The mining operation was on an airless moon of Stalor Four. A rich deposit of heavy metals had been discovered close to the surface of the small volcanic moon, and the Grayson Space Metals Company had purchased the mining rights from the Federation. A small automated mining operation had been set up, and twenty men had volunteered to work the mine. Each of them would receive a hefty bonus when the operation was finished. The bonuses were what made this type of operation extremely popular with miners. The hours were long and hard, but the money made it worth it. Then it would be three months off before they returned to start a new mining operation on another airless moon somewhere else.
Marcus was taking it easy and listening to some music when his eyes strayed over to the sensor screen. A bright blip had appeared at the extreme edge. “What the crap?” he muttered, sitting up and turning off his music. He knew there were no scheduled ships that should be in the system. Marcus wondered if it was the Federation cruiser making a surprise visit or a freighter off course. Their operation was perfectly legal with all the proper paperwork filed. There was no reason for a surprise inspection. They were also so far out from the normal freight routes that it shouldn’t be a freighter.
As he watched the screen, he saw the blip rapidly closing with the mining operation. “That can’t be right,” he mumbled to himself as he reached forward and adjusted the screen. Damn that ship was moving fast! Impossibly fast! Glancing at the computer, he saw that the contact was closing with the outpost at twice the speed of a Federation cruiser. He pressed a few buttons on the scanning computer to confirm the speed of the approaching ship. This had to be a computer malfunction. His face turned pale, and a cold chill ran down his back as he read the results. No ship could move that fast!
Starting to get extremely nervous, Marcus flipped on the outpost’s com system and requested that Martin Stent report to the operations center immediately. Martin was the operations chief for the mining operation. Looking back at the screen, Marcus saw that the computer in charge of the station’s long-range sensors and close-range scanners was still trying to identity the incoming ship. Martin hoped that Stent would get here quickly, he suddenly didn’t like being in the small operations center by himself.
By the time Martin reached the operations center, the unidentified ship was already sliding into orbit above the moon. It had closed and gone into orbit at an astonishing speed.
“What’s going on?” Martin demanded in a gruff voice. He had been sound asleep when Marcus had summoned him. Most of his time was spent down in the mine, and he had been exhausted at the end of his last shift. Even though most of the operation was automated, it still took a lot of hands on work by the miners. “This had better be important!”
Marcus just pointed to the sensor screen, his face slightly pale. “The computer says that the ship that’s currently going into orbit is not of Federation origin.”
“What the hell do you mean, not of Federation origin?” Martin demanded his eyes drilling into Marcus. Then his gaze switched over to the sensor screen and the attached computer.
“It means that ship above us was not built by the Federation,” Marcus explained with fright in his eyes. “It’s an alien ship!”
Martin sat down stunned. “Alien?” he spoke slowly trying to grasp what Marcus had just said. “That’s impossible. The Federation has never encountered any traces of aliens so far in its explorations. The computer must be wrong.”
“Well we have now,” responded Marcus, trying to stay calm. “That’s an alien ship in orbit above us.”
The two men looked at the sensor and scanner screens. Why did this have to happen here and now? Another two months and this mining operation would have been finished.
“Send an FTL transmission to the cruiser Avenger,” Martin ordered as he watched the blip on the screen nervously. It was just setting there, doing nothing.
Contact with aliens was totally out of his league. The Avenger should be close by, and they could handle this situation. He just hoped the aliens stayed in their ship until the military got here. He realized just how defenseless the mining operation was. There were no weapons allowed for safety reasons.
-
Commander Adam Standel was in the Command Center of the light cruiser Avenger when the communications officer motioned for his attention. The officer, Lieutenant Teena Arcles, had been busily talking to Lieutenant Jacen Barnes, the sensor operator, about a high priority message she had just received. She had wanted to verify a few things before she brought it to the commander’s attention. Teena was having a hard time believing what was in the message. In the back of her mind, she kept saying to herself that this couldn’t really be happening.
The Avenger was 600 meters in length and equipped with the latest weapons and sensor equipment from its recent upgrade at the massive shipyard in orbit above New Providence. It was currently on a routine patrol searching outlying star systems for unauthorized mining activity, as well as checking on the few legal mine sites within their patrol sector.
“What is it, Lieutenant?” asked Commander Standel strolling over to the communications console. These patrols were normally uneventful.
“It’s the mining colony in the Stalor System. They report that an alien spacecraft has gone into orbit, and they are requesting our immediate assistance.”
It had been a routine patrol so far checking the mining operations and the few scientific expeditions currently in their patrol sector. Teena felt an icy chill run up her back. She knew their patrol was about to turn into something much more than just routine. Teena had always wondered what it would be like to meet aliens. It sounded as if she was about to find out.
“An alien spacecraft!” Commander Standel exclaimed, his face turning pale. In all of the Federation’s explorations, they had never found any traces of alien life. “Are they sure?”
“Yes, sir, and we have confirmed it. They sent us their sensor readings, and it is definitely not a Federation ship,” Lieutenant Barnes responded. Teena had given him the sensor scans that had been attached to the message. He had quickly confirmed the data before Teena had told the commander. “I’ve run the sensor scans through our data base, and it doesn’t match any known Federation ship.”
“An alien spacecraft,” Major Winfred repeated stunned, looking at Commander Standel in confusion. Major Winfred was standing near the plotting table in front of the command console. He could scarcely believe what he had just heard. Winfred had been in the fleet for twenty years and had never expected to hear those words. “What are we going to do? Stalor Four is in our sector, and we’re responsible for their security.”
Commander Standel spun about, reaching a quick decision and looking over at his executive officer spoke decisively. “Plot a jump to the Stalor System and go to Condition One as soon as we exit the vortex. Have our two fighters ready to launch.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Major Winfred nodding toward the navigation officer. “Lieutenant, plot a jump back to the Stalor System. Helm, stand by for high speed maneuvering after we come out of hyperspace.”
Commander Standel looked toward the front of the Command Center at the large viewscreen. Ariel, the ship’s AI, was watching him. Her dark eyes looked inquisitive, and then she spoke.
“Commander, I have analyzed the sensor readings from Stalor Four and Lieutenant Barnes is correct; the ship in orbit does appear to be alien in nature. It does not match any current or past Federation military or civilian designs.”
“When we jump into the system, I want a full sensor scan of that ship, Ariel. I want to know exactly what we’re up against. Hopefully they’re just a peaceful exploration mission.”
“Yes, sir,” Ariel replied. The AI looked relaxed in her dark blue fleet uniform with her black hair lying upon her shoulders.
A few minutes later, a spatial vortex of blue-white light formed in front of the powerful Federation cruiser and the ship plunged through it. The Avenger was only two light years from the Stalor System. The jump l
asted a short twenty minutes before a second blue-white vortex formed in the Stalor System and the Avenger was expelled.
“Status report!” Commander Standel demanded his eyes moving to the large sensor screen above the plotting table.
“All systems on line. FTL drive core is cooling down. We are at Condition One with all weapon hatches open. Missiles are spun up and available,” Major Winfred reported calmly. Then, listening to a report on his mini-com, which he wore on his right ear, he continued. “Marines have been deployed into all critical ship areas.”
“Alien ship detected,” reported Lieutenant Barnes from his computer in front of the ship’s sensors. “The ship is still being classified as unidentified and of possible non-Federation construction.”
“That’s confirmed,” added Ariel as she studied and analyzed the sensor data that was coming in. “We are too far out to pick up any fine details, but the ship is definitely alien.”
“Send an FTL message up the chain of command,” Commander Standel ordered. “The top brass needs to know what we’ve encountered. Let them know that we’re closing on the alien’s position and will attempt to make contact.” He knew that even an FTL message would take a full day to reach the home system of the Federation. The Stalor System was far out on the very edge of Federation explored space.
His best hope was that a battle cruiser or a fleet battle carrier was nearby and would pick up the message. The bigger ships had people trained for possible first contact scenarios. With resignation, he knew that until someone higher up made an appearance he would be responsible for this first contact situation.
Gazing at the sensor screen, which showed the alien ship in orbit above the mining colony, Commander Standel looked over at Major Winfred. “Take us in, Bob; let’s see what we’ve got.”
-
For the next two hours, the Avenger slowly closed with the alien ship. Once they got close enough, an image of the strange ship appeared on the main viewscreen on the front wall of the Command Center. Ariel reappeared on a smaller screen next to it.
“The alien ship is 800 meters in length and wedge shaped,” Ariel reported in a calm voice. “It is nearly 400 meters in width at its widest point. It is also very heavily armed. Numerous gun ports are visible as well as what appear to be missile tubes. Sensors are unable to penetrate their hull. It appears to be made of a composite material that’s not in my data base.”
“That sounds more like a warship than an exploration vessel,” Major Winfred commented uneasily. Looking worriedly over at Commander Standel, he continued. “Depending on their technology level, we may be outgunned. Should we launch our fighters?”
“I know,” replied Commander Standel drawing in a sharp breath. He didn’t like the looks of this at all. “Continue to close until we reach extreme weapons range, then bring us to a stop broadside to the alien. Keep the weapons hot and aimed at our new friend. Hold the fighters in the bay for now.”
“From the speed the alien ship was traveling as it approached Stalor Four, I would place their technology level slightly above ours,” Ariel commented. “I would not recommend any type of military engagement.”
Commander Standel and Major Winfred looked at each other worriedly. It was bad enough to encounter an alien warship that was larger than the Avenger, but to learn that it might be more advanced was even more troubling. Standel wondered just what they were getting themselves into.
-
The Avenger moved into orbit above the mining colony and one hundred kilometers from the alien. For several minutes, neither side moved. Both sides were obviously studying the other.
“We’re receiving a message from the unidentified ship,” Lieutenant Arcles suddenly reported from Communications. “It’s in standard, sir.” Teena tried to sound calm. She couldn’t believe that she had just received a message from an actual alien.
“They already know our language,” Major Winfred spoke uneasily with a frown appearing on his face. “That means they have been observing the mining colony for quite some time.”
“What do they want?” asked Commander Standel looking over at Communications. This was a situation he had never been trained for. He would have to be extremely careful in how he proceeded. He didn’t want to screw this up.
“They say they’re from the Hocklyn Trade Alliance and wish to implement talks on setting up diplomatic, as well as trade relations.”
“A strange way to implement talks by sending a warship,” commented Major Winfred, looking at the alien ship on the viewscreen. “Commander, this whole thing doesn’t feel right.”
“I agree,” replied Commander Standel gazing at the main viewscreen. “But it’s not our decision to make.” Turning back to Lieutenant Arcles, he ordered a message sent to Fleet Command. “Inform Fleet Command of the Hocklyn Trade Alliance’s request. Also inform the Hocklyns that we have sent a message requesting a diplomatic negotiating team to be sent to this system.”
“Messages sent,” Lieutenant Arcles reported after a moment. “The Hocklyns say that’s fine, and they’re willing to wait for the diplomats.”
“Very well,” replied Commander Standel feeling relieved. “Major Winfred, put the ship at Condition Two and spin down the missiles. It looks as if we’re going to be here for awhile.”
-
Admiral Streth looked at his new orders with distaste. He was to rendezvous with the destroyer Astral and pick up a diplomatic mission. A Federation Senator and part of his staff had been on an inspection tour of Aldon Two’s largest mining operation. The mining operation had come under investigation when it was discovered that a number of ore freighters had been found to be under reporting the ore they were carrying.
“What do you know about this senator?” asked Colonel Sheen, coming over to stand next to Admiral Streth. “I’m not familiar with him.”
Admiral Streth folded his arms across his chest, then frowned and looked over at his executive officer. “Senator Jacksom is from New Eden. He is highly anti-military and has been quite vocal in the Federation Senate about curtailing further exploration.”
“Sounds like someone I don’t want to meet,” commented Colonel Sheen cocking her eyebrow. “How many in the senator’s party?”
“Four, plus the senator,” answered Admiral Streth. “Make sure they have appropriate quarters.”
“Yes, sir,” Colonel Sheen replied. “I will make sure our guests are comfortable, even though I suspect the senator will not be happy with his accommodations.”
“I’m afraid you’re right,” Admiral Streth sighed resignedly. “But this situation calls for diplomacy and the Federation wants a senator to handle it.”
“Aliens,” spoke Colonel Sheen shaking her head in disbelief. “In all these years of exploration we never found a trace.”
“It had to happen eventually,” replied Admiral Streth knowing how she felt. “The farther into space the Federation expanded made contact inevitable at some point.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Colonel Sheen said. “I just wish it didn’t involve us.” Turning, she made her way out of the Command Center and headed toward the StarStrike’s guest quarters. Dealing with politicians was one of her least favorite duties.
-
A few hours later, the StarStrike and her task force made contact with the 400-meter destroyer Astral. A shuttle brought the senator and his party over, and Admiral Streth was waiting for them in the flight bay. Hedon wasn’t happy about the senator being on his ship. While he understood the importance of a civilian government official being in charge of a first contact scenario, he just didn’t know if Senator Jacksom was the right man.
The senator was the first one to exit the shuttle, and just from the aggravated look on the man’s face Hedon suspected his worst fears were justified. He hoped the Federation wasn’t making a huge mistake sending this man to negotiate with the aliens.
Looking around the flight bay, the senator spotted the admiral and made a beeline straight for him as the rest o
f his party exited the shuttle. The senator wasn’t happy about his investigation being interrupted and then being sent off on this wild goose chase. The military was certainly going to hear about this! Aliens! Of all things! Couldn’t they have come up with something more original? He wondered if this was just a ruse to stop his investigation of Aldon Two’s mining operations. Could the military be involved somehow?
“Admiral,” Senator Jacksom said with a distasteful frown on his face. “I hope this supposed report from the cruiser Avenger is correct. I would hate to find out that my busy schedule has been interrupted because a Federation warship couldn’t properly identify an ore freighter.”
“I can assure you the report is accurate, Senator,” Admiral Streth replied evenly. “My own command staff has analyzed the data sent from the Avenger, and we have confirmed that the ship is indeed alien. They call themselves the Hocklyns and supposedly represent some type of trade alliance. They wish to establish diplomatic relations as well as set up some trade agreements.”
“Humph, let me be the judge of all that,” responded Senator Jacksom with obvious doubt still lingering in his voice. “How soon can we get to the Stalor System? I want to get this over with as soon as possible. I’m still not convinced that we’re dealing with aliens.”
“It will take us approximately thirty-six hours to reach the Stalor System,” Admiral Streth stated evenly, not letting any emotion show in his voice. It was obvious that Senator Jacksom’s dislike of the military was already clouding his judgment.
“Very well,” replied Senator Jacksom letting out a deep sigh of resignation. “Show us to our quarters and then notify me when we reach our destination.”
Admiral Streth turned to Colonel Sheen, who was standing next to him and had been listening to the entire exchange in disbelief. How could someone so obviously incompetent be a Federation Senator?
The Slaver Wars: Alien Contact Page 2
