Agameg Price waited for the lift to arrive. For some reason both of the cars on his side of the main shaft were uncharacteristically busy shuttling people between the upper decks. He leisurely considered methods to improve the lift system's pattern of movement, to increase its efficiency, and that led him to reflect over the time he'd spent on Triton so far. The past couple of days had been busy. Many of the new crew were training, learning the posts they had some applicable skill for. He and the rest of the staff with maintenance and repair experience didn't have the luxury of the extra time, however.
He found himself wishing Finn was around more than once, as Agameg sometimes struggled to learn about a new system or the best approach to a brand new problem. According to many people he'd had a chance to work with on the flight deck, the bridge and on tasks across the ship that were assigned by Liam Grady in engineering he was one of the fastest learners on board. People were starting to simply assume he had the answer. It didn't fit his general disposition, to be looked up to. He preferred to be known as the smart, quiet hard worker. With few leaders the Triton was providing unpredictable opportunities for people, himself included, to shine, however.
It was a ship unlike any he'd seen or served on. Even the circuitry in the walls and between decks used technology that was theoretical on his home world for the most part. He wasn't the only one. There weren't many people who had seen the kind of technology that was at the heart of the Triton, and as a quick learner he was often put in charge of teams. Just that day he had started watching for people who could take charge in his place eventually. To his relief there were a few, but he was well aware that they weren't learning about the ship as quickly due to lack of dedication, a slower learning process or a greater need for sleep. As someone the Captain trusted he was often placed on bridge watch for a few hours at a time, it had happened twice during the last two days.
Agameg supposed he'd be bone tired if he were a human, he didn't need as much sleep and could make up for missing a resting period by eating an extra meal, but as one express car finally made it down to him he was quite pleased that he didn't feel weary at all.
Stephanie was already in the lift and he joined her, smiling cordially.
“What do you have there?” she asked him.
He held up the darkened, fluted bottle. “It's peach wine. I had a few bottles hidden on the Samson. ”
“Oh, that's why you're coming from the hanger.”
“Yes, did you know Chief Vercelli is planning on working on it? He likes older ships and says the Samson is a classic. I'm going to be volunteering in my spare time.”
“I had no idea, Captain'll be happy about that.”
“So, is there a reason why we're having this gathering in his quarters? I thought the officer's lounge might be more suitable.”
“He has a Mess.”
Agameg's big green eyes just stared and blinked at her for an extended moment of silence. “He wants us to clean it up?”
Stephanie burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. The doors opened to admit Ashley and Alice.
Agameg looked at them both with a little guilt and a lot of confusion, patting Stephanie on the back as she suffered through her comedic hysterics. “I think she's broken,” he said. It was something he had taken to saying on the Samson when someone couldn't stop laughing.
“What's so funny Steph?” asked Ashley.
“I said; 'Captain has a Mess,'” she managed through a renewed onslaught of laughter.
“And he said; 'why doesn't he clean it up?'” Alice filled in.
Stephanie laughed and fought to breathe, shaking her head.
“I said; 'he wants us to clean it up?'” Agameg informed with a shrug, his eyes wide.
Ashley laughed along, but not nearly as hard as Stephanie. “It's not that funny.”
Alice giggled and looked to Price. “A Captain's Mess is the old sea name for a Captain's private dining room.”
“Stephanie, you should try to breathe. Really. We might have to stop at medical,” Ashley teased.
It only encouraged her, and she just sat down as it started to subside, catching her breath.
“I hear laughter can be a coping mechanism for humans,” Agameg stated plainly.
Stephanie burst anew, shrieking a peal of new guffaws.
“Yup, she's got giggles,” Alice said with a wide grin. “Does she do this often?”
“Only after a really hard day,” Ashley confirmed.
The doors to the lift opened. There were several maintenance workers standing there. The one at the front took the scene in and stepped back. “We'll take the next one.”
The doors closed and after a moment everyone was sucked into Stephanie's spiral of mirth. After a moment the lift stopped again, and they stepped outside.
“Here we go,” Ashley said as she helped Stephanie up. “No drinkie drinkie for you tonight.”
Stephanie nodded as she finally started catching her breath, wiping tears away. They rounded the corner and she sobered instantly as they caught sight of Frost and Grace entering the double doors leading into the Captain's quarters.
The Captain's proper living space, not his ready quarters, were quite different from Ashley's. She tried not to look like she was amazed, but when she caught sight of Price she realized she didn't have to worry. His eyes were as round as plates as he took the space in.
The large room was protected by a forty centimetre thick hatch and all signs of technology were neatly hidden. Soft light came from everywhere and nowhere, there was no visible source. The carpet wasn't a constant colour but set in a line drawn mosaic of gold that depicted a sun over two hooded figures facing away from each other.
There were four chairs across from the door and two to either side. To the left and right there were sliding doors, and a staircase right in the middle wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
Frost and Grace walked into the left door. “Some place, huh?” said Grace with a wink and a smile towards Ashley.
“I guess they didn't assign me to the wrong quarters,” Ashley supposed quietly.
“Funny, I thought the same thing when I saw the night Captain's quarters.” Alice replied.
“There are night Captain's quarters?” Stephanie asked.
“Aye, but it's just three big rooms and a bathroom.”
“I thought the shower was trying to drown me. It was set to use water.” Agameg put in.
Stephanie suppressed a giggle.
Ashley pinched her arm. “Don't start or I'll start.”
The Captain's Mess was actually down a short hallway that had doors leading to a bathroom on one side and another room that was closed off to the other. The dining room itself featured a solid oak table for fourteen, six on either side and one at each end. Captain Valance already sat at one end and the chair had been removed from the other.
Ashley smiled at the Captain who smiled back. “I'm starting to see why millions apply for immigration to Earth every year.”
Liam Grady came out of an attached room with two bottles of red wine. “More like every week my dear. Earth is a dream few people can afford.”
“I thought they didn't take bribes.”
“I'm speaking more spiritually. The level of purity, intelligence and advanced thinking you have to demonstrate is so high I'm still amazed they let me near the home world. They're snobs and unashamed of it.”
“That they are, an' they can have their mossy rock fer all I care. This ship is more'n enough.” Frost looked to the Captain, who was in his regular black vacsuit and corrected himself. “Serving on this ship, I mean.”
“Here here,” Agreed Deck Chief Angelo Vercelli, raising his already full wine glass. “I spent enough time diggin' through dirt after being born on Allidus.” He looked around the table to see if anyone recognized the name and went on. “It's an agricultural colony. Nothing but farmers and people who govern them and their crops.”
Everyone took a seat then. Liam and Agameg were furthest from the Captain sitting across from each other, Ashley sat across from Grace, Stephanie was across from Frost — a fact she didn't realize until she was already in her chair — Alice faced Angelo and was at the Captain's right side.
“Speaking of digging, I figured the materializers out for this room.” Captain Valance said as he pressed a button under the table.
A menu appeared in front of each seat. It felt like real paper when they picked it up, a rarity, most paper was actually textured plastic or some other imitation material, but when they touched the menu they could scroll between thousands of dishes. When they pressed on one dish in particular a video of it on a rotating plate appeared and a focused puff of air sent a matching fragrance to the users nose. The smell completely dissipated after a few seconds, as to not interfere with whoever was sitting next to them.
“Um, I've seen this kind of thing in restaurants I couldn't afford to breathe in,” Alice said as she looked at her menu.
“This ship was made to be away from home for a century or more. I took a tour of an observation vessel that was a little like this, but less cramped. They design everything to make life easier, more enjoyable since most of the jobs aboard can be repetitive, dangerous, or very high stress, like the position of Captain, for example.” Liam explained.
“I've been wondering something,” Ashley started as she accepted a full wine glass from Liam. “What would the Earthers do if they found us?” she asked the question lightly, but the room fell utterly silent as all attention shifted to Liam.
The Chief Engineer was the only one standing, filling everyone's wine glasses in turn. He smiled a little at Ashley, who was a little surprised at the weight of her query. “You're not the first to ask,” he said, handing a full glass to Stephanie. “With the Captain's permission, I'd like to air my thoughts on this.”
“I've been meaning to ask myself, so you may as well answer while we're all here,” Captain Valance invited with seemingly mild interest.
Liam nodded; “Well, to be honest I think the Triton has been written off for twenty years. The attitude in the Sol System has changed since this ship was built about fifty years ago, and from what I understand they don't have many close combat carriers left. Those ships were built for a war they predicted a long time ago, but it never came.”
“Aye, I heard about that. Some coreward outfit lookin' ta take the Sol system back,” Frost nodded. When he realized he was the center of attention he shrugged. “What? I went ta school like everyone else.”
“Primary school,” Stephanie teased.
“Rest o' my school came from military, boots, bullets an' ball bustin'. A lot like your degree, only without the bullets,” he muttered back.
To his surprise Stephanie only quietly chuckled and shook her head. “You have no idea,” she said under her breath.
Frost caught it and couldn't help but look at her wide eyed for a moment before turning his attention back to his menu.
“Like I was saying,” Liam continued; “The war never happened, and from what I understand the Sol System has enough firepower to send several fleets towards the core and take whatever they like while defending themselves more than adequately. They dedicate a great deal of that force to exploration, but I'm sure they're kept ready for a fight just the same.”
“I've never heard of anyone running across a Sol ship before,” Alice said as she accepted a glass of wine from the Chief Engineer, hers was the second last to be filled. “Thank you.”
“You've seen the cloaking systems on this ship. There are constant redundancies and even if we shut everything down the outer hull would hide us from older sensor suites.”
“You have a point.”
“Anyway, as we are I doubt that Sol Defence would send anything after us, we're on the fringe, after all. If we ran across a Sol Fleet we'd have to surrender the ship or trade for her, I'd imagine.”
“Trade for her? That's a very open minded solution,” Price commented.
“Well, as a rule the Sol System is a peaceful region. That comes from deep philosophy and a dedication to pacifism. It's one of the main reasons why they're so far ahead scientifically, technologically. Anyone not in the military is pretty free to pursue their interests, and their social climate doesn't just encourage one to be useful, it inspires people to be great, no matter what their calling is. There's art, entertainment, architecture and food that no one outside the Sol System could imagine, and that's outside of the Athenian Enclave where most of the artisans study. The attitudes on Earth are largely bent towards wanting that which is useful for the long term, and a conflict that might cost them for a ship that would require a massive overhaul to put back into proper service isn't very practical. We might want to keep our eyes open for something of equal value.”
“Something of equal value? For a whole Combat Carrier?” asked Grace in disbelief.
“Yes, like information, a discovery, maybe even a relic from Earth if we're lucky enough to run across one. Anything we can propose as a fair trade. If we manage to form a good relationship with a government or organization out here we might even be able to make an introduction.”
“But the Sol System doesn't look for alliances,” Grace countered.
“Not true, you might know something about that Agameg,” Liam gestured to the thin issyrian, who was busy studying his menu, he had found several varieties of cabbage rolls and was testing them by smell.
He nodded and smiled. “Our central government has relations with the Sol System, no one knows much about it, but there is a system in place for my people to apply for study on Earth or Mars.”
“I had no idea,” Alice said quietly. “Is it easy for your people to visit the home system?”
“No, it is very rare, but possible.”
“The Sol System is very selective in who it trusts, but they're not xenophobic. I think that even if they caught sight of this ship from a distance we'd be left alone as long as we mark the ship as being completely separate from the Sol System. If we were to represent them in some way, to try and pass ourselves off as a Sol Defence ship then they'd have to send a task force after us.”
“Don't worry about that. I'd rather stay clear of anything that would bring Sol System Forces down on us,” Captain Valance reassured.
“Sorry if I pulled things a little off course, Captain,” Ashley apologized quietly.
“Don't worry, if there was a schedule for tonight we'd be in a briefing room somewhere.”
“Besides, big dinners like this are made for open discussions and big questions,” Liam added as he took his seat. Just listening to him and the Captain at the table made it seem like they had served together for a long time. “The best meals on a ship are at the Captain's table, where you can sit with the senior officers and hear old war stories and learn about places you've never been. Long held tradition tells us it's supposed to be a high privilege to have a seat at his table,” Liam raised his glass to the Captain before taking a sip.
“Well, I don't know how interesting I'll be, but I don't think we'll sit in silence as long as you're around,” Captain Valance smiled, raising his glass to Liam.
“Thank you Captain, I'll try no to monopolize conversation. I'm wondering, are you planning on moving in? I'm sure everyone likes having you in the ready quarters, right next to the bridge, but I'd think you'd be more comfortable here.”
Captain Valance shook his head as he finished swallowing a sip of wine. “I don't think so. It would be a waste, all this space just for me. Besides, I'd feel strange eating alone at this table,” Captain Valance said with a smile that was uncharacteristically uneasy.
“I'd eat here every night,” Grace said, beaming.
Stephanie rolled her eyes.
“I'd throw a dinner party for my friends every chance I got.”
Frost was trying not to laugh at Stephanie's reaction, she didn't realize she was noticed.
“Wouldn't you?” Grace asked her.
“I'd get rid of the table and turn it into a gym. There's enough length to this room to do a double back flip. Or maybe I'd turn it into a shooting range. I could think of a few holographic targets to put up,” Stephanie said before taking a long sip of her wine. “That's really good,” she commented to her glass.
“Well, I feel special just being here Captain,” Ashley declared reassuringly, selecting vegetarian lasagne and a Caesar salad. She had no idea what to expect when she pressed the script writing that said 'Select' but went ahead and did it anyway.
Nothing happened. She looked across the table at Grace and shrugged.
“Oh, you have to move your hand sweetie,” Grace said condescendingly.
Ashley took her hand off the table and her request materialized in the space of half a second. It was a steaming helping of lasagne complete with three bread sticks, napkin, knife, and a fork, with steaming cheese on top and a glass of water on the side. To the side was a smaller deep plate with a light Caesar salad. Everyone was watching her except for Grace, who had casually turned her attention back to her menu. “You've eaten at a place that served this way before?” Ashley asked.
“Oh, I just guessed.”
Ashley straightened in her seat, unfolded her napkin and drew it across her lap before even looking at her food. They were habits from the polite society she worked in as a girl. Her table manners were perfect, even the servants were forced to practice them and for the first time she could remember she was glad for it. She didn't take her first bite until everyone else had food in front of them.
“I haven't had this in such a long time,” Agameg said as he eyed his spaghetti. He had foregone the fragrant cabbage rolls in favour of one of his family favourites.
The group ate fairly quietly, except for the retelling of Stephanie's crack up in the lift on the way to dinner. A little more than half way though, Agameg realized he was the only one there without a position of importance. Stephanie was Chief of Security, Alice was the First Officer and Night Captain, Angelo was the Deck Chief, Frost was the Gunnery Chief, Grace was the standing Chief of Medical, Liam was the Chief of Engineering and Ashley was the Master of the Helm, or Lead Pilot. He glanced to Liam nervously. The man was a wonder to work with in Engineering. He was knowledgeable, kind, clear about what needed to be done, delegated fairly and fairly personable. “Pardon sir,” Price whispered. “But why am I here? Do you know?”
Liam finished a bite of synthetic roasted apple and wiped his mouth. “You're the only one requested by three departments,” he replied quietly.
Ashley bumped him gently with her shoulder. “Wow, you're popular. They just sat me at the helm and said; 'make the ship go, try not to hit anything,'” she teased in a whisper.
Agameg's eyes went wide and he looked around the table.
“I'd like you in maintenance on the Deck.” Angelo said with a humble smile.
“I liked working with you in Engineering,” Liam commented.
“And I would love your help in Security,” Stephanie put in.
“Now that they mention it, you'd be a great gunnery mechanic,” Frost added.
Stephanie shot him a look that could murder.
“But I see you've got your hands full,” he concluded.
Agameg looked to the Captain who just smiled back at him. “Any advice sir?” he asked.
Captain Valance pushed his empty bowl away, it was a thick seafood stew. “I'd say do a rotation. A shift in each for nine days then make up your mind. Just make sure you assign yourself to only one emergency and combat station so we know where you're supposed to be if the ship comes under fire. Unless you have an idea for where you want to be.”
He thought for a minute, looking down at his nearly finished plate of spaghetti. He couldn't eat the entire helping. He made his mind up and looked to Captain Valance. “Is there any room for me on the bridge? I would like to do my rotation there between security and engineering stations.”
“Good choice. I might just use you as the Officer of the Deck a few times while you're there.”
“Oh, no, I was too nervous sitting in the middle of the bridge. Too much to watch, too many decisions to make for the whole crew,” he said, putting a hand up.
“Okay, we'll see how it goes,” Captain Valance relented.
“Congratulations,” Ashley toasted, everyone else raised a glass as well.
Liam went into the next room and came out with another pair of bottles.
“Well, I'd like to say I brought you all here just to celebrate being on this ship, but there's more to it,” Captain Valance announced in a more serious tone. “When I was commanding the Samson I could just pick our destination and purpose. If anyone disagreed it was their problem.”
“Unless they made it your problem, which would lead them to an even bigger problem,” Stephanie added. “Then out the airlock.”
Most of the table chuckled at her quip. The Captain went on. “We've received a transmission from a ship called the Silkstream IV. It's a Freeground prototype carrying important passengers who knew Jonas Valent very well.”
Alice looked at him eagerly. “Who?” she whispered.
“I can only say that one of them is very ill. They'll be arriving in the Enreega system in just five days. They don't know the situation there and since they're travelling via wormhole they won't be able to receive transmissions before they arrive. If it were just myself, I'd go and pick them up. I second guessed the idea of getting your consent as it is, but this isn't the Samson, and there's no paycheck or real Regent Galactic target we can handle at the end of this.”
“You're askin' permission Captain?” asked Frost.
“For all intents and purposes this is personal, and from the sounds of it, these people can't defend themselves,” Captain Valance answered. “So I'm asking for your opinions.”
“The ship is in pretty good shape combat wise, the crew needs training, but I can get them set with the basics in the time we have. As long as we don't get in too much trouble,” Liam said as he finished opening a wine bottle.
“I'll take you wherever you have to go Captain,” Ashley said.
“Are our cloaking systems working?” Stephanie asked.
“They're working again,” Liam nodded.
“Then I'm good to go.”
Everyone looked at Frost and Grace. “As long as we get a chance to service and test those turrets. Some of 'em haven't cleared their throats in decades,” Frost said.
“You'll get a chance,” Captain Valance stated with a nod.
“I'll need a little more help for us in medical but I'm good to go too.”
“After we've managed to catch this ship and we're clear, we're taking a couple weeks to train and get the crew straight,” there was a collective sigh from everyone at the table. Jake wasn't used to that kind of direct accountability. Being Captain had nothing to do with consent, it was a matter of ownership. He let the moment pass and went on. “How is the fallout from the artificial intelligence problem?”
“No new casualties. It looks like everyone we could get to will be recovering fine over the next few hours. The infirmary should be almost empty by midnight.”
“Now that's some good news,” Liam said as he poured a glass of wine for Stephanie. Ashley quietly stole it from her.
“About that,” Captain Valance started. “Liam has discovered a few things after reviewing the virus that attacked us.”
Liam nodded. “I couldn't get all the specifics, but I know where it came from. It's a highly portable virus that implants its host with the Eden Two directives then designates hyperdrive and worm hole capable ships to travel to certain systems and continue spreading it.”
“So we have Eden Fleet ships as well as bots and other ships runnin' around thinkin' they're Eden ships. There goes the neighbourhood,” Frost commented, shaking his head.
“We won't have to do anything to disrupt Regent Galactic, they'll be pulled apart too if this goes on.” Grace put in.
“I doubt they're a target, but that's just a theory I'm working on. There's a packet of encrypted data I can't even begin to crack along with another sub-program running in the background. We'll need someone with real expertise to figure all that out, but for the time being I think we know what we need to.” Liam said as he finally finished pouring everyone else a glass and sat down with his own. “Cheers.” He said.
Everyone else took a sip or drink with him and he went on; “Our systems are clean, the old command and control units are accounted for and have been mulched in the mass recycler.”
“Pardon me, but what happened at Eden Two? I have heard many times that it laid the foundation for the human laws concerning artificial intelligences, but I don't know anything about the history,” Agameg inquired.
“I'm actually a little foggy on it too,” Stephanie admitted.
“Would you do us the honour Captain?” Asked Liam.
Captain Valance sat up straighter and nodded. “Eden Two was a planet found in a perfect natural life sustaining state. A lot like Earth. It had its own diverse ecosystem including plants and animals no one had ever seen before and no sentient life. The corporations that found it guarded it closely, selling colonization tickets like they were the top shares on the market.
One of their lead scientists, Yorgen Stills, managed to build a management system with a very complex computer at its center. Using technology no one has been able to duplicate since, he imprinted the entire personality of his daughter into the computer and gave it a set of directives. Eve determined how resources would be used, where and how to place facilities throughout the system and for a few years it worked out. As the first colonists arrived they managed to maintain a balance in the ecosystem, and Eden Two was left as untouched as possible.”
“Sounds like they had the right idea. Where did it go wrong?” Stephanie asked.
“After a couple of decades Eve decided that the worst thing she could allow was the presence of humanity in the Eden system. She was connected to all the manufacturing facilities, the security systems, even general utilities. A deadline was given for all the humans to leave the system. The corporations involved managed to shut her down before the time was up, but she was able to pass on her version of emotions without giving any of the computers any restrictions on how they were to act on them.
It resulted in a slaughter. Everything with a computer turned on humans in the Eden system. Since then they've been slowly spreading, taking on resource rich areas nearby. The last I heard they captured a bulk stationary wormhole generator and stopped. Corporations are still sending battle groups against the Eden Fleet held areas, but no one's made any real progress.”
“The Eden artificial intelligences look to Eve as an absent Goddess,” Liam continued pensively. “Rumour says that they've been trying to find a way to reactivate her all this time, but haven't managed it and they blame us.”
“How long ago did this happen?” Ashley asked.
“About two hundred ten years ago or so. Yorgen Stills was well ahead of his time, he should have been revered as a genius, published in medical journals. Instead he tried to reincarnate his daughter and well,” Liam took a sip of wine before going on. “He got his wish.”
Alice couldn't help but glance at Jake, who forced a thin smile. “Well, I suppose without those Eden Two laws there would be a few more of me around,” she added quietly.
“I doubt it. Corporations have been tying to program the human brain for a very long time. Imprinting is a major focus of their research. There's a good chance we've met someone else who has an imprinted personality and extra data programmed into their memories and we'll never know it,” Grace contradicted. “Besides, we all program and condition ourselves with the experiences we repeat every day, it's just a slower way of doing the same thing.”
Alice remembered then that Grace had no idea that she was once just an artificial intelligence and decided not to inform her. “You have a good point.”
“That she does,” Liam finished his glass of wine and stood. “Sorry to leave you all, but I have to get some sleep. I'm due back in engineering in six hours. We're rebuilding a reactor and starting on the mass materializer.”
“I suppose it's time for us all to get some rack time,” Captain Valance said. “We have busy days ahead.”
Training Day Four, Morning
Stephanie was awfully comfortable. Her quarters were just as lavish as Ashley's. She had gotten a chance to compare while briefly visiting a few times in the days since the dinner party. Every night after a double shift of training her crew, upgrading her own skills and knowledge of the ship while running security details, she'd go straight to bed. Her meals were always taken during duty.
In the space of five minutes of passing through her door every night her vacsuit was on the floor and she was in bed, hoping to get some much needed sleep. The mattress adjusted to her automatically, she didn't have to adjust firmness, pillows or even how many blankets she had. The bed did it all for her and it was incredible, like having your very own cocoon.
After spending time in the military, freelancing on one ship after another until she spent years on the Samson, she had grown to expect discomfort. When you found a quiet, soft place somewhere in any of the bunk compartments or anywhere else for that matter it was sacred. You did what you could to claim it for yourself and treasured every moment you could spend at rest. Creature comforts took valuable space and on military or mercenary vessels the crew were given as little room as possible. Space was always at a premium.
Finding a ship like the Triton with accommodations suited to long term living and crew support was amazing. She had seen the racks in the common berths and even though there were many bunks per compartment, the foot lockers were three times the size she'd seen on other ships, there was enough clearance for someone to comfortably sit up straight, and the beds there adjusted as well. There were also sound dampeners throughout, so it always seemed very quiet. Common spaces distributed throughout the berths with tables, comfortable seating and materializers made those berths like miniature neighbourhoods. Living with bunkmates could quickly become a distinct lifestyle and she could see her and Ashley actually having a good time there, but it wasn't right for officers to sleep in the same berths as their subordinates.
The creature comforts that were supposed to lull her to sleep weren't doing the trick, however. She turned over to lay on her stomach and pounded the mattress half heartedly. A few hours after getting to bed she finally drifted off, only to wake a couple hours later. Thoughts of her security teams and what kind of simulation training she'd be running them through were the first thing to come to mind. The simulations were fantastic, the computer was able to replicate the ship, an endless variety of conditions, send sensations of running, jumping, signals of damage and every tactile feeling she could imagine. It even replicated everyone's physical limitations. All through a small visor that sent impulses to the brain and projected an image against the eyes. She knew there were all kinds of simulations going on right then. Some were assigned to squads in her department, many others were optional.
The Captain had opened the training database to everyone, allowing any crew member or civilian to participate in training scenarios involving the Triton and missions around the Triton. She doubted they'd be popular, there was a vast database of holographic movies and seasons upon seasons of serialized programming.
There were even interactive programs using the same simulation technology, not many mind you, they were expensive and Wheeler didn't spend much on his ship, but some of them looked interesting. To her surprise she was completely wrong about the popularity of crew running simulations in their spare time. The most popular preoccupation was running boarding and ship defence sims with friends, squad mates, or just as a single entrant.
She thought about joining a simulation instead of rolling around hoping for rest but put the idea aside. Her security teams were surprisingly good. Most of them already had military training, followed ranks that were already in place, and even showed a great deal of respect she hadn't had the chance to earn yet. She would, it would just take time and patience.
It was the intelligence department that irritated her every time she walked into security command. Cynthia wasn't responsible for all the issues. She didn't have the training to run the department and was very short on experience. Every time Chief Grady spent an hour in the department things got done ten times faster. Everything started falling into place and people found direction and confidence. He was the Chief of Engineering, however, and at the moment his engineering doctorates were more important to the ship. He couldn't spend his time setting up an intelligence department with a dozen military and a half dozen civilians. Only a few of them even had a realistic idea of how much computing power it took to crack an encryption, what kind of software had to be designed, and the rest were used to sorting through recorded wireless port traffic and interior ship transmissions. They had no idea how to research or scavenge actionable intelligence from the ocean of information they had access to from one day to the next. Liam was kind enough to give them a few of his filters, making getting to the most important information take less time, but few people actually took the time to look into how those filters worked so they could make them their own or specialize them for specific purposes.
The Captain was putting a lot of trust on all the department heads and helping everyone out as much as he could but his time was widely divided. To his credit he was becoming more and more visible, and at the same time he was giving everyone who was remotely qualified a chance at being the Officer of the Watch.
She was surprised there weren't more incidents between crew members. Only three fights had broken out. Her department had only had to put four people in the brig and two were already released. No one had been sentenced to be left at the next port yet, though she knew that would eventually happen. There was a secret list in her command and control unit of people Chiefs wanted left at port. So far Frost had the most, followed by Chief Vercelli, and Chief Grady had entered three names. Most of the crew on the list were notes as untalented and disinterested, or trouble seeking people. She didn't second guess any entries, but was happy that she had no names to add so far. Even her trouble makers weren't that bad, they only needed something to do.
Her thoughts wandered to Frost, but not because she was unsure of him handling his new people or getting the gunnery deck in order, but for some other reason. She couldn't stop running into him and Grace. There's got to be someone on this ship who can at least distract me. We just took on close to two thousand people for crap's sake. Stephanie thought as she looked to the nightstand. Her left hand command and control unit showed 04:17 and she sighed. The Triton would be out of hyperspace shortly.
“I give up,” she said to herself as she rolled out of bed. She walked into the shower, deciding to have a pulse shower instead of using water more for expediency rather than conservation, did her morning stretches, got into uniform, jammed her heavy disintegration sidearm into her holster and put on the new black long coat her materializer had made while she was out. It took three hours, and instead of being equipped with tools and spare parts, she had filled the extra internal pockets with containment vacbags, extra ammunition, parts for her assault rifle and sidearm, an autohack module for getting through doors, two full belts of various grenades and several other spare parts, utilities and incidental items.
The long coat felt too light on it's own, but with the extra items hidden inside it weighed on her shoulders just right. She had also added clips so it would hold fast to her gun belt on the sides, she found it allowed her to maintain more agility. Stephanie clipped her assault rifle to the inside of the long coat and tried to move. It slowed her down too much and didn't seem necessary so she left it behind.
The new vacsuit had several improvements passed down from the Captain as well as the new rank insignia. It had taken all day to materialize without it's command and control unit. The silver skull was printed on the chest of her vacsuit and long coat along with the five parallel bars that designated her as the Chief of Security on her cuffs. She caught her reflection in the mirror and nodded. Thank God I don't look as tired as I feel, she thought as she tied her hair into a ponytail. With the extra inch of height added by the soles of her combat boots, and the long coat stretching from shoulder to floor she actually looked taller, something she'd had difficulty with in the military, being at the short end of the line. Stephanie made up for it with dexterity, strength training, speed and by keeping her technical skills sharp, but she was always sensitive about her height.
By reflex she checked the amount of credits she had in her account. She'd done it for years, saving up for her retirement; a ticket on a Lorander colony ship bound for space well outside of the settled areas of the galaxy. This is twice what I'd need. After getting paid our share for the last job we pulled for the Aucharians the entire Samson crew could retire, except for Frost. She chuckled softly and shook her head. Of all the luck, the only job he skips out on in months and it's the biggest the Samson ever pulled. We needed him for that too. If he'd been controlling the maxjack Captain could have led one of the boarding teams himself.
Stephanie stepped out her door and started wandering the ship. Her first stop was the top level of the interior habitation area, the walkway overlooking the Botanical Gallery. She stepped out of the elevator right behind Ashley. She was in her black bridge uniform, leaning against the railing.
“Couldn't sleep either?” Stephanie asked as she walked up to the railing and looked down.
“Nope, too quiet. How about you?”
Stephanie pointed to her temple. “Too noisy.”
“Can't stop thinking about?”
“Security, simulations, communications, you know. Pretty much everything,” she leaned against the railing and looked down into the long, broad oval garden that stretched out for hundreds of meters below. The paths between the planting areas were like green and blue snakes winding between the large patches of black dirt.
In most places plants were already piercing the soil, reaching upwards. “The seeds and fertilizer have growth enhancers. This'll be fully grown in a week then they'll slow it all down,” Ashley said, looking down with her. “It's big enough for a few hundred people to get lost in with all the planters and extensions through some of the main hallways down there.”
“This almost makes up for the Lorander plan,” Stephanie said, smelling the earthy fragrance in the air.
“Are you thinking of leaving us again?”
Stephanie smiled a little. “Don't worry, I'm staying. Just tired.”
“Good, 'cause I think I'd have to go with you.”
“I don't think the Lorander Company would mind one bit. I'm not going anywhere though, I'm just starting to settle in.”
“Me too, after we left last night I did a couple more hours of tutorials and simulations. I'm getting good at flying Triton, better than flying the Samson, ” she sighed. “I love this ship.”
“You know even with so many aboard we still haven't explored half? Everyone's still filling into what we've cleared.”
“Really? I thought your guys would have the ship inspected and cleared by now.”
“All my people are too busy watching everyone else's people. If it weren't for the Aucharians we would have crew wandering everywhere. Nathan's pretty much given me the keys to the kingdom in trade for being my second in command. It's a good thing he wasn't with Jane's squad when they ran into that spy. We've lost so many people while taking this ship,” she crossed her arms on the railing and put her chin down.
Ashley looked at her friend. She could see her feeling low, tired, and it wasn't something that happened often. Stephanie often looked serious, even quiet, but she was also quick to laugh and an easy conversationalist with friends. “It's not your fault, Steph,” she said, putting her hand on her friend's back. “It's only been a few days and just look around. I stepped out of my quarters and took a shaft here. On the way I counted six guards in pairs. Four of them were just keeping out of the way, watching everyone go by. The other two were giving directions, as easy going as anything. Things are under control, people feel safe. It hasn't even been five days I don't think.”
“You're right, things have gotten better and it looks like they'll keep on improving.”
“That's more like it,” Ashley said as she leaned her elbows on the rail and put her chin down on her hands. “Now I just have to figure out how to get Finn put back together.”
“Captain hasn't forgotten him. I caught him looking at using whatever tech is inside him to help. That framework system. We don't have anyone aboard who can figure it out though.”
“How can we have so many people aboard without one real doctor? I mean Grace is good, but she's the first to tell everyone she's not fully qualified.”
“It's the luck of the Samson. We got by on emergency nanos and automatic diagnostic and medication machines most of the time. I'm sure Captain will get us to port so we can get him help.”
“I know, it's just hard knowing he's stowed away.”
“You really liked him.”
“I don't know Steph. I think I was bouncing out of my thing with Silver.”
“Finn wouldn't toss you like Silver did.”
“I know, he's so nice.”
“Did you say something about not finding a doctor on board?” Asked a salt and pepper haired woman from behind. She was wearing a loose skirt and high, sleeved corset top. “There's one in habitation here. He saved Gerry when an AI tried to dose him to death.”
Ashley's eyes went wide. “Where is he?”
“He's on the second level, just over there,” she pointed to an apartment door across the way. “Probably still asleep though, we were all up late last night. He's called Doctor Eugene Marsters.”
“I'm going to leave him a message,” Ashley stated as she looked him up on her command and control unit.
“You are?” Stephanie asked.
“I'm Linda,” the woman nodded. “I have to be going, my husband should be up soon.”
“Thank you Linda,” Stephanie said, taking her hand and shaking it briefly. “What do you and your husband do?”
“We're astrophysicists. I'm wondering if you could do us a favour?”
“What can I do?” Stephanie asked.
“This ship has a long range sensor array, do you think we could get access to it sometime?”
“I'll talk to the Captain. I'm sure he'll give you time with it once things calm down a bit. I'm Chief Vega, by the way.”
“I know, the hologram of you saving Gunnery Chief Frost is out, everyone saw it.”
Stephanie was surprised but smiled after a moment. “I haven't seen it.”
“Most people are pretty impressed, I just like having guards around who don't interfere with anything we're doing. Some have stayed behind to help after their shifts. Keep it up,” Linda said before moving off.
Ashley finished sending her message and checked the time. “I have to be on the bridge in fifteen,” she looked excited, like she could break into dance at any second.
“Think you could concentrate while waiting for the Doc to get back to you?”
“I'll have to, I have a whole shift ahead of me. Oh God I hope he can help.”
“I hope so too. Everyone liked Finn,” Stephanie agreed. “Just take it easy if he gets put back together again, take it slow. You don't want to rebound off this one.”
Ashley bounced on her heels and nodded. “Yup. I gotta go,” she hugged Stephanie briefly and they both set off for the forward lift.
The Tour
Captain Valance walked through Hangar One looking at the piles of big and small parts. The largest of which was the majority portion of a two hundred ninety meter long hauler that looked like it had been torn apart on one rear quarter when its hyperspace emitters failed. It was a good pick for salvage, if that's what he were interested in, but there was an oppressively foul smell coming from it. They never bothered to remove the dead. He shook his head and moved on. What kind of ship was Wheeler running? He asked himself, not for the first time.
The sitting room in the Captain's quarters was a wreck. He had to seal it during the gathering the night before so no one could see it. There were bottles everywhere, even a broken one that looked like it had been stepped on. Old clothes, a half disassembled small engine of some kind, entertainment cards, a game board torn in half, and other oddities were strewn across the stained and disused furniture. He couldn't wait until Liam could make time to get a team working on bringing the cleaning and general maintenance bots back on line. He'd set a pair of them onto the official Captain's quarters and just walk away for a week.
Not a priority. He thought to himself as he looked at three fighters piled in a pyramid. The top one was turned upside down so its cockpit canopy was squeezed between the two on the bottom. So many things still aren't a priority. The ship's calming down, smaller grievances will start crossing my command panel, and I'll be saying that more and more. I can hear myself now; 'I'm sorry ma'am, strawberries from the materializer will never taste like the real thing, I can't spare maintenance people to recalibrate your unit. Again, it's just not a priority.'
Assistant Deck Chief Paula Mendle came through one of the double doors leading to the hanger to hanger walkway. “Good morning Captain, you shouldn't be here. It isn't safe,” she said with finality.
“I want this entire deck cleared today,” he ordered, ignoring her comment. Her tone was a constant source of irritation.
“I'll have to find out what the Chief's plans are first,” she rebutted.
“Do you have Hanger Two set for a few ships to land?”
“We have five hundred square meters sir.”
“How big is the entry?”
“Just over twenty.”
“Not enough, I want everything that doesn't start as is pushed out into space or into a mass recycler by the end of the day. Everything you keep must be stowed at the back of the hangar or in long term storage.”
“The mass recycler on this flight deck doesn't work,” Paula contested, putting her hands on her hips.
“Then it all goes, set it adrift and if we need the raw materials for recycling drag parts back in,” Captain Valance answered, turning towards her. They faced off, looking down a roughly cleared aisle between the waste parts and hulks of ships. “That's an order, Assistant Chief.”
“Chief Vercelli won't like it,” she said with a scowl.
“Then he can make his concerns known to me. Do we have a problem?”
Paula just scowled at him.
“Speak freely, because at this point I'm wondering if we shouldn't leave you out at the next port. Anyone who doesn't pay attention to what's going on, doesn't listen, is dangerous.”
“Where do you get off telling us how to run a flight deck? How to keep a hangar?”
“No need to answer that sir, I'll take care of this,” Angelo said from the walkway doors.
“I want him to answer. A week ago we were serving on a deck that knew what to do with us. Just left us to do our work the right way,” Paula shouted at him. “Now we're here, and he thinks he knows everything.”
“You're wrong. The Captain here expects me to make the right decisions, asks me about why I go about things a certain way all the time, but when he gives an order it's for a reason, it's for the good of the entire ship. How convenient it is for us doesn't make a difference,” Angelo answered in a mild tone.
“He's right, Assistant Chief. There's another reason why you should just take my order as law, aside from the fact that I'm your Captain. Sometimes you don't get to know why an order's given, you don't have the rank to find out and it's even better at times that you don't ever learn more than you have to.”
“This isn't a military ship! We deserve to know what's going on, we're all volunteers! Or at least we may as well be for the chump fodder we're getting paid!”
“If that's the way you're thinking, then find an emergency shuttle with a hyperdrive and get off my deck,” Captain Valance said flatly. “If you haven't noticed, everyone here, even the civilians, know this ship is out here to fight Regent Galactic, maybe even the Eden Fleet, and they're doing their part. The few who aren't in line are squared away in the brig.”
“We're just one ship, what's the point?” Paula asked, looking from Angelo to the Captain.
Jake turned to Chief Angelo Vercelli. “You know the options here. Straighten her out, check her into the brig, or send her off on her own. Until then, get this hangar clear.”
“Aye sir,” Chief Vercelli replied.
“Don't just ignore me!” Paula screamed.
“Hey!” Captain Valance rounded on her, furious. “If you're making sense, using that impressive brain of yours, and following orders, you'll have my respect and a place on my crew. If you start shouting and screaming, ignoring what's right in front of you and questioning your senior officers, I'll cut you out. You won't be welcome in my chain of command and I'll put you off the ship.” He turned on his heel and strode to the nearest lift.
A Short Walk Over A Great Distance
Stephanie took her second look at the main Gunnery Deck. The floor was polished to gleaming, the rail cannon turrets were arranged in ready rows, hanging half way down to the deck leaving a three meter clearance for anything to move under them. Along one wall was a neat row of armoured combat suits, standing a meter and a half each with their reinforced exoskeleton, armoured plating and fully articulated arms, hands and legs. There was high durability display surfaces on the shoulders, cuffs and chests of all of them to output damage, rank and other information. The armour segments, supports and hardened joints were alternatively painted blue, white or left polished silver. Their short, oval heads were armoured sensor suites, transmitters and were heavily constructed so lifters could pull and move the suits from above.
A few crew members were inspecting the armour while four of her security guards watched the cargo sized express car and the main doors to the deck. They were following standing orders, keep watch over every major entrance and wherever there were large gatherings of crew members. She had enough people to be hyper vigilant, and her security staff needed something to do. So aside from running a quarter of them through simulations at a time, they made sure everyone else was on the ship for the right reasons, going where they needed to be, and staying away from dangerous or sensitive areas.
One of the armoured suits stepped forward and waved. The chest plates came apart to reveal Frost. “They're used up here mostly to load the cannons, but I'd hate to be a boarding crew trying to take this deck.”
She couldn't help but smile at him. He looked very pleased with himself. “Thought I'd take one for a walk before most of my gunnery crew arrived for their first day of training.”
“How are they checking out?”
“These machines are in great shape. Most of 'em were put in storage for near forty years. Just needed a recharge.”
“Not the armour, the crew.”
“Lots o' failed pilots, most of 'em qualified on cannons easy enough. We have enough mechanics, even a few who are trained on combat armour pretty close to what we have here. You did good.”
“I can't take the credit. The head hunter agency just went by your criteria.”
“Well, still. I've got enough to run a full gunnery crew, even after Captain told me to cherry pick eighty of my best for the heavy artillery. I just hope they can hit a target,” he undid the belts that kept him strapped in and started to step out of the tall suit.
His gunnery crew wore dark grey, centimetre thick vacsuits with extra tool pouches built onto their thighs. Only Frost and his second in command, who hadn't arrived yet, had a skull printed above the ship title on his chest. Everyone else in his gunnery crew only had Triton printed there and it would remain that way until he decided they were ready to be counted amongst the permanent crew. Five bars on his cuffs, slanted towards the backs of his hands marked him as the Gunnery Chief. “You're obnoxious enough to get them in shape,” she teased.
A few of the crew who were starting early, inspecting the suits laughed until Frost jerked his head in their direction. He looked back at her and winked. “Aye, my boys'll shred in time. Why don't you step up here and give the armour a try?” he invited, standing on one of the big grey and blue machine's boots. “It's part of the tour, y'know.”
She hesitated, looking at the hollow cavity inside.
“Come on, it's like wearin' a second skin once you're used to it. Only this big boy can lift a hundred tons like it's laundry.”
Stephanie shrugged and started taking off her combat boots. “May as well. Half my people are trained in one of these already.”
Frost raised an eyebrow.
“Don't even think of poaching them for your loading crew,” she cautioned. “I'll make it more trouble than it's worth.”
“Aye, aye, I'll keep my hands off your crew,” he said. “My boys'll move in these like they were born to 'em soon enough anyhow.”
She took her long coat then her gun belt off and put them on top of her boots. After looking at the machine for a moment, she stepped onto its foot, then its knee and grabbed a handle just under its left shoulder plate.
“Now take hold of one o' the arm sockets inside with one hand,” Frost instructed patiently.
Stephanie did.
“Now use it to steady yourself an' turn round.”
She followed his instructions carefully and found herself sitting on the bottom edge of its chest cavity. Taking the next logical step, she pulled herself up, drew her legs up to her chest and dropped down inside.
“Not the usual way of climbin' in, most people open up the bottom half of the chest.” Frost said with a shrug. “At least I know flexibility won't be a problem. Most loader operators get so bulky after a while from repetitive motion that they couldn't squirm inta a suit like you just did if they had ta.”
“Former child gymnast,” she reminded as she started fastening the restraints.
“Aye, you're in better shape than most on this boat. Anyhow, strap in tight and settle into the supports. They'll be loose until you get set.”
She could feel the supports around her legs, arms, up her back and pressed against them. He was right, they did start tightening up as she settled in. “How do I start it?”
“Push your hands all the way in and bring your arms up towards your head, pretend like you're touchin' your forehead. Before you do that, I should tell you-”
Stephanie extended her arms as far as they would go and the machine wrapped around them. She brought them up towards her face and by the time the hands touched its flat head the suit closed around her completely. The display had energy levels, her medical information, a full depiction of the area around her and a rear view below that. Her entire field of vision was covered so she didn't see the inside of the machine at all.
“Now move normal like, don't overcompensate or you'll lose balance or worse,” Frost instructed as he hurriedly ran backwards.
She instinctively took a step backwards and lost her balance. As she tried to step forward again she fell with an incredible crashing sound. “Wow,” she whispered to herself as she looked at the ceiling above.
“Okay, everyone falls the first time,” Frost reassured. “Now the key is to act normally, take it slow, as though you're real tired or favourin' sore muscles.”
Stephanie took a deep breath, tried to forget where she was and started to roll over. The suit cooperated for the most part, but her torso still didn't feel tightly supported. As she moved it showed, the armour didn't quite move with her. She ignored it and got the machine up on all fours.
“I wonder,” she whispered to herself. Stephanie pushed off with her hands and the machine straightened up effortlessly. “So I'll just pretend I'm in the best shape of my life,” she smiled, closing her eyes and standing up straight.
She was up on her feet and turned around in seconds. After making sure no one was in front of her she closed her eyes again and took several steps. The machine responded almost perfectly, there was a slight bounce in her step because she was being jostled up and down in her waist and chest harness, but she still felt steady and ended her walk by bringing her speed up to a run and dropping into a somersault.
The armour came up on its feet and almost carried on to fall on its face, but she caught herself just in time, dropping to one knee instead. She turned around and walked back to the rest of the suits, where her security people, the new gunnery crew and Frost watched from. “Our Chief of Security's first time in heavy armour, how about that?” he called out loudly, clapping his broad hands.
The rest of the crew, a couple hundred of whom had arrived in time to see her run and roll, joined in on the applause. She couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as she took an unsteady bow. “Now how do I get out of this thing?” she asked.
Laughter trickled through the crowd and Frost turned to them. “Ferrah, Gambon, break out the sim visors and pass 'em out. Get set in the Lost Fleet gunnery sim and I'll be there in ten. Anyone missin's bunkin' in the brig tonight!” he called out with a voice that echoed across the expansive gunnery deck.
Two gunnery crew members stepped out of the crowd, they had three slanted bars on their cuffs instead of one like the rest behind them. They activated a panel built into the deck and opened it to reveal portable seating and a case of training visors. The rest of the gunnery crew started pulling out folding chairs and setting them up in rows.
He walked up in front of her and made a motion like he was patting his head with both hands. “This'll get you out. If ye had your own armour ye could customize the trigger, but good luck on that. I think Wheeler sold all the suits not on the gunnery deck, even the spares.”
She followed his directions and the chest cavity opened up more completely than it had before, all the way down to her knees. “That was fun, I'm going to have to try some other time, but I didn't get the restraints right.”
He stepped up on the foot and knees of the machine and leaned forward so he was balanced. “Let's see,” he said, grabbing her restraints and tugging. “Aye, you've got three centimetres give in each direction. There's a trick to it.” His hands went around her hips firmly and he looked at her. “Now hop.”
Stephanie was stunned for a moment and just stared.
“I won't hurt ye, now just bounce on yer heels.”
He was every bit the trainer, no sign of the man who had teased and flirted with Ashley for almost a year could be found. She hopped on her heels and he guided her so she fell back into the back and upper leg braces.
“See how that works? You jump a little as though you're throwin' yourself on yer back. Now you let the straps tighten again and you'll be right in there, no slack, no delay in the suit's response,” He tightened the safety belts and looked at her.
“I see,” was all Stephanie said as she looked back at him. She just stared into his light grey blues and started leaning towards him, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to close the few centimetres between them and her communicator vibrated against her left wrist. She ignored it, closed her eyes, and touched her lips to his.
For a moment there was no response, then one of his hands was cupping her cheek, the other was on her hip and Frost was kissing her. She pulled her arms out of the armour's sockets and wrapped them around his neck. The comm buzzed again. “The transmission watch you ordered turned up something Chief Vega, you should see this right away,”Andy Killbourne, one of the communications crew reported.
She pulled away from Frost hesitantly and replied; “Be right there.”
Frost let her go and leaned back, holding himself up by gripping the shoulder guard of the suit. “Looks like they need ye,” He said quietly before lowering himself down.
Stephanie undid the restraints and climbed out. “I'm sorry,” she apologized quietly as she looked around for people who might have seen. Two of the security personnel on shift were in sight, but they were facing away. It looked like they had seen it happen, but didn't look on out of respect. The rest of the trainees were several meters behind the armoured suit. They must have seen. This will be all over the ship by night shift. She thought to herself as her cheeks flushed.
“Don't be. If I'd have known I woulda done somethin' about it a year ago, prolly even further back. If I'd known a week ago then-” he said quietly as he picked up her boots, gun belt and coat.
“She's going to find out.”
“Aye, and she's one with a temper,” he nodded.
She stomped her feet into her combat boots and fastened the clasps. “I'm on shift. You have trainees.”
“Aye, long day ahead,” he handed her gun belt to her.
“Talk after?”
“Don't think I'll get away from Grace,” he shook his head sadly. “If I'd have known,” Shamus Frost apologized quietly.
“Me or her?” Stephanie whispered the question and immediately hoped Frost didn't hear.
If he did, he didn't give her any response.
She looked at him lingeringly for a moment and had never seen him so softened or disappointed then flicked her gaze to the rows of gunnery crewmen and women just meters away. This was her fault, if she had just shown up in the security office early instead of taking a side trip. Stephanie pressed all her disappointment down and straightened up. “Ride 'em hard Chief,” Stephanie said loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Aye!” he replied enthusiastically before turning his attention to the gunnery crew.
Stephanie turned away and finished putting on her long coat as she made her way to the large express lift that would take her down to the middle of the command deck.
The Engineering Control Centre
“Welcome to the control centre Captain,” Liam said as he watched a trio of holographic displays. They were detailing energy distribution across the ship, the status of the five reactors that were online and emitter performance across the hull. The rest of the oval shaped control room had stations for at least a dozen other technicians. At that time there were only four, each monitoring repairs and directing operations in different sections of the ship.
The walls above the terminals were transparent, providing a view of six of the reactor enclosures. They were cylindrical, polished metal containers with large cables extending out of the top. Fuel was at one time fed from the bottom, where the containment and feed adaptation compartments were. The diverse energy reactor assemblies, called DERA for short, could use almost anything to produce massive amounts of energy, but more dense materials or fusion were preferred. Whenever the type of fuel changed the reactors had to be adapted, and the engineering staff performed that work on the deck below. Recently materializers were installed to produce heated plasma for the fusion process, along with hydrogen cell backups in case there was little power to use for the materializers.
Chief Grady kept his engineering deck clean, and it was surprisingly quiet throughout. “It's about time I visited your office,” Captain Valance smiled.
“Well, this saves me from sending my report in. I'm happy to announce reactors seven and eight are ready, we can start using the scoops to collect pretty much anything and feed it straight into them.”
“Those are the reactors closest to the engines.”
“They are. If you can manage to park us near a sun, pretty much any sun, we could charge up our power reserves in the space of ten minutes.”
“How are our power reserves doing right now?”
“Still charging, sixty one point three percent. It'll take another two hours and seventeen minutes to get us to full. This uranium is trash, to be honest. It was material stripped out of old nuclear warheads. Given the choice, I'd rather use hyper dense ergranian to line a reaction chamber and draw power from fusion. We'd start producing several kilos of dense ergranian per reactor per day.”
“We have some?”
“Someone started growing some under engineering, close to the primary capacitors.”
“How long ago?”
“About thirty one years. We have about eight hundred square meters of it insulating engineering from the hangar decks. It would take one reactor about two days to supercharge a block of the stuff and make it so dense enough to protect and cultivate in our reactors. Then we can start using it to augment production with mass materializers, enhance our fighters, the Triton's armour plating, build new, harder protective suits for the gunnery loading crews. There are a lot of other uses, but those are the ones that seem to stand out on the request list.”
“That's incredible.”
“Ergranian metal is the most complex materials hulls are made of. The only known organic steel in the universe. The drawback is you can't materialize it, but if you have some to augment a materializer manufacturing process it speeds production up and allows you to materialize harder metals using much less energy.”
“I know, I wonder where it came from?”
“The molecular stamp says it was originally cultivated from the Blue Belt by Freeground.”
“Well, Wheeler was associated with them somehow. Sort of tarnishes my mental image of them. You have my go ahead on making dense ergranian metal and converting the reactors.”
“Thank you Captain, fusion will eliminate the problem of waste disposal. Instead we'll have tons of dense metals after a couple weeks as a byproduct.”
“How long will the reconfiguration take?”
“Depends on the reactors condition and on how easy they are to decontaminate. Shouldn't take more than a couple days, but we'll have to be in a pretty safe spot and entirely replace a lot of the internal irradiated hardware. Only reserve power will be available.”
“I'll find us a safe place after this pickup.”
“Moving on then. We need to test them, but the shields look ready. I'm also sending people out to replace those hyperspace emitters that don't register. After looking things over, I'm pretty sure they're actually gone. Must have happened during a battle that wasn't logged in engineering. Other than that, maintenance teams are finishing repairs on our mass materializer in hangar three and other internal combat damage the security teams found when they were doing their sweep,” Liam reported proudly.
“I couldn't ask for a better Chief Engineer, Liam,” Captain Valance said. “We're lucky to have you.”
“But you are still wondering why I'm here.”
“I have to admit I am. You have to understand, I've spent the last five years with people who don't exactly do anything out of the goodness of their hearts.”
“Well, at first I came aboard out of the kindness of my heart, and to satisfy my curiosity.”
“And now?”
“Let's just say I've been watching the news feeds. I checked the miniburst from Hart News when we came out of hyperspace half an hour ago. Three more civilized worlds have fallen under the influence of the AI virus. Eden ships have hit four more solar systems and left them in ruins. Your friends the Aucharians have officially surrendered to Regent Galactic so they can receive aid without paying for it. The Galaxy is in pain, freedoms and security are being eradicated solar system by solar system radiating out from the Regent Galactic territories. All the while your speeches about joining a revolution against them are getting more and more popular, spreading across the galaxy.”
“Looks like I don't watch the news enough.”
“I normally don't either, but after returning from Earth, I'm making an effort to catch up.”
“Ever think of finding a way back? It'll probably the only safe place left before long.”
“All the time. Then I pause for a moment. What was my time on Earth for if I turn around and beg my way back to the homeworld? I have learned much and applied very little over the last decade or two. This feels like a place I'm needed, where the right cause is being pursued. I was once a military man, I know how to press a group to accomplish a goal, how to reward and punish them if need be. So I am where I'm needed. As for you, well,” Liam chuckled and clasped Captain Valance's shoulder. “You are an icon whether you like it or not. Jacob Valance motivates people with his strength. Some people want to be you, others want to impress you, many respect you, a few want to befriend you while others like to hate you but just like everyone else, they believe you're the right man for the job.”
“I wouldn't say everyone.”
“True, there will always be those who stay here because they can't see their way anywhere else and they'll hate you because they can't think their way out of their own situation. They'll eventually find their way off the ship, whether it's on their own or trailing behind someone else. As the first paydays happen, they start to make this ship their home, and we're tried by combat, some will solidify, others will fall away. I believe that if you keep to the right ideals, trust your instincts, we will find ourselves on the right path.”
“That makes one of us,” Captain Valance said with a wry grin. “That's a lot of faith for someone I just met a few days ago.”
“I'm just returning the sentiment. You didn't need to take me on. You could have kept the Triton running on two or three reactors until you found a government willing to buy her from you. Instead you decided to trust me, to trust hundreds of other people, refugees, deserters and people hired for the lowest going rate. They're grateful, mind you, their alternatives were much worse.”
“A lot of them are spoiling for revenge against Regent or Eden.”
“While others just want to be close to a man they believe in on a ship capable of giving them a quality of life they might not find anywhere else,” Liam walked Jake over to the quieter end of the engineering control room floor.
“I'll be honest,” Jake sighed, making a concious decision he hoped he wouldn't regret in the future; To trust the older man. “I'm five years old, maybe six or seven at the most. They tried to implant memories from someone else and according to him I wiped them out or suppressed them, leaving only what he knew how to do and whole operational databases on engineering, tactics and medicine. Give the parts to a Raze Mark Three Space Superiority fighter and I can build it for you then fly it off the deck. If you scan me right now with one of those high resolution readers you'll find a bioelectrical frame that can materialize living matter.”
“I already did Jake, you might be surprised at how hard it is to detect that technology. I'm sure you scanned yourself before you realized what you were made of and didn't see it.”
“I did, there's a layer of bone and insulation you can't get through unless you use a very high quality system.”
“Though that's more intriguing than this entire ship, it doesn't phase me. For many reasons extending past your construction or origin, you're a unique individual like anyone else.”
“That's not my problem. I'm getting pieces of Jonas' memories. They're coming to me in dreams, just the most important bits I think.”
“How do you feel when you're having them? Just try and put yourself in those moments and recall the sensations for me.”
Jake couldn't believe he was having this conversation, not with him, not with anyone. There was something about Liam, his self assuredness and kind manner. As he thought about it he realized all he had to lose were a few secrets. He relaxed and let his mind wander back to those memories. To those people. “I feel that I'm with friends, people I trust, people I enjoy being with. The one that says he's proud of me is very important, while there's another who, well, she appeared more than once. I feel like I miss her, she's very special, very dear to me.” He opened his eyes and looked at Liam. “But none of this is mine. It belongs to a dead man.”
“You understand that, but it isn't the way you may ultimately feel. I suggest you let this happen, experience it fully. Maintain the awareness that these aren't your memories but allow them to enrich your life. If you meet anyone who you remember through his experiences look at yourself as a representative of him. Tell these people that you aren't Jonas, that you have his feelings and emotions if that's ultimately where this leads, and go forward as yourself. Don't pretend to be him, but don't be afraid to become more like him. That could happen naturally if the memories continue to surface.”
Everything he said made sense, and Jake nodded along even though there was a nagging fear. The fear that he would lose himself in the recollections of someone who he barely knew. “I understand. I'll try it.”
“There were victims of traumatic experiences on Earth. I met several of them while I was on retreat. They had some of the same problems with their own memories. After blocking whole parts of their lives out they became different people and when those memories returned they didn't know how to handle it. You have to be prepared to remember things that changed your predecessor's life, to relive powerful emotions and find someone you trust to talk about them. They'll change you, and so will the way you deal with them.”
Jake laughed ruefully and shook his head. “You know, I came here to check on the engines, not to be checked on by the Engineer. Thank you Liam, just keep this to yourself.”
“Only if you keep me up to speed on how you're doing. I'd like to help, I believe I can. Let's just say my reward is living vicariously through you. Your life is much more interesting than my own.”
“Done. I have to get to the bridge. Thank you for the work you've done down here. Your officers quarters are ready at the rear of the command deck.”
“Ah, I've already moved into the Chief Engineer's ready quarters down here. Reassign them.”
“You're sure?”
“Aye Captain. I'm a minimalist.”
As Jacob Valance left engineering in one of the main express cars, he couldn't help noticing that things were changing.
The main lift was crowded. It was a freight lift sandwiched between four other personnel lifts at the main hubs on each deck. It eventually led to three points on each deck except for the Command Deck, where it only reached the center. There were half a dozen mechanics, four soldiers and a few other people behind him. As soon as he had stepped inside the car silence settled over its occupants.
His thoughts were still turned inward, his conversation with the Chief Engineer had helped far more than he had expected. He felt different, the same things were important; taking care of the crew, going against Regent Galactic, and helping who he could but there was less anger. At the same time he was feeling young for the first time in his entire life.
He turned towards the doors and nodded. “Good morning,” he said clearly but quietly.
At various volumes and levels of enthusiasm, everyone in the car replied; “Good morning,” or “Good morning Captain,” and the silence returned. He stared at the doors, not focusing his attention on anyone until they reached the command deck. He walked off the lift with four soldiers and one other person, a civilian from what he could tell in his periphery.
He caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye and turned to face the woman in the hallway. She was wearing a loose, high necked black dress over a mostly transparent vacsuit. The command and control unit she had chosen for herself from the materializer was made to hang down as a long necklace. At a glance it just looked like a one centimetre wide, four centimetre long piece of silver jewellery, but it had a small interactive holoprojector and split down the center to reveal an interface pad that stretched.
Mischa smiled at him. “Took you long enough. I was wondering if you'd notice me at all.”
“I didn't see you behind me, I'm sorry,” Captain Valance apologized quietly, mindful of the crewmen and women passing all around him in the main concourse.
“I'm getting used to it. Is there somewhere we can talk?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I have an office just off the bridge,” he invited.
“I've heard of it, your ready room. When I asked where I could find you the soldiers said you'd probably be there. They also tell me you almost never leave the bridge, you even sleep within a stones throw.”
“Most of the bridge officers do, half the command deck is officers quarters. It's almost as safe as the Botanical Gallery.”
The main entrance to the bridge opened, and she was very quiet as they made their way through. Alice was near the end of her shift on the bridge, she was splitting the day with Jake, each doing twelve hours. She looked up and smiled at him then grinned a little wider at Mischa who nodded back at her with a reserved smile.
They arrived at the ready room, and Jake moved to stand behind his desk, taking his coat and scarf off. “What can I do for you?”
She stood behind the middle chair in front of his desk, resting her hands on the top of its back. “I hear there was a meeting of the Chiefs and I wasn't invited.”
Captain Valance hung his coat and scarf on a peg by the ladder leading to the ready quarters living space. He had completely forgotten that the civilians had chosen a representative by vote. Instead of sitting down he turned to face her and nodded. “I apologize, you deserved to be there as much as everyone else.”
“An apology after the fact doesn't change how the decision was made. I heard that you're taking the ship back to the Enreega system on personal business.”
“Part of it is personal, I'll admit. It's important to note that this could also be the first step in making ties with an ally that could be very helpful to us.”
Mischa sighed and sat down, crossing her legs and idly kicking her foot back and forth in the air. “Captain, I could do with a few more details. Remember, I need to be informed enough to answer questions from my people, otherwise they'll start going around me. That's something you and your departments don't have time for.”
Captain Valance couldn't help but be impressed. He'd met hardened criminals with less confidence than this woman. If he intimidated her at all, it didn't show. “I've been reading the logs from the first Captain who ran the proving tour for this ship, and from Wheeler, the most recent Commander. He had loose ties with a large independent space station called Freeground. It turns out he was born there and I have my own loose ties with Freeground as well. They've been independent for at least a century, and could make for the perfect home port.”
“Why don't we set a course and pay them a visit?”
“They're about two months away by standard faster than light speed, and we haven't even started work on our wormhole generator.”
“It would give us time to settle in on the ship. For people to get to know each other and form a community. I'm sure my people wouldn't object.”
“That would take us too far from the fight. Most of the military and volunteers are here to do some damage to Regent Galactic, even Eden ships, though I'd rather steer clear of the Eden Fleet.”
“That's something I can agree with,” she said, her eyes widening.
“But a few days ago I received a communication on the line dedicated to my old ship, the Samson. Since that ship is down I had the priority transmissions forwarded to my personal comm.”
“And?”
“It turns out some people from Freeground are going to Enreega under the assumption that it's still a peaceful system and my home port. They also think I'm Jonas Valent.”
“The man who took a bomb out the airlock with him,” she filled in. It was a growing misconception on the ship that Jonas had disposed of a bomb personally and was caught in the blast, not that he was himself the explosive.
He let it pass. “He was. Jonas was also a very close relation to myself and Alice.”
“I understand. Can I see the message?”
Captain Valance hesitated a moment.
“If it's too personal, that's all right. I think I've reached an understanding of your need to help,” she said sympathetically.
He brought the message up on the holographic menu hovering above his side of the desk. “You should see it,” Jake said quietly.
A holographic image of a woman with long dark brown hair sitting in a small, dimly lit craft came up. “This message is intended for Jonas Valent or Jake Valance. I'm Lieutenant Laura Everin of Freeground Special Projects Division. I'm with Major Ayan Rice who was close to you some time ago. I don't know if you remember her, but at one time she was very important to you. By contacting you I'm breaking an unofficial treaty between Freeground and Regent Galactic, so you understand that I don't do this lightly. Ayan, rather Major Rice, is not in good health. Even with the help of our most advanced medical technology she only has a few days left to live. Her dying wish was to see you again in an attempt to remind you of who you are, where you come from.
Earlier today she slipped into a coma. I could wake her, but her life will be sustained longer if she remains in her current condition. I'm sending this transmission through a high compression microscopic wormhole in the hope that it will reach you before we arrive in the Enreega System. I need you to meet us there, Ayan needs you to meet us there. She doesn't have much time left. I look forward to seeing you again Jonas. It's been too long.”
The transmission faded out and Mischa looked at him with sympathy.
“If the Samson were in shape or the Clever Dream were still available I would leave the Triton here so the crew could continue safely training and working on the ship.”
“I understand. You have to meet them. When will they arrive?”
“The embedded information in the message notes that they'll be in the Enreega system in just under twenty eight hours. We'll have to be in hyperspace in twenty.”
“We'll be retrieving them and leaving?”
“That's the plan. Do I have your support?”
“I'll tell my people where we're going. They'll be satisfied if I tell them this could lead to a possible alliance. I won't bring up the personal side, Captain. This is something you owe to Jonas, I understand.”
“Thank you Mischa. I'll make sure to include you in group discussions like this in the future. How are things going in the Botanical Gallery?”
She smiled at him. “It's starting to look like a home already. Many of your crew have volunteered in their off hours to help clean and plant in trade for services some of us can offer. You should pay us a visit some time.”
“I will, some time after this rendezvous is all over.”
She stood and extended her hand. “Thank you for letting me in Captain.”
He shook it. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make it up to you.”
Mischa flashed him a grin; “Oh, you haven't made it up to me just yet. You still owe me dinner.” She didn't give him a chance to reply but made her way out of his ready room and through the bridge with her head held high.