by Doug Farren
24 - Getting hitched
The next day, after they had eaten breakfast, Ken and Doug asked to be taken to the worldship's main control room. A few minutes after making the call a transport egg arrived. A Kyrra stepped out and introduced himself as Prin.
The central operations room was a vast compartment filled with rows and rows of consoles. "Each major facility within the worldship has a small automated monitoring station associated with it," their guide said. "If several facilities are located near each other they will share a single station."
Pointing to a large holographic model of the worldship the Prin continued, "The worldship is divided into wedge-shaped sections with each section possessing both a primary and a backup monitoring station. These sector monitoring stations transmit summarized data to this operations room where the overall health and functionality of the worldship is monitored."
Ken was impressed at the size of the central operations room. By his estimate there must have been at least 200 consoles. What amazed him even more, was how quiet the room was. "Where do you control the worldship's stardrive?"
"This way please," Prin replied and started forward. "worldship navigation is controlled from a separate area."
They followed an upper walkway until they came to a set of large doors. The first thing Ken noticed as they entered the navigations center was the holographic star map which hung in the center of the room. The room was circular with two concentric rings of consoles running around it.
The center of the room held a five meter diameter star map. His years of experience guided his eyes as he scanned the various displays. He recognized those responsible for monitoring the vast amounts of power being demanded by the worldship's stardrive and the all important helm. Something, however, was missing.
"There is no captain's chair!" he remarked.
"Correct. Unlike your society, we do not have a structured hierarchy of ranked individuals. All are equal."
"But who calls the shots when things don't go as planned?" Doug asked.
"There are several people who share responsibility for decisions affecting this aspect of the worldship. For example, if an unexpected course correction is needed the helm will make the appropriate change."
"And what happens if you are attacked by a strong hostile fleet of ships?" Ken asked.
Prin gave him an odd look then replied, "The worldship has both offensive and defensive weapons. If the need arises they will be used. One individual is in charge of the defense systems."
"But how are things coordinated with nobody in charge?" Doug asked.
"We talk among ourselves," the guide responded matter of factly. "If the situation requires us to defend ourselves then the person at the weapons console is guiding the others. It depends upon the situation."
"May I ask what type of weapon systems the worldship is armed with?" Doug asked.
"In addition to the shield, the worldship has a large compliment of both defensive and offensive weapons. When our ancestors constructed the worldship they designed it to be able to protect us from any conceivable situation. Our cloaking technology, however, is our primary means of defense."
"Better to not get into a fight than to fight," Stricklen remarked.
Trying to press his point, Doug said, "But you do have weapon systems. They're not thousand year old relics are they?"
"Of course not," Prin replied. "We have made some significant upgrades since this ship was first built. The worldship is continuously updated as our technology improves."
"This ship must be capable of awesome levels of destruction," Stricklen remarked.
"Captain, your race and ours are very different. You tend to continually think about who is more powerful or who could be a threat to you. We think in terms of how we can benefit our society. The weapons of the worldship have never been fired except during testing. They were installed only because we felt they may be required to protect us. Ever since their installation, the weapons have been maintained by machines and we have mostly forgotten they even exist."
"Sorry," Ken replied. "I keep forgetting the Kyrra are a different breed altogether."
"Is it possible to see the stardrive?" Doug asked.
"Unlike your ships, the stardrive of the worldship is built into the hull of the entire ship. Did you examine the construction of the time stasis chamber while it was in your possession?"
"I have listened to and read the reports from the teams of scientists performing the analysis."
"If you recall, the outer shell of the chamber consisted of a very large number of emitters, sensors, and field modulators. These devices work in concert to create the stasis field. The stardrive of the worldship works much the same way. The hull of the worldship consists of billions of interconnected devices which work together under a distributed control system to produce the stardrive field. Power is supplied via several thousand matter/anti-matter reactors that were salvaged from the old stasis chambers they originally powered."
"Incredible! Kyrra technology is so incredibly far advanced when compared to ours that we must seem like children in comparison," said Doug.
"Not at all," Prin replied in a surprised voice. "Our race has advanced to our current level of technology due to many factors. The fact that your culture has advanced to its current stage of evolution shows that you have overcome your specie's tendency toward self destruction. We do not consider ourselves any better nor any worse than you. We are simply two widely different cultures which have followed different paths of evolution nothing more."
After the tour, Ken asked if he could remain in the control room to watch how the Kyrra worked. Over the next several days, he learned that the Kyrra system was actually very efficient.
Four days after their departure the worldship entered Chroniech space. It wasn't long before a Chroniech ship was detected. Ken was amazed at how smoothly the ship's operators handled the information. In order to listen to the Kyrra, Ken had taken to wearing his translator whenever he was in the control room.
"I have detected a ship," one of the operators calmly announced followed by a string of numbers. Ken looked at the large star map showing their progress and noted that a red dot had appeared. "Scanning for identification."
After a brief moment the same operator said, "Ship has been identified as a Chroniech warship, recommend course change."
The helm made a minor adjustment and said, "Course correction initiated."
The efficiency and smoothness of the entire sequence of events amazed Ken. These Kyrra operated a ship with no central authority and yet seemed to do it with the utmost of efficiency.
* * * * *
The council room was in an uproar. The leader banged on the table repeatedly until he finally had everyone's attention. "We must discuss this new intrusion into our space," he said, talking louder than normal to override the few remaining conversations that still persisted.
"It must be our ancient enemy," a councilman fairly shouted. "The drive wake indicates that the ship generating it is gigantic."
Another stepped in before the leader could reply, "The Alliance must have found them. Now they're on their way here to destroy us."
The leader had had enough. "SILENCE!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. The outburst had the intended effect — the room had gone silent.
"You will all sit down and this council will come to order," he said in a much calmer tone.
There was a movement of furred bodies and soon the council was properly assembled. "Here are the facts," the leader began. "We have detected an exceptionally large drive wake moving at almost unbelievable speed through our space. This object's course had been plotted backwards and it originates from within the original home system of the Kyrra.”
"This object, whatever it is, has not deviated from a straight line course except to avoid directly colliding with ships and other material objects. This course does not intercept with any of our major planets. It does, however, lead directly to Alliance space.”
"The current theory is that the Alliance has somehow located the Kyrra, a race thought to be long extinct, and they have sent a super warship to Alliance space. The Kyrra may be ignoring us for the time being in order to subjugate the Alliance since it is they who found them."
Now much calmer, one of the councilmen who had spoken earlier said, "Once the Kyrra, and I believe that is who is behind this massive drive wake, have become the masters of the Alliance, what then? They will surely come after us."
"Is it possible," a rarely heard from member said, "that the Kyrra are helping the Alliance and not on the way to their space to become their masters?"
Almost as if scolding a child the leader replied, "You must discard these odd thoughts of yours Jugzargot. History speaks for itself concerning superior races, especially the Kyrra. If the Kyrra were helping the Alliance they would be attacking us. It is obvious that they are heading directly for Alliance space perhaps realizing that they are the weaker of the two of us."
"What are we to do?" someone asked.
"The vast bulk of our space force is involved in attacking the Alliance," the leader replied. "We shall concentrate those forces and continue to attack the Alliance as planned. Perhaps the Kyrra will see this as aiding their own plans and leave our forces alone for the time being. We will keep a close watch on this super battleship and when the time is right we will temporarily join forces with the Alliance in order to destroy it. We can then finish the job of eliminating the Alliance."
There was still a lot of fear in the room. The Chroniech could not fathom the possibility of a pact being formed between the Kyrra and the Alliance. Most Chroniech believed in the teachings that two sentient species could never coexist together in peace. One always became the dominant species. Many adhered to the more radical belief that the dominant species would always inevitably eliminate the less dominant one.
"Are there any other suggestions?"
An elderly councilman, his temple fur graying with age suggested, "We could pull our forces back and prepare to defend our own worlds. The Kyrra will obliterate our enemy for us."
"I have considered this. But, if the Alliance manages to gather enough forces together to seriously challenge the super battleship then our forces should be in a position to take advantage of this and add our firepower to attack that ship."
"Then perhaps we should slacken our attacks against the Alliance to allow them to gather their forces against the Kyrra."
"That may tip off our plan to the Kyrra. We can, however, divert most of our forces to the very planet the Kyrra appear to be heading towards. This would force the Alliance to move as many of their own ships into that area as possible. This would increase the chances of successfully destroying the Kyrra super battleship once it arrives."
The council discussed this last option along with a few other suggestions then finally agreed to accept the plan laid out by the leader.
* * * * *
One day, after having explored the inner workings of one of the worldship's many automated factories, Ken found Tasha and Doug sitting next to each other on the porch of the cottage. As his taxi (as he liked to call them) touched down, he felt a twinge of jealousy rise up within him. It passed just as quickly as it had come when Cheryl exited the cottage carrying several glasses. Upon seeing Ken, she waved and went back inside. As Stricklen approached the cottage, she reappeared and handed him a glass of lemonade. "Thank you," Ken said.
"Don't mention it," Cheryl replied.
Doug got up and moved over to the swing they had asked to be installed on the porch. Cheryl sat next to him and together they started slowing swinging. Ken sat down next to Tasha and kissed her hello.
They group sat in silence for a moment. Doug looked around then commented, "It's hard to believe that we are on a starship heading back home through enemy space at an almost incomprehensible speed."
"That's the whole idea behind the worldship," Tasha chimed in. "If the Kyrra had built the worldship along the harsh lines of how we build starships they would never have been satisfied with living out their entire lives inside it. This artificial world allows them to forget about the fact that they are living inside a ship."
"So how have you folks occupied your day today?" Ken asked
"We were given a tour of one of the hospitals," Cheryl replied. "But that did not take very long, so we spent the greater part of the evening just sitting together and talking. To be honest, I'm getting tired of going on tours."
"I'll second that thought," Doug exclaimed. "Kyrra technology is great but I'm getting a little tired of continually seeing how far advanced they are compared to us. It will be nice to get home."
"Believe it or not, I tend to agree with you," Ken replied. "It's not that the Kyrra aren't good hosts but, let's face it, I miss my homeworld."
"Let's just hope we have a home to return to," Doug said.
"That's beginning to worry me too," replied Ken.
"You're not the only ones with this same feeling," Tasha interjected. "Ever since we started home I have noticed that a good portion of the crew I have met share the same thoughts. Now that we are actually on our way, people are beginning to think about what they may find when we return."
Standing up and taking Cheryl's hand, Doug turned to the captain and said, "Speaking of returning home — before we get there, Cheryl and I have an official request to make."
Ken had an idea what the request might be so he stood up and faced his two friends. "As the commanding officer of the Komodo Dragon we would like you to marry us," Doug asked in his most official sounding voice.
"I would be honored of course. When would you like this event to take place? Would you prefer a private or a public ceremony?"
"As soon as you can and private if you please," Cheryl replied. "I would like to have Tasha and one other friend there plus whoever Doug would like to invite."
"I don't see why we could not schedule the event for tomorrow or even tonight if you wish," Stricklen replied. "All I need is a time and a place. Think about it and let me know."
"Your cabin will be fine," Doug replied. "How about tomorrow before lunch?"
Seeing Cheryl's nod of agreement Ken replied, "Tomorrow at eleven hundred in my cabin then."
Doug reached out and extended his hand. "Thank you Ken. Cheryl and I both appreciate it."
Ken grasped his XO's hand and firmly shook it. The two women embraced each other. "Congratulation Doug. I'm sure you two will be happy."
Doug and Cheryl then made a hasty exit to discuss their upcoming wedding. As soon as they were out of earshot, Tasha turned to Ken and said, "I'm glad you agreed to marry them, they were worried you would deny their request since they are both officers on the same ship."
Ken sat down and pulled Tasha beside him. As she nestled on his shoulder he said, "Why shouldn't I? They are two people very much in love. Captains have been performing marriages for hundreds of years and I don't see why I should not. The Alliance has no regulations forbidding married couples from serving on the same ship as long as no favoritism takes place."
Tasha looked at Ken with a sly smile and asked, "Are there any regulations preventing a captain from performing his own wedding? We could make it a double."
Stricklen thought about that for a moment then replied, "I don't think such a question has ever come up at any time in history. Even if it isn't disallowed I'm sure it would be questioned later on."
Ken sat in thought then sat up straight and looked at his wife to be. "There is a way though — I could temporarily relinquish command giving it to Doug and he could marry us right after I marry them."
Tasha reached over and wrapped her arms around Ken. "Honey, you are a genius! A bit sneaky, but a handsome genius nevertheless. Let's do this."
Ken and Tasha walked down to Doug's room and gently knocked on the door. Ken called out, "Are you two decent?"
A second later the door opened to reveal Doug and Cheryl standing arm in arm together. Without preamble Ken asked,
"Would you like to make it a double wedding?"
Cheryl disengaged herself from her fiance and embraced Ken, "Of course we would!" Suddenly remembering who it was that she was hugging she quickly released him and stepped back into Doug's arms muttering an apology.
Smiling Ken said, "As long as I'm not on duty you never have to apologize to me for something like that. We are friends — don't forget that."
The next day, with a select few of their closest friends in attendance, Cheryl Snidler became Mrs. Cheryl Scarboro. Stricklen congratulated the new couple then officially transferred the command of the Komodo Dragon to Scarboro.
The new captain then performed his first official act by joining Tasha Trueblood and Ken Stricklen together in marriage. After the brief ceremony Ken looked expectantly at Doug. After a moment Stricklen said, "Well?"
"Well what?"
"You need to transfer command back to me."
"Oh that!" Doug replied smiling. "I like being captain - I think I'll keep it. Has a nice ring to it — Captain Scarboro."
"I don't think you'll like it," Ken replied. "Besides, if you don't give it back I'll have to wring your neck."
Doug put his hands on his hips and puffed up his chest. "Mr. Stricklen! Did you just threaten your commanding officer? I could have you thrown in the brig for that."
"You could," Ken fired back. "You would also have some explaining to do when we get back to Alliance space."
"True," Doug agreed pretending to consider the request. "I guess you'll have to resume being the captain again. It was nice while it lasted. I forgot to ask did it come with a pay raise?"
"Actually, I think it does," Ken replied. Glancing at his watch he continued, "You've been skipper for all of twenty minutes. I'd say you might have earned a couple more credits."
Doug's second and last act as captain was to transfer the command back to Stricklen. As soon as the ship's computer had accepted the transfer Ken said, "And now I can throw you in the brig if I so desired."
