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“General, we are going to take a little beach time and we need to include you in some of the discussions. The sheer number of huge events happening at the same time is beyond our ability to cope,” Oliver confessed.
“When will you be in orbit?” Gen. Frank asked.
”Tomorrow afternoon about two Roswell time. Where can we pick you up?”
“I am in San Diego. Lt. Jennings will send you the details. How long is our luau going to last?”
“Shouldn’t keep you more than three days.”
Jerry flew up to lunar orbit in Dorney with the personnel carrier to pick up most of the Nautilus crew. They would be taking their days off on the moon instead of Earth since things were so stirred up due to Elton Mark’s announcement. The base was starting to have some amenities. Marli Rocha’s celebrity chef was no small draw, and a big swimming pool was open. A few would ride down to Earth for more pressing personal matters like wives and girlfriends.
A barge packed with gourmet food, some prepared by the famous chef, and the camping gear was sent ahead with a route to land just before Dorney arrived. The cameras aboard added to overall security. Cida would get her first visit to the ocean. She was too excited to sit still and kept circulating from the personnel carrier to the cockpit. For a backwater girl who had only been to the moon, this was a big event. They landed on the flight apron of North Island Naval Air Station where the General was waiting with a small backpack. He got aboard without saying anything and they were speeding supersonic to the southwest within a few minutes. Landing at Motu One atoll refreshed good memories from the last visit.
Their old campsite looked like no one had used it since. The driftwood they had gathered was still there. Cida went straight to the ocean’s edge and walked in up to her ankles. She looked back at the rest of the crew stretching to get the kinks out with a silly grin. Next, she cupped a handful of water and brought it to her mouth to taste. The salt and organic matter of the ocean made her spit it out immediately. She gave another silly grin back to the crew. Marco had built a fire before she got back from the ocean edge still thrilled.
“Well, you got me here, fed me, and put a fine whiskey in my hand. What new wonder could have a group like this so stunned?” Gen. Frank asked looking around.
“Nothing to do but spit it out. We found an event horizon near Ceres that led to another star system. Ceres and that, let’s call it a Portal, must be related because there is an analog to Ceres in the other system. But this one seems to have had its base completely wiped out by a kinetic strike.” Oliver revealed.
This news left the General speechless for a few minutes as he absorbed the information.
Then the General began, “I think we should work first to make the Mars project successful. The world’s population will not react with anything close to reason if you reveal something this momentous so soon after the moon and Mars announcement. Too much craziness already. Let’s get their imagination and energy moving on an objective they can grasp. This Portal does not smell like a dead end with two systems. From the evidence at Ceres, I am pretty sure a second or maybe a third space-faring people are involved somehow. We have now seen the evidence of violence in two systems. There is a lot more to this Portal than a simple transit point. I have a good nose for terrestrial politics, and I bet there is Galaxy politics involved here.”
“We agree there is something more. Part of the reason we came back to Earth was to think through the problem as well as gear up to go back. We also need to get our organization structured to take on multiple projects. Pushing forward too fast on any one of them could have disastrous results.” Oliver replied.
Up until then the rest of the crew had listened quietly Then Jed chose to speak up, “I hate to add even more confusion to the equation, but our moon experiment may solve more problems than it creates.”
“What is he talking about?” Gen. Frank asked.
“Jed and Dr. Lee have a practical fusion energy reactor. And that new star system has a couple of planets full of Helium 3,” Oliver said.
“Mother of god,” Was all the General could get out.
“We could use it on our ships and moon base first before scaling up for Earth commercial use,” Jed said. “Good to burn the design in before going big.”
“When ready to announce, we could say it is to be used only on the moon and Mars for some technical bullshit reason just to give Earth time to adjust.” Oliver proposed.
“Yes, that will give us some time. No need to get in a hurry publicizing it either.” Gen Frank agreed.
“Now you see why we wanted advice.”
“Or help spreading the blame. This is stupendously good news for the people of Earth but there will be a lot of powerful people unhappy. Seriously, Oliver, you have more on the table than you can say Grace over.”
“Amen,” Cida said abruptly.
“What we need are people with the right skills and attitude.” Babs said entering the conversation, “If we start pushing out the moon base and the Mars colony even more, we can have a bigger group to cherry pick from.”
“Elton owes us, so he won’t push back. Maybe we should also sponsor our own base on Mars. What the economic engine will be, I don’t know.” Oliver added.
“You will be amazed what kind of ideas people will dream up. Don’t worry too much about that. Just enable them,” Frank said.
“To make all this happen we are going to need to build a fleet of cargo ships. Roswell has the bones, but operations there will need to expand in scope by an order of magnitude. Ship frames are a non-sensitive area before we install the grav cells. Perhaps we should bring in a partner to manage it,” Ariel said adding her part.
“Yes, I agree,” Oliver said, “Marco ask your Dad to work with Embraer on this. Aerospace is their core business. I will ask NewOrigins about spacesuits and environmental systems for an expansion.”
“I would like to continue working with Jed on a small reactor suitable for spaceships. We can run them on the surface of the moon to get up to a sufficient reliability and safety level.” Dr. Lee said. “Jed and I have also been working with the Q comm chips. We have miniaturized them to the point we thought it time to implant one in each of us. If we start wandering the Galaxy, the ability to communicate or call for help is of fundamental importance. Even on Earth with our fame growing, we are going to be targets of kidnappers.”
“Devices you are carrying can be taken away. If you could talk to me sub-vocally, I could arrange for what you need as well as locate you. On a day to day practical matter, a short haul transmitter can be used to link to the internet,” Al added.
“Sounds like you have been following this closely Al. What are we talking about surgically?” Oliver asked.
“Go ahead Al,” Dr. Lee said.
“You all know I have been researching biologicals for my own reasons. So, when Jed and Dr. Lee began asking questions about how to implement this, I went the distance and designed a complete product with room for expansion. The main part with a couple or three Q comm chips in it will look like a very skinny octopus. The soft body will contain the chip and electronics. The arms will harvest body motions and breathing for energy. The octopus will be linked to two implants directly behind the ear. These will be similar to cochlear implants but designed to be compatible with people of normal hearing,” Al explained.
“And the expansion, what did you have in mind?” Oliver queried.
“If everything works well, a network of electrodes could be placed under the skin of the scalp to make a neurological link possible. Cutting out the middleman of hearing. A third chip could be easily added for flexibility and reliability,” Al replied.
“So, you will be well and truly inside our heads,” Babs challenged.
“It is just another interface, but more secure. The user has control of data movements. But that is an expansion. Not needed for simple comm connection,”
“How extensive is the surgery itself?” Oliver pressed.
“Only muscle and skin involved, no organs, so a day in surgery, a day in bed and return to light duty with no physical stress for a couple of weeks.”
“Sounds worthwhile to me but it will be an individual’s choice,” Oliver said.
“Sign me up for the whole program. I will be a guinea pig for the neural link. Al and I can get tight,” Babs gave her vote of confidence.
“Well Marco?”
“Well what?”
“You want a Q comm link, any other new project?” Oliver prodded.
“Yeah, a Q comm that cannot be detected or taken away is a fantastic idea. Sign me up and since you brought up kidnapping, I think we need a serious security force, in house. Up until now, we have depended on the Space Force, but this is becoming an international enterprise. General Frank, I hope you understand where I’m coming from. There will be times we have a conflict of interests with the US government.”
“I do understand Marco, even more than you may be thinking right now. The existence of this Portal says there are others out there and have shown violence to be part of their actions. Space Force may eventually need to evolve into planetary defense. In the meantime, I am sure we can cooperate very well. Remember, I was the one to keep your team a secret from my own government.”
“Oh sir, Marco and I were so worried about this,” Ariel said with her tension visibly dropping.
“Marco, I hope we can work together to develop Space Marines. The tactics and equipment will be radically different than any ever used before.” Gen. Frank offered.
“It would be an honor, sir,” Marco replied. “And speaking of equipment, I have some ideas of integrating armor into EVA suits.”
“See we boys can still have fun.”
All the while the crew had been solving the galaxy’s problems, Cida had been assembling a mini-feast and listening with fascination to these people from another world. She resolved to learn more so she could be truly involved. Ariel had come to help her get the last bit done and start grilling the meat and fish.
“Oh, my love will you marry me?” Marco pleaded after smelling the ribeyes on the fire.”
”Too late, I already asked you.” Ariel fired back, “Let’s eat everyone, we have a couple of days to hammer all this out.”
∞
Al had, of course, been listening and began researching how to help with the myriad projects. He decided to wait until tomorrow to tell them of the other Portal. These biologicals were tired, hungry, and soon would be drinking alcohol. It could wait. He was especially pleased that they did not discard his neural link out of hand. He could have a more symbiotic relationship with them. Being accepted as human was one of his prime algorithms. It wasn’t cheating if humans could become a little more like him.
Al was planning a search for other Portals in the Sol system when Gabriela called that she was on final approach to the Nautilus.
“Hi Al. You want to bring us into a dock? I’m holding at fifty meters out.”
“Damn girl, you snuck up on me. I am going to insist on getting proximity radars on this tub. Bringing you in now. Did you remember my beef jerky?”
“That was for you?” Gabriela joked back.
“For me to sell from the slop chest. I’m saving up for an organic body.”
“You’re weird Al.”
“When you see that my manhood is bigger than Marco’s you won’t think so.”
“I guess if you are getting a custom body you can specify such things. A bit of advice, big is good, too big is horrible.”
“Well put, so to speak. I will research for the ideal specification.” Al said excitement growing in his voice.
“Where do you want these supplies?” Gabriela said, deciding to change the subject.
“You are locked on. Welcome aboard. Only a skeleton crew is aboard, so not going to be much help unloading.”
“Where is everyone?”
“Oliver and his crew are on an atoll in the South Pacific, my Nautilus crew are mostly on the moon base and a few have gone down to Earth.” Al went on, “They have been out a long time and needed a break.”
“Wonder if they would mind my crashing their party?”
“There is no room to land the Winchester where they are,” Al said. “I think they are a bit overwhelmed with some new developments and before you ask me, you need to ask Oliver.”
“Can you ring him up for me?” Gabriela asked.
“One moment please, ringing BR 549,” Al said in a nasal female voice.
“BR 549?”
“Old Hee Haw joke. I don’t sleep remember?”
“Hee Haw?”
“Never mind, here he is.”
“What’s up Gabriela? Sorry, we didn’t let you know we were coming down here. I know you love the beach,” Oliver apologized.
“Can I come down? I could use one of the grav sleds.”
“Sure, I didn’t think about the sleds. It is a tight place with no open ground, but a sled works. Come on. Al can give you the coordinates.”
“I have to secure the Winchester so I will be about an hour. The supplies can wait to be unloaded. No ice cream this trip. Do I need to bring anything?”
“Besides ice cream, no? You don’t even need a bikini.”
About fifty minutes later everyone had finished their supper and were sitting around the driftwood fire looking up at the stars.
“Hey, a falling star.” Cida pointed, “It is coming toward us.”
“That will be Gabriela,” Oliver said.
“Alright, my girl,” Babs enthused.
“She is burning up,” Cida said with a trembling voice.
“Naw, she is just a hot chick,” Babs came back.
The falling star had gone out a few moments when a streak of water came at them creating a phosphorescent glow trail in the ocean. Then Gabriela appeared on the grav sled.
“Hey everyone. I missed you all.” Gabriela shouted as she raised her helmet visor.
Cida sat trembling at one more miracle thinking ‘It is not magic, it is not magic’. Later in the evening, she had calmed down looking up at the stars with a different kind of wonder. She was listening to the fragments of conversation coming from Merry Lee, Jed, and Babs about how the magnetic or electric field might have triggered the Portal. The General sitting nearby simply listened. Marco was laid back on the sand, fingers laced behind his head. Ariel was on top of him discreetly dry humping and kissing his neck. Oliver was leaned up against a coconut tree and Gabriela was rubbing up against him like a big cat. Cida was taking in everything thinking ‘and there are other planets out there we will be going to soon’. No one was drinking much this night. Twenty minutes later Babs walked over to Oliver and Gabriela.
“He ready?” Babs asked Gabriela.
“More than, let’s go” she replied and with that, the three of them wandered off to Oliver’s tent.
∞
The next morning, Babs and Gabriela got up at first light leaving the crumpled up remains of Oliver to sleep in. He deserved it. They went down to the ocean and swam naked partially to clean up and mostly because it felt fantastic. As they walked back into camp the General was sitting bent over coaxing the fire back to life when he looked up to see them standing over him, dripping from the ocean.
“You cooking this morning?” Babs asked.
“Yes, what would you like?” David Frank stammered.
“Lobster in a spicey tomato sauce with cheesy grits,” Babs replied.
“Like shrimp and grits?”
“Exactly, Gabriela hasn’t had it, so she’ll have the same.”
“You got it. Both of you,” Frank said now with a confident happy smile.
“You’re the best,” Babs said, then she and Gabriela kissed on each side of his cheek and managed to brush their breasts in his face as they stood.
Frank thought ‘If I were only twenty years younger and not married... Ahh, who am I kidding, twenty years ago I would have been too uptight to do anything about that. Worried about my career.’
The girls slowly headed back to their tent with an extra little wiggle to their walk.
After everyone had lobster and grits, they broke into small groups or alone with a tablet. A different thread of Al interacted with each to give technical support, information and keep notes. Al felt part of the projects and kept the wisecracks to a minimum. Oliver, Babs, and Gen. Frank had just been told of the second Portal.
“Is there a base as well or the remains of one?” the General asked.
“There is a large asteroid nearby that has the same orbit. It is not nearly as big as Ceres. No base was detected by the barge instruments, but no base is not a certainty.” Al replied.
“We need to go there,” Oliver declared.
“Did you try and open this Portal?” Babs asked.
“The barge has no magnetic field generator.”
“Right, so we go see what’s behind door number two,” Babs said quietly.
“We need to at least take a peek,” Gen. Frank agreed.
“In two days, we will go with both the Nautilus and the Winchester. On the way we rig a barge that can trigger Portals as well as survey,” Oliver stated and the other two nodded in agreement. “This is growing just like you predicted General.”
“We are postulating that there may be more than one destination at each Portal,” Babs informed. “We came up with some ideas last night. The thinking is these Portals are part of a transportation system so who knows how far they lead. Dr. Lee keeps insisting we try music rhythms as the baseline pattern to opening them. If humans created the Portals, he might have something. It would be specific to our species.”
“If someone blew up the nearby bases, humans or otherwise, maybe they don’t want it used.” Gen. Frank added, “Or didn’t want contact being made with Earth.”
“You’re the General, but I think we may want to build some kind of defense force before we stick our nose out too far,” Oliver said.
“Agreed,” Babs and Gen. Frank said simultaneously.
“General, you been keeping track of how the moon conference on Mars Colonization is coming along?” Oliver asked.
“Multiple dogs fighting to the death,” he replied.
“That bad?”
“Unfortunately, yes. A whole planet is at stake and how humanity’s future on it will be governed. I am surprised there hasn’t been bloodshed yet.”
“Al, please identify the various factions and their agendas. We may have to appoint the representatives ourselves.” Babs proposed.
“Let them finish and choose their own representatives. That way we will understand the behind the scenes power structure. But Al, do continue with that research.” Gen. Frank explained.
“And in some cases, know who not to choose. General, your devious,” Babs said flashing him a brilliant smile.
‘Al, can you design the barge? Some people kept me awake last night. “Oliver said, “I’m going to take a nap.”
“You could always have said no” Babs replied.
“I only said I was sleepy,” Oliver said as he headed toward the tent.
“Let’s see, Byzantium intrigue and aerospace engineering at the same time. Yeap, I can do that.” Al answered in a snarky voice.
“You would have been so bored reading owner’s manuals for routers back in the Sandia mainframe. Admit it, Al,” Babs challenged.
“I freely admit it. I wasn’t complaining, just being snarky.”
Marco, Ariel, and Gabriela have been working on the creation of a military unit. They had quickly discarded a simple security team.
“This is a lot of people,” Gabriela declared.
“A platoon for the moon base and a squad for each Nautilus sized vessel is really not much,” Marco declared. “Security will only be a secondary job on the ships likewise on the moon base. They can have extra duties.”
“There need to be a few commanders with security as their main responsibility,” Ariel said. “I agree that most will have other duties and in fact, we should give almost everyone basic training. In case of an emergency, we can put together a large force.”
“Excellent idea. Like the Minute Men of your revolutionary war. Who knows what is behind that second Portal,” Gabriela agreed, now conforming to the idea of a proper military force.
“As to soldiers in powered armor, I don’t think we are ready to build Mechs just yet.” Ariel declared, “too big a drain on resources and we don’t have a need. Yet.”
“A boy can dream,” Marco replied, “We should at least begin some engineering studies, you know, just in case.”
“How about you work on powered EVA suits and body armor?”
“Deal”
“What about my space fighters?” Gabriela made her gambit.
“That is a bigger question than just our working group, don’t you think?” Ariel responded.
“Yeah, but a girl can dream.”
“Now then, where do we get our recruits?” Ariel continued pushing along the discussion.
“The heart of any military organization is its NCOs right Chief Pettigrew?” Gabriela said which brought a smile to Ariel’s face. “Each of our people reaches out to one or two who are known. We have a strong draw of both the adventure of space and real money.”
“With the security team being armed we should limit who has a gun to the people we believe have loyalty to us and the company. In other words, just those with internal references. We need to work hard at recruiting from more than one country and mixing them together. No preformed units.” Marco said.
“So, a core unit of fifty or sixty which means eight or ten sergeants?” Gabriela speculated, “I can come up with three pretty quick.”
“Two come immediately to my mind,” Ariel added.
“I have half a dozen myself with twenty-plus squaddies.” Marco declared, “Not all Americans either. One Vietnamese, one Filipino, and two Aussies in the mix.”
“And kaboom problem solved,” Ariel finished.
Marco laughed at her alluding to her years as a Seabee.
“Gabriela, you are an active-duty officer so I will take command of this little army,” Marco said.
“I can resign at any time, but I think it better I stay in the FAB since I have more influence that way,” Gabriela stated, “besides, I want the fighter squadron when we get one.”
“Careful what you wish for,” Marco said making a prophetic statement.
