Jaunts of the Mantis

by Jim Henderson

  Elsbeth woke up when he came back to the room. She looked confused at first, then far more embarrassed by her naked body than she’d been last night. She said, “OK, I’m going to steal this blanket and leave. Forget I was ever here.” Then she scuttled out of the room, holding the blanket around her.

  Ximon went about his day waiting for the crazy to hit – accusations, blame, etc. But it never did. He didn’t see Elsbeth all day, but she got Raiza’s help a couple of times for some repairs she was attempting. Ximon kept working on his report and sent Elsbeth the “Ship’s function and mission support ability” to fill out – her responsibility as engineer.

  The rest of the jump was uneventful. The report was finished, some repairs made, and generally quiet trip. Likewise, coming out of jump at Taupra, refueling, and going back into jump toward Tixaya was uneventful.

  As Ximon and Elsbeth ate a large lunch that day, Ximon asked her, “Are you still game for a 6-month contract? If so, I’ll get those papers to you.”

  “Why the heck wouldn’t I be? Sure, get me the papers, but I’ll wait to sign until I get paid, if that’s OK with you.”

  The trip was pretty quiet for a couple days. Then one night he heard a knock on his door. It was Elsbeth, “I’m having nightmares again. Can I sleep with you?”

  He just motioned her in, and they had a fun, but restful night.

  She snuck out in the morning while he was in the shower and never said anything else about it.

  They came out of jump out on the far side of the orbit from Tixaya 5. Then they headed in to Tixaya 2.

  “Prepare for a 1G burn to Tixaya 2. ETA 16 hours.”

  Once they got moving, Ximon transmitted his final report to the KSF base, directed Mantis to monitor the trip, and just spaced out and watched the stars float around. He soon started to doze, but was abruptly woken up about 90 minutes later by an incoming video transmission.

  A young officer in an KSF uniform sat in some kind of operations office, “KSS 1550-V, this is KSF Tixaya Control.”

  Ximon answered up, “Roger, Tixaya Control, this is KSS 1550-V. Ready to receive.”

  “KSS 1550-V, looks like you had an exciting first ARC trip. Your initial report was received by Comm Boat several days ago and Command flagged you for follow-up. So, we’ve duly contacted you as soon as we received your final survey / contact support and your arrival indicator in system. Command Intel wants a sit-down meeting with you as soon as possible. Are you available at 1330 tomorrow?”

  Ximon checked his location and time. “Sure, we should hit dirt late tonight and I can be ready to meet tomorrow. Can you tell me who I’ll be meeting with?”

  “Roger. I’m showing a Commander (CDR) Jamison and a few survey techs. Report to Building 3-F, room 2-T.”

  He radioed Elsbeth, “Elsbeth, looks like we’re famous. They want a follow-up meeting tomorrow. Would you care to join me for that?”

  “I can if you need me to, but I’d rather pass. I was hoping to be drunk then and you DO get paid the big bucks.”

  He laughed at that, “I’m not sure I get paid at all. In any case, enjoy your drink, but I guess it’s possible this could turn into follow-on meetings.”

  “Sounds like a blast. BTW, here’s the final list of parts. If you just hit ‘approve’ I can go ahead and order.”

  “Sure. Like I said, I may not get paid.”

  “Boo hoo. Have fun with the big wigs.”

  Ximon ensured that all his data and both reports were readily available on his tablet. He wasn’t entirely sure what to wear. He could still wear his KSF uniform, but ARC members certainly weren’t required to. He finally decided this might be his only meeting with big wigs, so he dusted off his uniform and wore that. He got a ride to building 3-F quite early, set up in room 2-T, and waited.

  An KSF admin technician came in a few minutes later and got things set up. He also brought in a pitcher of water, so Ximon topped off his water bottle.

  Just before the scheduled time, several survey analysts came in and introduced themselves, then CDR Jamison. Ximon noted that Jamison didn’t take the seat at the head of the table. He wondered what that implied.

  CDR Jamison opened the meeting, “This is a review of the KSS SC-1550-V report on Avar 4 and associated incidents. We will start by discussing the deviations from historical data and go from there.”

  He then motioned to the survey analysts. The lead, Senior Sensor Operator (SSO) Karik, first briefly summarized the historical data on Avar 4. He then said, “… and now this is what LCDR Sabo reports” and summarized some of the highlights Ximon and his team had noted.

  CDR Jamison interrupted, “LCDR Sabo, could you summarize your interpretation of these deviations?”

  Ximon replied, “Certainly. As noted in both the initial and final reports, the deviations appear to stem from intentional terraforming actions changing atmospheric composition and planetary magnetic fields.”

  “And why did you conclude this was the case?”

  Ximon, “It was the explanation that we felt best accounted for the degree of deviation in such a short period of time. It was then acknowledged, or claimed, as such by The People.”

  “So, you have no definitive proof of terraforming actions?”

  Ximon, “No, we did not have the capability to more fully study the changes in real-time to investigate other avenues. We did not find specific terraforming equipment, but did find an artificial satellite placed by The People to monitor these changes.”

  “SSO Karik, what is your team’s assessment of the planetary changes?”

  SSO Karik replied, “Sir, After a detailed review of the two data sets, we came to the same conclusion as LCDR Sabo – that the most likely explanation was intentional terraforming actions.”

  “Understood. Now let’s discuss this satellite. LCDR Sabo, please explain that.”

  Ximon explained, “As noted, while orbiting Avar 4 we detected what appeared to be an artificial satellite orbiting the southern hemisphere. As we conducted subsequent orbital passes, we got closer and did imagery and sensor analysis. We concluded it was an observation satellite of unfamiliar design and that it was periodically transmitting data to a point near the edge of the system.”

  “And, please explain the data.”

  Ximon continued, “We could not initially decipher the data, but eventually concluded that it was likely numeric data on atmospheric conditions, sent periodically in compressed, encrypted bursts toward the point mentioned.”

  “I see … and please explain this point you refer to.”

  “We triangulated the apparent transmission arc to an area encompassing a 15 degree arc from Avar 4 planet, 10-20 degrees of the orbital plane, to an area 28-30 AU from the sun. The estimated geographic coordinates of the target area are contained in the NOTOSC we issued.”

  Halfway through that discussion, an elderly man in a civilian suit entered and took the head of the table. CDR Jamison greeted him, “Attaché Brask, welcome. We are just coming to discussion of the aliens.” He then pointed to Ximon, “This is LCDR Sabo, the captain of the vessel involved.”

  The gentleman said, “We in the Republic Foreign office are quite interested in this apparent first contact situation, in the race described, and in discussions to this point. Please continue.”

  CDR Jamison did just that, “… and LCDR Sabo, what was located in the region the data was being transmitted to?”

  “We assumed it was some kind of vessel monitoring the satellite data remotely. We later learned it contained several vessels.”

  “Understood. Now please describe your encounter with this ‘alien’ vessel.”

  “Very well. After completing cubesat deployments and surveys of Avar 4 and its moons, we prepared to jump from the system. We selected a jump point near the region mentioned in hopes of detecting something. As we headed in that direction, we spotted a vessel at long range. It was on very nearly an intercept course with us, accelerating at a speed nearly identical to ours.”
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br />   “Continue.”

  “We attempted to initiate contact, but initially only got garbled data bursts akin to the data from the satellite. As we got closer their transmission refined to the point we could understand them.”

  Brask interrupted then, “And why did you establish contact?”

  “We had what appeared to be an alien vessel on an intercept course. Communication is recommended approach in that situation. Further, we felt we could gain valuable information about the situation and the vessel.”

  CDR Jamison said, “Continue.”

  “Once we could communicate, we identified ourselves and they identified themselves as Planetoid Vessel 7 of ‘The People.’ They stated that they had found Avar 4 unused, had claimed it for their use, and were actively terraforming it. They asked why we were interfering with their claim.”

  “We told them that our leaders had claimed this planet and that we had been directed to study why it’s changing. They said that it is, of course, changing because they’re changing it to be a new home for their people. If we understood what they said and the map they sent us, they’ve travelled like 17 star systems in 213 years on some kind of generation ship. We told them we’re peaceful and will go back and tell our leaders about them.”

  “Then we told them more about humans and asked about them. They sent us some images and told us they had several ships. We then headed for the jump point while Vessel 7 headed for the planet. We told them to leave the mining stations and shipping alone and then sent a NOTOSC out for everyone to leave the alone to avoid confrontation. As we neared the jump point, we were met by another alien vessel, #11, who escorted us until we jumped. During that trip, the vessel established a video link so we got the video of them that you see. Finally, just before we jumped we took a lot of long range images of their other ships in that comm target area. We noted 8 vessels of varying size, at least one of which looked to be a pretty massive planetoid. Then we jumped.”

  Brask spoke up, “So what did you promise them?”

  “What? I didn’t promise them anything. I assured them that we wanted peace and that our leaders” he motioned pointing to them “would want to talk to them. We told them that our leaders MIGHT be willing to assist them in some way, but I promised nothing.”

  Brask continued, “Why did you tell them so much?”

  “I did what I understood was appropriate in a first contact situation and keep in mind that I had to worry about the safety of my ship and crew. We were in a small, unarmed survey craft. Both the vessels we encountered were at least 10 times our size and they had a lot more ships. I had to keep them calm while we gathered information and got out of there.”

  Brask went on, “Very well. As the apparent first contacting officer, what are your recommendations on how we deal with them?

  Ximon was afraid they’d ask that. “Sir, I recommend sending a small group of ships, establish contact, and possibly establish trade. I feel they’ll react violently if you tell them they have to leave the planet.”

  CDR Jamison dove in, “What makes you think that?”

  “They’ve travelled far and believe they will soon have a home for their children. They also seemed incapable of understanding that we might claim the planet since we weren’t using it.”

  Brask asked, “So what do you, in your expert opinion, believe the Republic should do as far as the planet? You know that the Republic claimed it several decades ago.”

  “I’m not expert in inter-solar negotiations, but I’ve heard of cases where the Republic will grant refugees an unused planet if they agree to act as a peaceful protectorate. I believe that could be considered. We might benefit from trade with them.”

  CDR Jamison looked doubtful, “From what you’ve described, they sound somewhat primitive. What could they give us?”

  “Sir, their long range travel didn’t appear very advanced, but we got little detail about their ship technology overall. Also, their terraforming capabilities appear fairly impressive – dramatic results quite quickly.”

  Brask continued, “The Republic thanks you for your report, for making this first contact, and for successfully completing your mission. If we have further questions for you, we will contact you.”

  He then turned to Jamison, “The captain’s mission appears wholly successful. Please have someone pay him promptly for his service.”

  Ximon warmed up at that, “Thank you, sir. I’ve already submitted the paperwork.”

  Then Brask added one more thing, “Until the Republic has established more formal relations, please closely limit your discussions about The People.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  CDR Jamison concluded, “Thank you LCDR Sabo. Good day.”

  Ximon left relieved and excited, but also realized he had to reach Elsbeth.

  As soon as he got out of the building, he called Elsbeth. It rang several times, but no answer. He tried again. Same result. Finally, on the 3rd try, she answered. She was clearly in a loud place, like a bar, and she was also fairly drunk. “Hey Ximon, you calling to cure my nightmares?”

  He pretty much needed to yell for her to hear, “Elsbeth, I’ve got to talk to you. Where are you?”

  “I’m in a bar. I told you I was getting drunk.”

  “Understood, but WHICH bar?”

  Elsbeth’s speech was pretty slurred, “The Purple something ….. uh, uh, the something Pilot.”

  “The Purple Pilot?”

  “That might be it. Do you like it?”

  “If that’s it, I’m on my way. STAY THERE?”

  “I ain’t going nowhere. They’ve got good drinks and a decent band.”

  Ximon quickly got a ride and asked for the Purple Pilot. The robocab said, “I do not show an address entry for the Purple Pilot. Here’s a list of several establishments that contain the word Purple. Do you see the appropriate one?”

  There were many establishments of many types.

  “Just show me bars!”

  “Roger sir, the only bar entry I show with the term Purple in the name is the Purple Pigeon. Will that do?”

  “Yes, take me there … and fast.”

  The Purple Pigeon was a place that looked like it had one been nice … probably a long time ago. There were lots of prostitutes hanging around outside, the music was loud, and the neighborhood was sleazy. Ximon paid his cover and headed in.

  The place was dark and filled with scented vapor. Dozens of drunks sat at the bar or in booths. He walked around trying to find Elsbeth. He found her at the bar, listing visibly, and dressed like she didn’t plan to go home alone, but she was nursing a drink badly.

  She lit up when she saw Ximon and slurred out, “Hey look guys, this is my friend Ximon. He thinks I’m hot. I don’t know what’s wrong with you guys.”

  “Elsbeth, let’s get out of here. I need to talk to you.”

  “You just want to get in my pants, don’t you?”

  He hesitated said, “Sure, whatever you want, but let’s get out of here.”

  “I can’t leave now, I’m got a whole drink here.” She looked at her drink and saw that it was pretty well empty. “Well, I need a drink.”

  “Elsbeth, come with me and I’ll buy you a bottle of whatever you want.”

  “I told you, you’re just trying to take advantage of me.”

  “I won’t take advantage of you, but I’ll cure your nightmares.”

  “OK, that would be great. Take me home, sailor. I’m drunk and need to get naked.”

  He nearly had to carry her out and pour her into the robocab. She started dozing off almost immediately. Ximon realized he didn’t know where her apartment was. He tried to ask her, but she just nuzzled his shoulder and drooled a bit. So, he had the cab take them to the ship.

  He got her inside with some effort and almost carried her to her room. He started taking some of her clothes off.

  That woke her up a bit, “Oh, baby, they can’t keep their hands off me.” Once he had her shoes and shirt off, he nudged h
er onto the bed and she rolled over fast asleep.

  He debated whether to go to his room, but figured she might need supervision, so he climbed in bed next to her and went to sleep. She was sick in the night and spent some time in the bathroom. When she climbed back into bed, she snuggled up to him and started snoring.

  He woke up and got breakfast in the galley. She joined him, looking pretty rough in ragged sweats, “What the hell happened last night? Did you get me drunk?”

  “No, Elsbeth, you got yourself well and truly drunk. I came and rescued you.”

  “Oh, and then took me right to bed I see. I’m not complaining, but some would call that taking advantage.”

  “Elsbeth, I was the perfect gentleman and just kept you company.”

  She feigned offense at that and yelled, “That’s even worse! How could you?”

  He got her some food and some coffee.

  After she downed quite a bit of both she said, “So how’d your thing go?”

  “That’s what I needed to talk to you about. It seemed to go OK, but they don’t want us to talk about it until they figure out what to do.”

  “You know me” she said, patting her stomach, “as tight as a drum. I wouldn’t say anything.” Then she got a faraway look. “Well I guess I did say something to a few guys at the bar, but they were just interested in my body.”

  Ximon, “I’m sure they were. Hey, I’m sorry to have pulled you away from all that glamor, but I was worried about you.”

  Elsbeth, “… and the talking thing.”

  Ximon, “And the talking thing.”

  Ximon explained everything that had been discussed and said he hoped they’d be paid quickly. He also told her that she could order those parts as soon as she wanted.

  She said, “Yeah, that’s great. I’ll do that later today, but now I’m going home and getting some sleep. I couldn’t sleep with you pawing all over me. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She ended with a wink and left the ship to get a cab.