Union Ships of the Line: The Return of Tavnit and Dingir

by James A. B. Mahaffey Jr.

  “Awesome” Max said.

  “Yes sir – uh Max it is very nice to be able to talk to you in the language of my creators.” Max said.

  “Sharri I am convinced you are a genius of the 6th Race. I shall put you in for the Nova and Super Nova design awards – given to 6th Race designers and engineers.” Lili said.

  “Really – but Uncle Max did most of the hard work.” Sharri said.

  “No – not even close – you have gone far beyond anything I could have imagined. You have made me very proud.” Max said.

  “Thank you – thank you both. I'll be right back.” Sharri said as she instantly disappeared.

  “Wow – what happened?” Lili asked.

  “Ms. Sharri activated her new Door device. She is now on Weapon Test Range One.” M-14 answered as he pointed to the monitor on the wall.

  Sharri smiled and waved to the camera. She pointed her arm toward the targets that were over a mile down range. A black beam went forth from her wrist band and cut the targets on the right side of the range to pieces. Lili was stunned. Sharri turned and held out her hand to the camera. There was a small box in her palm. She turned and cut the remaining targets on the left side of the range with a black beam fired from the small box in her palm. Max was stunned as his Mind reeled with the possibilities.

  Sharri instantly reappeared in the lab.

  “What do you think?” Sharri asked.

  “I think I shall have to take your new weapons and classify them above Ultra Secret.” Lili said.

  “Aunt Lili why,” Sharri asked.

  “Because we cannot risk 6th Race black beam weapons falling into the wrong hands” Lili answered.

  “Aunt Lili I have developed a new personal shield that stops the gold beam weapons of the Outsiders and deflects the black beam –.” Sharri said.

  “What – you have developed a shield that stops the gold beam weapon?” Lili asked.

  “Yes ma'am ever since the Outsiders attacked us and hurt Mom – I have been working on the problem.” Sharri answered.

  “So in two weeks – you changed the balance of power – that has lasted for over four billion years in this galaxy!” Lili said.

  Sharri was very disappointed. She had a serious – sad look on her face. Her Aunt had crushed her spirit. She took off the wrist band and emptied her pockets on the lab table - and then instantly disappeared.

  “Ma'am – she also developed a new personal power core and personal self-destruct systems as well as instant backups for you and all of the Sisters – she has thought of everything.” M-14 said.

  Lili realized she had hurt her niece’s feelings. She flew her yacht over to Sharri's hull. However Sharri was not there. She then flew over to Golan's hull and landed in Golan's starboard landing bay. As she walked down the ramp of her yacht she saw Golan running up to her.

  “How could you?” Golan said.

  “I am sorry – I did not mean to hurt her feelings.” Lili said.

  Golan stopped running.

  “She appeared in my core crying!” Golan said.

  “Golan I am truly sorry – M-14 told me after she left what else she had invented – I did not know. Please let me apologize to her.” Lili said.

  “NO – she has suffered enough heartbreak today – I doubt she will ever set foot in that lab again!” Golan said.

  “Tell her I am sorry – please ask her to send me a revised report that explains all of her new inventions and how they can be used by the new Union Navy.” Lili said.

  Sharri stepped out from behind Lili's yacht. Lili jumped down off the ramp of her yacht and hugged Sharri.

  “I am so sorry – I did not mean to hurt your feelings. Please forgive me.” Lili said crying.

  “There is nothing to forgive Aunt Lili – you know more than I about the dangers facing the galaxy and you have to make the difficult decisions – I am a mere child.” Sharri said.

  “No young lady – you are a 6th Race woman and your destiny is tied to the future of this galaxy and the new Union. M-14 told me that you invented personal power cores and self-destruct systems after you left.” Lili said.

  “He did,” Sharri asked.

  “Yes he did” Lili answered.

  “I did not want to cry in front of the sailors, soldiers and Star Marines.” Sharri said as she looked down to the landing bay deck.

  Lili touched her chin and lifted her face.

  “You have taught on old woman a lesson in what it means to be of the 6th Race – do not ever be afraid to show your emotions again – that is an order. You and your Twin have already exceeded the expectations of my creators – the 6th Race would be proud of you both.” Lili said.

  Sharri's young face lit up as she smiled.

  “Indeed they have exceeded my expectations.” The leader of the 6th Race said to Sentry-21.

  “They both remind me of the greatest of the great ladies of the 6th Race.” Sentry-21 said.

  “Yes the Twins have become human and I think it is time I met them.” The leader of the 6th Race said.

  Chapter – 40

  Max was examining the devices that Sharri had placed on the lab table before she left. M-14 walked up and handed Max a set of wrist tool bands like his own. Max smiled and thanked M-14. He put them on and began using them as if he had made them himself. M-14 then handed him the new flightsuit and explained how the new “Door” worked.

  “This new Door should be no different than flying through the MC in a large ship.” M-14 said.

  Max took the flightsuit.

  “I have asked two VALO RDs to standby tomorrow when you are ready to test the new Door system.” M-14 said.

  Max shook his head as he put the weapon bracelet back down on the lab table.

  “Thank you my friend – I will test it tomorrow at 6 bells. Have the RDs come here. I will walk through from my quarters.” Max said.

  “You are welcome Max – I shall see you at 6 bells – goodnight.” M-14 said.

  Max flew to Lili’s hull with his Spec War Team protection detail. Lili's yacht was not in its berth so he went to his quarters and took a shower. He then listened to some classical music on his old Tesla radio set through Lili's old high gain antennas. He fell asleep quickly.

  Lili saw her high gain antenna array pointed to slice 270 and she knew Max was in his quarters listening to one of his favorite radio stations from 20th century Earth. She went to her dressing room and put on Max's favorite fetish outfit and then went to his quarters. Max was sound asleep so her planned seduction would have to wait. She took off her outfit and slipped under the covers of his large bed next to him.

  At 6 bells Max woke up. He realized Lili had joined him some time during the night – however she had not awakened him. She left his favorite outfit next to his bed. Max wished she had aroused him. He got dressed and put on the new flightsuit after he performed the tests that Chip's children had shown him. He then activated the Door – selected his location from a list and was instantly standing in his office. He did not feel any different. The VALO RDs were standing by and began their examination as Chip's children had checked his Signals.

  “Sir you appear to be as strong and healthy as you were the day you left Earth.” The VALO RD Commander said.

  “Excellent – I did not even get nauseous as I typically do in small ships.” Max said.

  “That is good news – we could certainly use the new Door system.” The VALO RD Commander's Executive Officer said.

  “You shall have them before eighteen bells today.” Max said.

  “Excellent – thank you Sir” The VALO RD Commander said.

  “M-Fourteen – please order two sets of the new Door flightsuits for each VALO RD and have SuperSentry deliver them.” Max said.

  “Yes Sir – should I send them the complete package?” M-14 replied and then asked.

  “No – not yet – I did not have a chance to talk to Admiral Ninlil about the new weapon wrist bands – however I shall advocate the VALO RD s be is
sued the new weapon wrist bands to protect their patients during rescue operations.” Max answered.

  The VALO RDs smiled and then packed up their gear and headed back to the Starship Yards landing bay.

  “M-Fourteen do you think we can modify these devices for the Sisters to use through their short range data transmission system?” Max asked.

  “Actually Sharri has already enabled that feature which means the VALO RDs do not need the weapon band with a palm switch, like you and I require.” M-14 said.

  “Do you think Sharri will come back?” Max asked M-14.

  “Yes Sir – I decided to come back.” Sharri answered Max.

  Max smiled as he turned around to face her.

  “Excellent – I would like to talk to you about your inventions – do you have time now?” Max said and then asked.

  “Actually M-Fourteen and I are running a final test this morning – how about lunch?” Sharri asked.

  “That will be good – see you at my table in the restaurant at 12 bells.” Max said.

  “It's a date – see you there.” Sharri said.

  Sharri and M-14 left the development lab and went out to the test bay. Max began reading his messages. He finally got caught up when he noticed Lili standing in the door of his office. He stood up.

  “Why did you let me sleep last night?” Max asked her.

  “I just wanted to look at you and listen to you breathe. I missed lying next to you.” Lili answered.

  “I missed you also.” Max said.

  “So – supper at 18 bells and then my quarters after,” Max said.

  “I look forward to it.” Lili said smiling.

  Max read Sharri's latest report that Lili had asked her to write after Lili left his office. It explained how her inventions could be used individually and together. She included all applications and explained how the new systems would be very useful for all support personnel – such as Seabees, damage control, VALO RDs, engineers and even explosive ordinance removal teams. She then delved into possible uses by the Star Marines and Spec War Troopers during combat.

  Max was very impressed and ordered 3 sets for each member of the support functions. He assigned the new slipways of SPSY-2 to complete the new devices and systems. Each slipway at SPSY-2 had 4 complete sets of MRBs. The order would be ready for delivery tomorrow at 16 bells. Max called Sentry-2 at SPSY-2 and asked him how he liked his new assignment. Sentry-2 said it was very interesting and rewarding and he thanked Max for the opportunity. Max then explained what he needed done with the new Door systems. Sentry-2 told Max he would have all the new equipment delivered to the designated personnel by 17 bells tomorrow afternoon. He then asked Max about instructions for the recipients. Max told him he would deliver operator manuals and quick start guides for each support function by 15 bells today.

  It was 11 bells and 6 tones – so Max started packing up his desk and would then head to the restaurant in 15 minutes. He decided to leave so he could step in the gift shop first. He wanted to get something for Lili. He noticed a new room next to the gift shop. It was a book store and news stand. Some of the old Union periodicals were being published in hard copy again. Lili had not told him she had started a new Union printing office. He saw several smaller bound periodicals that had color images on glossy paper with short titles. He recalled some historical information from Earth and recognized the news stand set up. He would ask Lili about it tonight at supper. He liked the news stand and knew he would come back. He had to go and meet Sharri for lunch. He walked in to the restaurant and was taken to his table by a female Seabee. He had never seen her SB type before. She smiled when she caught him looking her over.

  “Young lady – I apologize – I did not know there were female Seabees – and I have not seen your SB type before.” Max said.

  “Oh that is alright Sir – yes my SB is new – however we have had females in service for over two billion years.” The young Seabee officer said.

  “Thank you – may I ask when you got this SB?” Max asked.

  “Last week – Sharur got them for us.” The Seabee answered.

  “Thank you – that explains it.” Max said.

  “Your server shall be right over – I hope you enjoy your lunch sir.” She said.

  Max ordered some cold beer and an appetizer while he waited for Sharri. He now had more questions to ask her and more to ask Lili at supper. Sharri walked over to his table. She had changed out of her flightsuit. She was dressed in a short skirt and revealing top. Max stood and pulled out her chair for her. He realized for the first time how beautiful Sharri was. He was having trouble thinking.

  “Uncle Max – are you feeling bad again,” Sharri asked.

  “I – I am distracting by your attire – I apologize.” Max answered.

  Sharri blushed.

  “I apologize – I didn’t think my clothes would bother you.” Sharri said.

  “Oh no – your clothes do not bother me – they are very nice – I just never realized how beautiful you are – I did not mean to imply there was anything wrong with the way you were dressed at all.” Max said.

  “I think I understand – my mother told me that she looked a lot like Aunt Lili when they were in the Academy.” Sharri said.

  “That explains it. Thank you for telling me. I could not help but be attracted to you because you look like your Aunt Lili when she was young. I never realized you look like her.” Max said.

  “Now that we have that settled – what did you want to talk about?” Sharri said and then asked.

  The server came over and took their lunch orders. Sharri and Max talked for hours after they finished lunch. At 15 bells Sharri excused herself and left. Max went back to the news stand and browsed the bound periodicals. He left with several copies on different subjects and enjoyed reading them in his office. At 17 bells and 6 tones he went to his wash room and brushed his teeth.

  Chapter – 41

  Max walked from his office to the restaurant to meet Lili. She was just arriving from the main landing bay. She was talking to her Spec War Commander. Max nodded to her and mouthed – I will meet you inside.

  “Maximus – wait” Lili said.

  Max stopped and turned as Lili's Spec War Commander turned to greet him.

  “Commander” Max said.

  “Maximus I was just asking the Admiral about a rumor that you were issuing black beam personal defense weapons to all support personnel.” The Commander said.

  “Yes sir – however – only the Star Marines and Spec War Teams shall have the new shields – which I have already modified to instantly react to any threat thus saving on board power cores.” Max said.

  “Oh – well then Admiral – please disregard my objections. Thank you Maximus – I sincerely appreciate everything you have done for the Union Navy.” The Commander said as he held out his hand to Max. Max took the Commander’s hand and shook it.

  “If you ever need anything – a new device – a modification or any changes you or your team need made – please do not hesitate to call me or M-14. And by the way – if you need more of the new flightsuits than the 3 complete sets we are already sending to you – just let me know. Also Commander – Sharri developed black beam rifles, pistols and heavy assault cannons.” Max said.

  “Please send my four each of the new weapons for every member of my team and double that for your protection detail.” The Spec War Commander said.

  “I shall have them delivered to you tomorrow after 12 bells.” Max said.

  “Thank you Sir – and thank you Admiral - I shall take my leave now.” The Commander said to Max and then to Lili as he saluted her.

  “Well it seems you have a new friend.” Lili said.

  “I respect the Commander and his Spec War Troopers. In fact I respect and admire them all. That is why I chose the Spec War Troopers as the base for the new Star Marines and Sailors.” Max said.

  “I know you do and I have it on good authority they respect you. Now let us go and enjoy a ni
ce evening together.” Lili said.

  Max smiled as he held out his elbow. Lili put her arm in his and they walked into the restaurant. A Seabee Master Chief took them to Lili's table.

  “Actually Master Chief – I would prefer to sit at Maximus's table tonight.” Lili said.

  “Of course Admiral – right this way.” The Master Chief said.

  The Master Chief took Lili and Max over to Max's table by the great window. The Master Chief pulled out Lili's chair and helped her into it.

  Max and Lili enjoyed a nice quite supper together. They then talked about the news stand and the printed Union periodicals. Max had many questions. He asked if he and M-14 could have their own bound periodicals about engineering, design and test. Lili told him 2 of the 3 were already being published. Max was very happy. He asked about Astrobiology and Astroarcheology. Lili said of course – that Mimi and Maggi had already obtained copies of the first issues from the new Union printing office. Max asked about the editors and writers for each periodical. Lili explained that many of those functions were conducted by the core – so it was a simple matter to restart the operations.