Talosian Chronicles 3: Talosian Alliance Page 15

  “That star system is over four light years away. How is it possible to travel faster than light?” Galen asked.

  Janet shook her head. “I don’t know, I’m not an engineer and have no idea how that works. But... she took a small device out of her pocket and set it beside her dessert plate. “Computer, can you connect me with Doctor Brittany Benson please?”

  Very shortly, a hologram of a woman’s head appeared over the device, only it was almost life-sized.

  “Hi, Mrs. Laskar! What can I do for you?” Brittany asked.

  “Good evening, Doctor Benson. I’m here talking to a small group of people, and their son asked me a question I couldn’t answer. I was wondering if you have a moment to answer it for him.” Janet winked at the young woman, who smiled.

  “I can certainly try; what was the question?” Brittany said.

  “First off, let me introduce you to Mr. Galen Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins is a student at Alamogordo Senior High School, and his family is considering joining us. Galen, this is Doctor Brittany Benson. One of our nicer Astrophysicists.”

  Brittany stuck her tongue out at Janet. “We’re all nice, you just don’t know how to speak ‘Geek’!” She replied, and turned to look at the young man in the wheel chair. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Hawkins. What would you like to know?"

  Galen looked very impressed, and very nervous speaking to Brittany. She was a beautiful young lady, and he certainly wasn’t immune to that.

  “Uh, I, Uh, I asked Mrs. Laskar how you travel faster than light. I’m, uh, I’m Galen, Ma’am,” he managed to stammer out.

  “I’m Brittany, Galen. It turns out that, while we were on the right track on Earth, we just hadn’t discovered all the laws of nature yet, nor had we figured out that we could manipulate some of them.

  “Faster than light travel in our current dimension is, of course, not possible. However, if we use a special generator that creates a bubble of compressed space around a vessel, the effect opens a portal into a higher dimension. This dimension exists in an energy state, and reacts violently when force is applied. This allows us to use ducted plasma for thrust that is exponentially multiplied while thrust is applied.

  “Just like in real space, once thrust is removed, the momentum of an object can be maintained unless acted upon by another force. It is required to decelerate to a virtual stop in order to reemerge in real space once again by manipulation of the compression bubble. In this way, travel between the Sol system and the closest system of Centauri can be accomplished in less than a day," Brittany finished. “Is this something that interests you, Galen?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. I’ve been trying to take all the classes I could here so I would have a chance of getting into a good college. Physics is the shit! I'm not real popular because of it, but there’s just something about it that makes sense to me,” Galen said, then blushed.

  “Up until the accident, he was an honor student and well on his way to being class valedictorian. But, the accident caused him to miss the last half of his senior year. I was afraid that it might have sunk his dreams, too.” Jill said.

  “I thought he was only fifteen? He’s a senior?” Janet asked trying to sound surprised. She already knew that both of the Hawkins children were gifted. Young Lynn was a prodigy with musical instruments. So far she had mastered the piano and guitar, and was working on the violin.

  “Just because he was in an accident is no reason to be denied ones dreams. We have an excellent teaching system up here, and it’s completely free. You can earn any degree you want, and we have access to all the knowledge of two races!" Brittany said. “I know I’m stepping on your toes Janet, and I apologize. But I have a special place in my heart for the education system here.”

  ‘If I may ask, where do you live, Doctor?” Galan asked.

  “Currently, Phoenix Base. It’s on the ‘dark side’ of our moon, but I’ll be relocating to Mars as soon as our research facilities are built. I tend to work on power systems and power generation equipment, usually for fighters and other smaller combat craft,” Brittany said. “Janet, could you give Galen my contact information? I’d be happy to help him chase his dream.”

  James snorted, but Isaac spoke. “Except I think you’re going to be part of those dreams now, Doctor!”

  “If I am, then I am. I’d be flattered,” Brittany said, grinning. “He’s certainly handsome!”

  “Flirt!” Janet said. “Thanks for helping, Brittany. I’ll make sure he has your email and phone number.”

  “Thanks, Janet,” Brittany said. Before she logged off, she turned to look at James and Jill. “I know this all seems either too good to be true, or you might be thinking there is an angle here you can’t see. I know you don’t know me from Eve, but I swear to you that Janet cannot lie to you, nor can she take advantage of you in any way. If she did, she would be subject to severe legal punishment. If it helps, I can honestly say that joining these people was the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

  “However, I know it also isn’t for everyone. It’s hard to leave everything you know behind and start fresh. But, the thing is, you're not starting fresh. You bring the most important things with you. It might be a new job with new people, in a new place, but at the end of the day, you go home to your family.” She smiled at the couple. “I wish you luck, and I hope to see you again someday.” She then closed the channel.

  Janet looked surprised at Brittany’s testimonial, and put the small holo-projector back in her pocket. “I had no idea she was going to say that.”

  Isaac grinned. “She seems like a very impressive young lady.”

  Janet nodded. “That she is. She’s been with us for a relatively short time, and has not only earned a doctorate in Physics and Fluid Dynamics, she invented the new armor that makes our fighters virtually invisible, and provided a new power system that allows the fighters to carry stronger armaments. She consulted on the primary power systems in our most advanced fighter, which was built entirely from Terran designs. It’s quite an achievement to have before your nineteenth birthday.”

  “It’s quite an accomplishment for a lifetime!” Isaac replied. “She's only eighteen?”

  Janet nodded. “That’s why I called her actually. She’s closest to Galen’s age.”

  “Wow,” Galen said. “She’s just......” he sighed. “Wow.”

  “Down boy, you don’t want to start humping her leg the first day out of the hospital!” Jill teased.

  “Mother!” Galen said. “She beautiful, yes, and smart, and... well, you saw her! But I’m not going to go running after her as soon as I can. She might not even like me that way!”

  “Relax Ramjet! They’re just teasing you!” Lynn said, roiling her eyes at her brother.

  “Could we talk it over as a family?” James asked.

  “Certainly, Shelly and I will go down to the Bar while you discuss it. If you have any questions, just use the house phone to call us.

  After they got in the elevator, Shelly asked Janet. “I know you probably already know the answer to this, but what do you think they’ll do?”

  “The Admiral and his wife will join us, but that was a given. As for the younger family, they will also join us, but I think they will decide to do so in stages. The wife and kids will come with us tonight, while James stays here and completes his contract with the U.S. Air Force,” Janet said. “He’ll be offered early release if he agrees to send information he learns back to the Skunk Works. He’ll agree on the surface, but refuse once he gets up there. The Air Force will then try to reactivate him and call him back to active duty. Ian will step up for the family, and when the smoke clears, James will be reactivated, but assigned to the UN and ‘loaned’ to us for the duration of his term."

  “I would hate to have your ability,” Shelly replied.

  “Oh, it has its ups and downs. This little situation was a good example; I had no idea how it was going to turn out until almost the very end. It was refreshing for once,” Janet said.


  “I gotta use the restroom, could you order for me?” Shelly asked.

  “Sure, but you’re not going to get what you want.”

  Shelly looked at Janet. “Why not?”

  “Because if I order what you want, it’ll be bad for the baby,” Janet replied grinning.

  “But I’m not... wait. I’m pregnant?” Shelly asked excitedly.

  Janet winked at her. “Go, I’ll take care of ordering for you.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Terran Defense Ship TDF Star Dancer

  Lunar Orbit, Selene, Earth’s moon

  Sol System, Sol Sector

  Commander Ian Williams, Commanding

  “Good Morning, Admirals,” Ian said, smiling at the men. “I hope you slept well?"

  “Not really, Ian, but thanks for the sentiment,” Pan replied, dourly.

  “Ian, I would like you to authorize system entry for the TDF Pegasus, and the TDF Zephyr,” Goya asked. “I want to call them here in case those Vhorbas decide to attack anyway.”

  Ian nodded. “Of course. Isn’t the Zephyr a Light Cruiser?”

  Goya nodded. “Yes she is, but she is also one of the only ships we have that was built purely as a warship. As you know, the Heavy Cruisers were designed to be able to transport personnel and supplies to a new planet and set up a colony, then remain alone on station to protect it.

  “The Light Cruisers had no such ability or capacity. They were designed as escorts and assigned to Heavy Cruisers as additional protection. They carry only a single wing of fighters, but have most of the anti-ship armament of the larger ships,” Goya replied. "The only problem with the Zephyr is that I don’t trust her Commander. He was newly assigned to the ship, and picked by Aramaliss’ faction for the job. However, they haven’t had the opportunity to replace the crew yet, so we might get lucky.”

  “How so?” Ian asked. “If they’ve replaced the Commander, then the ship accepts him, right?”

  “That depends, do you have anyone available to command a ship?” Goya asked.

  “My executive officer, Jenny Williams is ready for her own command. I have another man that has the knowledge, but needs time as an exec to get the experience. There are two others in training, but I lack the ships for them to get trained on,” Ian admitted. "We have been trying to rotate the candidates on bridge duty here, but there is only so many hours in the day.”

  “Actually, I have a suggestion for your first officer already, so how much time in the chair has the first man actually had?” Pan asked.

  “Major Harris has about a thousand hours in the chair, all of it quiet time. My gut tells me he’s ready, but I would like to see him handle at least a couple of emergencies,” Ian admitted. “What is your suggestion for Jenny?”

  Goya and Pan both grinned. “She will be made Commander of the Star Dancer. Every Fleet Officer has a Flag Commander.” Pan said. "You’ll need one too.”

  Ian squinted his eyes at the two men. “You’ve been talking to Luke and the Council, haven’t you?”

  “I received a formal request by your ruling Council to officially promote you to the rank of Admiral during our visit. They told us you refuse to promote yourself, yet you are handling the office and duties on a daily basis,” Admiral Pan explained. "Major Dancer, could you attend us please?”

  Star materialized in Ian’s ready room. “Certainly, Admiral. What can I do for you?”

  “Major, would your own and the ships programming accept Ian’s advancement to the rank of Admiral if I were to promote him?” Pan asked.

  “Sir, with respect, the ship will accept it if he accepts it. You are not currently a member of our chain of command. However, that being said, you are of superior rank to the Commander, which would fulfill that requirement of his promotion. So, the answer to your question is, yes, both the ship and I would accept it, but for entirely different reasons," Star explained. She turned to Ian. “Sir, as I’ve told you before, you are doing the job of an Admiral, you should have the rank of one.”

  Goya nodded. “Your Councilor Belden explained to us that since you have added the United Nations of Earth as part of the command structure, they should be involved in this decision. I have asked for, and received permission from your Council, and the UN to address them later today. Will you accept the rank of Admiral if your own ruling Council, the UN, and the Talosian High Command all think you should hold that rank?”

  “Sir, I would have accepted the rank because of the orders of the Council, However, there wasn’t an Officer of sufficient rank to actually promote me,” Ian explained.

  Goya chuckled. “Ian, who do you think promoted me?”

  “According to what I’ve learned from the Prometheus’ data, the Council appointed you," Ian said.

  “So, who do you think should promote you?” Goya asked reasonably.

  Ian frowned. “Sir, I understand what you are saying. But I didn’t want them to promote me out of gratitude. If you’ve reviewed the history we've had since the old Olympus recruited me to be his Commander, I think you can see what I mean. My family and I kinda got the ball rolling for all of this, and I didn’t want to be promoted because of that. I want to actually earn it, and be worthy of it.”

  Goya and Pan were both amazed. This young man had no idea how gifted he was as a Command Officer. “Ian,” Goya said, gently. “If you were under my command, you would most likely be my second right now. You have no idea how much you have accomplished, with so little. That kind of resourcefulness is not as common as you might think. As for the motivation for your promotion being gratitude, I’m sure part of it is. However, I do not believe it is gratitude for starting all of this. I think it’s gratitude for protecting everyone and for continuing to do your duties without failure. That’s what promotions are about, son.”

  Admiral Pan nodded his head. “As the head of fleet personnel, I can say without a doubt that you would be at the top of the promotion lists. You exceed your mandate on a daily basis, and make it look easy. Ian, you need the rank to back up your authority. Commander Serena has even testified to us that you have instinctual command ability. She is a Senior Commander and admitted to following your commands without hesitation. Not just because it’s you giving the order, but because what you’ve asked her to do makes sense, even if she doesn’t see it until after the fact. You need to be an Admiral. Your duties here require it.”

  Ian held up his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! I’ll accept it! If for no other reason than to get everyone off my back!” Ian grinned. "Provided the UN agrees! Which I doubt they will since they are still upset over not gaining control over us.”

  “You let me handle them, Admiral!” Goya said, grinning evilly.

  “So, we’ll shift the first officer of the Pegasus or the Prometheus over to the Zephyr, and make your man their first officer to give him time in the chair. If you would be so kind as to promote him to Colonel,” Pan smiled.

  “Why do you want one of my officers serving on one of your ships?” Ian asked.

  “Because, neither one of them will be ‘Talosian’ ships once they get here. They will be assigned to you just as the Prometheus is. I’m sure the council will blow a plasma conduit once they find out, but then again, in light of current information. I don’t really give a damn,” Goya said. "Our job is to protect the Talosian People. I believe this is the right way to go about it.”

  “What about the Adonis?” Ian asked.

  “Purely a Council puppet ship. Very definitely an enemy,” Goya replied. “Politically at least.”

  “Star, how is Maia coming along?” Ian asked.

  “Very well, actually. I was considering speaking to Chief Laskar about allowing her a little more freedom,” Star replied.

  “Please do so, immediately. I think we’re going to need her to at the least keep an eye on the activities of the visiting crew. You might want to warn her the Adonis is potentially hostile,” Ian said.

  “She already knows, Sir. She has been keeping track of the
situation as much as she can.” She paused a moment. “Chief Laskar agrees with allowing her surveillance and limited drone control. I am currently making those adjustments.”

  “Excuse me Major, Ian, who is Maia?” Goya asked.

  “Maia is the AI built and installed at the Pleiades One station. She will eventually become station controller,” Ian replied.

  “Is she going to be like the Major then?” Goya asked.

  “She will be different than I in personality, but yes, it is our hope that she will be like me,” Star replied. “She is exceptionally gifted in complex design calculations. Which is purely a serendipitous event.”

  Both Goya and Pan frowned and looked at Ian. “Don’t know that word, seren...dipit... oos,” Goya asked. “What is it?”

  “Uh, ‘fortuitous’, ‘An event or occurrence that is more than expected.'” Ian replied.

  The light came on for the men, and they nodded in understanding.

  “But she is an AI, right? So how could something like that be fortuitous? Are you not designed for that sort of thing?” Pan asked.

  “To a degree we are, Admiral. But in Maia that ability has been greatly expanded. For example, both she and I ran an analysis on a proposed ship design to be built at the station. I found nothing wrong with it and approved it.

  “She found two major design flaws, and has offered designers eighteen alterations that could improve functionality. She is still working on the concept of human comfort, and as such, admittedly relies on the humans to design those areas,” Star explained.

  “Basically, she found something I did not on the first pass. When I looked at her results and saw the two flaws, I agreed with her. But the fact is, she found them, where I did not.”

  “Could it be simply that she was designed more for that function than you were?” Pan asked, not trying to be argumentative.

  “No Admiral. She was not designed any differently than I am. Her specialized programming is slightly different to reflect her different duties, but her core programming is the same as mine,” Star answered. “The specialized programming is canted more towards station administration than mine is. That is what is meant by her ability being fortuitous.” Star paused a moment, and had a confused look on her face. She turned to Ian. “Sir, Maia has made a report that I believe you should hear. Do you have time?”