NEBULAR Collection 7 - Guardians of the Continuum: Episodes 31 - 34

by Thomas Rabenstein

  »I’m glad to be part of it. We’re living in fascinating times,« Takahashi acknowledged. »At this point in time GCC-Center is still unique, but that will change in the future. I’ve heard that similar technology islands are planned for the Moon and Mars.«

  Suddenly, not too far away, a flashing dot flickered in the sky and caught Takahashi’s attention. He followed the start process and trajectory of the unknown spaceship with his eyes. Only now, as he deliberately looked up to the sky, he saw a circular shadow in the clouds over Yucatán.

  »Dear ancient gods! I didn’t imagine GCC-Center to be that humongous!« he shouted out loud. He was speechless for a moment.

  Sweeney looked for a gravo glider and had no eyes for the center complex, but he felt compelled to contribute a few words, »GCC-Center is suspended on top of a relatively thin stem that towers 3,000 meters above this area. From the distance, it looks like a gigantic mushroom. Hardly surprising since the architect was a Shwakan! When I saw GCC-Center for the first time, I felt like Alice in Wonderland. Fleet rumor has it that the Shwakans selected this location not because of the desolate countryside, but because of the ancient Mayan Temple of Kukulcán, which is nearby. Shwakans are magically drawn to these relics of Mesoamerican cultures.«

  Sweeney pointed with his hand toward the horizon.

  »If you look to the southeast, then you barely see the silhouette of that temple. Now the ancient Mayan monument is located in the shadow of a far more monumental building ...«

  Takahashi didn’t pay much attention to Sweeney’s words. The most eccentric and largest building in the world had put a spell on him.

  The GCC-Center is truly a fascinating building. It looks so delicate and fragile, yet so powerful. On cloudy days like today, one only sees the stem of the building and is thinking of a tall tower, lost in the clouds. But above the clouds, the actual building is towering the landscape, invisible and much more impressive. Incredible! This building would not exist without extraterrestrial help. Had the builders applied terrestrial construction methods, the foundation and the stem would have shattered and collapsed under the enormous weight and the mass of the building. The numerous static problems could not have been solved with earthly technology.

  »I don’t want to bore you. Surely you’ve heard about the dimensions of GCC-Center already. It has a diameter of 3,800 meters with a height of about 800 meters,« Sweeney said. »I think, however, it’s much more exciting when you see the shadow of the GCC-Center at noon on a sunny day. Then the temperatures below the building fall by almost ten degrees Celsius. It seems to the center and spaceport staff like a daily total solar eclipse. It’s also the only time at which the people can be outside without sunscreen or climatized clothing. Some extraterrestrial specialists, who also work here, don’t need sun protection, however.«

  Takahashi looked up to GCC-Center, but could not see any details. The sky was covered by deep cloud layers which obscured the actual building. Only the vague outline of the mushroom cap was recognizable.

  Two glowing energy spheres approached Takahashi’s and Sweeney’s location at a fast speed and then descended slowly before the men.

  »Just get in and relax,« Sweeney encouraged his Japanese companion and winked a goodbye at him. »Take care, who knows, maybe we’ll meet again in a few days.«

  Suspicious, Takahashi looked at the transport sphere and sighed softly, »Times are changing and we have to keep up with the pace.«

  Mission Plan

  Admiral Friedberg looked at the newcomer. Small crow feet appeared at the edges of his eyes as he went over Takahashi’s file. Friedberg already knew Takahashi’s biography, but flipped the holographic foils devoutly, nevertheless.

  Friedberg’s office was, like all the other control centers of the Union Fleet, located inside the GCC-Center. The transport sphere had taken Takahashi to the Union Government sector. An escort and an aide had received him and led him to the office of the admiral.

  An office above the clouds, Takahashi thought impressed.

  »You’ve completed your training at the Fleet Academy with distinction ...«

  Takahashi smiled thinly. Friedberg didn’t expect an answer.

  Although Friedberg knew, he asked anyway, »What did you receive the Golden Comet for?«

  »For creative problem solving and flexible thinking when assigned a specialized command function, Sir,« Takahashi replied confidently.

  »Yepp, that’s what’s written here in your file … just wanted to hear that from you. During a space simulation, you managed to maneuver a cruiser out of the Jupiter ring and the gravitational field of a moon, although the actual mission was to evacuate a cruiser crew under severe conditions.«

  »I thought it was appropriate to rescue the crew and the ship, Sir. Apart from the enormous value of a cruiser, the crew had a much better chance of survival inside the ship than in free space, accounting for the proximity of the moon Io and its gravity field. The life support systems of the cruiser worked properly at that time.«

  »Although, just a simulation, you took it upon yourself to change the mission parameters,« Friedberg said with a soft voice.

  »With all due respect, Sir. Simulations don’t exist for me out there. I assessed the simulated situation as if it were real.«

  »In a real situation, you hadn’t been able to fix the neuronal computer, restore the engine control and escape from the gravity field with that ship. Just like that!« Friedberg said thoughtfully.

  »With that crew? I’m sure, Sir,« Takahashi replied proudly. »The fact is, in a real emergency situation like this one, none of the cruiser’s crew members would have survived in space. The ship was too close to Io. The cruiser would have plunged into the moon’s atmosphere and burnt up along with the crew.«

  Friedberg looked up interested, then he smiled.

  »Then the simulation program writer didn’t have the full grasp of the situation at hand. Hmm ... but why did you let the chef fix the engine failure?«

  »My father taught me to always get the best out of people. I applied this principle to all specialist who assisted me. The chef was a neuronal computer architect before he joined the fleet. He was, at this moment, the best man for the job and I was glad that he was on board.«

  Friedberg nodded.

  »Your father gave you some good advice. What are your thoughts on the new management structure within the Union Fleet?«

  »Are you talking about the flexible command hierarchy, Sir?«

  Friedberg nodded.

  »I’m a proponent of the new organization and confident that it will have a positive impact on ship operations,« said Takahashi. »Especially on cruisers of the Cooperation Council, to which Humans and extraterrestrials do service together. I think, the old structures are no longer applicable in this new and broader context. Many extraterrestrials have no idea of Human hierarchies, as inherited from old military organizations. A mission commander has to rely at all times on his specialists. They are in control of strategic decisions. The mission specialist advises the commander. I consider myself a researcher, not a soldier. This doesn’t mean, however, that we’re unable to defend ourselves if necessary. When selecting the right people and train them accordingly, then, I’m convinced, the new organization will work very well.«

  Friedberg was impressed. He set aside the folder and leaned back in his chair. He had made a decision.

  »You’ve applied for the command function on a cruiser, for special purposes.«

  Friedberg raised an eyebrow. »I assume, this doesn’t mean commanding a Union cruiser?«

  Takahashi blushed for a moment.

  »Admiral, as a young graduate of the academy, I’m certainly not in the position to demand anything, but I’d like to take command of a cruiser with a mixed crew that has faster-than-light flight experience on interstellar missions …«

  »... oh, the Solar System is too small for you and our Union ships too slow?« joked Friedberg, interrupting Takahashi’s passionate speec
h for a moment, but he couldn’t upset him.

  »Our solar system is explored, the tasks are limited,« Takahashi continued. »I have respect for the commanders of our vessels and their performances, but would like to take on new tasks, Admiral. Unfortunately, the Solar Union does not yet have its own cruisers with faster-than-light propulsion systems, that’s why I want to work for the GCC.«

  Friedberg nodded slowly.

  »You can, of course, be registered as a candidate for GCC missions, but the waiting list is long. What would you say if the Solar Union had a ship like that?«

  Takahashi listened up.

  »Admiral?«

  »What I’m telling you is strictly confidential. Is that clear?«

  »Absolutely clear, Sir!« Takahashi replied.

  Friedberg smiled contentedly when he declared, »As part of the Galactic Cooperation Council, our engineers and scientists, together with experts from friendly galactic nations, analyzed the knowledge database of the Circle People. They used the technical information to design and build a brand new, FTL-capable ship for our fleet. These activities and efforts ran under the secret project name Phoenix.«

  Takahashi’s eyes sparkled as the admiral continued, »The new cruiser was equipped with various extraterrestrial enhancements and fitted with extensive research equipment. This prototype has completed all test runs and exceeded our expectations. Now, I am looking for a commander, who flies that ship out of the orbital dock and continues the tests under severe conditions.«

  Takahashi wrestled with his emotions.

  »Admiral, you definitely have many experienced commanders who deserve such a command. This is a historic moment for the Union Fleet. I can’t even imagine being on the short list …«

  Friedberg was serious when he said, »This mission is dangerous, Takahashi. I need a commander who is aware of the risks and able to take responsibility for the cruiser and the lives of the crew. The Fleet is looking for a creative thinker who adapts to new situations quickly and leads the mission specialists accordingly. It must be a new thinker who fits into the organization and drives the team to peak performance.« The admiral sternly looked at Takahashi. »Do you think to be this man?«

  Takahashi pondered for a few seconds, then nodded confidently.

  »I’m still young, I trust my training and my skills although many commanders have more experience than me. It’s not up to me to recommend myself for that post, but if the ship actually exists and is ready for lift-off, then I’d love to fly it.«

  Friedberg’s face was emotionless.

  »It exists! The Nebular is in the dock of the orbital station Epsilon. I give you the command of the ship, expecting a readiness report within 48 hours. The departure time has already been set; I want you to start on time. By the way, you didn’t need to recommend yourself for this command. You were already selected by a higher authority. That’s all you need to know for now.«

  Externally, Takahashi remained relaxed, but inside him an emotional storm erupted. This news was far better than anything he had hoped for.

  »You’re a Hybrid?« Friedberg asked casually.

  »Yes, that’s true. Is that a problem?« Takahashi asked.

  »No, absolutely not. I was just wondering … Your eyes don’t have the typical golden glow. You know what I mean. It’s not necessary to hide your origin.«

  Takahashi smiled.

  »I would never do that, Sir. My brown eye color is atypical of my origins, but it was never changed by intervention.«

  Friedberg nodded.

  »Alright then. I’m expecting your report after you boarded the Nebular. You may use one of the micro-portals which are scattered all over the GCC-Center. One of my mission specialists will help you with the transfer to the ship.«

  Takahashi saluted and wanted to leave the office, but then he turned around.

  »Admiral, I have a request.«

  Friedberg looked surprised.

  »What is it about?«

  »I want to make a personnel-related choice for the command crew,« Takahashi said cautiously.

  »Even before you got to know your crew?« Friedberg asked surprised.

  »I know that sounds strange, but I’m certain. I want to have an astronavigator transferred to the Nebular, Sir. His name is, Sean Sweeney.«

  Friedberg leaned back in his seat.

  »Do you know that man?«

  »I met him on my way to GCC-Center. I know instinctively that Sweeney is the right man for this virgin flight.«

  »Your instincts ...,« stretched Friedberg. His eyes narrowed. »Are these the same instincts that led you to appoint the ship’s chef to repair the neuronal computer on your exam?«

  Takahashi searched for words and looked slightly confused.

  Have I gone too far? he thought worriedly.

  »Okay, that’s fine,« Friedberg said. »I’ll go over the security screening report of this Sweeney. If everything is okay and he wants to be part of the flight as astronavigator, then I won’t be standing in your way.«

  Takahashi thanked Friedberg by bowing according to Japanese tradition, which caused Friedberg to smile.

  »You’ll find your mission orders onboard the ship. All the best, Commander!«

  GCC-Center

  One of my mission specialists will help you with the transfer to the ship, Takahashi repeated in his mind while cautiously following an extraterrestrial.

  The stranger wore a pale-blue uniform and the emblems of the Galactic Cooperation Council, but he wasn’t Human. The gnome-like creature was only fifty centimeters tall, looked like a tiny built lemur with short, gray-green mottled fur, pointed ears and large, black, intelligent looking eyes. He ran upright and quickly walked with nimble, mincing steps across the floor. He stopped from time to time and looked back at Takahashi. The extraterrestrial had his whip-like tail rolled up while standing and waiting for Takahashi. As soon as he began walking again, the tail rolled out, keeping the stranger in balance. He waved friendly and hectically at Takahashi, inviting him to catch up. He probably was a representative of a species that was stationed at the GCC-Center as part of the new cooperation agreement. Takahashi had never seen such a being before.

  After the Japanese had followed the alien silently for a while through the long corridors, he stopped pretentiously and slowly crouched down to be at eye-level with the extraterrestrial. The alien looked back, sniffing with his small, pointed snout and looked at Takahashi questioningly. His eyes sparkled.

  The newly appointed mission commander smiled.

  »Where exactly are we going and what’s your name?«

  The alien came closer, eyeing Takahashi interestedly. Suddenly, there was an unusually strong and serious voice which clearly surprised him.

  »On my home-world, I’m called Twinkle the Great Commander. This title is bestowed only after killing a clawed pine beetle. Not very many survive this test of courage and can tell about it.«

  Takahashi was speechless. He had underestimated the alien.

  In a friendlier voice, the Extraterrestrial continued, »I thought Admiral Friedberg had told you about me already. Please, excuse the little misunderstanding and let me make up for it.«

  Twinkle touched his chest with his little hand and said, »I’m an exchange specialist from Geldar, assigned to Earth, to make my contribution as a GCC member. I’m mainly here to learn from your people and to travel the cosmos.«

  Takahashi was embarrassed about his ignorance and looked around slightly confused. Men and women who used the same corridor, hurriedly walked past him, barely noticing the two. Here and there, a friendly smile, a brief greeting or an interested glance. Nobody laughed or wondered.

  Takahashi got up.

  »I’m sorry. I think that the admiral wanted to leave the introduction to us. This is my first visit to GCC-Center, as you probably noticed. I’m asking for forgiveness.«

  Twinkle raised one arm briefly and touched his forehead. Takahashi suspected an honorary salute or a greeting ritual
behind this gesture and was all the more astonished when the hominid replied, »That’s alright, don’t mention it.«

  The Japanese grimaced ever so slightly and asked interested, »Where exactly is Geldar? I have never heard of this planet.«

  Twinkle seemed to ponder for a moment.

  »The current position of our abode is not known to me, but shortly after I left the drifting settlement, it was located near a star you people call Pollux. My people fly to this redeye from time to time to mine the resources on the only moon of this planet. There’re massive mineral deposits that we need for our raft. That’s what we call our abode in space.«

  »Thus, Geldar is not a world in the usual sense?« Horatio asked.

  »Geldar is an artificial life-sustaining island, one of many, I might add, where my people live and with which we travel between the stars. We’re always working on expanding our raft. We are avid collectors, rarely remain in the same place and are always on the lookout for our origins. We call ourselves Homners, which in my language means something like the survivors.«

  Takahashi was impressed.

  »What is your field of knowledge, Mission Specialist?« Takahashi wanted to know.

  Twinkle promptly replied, »I’m a gene-analysis and genetics specialist. All Homners see themselves as experts in this field. I’m interested primarily in genetic patterns, as well as features and information that are contained in the coded genetic information of all living beings. Humans call this biological code DNA.«

  »Then you’re a member of the medical profession?« Takahashi asked.

  Twinkle shook his head enthusiastically.

  »Though, I may well be able to detect organic insufficiencies or disorders from defective genetic sequences, I’m primarily interested in the science of evolution. Unfortunately, we Homners have lost the knowledge about our origin and original home-world long ago. Perhaps our world of birth had been the victim of a disaster, or our ancestors were simply abandoned to fend for themselves. We are determined to solve the mystery of our origins someday. To bring light into the darkness, we have always collected genetic samples of all the inhabited worlds that crossed our path. So far we could not find any traces. Nevertheless, we were able to perfect our skills over the millennia and now have the most comprehensive gene databases and most sophisticated gene analyzers in the known galaxy.«