“Anyone who would do this must have,” Scott said, “Including me. Screw that mole. I’m not about to let him stand in my way. Mole or no mole I want to go,” he said. “You know, I wouldn’t have missed the excitement of this project for anything! Thank you for asking me to join the team. You have no idea how much it’s meant to me.” Scott rose to leave the office, and then turned at the door.
He grinned at Harry. “A little orals payback, huh?”
Harry laughed, and nodded. “I couldn’t help myself.”
Harry chuckled as he heard Scott laughing on the way to his office. He leaned back in his chair, gazed out the window at the beautiful day, and thought about the upcoming flight, and Pepper. He entered W234 on his Qtab. Wanda appeared. “Hi, can you attend the preflight meeting?”
“Sure. I think it’ll be interesting. I wish I could go on the flight. I could down link into the ship computers.”
Harry was astonished. “Wanda I wouldn’t even think about you doing such a thing. It’s far too risky. Besides, I have a gut feeling we’re going to need you here. I’m still worried about that mole”
“I’m concerned that our traitor is going to do something quite extraordinary to sabotage this trip. I’ve worked with the scanners and scoured the system looking for clues. Everything’s clean — too clean,” Wanda said. “The mole is an insider, no doubt.”
“Our new retinal scanner verifies the authority of everyone who accesses the system, and no outside access is allowed. There’s no way for anyone to defeat the firewall,” Harry said. “We’re hacker proof as far as I know.”
“I agree. I’ve personally checked every change made to the code, performed an extensive analysis of the log-on protocols and made sure no one was bypassing their procedures. The virus scanner and detection algorithms are the most sophisticated in the world. No one could design nor implement a better virus and system protection methodology than we have.”
“I know it looks good, but I’m still nervous. I wonder how an insider might find a way to bypass or fool our new procedures. If they do, and introduce a virus, it is going to be something no one has ever seen before and extremely smart. Maybe that’s our clue? Never seen before. Why don’t you think on that?”
“Maybe that’s something to ponder,” Wanda replied. “Interesting thought. FYI, I implemented that change we discussed.”
“Hope it helps. I don’t know what else we could possibly do.”
~~
Marc called the meeting to order. “Everyone listen up. We’ve scheduled one final mission to Tango 555. It’s a young solar system near Sirius 232 and about twenty-five light-years from Earth. Astronomers have obtained new evidence from Outpost that indicates this solar system has a planetary arrangement similar to ours, and possibly an Earth-like planet.”
“Who’s on the crew list?” Pepper asked.
“Same crew as last time, including Harry, who will serve as the ship’s Science Officer. This time we’ve added Ronnie Forrester and Scott Kimberly as mission specialists. We’re also going to have a small special operations contingent headed by Major Tobey. Dr. Tarnak will remain at the MCC and be responsible for overseeing the system during flight operations.”
One of the engineers raised his hand. “Dr. Anthoni, how long do we have to complete flight preparations? There’s still a lot to do.”
“We depart one week from today at 0900, so schedule your activities accordingly. The trip will have a short set of focused tasks. We’ll transit the wormhole to Tango 555, map and survey the planets within the solar system, and then come home. There won’t be any high risk mapping tasks like last time. The mission shouldn’t take more than a week. This is the last scheduled flight event of the program, any other questions?”
“Yes, what are we going to be doing after this?” Lars asked.
“Good question. We start transferring the technology to the ISA who will be responsible for managing wormhole operations from here on.”
A young special ops soldier, Corporal Donovan, raised her hand.
“Doctor, we’re worried about the weapon systems. We heard about the issue with the antimatter torpedoes. Will we be able to rely on them this time? And what’s being done to ensure saboteurs won’t have access to the shipboard fire control computers?”
“Pepper, would you please update us on your efforts?”
“Sure, Marc. A virus caused the antimatter torpedo issue on the last flight. We’ve added some new antivirus routines and scan strategies that should make the scanners more effective against that type of virus. Further, we’ve installed a more robust firewall to prevent break-in. Retinal scanners are being used to log-on to all systems. I assure you, we’re tracking, cross referencing, and monitoring these operations closely. If anyone tries to log on an insert or modify any code, we’ll be able to determine who, what, and, when. Not only that, but if this does happen an alarm will sound and alert security and the MCC flight director.”
“Pardon me, Doctor, but what about the shipboard systems?” Sergeant Lopez asked.
“Access to the on-board weapons computers will be highly restricted. They’ve been completely isolated from all outside systems and retinal identity will also be required for log-on. We’ve really tightened system security.”
“Thanks, Pepper,” Marc said. “I just want to add that no one except the flight crew will have access to the spacecraft without a special pass, and any non-crewmember will be escorted by security officers. I’m also pleased to announce that, starting tomorrow, the special ops team will guard and monitor all shipboard weapon systems and fire control computer access.”
“First watch starts at 0800, Dr. Anthoni,” Major Tobey replied. “Just one more question. The above sounds great, but it would be nice to have some back up for the weapon systems. Is that being addressed?”
“Yes. We installed a new rail gun and higher-powered laser cannons to back up the antimatter torpedoes. FYI, we off-loaded the Pegasus, our space truck, and replaced it with the Oriskany. She’s a smaller, more maneuverable military tactical shuttlecraft. It’s capable of both ground support and atmospheric and non-atmospheric combat engagements. It has enormous firepower and capable of destroying just about any asteroid we might encounter. The Oriskany also has a rapid launch capability with a permanent android pilot, and/or human pilot in non-rapid launch mode. It’s the pilot’s decision to activate the android. Harry, do you have anything to add?”
“Not right now. Thanks, Marc.”
“Team, if you will, please click in to the conference room hot spot so you can download the flight plan, survey requirements and crew assignments. If anyone has any questions or comments, please see Dr. Stevenson or me after the meeting. It’s going to be a fast week.”
Omega put the final touches on Chameleon during second shift. The virus was his masterpiece — stealthy, agile and extremely smart. Its defense architecture was based on Pepper Martin’s antivirus designs. Once in the system, it would decompose and distribute its component parts within the data streams. When the time to strike was at-hand, it would reconstruct itself. If the virus scanners were prowling around, it could detect them, decompose and hide. The mole designed the kernel, which controlled the reconstruction process, to emulate a simple blinking light utility — one of several data patterns the virus scanners usually ignored.
Omega finished the virus design then downloaded Chameleon, disguised as a test routine, into the MCC computer system late on third shift. During execution, the virus disassociated itself from the test routine and hid its components in the data streams so there would be no trace of new code entry. The mole defeated the log-on protocol by using a cleaver time-shift command that modified the log-on registry and deleted any trace of change to it. The time entered correlated exactly with another meeting occurring on third shift that the originator would attend, and the identification of the test program initiator was changed. The only reaming trace of the visit was the test routine results, which was available for review.
Once his task was complete, he found a secluded spot and called Yasaid in Pakistan.
Yasaid and Sheik Oganda were discussing issues with the SWG when the phone rang.
“This is Yasaid. Speak to me.”
Omega instinctively looked around before he said anything — just to make sure. “This is Omega. I just finished downloading the virus.”
“I need to get the sheik on-line. Hold for a minute.”
The sheik linked in. “Omega, have you finished your task and is it secure?”
“Yes, I have, Your Grace. The Chameleon is in the system and will not be detectable by the virus scanners or diagnostic personnel. I think its effects will cast much doubt on the systems operational status.”
“I hope our efforts pay off this time,” Yasaid said. “Goodbye and keep us informed.”
“If he’s successful, maybe the U.S. Congress will shut them down.”
“I hope so, Your Grace.”
Chapter 40
Starship Orion
Launch time was at hand, and the MCC bustled with activity. Marc felt good about the project and his own future. This could be a big feather in my cap and maybe a vice presidency. Our life style would sure take a big jump. That might give me more time at home. If I’m lucky, maybe I can talk Mary into giving our marriage another try. Get that new home she wants. I’m so lonely without her and the kids. I hope I can get her back. I love her so much.
Pepper interrupted Marc’s thoughts. “Marc, the system diagnostics and virus testing is complete, and as far as my stations concerned, we’re ready to initiate.”
Marc adjusted his tie and sat up. “Very good, Pepper. That’s all I was waiting for. I think its flight time.”
Marc switched into the main screen and announced, “Attention, this is the flight director. We’re starting the final countdown to launch. All subsystems team leaders check and enter launch status.” Marc checked the metric board and everything looked good.
“Okay, team, here we go. Orion, stand by for wormhole initiation. Computer, Initiate wormhole, end point Tango 555, intercept point alpha.”
“Working. Wormhole synthesis initiated. Accessing time and spatial coordinates for the bridge. Startup sequence is complete. Stand by for wormhole synthesis completion.”
This point in the process always made Marc nervous. He watched the metric board intently for any signs of instability. Much to his relief, everything looked solid … so far.
“Design simulation and validation is complete. System field and matter synthesizers are on-line and data transfer is in process. All system metrics are go.”
Captain Starling sat in his command chair. All preflight checks had gone well and he was ready to depart. “MCC, we’re ready to commence flight operations at your direction.”
“Wormhole synthesis is complete. The destination end-point tango 555 is in place. The system is stable and ready for launch operations.”
“Orion, the wormhole is stable and all systems are GO. Tango 555 coordinates have been entered and you are cleared to launch,” Marc reported.
Starship Orion
“Roger, flight. Knuckles, take us in. Give me antigravity (AG) level three, inertial dampers (IDs) on, and half thrusters. Select forward and rear views on the screens. Switch MCC to the utility screen.”
“Roger Captain. AG3, IDs on and thrusters at 0.5.”
Knuckles piloted the ship with the skill of a musical virtuoso playing a Stradivarius violin. He ran his fingers over the control panel, and the ship gently lifted out of the launch port and headed towards the wormhole.
“Knuckles, quarter reaction power and take us in.”
“Aye, Aye, sir. Quarter reaction coming up.” Knuckles gently pushed the throttle forward, and the ship approached the wormhole’s central axis dead center. A few minutes later, Knuckles announced, “We’ve entered the bridge.”
Much to the captain’s relief, the turbulence and roughness experienced in entering the throat of the wormhole on the first trip was absent.
“Maintain inertial dampers, AG off and set gravity level one,” he commanded.
“Roger, Captain. AG off, inertial dampers on and gravity level one has been set in.”
“Give me full reaction power, Knuckles. Main screen forward view.”
“Aye, sir.” Knuckles pushed the throttle forward and the starship accelerated into the wormhole.
Scott opened his eyes and pinched himself. He understood the physics and the ramifications if something — anything went wrong. He let out a big sigh and finally relaxed.
Ronnie looked over at him. “What’s wrong, Scott? Don’t you trust your students?”
Scott chuckled. “Is my nervousness that obvious?”
“Yeah, but that’s okay. Who wouldn’t be?”
Scott felt better. If Ronnie was anxious, then his anxiety was surely justified. Nothing flaps Ronnie. He looked over at Harry, busy taking sensor data. He’s calm as a cucumber. All my life I’ve dealt with relativity and other such matters. I still remember the discussions the three of us had in my class on relativistic physics. Funny, I always considered wormholes just an academic exercise. I never dreamed two of my students would actually pull this off. Now here we are … in a starship, traveling through a wormhole to another world, light-years from Earth. I can’t believe this is actually happening to me. Amazing!
It looks like my changes smoothed out the wormhole entry, Harry thought. Just then, a code W234 flashed on the console monitor, and a simple message appeared.
‘Good luck, bro. I’ll be here if you need me. W.’
Harry replied,
‘Thanks, sis. Should be a walk in the park. H.’
If the data Outpost provided was correct, Tango 555 might be very similar to Earth. If it was, many possibilities opened up including colonization. In the past, trips to other worlds meant a long time in space and great personal sacrifices by the crews. Wormhole technology would change all of that, and crewmembers could now have families and somewhat of a normal life. Will life forms be present? Could the planet support human life? Is it resource rich? What a fantastic opportunity, Harry thought.
The star map readings puzzled Lt. Commander Ralph Thompson, the ship’s navigator. Everything appeared normal, but there was an almost imperceptible time-dependent shift in their end destination coordinates. They were about two-thirds of the way through the flight. Ralph washed the data through the navigation computer. It too indicated a small variation.
“Captain, there’s something out of kilter with the flight destination coordinates and the nav computer.”
“What do you mean, Mr. Thompson?”
“It appears our end-point coordinates are changing, and we’re being minutely routed away from Tango 555. I’m puzzled as to why the nav computer didn’t sound the alarm”
“Can you determine our end-point?”
“Not yet, sir. I’m still working the solution.”
Starling keyed his comm. “Dr. Stevenson, is there any reason why the MCC navigation computers should be changing the end-point coordinates of the wormhole?”
“No, Captain. Hold and I’ll check it out.” Harry switched his video intercom to the astrophysics lab. “Ronnie, you and Scott wrote the code for the navigation system. Is there anything that would cause an end-point coordinate shift?”
“No,” Ronnie replied.
“Captain, I suggest we contact Mission Control and advise them of the situation. Surely they’ve detected the same thing by now,” Harry said. Not again! What the hell is going on? I thought it had been too quiet.
“Mission Control this is Orion. We’re detecting a time-dependent shift in the end-point coordinates of the wormhole. Can you please check and advise?” the captain requested.
“Wanda and Tarnak have already detected it and we’re working the problem. Stand by and we’ll let you know what we find,” Marc responded.
Tarnak checked the MCC navigation system again, and the results were identical. “Flight, this is
Navigation. The coordinate shift reported by Orion is real. We’ve confirmed it. Something is definitely wrong. The ship and MCC nav computers should have detected the problem. These changes will vector the ship way off course. Just a minute and I’ll run the numbers.”
Wanda and Tarnak ran a subroutine to coordinate the ship’s position with their point in space and interpolate its new position. The navigation computer’s astronomical program indicated that without corrective action, they would wind up near a planet, Ziron 343, clearly five light-years off their planned course; a planet with a surface temperature of twelve hundred degrees C.
“Flight, this is Nav. We’ve computed the end coordinates. The ship will be misdirected by five light-years to a planet they don’t even want to go near.”
“Can we correct it?”
“We’re working it now, Marc.”
“Orion, we’ve run the numbers and it looks like you’re being shifted off course by five light-years,” Marc reported. “Something’s wrong with the nav computers. We’re not sure what it is. We’ll get back to you shortly.”
Harry pondered their options. It is possible to vacate the wormhole. The danger is, without the wormhole we might never find our way home, or die a natural death before we got back — if we got back at all. Like it or not, we have to ride it out. I’ve never run a model that simulated the moving of a wormhole with a starship transiting through it. Holy shit, we could wind up in a parallel universe or in some other dimension
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