The Epherium Chronicles: Embrace (5 page)

After McCracken concluded his marketing glitz, he clicked the remote again, and the video screen changed to display a schematic of a spaceship super-imposed over a large crowd of people. Unlike some of the other officers seated around the room, Hood recognized it immediately. The ship displayed was one of the three colony ships Epherium developed for their Triad Colonization project. Three sleeper ships loaded with five thousand colonists were launched years ago to form the basis of a sustainable colony on worlds in the Cygni, Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani systems, each light-years from Earth. Hood and others knew them as the Epherium Three and he was there to watch them leave.

“The promise of hope, ladies and gentlemen,” McCracken continued. “Hope for humanity’s future. Before the Cilik’ti, our own Sun had given us reason to ponder our fate. Even today, solar flare activity is on the rise. It won’t be long before we could have another event like the one that destroyed our terraforming research station in Venus’ orbit in 2107. This project and others that Epherium has undertaken over the years—”

“Excuse me, Mr. McCracken,” Colonel Becker interjected. “With all due respect, I’m sure that the history lesson works well with the kids back home, but what relevance does this have to with this meeting?”

Admiral Grant stood and moved to stand next to McCraken at the podium. “Excellent question, Colonel. The straight up answer is this. Almost a month ago, EDF Command received an unknown signal from deep space. It was originally thought to be of Cilik’ti origin, but further analysis revealed a surprising answer. The signal was identified as a homing signal from one of the Epherium colony ships. Nearly two weeks later, another signal was identified from a second ship.”

The admiral looked past Becker now and made sure the strength of his words echoed throughout the room. “Our extra-solar operations are vital to our security and represent a strong future for mankind. The cessation of hostilities with the Cilik’ti left us with a veiled threat if we continue to venture outside our own system, and they are out there. Thus far, our Proxima operations base is thriving and is now well-defended, but we can’t rest on that alone. Forward operations of the EDF 4th fleet have reached Barnard’s Star and have identified two locations suitable for a base and a domed station on one of the planets in the system. It’s a good start, but it will take time to make it operational.”

The admiral’s eyes found Hood and his stare seemed to weigh him down. “We’ve been careful and guarded in our approach in these operations, but these signals propose a significant problem. If the Cilik’ti have detected them, we could very well be facing another conflict. As a precaution, our forces at our forward bases have been secretly placed on high alert and patrols in our home system have been increased. With that said, we cannot deny the success of these colony ship missions and what potential they may bring for supplying Earth with colonies that can immediately thrive. I also cannot stand by and allow the colonists on each of the ships to be butchered if we fail to protect them.” Admiral Grant paused and looked over at Admiral Tramp on the side of the stage. “But, with our forces deployed for defense, the EDF had no reliable resource to send out to these colonies and initiate contact, until now.”

The admiral found Hood again and his voice was sharp as a knife. “Captain Hood. The
Armstrong
has been identified as the resource to send to these worlds. Its crew will make contact, identify and deal with any threats, and protect the colonies until reinforcements arrive. You have one week to identify and build your command staff, ready your crew and prep your ship for this mission.”

The admiral walked around the podium and never took his eyes off the young captain. “Your past experience with the Cilik’ti and your command strategies make you the right choice for this mission. Our job—hell, our very existence—is to defend our people, and putting our best assets in harm’s way provides us the greatest avenue for victory.”

Admiral Grant slowly looked up at the images of the three systems, and the ships that carried the colonists. “Prepare your people, Captain, because you’re going out there.”

Chapter Three

Mars Orbital Station
Tuesday
,
January 14
Earth Year 2155

Hood sat in his seat, rubbed his chin with his hand, and stared intently at the scrolling video of the Epherium Three project as Admiral Grant concluded his explanation of the
Armstrong’s
first assignment. Admiral Grant, noticing Hood’s distracted focus, addressed a question directly to the
Armstrong’s
new commander. “Captain Hood. I know that this is a lot to soak in, but I would like you to say a few words now that we’ve given you the background for this mission. I think we would all like to hear about your ideas for your staffing, if you’re ready.”

Hood stood. “Absolutely, sir. If you could transfer the display controls to my desk please, I would like to do this from here if I may.”

“Sure, Captain.” The admiral pressed a few buttons on the podium to transfer the display controls.

Hood looked at the attendees around the room, smiled at Admiral Tramp and tried to relax. “It is a great honor to have been chosen for this command, and I am deeply thankful for your trust. I wholeheartedly agree with Admiral Grant on what he said about ship commanders. In the great darkness of space, we have to be the rock that the crew stands upon when it matters most. The Command staff must work in sync to solve problems, execute decisions and overcome obstacles. Without that strong foundation, it all falls apart.”

“Like many of you here today, I was involved in the early aspects of our defensive capabilities before the Cilik’ti invasion and, like you, I lost friends and comrades. But we were able to adapt, grow and overcome. Today, as I take command of the
Armstrong
, I look back at the sheer amount of change mankind has endured over the last twenty years. We have come a long way from our early infancy of exploring space and are actively seeking new homes for our people in other star systems. Our ships can now move great distances with the aid of space-fold technology, and our fleets have advanced in every way since the day the Apollo was called to action all those years ago.”

“I have a unique connection to the Epherium Three mission. My uncle, Jonathan Hood, was the commander of the
Magellan
destined for the Cygni system and his closest friend, Arthur Grange, was given command over the
Cabot
headed to Tau Ceti. As a boy, my curiosity often got the best of me, and that led me to sneak in on inspections of the ships and listen to instructional briefings on their systems. My increasing interest in space travel prompted my uncle and his friend to instruct me not only on the mission itself, but also the finer points of extended space travel. I have often credited these two men for being the driving force for me to join the EEF academy.”

Hood caught a glimpse of Admiral Tramp with his arms crossed, almost hanging on every word. The admiral clenched one hand into a fist in approval, and Hood felt a surge of confidence. “I want to make it clear that these vessels and their crews, prepared as they may be for supporting a new infrastructure for a colony, are woefully unprepared for what awaits them if the Cilik’ti reach them first. The ships carry small arms for close defense, but nothing that could hold them long against an attack. We sent them there to provide hope and a chance for expanding our life among the stars, and it is our job to ensure that dream will not become a nightmare.”

Taking advantage of the attention, Hood laid out his choices for this Command staff. Many of the selections drew solid nods of approval and even a “thumbs up” from Admiral Tramp, but Hood knew that those were the easy ones.

Hood selected the next file on his data pad, a personnel file, and picture of a young man with short blond hair in his early thirties appeared on the overhead screen. “Maintaining ship function, engine efficiency, and most importantly, space-fold capability are vital tasks on a space vessel. I believe it is imperative to select a chief engineer that understands the ship’s systems, can maintain function, and can discover innovative ways to solve problems when they arise. Therefore, my choice for Chief Engineer on the
Armstrong
is Mr. Terrance Whitaker.”

Hood’s words barely left his mouth and the room filled with murmur and puzzled looks. Admiral Grant, still at the podium, looked at the screen then back at Hood. “Captain, Mr. Whitaker is a civilian and not an EDF officer. He’s a brilliant system designer and has worked on several projects for the EDF, but I would think there are other candidates on active duty that could fill this need.”

Hood nodded and responded, “I agree with you, Admiral, that there are several
good
candidates available for this job, but there is strong supporting information about my choice that I wish to disclose. Mr. Whitaker served in the EDF in an Engineering leadership role in his early career on the Mirea. He resigned his commission once his commitment for his academy training was complete and went to work for Epherium developing ship systems. Several systems on the
Armstrong
were projects that he has either participated on or led, including the current space-fold engine design. He is, without a doubt, one of the brightest engineers of our time and would be an inspiration to a new crew about to undertake an important mission such as this. I took the liberty and spoke with him before this meeting, and while he is skeptical, I believe he would be willing to re-instate his commission and join if asked.”

McCraken stood from his seat. “Admiral Grant, I must respectfully object here. Mr. Whitaker is an employee of Epherium and a valued member of our research and development team. Having him unfairly approached for this opportunity without our consent is highly unethical.”

Admiral Tramp stepped out from the side of the room and interjected, “Stow it, Henry. Whitaker is a damn good choice, and I agree with Captain Hood’s assessment. To be frank, I don’t care—”

Admiral Grant cut off Tramp’s rant. “Gentlemen. Let’s remain civil about this.” He turned to McCraken. “Mr. McCraken, you are well aware of the needs of this mission, and we need to put all our best people in play to support it. I will review Captain Hood’s request with the Command staff. If we feel that Mr. Whitaker’s service could provide unique benefit to this mission in support of the
Armstrong
, we will address it with your company and find a mutually beneficial path forward. Agreed?”

McCraken nodded and silently glared at Admiral Tramp, who returned it in full. He sat back into his seat and folded his hands in his lap. “Sorry for my interruption, please continue, Captain Hood.”

“No apologies necessary, Mr. McCraken,” Hood replied. “I fully expect debate on all my recommendations and would consider it a failure on all our part if no comments are offered, regardless of an individual’s most stellar credentials or glorifying recommendations.”

“Understood, Captain, please continue,” Admiral Grant said.

“I have one more position recommendation that I would like to offer. Most of you know my background and that I hold the Tactical Officer’s position in very high regard.”

Hood clicked the next file on his data pad, and another personnel file displayed on the overhead. “My recommendation for the
Armstrong’s
Tactical Officer is Lieutenant Sienna Aldridge. She has served in a tactical position on three previous commands and I believe she has the proper skills to fill this posting.”

Admiral Tramp looked at the files on the overhead. “Captain, I was hoping to see your choice here to have someone who is an actual veteran of Cilik’ti operations. Lieutenant Aldridge has no experience against the Cilik’ti.”

“Correct, Admiral, and I’m glad you pointed this out,” Hood responded. “Many of our tactical officers today have already been promoted to executive officer status or been given their own commands. I have chosen Lieutenant Aldridge because I believe she understands all our tactics and is well-versed in our known Cilik’ti battle strategies.”

Colonel Becker unlocked her gaze on her own data pad, looked up at Hood and added a comment. “How are you so sure she can handle herself out there if your ship encounters the Cilik’ti?”

Hood smiled again and looked down at the Colonel. “I trained her myself. She has my full confidence.”

Becker uttered a “humph” and went back to her data pad.

Admiral Grant looked up from his own screen. “Captain, her file states she suffers from space-fold distortion sickness. You don’t think that this will impair her ability to perform her duties?”

Hood shook his head. “Lieutenant Aldridge currently serves on the
Gauntlet
, and two months ago the
Gauntlet
and her crew were engaged in the campaign to hunt down the Burlock Pirates. In an attempt to escape capture, the Burlock ship initiated a series of small space-fold jumps. Captain Tieg ordered his ship to follow them at potential risk to his crew due to the rapid number of jumps. The good side of the story was that the
Gauntlet
was able to catch the Burlock ship and eventually help us shut down their main base of operations. Unfortunately, nearly a third of the crew was diagnosed with space-fold distortion sickness as a result.

“Lieutenant Aldridge was not one of the more severe cases, and her performance during that mission merited her with a special commendation,” Hood added. “Most of the Gauntlet’s crew affected with the illness has received extensive treatment back on Earth at the EDF’s Advanced Medical Research Center. and almost all of the crew of the
Gauntlet
is now back to active status, including Lieutenant Aldridge. She has been completely cleared by EDF Medical for active duty and I have personally spoken to Captain Tieg who mentioned that she has not missed a beat since resuming her duties. I have strong confidence that she will be a valuable asset to this ship and this upcoming mission.”

An audible chime began to ring on Admiral Grant’s data pad. “Alright everyone, we are closing in on the end of our meeting time. If no one has any additional questions for Captain Hood on his recommendations or the mission at hand, let us hear them now.”

Slight murmurs began around the room followed by several shaking of heads gave the admiral his answer. Admiral Grant touched a control on the podium terminal and deactivated the screen. “Very well, this meeting is adjourned. Captain Hood, we expect the rest of your recommendations by day’s end.”

As the meeting attendees began to stand up and depart, Hood slumped back into his chair and stared at the files displayed on his data pad screen. Reaction to his choices had gone just as he had expected, but the whole experience left him drained. He closed the files, deactivated his access key, sat back into his seat and ran his hands through this hair.

Hood heard a clatter from the seat next to him and turned to see Colonel Becker place her hand on her data pad, which she had deliberately dropped on her desk. Becker lifted an eyebrow and turned to gaze one eye at Hood. “You believe all that b.s. you were telling everyone a few minutes ago?”

“It’s not b.s., Colonel,” Hood replied sternly to her challenge. To his surprise, Becker almost laughed and the brief moment of levity allowed Hood to ask a few questions of his own. “So what was your take on this mission? Any suggestions?”

“Before I answer, I need a drink and bite to eat, and from the look of it, so do you,” Becker answered as she stood and stretched.

Hood perked up at the notion of food. “I know a little place just down the way from here, good burgers.”

“Listen, Captain, my station, my choice, and the burgers at that place are awful. Bernard’s Bar near my office serves the best Rueben sandwiches in any station of the EDF, and I’ve seen a lot of them.” She picked up her data pad and started walking down the row toward the exit, “Come on and you’re buying.”

* * *

Bernard’s Bar and Deli to the passerby was a busy establishment. One could easily smell the savory aroma flowing from the main kitchen which was rich with scents of a variety of deli meats, but most notable among them was Bernard’s signature item: sauerkraut.

Just outside the deli were several bistro tables setup in a small corral with a plastic white fence area separating it from the rest of the main thoroughfare on the station’s promenade. Hood brought his plate and steaming cup of coffee to the table occupied by Colonel Becker and sat down to join her.

Becker was already enjoying her Rueben sandwich and had nearly consumed it by the time Hood was able to get situated in his own seat. Hood watched in amusement as Becker set down the small section that remained of her sandwich and took several sips of her drink to wash down the food she has just inhaled.

Becker lifted her head up from her drink and gave Hood a questioning look. “What? I was hungry.”

Hood slowly shook his head and put his hands up defensively. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Uh-huh,” Becker mumbled as she wiped her mouth were her napkin. “After all that uproar at the briefing, I’ve been dying to ask. Why Whitaker? Surely you could have found someone qualified for that post.”

Hood nodded. “True, but with a new ship like the
Armstrong
, I wanted to find someone with true out of the box thinking. When I went into the briefing, I was prepared to talk about my new ship supporting the efforts at Barnard’s Star. That operation, until now, had the highest possibility of us encountering the Cilik’ti, and I needed all the best options on the table. With the
Armstrong
headed to deep space, I’m confident I’m going to need him.”

“Yeah, I could see your reasoning there,” she said with a nearly half-hearted tone in her voice. “It sounds like you have a handle on the rest of your people, so are you missing anyone?”

“Now that you mention it, I am going to need a good Air Boss. My last one on the Orion was about to retire, and I haven’t really seen one yet I think fits the bill and would be willing to leave their current posting and come on board. I need someone that can really handle all these young hot shot fighter pilots the academy is putting out. Have any ideas?”