by Bob Mauldin
Simon stood and put out his hand as Gayle entered the room leading Dr. Walker. “Welcome aboard, Doctor. How are you holding up?”
Walker gave a small shrug. “Better, I think,” he said, taking Simon’s hand. “This is a bit much to accept, you must admit. And I’m not saying that I do accept it. I’ve seen some pretty good special effects in my time. I still need proof, Mr. Hawke.”
Gayle interrupted the proceedings. “Simon, Stephen, I have to go talk to Kitty for a bit. Will you excuse me, please?” The request was only peripherally heard as Stephen nodded his head without taking his eyes from Simon’s. Gayle waved a hand at Simon and left the two men to talk.
They released their grip and sat at Simon’s gesture. “Good. I must admit that we engineered all this just to talk to you, but neither Kitty nor I were aware of Gayle’s tactics. What we want is for you to join our little band of merry men. All of what I have in mind can be explained during a tour of the ship. As soon as you are up to it, of course. Coffee?’
Simon got up and poured Stephen a cup from a thermos sitting on a side table. He had beamed down and brought coffee back for their visitor as soon as he knew for certain that he would arrive. “Something normal to help him keep his head on straight while he adapts to the idea,” he had said by way of explanation, and it seemed to pay off.
During the tour that followed, Simon explained why Dr. Walker had been recruited, what some of their plans were for the future, and a bit about their timetable. One idea that Simon had conceived of was a way to marry solar cell technology from their benefactors to automobiles and even homes. Or, on a grander scale, cities. “We need to do something to get a cash-flow started,” he said.
Showing a flair for the dramatic, he saved the final pitch and a visit to the bridge for last. With a full Earth showing on the view screen, Simon asked, “So, interested in signing on? This isn’t going to be a picnic, but when will we get another chance at this kind of technology? I see a lot of hard work ahead, but with perseverance we should be able to get this crate to work for us just as well as she did for her original owners.”
Simon looked at Gayle who had returned from her talk with Kitty. “Some of this Kitty, Gayle and I just got from the computer. With a full crew, this ship is capable of turning out a basic design space dock in about six to eight months. That dock will be able to turn out space ships, depending on size, at the rate of about two a year.”
Simon turned back to Dr. Walker. “We would like you to set up planet-side operations for the solar cell project and then turn it over to someone of your choosing. Until then you’ll be wearing a bunch of hats, just like the rest of us. I will expect you to be my liaison between the scientists you approach and me, so getting yourself away from Earth-side operations as quickly as possible will be a prime consideration. Then you would be free to be on that first trip if you want. And another thing: your expertise in astrophysics guarantees you a position aboard just about anything we build.”
Dr. Walker looked at the planet below. “Of course, I’m interested, Simon. But the devil’s in the details.”
Nodding his head, Simon answered, “Of course. Getting paid is just one of those details. And I can’t cover that at present. Which is one reason I want to get the solar cell project I have in mind up and running, soonest. Along with a newer, improved battery. We should be able to realize revenue from that at a fantastic rate. We’re talking free fuel, here. And once we add anti-gravity, we have George Jetson’s car. Tell me that won’t make millions ... billions! You’ll have full access to all engineering specs to develop it. Probably get a lot of other ideas, too. Then there’s the planet-side setup. More money we don’t have. And officers and crew to pay. I would hope for precious metals from the asteroid mining, but not bet on it. No one knows what’s out there. And after we start turning out ships and crewing them, we’ll need even more money. A space-based population is going to require a space-based economy, so I guess one of the specialists we’re gonna need is an economist.”
At this point in his talk with Dr. Walker, Simon finally brought several things together in his mind for the first time. It was one of those “Aha!” moments rivaled only by the invention of pockets or learning to tie your shoes. Since he couldn’t give it to the government, and since the original owners were sure to come looking for it eventually, it needed to be duplicated. Including the computer’s memory core. Kitty and Gayle walked in and Simon looked at the three of them. “Here’s what I propose: crew this ship, go to the asteroid belt, and build a space dock. If we can build another ship like this one, then we can set this ship adrift headed back toward home. We should be able to make an educated guess as to which way to send it. By we I mean a whole crew, including the scientists that we want Stephen to talk to. Maybe the aliens will find it before they find us and give us some breathing room before we have to start dealing with an alien race.” He turned to Stephen. “Incidentally, you’ll need a wristband like ours to pull the disappearing act for your people.”
Gayle looked worried. “Suppose the previous owners don’t like the fact that we’ve duplicated their technology? Suppose they don’t like the competition?” The talk went on long, fueled by imagination and their surroundings.
The plan was finally modified into producing smaller, more heavily armed ships to begin with, and the duplicate later. At which, Simon winced. More people.
Consultations with the computer showed just how many. Five hundred plus for each ship built that followed the lines of the one they were on, minus the factory section. Those would be the battleships. Smaller ships, smaller crews. “One thing I saw when I was wandering around in the factory section was a list of ship types. One type I didn’t see was a carrier. For fighters. Which leads me to wonder if they never thought of that, or if fighter tactics won’t work against their enemies.” One way or another, they were talking about a lot of people. Not percentage-wise when you looked at Earth’s population levels, but still, someone was going to notice. Sooner or later, they surely would. Especially when they planned to siphon off the best and brightest.
Stephen interjected, “Can I put my two-cents worth in, here? Change of subject, but we seem to be doing that a lot. I think I can do more good up here after getting the first few groups of scientists settled in. I know a mechanical engineer who would be perfect to run any production facilities. After getting the patents on solar cells and batteries, of course. All these things take time. And that’s what we‘re talking here… time to create, patent, develop, market, produce. And it’s all going to take money. Do you ... we ... plan to crew this ship on a hope and a prayer?”
Kitty and Gayle both started to talk at the same time. They stopped, looked at each other, knowing each had the same idea, and Gayle jumped in. “That’s exactly how we’re going to do it, Stephen! Look at where we are! There are enough starry-eyed ... excuse the pun ... people down there to crew a thousand ships, given the chance. And for free! To live and work in space, and not on a space station, but on a spaceship. Yeah, some will get bored and quit, but there will be more just standing in line.”
Kitty chimed in. “But how long can we keep a people-drain that big a secret? Someone is going to notice, and then the shit’s gonna hit the fan. Especially the scientists, for God’s sake! Our government thinks of people like that as national resources. Remember, I was part of that program for several years. What happens when a bunch of ‘em start to disappear? We need to play this as close to the chest as possible, but I don’t think we are going to be a secret for very long. I mean, they know about the shuttle already. I hate to be a wet blanket, but we need to keep the possibilities in mind.”
Simon managed to break in. “Good ideas, everyone. And we are probably already compromised. This ship is going to be the only real refuge we’re going to have for a long time to come. Stephen, sounds like you’re going to fit in real well. I think you’re going to be a major asset and I’m delighted to have you aboard. I agree. You should handle
your situation as you see fit. I don’t have the expertise to tell you how to do it. Gayle, we’ll work on the logistics of recruiting non-scientific personnel. See what you can come up with, and we’ll brainstorm it. And Kitty, good points. Like I said, we’re already compromised. Especially after my visit from San Martino. And that was probably his people in Puerto Rico, too.
“I had hoped for a little more time,” he said, “but we’ll have to make our plans and keep one step ahead of the law. We’re going to have to provide safe havens for our recruits as well. That will include their families, eventually.”
He stood up and started to pace, thinking out loud, more than anything else. “Now, we’ll soon have a lot of people beaming up and down. Security is going to be a problem. We need security personnel before those scientists move in. And I think we’d better restrict access to the computer. Need to know type of thing. Speaking of which: we should get a computer person up here soonest. Kitty got a chance to look at the computer. The main unit is located in a small room at the back of deck three. She managed to get a panel off and look inside. It looks like some kind of green Jell-O or something. When I asked about it, I was told that it is a proto-organic gel, whatever that is. It seems that the computer is alive and stores things at a cellular level with super-fine lasers.”
The meeting seemed to come to a conclusion for the time being. Stephen took advantage of the lull to ask about getting specs on the technology he needed. He wound up with a trip to the factory control room, and a shiny, new wristband. As he prepared to beam back to Arecibo, he commented, “I’ve only got three more days on my stay there. I can start contacting people and dropping a few hints. But I’m going to have a problem with my new shadows.”
Simon gave him a shopping list of professions to include, and added, “You are the expert here. Add anyone you think will be helpful.” Standing at the console, he watched as Stephen vanished.
Back in the mess hall, Simon turned to other concerns. “First, Kitty, I think we should move the wristband machine into the meeting room.” They had decided to use a room near the Captain’s quarters for the initial meetings with newcomers. “That will free up a room right off the bridge just for orientation. And under way, it can be used as a break-room or something. Next, Gayle, your job is to schedule your security personnel. We’re going to have to start keeping the transporter room manned at all times, soon.”
Kitty looked up from the pad she was busily scribbling on. “Also, proper tables and chairs for the mess halls and ... ready room? ... let’s call it that to prevent confusion, okay? And you have a job, too, Simon. Deciding on a chain of command. You did spend five years in the Army and have a better understanding of that than we do. And how about uniforms?”
Simon went for the easy one first. “How about what Gayle’s wearing? Black shirt and pants. Call it space-black. Lots of pockets for on-board, and fewer for dress wear, if we ever get to that point. We’ll decide on rank insignia later.” Both Kitty and Gayle nodded agreement while Kitty scribbled.
Kitty said, “Tables need to be about three inches lower, and how about individual chairs instead of benches? We’ll bring up a couple of chairs and duplicate them in the factories as soon as we have people to work them.”
Gayle raised her hand. “I’ll take a stab at learning how to run one of the factories. That way I can use some of the people I have in mind for security to get them made. Some of my little brothers’ friends from high school still keep in touch with him. Big guys. Not tall, just husky. Used to be football players. And intimidating as hell when they want to be.”
Kitty threw another comment in. “Name tags on the uniforms, so we know who’s who. Also, who’s going to handle shift scheduling? Once people start coming aboard, we’re going to have to allocate time everywhere so people get some practice at their jobs before we even leave orbit. Especially the shuttle pilots since they are the ones who will be bringing material to the ship for construction.”
A week went by before Stephen beamed up again. His time had been spent getting back to the States, contacting colleagues, and starting on the plans for the solar cells and batteries. And being thoroughly worked over by agents of the United States government who refused to identify themselves further.
The first thing he noticed when he beamed in was a new face in the transporter room. “Who are you?” he questioned.
“Ensign Marshall, sir,” was the reply. “Security and transporter tech.”
Making his way to the mess hall, he found Gayle having coffee. “I have twelve people meeting me at a hunting lodge in the Appalachians outside of Washington, DC, tomorrow. One of them is a half owner of it. I think most of them will at least listen with an open mind. I’ve worked with almost all of them at one time or another on various projects.”
Gayle told him that she had gotten his name onto the speakers list at a sci-fi convention in Denver two days after that. “Sorry to fill up your schedule, but it looked like too good an opportunity to pass up.”
He winced. “Astronomers don’t usually work at this pace, but I can handle it a while longer. I just wanted to give a progress report and pick up some of those locator disks you used on me for tomorrow. I’ll fly in today and get some rest before my guests arrive tomorrow. I see you managed to get some security set up.”
She shrugged. “Wasn’t too hard. I picked the three I thought would come over easiest, and they convinced three of their friends. Also got a cousin of one of ‘em to come on board, too. You probably met him in the transporter room. Now, they all run around in their uniforms calling everyone ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’ and ‘Captain’ and ‘Commander’.”
Kitty walked into the mess hall during this last. “Welcome back, Stephen. We were beginning to worry about you. It’s a good thing those security boys are here now. And past the denial stage. Did any of us go through that? And, congratulations, by the way. You are now Commander Walker, senior officer in charge of Operations. That makes you Third Officer, temporarily. And, incidentally, third in line for command. Of this ship or any that we build.”
Stephen sat back, stunned. “Command? Me? I assumed you guys were kidding before.”
Kitty looked at him sympathetically. “I know how you feel. Denial finally kicked in a few days ago for me. I’m still trying to work through it.”
Gayle excused herself. “I’m going to go get another batch of those locator disks for you. Be right back.”
Simon strode into the mess hall and went to the coffeepot. “I’m glad somebody keeps this thing filled.” As he sat down he smiled. “Well, how’s our newest commander? I assume Kitty has already spilled the beans? At least, I get to do this.” He slid a small case across the table to Stephen who opened it and saw a pair of eight-pointed stars. Looking around at the others, he saw that Simon was wearing the same and that Kitty had what appeared to be comets on her lapels. “One on each lapel of the shirt you draw from Supply. Deck eight. One of our security people has a knack for finding things. I think he’ll make a fine Supply Officer. And two are pilots, so they’ll learn shuttle operations.”
Quite a bit had changed in a week. The mess hall now had eight tables for four with chairs at each. The conference room had a long table and chairs for sixteen. Security protocols restricted bridge functions and computer access. Stephen now had a room on deck four, rank (high, apparently), a job, and seven new faces roamed the decks. “Just what does an Operations Officer do?” Stephen still had the look of a man who had received one shock too many.
“Coordination, mainly,” Simon began. “Between shipboard functions, shuttle crews, factory output, construction crews, etc. You won’t be alone. Each department will have a supervisor who will report to you. All you have to do is keep track of it all and give orders.”
Stephen winced. “That’s all I have to do? This, I’m going to have to digest. And I need to get back so I can take a plane ride. I don’t want to arouse suspicion by not having a back-trail. Now I’m acti
ng like I’ve got something to hide.” He raised his hands in the air dramatically then let them fall to his sides, his smile a bit lopsided. “Well, I guess I do, at that.”
He proceeded to fill Simon in on his visit home. “They were waiting for me at the airport. The next eighteen hours were the worst of my entire life. I made sure to call each of my contacts from a different phone and at different times. I’m sure they all think I’ve gone over the top. As for the rest of the week, I turned those plans over to a friend of mine and let him have his way with ‘em. He promised a working model within a year and that’s including retooling a plant, a couple of plants actually.”
Simon and Kitty accompanied Stephen to the transporter room. “What do you mean by a couple of plants, and where’s the money coming from?” Simon asked pointedly.
“Investors,” Stephen responded. “All looking to get a piece of the pie when we go public. And I have Adam Gardner overlooking the whole thing. A good friend of mine with an uncanny ability to get things done.”
The tech on duty reported, “Commander Miller requests that you wait for her, Ma’am. She has a package for Commander Walker.”
Kitty replied, “Thank you, Ensign.” Turning to Simon, she sighed. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get totally used to this. Being the Captain and all. It seems too strange.”
Gayle arrived in time to hear the last of Kitty’s lament. She handed a package to Stephen. “Here are the locator disks. I’ll put your insignia in your room.” She turned to Kitty and put one hand on Kitty’s shoulder. “And you will get used to it, Kitty. I have. Just think about all the men you’ll have at your beck and call!”
