. Reunited, the two ships then boosted towards the moon that harbored the Veritian derelict. Surprisingly, there was no attempt on the part of the freighter near the moon to escape as the two Federation ships approached the scene. The foreign ship just sat calmly in space, parked near the moon.

  "I have lifesigns on the moon near the freighter, Captain," said the sensor operator.

  "That must be why that freighter isn't attempting to escape. Is there anyone onboard the wreck?"

  "It...it sure looks like it, Sir, but I can't tell for certain. We need to get a little closer."

  "That's okay, sensors, let me know when you have better intel. I have enough to go on already."

  She sent a message to the freighter.

  "Unidentified freighter? This is Captain Nesbitt of the Federation Destroyer Asimov. The wrecked ship on that moon is the property of the Heard's World government. Be warned that we have representatives of the Veritian Way with us. They have informed me that they are unaware that any new salvage permits have been issued. You'd better have a good reason for being here."

  With the Heard's World natives Caleb and Hanna Jordan on board the Dingo, this last statement regarding legal representatives could be construed as actually being true. It took over a minute before the Asimov got a reply.

  "Asimov? This is freighter Pride of Persia, We are salvaging power components to repair one of the systems on our ship. We were not aware that a permit was required."

  "So you didn't come here accompanied by two Jasmine Republican Navy gunboats?"

  "Jasmine gunboats?" was the incredulous reply. "I assure you, we know nothing of any gunboats. We've been here for several days trying to salvage some critical drive system parts. I might ask what you are doing in this neutral system yourselves?"

  "Heard's World is a United Terran Federation colony. As such, we maintain a communications platform and we provide protection as well monitor the system for any illegal activities that might be going on."

  This statement was met with silence. Nesbitt continued, "The Sheik of Barsoom's forces are everywhere it seems. Are you sure you aren't salvaging weapons from that wreck to arm more renegade ships?"

  "You are misinformed, Captain Nesbitt, we are salvaging drive components."

  "Then you won't mind if we have a look in your holds, will you? I order you to prepare to be boarded!"

  There was a short silence. The captain of the Pride of Persia consulted with someone off screen before he finally replied, "Of course, Captain Nesbitt. Send your cutter over, we have nothing to hide."

  "Expect our cutter within ten minutes. I would advise you that we will be targeting you with our main battery. Any suspicious behavior will result in us discharging our weapons. You have been warned!"

  She keyed off her radio transmission microphone and consulted with her tactical officer. "Sukamoto? I don't like this situation at all. They're way too nonchalant about this whole affair. My guess is that they intend to microjump while we're deploying our cutter. What's the best method of disabling that freighter without doing too much damage?"

  Sukamoto ran down a short list of options in his head, his forehead furrowed in thought. "Disable? You mean to keep her from escaping?"

  "Yes, with minimum damage. How would you go about doing that?"

  Sukamoto thought just a bit longer before replying, "I would target the front hold area with our main battery adjusted to the lowest power setting. One or two hits should overwhelm their shields without doing too much damage. The next part is where it gets tricky. When the shields go down, I'd fire a pulse or two from one of the secondaries aimed at a spot high up on the bridge. We wouldn't want to do too much damage, just punch some small holes so the ship starts venting atmosphere. I guarantee you that will get their attention! Oh, then we tell them that our next shot will be from our main battery and aimed at their reactor."

  "Weapons?" said Nesbitt into her com unit, "We need to be prepared in case that ship tries to run. Front main battery? Target the forward hold of that freighter. I want one pulse from each projector. Starboard first and then port. Lowest possible beam strength, if you please."

  "Roger that, Captain," came the reply from the front battery, "Target the front hold at the lowest power setting, consecutive pulses from starboard and then port."

  "Just so you know, I intend to overwhelm their shields but I do not wish to inflict major damage if we can avoid it. Forward starboard secondaries? When his shields go down, I want two five point five-gigajoule pulses fired into the upper level of that freighter's bridge. Our intent here is to inflict minor damage and frighten them into surrendering."

  "Roger, Captain," replied the CPO in charge of the secondaries, "Starboard secondaries are targeting the upper portion of the freighter's bridge. Awaiting further orders, Sir."

  "If this plan doesn't stop them and they still try to jump, I will want full power pulses from the main battery. They are not getting away to report back to the Sheik!"

  "Preparing to deploy the cutter, Captain," said Sukamoto. "Bay doors are open and she is away. What the...?"

  "What's the matter, Sukamoto?"

  "The freighter is charging up her jump module! She's getting ready to jump!"

  "Pride of Persia? Cease charging your jump module and stand down. This will be your only warning!"

  The face of the freighter's captain appeared on Nesbitt's viewscreen. "What was that last transmission? We are having some difficulty with your audio." The screen went blank.

  Nesbitt wasted no time in coming to a decision. They could not afford to let this ship return to the Sheik of Barsoom with information or with whatever else they had salvaged from the wreck. If the freighter jumped, the Asimov could probably catch her but they could end up chasing her all over the system to do it. The Scrapyard resupply mission forces simply didn't have the time for such foolishness!

  "Front main battery? Fire!"

  An attenuated pulse bolt lashed out from the starboard front projector of the Asimov. The freighter's shield flared immediately to an incandescent violent hue. This impact was followed immediately by another weak bolt from the port projector. The freighter's shield flashed white before going down. Immediately after the shield went down, two pulses, one from each of the secondary weapons in the forward twin mount emplacement on the starboard side of the destroyer, slashed into the ceiling area of the Pride of Persia's bridge. Atmosphere and debris blew outward from two neat, clean holes that suddenly appeared in the hull of the recalcitrant freighter.

  "His jump module is no longer powered, Captain," said the sensor operator. "The power surge when the shield failed must have kicked it off."

  "Pride of Persia?" sent Nesbitt. "You will stand down and prepare to be boarded! My front battery is targeting your reactor. Be warned that the next pulse we fire will be at full power. You have thirty seconds to comply..."

  The Captain of the freighter, his face pa
le and his voice shaking, called over to surrender within the next ten seconds. In the meantime, the atmospheric venting from the bridge had ceased, indicating that the men on board had been able to temporarily patch the damage and restore the integrity of their bridge.

  "Get me the Dingo," said Nesbitt.

  "This is Clancy Davis-Moore, Captain, what can we do for you?"

  "Is Sergeant Kelly there with you?"

  "He's right here, Captain."

  Kelly came into view on Nesbitt's screen.

  "Kelly, I need for you and several of your men to go over and secure that freighter."

  "Right away, Captain."

  The Asimov sent their cutter over to the Dingo to transport the marine contingent to the now subdued freighter. Faced by seven marines, five of them in full battle armor, the crew of the freighter gave up without further resistance. Kelly and his men quickly secured the ship. After about ten minutes for them to inspect the holds, Kelly called the Captain of the Asimov.

  "Captain Nesbitt? This is Kelly."

  "Go ahead, Kelly."

  "We have the ship's captain and eight crewmen in custody. We don't think there's anybody else. We've got them all locked up in a small compartment that has only one entry. Could you have sensors check the ship for life signs to see if we've missed anyone?"

  "Right away, Sergeant," replied Kelly. Seeing the sensor operator shake his head in response to the marine's query, she quickly added, "There are no additional life signs, Sergeant. It looks like you got them all. What did you find?"

  "It looks like a pretty good haul, Captain. She's full of dehydrated food and there's also some medical supplies. Oh, and several crates of brand-new Federation-issue pulse rifles. Whoever these guys are, they were up to no good."

  "Good work, Kelly. Leave those people in that locked compartment for now. We'll send a prize crew over to take the ship back to New Ceylon. Meantime, we also came to this system to check out some things on the wreck down there on the moon. We were going to try to do that later in our mission but we might as well get it done now while we're already here."