It has been awhile since my last entry on the
World of Good webseries. We're nearing the
conclusion of the story.
Chapter 20
“...unexpected arrival...”
The Wayfarer
attempted another launch with little results. It was indeed, making headway in
distance, but not in the intended direction. When they operated at less than
light speed, they had control over the ships course, but unfortunately they
would be old men by the time they reached Earth. It was critical to correctly
maneuver the ship above light speed. After several discourses in theoretical
strategies to overcome the erratic navigation, the major and his men came to an
agreement.
The ensign
began to initiate preflight programming for the new strategy. He looked out the
porthole and saw the distant view of space became distorted. It looked like a
heat wave rising from a desert road.
The ensign
pointed to the distortion. “What is that!”
The major froze
dumbly at the space wave that rolled toward them. “I’ve never seen anything
like it.”
The ensign
let go of his course input. “Major. I see something within the distortion. It
looks like a ship of some kind.”
The major
squinted to get a better view. “Computer magnify the view screen.”
“Acknowledged,”
replied the computer.
“Yes,
Ensign, It’s a ship.” The major stepped back. “An alien ship?”
“Warning,”
said the computer in its typical relaxed voice. “Data indicates a mild shock
wave will overtake Wayfarer1 in approximately ten minutes. Hull damage, a high
probability.”
The computer
is programmed to interrupt a conversation when there is a potential danger. The
crew scrambled to their stations to prepare for the emergency.
The major
locked his seat belt. “Computer, directional setting, 180 degrees. Initiate
emergency Boosters.”
“Acknowledged.”
The ship
rotated into a reverse direction. Instead of the slow photo-ionic propulsion,
the quicker emergency backup fuel of Antimatter was released. The Wayfarer1
shot forward like a bullet. The men were pinned to their seat with the shock
wave rolling in close behind.
After 15
minutes the computer’s calm voice came on.
“Emergency fuel will be exhausted in 10, 9, 8...”
The major
gripped his seat armrest. “Hang in there men, this may be a rough ride.”
The ensign
and the sergeant did the same; with closed their eyes, waiting for the
inevitable collision.
“3, 2, 1. Fuel is exhausted,” informed
the computer.”
“Initiate photo-ionic propulsion,” ordered the
major. “He held his breath.”
“Affirmative.”
The Wafarer1
kept its current speed, but with little increase. The men waited, and waited. After
several minutes of silence, and no apparent catastrophe, they looked around at
one another.
The major let
out his breath. “Computer, are we still in danger?”
“No major,
the shock wave has dissipated.”
The sergeant
scowled. “Computer, next time, let us know so we don’t have to sweat it out.
“I am
programmed to inform Wafarer1 only of potential emergency conditions not when—
”
“I know, I
know, not when conditions are normal,” said the sergeant unbuckling his seat
belt. “Reprogram for my last order.”
“Affirmative.”
The Wayfarer
rocked gently, as what was left of the shock wave moved through the area.
“Look
there!” said the major. “That ship. Let’s get a better look at you. Computer,
take us over to the other vessel. That is, if it doesn’t seem to be a threat.”
The computer
paused. “The other vessel has life support systems engaged, but no
propulsion. Sensors do not indicate
movement within the vessel.”
“Then let’s
check it out. Computer, continue to hale the ship for any response.”
As the
Wayfarer1 made its way to the other ship, the Ensign walked next to the major’s
seat. “Do you think we should get side tracked with this, Major.”
“We already are
sidetracked.”
The Ensign
had no battle experience, but the sergeant and the major both had years of
training and field experience during the Moon uprisings.
When the
Wayfarer1 approached the other vessel, the computer spoke up. “There is no
response to our hale, Major. Life signs are noted.”
“Is there a
docking port somewhere, computer?”
“Yes,
Major.”
“Can we approach
and open it?”
“Yes. I suggest
the use of the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) to hold us onto the
alien vessel. The SPDM is a two-armed robot capable of handling the delicate
assembly tasks. Astronauts use it during space-walks and cargo replenishment.
“Do it,”
ordered the major.
The computer
guided the arms to the ship and held onto to handles straddling the access
port. It scanned the markings of the vessel. The vision tentacle lit up the
words on the access port.
Several
minutes later, the computer responded. “I have translated the markings on the
access port and am able to provide a vocabulary. The access port can be opened…from
the inside. Additionally, it has a comment to visitors.”
“To
visitors? What?” asked the major.
“Roughly
translated, it says ‘Stay back or die’.”
“Wonderful,
they sound hospitable. Now how do we get in?”
“Unknown.”
The major
adjusted the view on the hatch. “Computer, what if we use the docking shroud
around the access port, could we then blow the panel open.”
“No Major,
the docking shroud is 0.25 meters smaller in diameter than the alien vessel’s
access panel.”
“A
transporter anyone?” said the sergeant.
The major
ignored the humor. “Computer, if we cut the access panel with the maintenance
repair laser, would we jeopardize the life within the ship?”
“Unknown.
The Wayfarer1 is not equipped with the Diaphanous Scanning Apparatus.”
“Yeah the
DSA would allow us to get some detailed information, without going in,” said the
Sergeant, thinking aloud.
The major
shook his head. “Computer, set a new course.”
“What! Are
you giving up...Sir?” said the Sergeant.
“Do you have
a better idea, Sergeant? We can’t just barge into an alien vessel without
knowing whether we would kill them or not. We have to leave them and hope they
awake from the shock wave.”
The sergeant
slumped and dismally rolled his eyes. “Aye, Aye, Captain. I respectfully
disagree.”
The Ensign
sighed with relief, and quickly looked away when the Sergeant’s eyes locked on
him.
The major was
following a strict procedure regarding alien life. Risking the lives of a foreign
race could possibly start an interspatial incident.
The major
unbuckled his seatbelt and got up to stretch. “Computer, Alert me if any other
vessels are detected.”
The Wayfarer
initiated its directional coordinates toward Earth once again, resetting the
previous parameters for light speed. After a few hours, the ship’s acceleration
was continuing as expected toward the light barrier, and the crew was at ease
in casual conversation, when the computer interrupted.
“Two alien vessels have been detected, 37
degrees to starboard.”
“Excellent!”
said the major, “Computer, disengage light speed procedures and investigate the
alien ships.”
As the
Wayfarer proceeded to the alien vessels, it was apparent that one was damaged
badly. Both ships were drifting helplessly.
“Computer,
hale the ships and scan to see if there is any life support.”
“There is no
life support on one vessel and the other is losing life support rapidly.”
“Okay men,”
said the major. “We’re going to cut our way in on the lifeless vessel. Did you
get that Computer? Find the most benign area to break through?”
“Affirmative,
Major,” replied the computer. “I will make the necessary provisions for entry.”
The Wayfarer
gently moved into position. The alien ship was three times the size of the
Wayfarer1 but not visibly a threat. The computer extended the docking clamps
then used the industrial laser to cut a hole large enough for the crew to
enter.
The Sergeant
volunteered to go first. He opened a locker with some of the newest armament
available. “If I’m going to board her and investigate, I’m going to take a
friend along with me.” He turned over the Pulse Laser Armament (PLA) weapon in
his hands. “A few pulse blasts from this new PLA ought to do the trick.”
The major
shook his head. “Be careful with that, cowboy. You may shoot yourself in the
foot.”
The sergeant
checked the charge and placed it in his holster. He then donned his space suit
in the air-locked maintenance chamber and sealed the inner hatch behind him. He
signaled a thumbs-up to the view screen. The computer opened the outer hatch
and the sergeant waited for the laser to make one more final pass around the
alien access port. The sergeant kicked the metal plate into the alien ship and
it floated leisurely into the ship.
The computer
sent a remote data analyzer in first. Concurrently, the Ensign scanned incoming
data on foreign contaminants, and other threats to human life.
“Everything
checks out, Sergeant. It’s all clear to enter,” said the Ensign.
With the
anti-gravity boots securing his feet, the Sergeant walked carefully into the
alien ship. He felt the side of his waist, where his weapon sat secured.
The major
and ensign examined the ship through the viewer on his helmet. In the main
control room, there was a considerable tear in the side of the ship and a large
indentation in the forward bulkhead. Alien space suits floated in the cabin along
with other loose debris. An anchored chair facing the main controls, had an
alien strapped in. The alien was frozen and withered. The sergeant gently
touched the hand of the alien with his glove and it left a gapping hole. A
powder of skin floated away.
The sergeant
made one last scan for life signs. Once he found it vacant and safe, he returned
to the Wayfarer, to let the Major know it was clear.
The major followed
the sergeant back into the ship and attached a transmitting device to the alien
computer. The transmitter sent data to a receiver on the Wayfarer1. The
computer translated and organized the alien’s database. While the downloading
was taking place, the crew took a tour of the vessel. Based on the sleeping
quarters, the alien vessel contained a crew of approximately twenty men. After
gathering the data and investigating the destruction, they sealed the access
they made and released the ship and its crew back to its vacuous grave in the
universe.
“What about
that other ship? Should we investigate it?” questioned the sergeant.
“That one is
still intact, and I don’t want to breach a ship that still harbors life in it,”
said the major.
The ensign
looked up from his work. “Should we try to help them?”
“Not until I
know more about them. We won’t be here much longer. See if you can find out any
hostile behavior in those files, Ensign.”
The ensign
was pouring over the data as the major and the sergeant entered the control
room. “You’ve got to see this major, it’s incredible.”
The major
sat down and they briefly went through the information on the aliens. “The computer is still unscrambling the alien
database, but what I’ve seen so far, indicates that they are a very violent
race. They have a huge array of weapons in their arsenal. This ship was a
fighter of some sort. The other one was some sort of escort.”
The major
glanced back with pensive apprehension. “Computer, scan the alien database,
while we prepare for the next launch procedures. We need to find out as much as
we can about the ideology of these people. So we can be prepared if we meet
them, when their awake. ”
“Acknowledged.”
“Who are
these aliens? Ensign.”
“They are
known as the Negritee.”
“Okay,
Negritee. I’d like to learn as much as possible about these Negritee. We can’t
just fly aimlessly about, without preparation.”
Once again,
the crew prepared for the next launch, trying to make theoretical adjustments
to the ricochets they’ve been experiencing on this side of the Galaxy. While
the ship was gaining speed, the major turned back to the data gathered on the
Negritee people.
“Computer,
is there any information about how the alien ship was disabled?”
“There are
records of the last several minutes prior to its destruction, is that
acceptable, Major?”
“By all
means!”
The imager
played back the shock wave incident on the alien vessel. The crew watched as a
series of planets and moons and several ships came into view. The Negritee were
communicating to one another when the shock wave crept up from a series of
planets. Within minutes the vessels were tossed into space like leaves in a
breeze. The recording showed considerable disorientation. Without warning,
another ship suddenly collided with the forward part of the alien ship. The
Negritee crew lurched forward and mayhem ensued. Anti-gravity support was
disabled and the crew gasped for breath. They floated toward lockers to remove
repair kits from the bulkheads.
The Negritee
frantically tried to seal off the forward section, but it was hopeless. The
leader sat stoically in his seat, calmly giving orders. A few men were able to
get their space suits on, but time wasn’t on their side. The ship continued to
roll and roll, much like a piece of wood caught on the crest of an ocean wave.
Those with suits were either knock unconscious or their suits were ripped from
the chaos. All perished.
“Incredible,”
said the Ensign, “What caused the shock wave?”
“Good
question,” replied the major. “Computer, is it possible to evaluate the source
of the shock wave?”
“Processing...Yes
major, based on deceleration of the shock wave, its curvilinear trajectory, and
the alien vessel’s mass, the shock wave epicenter is 4.216 light years away.”
“Four? Is
that all? Men it looks like we are about
to find the source of the Nile. This‘ll be like a trip to Alpha Centauri.”
The ensign
wiped a bit of sweat from his head. “Major, do you think we should
investigate? These Negritee don’t seem
to be the most hospitable people and we might be putting ourselves right in the
middle of a battle.”
“I hope your
kidding, Ensign. As much as I just said we should plan on getting back to
Earth, being this close to seeing other life, is a bonus to our trip. If we are
cautious, it will have little impact on our trip back. Don’t you think?”
“No. But you’re
the captain.”
“Buck up
Ensign,” said the sergeant, “Its better than floating around in space like a
bottle in the ocean.”
“You can
call me Sir, Sergeant!” snapped the ensign.
“Yes, Sir.” The
sergeant saluted, then returned to his console.
The major
didn’t wait for further complaints. “Computer, set in a new course for the
epicenter. Men lets get ready for a
close encounter with other known life.”
* * *
The Wafarer1
initiated its launch sequence and moved gently toward its new objective. After several hours, the ship broke light
speed, and they continued to monitor any new data that might help steer them to
the intended setting. The tension in the air was thick, and the major was
getting uneasy. He had a hunch and
decided to break off propulsion, even though their calculations said they still
had one more light year to go. As they slowed, they approached a series of
moons and a triple star system.
“Computer,
where do we stand?”
“We are 0.13
light years outside the origination of the shock wave. The source is estimated
to have emanated from the center of the three local stars.”
The major
breathed a sigh of relief. “Fine, we’ll keep it under light speed from here.”
“Nice job, Major,”
said the sergeant. “We could have been a couple light years off if you hadn‘t
shut down the engines. It pays to listen to your gut sometimes.”
“Yes it
does...yes it does,” said the major, pensively scanning several views of the
star system. “Computer, continue course setting for the epicenter.”
“Acknowledged.”
The Wayfarer
continued through the moons and planets, when the imager came alive. “Greetings
Earth People, prepare for guidance into our star system.”
“What?” said
the crew, in unison. Startled by the
greeting, the crew scrambled around the imager.
The crew
looked at one another in silence.
The alien
spoke again.
“Did you
understand my statement?” he said calmly.
“We heard
your statement,” said the major with caution in his voice.
“Prepare to
receive directions to the landing site.”
“Before we
do that...I have to know if you are the Negritee.”
“No, we are
not.”
“Then who
are you?”
“We are the
Vlancos. You have nothing to fear. You may leave if you wish. However, we would
be pleased to have you as our guests. If you follow the directional guidance
beam, we will gladly answer all of your questions.”
With that, the
imager went blank and the crew stood gaping at one another with barely a word
to say.
“Do you
think it’s a trick, Major?” said the sergeant.
“My gut says
no. But this has to be unanimous. I’m not giving orders to follow a strange
alien race.”
The sergeant
spoke first. “I’m with you all the way, Major. It’s better to meet the
unexpected head-on than running away with our tails between our legs not
knowing.
The ensign
nodded.
The major
brushed his hair back with both hands. “Computer, follow the aliens’ directions.”
He stopped. “How did they know we were from Earth?”
* * *
I was
informed by an advisor that an Earth ship named Wayfarer1 was guided to the
military complex on Onos. With the assistance of the Vlancos, the ship landed
at the site next to the complex. Was this really another Earth ship? It would
have been a miracle for an Earth vessel to make it this far. Frankly, I doubted
the truth of it. Most likely it was a Negritee trick.
The ship had
landed, but there was no movement for what seemed the longest time.
After a long
patient wait, Stron turned to me. “I believe they may be somewhat nervous, Alex.
Would you like to speak to them?”
“I don’t
blame them, Stron. This unexpected arrival may be intimidating for them.” I
approached the communication console and haled the Wayfarer1. “I don’t know who
you are but I’m captain Alexander Livingston of the Sojourner5 and am waiting
for someone from Earth to step out and be accounted for.”
Instantly
the access panel opened up and a man wearing the major insignia on his shoulder
strode down the ramp.
As I reached
out to shake the major’s hand, a large crowd of Vlancos surrounding the
Wayfarer1 clapped at the reunion. The major shook my hand and introduced
himself. Both his and my crew then greeted one another, shaking hands and heads
as they tried to understand the serendipity they've been handed.
I introduced
the Wayfarer1 crew to the Vlanco officials, who graciously gave both crews a
place with which to exchange conversation and debrief one another on our
activities for the last several weeks. It was an exciting moment for all of us.
I spent a few days with the Wayfarer crew,
introducing them to Vlanco society, but the question of the return trip
eventually surfaced. I assumed that they knew exactly how they got here, but I
was wrong. The major let the air out of my sails when he explained it was ust a
series of chance events that brought them here. I pointed the major to the
scientific research Emporium, and suggested he continue his investigation for a
return trip, with the Vlanco scientists. He was enthusiastic about the
possibilities of a return—I was not.
***
The major took my advice, and the
next day entered the Emporium and was directed to the scientist, Spaest.
The major
was given a tour of the facility, but he needed other answers. “Spaest, how did
you know who we were, when we entered Vlanco space?” Were there markings on our
ship, or did we emit some kind of earth based electromagnet signature, or
what?”
Spaest
smiled shyly. “No Peter, it is much simpler than that. We...more or less,
listened in on your conversations.”
“From
millions of miles away?”
“Yes, Peter.
Our sensors are very acute. The equipment is known as Ravionics, and has
provided quite useful for long range research investigations.”
“That’s an
understatement. When you have a chance, I’d like to see this Ravionic
equipment.”
“Certainly,
Peter. I will take you over to the Ravion equipment now.”
While they
walked, the major was pensive and quiet. They entered a room with a large
telescopic device. Spaest showed the major how, when the device was fully
charged, could pull in the smallest of signals from the greatest reaches of the
galaxy. The key factor was to isolate all other noise in space and focus on the
target intended. The device could sense all new activity in a sector and hone
in on something as small as a space vehicle and listen in the crew’s
conversation.
Although it
was an amazing piece of scientific equipment the Major was not fully attentive.
Spaest stopped
his explanations short. “It seems as though you have something on your mind.”
“Oh, um, I’m
sorry Spaest. I’ve been preoccupied with our ship’s navigational control, or
lack thereof. It’s so unpredictable. I’m beginning to have my doubts as to a
possible way back to Earth.”
“My
colleagues and I have reviewed the system operation of your Hydrogen Photoionic
Gravametric propulsion system Peter, and are quite fascinated by it. It differs
greatly from the propulsion on the Sojourner vessel. I believe there may be a
higher probability of success, with this vessel.”
“I
appreciate any help you could give us. We can’t continue to bounce around space
like we’ve been doing it.”
“We will
certainly try our best. Peter. If we don’t, we may continue to receive quite a
population of Earth people,” he chuckled.
The major‘s
voice turned somber as he spoke. “That would be highly unlikely, Spaest. It was
us...or nothing.”
“Relax, my
friend,” said Spaest, putting his arm around the major’s shoulders, “All things
work out for the good of the Creator. You will see.”
* * *
For several days, the Vlancos experimented
with and simulated conditions the Wayfarer crew had experienced at light speed.
But after a week, they still hadn’t made any progress. Just as the major was
thinking it was hopeless, he remembered the Ravionics that Spaest had shown
him.
“You know
what Spaest, I keep thinking about that Ravion device for pinpointing
astronomical bodies at long distances. Shelby and I have been discussing its
capabilities. Do you think that rather than trying to fix problems with the
Wayfarers current technology, we could integrate the Ravion device so it could
be used as a navigational device for our spacecraft?
He looked at
the major inquisitively, “I see. Interconnecting the Ravion with your
propulsion system may be an excellent bonding. I will consult my associates to
further investigate the possibility.”
The next
day, major and Shelby were pacing the halls of our ship discussing navigation
computations. The heard the ships request chime and walked to the entrance.
When they opened
the door Spaest stood there in prime form. “Major! Shelby!” He was excited
beyond his normal poise. “My associates feel it will be an excellent match!
With a few modifications of your existing guidance system, we believe your
vessel will achieve a high probability for success back to Earth. We have
already performed two simulations, and both have been promising.”
Shelby ran
back to the conference room, where the rest of us were lounging. “Good news! We
may be able to return home!”
We were in a
dubious shock. No one spoke.
The major
came up behind Shelby. “It’s true. We may be able to integrate the Vlanco’s Ravion
device with the Wayfarer1’s propulsion for navigational control.”
Dale
responded appropriately. “I guess you can say this was a Major Breakthrough.”
It was hard
to ignore him. But we tried.
“I love you
Dale. But it’s not funny,” said Tammy.
My whole
body relaxed, and yet my mind stayed on firm ground. “It’s good news for sure.
I just hope this ravionic thing is not a joke.”
Spaest
stepped in the room. “This is no joke, my friend. Our scientists are anxious to
begin the integration.”
I was elated
inside, but secretly wondered if we were getting out hopes up for nothing.
