TSN: Epiphany (Terran Space Navy)

by Paul Phipps

  There were a few barks of laughter and some chuckling from his officers.

  “The good news is that this week is now done. The bad news is that next week promises to be just as crazy as this one but in some more familiar ways. We have about 90 minutes before Admiral Caparelli and Secretary of the Navy Dunbar are due to talk with us. I intend on using this time to bring you all up to speed and to allow our newest colleague to talk with us about the Epiphany.”

  “So let’s get started. Point Number one,” On the large monitor the beginnings of a PowerPoint presentation with the title page appeared.

  “Continuing efforts of the Chinese to discover what is happening with us. Their submarine, the Guangzhou, has broken their stealthy protocols and is racing at its top speed of 31 Knots after us. We are not giving them any indication that we have spotted them. Currently we are using Passive Sonobouys and the SOSUS arrays to follow their movements. The Chinese Carrier battle group that was exercising to the East of New Guinea has changed course and is heading for what we think is a position 500 miles to the south of Pearl. There are indications that their second and third Carrier groups are preparing to get underway. We are going on the assumption that they will be supporting their First Carrier Group.”

  “Second, we are currently at 110% of required munitions and reloads for Task Force 14. However we are going to need to have the Guadalupe go to Pearl Harbor or San Diego to replenish herself for JP-5 for the Fleet and our Aircraft. If you need to top off before she departs then put in your request today.”

  Captain Steele indicated he wished to ask a question.

  “Go ahead Captain Steele.” Admiral Crane said looking at him.

  “Thank you sir, Sorry to interrupt your briefing. But what about the civilian crew of the Guadalupe talking about the TSN and the Epiphany? Aren’t we still under complete security about those subjects?”

  “A good question, as of this time we are under a complete security blanket. With the concurrence of the CNO and Secretary Dunham I propose on lifting some of that security. Face it, we are NOT going to be able to hide the Epiphany from our own people let alone any foreign power. Especially since the Chinese already know something out of the ordinary has happened. It’s better if we do a controlled release of information rather than somebody else that doesn’t have our best interests at heart.”

  “Any other questions on this subject?” Admiral Crane asked looking around the table.

  Ansel indicated that he would like to speak.

  “Yes, Commander Webster?”

  “Admiral Crane, I was going to bring this up later on but now is as good a time as any. The Epiphany has finished filling her Fuel tanks and can provide JP-5 for not only the Guadalupe but for all of the vessels and aircraft in Task Force 14.”

  “I’m confused Commander Webster.” Commander Faber of the Guadalupe said. “What did you mean by saying that you just finished filling up the Epiphany’s fuel tanks? Did you just create the fuel out of thin air, because the Guadalupe certainly didn’t pass you any fuel.”

  “Yes, Commander Faber, you are essentially correct. Only we created it out of the Seawater we pull through Water Jet #3 and #5. The Epiphany is equipped with a basic TSN Convertor that takes that Seawater and converts a small portion of it to JP-5. It’s one of the systems that we have that makes for the capability of being totally autonomous of shore based facilities. And that capability extends to our munitions and Aircraft.”

  There were a few minutes of total silence as the rest of the officers with the exception of Lt. Commander Thomas who had a broad grin on her face, absorbed the statement of Ansel with total incredulity.

  Ansel broke the silence, “ Admiral Crane, Commander Faber, Ladies and Gentlemen. You all had the opportunity to watch the Epiphany be created in the space of two hours. Why wouldn’t the TSN put some of that capability into her?

  Captain Welles broke the silence at that point. “Why not indeed Commander Webster, I see you share some of the same traits as Admiral Webster. You do like your little ‘surprises’ don’t you.”

  “I’m afraid it might be a family trait sir. Heaven knows that I have had it pulled on me enough already.” Ansel replied with a wry face and tone.

  “Hmm, yes, I can see that from your point of view.” Admiral Crane said with a chuckle to his voice. “Any other surprises for us?”

  “Yes, sir, I’m sure there are. But please continue with your briefing sir.” Ansel said.

  “Good idea, Mr. Webster. With the information you just gave us though, I believe I am going to modify my intentions with the Guadalupe. Commander Faber, make arrangements with Commander Webster and the Epiphany to transfer enough JP-5 to fill your bunkers.”

  “Aye Aye, Sir”, Commander Faber replied.

  The Briefing continued… and in the Pentagon at the same time.

  * * *

  Pentagon – 1630L Saturday, November 7, 2026

  Secure Video Conference Room #3, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Caparelli, Secretary of the Navy Dunbar. Admiral Saunders – Deputy CNO, Captain Eagleton.

  “You’ve all had time now to read and think over Admiral Crane’s report about the Terran Space Navy and the Creation and Delivery of the Aircraft Carrier Epiphany.” Admiral Caparelli started out.

  “Yes, I’ve looked it over and if you hadn’t shown me photographic and video evidence I would be calling for your commitment to a Psych Center.” Admiral Saunders said with a straight face.

  “Well, I’m still not totally convinced.” Secretary Dunbar, “But with that being said, it’s because I just don’t believe in UFO’s and having this shoved into my face just rubs me wrong.”

  “Yes Sir, I too can understand that sentiment. But I’ve served with Admiral Crane before and I do believe it. I imagine that he felt the same way as you and he was directly involved, you know.” Captain Eagleton said.

  “Ok, now that we have the obligatory ‘I don’t believe its’ out of the way we need to go over Admiral Cranes proposals. Take into account that he has already committed the Navy by accepting this ‘Super’ Aircraft Carrier, this Epiphany, Whoever came up with a name like that?” Secretary Dunbar fumed, “Now how are we going to let the Secretary of Defense and the President know what we have done?”

  “I propose that we just tell them.” Admiral Caparelli said with a smile. “What are they going to do? Tell the TSN that we don’t want their ‘gift’. That will go over real well don’t you think. The capabilities that were demonstrated to Admiral Crane and Task Force 14 are huge. What If the TSN just brings one of their ships down over Washington and demands a little ‘sit down’ with the president.”

  “Oh, yeah, I can see it now. Mr. Secretary Anderson I think you and President Richardson need to be made aware of our latest addition to the Navy. Oh, yes I need to add that it was fabricated and delivered to us by a Fucking big UFO.” Secretary Dunbar said with a whimsical smile. “Much as the thought please me in relation to Secretary of Defense Anderson, I really don’t want the President to think of us as nuts or even out of control.”

  “I think we need to do something and I think we need to do it tonight.” Admiral Saunders said. “I propose that we ask for an emergency meeting with the President and Secretary of Defense Anderson after we have a chance to talk face to face with Admiral Crane and his officers.

  Frankly I want to see this jumped up Electronic Technician second class that was released from the Navy and made into a Commander of the Terran Space Navy. And of course is now the ‘Acting Captain’ of the biggest vessel in the U.S. Navy.”

  “A little upset over that Richard?” asked Admiral Caparelli.

  “Frankly, yes! I looked over his service record as soon as I got that little bit of info from Admiral Crane’s report. And for the life of me I don’t see why he was ‘chosen’.

  “Maybe you didn’t look over addendum 16, Sir.” Captain Eagleton spoke up. “It’s explained fully there. And I must admit that I am glad he was there in that spot. It w
ill make things a bit easier in the long run. Also the addendum states plainly that he and the Epiphany believe that the U.S. Navy needs to have one of our own as Captain and that Commander Webster will serve as a liaison between us and the TSN. I expect we will be getting their recommendations soon.”

  “Hmmph, no I didn’t read that addendum. Hold on while I do so.” Admiral Saunders said.

  A quick shuffling of papers and then a chuckle, some more shuffling and … “Captain Eagleton, this answers some of my questions. I apologize that I had not read the addendums before this. I see that the TSN is not immune to Nepotism.”

  “As I understand it, Commander Webster was chosen by the A.I. that controls the Epiphany. Not by Admiral Webster, it seems that the Admiral knew nothing of the presence of ET2 Webster in Task Force 14.”

  “Oh yes, you had to bring that up didn’t you.” Secretary Dunbar said. “Intelligent Ships, how are we going to deal with that? Let alone trying to explain it.”

  Admiral Caparelli just grinned, “Well now, I believe that we don’t have much of a choice here. We are just going to have to deal with it.”

  “Speaking of dealing with ‘it’, what do you think of the video Admiral Crane sent that shows Admiral Webster’s initial briefing to him. I am speaking of their desire to use the U.S. Navy as their DeFacto recruiting office and primary screener?” Secretary Dunbar said with a slight frown.

  Admiral Saunders sighed and said, “Actually from my point of view that is probably the most believable thing out of this whole …. Incident. Admiral Webster’s reasoning is quite good. We are probably the most suitable branch to provide qualified and tested recruits for an outer space navy. A navy is a navy, we go to sea in our ships they go to space in theirs. The pressures on the personnel should be quite similar.”

  “Then there is this matter of ARKS? Whole unoccupied Earth’s that they want to colonize using this Earth’s population excesses. What do you make of that?” Secretary Dunbar said sarcastically.

  Just then there was a knock on the door and one of the Marine Sergeants guarding it opened it and stuck his head in.

  “Admiral Caparelli, The communication tech says that Task Force 14 is ready to begin.”

  “Thank you, Sergeant, Tell the tech to go ahead with the connection. I’ll break it from here.”

  “Aye Aye, Sir” And then the door was shut once again.

  On the primary large screen monitor appeared a view of Video Conference room #1 on board the George H.W. Bush. Admiral Crane started to speak.

  “Secretary Dunbar, Admiral Caparelli, Admiral Saunders thank you for agreeing to talk with us at such an unusual hour.”

  “It’s good to see you again Admiral Crane”, Admiral Caparelli said, “I must say that your trip was much more fruitful than I thought it would be. I wish I could have seen those UFO’s myself, the video of the Lucky descending was amazing. Something right out of Hollywood.”

  “Yes, sir it was. And thank you for mentioning Hollywood because as I see it that was the number one reason why the TSN gifted us with the Epiphany. It’s very difficult to poo-poo hard tangible evidence isn’t it. No fuzzy photographs and 13,000 or so eye witnesses.”

  “Yes, there is that. We are more used to hiding things than exposing them aren’t we?”

  “Yes Sir, and now we are being forced to expose this one, do you have a plan?” Admiral Crane said earnestly.

  “I have the beginning of one in any case.” Admiral Caparelli said with a trace of humor in his voice. “But with that being said I believe that we all need to think about this and quickly. Once this video conference is over I am agreeing to Admiral Saunders proposal that we bring in the Secretary of Defense and The President. The Joint Chiefs will also need to be informed. That’s going to be …‘interesting’.”

  “Very good points there Admiral,” Secretary of the Navy Dunbar interjected. “I am going to take the role of Antagonist and Doubting Thomas. And my first point is this. “What if the President directs The Navy and Task Force 14 to remove our personnel from the Epiphany and scrub ALL records, recordings and place this incident under the highest security rating available,”

  Admiral Crane turned to Ansel, “What will the TSN do if the President orders our personnel to leave the Epiphany?”

  Ansel went into Slowtime:

  Ansel/Comspeech Mode/ “Ari connect us to Admiral Webster and Seeker ASAP”

  Ariadne/Comspeech Mode/ “I was listening in Ansel. Admiral Webster and Seeker have gotten a burst transmission.”

  Admiral Webster/ Comspeech Mode/ “We gamed that scenario here. Our response would be to honor their request. With the exception of yourself. You are in the TSN now.

  Our further response would be to send in the Lucky and pick you up thereby leaving no Tangible traces of our contact. After that we will see what happens as the crews from Task Force 14 spill the beans someday. Also the Chinese know something happened. It will be interesting to see their response to accusations from them.

  We will also be listening via Ariadne to the rest of this conference. So if you need advice we will give it otherwise you are the man on scene and we will back you up.”

  Ansel/ Comspeech Mode/ “Thank you sir, I’ll do my best not to let you down.”

  Admiral Webster/ Comspeech Mode/ “You won’t, now let’s get back to them.”

  Ansel spoke with authority, “The position of the TSN is that we would honor your request. All U.S. Naval personnel would return to the George H.W. Bush.”

  “And what about the Epiphany itself?” Admiral Crane pressed.

  “We would leave Task Force 14 and be picked up by the Lucky.”

  “Just like that?” Secretary Dunbar said incredulously.

  “Yes, Mr. Secretary, Just like that. We are looking for a partnership with the U.S. Navy. If you or the government you represent doesn’t want that partnership then we will honor your position.” Ansel said.

  “And if the Government of the United States decided at a later date that it want to re-enter a partnership with the Terran Space Navy?” Secretary Dunbar asked.

  “We will not deal with the current administration in that case. Perhaps another one, perhaps not.” Ansel said with equanimity.

  Admiral Webster Comspeech Mode/ “I just sent him a communiqué. If he keeps pressing ask him to read it.”

  “I am not sure that you have the authority to speak for the TSN in such weighty matters.” Admiral Saunders spoke up.

  “In that case I suggest you read the latest communiqué from Admiral Webster to Secretary Dunbar.”

  Admiral Caparelli just shook his head and shuffled through his papers until he found the ‘paper’ the communiqués from the TSN came on. He glanced down at it and gave a quick smile and passed it on to Secretary Dunbar.

  To: Undersecretary of the Navy Dunbar

  From: Fleet Admiral Noah Webster, Terran Space Navy

  Subject: Personnel authorized to represent the Terran Space Navy

  Commander Ansel Webster has my full confidence and my authorization to represent the Terran Space Navy in all contacts with the United States Navy and the Legal Government of the United States and its authorized and accredited representatives.

  All agreements he authorizes the Terran Space Navy to enter into will be honored in spirit as well as to the letter of the agreement.

  Respectfully,

  Fleet Admiral Carl Noah Webster, TSN

  Secretary Dunbar read the communiqué and blanched. He rolled his eyes and passed it on to Admiral Saunders.

  “I believe that you are indeed authorized to speak for the TSN, Commander Webster.” Secretary Dunbar said after a moment to regain his composure.

  “Thank you sir, Shall we continue then?” Ansel said politely.

  “Yes, let’s get on with it.” Admiral Caparelli interjected. “As I see it, we need to get The Secretary of Defense and the President brought up to speed. I was planning on flying out to Pearl Harbor on Monday morning with a stop at Task Force 1
4. I think that might be needed to be sped up a bit.

  Also what if the President decides that he wants to meet with Admiral Webster and Commander McAndrews. Can it be arranged to do so quietly before he has to address the nation about these events?”

  Admiral Webster/ Comspeech Mode/ “Tell him yes, since the President is at Camp David right now we could come there tonight in masking mode and pay him a visit. Let’s see how they react to that.”

  Ansel looked up at the ceiling and looked as if he were in thought.

  “Yes, it can be arranged. I believe that President Richardson and his family are at Camp David for the weekend. Admiral Webster and Commander McAndrews can arrive there in one of our masked Scout Ships. I would be willing to bet that Roland would like to be the one” He said as he looked over at Admiral Crane and Captain Welles with a slight grin on his lips.