According to the navigator's calculations, the New Dawn was getting close to the exit portal, but they still hadn’t seen even a faint point of light. Gergin and Drachcirn were watching for this critical confirmation of the course change made days earlier. The tension was palpable.
The view from the ship's nose camera was displayed on the screen before them. So far, it was solid black except for a small legend at the top, which identified the camera.
Both navigators knew there was uncertainty in their estimate of when the first light from the portal would appear. In addition, the collision could have slowed the ship more than the thruster burns compensated. Still, they believed they were very close.
The pilot, Retepin, was also with them. He asked, “Is the light coming through each portal the same?”
“Well, no. It's the light from the stars, and it depends on where you are. We use an average taken from the boundary mapping missions. We don’t know what it is out here.”
“When you were mapping the boundary, you sent drones ahead. Could we do that now?”
“We had a supply of unique rocket-fired drones on those missions. But, unfortunately, we don’t have any of that type on this flight.”
“Well, put that down on your list of things not to forget next time,” Retepin chided with a grin.
“And we had forward radar to monitor the drones, Drachcirn countered. The three laughed.
After two hours, Gergin suggested they take a break. So the three officers headed down to the Crews’ Galley. Relaxing got their minds off what concerned all three – missing the exit portal. Finally, after an hour, Gergin, the most serious of the trio, announced it was time to return.
As the three glided back to the command console, they saw the front screen was still solid black. Finally, Retepin, remembering their earlier conversation about what happened to drones crossing the K^Calpin boundary, asked the question they all feared.
“How far is the ship from the boundary?”
“By our calculations, we are very close, “ Drachcirn replied dryly. He had the same worry.
“Maybe we should pan the camera a little,” Gergin proposed.
Retepin touched the command console display, initiating a slow panning motion around an oval path, and the screen displayed a broader view of what lay ahead. Then the three saw it – a star-like dot of light off to one edge. It appeared and then disappeared as the camera panned in its direction and then away.
“Halkopez,” Drachcirn swore excitedly. “We almost missed it.”
“Our flight path was off just slightly! We almost missed the portal,” Gergin added. “Retepin! Adjust our course. Aim for that light.”
“The passengers aren’t going to like this,” the pilot mumbled.
He fired steering jets at the front and rear of the ship to make an abrupt turn. They could all feel the sudden jerk. Even though the spacecraft hardly changed direction, it exerted a noticeable force due to its speed. The pinpoint of light from the portal was now close to the center of the screen. Then he stopped the panning motion of the camera.
The three were all feeling a sense of elation. For the first time since the collision, the three officers knew they would successfully transit the black void. As astronauts, they were on the verge of completing the longest flight through the K^Calpin. They would all remember this day for years and look back on it with great pride.
“Tonight, we break out the Y^Kisihee – an alcoholic drink made from a fermented Tridonian grain mash,” Gergin proclaimed.
It was a tradition in the Astronaut Corp for the senior officers to celebrate a significant achievement with toasts of Y^Kisihee. They held these celebrations in the Command Center since the Space Directorate didn’t allow drinking on space missions.
“Commander. We have a visual on the exit portal and expect to cross through tomorrow morning.” There was no mistaking the excitement in Gergin's voice.
“Great job. I never doubted the three of you would get us through.” Nireem set high expectations for his officers and crew, and his confidence in them motivated their performance.
Gergin's communicator sounded. It was Enaida.
“What happened? We all felt a sudden yank, and some passengers got thrown around. Did we hit something again?”
“No. We just had to change direction quickly to reach the exit portal. All is good. We should be back in regular space-time tomorrow.”
“OK. That's good news,” she sounded relieved. “Talk to you later.”
Down in a Passenger Lounge
Three travelers clustered around Enaida. She was explaining the sudden force that had tossed them to one side. However, she had to constrain her explanation because none of the passengers knew about the K^Calbin.
“Well, I think the crew isn’t doing a good job flying our spaceship, “ complained one woman. “I don’t appreciate being jerked around!”
Another joined in, saying, “This isn’t the first time they have treated us poorly. I will report this!”
Both were Rabizut and considered themselves quite important. Enaida was used to this and ignored them. She knew they couldn’t comprehend what lay ahead.
“Space travel is at best dangerous and often requires a quick response to unexpected events,” she explained.
“Well, that's not what they told us,” one huffed.
Fortunately, the most severe injuries were minor bruises and hurt egos. Enaida went off to find her friend Aterga. She needed a break.
In Aterga's Passenger Lounge, Enadia spotted her friend talking with two passengers and decided to go to her rescue.
“How's everyone doing?” she asked in a friendly voice.
“Not well. With all the vastness of space, we don’t understand why it's necessary to toss us around?” a handsome Rabizut complained.
Enaida interrupted Aterga. “I just spoke with the ship's officers. Space is a lot more complex than just an empty void. It was necessary to make a slight turn. We are traveling extremely fast, so the slightest change throws everyone around. What did you do on Tridon?” she asked to distract him.
“I was a race car driver,” he boasted.
“And why would a race car driver sign on to this mission?” Enaida persisted.
“Oh, my wife is a doctor. I just got to come with her.”
“Well, there are no races where we are going!”
Then, the two medical specialists moved away to talk privately. Enaida wondered what a race car driver would do in a colony. Her conversations with their passengers over the past months revealed most had no idea what establishing a colony required.
“That turn nearly pulled me off my feet. What happened?” Aterga asked.
“We are about to exit the black void. The turn was to go through the portal. Gergin was so jubilant I wanted to go up and hug him. He has been worried about this part of the trip since the first week.”
“Could you believe those passengers?” Aterga asked.
“I had a couple of complainers, too. Guess they don’t have anything else to do. Say, have you had any questions about the landing?”
“Not really. Well, one guy asked if I was landing with them. I thought he was flirting and never gave it much thought.”
“A Laka told me the crew wouldn’t be allowed to land. I don’t know what he was thinking, “ Enaida said.
“It's hard for me to understand how most of these civilians got selected.”
“I know, Aterga. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Do you remember Nairben? The Commander selected him for an Advance Team,” she said wistfully.
“He's the Amilikut hunter?”
“He is,” Aterga smiled. “I think he likes me. I let him hold me a little when I put him in sleep mode.” It was apparent that Aterga was infatuated with him.
“Have you started asking about what they brought in their flight bag?” Enaida asked.
“Not yet. Guess I should. It seems a little personal. What reason are you using?”
“It's part of being prepared for whatever we face once we are on the ground. I tell them they don’t have to list clothes, toiletries, and anything for entertainment. We are just trying to inventory tools, weapons, and anything useful after landing.”
“That will start them thinking about their life on the ground. Anything unusual?” Aterga asked.
“A guy who likes camping brought a water bottle and a small pot. Another packed a collapsible fishing pole and some light tackle. One reported a magnifying glass.”
“They all sound like outdoors types. What about women?”
“Several nurses brought bandages and cremes for insect bites and cuts. One had a small sewing kit. Several brought things for their hobby. Most said whatever they needed would be supplied.”
“Very trusting people. And what if someone doesn’t want to tell you?”
“I explain it's for their benefit. Survival requires cooperation, and I must report anyone who refuses to the Commander.”
“OK. When I return my travelers to sleep mode, I’ll ask for a list.”