Книга: Chronicles of Athena Lee

Contents

Title Page

Forgotten Engineer

Engineering Murder

Ghost Ships of Terra

Copyright

Chronicles of Athena Lee

by T S Paul

The Forgotten Engineer

T S Paul

Chapter 1

15 years ago....

“All hands to Battle stations! This is not a drill!”

“ All hands to battle stations! Seal all compartments! “

Moments before ensign Athena Lee had just started her rotation in the engine room. This was her first real assignment since leaving the Academy a month ago.

Damn it this was supposed to be an easy mission!

My new ship was a support and engineering frigate, the Tesla. We were in the Diablo sector to build a fleet listening and resupply post for navy intelligence.

The base was really cool. It was hollowed out of asteroid. It would blend in perfectly with the others floating around in the nebula. This sector was rarely visited due to the dangers of explosive gasses and big randomly floating rocks.

My Dream job was to be a fully fledged chief engineer some day.

Everyday was a learning experience. Getting to help senior engineers build a space station was just a bonus.

The squadron my ship was a part of was with the PPL or the Pan-Pacific League. When humanity had left Earth it had colonized the galaxy in waves. Like with everything else that we as humans do we brought a little bit of home with us. We brought our history, our culture, our politics, and our hatred. Colonies were formed around ethnic or cultural lines.

Just like on Earth, it wasn't long before the search for natural resources brought nations into conflict. War and famine. Right versus might, us versus them, or something like that. Like Earths last big war two hundred years ago this new war was all encompassing. Sides were chosen and alliances were formed. Two forces came into being: the Pan-Pacific League and Anglican Alliance.

The enemy was not supposed to even be in this part of space.

“Ensign Lee what in five hell's are you doing in Engineering!” Chief Engineer Henry was screaming at me.

“Chief, you told me to meet you here this morning.” Chief Henry was red faced and frantically working his control board.

“Why didn't you go to CIC with the other ensigns? It's too dangerous here for you. Get to safety!” The ship shuddered and shook. It sounded like a full blown attack now.

The Chief frantically looked around and pointed at me. “Get in the fusion controller room! Try not to touch any of the controls.”

The fusion controller room, located between the two engines, was the safest location on the ship. It's armored walls were three times the thickness as anywhere else on the ship. Protecting the engine controls in battle was paramount to winning the fight. Without the armor radiation from the engines would degrade the circuits causing irreparable harm.

“Just what I need. My first real battle and I'm stuck in a closet!”

I locked myself in and looked around. The room was small. A large console in the center of the room was surrounded with cable runs. Lots of blinking lights covered the surface. I sat down on a low work console and tried to get comfortable. It angered me that my own supervisor did not appreciate my repair skills enough to let me help. I was missing all the action stuck in here!

The ship was shuddering and jerking a whole lot now. What sounded like explosions were thumping on the hull of the ship.

One of the main reasons that this region of space was so empty, was the composition of the nebula. Extremely high levels of hydrogen mixed with other volatile gasses drifted in large clouds. Errant asteroids and other debris drifted in random patterns through the clouds. Add a spark and a touch of oxygen and BOOM!

This was not a healthy place for colonists. Much less for a mining operation. But for a hidden spy ship base and resupply point, it was worth the risk building it here. The engineers just needed to be extra careful during construction.

The ship started rumbling and jerked sideways suddenly. I was thrown to the floor. I struggled to both stand up and open the hatch to see what had happened.

I awoke with a screaming headache. My head felt like there were tiny soldiers marching back and forth inside. I was pretty sure I might have a slight concussion. Checking my link, I saw that I had been unconscious for over 30 hours.

ABANDON SHIP! ABANDON SHIP! ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP!”

“Get to the life pods, get to the life pods! Abandon ship!”

For some reason the hatch was sealed and would not open.I heard a load explosion, loud enough to be heard through the thick walls of the control room.It was as if we had been thrown like a child's toy. I crashed into the wall and remember hitting the floor, then nothing.

I awoke with a screaming headache. My head felt like there were tiny soldiers marching I was pretty sure I might have a slight concussion. Checking my link I saw that I had been unconscious for over 30 hours.

“I guess the battle is over. Everything seems to be quiet out there.” Talking to yourself is a sure sign of insanity. The last order that I had heard was to abandon ship. I was alive so the ship must have survived. Checking the door controls I noticed that the sensor readings showed vacuum on the other side. That was the reason the door would not open before.

I checked and double checked my skin suit and sealed my helmet.

When the door opened and pressure equalized the door opened. I stood in the doorway in shock. Engineering was open to space! Debris and bodies lay everywhere around the room. A very large hole is now where the port engine used to be.

Checking the engine room control consoles red lights and alarm codes were flashing everywhere. The red lights casting morbid shadows around the room. For the moment the ship still had battery power. Life support was at a bare minimum and I still had some gravity.

I carefully navigated around the debris and out of engineering. The rest of the ship was no better. Every life-pod cradle that I came to was empty. All of the pods had launched. I really needed answers. I hoped that on the bridge I might find them.

The bridge security door had been left open. Thank the gods for that! I was not a bridge officer and did not have authorization the be here. Hell, I was barely an engineer. This was my first assignment out of the Academy. Entering the bridge I was greeted by faintly wailing alarms and more flashing red lights. While an officer, I was not trained as a bridge officer. It took time the find the shut off switch for the alarms. I did find the status controls. Main power was out. The ships control was unresponsive. It was missing an engine it would be. All the active systems were operating on battery power. Life support was now gone. Gravity would be next. The communication system was a total loss. All of the crew had followed orders and abandoned ship.

I had been forgotten about.

Information was what I needed.

Was there a rescue mission coming?

I checked fleet status. I had to hunt-and-peck to find the proper computer controls, but I then checked the ships logs. Our ships automatically update the logs with or without the captain. I found the answers that I had been looking for and they were not in my favor.

According to the computer records an AA battle fleet had dropped out of hyperspace right on top of us. Whether it was an accident or by design the effect had been devastating. Our small fleet of engineering and support vessels had put up a terrible fight. Ships like the Tesla had more of a support role than as a front line battle force. We were armed, but not enough. The gunships that made up our defense force were old or close to retirement destroyers. They didn't stand a chance against a battle fleet.

During the course of the one sided battle. The Tesla had been hit with a force lance to stern. That was the weapon that tore away the engine, opening engineering to space, and killing my fellow engineers. It was also the reason for the Abandon Ship call.

Our forces fought to the last ship holding the enemy for almost ten hours.

Science readouts and the log book show that an AA Cruiser launched several Tac-Nukes at our remaining defenders. That series of explosions touched off he volatile gas clouds in the nebula. The blast destroyed or severely damaged all of the remaining ship from both sides of the conflict.

One small AA light cruiser had survived the explosion. A large asteroid had shielded it and prevented its destruction. Communication had recorded it searching for survivors. The room that I was in prevented them from finding me.

As Far as I could tell, I was alone surrounded by wreckage, millions of miles from home.

Chapter 2

The Present Day. Aboard the EOHS Prosperous

Captain Ronald Carver finished reading his orders one more time. The Empire of Humanity officer shook his head and grimaced as he put the orders away. Still scowling he turned to his navigation officer “notify our other ships, come about and set course for sector 52. We are to explore the Diablo sector.”

The young navigation lieutenant, not wishing to further anger her captain, chanced a question. “The Diablo sector, Captain?”

“Yes, the Admiralty wants us to report on the stability of the region. That area has not been explored and surveyed since before the war. Fifteen years ago during the 'Battle of Diablo' several tactical nukes were set off there destroying two fleets. The area is filled with floating debris and asteroids.” The Captains mood had improved a bit.

“The 'Battle of Diablo' was the final battle of the war wasn't it? The armistice was signed then.”

“Yes, Lieutenant it was. According to the information that the Admiralty sent me. The two opposing fleets were almost completely wiped out in the battle. The loss of that many ships all at once conviced the peace negotiators to sit down and hammer out a deal. It was that 'deal' that formed the society that we have today.”

The lieutenant continued to speak. “Sir, its kind of hard to believe sometimes that it was only 15 years ago.”

Looking at his officer the captain replied “Humanity is now united, that is what matters today. Interstellar war is a thing of the past. This should be an interesting mission, if you like history. As far as I know none of the wreckage was ever removed.” The Captain returned his gaze to his console and began scrolling through reports.

“Captain, we should be entering the Diablo sector in 10 minutes.”

The Captain looked up at Lieutenant Johanson. The tall officer was standing next to his station. “Thank you lieutenant. Sensors, start scanning as soon as we cross the frontier. Begin looking for ship debris and other hazards. This is a very dangerous area of space.” He looked around the room. Spotting the Navigation officer he said “navigation? Wake up the survey teams and get them to start plotting positions. I need for them to compare sector mapping with the old charts. Have them check for any changes in position.”

The XO turned to his captain. “Should we deploy communication satellites, sir?”

“That's a good idea XO, make sure you tag them for easy pick up. They represent too much money to just leave out here. That should making contacting HQ more easy.”

The cruiser and its escorts moved slowly through the sector. The mapping data from the previous survey was holding true, so far anyway. As his ships approached the asteroid belt Captain Carver began to tense up. The area they were approaching was where the battle took place. Many spacers called this area the 'Graveyard of the Lost.'

Captain Carver was in his Ready Room working when he heard his name being called. “Captain to the bridge, Captain to the bridge.” He dropped what he was working on and hurried out of the room.

'Report!” The Captain shouted as he entered the room.

“Sir, we are picking up an anomaly ahead of us inside the asteroid belt. Sensors show that is is highly metallic.”

They disturbed him for this? “Ensign, that should be the battle site. The wreckage from two fleets is there.

“Sir, we don't think the fleets are what we are picking up. Sensors detected active weapons in he area.”

That brought the captain up short. “Weapons? That is a bit strange, there could be ships with trace amounts of power.” He turned to the XO. “Bring the ship to a state of readiness, just in case. Communications, have the destroyer escort scout ahead and look for those traces with active sensors.”

The two escorts moved ahead of the cruiser at twice it's speed, sensors active and scanning ahead.

The XO turned to his captain. “Sir, the destroyers say they have found something.”

“XO, transfer their scans to the main screen. Lets take a look.

The whole bridge was in shock. “What the hell is that thing!”

Chapter 3

15 years ago

The three basic things that they teach at the Academy when it comes to survival is: food, water, and shelter. I added a fourth to that, air. I need air and life support and I need it now.

This ship carries both a shuttle and a small runabout, they should be in the hanger bay. The trouble was getting to, the hanger bay with all of this wreckage in the way.

Either ship can save my life. They both have life support systems.

The main hatch from engineering used to be in front of me. There is now a very large hole there. I guess that I was luck that hole didn't bisect the ship and kill me.

“The next time that someone offers to show you around the ship, let them you idiot.”

Talking to yourself is a sure sign of going insane.

I had only been on the ship for less than a month. I thought I was this big bad engineer and didn’t need directions. Hindsight just sucks!

It seemed like I crawled through wreckage for hours, before I found the C.I.C. room. Using the computers I found the ship schematics. I wasted another hour navigating through the access duct that crisscrossed the ship.

Finally reaching the hanger bay my air supply has almost empty. I was down to 30 minutes of life. Scrambling across some bent and twisted bulkhead supports, I spotted a nearby fire locker. Inside I found several air cartridges. I had more air, for now.

Thank to space gods! Both ships were in the hanger bay. Only the runabout was of any use. A large section of bulkhead had fallen and had crushed the shuttle flat.

Clearing some fallen equipment away I opened the hatch and crawled into the runabout. It was a small matter to engage life support. Finally having air to breathe was a miracle. I took off my skin suit and helmet. Three days with a suit on can make you a bit rank.

The runabout would be able to get me to the construction site. The station we had been building had plenty of supplies. One problem was that the runabout could not leave the system. No interstellar drive on something this small. I could use impulse speed, but that would take around 50 years to get home. Unless I could find something on one of the ships, it looked like I was stuck in this sector!

The asteroid station had air. The long term supplies were in storage pods waiting to be used so I had my food, water, shelter an air covered. I had helped to build this base so I knew were everything was on board it. One huge problem, damn it. No communications. They had been scheduled to be installed later this week. The parts and sections of the system were now spread throughout the nebula. The ship they were on had been totally destroyed in the nuclear explosion that claimed the fleet.

Several huge construction drones sat piled near the entrance. Those may be useful, I thought to myself. The Tesla had a pretty good engineering and technical library. If it had survived I may have something to pass the time.

I opened the door to the base and looked around. I got settled and went to work. I was an engineer. Lets go engineer something!

Chapter 4

Present Day: Aboard the EOM Prosperous

The entire bridge crew was in shock at pictures sent by the destoyer’s showed a battle station on the screen.

Clearly built from an asteroid, the station was menacing looking with jagged edges and apparent spikes. Closer inspection showed it to be a crazy-quilt of wrecked ships and scap metal.

“Communications, contact Captain Buckley on the Redcoat. Have him close with that ‘station’ and scan it. Also contact Captain Richards,on the Jethro Gibbs. Tell him to scan the surrounding area. I’m worried about hidden ships or weapons.”

“Captain! The Redcoat reports they have been scanned by the station. Weapons guidance beams are locking on to them.”

Captain Carver turned to the communication ensign. “Tell Buckley not to provoke that station!”

“Sir, we have a signal coming in. It’s from the station.”

“Put it on screen.” The captain turned to look at the main screen.

The visual screen lit up to show a short, attractive blond woman with slight Asian features. She was wearing an obsolete Pan-Pacific Navy uniform with ensign rank showing.

“Identify yourselves or be destroyed!”

Captain Carver caught the eye of the ensign. “Communications, send this please.” Carver straighten up. “This is Captain Carver of the Empire of Humanity ship Prosperous. I am in command of this patrol. Who are you?”

The ensign cocked her head to one side. “My name is Ensign Athena Lee of the Pan-Pacific League navy. Who or what is the Empire of Humanity? Are you allies with the Anglican Alliance?”

“Ensign? The PPL and the AA have been gone for 15 years. They don’t exist anymore. It is only the Empire now. Who are you really? Who built this station?” Finding out who built that station was important.

The blond ensign looked angry. “This is my station, I built it. I don’t believe you, Captain!”

Not sure what to say the Captain was silent for a moment.

“So, what are you saying? Your empire just conquered everyone? Or are you trying to trick me? Is that what you are doing? Is it? “ The ensign was getting more and more erratic.

“Ensign after the battle that was fought, here, in this system. The peacemakers sat down and hammered out an accord. That accord is what founded our Empire. The war has been over for you a long time.” The Captain replied.

“I’m afraid that I don’t believe you Captain. The PPL that I belong to would not do something like that. They would not just give up! I don’t respond well to tricks. Do not come any closer. Tell that sneaky destroyer to stop trying to flank the station. The area that it is sneaking through is filled with unexploded ordinance and junk. It is a huge minefield.”

Captain Carver whirled to his right. “Communications contact the Redcoat. Tell Captain Buckley to hold his position!”

On board the Redcoat, Captain Ringo Buckley was thinking about his future. He was envisioning himself riding to the rescue destroying the enemy. Ringo came from a family of warriors. There had been a Buckley fighting in every remembered conflict. In the was war a Buckley had fought on both sides.

When Ringo had gotten this assignment he had thought that HIS chance for fame and glory was never to be. A survey mission? No aliens to kill or hostages to free with something like that. Now finding a rogue station was like gold. This was his chance to have is name in the history books. His chance for personal glory. Hopefully that rogue station was full of pirates or terrorists.

Buckley had stretched his orders to the limit. He had closed with the station and had scanned it. Now he thought to flank it. He thought that if he could get into a better striking position he could lead the attack! Fame and glory awaited.

“Sir, have you been monitoring the broadcasts from that station?” The sound of hi XO’s voice woke him from his day dream. Seeing that it was just the XO, Buckley ignored him and ordered flank speed from navigation.

“Uh, Sir, we were just told there was a minefield out here in this area.” The XO was frantic. “Sir, haven’t you been paying attention?”

Captain Buckley turned and looked his XO in the eye. “You are of course aware of the standing orders that forbid line troops from obeying orders from the enemy, aren’t you? We have orders to scout and scan the area. Until I hear otherwise that is what we will do!” Pointing to the rear of the station. “ I choose over there it scout.”

“CAPTAIN!” The navigation lieutenant was screaming. “We are being tracked by multiple sources. Tracking….tracking…Alert! Multiple-in-bounds! I am tracking fifty, that is five zero in bound tracks. Suggest evasive action.”

With the tactical officer screaming at him too, the captain simply froze. Shaking his head to clear it he ordered evasive maneuvers. “Get us out of here!”

“Damn you, Captain,” cried the XO. “Your arrogance has killed us!”

The light destroyer was hit with over 50 antimatter torpedoes and other surrounding munitions as it entered the active minefield. The Redcoat exploded in a bright flash of light.

Another Buckley had entered the history books.

Chapter5

The past, 10 years ago

Athena was bored.

The last time she was this bored she had built a space station! Thinking back five years ago she wondered why she did it.

The asteroid base had been easy to finish setting up. It had a small hydroponics lab that was super easy to put together.

“I need something to do, and I really need to stop talking to myself. Before I know it inanimate objects will be talking back!”

I suited up and went to the hanger bay. Using the runabout I made my way back to the Tesla. The ship still a mess inside. Very carefully, I picked my way in and around the wreckage. The room that contained the technical library had been damaged but no any of the media inside.

Engineers like hard copy records. Nothing is left to chance in case a ship loses power.

Talking to myself again, “how do I get all this back to the asteroid?”

Staring at the piles and boxes of books I pondered that question. A light lit over my head. The Tesla, like many of the other support ships used piloted drones for a variety of jobs. I had seen quite a few of those drones as I explored the ship. The next day my boredom was gone and I had boxes of books to devour.

Having my own library was great. I spent the next couple of weeks boning up on how space stations were built and maintenance procedures for bases. The tech manuals that I found on weapon systems were very interesting. All this reading made me think of something I had missed. The floating debris of two fleets surrounded me. The enemy ships along with others from my fleet might have information that I could use.

Exploration time.

First things first.

PPL ships first. Exploring ‘my’ fleet was both heart breaking and informative. Our ships had been support not battle wagons. After the explosion there really was not much left. I did find a few broken or damaged drones. Lots of drifting supplies in fancy shipping containers.

I used the salvage drones and cleared a path to the enemy ships. I lost a few. Un-exploded ordinance was everywhere. A bomb disposal tech I was not. Once upon a time in school I had dated a ‘Jack’. For some reason all bomb techs were called Jacks. He had never told me how to not set them off! I programmed the drones to gather and place all of the explosives in an area to the rear of the asteroid base. I wanted them out of my way but also as a deterrent from a possible attack from that direction.

It seems that when they had evacuated the AA ships, they had shut down or stripped out all of the computers. As far as I could see all of the reactors were stone cold. I guess they didn’t intend to return and were worried about information being compromised. However, engineers and the same everywhere. Hard copies still existed. Either they forgot or did not know about them. Some engineering ‘secrets’ are universal.

I had gotten excited in one of the AA ships, the communication room had been intact. Someone had wiped the computers and set off fusion grenades on the broadcast equipment.

Something else that I am not, a computer tech. Yes, I can hum a tune and dance to it, but singing is another matter. I can use them but not fix them. I can and did rewired a few things, without electrocuting myself, so that I had short ranged communications. I could not reach the fleet to tell them I was here and alive. But, if someone entered the system I could talk to them.

Chapter 6

The Present

A massive fireball erupted into space lighting up the station. The Redcoat was just gone, vaporized. No trace was left of either the crew or this ship.

“BATTLE STATIONS, BATTLE STATIONS, THIS IS NOT A DRILL” echoed through the ship.

Captain Carver stood looking at the screen in shock. He had never seen destruction like that before. “Sensors! What caused that explosion? Did the station just attack the Redcoat?”

“Sir, the Redcoat attempted to flank the station the sailed right into the minefield. Either Captain Buckley disregarded your orders or it was an accident. We show no weapons trace from the station.”

“Connect me with that ensign!” Carver was angry now.

“That ship of yours just tried to attack this station! Hold your positions. If another ship enters my airspace I will open fire this time.”

Captain Carver just stared at the now blank screen. He turned to his intelligence officer. “Do we have anything about that station or that Ensign?”

“Sir, scans show that the station is based on a asteroid. A frigate, a former AA Anzac class frigate makes up the core of that station. The weapons are a mix of torpedoes and laser batteries.” The intelligence officer paused. “Our database shows that there was an Ensign Athena Lee in the PPL navy. She was born in 2267 on the planet Hong Kong, assigned to the PPL support ship Tesla. Nothing else except that she was listed as KIA in 2285 in the Battle of Diablo sector.”

The Captain nodded his head. “The briefing that I received said that there were no survivors of that battle and that this station was not here at the time.”

“Sir, that information is not entirely true.” Typical bureaucracy thought the intelligence officer. “At the end of the battle there was one AA ship not destroyed. The AAN Winston Churchill. That ship had only taken light damage. The crew of the Churchill searched the area for survivors. Intelligence records show that they scanned all surviving ships and any life pods they retrieved. Survivor count, from both fleets, was less than 100. SAR was not dispatched, from either fleet, due to survivors accounts of the Churchill’s efforts. The horror of the Churchill’s after action report is what shocked the delegates at the peace conference.”

The Captain was not really surprised by this. Orders from HQ sometimes were lacking in their intellegence briefing portion of the orders. “The Churchill must have missed a survivor then. Send everything that we have back to fleet HQ. With any luck we will still be here when they respond.”

Chapter 7

The Past

Staying busy make the time go by faster. Using the salvage drones I cleaned up the area of debris. I stripped the wrecks of all usable parts and weapons. I have three things to help me with the super boredom, Lots of scrap, construction drones and time. Lots and lots of time. Take all of those things add them together with an engineer. It’s time to build a space station!

OK, this is harder than it looks. Looking at the original plans for this base I saw that it was supposed to be camouflaged so it was secret. For me, secrecy is not really an issue. I went for a more classic approach. A central core with weapon pods and drone bays. Using the ship wreckage I think I may be able to do this. It’s going to be so much fun. <giggle>

I almost broke a construction drone, but I managed to stand a wrecked frigate on its keel. I placed the ship atop the asteroid base. It looks a bit funky but using scrap framework I bolted it onto the rock surface. Once the engines were removed, the drones cut them off, the empty space was perfect for big hydroponics bay. I really need one of those. Canned food only lasts for so long. In the books I found there was a way to grow yeast in a carbon matrix as a way to give myself a protein source. It looks a bit complicated so I will add it to the work on later pile.

Reconfiguring the inside of the former frigate took over a year. I had to use the repair drones to do most of the actual work. Leaving the hatches and bulkheads in place gave me doorways in the floor and ceiling. At half gravity, achieved from the spin of the station, floating from room to room was easy.

Salvaged weapons pods and drone bays surrounded the core of the station. As my daddy use the say “you can never have TOO much firepower.”

Did I have accidents during construction? Oh boy did I. Only about half the construction drones survived the work I put them through. We won’t discuss the falling kitchen incident. Or what happens when you get confused about which connector is the waste collection or the fresh water tank. Yuck!

I almost killed myself too. Did you know that the tiniest drop of ‘unconstrained ‘ anti-matter can blow a cargo container 300 yards? Neither did I.

It almost seems that there should be an easier way to do all of this. Something to think about.

Several years in the making but I built a home for myself. Its an ugly, colorful, crazy, wonderful home. The inside is far from finished. I have so many plans.

I have to wonder after all this time if anyone will ever venture out this way again?

Chapter 8

Present day

“I repeat, if any ship comes closer I will open fire.”

Captain Carver was at an impasse. One of his ship had been destroyed and the other two were threatened. There was an irate ensign on an impossible space station in a hard to reach region of space. The whole situation was like a bad vid show.

Looking to tactical, the captain asked “Do we have any readings on the station?”

“Yes captain, we do. Scans show that there is only one life source aboard. We have detected missile lock from numerous sources surrounding the station on those pylons. Total estimate of weapons is inconclusive at this time.”

The intelligence officer caught his captain’s eye. “Sir? There can’t be that many weapons. With only one person she can’t operate them all at once. We could send in the marines.”

The Captain scowled at his officer. “What marines? This is an exploration ship not a line ship. Our marine force, including the destroyer, is less then ten. I don’t think that an assault is prudent at this time.”

Deep in thought, Captain Carver looked up. “We must assume that the ensign is expecting to be rescued by her navy. We just have to convince her that WE, are that navy.

Chapter 9

The past

“Get in there you little SHIT!”

Here I was wedged under the solar maintenance console trying, trying to attach the cable runs. Some Idiot had made the wires too short. Since I WAS that idiot, I have only myself to blame.

Fifteen years, I have been on this station fifteen years!

If I had not been an engineer I think I should not have survived this long out here. I still have lots of little projects that I am working on but......

“Wilson!

What is that loud beeping noise!”

“Ensign, that is the early warning system alarm. Three unknown ships have just entered the Nebula.”

“What! ...Ouch, that frakking hurt. “

Surprised, I jerked forward and whacked my head on the console, that some idiot made way too low!

“Bring the system up to full readiness and figure out who those ships belong to. “

Wilson, I thought to myself, is one reason I have not gone completely crazy.

He was a prototype, an experimental A.I. unit I found on one of the frigates.

He had been functioning as a command and control entity, helping to keep many of the on-board systems operational.

When I finally got around to stripping his frigate, the PPLN Jiro, I discovered him still “alive” in the central computer.

He had explained his name to me, saying his personality was based on a 20th century entertainer named Hank or Hankie. Something like that. I had stopped listening about half way through. He made a good companion, if a little pushy and annoying sometimes.

.

I floated down to the asteroid section of the station. This was my war room. All the sensitive equipment was here; weapons controls, the armory, power station, and my living quarters. It was the strongest part of the base since it was encased in rock

“Seal all bulkheads and vent all compartments except hydroponics.”

A hull breach at the wrong time would just suck.

“What do your sensors say about those ships?”

“Ensign, there are three of them. Two destroyers and one cruiser. Their IFF says that they are ships belonging to the Empire of Humanity. Ensign, there is no known entity in my data banks that matches that name.”

“So, do you think these are pirates?”

“There is only a 20% chance of them being pirates. They may be a new political entity not in my data banks.” He replied.

“Well, we will have to see won't we. Start scanning them and carefully fire up Huey, Dewie, and Lewie. Keep them stealthed though. They are our ace-in-the-hole if these ships are enemies. Let me know when they are in communication range. I need to go put on a uniform.”

One thing I had lots of were uniforms. Salvage was salvage and cloth was just food for the cloth extruded. I tried to keep up my military appearance, rescue might be any day away, I would say to myself.

My scans of the intruders gave me basic information about them. None of the ships matched anything that was in our databases. The ship designs were similar to both the PPL and the AA. Almost a fusion style. It made me wonder if they were allies of the League.

When the ships were within Communication range I sent them a message.

“Identify yourselves or be destroyed!”

Chapter 10

The Present.

War is never an easy thing.

Apparently getting idiots to obey orders isn't either. A whole ship was just vaporized for not listening.

“I'm sorry Captain Carver, but war is hell. That ship of yours was warned about the minefield.” Why does this idiot keep asking me the same questions over and over?

“Ensign, there is NO war! Your war was over 15 years ago! Your enemy is gone, your nation is gone. Only the Empire remains now. “

Maybe this will shut him up. “Captain Carver, can you send me data and records of this Empire you say you represent?”

“Uh, we don't really have anything beyond the basics here on our ships data-banks.” Carver replied.

“ Then I say we have a bit of a problem. Don't we. If you are planning to attack me, don't. This station is very well armed.”

Both of the EOH ships had moved to relative positions near my station. Sensors showed that while they weren't aiming at me they were still on alert.

I was irritated that they were still here.

“Wilson? Can you intercept any of their computer traffic? Is there any way we can see what it is those ships data-banks?”

“Miss daisy…I mean Ensign, I can try to focus some of the comms lasers in their directions, if they ask tell them its an automatic weapons lock-on system.”

“I’ve warned you before about that Daisy crap! I’ll stick you in a waste disposal drone if you don’t quit that crap!

On the EOH ships the sensor techs were freaking out.

“Sir, Sir! Were just lased. A really strong one too; both us and the Jethro Gibbs.”

“Send orders to the Gibbs, have them back up out of range of the Station. We will do the same.”

Both of the ships moved away and out of torpedo range. If I had to attack them I still had some surprises.

“Wilson did we get anything from their computers?”

“Athena, they were not expecting an intrusion of my great computing skills....”

“Cut the bullshit and tell me what you found out!”

They are telling the truth. According to what they have, our political entity ended when the battle of the Diablo Nebula did. The PPL is no more.”

“Wilson, what in the hell do we do now to fix this mess?

Chapter 11

Alpha Centauri sector, Fleet command Station

“They found WHAT in the Diablo sector?”

“There is a remnant of the PPL navy. In control of a scratch built space station, basically holding two of our ships and bay? ..AND... you think that ONE person, ONE! Did all of this?”

“Explain that too me again. One destroyer has already been destroyed?”

Angry was not something that Rear Admiral Emily Kane got. But she was royally pissed right now.

Poor judgment on the part of one of her Captains had gotten him and his crew killed. It's not often that someone can surprise an Admiral much less a whole fleet. Especially an Ensign!

“What do we know about this ensign? How did she not get picked up by the Churchill? Where do her loyalties lie? Is she an asset or a major problem? These are the answers I want on my desk NOW! Put as many people on it as possible.”

Several hours later the Admiral started to get some answers and more questions.

You could cut the tension in the meeting room with a knife. The fleet advisory board along with the investigation team and members of the intelligence command were meeting. Everyone wanted answers.

Admiral Kane called the room to attention. “OK what do we know?”

“Sir, intelligence does not believe that this is any kind of enemy action from terrorists, pirates, or subversives.”

Glaring at the Intelligence specialist the Admiral pointed at a chair and said “Sit down, we already know all of that, who let you in here anyway? Don't answer that! Records. What do we have?”

“Admiral, as we already know, Ensign Lee was reported KIA. An interview with the former Captain of the Churchill, Charles McVay, revealed that they only scanned the PPLN Tesla, they did not board her to look for survivors. If fact they did not board any of the PPL ships, only their own.”

“That is new information. How is it that we were not informed of this 15 years ago? There may have been injured or trapped survivors in those ships! Rescue ships should have been sent.”

“At the time Admiral, the war was going on, the AAN ship had orders to return home. He only picked up “enemy” survivors as a courtesy. Captain McVay also expected that their SAR ships would rescue them.”

“That fact is going to haunt me to my dying day, damn it! Just the thought of those poor men and women lost in the dark waiting for rescue.... It gives me the chills. As you know, I was a fleet commander in the PPLN at that time, not an Admiral.”

“On the question of the Ensign, we checked our records, she appears to be who she says she is. Her academy records show her to be a prodigy, at the top of her class. In fact she graduated a year early. She comes from a family with a strong military tradition. Her father is a retired ground forces Colonel She was on the “list” for early promotion, she was a rising star.”

“Well this rising star is now the Ghost in the machine. We aren't sure if we should recruit her or shoot her!” said the Admiral with a chuckle. “What else do we know?”

“Fleet engineering has analyzed the battle records of the Churchill. Judging by what ships remained and what were partially destroyed, she may be better armed than Captain Carver thinks. If she salvaged all the weapons from both fleets.... well, it won't be good. If you don't kill her, engineering wants her, badly. An engineering student who can build her own battle station could be a major asset to the fleet. “

Breathing out a heavy sigh, the Admiral looked at the rest of the board. “We need to send reinforcements to Captain Carver and someone of authority needs to go. The person we send also has to be active duty and a former PPLN officer. Someone that she might recognize. Unfortunately that someone is most likely going to be ME!”

Pointing at the research team, the Admiral said “ pick your best people and bring your research, they are coming with me.”

Chapter 12

For two days we have been sitting here staring at each other. I was starting to think that we might be here forever.

“Ensign, sensors just picked up a small fleet entering the system! A Carrier, three destroyers, two cruisers and a couple of freighters.”

Well, there goes the neighborhood. It looks like they waiting was over. I guess they decided to attack me. The newcomers joined up with the other two ships and slowly began it spread out into a defensive formation.

“Wilson, bring all weapons to full alert, including Huey, Dewie, and Lewie. Lock the station down and activate all internal defenses.”

“This is gonna suck!”

“Admiral, its good to see you.” Captain Carver was relieved that the Admiral was here.

“Captain Carver, what is the situation? Has anything changed? We got your report about Captain Buckley. I went to the academy with his father. He too was a little rambunctious. That whole family is nothing but a bunch of glory hounds.”

“If he had only followed orders. We moved out of torpedo range when talks broke down. We didn't have any real proof as to our identity, and the station scanned us pretty hard with a laser.”

“What kind of a laser? A comm laser, maybe? Did you check your systems for intrusion?” This was new information. Information was what the Admiral needed.

Red faced the Captain replied “Uh, oops? We didn't check for that. I will have our techs check into that immediately.”

Blowing out a breath the Admiral said, “I am here it to try and talk her down. We are hoping that she can be useful to us, we would rather not kill her, if we can.”

On the Station I was getting nervous. Could we take on a full fleet? I had an escape plan but I could only get so far in the runabout. I did have a bug-out location, but it was more like a hut than a base. When I built it I had not finished the base and had, had a nightmare about pirates and slavery.

“Wilson, would you please clone yourself and put it in my link. I'm thinking that if I have to run, I want you to come with me.”

“Athena, you have treated me like a person, I wish I was bigger so that I could help more. Cloning complete.”

“OK, Wilson connect me with those people over there.”

“We are receiving a transmission.” Both the Admiral and the Captain ordered for it to be put on screen at once.

“Captain Carver, I see that you have been reinforced.”

Watching on a split screen Admiral Kane watched the conversation between ensign Lee and Captain Carver. The ensign did not look afraid. In fact she was defiant, in spite of the fleet arrayed in front of her. Something about this situation pricked at her brain. Some remembered fragment of information.

Damn it! The Art of War!

“Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. ... Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected “

She needed to stop this NOW!

“Ensign Lee” remarked the Captain, “ these ships are here for support and negotiation that's all. We are not planning to attack.”

“I'm afraid that I still don't believe you, Captain. In fact...”

“Captain Carver, and Ensign Lee I must stop you right now. Ensign, please stand down. We really don't want to hurt you.” The Admiral was desperate.

Surprised at the interruption this was not part of the plan, Captain Carver was startled. “Why does the ensign need to stand down?”

“ I fear that she is about to attack, isn't that right ensign?

“Commander Kane is that you? Commander of fleet operations?”

“I was unaware that we had met ensign.”

“We didn't, you gave the commencement speech at my graduation from the Academy.”

“It's Admiral now, please hold off your attack. We really are here just to talk.”

“I took my seven breaths, Admiral. You stopped me just in time. “

“ Seven breaths Admiral, I don't understand.” Carver looked puzzled. This whole conversation didn't make a lot of sense. Was the ensign really about to attack the fleet?

Glancing at the captain on the screen. “Its from the Hagakure, the handbook of the samurai's . It states that you must make any decision within seven breaths.”

“With my presence here do you now believe that we are who we say we are, ensign. My orders are to ask you to stand down. We do have to place you under arrest, because of the loss of the Redcoat. But, it is only a formality.”

“Admiral, I really would like to go home. I don't want to be arrested though. As I see it you can't give me orders. You are not in my chain of command anymore. You may think that you hold all the cards....but you don't.” I turned toward my control panel. It was time for all the cards to come into play. Starting with my ace-in-the-hole.

“Wilson. Activate the triplets, lase those ships, and lock them into a firing solution!” Red lights began to flash in my war room. A large targeting screen opened up.

“Holy Shit!” The scan tech was to about wet his pants.

“Admiral, all ships being scanned and locked on by very powerful lasers. We have three battleship level graser batteries that just uncloaked astern of us and we are reading very powerful emissions from the station. What are you orders?” The XO was in shock. How could one woman do all of this?

The ship came to alert instantly. “Battlestations take all ships to battlestations.”

The Admiral had to stop this madness. “Do NOT fire on that station, unless fired upon first. I will court marshal any officer that fires first!”

Turing to the screen she pleaded. “Ensign, Athena... Please stand down. Please. We really don't wish to harm you. I have had requests from half the engineering staff of both the shipyards and the academy to meet and work with you. We need you talents with us not against us. I promise that no harm will come to you. You are in the navy. You know that a inquest is held when any ship is lost. I promise you, we will not put you in prison.”

Blowing out the breath that I had held. “ Admiral, alright, standing down.”

“Wilson, stand down the weapons, turn off the red alert.”

Chapter 13

I had on my Dress uniform. I know, I know. Why do I need a dress uniform when I am the only one aboard? Because I like to be pretty and play dress up? That's all I will say.

I was about to receive my first visitors. Hopefully, that incoming shuttle was not filled with armored space marines. I am still not very trusting. Wilson, was monitoring and manning the security drones and internal defenses just in case.

The Admiral was accompanied by a small security team, his aide, and the Perry's head engineer.

The engineering officer had begged to be allowed to come along.

If anything he could check out the station. His security team really did not want the Admiral to go. She had ordered them to NOT don battle armor and to not provoke the ensign.

“Gentlemen, remember. I gave my word. Do not arrest the ensign. If she had wanted us dead, she could have killed us with those laser arrays.”

After a cautious approach the shuttle docked with my station.They used the standard docking ring off one of the ships.

When the portal opened the admiral's security team entered first. The armored soldiers looked around and froze.

The Admiral stuck his head out of the portal and saw what had scared them. “Ensign, we don't have a problem do we?

“No Admiral we don't. When I built this part of the station I was worried about pirates or being invaded. There is really only two entry points and I wished to survive.”

The room was small. On both sides were numerous security drones.

Built into the walls were laser ports and a large laser turret faced the door. An assault force would have had a very bad day. ”

“Welcome to Firefly Station Admiral. You are my first guests.”

“Can I call you Athena, Ensign?” At my nod, the Admiral continued. “These are my staff and, chief engineer from the Perry, Commander William Hedley. If you allow it, he would like to inspect the station. Amanda, he's not here to be critical. He really is impressed with your work.”

“Well”, I said “ it shows what happens when you give an engineer lots of scrap to work with and plenty of time to do it in. We get bored easily.”

Commander Hedley looked up from the laser turret he was inspecting, “that is totally true, Ensign. Where did this turret come from, it doesn't look like standard issue for.....”

The admiral jumped it, “ Hedley I'm sure the ensign can answer all of your questions later.”

“Its alright Admiral. Commander, the station AI, Wilson is able to tell you where each and every part came from. In great detail if you wish. Sometimes he just won't shut up about it.”

“An AI? Your records don't show any programming skills. Where did you get an AI?”

“He came from the PPL Jiro, sir, an experimental program. I found him when I stripped the ship. He saved me from losing my mind out here. He is the station AI now. He controls all essential systems and controls, except weapons.”

“Wilson wouldn't have scanned and hacked Captain Carvers ships recently?”

“Yes, Admiral he did. I had to have information. His security wasn't very good. It took seconds to strip his data-banks.”

“Athena, please refrain from doing that to MY ship, please. The captain was not very happy when his techs discovered the intrusion. It's not a good day to be a security officer over there right now.”

Completing the tour of the station, I escorted the group to my meeting room. My very small meeting room. Mr Hedley was still in conference with Wilson pointing at one part of the station or another.

“Athena, we are impressed. You showed great survival skills to build all of this. Most officers would have just used the asteroid base and be done with it.”

“Well sir, I could have done that but the base wasn't finished when I took over. Only the engineering section was airtight, the rest we were still working on. But construction drones work fast if given the correct materials.”

“It is still an excellent achievement. Which brings us to the meat of the problem. What to do about you? Do you wish to remain in the Navy?”

That was not a question that I was expecting. Remain? Wow, continuing my career was not something that I had considered.

“Something to think about Athena. I will tell you that there are a great many people back at Fleet headquarters that want to pick your brain about a great many things.

Plan on joining us on my ship tomorrow. Bring everything that you want to take with you.”

The Admiral gave a once over look. “Fleet command wishes to keep your Station, Firefly is it? Bring transfer protocols and codes with you please. My shuttle will return at 0900 hours bringing a caretaker crew. Be ready for that.”

As we finished our conversation, there was laughter from outside the room. Engineer Hedley was laughing about something.

“Wilson! What in the hell are you telling that man!”

Still laughing the engineer turned to me “ remind me to never let you design a kitchen unit ensign.”

Feeling my cheeks warm up I asked “Wilson, just what ELSE have you told him?”

True to her word, the admiral sent a shuttle to pick me up. I didn’t have much to pack. Just some uniforms and a few keepsakes I designed myself, over the years.

A small three person team was to be left on the station. I gave them the basic tour and opened up the computer files for them. I ‘forgot’ to mention the escape plan but they would find it, eventually.

Wilson, left his clone in place to run things. He is coming with me. He stayed in my link and made himself at home. He keeps saying that he needs to watch out for me. That and something about driving me around. He is such a weirdo.

I boarded the EOH ship and was immediately placed in a small security cabin.

Technically I am still an enemy combatant. I am allowed to explore most of the ship, but I have to take my security escort with me.

We will dock at Fleet headquarters in less that 36 hours and then a new adventure will begin.

I hope I'm ready for it. I know that they won't be.

Just wait till they meet us!

Engineering Murder

T S Paul

Chapter 1

“I’ve changed my mind about boredom. Being trapped in a small, very small, officers quarters is way more boring than being stuck alone for 15 years. Or at least it seems that way to me!”

At least I had been rescued. Although, technically, I was still at war with these folks. I sort of did attack them and cause a ship to explode killing the crew. Because of all that, I was being treated as an enemy combatant. It is better than prison though.

So much for my first tour of duty. Here’s what happened.

During my first deployment we were attacked, the fleet destroyed, I survived. While trying to survive, I built defenses and a small space station. A survey patrol encountered my station fifteen years later.

I did not believe who they were and a ship was destroyed with all hands lost. The great war that I had fought in has been over for a long time.

Nobody had told me that!

I sort of surrendered. Now I was on my way to stand trial or something.

Should be interesting in a twisted sort of way. At least there is snacks.

Still the boredom.

Officially, they won’t let me have any books. That whole enemy thing. I have two escort guards outside, but other than the observation deck and the mess hall, I don’t get to go anywhere. That includes the engineering library.

Unofficially, I have my own ace in the hole. I was allowed to keep my personal tablet. I already have reams of books and technical manuals. Hidden inside my link in my head is who has become own personal AI. Wilson.

Wilson is a Artificial intelligence created by the former Pan-Pacific League. He was the prototype for the AI’s that most navies use today. His creator modeled his personality on a 20th century vid star. He latched on to me after the big battle that got me lost for 15 years. He’s kind of goofy.

I let the Admiral and his staff believe that I left Wilson back on the Firefly station. He left a clone in his place, a dumb one according to him. Wilson told me that he needed to be there to ‘drive me around’ or something. Not sure what he means. So, he is officially a stowaway.

I’m not a hacker, not even a little bit. I am about the farthest you can get from a computer programmer and still be able to use a computer. Wilson like to help me out. He cracked the ships systems to got me some me updated books and tech manuals to read.

I am still trying to understand these people that have ‘captured’ me. They tell me that my old Navy the PPL joined with its mortal enemy the AA and formed an Empire. I don’t understand that at all. Still trying to wrap my brain around it. Wilson has been getting me news reports and such but it is all out-of-context so I don’t really understand it all. I really need to just see things for myself. Kind of hard when I’m a prisoner.

All these tech manuals have shown me that there is lots of new and improved technology and I just can’t wait to get my hands on it! Some of the new ship designs, like the one I’m on right now, just make my hands itch. It’s an engineer thing. Unfortunately I’m not allowed in engineering to check things out. That whole enemy thing again. They can come and see me though. Apparently, like a vid-star, I now have fans.

I really didn’t do anything, that any good engineer would not have been able to do, given the time and materials.

Spending my days in confinement is starting to get old. There is a daily bright light though.

Finally, a chance to get out of here for a walk.

It's lunch time in the mess hall and my escorts are here. Wilson likes to call them Turner and Hooch. He says its because “Hooch” looks like a pit bull. I have no idea of their real names. To me a guard is guard. For some reason I am always brought into the mess hall through the main entrance. I never get to go through the more interesting back way. Did they think the PPL did not have kitchens. The one here must be Top Secret as much trouble they go through to keep me out. The cooks and wait staff were not on my list of approved contacts. My escorts always have to order for me.

I ate my soy burger in peace as my escorts guarded my table. T&H never eat and they never seem to talk. I’m starting to think they might be robots.

Following our normal routine we walked to the observation deck. I was allowed to gaze at the stars and exercise by walking, for thirty minutes. We then had the usual silent trip back to my cell. The first couple of days I tried to talk to T&H but, keeping with the robot theme they don’t speak at all. At least not to me.

Only a few more days until we arrive at Naval HQ. Hopefully they have my hearing or trial or something, soon after. Admiral Kane's staff was waiting for me when my exercise period was completed. They were going to “brief” me on what was to happen when we reached the base.

“Houston, we have a Problem.” said Wilson in my ear.

“What is going on, just what you done now?”

“I hacked the Admiral's Chief of staffs; network and it seems that part of Command HQ is not going to go along with the promise that Kane made to you. They are going to prosecute you and lock you up!”

Hiding my expression from the guards, I sub-vocalized, “They can't do that can they? I'm not part of their military. Technically, I represent a hostile power.”

“Well it seems that they are trying to say that because the PPL was dissolved and incorporated into the EOH that they can do just that.” Frakk It. Legalese, another thing I'm not good at. That's why we have computers.

“Wilson, what are my options?”

“We need some political force on our side. From what I have found floating around inside the data-banks, complete national identity has not yet been achieved. Disregard what you may have been told. There is still a lot of PPL pride to be found on the old member planets. Guess what, those folks have NOT been told about the recent events in the Diablo sector. If you authorize me, I think we should tell those people all about it! Time to make you a Hero Ensign.”

“Wilson, don't tell me that. That is the last thing that I want. I really hate politics.”

“Ensign Lee, my name is Lt Commander Smith, I am the Admiral's legal attache. I regret to inform you that you will stand for formal charges of Mutiny, desertion in the face of the enemy, insubordination, and murder when we dock. Any deals that the Admiral has made with you are now Null and void by order of Governor John Wayne Buckley, sector 12 governor of the Empire of Humanity.”

“Commander, can he do that? I'm not in your military. Hell, I was declared dead for the last fifteen years. How does being left alone in a far off sector by your own military become desertion?”

“Ensign, the Admiral and I think that this is in retaliation for Captain Buckley's death. The captain was the Governor's nephew. Unless something happens to change things, you are going to stand trial.”

After the lawyers left, all I could think was that this day just went from bad to way, way worse. Crap! I seemed to me that most of the charges were utter BS. The murder charge though, because the war was over...that one might stick. So much for me trying to be friends.

“Ensign, let me contact the Senate and inform them about the railroad job that this Governor is doing to you.”

Cocking my head to one side, I replied “ railroad? Whats a railroad? Oh, you mean the false charges?” Actually that is a really good idea.

“Send them a full report include whatever dirt you can dig up about these false charges.”

They want a war, they are going to get a war!

Chapter 2

With my impending arrest approaching, security added some more guards to my entourage. They also moved my accommodations to the brig. My cramped little room got bigger, but it’s now under 24 hour surveillance.My nice soft bed is gone along with my privacy. Maybe I should have just taken out that fleet and stayed on my station!

I sat in the brig for a full day before the Admiral came to see me.

“Athena, I'm sorry.” She really did look sorry.

I just glared at her.

“I don't have the power to override the sector governor. I have sent requests up the chain of command, but it will take time. Governor Buckley is pushing hard for a Court martial.”

“Court Martial? Admiral, I am not in your chain of command! He can't legally do this.”

Sighing the Admiral replied “ He is the only law that matters in this sector. He can do whatever he wants to.”

“Admiral I don't think I like this new society that you people have created. In the old PPL those in charge were held accountable to the people. We didn’t have dictators who would not follow the rule of law.”

Pacing the room, the Admiral turned to me “ both my legal staff and I believe that this is revenge for his nephew. We will try to help as much as possible but our hands are tied.”

I spent the day reviewing the rules of court martial and POW treatment. I think that the Governor is a bit ignorant of his own law. The Admiral said court martial; their own regulations say they can't do that to a POW. They would have to convene a military tribunal in order to bring accusations of war crimes against me.

I awoke from my sleep, when the ship shuddered.

We were docking.

Rising, I glared at the camera taking care of my morning rituals. I decided to put on a dress uniform. No reason not to look as neat and as military as possible. I gathered my things and prepared to leave.

Station security had sent a full detachment for me.

“Prisoner Lee, stand away from the door!” shouted the large security officer.

I stepped back and resumed standing at attention. The door burst open, two large burly goons grabbed me, and manhandled me out of the cell. I heard cries of “hey, treat her with respect” and “shes not a criminal” coming from Turner and Hooch. Wow, they can speak!

“I have my orders, she is my prisoner now, move out of the way!”

The station security chief was very curt with ships security. His goon squad pushed the shipboard guards out of the way and put me their version of 'irons'. Security bracelets over my wrists, anklets secured with high voltage cables to a belt at my waist. You would think that I was a serial killer or something.

The goons smashed my tablet on the ground and kicked it along with my things into the corner. “You get nothing like this in our cells prisoner” they said.

Sub-vocalizing, I said “ Wilson, make sure you keep copies of all surveillance on me from now on, especially on this station.”

Two of the guards grabbed me and physically carried me out into the corridor. I could hear the shipboard military again protesting my treatment as they escorted me off the ship. At the end of the access way the guards tossed me, literally, into a security transport. I slammed into the transports interior wall, hearing my shoulder pop. I braced myself, this was not going to be fun.

My experience with station security was not memorable. It was dehumanizing and very embarrassing. I was scanned, stripped and searched. Not with a female guard and not gently either. I think my jailers got off on it. They threw a very thin shirt and a pair of shorts at me.

Once dressed I was dragged into a cell and dumped in the middle of the room. The cell was similar to the shipboard one, only not. Just an empty room with a bucket. Delightful. I sat in the corner and tried not to cry.

“Hey, there's no crying in baseball!”

“Wilson, not now. This is really serious. I think these people intend to kill me.”

“Athena, I transmitted video records of everything. What was done to you is NOT procedure. Higher authorities have been informed; I made sure of it.”

When I was younger my father trained me in several of the martial art forms. Everyone in my family was. It was a tradition.

Tai Chi and the meditation that came with it was what has been the most useful to me through the years. It has helped me to stay sane. I sat in the corner of the cell, positioning myself so I could see the door. I meditated while resting.

Soon the door to my cell opened. “Shower time!” yelled the guard.

He then sprayed me with a large high pressure fire hose. The freezing cold water chilled me to the bone. The pressure pounding on my already sore body until I was left, in my now wet clothing lying in a puddle on the floor. That night I did not sleep at all. Prisoner interrogation techniques and torture was used against me. I was almost drowned several times when they water boarded me. The absolute worst was what they called the ‘confinement’. My hands were handcuffed to steel rod that was also attached to my feet. I was unable to sit, walk, or use the ‘bucket’ for hours at a time. It was sheer hell.

Loud noise was piped into my cell every few hours to prevent me from sleeping.

Food was withheld. I ate only the barest of rations. Starvation rations that are reserved for survival packs. The guards performed bed checks every hour on the hour. Sexual threats and much innuendo was made by the guards to me.

Just sheer and utter torture of both the mind and the body.

On what I think was the third day of this ordeal, the guards place another person in my cell.

She looked and dressed like another prisoner. She said her name was Shelly.

I didn't talk to her, thinking, this might be a trap.

Unlike me, “Shelly” was wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with boots. She still had some personal items like a necklace and was well fed and healthy.

Very suspicious.

I slept that night with one eye open. Wilson saved my life, again.

While I slept he monitored the room through the station's sensors.

When security shut down the cameras turning off he sensors, he quickly turned them back on and woke me up.

In my head I heard “Athena, wake up! Someone, just tried to make your cell a black hole by turning everything off. Get ready! I think they may try to hurt you.”

Playing dead wasn't too hard to do. Days without sleep and very little food had left me looking like death warmed over anyway.

I heard cloth ruffling across the room and a boot scrape, just before I was attacked by Shelly.

The woman grabbed me and tried to strangle me. My years of martial art training kicked in. I broke the stranglehold she had on me and punched back.

Facing off against me my opponent pulled a shiv out of her jumpsuit. Shit just got real!

“ Can I ask you, why you are trying to kill me?” I said to her, panting.

“No.” she said, “Just a job. You have to die. Its supposed to look like an accident.”

She lunged at me, her shiv at the ready.

I had nowhere to run to, my life was on the line. She missed me as I dodged to the left.

Using my right arm, I blocked the knife lunge and punched her with my left fist. This stunned her for just a moment. I followed up with a hard kick to the groin. She slashed at me some more as we grappled. I got my hand to her face and tried gouging and punching at her.

She slashed my arm and hand deeply. Blood was running down my arm and onto the cell floor. Repeated strikes to her head blinded her for a moment. I used both hands and wrestled the knife away from her. Not waiting and knowing that no help would come, using the knife I struck her several times. Falling, we both crumpled to the floor. Shelly's body lay in the center of the room bleeding out.

Crawling over to her, I left the blood-covered shiv next to her body. Pushing myself up I crawled back to ‘my’ corner. I sat back down now in my usual place. With what was left of my shirt I managed to stop the bleeding in my hand and arms.

A short time later the cell door opened the guard called. “Sergeant Shel, are you ready to come out now? Job all done?”

Silence of the dead.

The guard turned on the lights and came into the room. He saw her body on the floor and ran to it. He turned her over and checked the woman's pulse.

I made a grunting noise.

He turned and noticed me, sitting there still covered in blood, staring at him.

He quickly grabbed the Sergeant's hands and pulled her body from the room, closing the door behind him.

It was another full day before that door opened again.

Chapter 3

The small fleet dropped into sector 12 unannounced.

The HQ traffic controller jumped in surprise when his control board lit up and started beeping. He quickly checked the IFF and saw that the ships belong to the home fleet. Using fleet frequency he hailed the ships.

“This is fleet Admiral Yager on board the EOH ship Falcon. I need docking clearances immediately! ”The Admiral looked really pissed.

This was way, way beyond the traffic controllers pay grade so he sent out the clearances. “Someone is about to have a bad day,” he thought to himself.

The fleet consisted of one of the new battleships, a cruiser, and five destroyers. It certainly looked formidable. As he watched, six armored troop transports left the ships and headed for the Fleet station. Leaving formation the five destroyers began a CAP (constant air patrol) around the inner sector. Protecting an Admiral looked like it was serious business!

Six transports soon docked with the station. A quickly formed honor guard was waiting for them.

Governor Buckley had hastily dressed and was almost late to arrive. Buckley growled at his chief of staff “Why didn't I know the Admiral was coming? Did you not get a notice? You are supposed to be on top of things like this! Why else am I paying you!”

“Sir, the Admiral sent no notice. We received nothing, not a single communique. I have no idea why he is here. There must be something serious going on for him to bring that much firepower with him!”

The transports unsealed and the hatches opened up. Off first was the Admiral's security team. Six very scary troopers in assault gear exited and took up firing positions around the entrance to the ship. At some unknown signal the admiral and his staff exited. Just behind the admiral were two ESS agents.

The ESS were the special police that answered only to the Senate and the Chairman of the Empire.

“Holy Shit, Governor! Why are they here? Whatever this is, it must be a huge threat to the Empire!”

The Governor nodded he looked at his staff telling them “ Whatever these agents need, supply it to them. They answer to the only to the Senate. Give them everything that they need.”

Before the Governor could step forward and greet the party, the agents interrupted him. “Excuse us, Governor?”

Buckley paused in mid step and asked, “yes?”

“We are placing you and your entire staff under arrest.”

“What! How dare you. I am the Governor of this sector! What in the hell are the charges?”

“The charges are attempted murder and treason.” The agent signaled the Admiral.

The other five transports opened up and several hundred armored combat marines marched out.

“We are declaring military martial law and taking command of this station in the name of the Senate. Admiral Yager is now in charge of operations here.”

Two squads of marines followed the agents as they entered the station. The lead agent pointed at one of the station guards, who was standing there with his mouth open.

“Where are the holding cell and the brig located at?”

I was not having a good week.

After the ordeal of the past three days I was tried, hungry, and cold. The pain was almost unbearable.

Checking my link, it had been more than 30 hours since I last saw one of the guards.

I tried yelling but the room is soundproof.

Another beating from the guards would be nice right about now. At least with the water boarding, I would get some water. I'm having trouble sitting up and the pain in my arms has gotten worse since the fight.

Maybe they intend to starve me to death?

Wilson chimed in whispering into my ear “Hold on Athena, help is coming.”

At least I think that was Wilson. I've been slipping in and out of consciousness all day. Hearing the door open I looked up.

“If she's dead, it's the death penalty for all of you! By all that is holy! What have you been doing to her?”

Two men in a uniform that I didn't recognize entered the room. “I want a medical team in here NOW!”

At that point I fell over and passed out.

Awakened by the sharp pain in my ribs, I heard voices and loud beeping.

“..nurse I need 3 units of whole blood.......get a hemostat up here.....she's seizing, hold her....” and I passed out again.

When I awoke again I was in white room, this must be sick bay. Once again I could hear voices. Someone was yelling.

“Dammit, I'm not telling you again. Lock up every security guard on this station! I want everyone that anything to do with THAT locked up!”

Feeling the drugs kick in I passed out again. I awoke in a haze. Checking my link, several days had passed me by. The monitors must have alerted them as a doctor and those strangely uniformed men entered the room.

Chapter 4

“Ensign, can you hear me?” at my nod and groan, he nodded and sat by my bed.

“My name is Dr. Agda. I'm your primary care doctor.”

“How hurt....am ….I?” The doctor replied to that one.

“You have three broken ribs, a cracked ulna on your right arm, a severe concussion, three broken teeth, a dislocated wrist and three fingers. You have deep cuts on both your arms and right hand. Because of lack of water and heavy bleeding, you are very dehydrated. There are numerous scrapes and scratches and deep bruising. You are very lucky to be alive.” He paused looking at his hands.

“I saw the video, the former sergeant was a very skilled knife fighter.”

I thought for a moment and answered the unspoken question. “When I was young, my father wanted me to be prepared to defend myself. He trained me in krav maga, and other fighting skills. During my time alone on the station, I kept in shape doing the fighting drills. I never expected to have to use it.”

“It's a good thing that he taught you then. The agents here have further questions for you, I believe. If you need help, press the bedside button.” With a smile, the doctor left the room.

The taller of the two agents sat down. “If you are up to it we would like to talk to you about the state of affairs. We represent the Senatorial police also called the ESS. We have reviewed the reports of what happened out in the Diablo sector. All actions that Admiral Kane took have been upheld by the Senate. Somehow, the entire record of the Diablo incident and your recent incarceration and torture was forwarded to our office at the ESS. I’m sure you can imagine our surprise when the vid was viewed. It was as if someone “kicked over a hill of ants” at the Senate building. Everyone demanded military action. A fleet was sent. Governor Buckley has been arrested along with his entire staff. What happened to you impinges on the honor of our government. Is there anything that we can do for you?”

It was kind of hard to breathe with the broken ribs. I asked the agent, “what is my status? Legally. Am I still a POW?”

Both agents nodded their heads. “Yes, you are still a POW, technically. It's our understanding that the original plan, before the gov...before Mr. Buckley's intervention, was to have you resign your service with the PPLN and sign on to the the Empire's Navy. No reduction of rank at all. Now? Now it is becoming a very large, very loud, very public political snafu.”

“I'm sorry, agents, I don't understand. Snafu? What is going on?”

“Fifteen years ago, when we joined the two groups together, the joining wasn't perfect. Political sub-groups formed to repeal the joining. Most were and are still, underground movements. When the records came to light about both your existence and torture, some of those groups came out into the light. Protests have broken out across many worlds. Several well-known politicians have ‘come out’ as leaders of these movements. The Senate believes that you are a lightning rod or figurehead with these groups. We are going to turn you over to the admirals and to the fleet. Please pay careful attention to the situation that you are in.”

With that they left the room.

“Politics, why is it that I get wrapped up in things I either know nothing about or have nothing to do with. All I have ever wanted to be is an engineer.”

Chapter 5

The med staff moved me from the station back aboard ship, where I would be safer.

Once again, my old friends Turner and Hooch were my security detachment. The boys were actually talked to me now and are actually very sweet.

In some ways my getting beat up and tortured helped me. Not really, but it might be nice to think that.

No jail cell for me yet, I'm confined to sick bay at least until my broken bones heal. This time I have a nice view port to look out of, even if it's at the station that I now hate.

Wilson has been unusually quiet the past few days. I suspect that he got himself into trouble helping me out and is keeping a low profile. None of the admiral’s staff of security has asked about him so I haven’t said anything either.

I borrowed a new tablet from security so I could read and keep busy. I suspect that it's bugged and they are watching me.

As I’m not a programmer, Wilson fixed it so they only see me reading ‘old’ manuals and books, not the new and shiny manuals that Wilson got for me. One has to stay current, don’t you know?

I have been looking at the instrumentation that the sick bay uses. Not something that I know much about, but I made some notes to myself to read up on it. What I am reading about is, the new jump engines, they are way more efficient than our old mark 21Bs. They have similar parts and the repair procedures are the same.

Everything that was old is now new again. Part of me wants to learn how to build one from scratch and the other part wants to take one apart.

Fun!

Unfortunately they won’t let me into the engine compartment, still. At least not yet.

Very soon, I will be joining this Empire of Humanity’s navy and leaving my old one by the wayside. In some ways I don’t want to go. I have spent my whole life in the PPL navy. But now I am the only current member of that navy. So, time for a change. I expect to hear from the admiral or his staff any day now.

It took about another week.

My ribs and arm had healed and I was starting to really annoy the med staff.

I looked up from my reading and saw Admiral Kane and her staff entering the room.

“Good morning Admiral” I said as I nodded to the staff. Admiral Kane smiled at me and sat in the chair beside my bed.

“Ensign, it is time to decide your status here. My staff tells me that you are recovered medically and are ready to resume work?”

At my response of yes, she continued. “I have had calls from navy shipyards and station construction asking for you. Several of our best fleet engineers wish to pick your brain.”

I smiled. Things were looking up. Lots of new ‘toys’ to play with! Then she said it and shot me down.

“Unfortunately, because of the political shitstorm that former Governor Buckley has caused, all of those potential assignments are now out the hatch. What is going to happen is, we will have the public ceremony of you leaving the PPL and joining the EOH formally. Your assignment will be to sector 25 aboard the training vessel Empire.”

Sector 25? That’s way out in the boonies. There goes the fun. Visions of a lonely freighter filled with cadets entered my mind.

“From the look on your face, I see that you know where that is. It’s not a permanent assignment, Ensign. Right now you have too high a profile. This is more of a way to keep you out of sight while still putting you to work.”

“Oh, OK, I understand, Admiral.”

“If you like you can take leave and go visit your family.”

“Thank you, but no, I will resume duty if is all right with you.”

Looking troubled the admiral turned to her staff “is your family not happy you are alive?”

“No, no. Everything is fine with them ma'am. Traditions are different in my family. Don’t get me wrong, they care about me. My family believes that if you choose a military career that becomes your life. You may call and visit, if you must, but the ‘army’ is your family until you retire. My father is a planetary militia colonel.”

“Well, then; the ceremony will be tomorrow. Lt Commander Smith will get with you tonight and go over any legalities that you need to be aware of. Dress blues for tomorrow as this will be on vid. Have a good day.”

That was three hours of my life that I will never get back.

The trip to uniform and supply was an adventure in boredom. The techs had to research the uniform since I was its only member. They claimed that it took three hours to reprogram the cloth extruder. I could have helped with that, but no, I was still a POW.

I had dinner that evening in the mess hall. This was my first time back since my arrest. Turner actually allowed me to speak to the cooks, claiming it was because I was about to join the navy. Less pointing, more talking this trip. For once I was spoken to by the crew, it was nice.

To use something my dad says all the time, 'what a clusterfrakk' describes the ceremony pretty well. Never leave something like this up to a committee especially a political one, bad things tend to happen.

The group that did the invites did not tell catering or the hotels how many people were coming to this thing. They also failed to put on the invites that this was military, not politics. All the politicians and their wives showed up wanting food and housing like it was a major social affair.

Big old mess.

Didn't bother me, not MY circus, not MY monkeys.

It was fun watching them scurry around. My biggest part in this was to just stand at attention. I shook some hands, resigned my commission in the PPL navy and was sworn in to the EOH navy. The Admiralty surprised me with a promotion to Lieutenant (jg). I guess they didn't want me to be the galaxies oldest Ensign. Everything was easy peasy, or at least you would think that.

The newsies and the protesters where like swarms of annoying flies that just would not go away. The newsies were simply desperate for me to say two words in their direction. The protesters were either for or against me, or both. Very confusing. If I hadn't been in the middle of it, I would have thought it was a mob at a ball game.

After the swearing in, I had a nice private dinner with the Admiral and his staff. She apologized for what she was about to do in sending me away, but after seeing the circus around us at the ceremonial I could understand her reasoning.

The next morning I put on my new uniform and made my way down to the shuttle bay. Overnight I had received my orders along with a vid refresher course on military deportment. When I reached the shuttle bay I reported in to the chief in charge. I got in line with the rest of the transfers. Unlike some, I only had a small carry-on bag with me. I was the last to board and was strapping myself in when I noticed a commotion at the hatch.

“Captain Whitfield, I'm sorry but this shuttle is full, there is another scheduled for..”

“I don't want another shuttle Chief” the tall Captain argued “I need to be on THIS, shuttle!”

“But, sir”

“Dammit, Chief that's an order. You will bump someone or I will make sure that the waste disposal area gets a new basic rating. I swear I will bust you so low...”

“Yes. Sir. Of course sir.” the flushed looking Chief glanced at his tablet. “Lieutenant, Lee? I'm sorry but you are being bumped. I will schedule you for the next available.”

The smug looking Captain grinned at me as he pushed past me onto the shuttle.

The Chief closed the hatch and cleared the shuttle for liftoff.

A loud whine and screech tore me from my musings and I shouted at the crewman “Chief! Stop that shuttle! That sounds like a drive containment breech!”

BOOOM BOOOM BAAAABOOOOOM!!!

The massive explosion happened just inside the shuttle bay door.

The shuttle blew completely apart raining fire and destruction all over the bay. A large chunk of what looked like a tail fin landed about a meter from me. Alarms began to wail. Crewmen in bunker gear swarmed into the compartment and began fighting the fires.

I made my way out of the bay past the med-techs that were standing by. I was not injured.

I returned to the security department, since I was the last one on and off they most likely wanted to talk to me. After my interview I reported to the Admiral's staff for my orders.

“Lieutenant, thank you for coming in.”

The harried looking Commander directed me to wait for the Admiral. Exiting her office Admiral Kane, saw me and asked me to follow her. The meeting room was full. I found a place at the back of the room to wait and listen.

Calling the room to attention the Admiral began the meeting. “What do we know about the explosion? Was it an accident?” the room was silent.

“Don't all speak at once! Captain Daniels what does the maintenance department say about that shuttle.”

“Sir, that shuttle had just passed a recent inspection last week, it had new anti-matter injectors and and updated software. Engineering has determined that it wasn't mechanical.”

Looking at me leaning against the wall at the back of the room, She said “Lieutenant you were on the shuttle, can you say what happened?”

The other officers, recognizing who I was began to murmur to each other.

“Before the Lieutenant Lee starts, let me say that she was bumped by one of the destroyer command Captains.”

“Yes, I was bumped. As the shuttle took off it emitted a loud whine followed by a screech. It then exploded. Most likely it was the external pressure blow out valve that made the whine as it tried to vent the steam from the anti-matter tank. On those new engine's the valve vents, just before full power initiates. Something must have been blocking the vent. That's near impossible because of the placement of the valve cover and the new stop-gap preventer. That screech was the cover trying to move. But that's just my opinion.”

Captain Daniels had a funny look on his face.

He turned to the Admiral and said “ can I have her, Admiral? She just said what took my engineers three hours to come up with and we have the wreckage to study.”

“Due to political reasons, the Lieutenant is on her way out to the EOH Empire training ship to learn her way in our navy.”

She gave me a menacing stare “Lieutenant Lee and I will be discussing her knowledge of our newest shuttle craft engine. Captain Reynolds, you look like you have something to tell me?”

“Yes, Admiral, surveillance of the shuttle bay prior to the event have shown some suspicious activity. A maintenance worker is seen working on the shuttle in question just moments before it began loading. We are truth-scanning all the maintenance staff now, for sabotage.”

“Thank you Captain. OK folks get to work, if this is sabotage I want to know: Who they are and how they did this. So get to work. Lieutenant, my office please.”

That was a bit unpleasant.

I did not have to spill the beans about Wilson, but she was not happy about my having secret tech manuals before I was officially in her Navy.

At least I know that my job prospects are growing broader.

I spent the night in the BOQ(Bachelor Officers Quarters) and prepared to try again with the shuttle. As I was about to leave my link signaled a call.

It was the intelligence Captain “lieutenant, glad I caught you. We identified the saboteur, it was an assassin. He was paid to cause that explosion. The that he charged fee was paid through third party sources, so we can't prove anything. Watch your back! It looks like it may be the Buckley family was behind it.”

Great, just great. I caught the shuttle no problem and transferred to a destroyer, the Tokyo Bay, on the station. Several other transfers and I along with a hold full of cargo was soon outbound for sector 25 and my new posting.

Chapter 6

According to Encyclopedia Galactica, sector 25 is a lonely place .

“One of the last sectors to be explored before the war, it has little to no economic value. The asteroid belt and planets hold no rare or hard to find minerals. There is very little commerce and few settlements. What is most visited in the area, is the Navy resupply depot with its comprehensive general store. It features all basic amenities including those hard to get items, such as cigars or nail clippers.”

To the Navy, this was the perfect place to put a ship full of cadets and trainees. Nothing to break or to destroy, other than the station.

If I hear “are we there yet one more time” I will just scream!

I’m not the bored one this trip. That, would be Wilson.

You would think that a ‘all knowing’super smart computer could find something to do on a long trip but no, he’s like a small child.

This ship, unlike the carrier, is a closed system for Wilson. No fleet communications to investigate, no networks to play in, no real trouble to cause.

I did try and keep him occupied, I let him tell me some stories. Toys that talk? And something about a red shoe? Such a weirdo.

I was happy.

I now have unrestricted access to most of the tech manuals and the occasional visit to ships engineering. I tried to not be a pest but, it was a long voyage.

So far so good, no assassins no unexplained deaths. It’s difficult to keep one eye open while sleeping.

My new assignment is to be an engineering third, basically, a gopher. Other duties to be determined sounds ominous, hopefully, its not too bad.

Most days on this ship I sit in the mess hall, reading up on the 15 years of tech that I missed, trying to stay out of the crew's way. That of course doesn't stop crew members from talking to me. Seems I'm famous, more infamous really. It's that whole enemy thing, that and building my own space station.

The trip out to the school was pretty long, about two weeks. This destroyer is a Delta class B, which means it was old when the war began. At 40 years old it’s ancient for a warship. The engines have at least been upgraded so, I guess, that makes it a B2 model. I would have to ask the chief. Regardless, it is mega-slow compared to the new Empire class ships.

It was the ships alarm that roused me from my sleep. My first thought was “not again!”

I threw on my uniform and went to my assigned emergency station. Although passengers were considered cargo for trips like these, we were still Navy officers and crew. In theory, we had the basic training to help fight the ship.

The CIC was my station for whatever this was. On a destroyer the CIC is one of the most protected spots on the ship. If something happens to the bridge the CIC can take over and still fight. Since I was an engineer, I was put in with the emergency repair back up crew.

As I entered, the Lt Commander in charge gave me our ships status. Three ships had been detected hiding in the nearby asteroid field. When we had hailed them, those ships attacked us. The attack vessels looked to be some sort of pirate or raider ships. Very unusual for them to take on a navy destroyer, even one old as this one. Our captain, a decorated war veteran, fought his ship with great skill and navigation.

The first pirate ship, an old AA Stuka IV, was quickly destroyed using the ships main guns. After that, the other two pirates kept their distance.

Pirate number two got a little too close on a torpedo run, and our point defense system took him out. Unfortunately for us, the torpedoes that the pirate had launched, hit us damaging our engines.

At half speed we were now unable to outrun the last raider ship. That pirate began strafing our ship looking for weak spots in our armor. Damage reports from across the ship began filtering into CIC. The repair crew was sent out, including me. Engineering and life support had been hit the hardest. Our team was split up.

I proceeded to life support with my part of the team. The ship was shuddering with the pounding it was taking. The Life support area was in a older part of the ship. The bulkheads here were starting or screech and groan with the strain of the ships maneuvers. The life support panel had broken loose from one such bulkhead. Fortunately we were able to shore it up and repair the damaged circuits.

Soon the battle was over, the captain suckered the last pirate with a couple of fire and forget missiles and easily destroyed him. Engineering was a mess. Half our engines were out and the ship had several large holes to deal with. Repairs started immediately.

The crew got the ship repaired just in time for help to arrive. It was the training ship Empire. Her rookie flight school patrolled the area, while we docked, using the aft docking ring. The wounded went aboard first. Not very many were injured in the attack.

My first impression of the Empire as I stepped off the destroyer was, BIG. This was a big ship.

Dreadnought sized it was the largest non-carrier ship I had ever been on. I knew, from my reading, that although it was a school it was still a active naval vessel.

Flight school, officers academy, and technical intensive training were taught here. You got your basic training in the navy on a planet in sector 6. Here, this ship was the vocational school. Standing at the end of the walkway was a commander that looked as though he wanted my attention. I approached him, coming to attention.

“Sir?”

“Ah, Lieutenant Lee I presume? The captain and I had a very long communication from the Admiralty concerning you. We are looking forward to see what you can do. Follow me please.”

As ordered, I walked with Commander Wang, he told me his name as we discussed my trip.

He agreed with me that the pirate attack was unusual, in that they don't normally go after navy ships. The Captain was found on the bridge. She was a short, but stout, woman with gray hair.

Captain Michaels signaled the navigation officer to take command of the ship. She turned in our direction, “Commander, in my ready room please. You too lieutenant.”

The ready room was located just off the bridge for easy access.

“You may be seated. Lieutenant, the Admiralty sent a very long message concerning you. I am aware of the political issues that your recent imprisonment may have caused. It appears, that none of it was your fault. It is the assassination attempt that is the main issue. Naval intelligence believes that the pirate attack against the Tokyo Bay was another attempt on your life.”

My jaw just dropped open with surprise. “What Captain? Why? Have they discovered who it is thats trying to kill me?”

“It appears that there is a $30 million credit bounty on your head. Intelligence thinks that the Buckley family is fronting the attacks. But they can't prove it. Just so you know, the former governor has been released. His political connections have kept him out of jail, but he has lost his government position. We think these attempts are all very personal.”

“Why was he released? He had them torture and try to kill me!”

Nodding her head, the Captain looked at me. “He was very careful to not have any written or vid records of him giving those orders. All the orders appear to be given by his staff. None ever came directly from him. All the evidence is circumstantial and to arrest a politician that is not enough to convict.”

What kind of crazy galaxy have I come home to? I should have stayed on my station I thought.

Catching my attention the Captain said “ What we plan to do with you is move you around on the ship to see what skills you have. Based on your prior navy experience and your actions aboard the destroyer, we know that you have engineering skills. I understand that that is your chosen career. However, you are in the Navy and there are other skills that you should know. Flight training is one of them. You can fix ships, now learn how to fly them. Contact my office if there are issues. Try and pay close attention to your surroundings. Security will be increased on this ship while you are here, but watch yourself. Commander Wang will show you to your quarters and get you set up with locations and orders.”

The next morning, a 'bouncy' midshipman gave me a tour of the ship ending in the flight bay.

Time to start my new job.

I never dreamed that I would be flying the ships that I wanted to build.

Flight instructor Macdonald greeted me as I entered the room. “Welcome, lieutenant, to your first day of flight training. We fly two different fighters here along with shuttles and assault craft. You, get to learn all of them.”

At my grimace, he chuckled. “Don't worry, we are not making you into an expert fighter pilot. But we do want you to be able to at least solo in all of the spacecraft. Think of the performance details that you will learn. You can't say that knowing first hand, how a ship operates won't help when you repair it?”

“Yes, sir. You are right. Being able the see a problem or malfunction will make repairing it easier.”

It is time to hit the books. I had ahead of me several weeks of class tutorial to catch up on and then on to basic flight.

Chapter 7

It took about a month of class tutorials and cram sessions, but I was ready for my first solo.

The instructors chose the Mark 30 shuttle craft for my first ship. Hard to damage, it was an easy to fly model.

Each Mark 30 was unarmed but equipped with emergency escape pods.

This was just a solo flight, not a combat mission. A small navigation course was laid into go up and around the 'school' and then back again. Easy. I did my pre-flight, walking around the ship checking off the list as I went.

Powering up the shuttle was super easy as the flight controls were very simple.

In my head, I heard Wilson say “Atomic batteries to power, Turbines to speed...Ready to move out!.” Such a weirdo for an AI.

Soloing was easy. Why had I not done this before?

As I finished up my course and headed back to the ship, the proximity beacon started to sound.

Trouble.

Switching on the communicator I heard “...not a Drill, This is not a drill!. Battle stations! ….Battl....” then a loud buzzing.

Something was jamming the communication system. It is like deja vu all over again. The school was in some kind of battle and I'm trapped in an unarmed shuttle.

Unable to get to the docking bay I hid my shuttle.

What looked to me like a couple of pirate fighters flew past my position. They had not spotted me yet. I was parked in the shadow of the ship real close to the hull. I was hoping that these were regular pirates, not the bounty hunter kind.

The school training squadron launched fighters to assist the CAP (constant air patrol), that was always out there.

Lots of dog-fighting, I was worried about my fellow students some of them were very young to be in combat.

A pair of Stuka IV fighters came into view, alarms filled the air, I had been spotted! I quickly turned on the ships power. My hand came down of the controls and the shuttle lurched into full speed. My ship careened from side to side barely in control. I zigzagged, trying to confuse them and gain some time. My ship was one big unarmed target!

Or was it? I have a tractor beam and two escape pods on board. Time to use some engineering skill.

I engaged the autopilot, telling Wilson to take over flying and keep the ship moving. If we survived this, I may have to admit to his presence at the school.

Making my way to the rear of the shuttle, I adjusted the tractor controls. Changing the beam to a wide spread, I maxed out the power.

This had better work or we were dead!

Returning to the controls I ejected an empty escape pod. Grabbing the pod with the tractor beam. I yelled at Wilson, “draw one of those fighters in closer”.

The Stuka IV had shielding on the its sides, the top and the bottom of the fighter. The only unshielded place on the fighters hull was the cockpit. To kill it with one shot, I needed to hit it dead center in the front.

Lining up the ships and crossing my fingers, I reversed the tractor beam and 'threw' the pod at the fighter. It struck dead on the Stuka exploded in a ball of fire. Now if I could get that to work twice.

The other pirate seeing the explosion turned tail and ran for it. I guess he thought this shuttle was armed. Communications had returned as the student fighters gained the upper hand over the pirates. Flight control noticed that I was still out here, ordering me back in.

Explanation time was at hand.

Chapter 8

Lots of work to be done, in the aftermath of a battle.

Prisoners to take control of, damage to assess, and the wounded to care for.

Battle (AAR's) after action reports are a part of this too. Mine was almost not seen in all of this turmoil, notice I said almost.

My arms and most of my upper body were inside one of the fighter engines trying to repair the exhaust manifold, when one of the captains aides came looking for me.

“Lieutenant, your presence is requested in conference room 10.”

“OK, let me get changed and...”

“The captain said now, go as you are.”

Oh, boy here it comes.

Work coveralls covered in propulsion fluid and grease, I made my way to the conference room. It was a full house, standing room only.

With a pensive look upon my face I saluted and came to attention when Captain Michaels saw me come in.

He spoke to me. “Have a seat lieutenant,” eying my clothing “better yet, remain standing. Do you have any idea why you are here today?”

“Would it involve my after action report, Captain?”

Calmly the captain answered me. “Yes, your report. We almost missed it, it was lumped in with the other pilots reports. I had assumed that when the alert sounded your ship had returned to the hanger bay. Imagine my surprise to learn that an unarmed shuttle destroyed a fighter using a escape pod as a cannon. In watching the record of your flight I understand why you did it. What you did was amazing. The problem that we, the command staff has is, HOW did you do it? You are of course, an engineer. The tractor beam adjustment should have been extremely easy for you. The autopilot however, does not have an evade and elude configuration. None of the shuttles do. Explain yourself please.”

The whole room full of officers seemed to be peering at me. It made be extremely nervous.

“Is the Captain familiar with my previous record, sir?”

Looking down at his tablet the Captain replied “I have the record here, Admiral Kane sent it along.”

“Did you read the part about the station that I built?”

Cocking his head the captain said, “Yes, that was why he sent you to us.”

Bracing myself I continued. “In the wreckage of one of the frigates was a prototype AI named Wilson.”

“What! Hold on lieutenant! Do you mean to tell me that there is a rogue AI loose on MY SHIP!”

“No SIR! Not your ship. He has embedded himself into my link and well, I guess, he could be in your ship. But I'm pretty sure he's here in my head.” I pointed at my head.

“Lieutenant, you told the Admiral that this AI stayed behind and was running Firefly station. That is what this report says.” He gestured to the screen in front of him.

“Oh, he did, sir. He left a clone of himself there and tagged along with me. You have to remember, at the time I was not under anyone's orders. I was considered a P.O.W.” I paused. “He saved my life sir. It was him that sent all of those incriminating records to the Senate and to the ESS. As far as I can tell, he has been keeping out of trouble so far on your ship. I will say that if you attempt to purge him he might cause a great deal of trouble.”

“So you are saying that we are stuck with him? Is that it lieutenant?”

“I think so Captain. He can be pretty annoying sometimes but he is very helpful. It was him who piloted the ship, so I could take care of using the pods as a weapon.”

“Can you explain some more? He does not sound like any of the AI's that we use today.”

I looked at the command team, they were all listening to me. “From what he has said, he was THE prototype. The first autonomous AI in the PPL. It was a test, to see if he and those like him could be used for warships. He says that his personality matrix is based on a 20th century vid-star. He likes to tell strange jokes. He also says a lot of very unusual things like quotes or sayings. From studying the records that I could find with my access, his creators never made any more like him. They moved on to less autonomous, more as Wilson says, boring AI's. He's unique, sir.”

Glancing at the security chief, the Captain asked “have any of your techs noticed him in the system?”

“We didn't know to look. The security AI's are suppose to alert us to intrusions like this. I will put some extra people on it.”

The Captain turned his gaze back to me. “Be advised, lieutenant, I will be reporting this to higher. You yourself may have to deal with fleet HQ, again.”

“Yes, sir, I understand sir.”

“Now you can go back to your engine. Oh and Lee? Just so you know. Those pirates were bounty hunters. The bounty on you is now over $100 million credits, watch your back please.”

As I left the room I overheard the security chief speaking. “Captain? Why did you allow her to keep that AI?”

Pensive, the Captain looked at his head of security. “If that AI could pilot a shuttle, what about a cruiser? Or all our weapon systems? Environmental? Life support? She can keep him.”

White faced, the security chief nodded

At least Wilson was given a reprieve and his secret was out in the open. Two days after my meeting with the captain, new orders came in for me from fleet HQ. It was too dangerous for me out here, my orders were changed, they were sending me to planet Texas, the capital of the Empire.

Chapter 9

Fleet had sent a cruiser with an escort destroyer to pick me up.

For the record, they were 'just passing through' and were able to give me a ride. Secretly, they were here for me. Military intelligence really wanted someones head on a plate for these attacks. Anyone who can arrange both an explosion on a navy ship and two attacks by pirates is a person of great interest to them. Agents from MI planned to use me as bait to draw out the bad guys.

Reluctant as I was about the idea, I decided to go along, it was better than looking over my shoulder the rest of my life.

On-board the EOH Wang Chung I spend my time in discussion with engineers and intelligence. The engineers wanted to hear about my lost fifteen years and all about constructing the station, again.

Intelligence also tried to train me how to be more covert. It was a fun couple of weeks.

I even got to help work on the engines. Go engineers!

Arriving in the America sector (sector 5) and the planet Texas, signaled that the party was over. Time to go back to work.

This was to be an attempt to draw my assailant out. The navy wanted me to speak to Senate committees on piracy, prisoner of war rights, and naval forces integration. I was not the expert, just a witness to these meetings. I was asked to comment and give personal experiences. Basically a boring day filled with useless talk. I really hate politics.

The first attack came on the second day and it was very very public. My security team and I had just sat down at a local cafe for lunch. There was an explosion in the kitchen. A bluish white mist began it fill the room. The diners that were closest to the kitchen began grabbed their throats and crying out in strangled pain. Blisters began being formed wherever the mist touched exposed skin. My escorts grabbed me and almost literally tossed me out into the street.

Someone had used a form of weaponized chlorine gas on the cafe. Fatalities included the kitchen staff, twenty civilians, and one agent from my detail. Things just got really personal.

The attack proved one thing, we seemed to have a security leak. No one had our schedule, it was not written down. We had picked our dining location at random. NCIS was brought aboard the investigation. Their agents sprung into action, investigating everyone. Not one person was left to chance.

A break in the case came when checking government bank accounts. One of the security public surveillance monitors had received an unusually large amount of credits the day of the attack. Interrogation led to a PAC (Political Action Committee). Staffers had been instructed to be kept aware of my location 24/7. The orders had come from one of the owners. Finding the owners got kind of murky after that.

NCIS was still investigating when the second attack occurred.

My team and I had just entered the reception hall when shots rang out.

“Down, down” screamed my bodyguards.

“Shooter on your left, check right!” one of the other guards yelled, as we took cover behind a fallen table.

The other guests were scattering in all directions. Gunshots rang out as personal security teams and gunman battled it out across the room. The security forces were not as professional as mine was. Random guests were getting shot!

My face was pressed flat to the floor. I had an agent covering me.

So I didn't see it when a trio of gunman, using human shields, rushed our position. I heard the screams, as my team shot them down.

“Alive, we need them them ALIVE!” my team had switched to stunners but some of the contract security had opened fire, within seconds the gunman were all killed. Unfortunately, so were the hostages.

The noise in the hall dropped as the cries of the wounded took over.

My team finally, allowed me to sit up. All that I could see was the piles of the wounded and of the dead. The charging gunman after being stunned had been shot numerous times. Paramedics were torn from saving the wounded guests. To trying to save at least one of the gunman. In the end none of the assailants survived.

Needless to say I wasn't invited to anymore events.

NCIS saved the investigation.

Communications between the latest bounty hunters and a local law firm were revealed. Records, taken from the firm, liked it to the PAC group and ultimately the Buckley family.

The evidence was still circumstantial however. The investigation ground to a halt.

Then it happened. Computer records from the NCIS investigation, somehow, were leaked to the press identifying the Buckleys as persons-of-interest.

Because of all the innocent lives that had been lost, even the Buckley’s allies were screaming at them. The political tide had finally turned.

Right or wrong, it became a trial in the public eye.

NCIS and other government agencies were tearing into the Buckley families lives. Family skeletons and scandals were being exposed.

Something had to give.

We left for my new post on the regular shuttle, no task force this time.

The navy publicized my interview with some of the local newsies, where I emphasized that I trusted my fellow crew members in the navy. The Navy, hoped to guilt anyone who would take credits to help kill me.

Here I was, right in the middle of it all.

The Admiralty was at a loss for what to do with me now. After much discussion and turmoil, I was given two options.

Remarkably, they let me choose rather than ordering me.

Go to ground. Allow my family in Hong Kong to protect me was one option. Or I could travel to my next assignment and trust the navy to keep me safe.

Both really hard decisions. My father was a high ranking planetary militia officer. His troops would help, but did I really want to put their lives in front of mine?

I chose to move on with my next assignment. The navy was my life. I trusted the people that I work with. You have to trust someone to survive in space. I got lucky. The new assignment was my dream job. The New Madrid shipyard and repair facility.

Chapter 10

Naval intelligence sent two bodyguards with me. We left on the regular commuter shuttle.

In a morbid way it was funny. When other crew members saw me standing in line, they postponed or just flat-out-refused to board the shuttle.

So much for trust. I almost had to pilot it myself.

Command had to ask for a volunteer pilot. I had heard that the bounty on me was over $150 million credits. It would almost make me want to kill myself, to collect the money!

Flight time was pretty short, less than a day.

No one died.

Never having been here before, it was a real treat.

The New Madrid shipyard was simply HUGE. It covered all of the orbitals surrounding a small moonlike asteroid. That chunk of rock was used for all of the shipyards raw material and was one the largest mining operations of its kind in the galaxy. This was an engineering dream.

The shuttle was approaching what looked like an asteroid.

One of my guards was like, “that's not an asteroid, that's a battle station.”

I had to punch him for that one, those old vids are still very popular. No storm troopers were waiting for us when we exited the shuttle.

New station equals a new job.

Old business came first though. On the trip, Wilson and I had prepared a short vid, more of a show and tell about Firefly station. All of the how's and why's went into this. Construction details, as well as my impressions and of course, my mistakes. We had left out the really embarrassing ones. No need to make myself look that bad. This made my introduction a whole lot easier. After a couple of showings most everyone's questions had been answered.

My new assignment was to work with developers of new space station features, predominantly hydroponics and life support areas. When I had built my station, those areas were vital in keeping me alive.

I knew a little about this subject. The overall project commander was Chief engineer Ronald Eversole. He had been a civilian designer of mining stations recruited by the navy just for this project.

So far, the project had successfully developed stronger and more pressure resistant bulkhead doors and hatches.

A good hydroponic room can keep a station alive. It provides both food and air helping to reduce carbon dioxide in the air. Necessary space is at a premium on a station. Having enough room for your plants is always an issue. That was my job on this project, finding room. Most current designs went for a standard room or series of rooms interconnected for redundancy. The idea that I had was a spiral of hydroponic pods circling around the station core. The heat from the exhaust ports would help heat the plants, putting less strain on the HVAC system. Access tubes and lifts would interconnect the pods for maintenance and harvesting. This design hopefully would reduce the power drain and aid life support for a station.

It took me several weeks to build the pods and interconnect the lift system on our mini-station. The navy had built a scaled down version of Eversole's design as a test bed. I, personally, rarely saw the man. He left orders in my project in-box if he needed something changed.

I was very busy. I rarely saw anyone other than techs. My security team had changed gears, two weeks into the project. They had integrated with station security and were rarely here as a physical presence. The station as a whole, was about a week from completion when a small accident happen.

Space is dangerous accidents do happen.

This one looked like a real accident. A power conduit was not aligned properly and when turned on it overloaded and blew. It destroyed part of the main security panel. Camera's, sensors, and alarms were affected by the explosion. Repair crews began work almost immediately to repair things. Extra crews had to be brought in to check for hull integrity and look for possible cracks. My section was unaffected by this. My whole concept was working, and it was working well. All of the plants were alive. Oxygen levels, at least in hydroponics, were up 25% compared to normal. The whole crew was excited about the upcoming demo for the navy. Our designs might make a difference and help to save lives.

Working alone, on a malfunctioning pod high up near the exhaust ports, I never saw who struck me from behind.

At the last second I heard what I thought was Wilson yelling at me in my ear.

I awoke, I was in one of the grow pods. I felt a painful lump behind my ear.

“Wilson, what's going on?”

“Athena you were attacked. I think they left you to die. The pod controls are sealed and someone has initiated an overload in the fusion engines. There is a design flaw or something and they can't be shut down. They sound as if they are going to explode.”

Something was really wrong, those were the brand new Merlin engines that were the same ones on our front line ships. No way it was a design flaw.

“Wilson, can you access the emergency communications?”

“No we are being jammed. Somewhere on this deck is a frequency jammer.”

My mind was working at what seemed like light speed. This station was built with all of the newest hatches and bulkheads. Were they strong enough to survive a fusion explosion?

When we lose power, no more life support. At my workstation I had a portable power source and a large box of power system equipment.

I got to work. Praying to all the space gods, I used my portable power module to reroute the system routines, to power the back-up life support equipment. This was a navy station. Redundancy was the name of the game with us.

Nothing makes time crawl by, like waiting for a large explosion. When it finally happened the station jumped and bumped like it was a carnival ride at a cheap circus.

The core of the station blew out like a volcano. Bursting out of the top of the station. The armored bulkhead shielding and hatches held!

Life support was out everywhere, except in hydroponics. What little air I had was minimal, but it was life sustaining.

Wilson, jabbering in my ear, said that he could now talk to security.

I contacted my team and told them I was still here and alive. It took several hours for them to cut the doors open. The explosion had welded them shut. My injuries were light, but I ended up in the med-bay anyway. Not really hurt I was sitting on the bed reading my tablet. It was here that chief Eversole found me.

“Lieutenant, are you OK? I thought for SURE that you would have killed.” Eversole looked away from me toward the main entrance.

“Chief, the bulkheads held. The navy will be so excited! Plus my hydroponic layout increased output by over 25%....”

“I'm sorry Athena, but just how DID you survive? Life support should have failed in the explosion. I don't understand it!”

“Well, chief” not really getting his point here, “the navy always builds redundancy into everything that they use. I was able to power the back-up life support system.”

Chief Eversole had a sad look on his face when he turned back to me. “I'm sorry about this Athena, but you were not meant to survive that explosion.” At that he pulled out a short barreled fragmentation gun. “It's too late to make this an accident, sorry.”

I threw my tablet at him as I dove under the bed.

He bent down, trying to shoot me. I kicked him in the head.

Stunned, he fell backward, accidentally firing his gun. The sound of the gun going off was very loud, sparks flew as the medical equipment around us shorted out from the shot.

I yelled for help, as I scrambled on all fours to get away from him. He rose to his knees and fired another shot at me, hitting another medical equipment station. I ducked behind the desk and tapped my link trying to contact my support team.

Eversole fired once more into the desk. I then heard shouts and loud sounds of a struggle. I peaked over the desk. A security officer was on the floor cuffing the now stunned chief engineer. Shakily I stood up. The officer reacted as if to a threat, gun coming up. When he saw my uniform he relaxed.

“Are you OK, lieutenant?” He asked me. “I'm fine, thank you officer.” At that point my ever late security protection team showed up and took over.

Chapter 11

“Why would Eversole risk his entire career and billions in construction contracts to try and kill me?” That was the question I asked Admiral Anders, the shipyard commander. “I just don't understand that. His design was successful, he would have been set for life.”

“He's not talking, but we dug into his background and uncovered a few things. His mother's maiden name is Buckley. His direct uncle is the now former Governor Buckley. The majority of the stockholders in his engineering company were his mothers family. He really didn't have a choice in his actions. If he decides to talk, we will at least know for sure. One good thing out of all of this. Eversole was a perfectionist. He kept records of everything.”

At my look, the Admiral smiled. “Yes, even the recordings of his 'family' telling him to kill you and make it look like and accident. We finally have proof that we need. The former Governor is on a vid recording hiring a killer. An arrest warrant was issued a short while ago.”

“That's great! Finally I can relax.”

“Don't let your guard down just yet lieutenant. Wait until the bounty is dropped.”

When ESS and NCIS officers attempted to serve their warrants of arrest, they found the house empty. The leader of the family had left the planet on a hidden ship.

Still on medical leave, I took a much needed break.

The shipyard asteroid base had a very large civilian area.

I went to the mall. Window shopping was therapeutic. I ended the day by sitting in a casual bar. A pretty good house band was playing and I enjoyed their music. A nice looking man sat down next to me. I looked closer at him and saw that he was the bands main singer.

“Did you enjoy our music?” Telling him I did, he relaxed.

“What's your bands name? I came in too late to catch that part.”

“We call ourselves the Cavaliers.”

“Where are you from?”

Saying he was from Hong Kong, we sat and talked a bit. It was nice to talk to someone non-military about home and of regular things. His band mates came up from time to time to introduce themselves and get drinks.

They all had very strange musician names like: Pinky, Rawhide, and Perfect Tom.

My new friend said his name was Buck.

After a little while I excused myself and got up to leave.

As I left, I turned to the group and said “ Nice talking with you, I'll come back another time, maybe you should change the name of your band to the Hong Kong Cavaliers. It has a better ring to it.”

I returned to my quarters.

My new orders arrived the next day. With the killers caught, I was being transferred to a third officer position aboard one of the new heavy cruisers.

The mini-station we had worked so hard on had been mostly destroyed, but the navy was very interested in it's design . The newly strengthened bulkheads were to be incorporated into existing ship designs. I hope that they will save lives. My hydroponics design was sent to the fleet scientific station for more testing.

The Buckley family was on the run. Somehow I suspect that I will hear from them again.

Ghost Ships of Terra

T S Paul

Chapter 1

In the Beginning…

Throughout the course of history humanity has reached for the stars. Interstellar travel was a dream of mankind. The invention of the Doohan drive or fusion engine in the 21st century made achieving that dream a reality. We now had the ability to leave our solar system and travel …anywhere.

Suddenly, everyone wanted to go out there, out, into space. Colony ship construction began almost immediately. Those individuals or groups that had enough funds or resources, built themselves a ship. Political groups, extremist groups, paranoid collectives and religious cults all built or purchased ships to leave Earth. Many of Earth's religious minorities left in search of freedom. Following them into space were, profit seekers, those who looked for the last great score. The corporate world embraced the movement sending out their own colony ships. These were different in that its colonists were wage slaves or those in financial bondage. Those that could leave, did.

The remaining world governments looked to use colonization as a way to help with population control. Large swaths of “undesirables”, criminals, illegals, or unwanted found themselves scooped up. Colonization by force. Pack them up and ship them out, often never to be seen again. Cryogenics were in their infancy, mostly they were just fantasy, not science. Drugs could only extend sleep periods and enhance calm aboard ship.

The colony ships became generational. A colonists entire life could be spent traveling to a new world. Many people had families aboard ship and it was they that began the new colony. My own ancestors were such travelers. Exiles because of being different, of having a non-standard religion or belief. The lists of missing or overdue ships was as long as it was famous. Space is vast. Many of Earth’s historical figures and political movements disappeared to be swallowed up by the dark. Many of the earliest colony ships just simply vanished into the depths of space.

It was these ships that history began to call the Ghost Ships of Terra.

Chapter 2

I was running! Running as fast as I was able. I could feel my heart beating like it was trying to escape my chest. Panting, I slumped over a bench next to the exercise track.

“<pant> <wheeze> <pant> I swear that doctor, is trying to kill me!”

I was speaking to others working out, who were ignoring me as usual. I had failed my yearly physical. The doctor had put me on a diet and exercise program. Who needs exercise? I spent all day crawling around the ship lifting heavy engine components. OK, my people did that. But I at least watched them do it! Stupid orders. I suppose that it did make me look good in my shiny new uniform. I was no longer a lieutenant (jg). I was promoted to a full lieutenant shortly after starting my new job; the engineering third on the James Cook, one of the newer navy cruisers. I was in charge of repairs and upgrades. It was fun. I got to play with new equipment and do a little tinkering on my own. I have a famous, or is it infamous, reputation to live up to. After my workout, 'friggin' doctor, I cleaned up and having some free time went to my quarters. So nice to have my own space. Definitely a perk of being an officer.

The door to my cabin chimed. Absently, I said “enter”, I was trying to re-calibrate a drone module. The door opened and Commander Todd stepped inside. Rising to attention, I tried removing my arm from the machine only to have it get stuck. I wasn't quite at attention when the commander turned to me.

“At ease, lieutenant. Uh, Lee? What is it that you are doing?” he paused looking, a little wild eyed around the room. “Is there anything still in engineering? Because it looks like it's all in here!”

Inside my quarters I had spent a small fortune building my own personal, small scale machine shop. The chief engineer really didn't want me to work on my own projects in “his” space, so I did from here. Heaven help the next officer they try and stick in here with me. The small room was simply filled with half built machinery that sparked and sputtered. In the area where a second officer would sleep was several more half built repair drones and a butler drone. Strange, almost alien-like, specialized tools covered one wall just inside the door. The other wall was a floor to ceiling white board covered with mechanical scribbling and mathematical equations. A small, very expensive looking, 3d printer sat on the table printing a complex circuit board . Hard-copy blueprints and tech manuals littered the floor. Basically it was fantasyland for an engineer.

Eyes still on the room looking for danger in every corner, the commander resumed speaking to me. “The uh, reason I came to see you is to inquire into your training.”

The drone I had been working on jerked and moved, releasing my hand, making the commander jump.

”I received a schedule from Admiral Kane this morning. She wishes for you to resume the non-engineering training that was laid out for you 2 years ago.”

Groaning I looked down at my feet.

“I see that you remember that list. After your shuttle craft adventure we will be skipping flight training. We marked you down as completed for that assignment. Next on the list is weapons and gunnery. You will be seconded to Lt Commander Ney for basic weapons history and technology.” At that the commander left, nearly tripping over a broken coffee maker.

Gods above and below! As if I don't have enough work to do. “Athena, I do not see a problem with this assignment. You have me. I can help with aiming and weapons tech research.”

“Duh.” I had completely forgotten all about Wilson! My own personal cheat sheet.

Focus Athena, focus, I keep telling myself. Wilson had been keeping a low profile since we came aboard the James Cook. I'm not sure if the records of his existence were shared with my current captain or not. I could ask the admiral, but, I won't. I have kept the ball of mischief that is Wilson, out of trouble so far. He has been helping me to build my new maintenance droids. The navy uses piloted drones for that function. My idea was to use autonomous 'droids' (stupid movie night) to effect repairs without any human oversight. Wilson has been doing all the programming for me. I just can't, quite, get the power source to work properly though. The droid starts up, moves forward a foot, then catches on fire! I think I need to fire-proof my quarters, again. It’s a work in progress.

The next morning I reported to the chief engineer Commander Arthur. I informed the commander of my secondary job assignment.

“Lee! What secondary assignment? You are needed HERE! You still have to re-calibrate Fusion Reactor One and put the maintenance drones you took apart back together.”

“Sir, the orders came from the Captain! I have to report to the weapons deck every morning at 1000 hours for training. I put those stupid drones back together last night, after I repaired the mini-fusion reactors on them. That was why they kept detonating every time they went into stand-by mode. There was a factory installed cross-connection that was causing it. We still have to repair the storage bay where the first two exploded. I started work on your coffee machine, but the circuit board is fried, what did you try and brew in it anyway?”

Goggle-eyed the commander was just staring at me. “Lieutenant. Stop talking! Get with Commander Ney, have him work out a schedule that I can agree with. Tell him that I really need you in engineering. Get back with me. Now, go!”

Chapter 3

After a late night of tinkering and working on my projects, morning could not come soon enough. I think that I have the power situation figured out for my droids. The one I'm working on didn’t catch on fire this time. Still needs work though. While I'm out today I need to find a power supply, something that I can't make myself. Liberty was at 0900 hours. About a third of the crew, except those with early duty, were lined up like race horses, waiting for the door to open.

“Slow down you crazies! The station will still be there later!” The Officer of the Deck yelled as we ran off the ship when the door opened.

Liberty!

The James Cook had been at the New Reno Station for over a month. Repair and resupply has been the official reason. Unofficially we were here to deter piracy and keep order. The station was huge, it was the closest resupply point for 3 sectors. Many independent freighter companies used New Reno as a home base. The station had a mini-shipyard capable of repairing even our new cruiser. The mall boasted that they had over 200 stores to choose from, including what I was looking for. Grandpa Sam's Junk Emporium was located in one of the oldest parts of the station. It was a warehouse just chock full of space junk. It wasn’t all just junk. He specialized in hard-to-find parts and equipment.

“Athena, welcome back! How can I help you today?”

Sam was an older man with gray hair and a slight limp. He claimed to be a colony ship pilot from one of the last waves of ships from Earth. If he was, that would make him a lot older than he looked by about 100 years! Regardless, he was THE expert when it came to early Earth tech or spacecraft. There was an early Doohan drive from one of the original colony ships sitting in his showroom! Too bad it wouldn't fit in my quarters. He of course was happy to see me. I have spent quite a bit of credits in his establishment.

“Sam, I need a micro power supply no bigger than 3 inches squared. Do you have something like that in here?”

“Sam, I need a micro power supply no bigger than 3 inches squared. Do you have something like that in here?”

“There should be a couple of late model Earth fighters with micro power supplies that might work for you. The early StarFury model, the one they sent with the colony ships, used a small independent power source on its weapon systems. The designers hoped that if the craft was damaged that it could still defend itself. Did you bring your tool kit? I believe that the power coupling is located inside the cockpit under the pilot seats. You will have to remove quite a bit to get to it. I can loan you the tools, at a small fee, if you need them.”

“Thanks Sam, that's a big help. I brought my small kit, if I need something I will borrow yours. How did you get a StarFury? I thought they were all scrapped years ago.”

Chuckling, the old man said “ Lieutenant, you know I have my ways. Maybe I found a ghost ship?”

“Ghost ship? Do you mean one of the lost colony ships? I thought they were just scary stories that spacers told each other.” Looking at him he seemed different, more formal.

Straightening, almost at attention, the old man looked me in the eye. “No, they exist or at least they did. Quite a few of the members of my old unit, the 186th Pilot Corp, faded into the void. Mechanical trouble, sabotage, or even mutiny caused some of the losses. Some ships just 'took a wrong turn' and ended up in bad regions of space. Those were both wonderful and frightening days Lieutenant.” At my look of surprise, he continued. “So you thought it was all a big story, my being a pilot did you? You and many others. Yes, I really did pilot a colony ship. One of the last ones.” Pulling over a chair he sat down. “We didn't have cryo that worked worth a damn in those days. 'Generational' was the buzzword that they used. Put young people on-board and they might live to see the new world. At least their kids would. As you might know, Earth today is a restricted world. The government there allows no landings. I really would love to see it one more time.”

“That would make you over 100 years old? How is that possible?” I also dragged a chair over and had sat down next to him.

“Some of it was time dilation. You really don't see that with your newer ships. The rest was both the drugs they gave us and genetic engineering.” Sam looked a little sad to me.

“I thought genetic engineering was illegal on Earth?” I asked

Sam chuckled, “It wasn't for Earth Gov. The laws of the people weren't for those that made them. Kind of like the government now.” At my grimace he laughed. “I am aware of the difficulties that you ran into last year. I know who you are Athena. No secrets from an old man like me. So, yes I am a genie to use the term at the time. Designed for lower gravity and higher stresses. Age extension was possible but they weren't sure at the time. I began my training at age 5. Finished pilot training at 10 years of age. When I was 12, I shipped out as the co-pilot for the colony ship Precious Jewel. We were one of the last ships to be sent. Notice I said sent. We had 12,000 souls on board. Only 10% were voluntary. The rest were criminals or undesirables that the government got rid of. The first 6 months of the voyage we spaced over 1,000 people.”

Horrified I gasped! “A thousand people! You killed that many?” The number just staggered me.

His voice subdued Sam replied “No Athena, I said that first 6 months we spaced a thousand. By the end of the voyage we had spaced over half. Not all had died by our hands. Many were in elderly or in poor health to begin with. Earth Gov didn't care as long as they died somewhere else! Colonization was for the young if we were to survive the trip. Of the remaining 12 thousand, only their families finished the trip. The parents were either too old or too worn out to survive the landing and colony construction. Elderly citizens were left in orbit to die. It's one of the dirty-little-secrets of the colonization years.” He bowed his head in shame.

Wow, that was never in any book I had ever seen. I wonder if Wilson had seen that. Like magic I heard him mutter in my head.

“Athena, what he is saying is true. Current government data banks have that information listed under Senate seal.”

Sam glanced at me and finished his story. “When the Precious Jewel was broken up for scrap and materials, I helped to build the colony dirt-side. It was the Botany Bay colony in sector 7, in case you wondered. The colonists really were not happy with me there since I represented Earth Gov. I shipped out on the first visiting freighter to our world. Earning a living as a pilot/mechanic I did OK. Along the way I happened upon a few colony worlds that had scrap or ships they couldn't use. I made my contacts, brokered a few deals, and opened my business. To finally answer your question. Those fighters came from sector 11, a small colony that had failed. The colony ship Stan Lee had crashed and the survivors never scrapped the ship. I bought it for cheap from the sector government years ago. History lesson over, kid. You have work to do. Follow the red path all the way to the back, then take the first right. Those ships should be in the middle of the open space. You know the drill, take a locator beacon, call me if there is trouble.” Sam hopped up and went into his office.

I was just stunned at the horror of colonization. Had my own grandparents gone through an experience like that? Yes, we had learned about it in school, but not that horror! Shaking my head I gathered my tools and walked into the warehouse, grabbing a beacon from a bin by the door.

Chapter 4

Did I mention that this was a huge warehouse? When Sam says the back, he means it. The path ended in a very small circular area. In the middle covered with structural braces and what looked like a Stuka II tail fin, were two Earth fighters. Wow, original Earth tech. They were the original models not the upgraded colony ones. My fingers just itched with anticipation. Shifting the junk off the fighters took a little muscle, leverage, and time. Thirty minutes later I could access the ships. Except for the wear of time they both looked pristine. I got the cockpit open on the first one. Removing the seat was pretty easy, it was designed for easy repair. Once I got the power supply access port open I found a small power unit. It was about the perfect size for my project. Two hours later I had the two units I wanted along with all the dials and gauges from the cockpit. They might come in handy someday. Checking out the weapons systems on the fighters I thought about taking them too, but where would I put them? I did, however, download the flight logs. Original performance data might be important. Using my signal beacon I called Sam for parts pick up. While I waited for the transport drone I looked around . So much history all in one place. Sam was taking his time picking me up. He knows me. I found some servo motors I could use and a small collection of wire runs in the piles.

After leaving Sam's, with a promise to return soon, I had just enough time to get back to the ship. I had to ready for my date, “giggle”. The OOD gave me a little trouble for the large box of parts that had been delivered. It had been personal, not ships stores so he was confused. The OOD, Ensign Magee pointed at my box, which was blocking the main door, floating on counter-grav units. My little machine shop was not well known yet. I got quite a few looks walking back to my cabin with a large box floating behind me. Ever get a box stuck in a door? Once I got free I stowed what I could leaving the rest sitting on the bed. Inside was a hard copy note from Sam.

Athena, keep the counter-grav units you never know when those might come in handy. It was nice telling you that story. Very few have listened to the whole thing. Keep your eye out for scrap I might like, see you next time.

He had signed it Sam0256. I guess he really was a genie. I made a mental note to have Wilson research his story some for me.

I was so excited. I had not been on a date in over 16 years! I showered and beautified. Long time for that too. Putting on makeup was almost a lost art form for me. My hair was not 'perfect' but it would do. I slipped into my little black dress and found my small clutch. As I exited my quarters those traveling the hall froze. I just looked that good! I actually had to show my I.D. Card to several ship officers to prove that I belonged here. They didn't know me and had never noticed me before. Go figure! I was still laughing when I got to the boarding tube. The OOD was the same ensign as before. He just stood there with his mouth hanging open as I showed my I.D. I enjoyed strutting off the ship and onto the station.

My date was waiting for me at the station boarding bay. Wearing dress blues and holding a small bouquet of flowers, Lieutenant Dar looked happy to see me.

“I was hoping you would still show up. Nice dress. I got these for you.” She gave me the flowers.

“Miss out on the first date in over 15 years, are you crazy? I love the flowers. Thank you. I like your uniform also. You will have to explain the fruit salad to me. I'm still unfamiliar with our navy’s decorations, especially the ones for marines.” Taking the flowers I lightly kissed her cheek.

Uniform regs prohibited any other public displays of affection. Dar escorted me through the main doors and into the station.

“I thought we might go to The Roadhouse steakhouse up on level two. They have really good food.” She was smiling and nodding to the station staff as we walked. We made quite a pair and many stopped to stare.

“Wow, the Roadhouse? Classy. Don't they rotate the restaurant with the station so that viewers get a panoramic view?” I was laughing inside at her antics.

Glancing at me she nearly collided with a station porter who had stopped in the middle of the aisle. “Yes........It rotates..I think, ooof.” She stumbled and nearly fell missing the porter and hitting the wall.

“I hope that you can walk better than that on a mission.”

She laughed and gave me a little push.“New feet, just breaking them in. The shoes are new too.”

“They are nice shoes too, government issue?” She gave me a funny look and a nod. “Niiiice. They make the best, very fashionable.” At that, we both broke into laughter.

This was fun! It has been way too long since I had any girl time.

We arrived at the restaurant and had to wait, even though we had a reservation. It was a small establishment and we were just a bit early. The lobby was very comfortable. Dar had just started to say something when a loud murmuring broke out on the other side of the room. Vid screens were set up running the interstellar news. Several other patrons were clustered around the screens. I pulled up the news on my link, protests had broken out on several worlds. Students had begun to demonstrate against corruption and unfair laws. At the capital, the protesters had occupied a few government buildings and had demanded reforms. The protest had been put down, hard. Special operation units of the ESS had stormed the buildings using stunners and knock out gas. Resisters were beaten rather badly. All were arrested and tried with capital crimes. The pictures the newsies were showing were all rather graphic. I switched them off my link, no reason to ruin our dinner. I noticed the maître d' waving at us, our table was ready.

The inside of the Roadhouse was simply breathtaking. The room was circular with tables spiraling out to the center of the room. A bar area occupied the middle of the room. The kitchen must have been below with wait staff bringing the food on lifts. Our table, while not the closest to the window, was right in front of it. Everything was perfect. The view from the top of the station was just awesome. I was watching the lifts when I felt a soft tap on my arm. Turning I noticed my date smirking at me.

Oops. I smiled and said “ sorry about that I had an engineer moment. The lift system looked kind of cool and I got mesmerized watching it.”

“I guess I should expect it, I asked out a techie.” She laughed at that. “My platoon will give me so much trouble for dating an engineer. At least when I break things you can fix them.”

It was my turn to laugh at that. “As clumsy as you seem to be, you are going to keep me real busy. I see it now.”

Our waiter brought us a pair of leather bound menus. This place was known for it’s steaks, but they did a nice grilled vegetable entrée with tofu steaks. I placed my order surprising the marine.

“You don’t have to eat light for your girlish figure, I like you just the way you are.” She ordered a sirloin steak with pomme frites. “You can order a steak too, if you like.”

Laughing I shook my head. “I’m a vegetarian, sorry. I spent so long on Firefly station that I got used to eating only vegetables.”

Her smile dropped, she looked sorry. “You could have said something, is my ordering a steak OK?”

“No, you are fine. I’m not a vegan or any kind of an animal activist. I just only eat a plant based diet. It’s not a big deal really.” I lightly patted her arm. “Enjoy your steak, you deserve a treat too. I actually enjoy tofu. Having it grilled is good, not something that we can do on board ship easily.”

Her frown turned upside down and I had a fun little shiver down my back. Our waiter was gone and we made small talk. She told me all about what she does in the marines. I had no idea the amount of sheer work that those men and women do on our ship. Everything from guarding the captain to boarding enemy ships. As engineers, we pretty much don't leave engineering unless we have to fix something. The conversation had turned to me and I was starting to tell about my building the station when my clutch started beeping at me.

“Oh, crap” said my date. She reached into her pocket pulling out her locator beacon. Mine was in my bag and the source of the noise.

“Why is this thing,” that was all I got out. At that point Wilson was echoing in my head. “Two ships just entered the system, they are all shot up, and screaming for help. It's an emergency recall of all personnel.”

Cocking my head I relayed what Wilson had told me.” Dar gave me a funny look.

“Athena? How is it that you know what is happening?”

Looking at the floor I muttered at her. “I'll tell you. Just not here.”

We grabbed our waiter and told him of the recall. We told him to give the food to someone hungry, as we hurried past him.” Dar pulled out a communicator and gave our location and ETA to the ship.

Ship’s crew were running in from all across the station. Station personnel tried to get out of our way as Dar and I hustled to the ship. Not everyday that you see two women, dressed to the nines, jogging down the hallways. We made it to the ship just seconds before they closed the doors. The captain of the ship was in a hurry. We quickly said our goodbyes and went to our separate quarters to change into uniform.

“Damn it Wilson, I didn't even get a chance to kiss the girl!” For once he was silent.

Chapter 5

Due to the emergency, I rushed to engineering as fast as I could. Would you believe that the assholes were sitting around eating pastries and laughing? I had a shocked look on my face as I entered the room.

“Lieutenant Lee, have a seat. Doughnut?” Commander Arthur tried to hand me a pastry. “We are organizing repair crews to help with the upcoming boarding. You have been selected to lead team one. Ensign Porter and the rest of your crew are in crew bay one getting loaded up. Have fun!”

Porter? Porter was the worst engineer ever. What are they trying to do, get me killed? The officers (all men) had continued with their conversation and were all chuckling about something. I was beginning to see how it was.Time to prove them wrong. I turned away and left engineering. Crew bay one was filled with small groups of officers and crew from most departments. Seeing the XO, I reported to him.

“Lieutenant, assume command of your engineer group. You will be group one. I'm sending you in with the initial rescue team. Saving lives is the order of the day. Do what you have to do. Understand?” At that he turned back to another group.

I found Ensign Porter and six crewmen sitting on pallets at the back of the room. No equipment or personal protection gear in sight. Seeing me coming, one of the crewman called for attention.

“Ensign Porter is your team ready to go?” I inquired. He just stared at me. “I don't see any equipment, did you think that this was a drill of some kind? No? THEN GET OFF YOUR ASS! FIND OUR EQUIPMENT AND GEAR AND GET BACK HERE!” The little idiot jumped to his feet, nearly falling, and ran off. I sent half the crewmen after him as help. All around us heads turned in our direction.

Lowering my voice, I asked the remaining crew “does anyone here have experience with something like this?” The three crewman just shook their head no. “All righty then. Here's the plan. When Ensign Porter and the rest of the crew get back, suit up. According to the XO, we go in with the first group. He wants us to focus on saving lives first. We will concentrate on life support and power. Use common sense, unless you hear different from me. “

Ensign Porter returned carrying his personal gear. The crewman were loaded down like pack mules trying to drag a repair cart.

I lost all respect, if any, that I had for Porter. Crewman were not slaves. I hurried over and took some of the load off the crew.

“Ensign Porter, help drag that cart over here. Crewman Bartleby, start distributing the equipment and gear. Give everyone equal amounts of gear. Take only what you are sure that you need. Remember, the ship is right here. It can always send something to you. Porter! Are you listening to me! Help with that cart!” He was starting to really piss me off.

“I don't have to listen to you.” Porter looked smug as he tried to tell me off. “Commander Arthur says you're not a real engineer anyway.”

That's it!

“Porter you are on report right now!” I looked around, peering at the small groups of crew. Ah ha, I spotted who I wanted.

“Master at Arms?” The somewhat portly officer approached me.

“Something I can do for you lieutenant?” He said.

“Yes, please put Ensign Porter on report and under arrest for failing to obey a direct order from a superior officer” The officer turned glaring at Porter. “What did the ensign do?”

I recounted what had happened and the comments that were made. Using my link I sent him a vid record of the event.

“She lies! She's making it all up.” Porter, red faced, shouted at the officer.

The MAA motioned to a couple of marines that were standing by.

“Ensign, I have vid of the charges. We are placing you under arrest at this time.” The marines grabbed the now struggling ensign and handcuffed him.

Seeing this the XO came over. Great, now I'm in trouble.

“Is there a problem Lieutenant? Why is the ensign under arrest?” Commander Wang, the XO, turned to the Master at Arms, “Charges?”

“Sir, conduct unbecoming, disobeying orders, and now, resisting arrest.” Sending my vid to the XO, the chief added his own.

“Place the ensign in the brig until this action is over.” Turning to me he motioned, “Lieutenant a moment?”

We both walked over near the wall. Giving me a half grin the commander smiled at me. “Is dealing with the other officers in your section similar to this incident? Tell me the truth.”

Hesitant, I replied “Yes sir. The other officers don't like having a woman in their ranks. Most don't even acknowledge me. I think, that they intended for me not to come back from this assignment.”

“Those are very serious charges, Lee.” I sent him the vid of the other engineers eating donuts. “Hmmm, I see your point. Well we don't have a lot of time. Make one of your crew a temporary midshipman. I will deal with engineering when we return.” The XO walked back to the center of the room.

“Your attention please!”

“LISTEN UP!” Commander Wang could be loud when he wanted to be.

“We are less than ten minutes out. Both ships appear to have serious battle damage. The larger one, a freighter called the Happy is in the worst shape. They both have fires in engineering and little or no life support. Teams are to take whatever actions are necessary to preserve lives. We need answers people! Dead sailors tell us nothing. Do your jobs! That will be all.”

We approached the Happy first. Using external cameras the damage was seen by us on large projection screens. It was bad. The Happy was an older ship of a design not used anymore. It had a central pod and storage area. The fusion thrusters were on pylons outside the ship. The aft area was the worst. The left outboard engine looked like it was still on fire. Laser burns covered the ship. From the scorching I could see that the weapons used were of an older style called ‘War’ shot. That was bad news for the ship’s crew. The older lasers did not have the frequency modulators that newer weapons did. Without them, the bursts were sharper and more concentrated. This caused burning through the hull and destroying whatever they hit. The second ship was called the Gilmore G. This sleek looking ship was newer. It had been converted to a convoy support ship sporting torpedo's and a pair of laser turrets for defense.

“OK people start loading the shuttles. Shuttle one is going to the Happy, engineering crews and rescue teams only. Shuttle two is going to the Gilmore G. I need the marine intelligence units, navigation, and security teams onboard that ship. Marine Lieutenant Dar is in charge of shuttle two. I will be on shuttle one with the rescue teams. Let's go people.” Commander Wang opened the hatch and watched as we entered the shuttle.

As our shuttle approached the Happy we could see sections where the hull was burned all the way through. How did they pilot this ship here? Having seen this kind of carnage first hand I knew that when we popped the hatches it was going to be like the lower depths of hell.

I turned to my engineering crew, “Masks on and ship suits sealed. Buddy check each other! If you have to vomit do it in your suit, do NOT unseal until ordered. Conditions are going to be really bad over there. Watch for plasma and fusion leaks. Report anything that looks like trouble, I mean it people, anything.”

The XO was watching me. “Seen something like this before Lee?”

“Yes sir. During the war.” I replied.

He nodded. Looking to the med teams he gave them similar instructions. The shuttle shook then a loud thump sounded. There was the sound of pressure equalizing and then the hatch opened.

Chapter 6

Calling this the lower depths of Hell was being kind. It was bad, really bad. As the hatch opened smoke and ash from the fires boiled into the shuttle. With smoke rolling around the bay we could see scorched and burned crewmen trying to put out one of the fires. My suit sensors said that oxygen was down to 18% and falling. We had to move fast. Our XO grabbed the nearest ship’s crewman and they started talking. A make-shift hospital had been set up and our med team sprang into action.

My team looked to me for guidance. On the flight over I had made crewman Bartleby a temporary Midshipman, by the XO's orders. “Bartleby, take half the group and make your way to engineering. Shut down that fusion engine. Short of ejecting it, stop it anyway you can. Call me if you run into trouble. The rest of you with me. Life support is failing, we need to get it fixed.” I led my team past the hospital and over to the ship’s access panels.

“On these older ships there is conduit access that runs the length of the ship. The life support panel is supposed to be located at the center of the conduit. It can also be accessed via engineering through a heavily shielded hatch. This, is a shortcut.” I opened up the tube and climbed in.

The tube was very tight and we were at close quarters. We came to a T-junction. Pointing to the right I said “ in that direction is medical.” I pointed the other way, “the armory, and weapons controls should be down there.”

Smoke and ash began to drift into the tube, making little swirls of dust. Life support was still functioning, if only barely. We reached a series of hatches on either side of the tube. One of these should be life support.

I could see a fire ahead of us in the direction of engineering.

“Jacobs, attach a heat sensor to the right hatch before you open it. Lets check for fire.” I watched as my crew gave Jacobs a little room. The sensor lit up with a red blinking light. “Crap. I sure hope that's not the room we need.” Motioning my crew to one side I checked the door. No lights. Jacobs gave the hatch a pull, it was either stuck or locked tight.

“Lieutenant Lee? We don't have access tools with us. I could go back and try to find some.” Jacobs looked worried.

I looked around the door frame as I talked “Don't worry about it Jacobs. On these older ships they used key codes to secure vital locations.” At that I uncovered a hidden key pad behind bundled wires.

“The navy is given master codes for all these pads by the manufacturer for situations just like this one.” I inputted a numeric sequence and the door slid open.

Peering into the dimly lit room I said, “and here we are, life support.”

“Ma'am?” Jacobs and the other two team members looked puzzled. “How is it that YOU know the codes and all of that information about these ships?”

I sensed a teaching moment coming on. “Why don't you know these things? You knew what kind of ships we were approaching a full ten minutes before we docked. All of the schematics and codes for most civ ships are located in our data banks. You just have to look them up.”

“Ma'am, you are the first officer we have worked for that knew all that.” Well, that explained a lot.

The life support panel control had been damaged in the attack. There was a six inch melted hole through the panel, wall, and deck. No way we could fix that. Looking at it I wondered how it was even functioning.

“Nut's” I said. “This hole can't be fixed by us. Let me think. Help get the cover off this panel.” We had to pry the cover off in places where it had melted.

I looked at some of the undamaged circuits and thought of something. Many years ago when I had built my station I had a similar problem. “Jacobs and Ellery, crawl back through to the boat bay. I need as much of the conduit that we brought as you can get. Unroll it down to here. Contact the XO and see if he can get another shuttle or pinnace over to this ship. I have an idea.” The two crew took off. Time to get to work.

Jacobs returned a short while later with Commander Wang in tow. The commander waved off my salute. “Lieutenant, what do you have?” He saw the large hole. “Can you fix it?”

Shaking my head I replied “No, sir. But I can make something else work instead. Are we able to get another shuttle over here?”

He was watching me carefully. “Our captain sent one of the pinnaces, it should be here in twenty minutes. Why do you need it?”

Crewman Itoi and I had been stripping out the connectors to life support. The panel controlled all the small oxygen generators and carbon filters around the ship. It has fail safes but with that hole....Well, you know.

“What I intend to do is run conduit from here to the boat bay. We will connect the emergency life support pods and the ships themselves to the conduit. Our ships will power life support over here.”

“I have never heard of doing that, will it work? I don't want to damage those ships.” He had raised both of his eyebrows in surprise.

“Sir, it will work. I have done this before, sort of. We really don't have a choice. Life support is at” looking at the readout, “less than 8% and falling.”

“If it damages the ship's, I will hold you responsible. Do it.” He moved out of the way and let us work.

Ellery was almost to us, so I sent Jacobs to help her. We connected the conduit to the panel and rewired the system around the hole. Giving the three team members careful instructions, I sent them back to the boat bay to hook up the ships.

I had forgotten that Commander Wang was in the room, jumping when he spoke. “Why did you send your team instead of going yourself?”

I let out a breath. “What we are doing can be dangerous. I have done this before and trust myself more to do it right.” I glanced at the commander. “This engineering crew is very poorly trained, is that normal?”

“What do you mean, poorly trained?” He was scowling now.

“They show zero initiative, are somewhat ignorant of standard procedures and how things work. They know how to do their own jobs, but ask something else and they get lost.”

“I don't think that is a training issue. Commander Arthur likes his crew to follow his orders to the letter.” He was thinking now.

“We are engineers and free thinkers all. Innovation and creativity are our stock- in-trade.” The panel started to hum. Gauges and lights came on. The readings showed life support coming back on. I shut down those areas such as engineering that had known fires or hull breaches.

“There you go commander, life support restored. For now.”

Chapter 7

I headed for engineering, leaving crewman Itoi to monitor life support. We had to get the fires out and engineering under control. Traveling by access tube again we headed aft. Smoke and ash were billowing down the tube. It was getting too thick to see.

“Jacobs, Ellery, it’s getting too hot, we need to take the next starboard hatch up ahead.”

They both signaled that they received me. Through the smoke I could see a port side hatchway. Trying the hatch we found it unlocked. As soon as we exited the tube I saw that we were in the firefighting bunker room. Thank the space gods! I could see racks of bunker gear and air tanks on the walls.

“The engineering compartment is very close. Our suits can handle the heat from a fire only up to 1200 degrees. If the heat warnings go off on your suit, get out! This is the bunker room. Suit up. Make sure your air tank is full and if possible grab an extra. With that I suited up too.

We opened the compartment door and went out into a smoke filled corridor. Engineering was to starboard. Movement and flames could be seen through the door.

One of the Happy's crew saw us and ran over. “Are we glad to see you!”

I had to yell to be heard, “ What is the progress with the fire? Have you gotten it under control?”

“Um, that's your job. We have been spraying water on the fire but nothing seems to work. With you here we will get our people to safety.” He took off grabbing the other crew members.

Civilians! Damn it this is going to be rough. The main room of engineering was somewhat clear of debris. Hot smoke was rolling above the deck.

“We need to get the decks in here cooled down. All this hot smoke could cause a flash over and we will never get it under control. Activate the foam systems, if you can, in all compartments. Jacobs grab those fire hoses they were using and soak down everything as we move forward. We need at least an inch on all the decks to cool them down.” Following my instruction the crewman grabbed a fire hose. I told Ellery to go back to the fire room and get as many foam sprayers as she could find. Checking the readouts on the consoles, I could see that all of engineering was engulfed. So far there was no sign of Midshipman Bartleby and his team. I hope that they didn't get trapped.

Ellery returned with the sprayers. I motioned her closer so I didn't have to yell. “We need to start a boundary system here. That door”, pointing to the engine access door, “needs to be closed or anything we do is for naught.”

With Jacobs spraying us, we got to the door and manually closed it.

“Spray the door to help cool this side, then follow us. The hatch is designed to be fire-proof. It should hold for a little while. This room is now the warm zone. If you get overwhelmed this room is our last line of defense.” They followed me as I entered the rooms surrounding the engine spaces.

The first room was easy. The foam system had done it’s job here.

“This is the start of our boundary. This room can reignite at anytime. Keep a close eye on all cable accesses or portals. Jacobs soak it all down.” I heard yelling, it was coming from behind me. Looking back I saw Bartleby and his crew. Maybe there is a space god.

“Ma'am, we got trapped by the fire. When the suppression system kicked on we were able to get out.” All three of them looked tired.

“That main room is the warm zone, we need to keep it that way. Station one crewman in it to spray the walls and hatches with water. Send another back up the access tubes to the XO. Tell them we need firefighting help if possible. Then come with us, we have established a boundary and we need to keep it.” He turned and gave orders.

We might have a chance here if we can just get on top of it. Now we could open the next door. Smoke billowed out. The room was engulfed in flame. This was the plasma control room and the start of this mess. Using the hand held sprayers we began pushing the fire back. I spotted the cut off valve for the plasma array. A War Shot had penetrated the bulkhead and punched a hole through the automatic system. The manual controls looked intact.

I yelled at Midshipman Bartleby. “Get over here! You look stronger than me, try pumping this lever. These old systems work, they just need more muscle than I have!” The hydraulic pump was working. The plasma fire in this room was going out.

Jacobs was at his hoses end, so I sent him back to the warm zone to help out. This room was open to space so regular fires were not a problem anyway. The hatch to the engine room was melted, welding it shut. The metal bulkhead had actually buckled with the heat. We needed to backtrack.

Sealing the pressure doors behind us, we entered the main room.

“Ellery, switch with Jacobs. Jacobs I need for you to go and relieve crewman Itoi back in life support. Have him report here. Everyone else take five.” I bent over the main control panels looking at the damage. If we could repair it we might be able to stop the engine fire. “Bartleby, when you have rested take a look at this controller and see if you and your team can fix it.”

I was getting tired. The tube hatch slid open and one of my people stepped out, followed by the XO and several marines. Finally, some help.

“Status Lieutenant?” he said. My team must have been a sight in our flame and heat scorched suits.

“Using the ’box method’, we have established a boundary zone around the fire. This room is our warm zone. The port compartment has been cleared. The plasma control room is open to space and plasma is controlled. Pressure doors are closed to keep in life support. My team is taking a short break then we are moving on to the starboard side.”

“Rest a moment lieutenant. Your team has worked wonders so far.” I thanked him and leaned against the console.

“Commander, if we can get the engine vents open we can put the fire out. If we can repair the controls here then we can open them.”

“Say you can't, what then.” he asked.

“Two options then, sir. Have someone EVA and open them manually from the outside is one option. The other is to abandon ship sir.”

“Abandon, no we can't do that just yet. We still need answers. Fix the controls. I have marines and am not afraid to use them. If we have to, they can get that vent open for you.”

We didn't need the marines. My team did their jobs the right way.

Chapter 8

By the god’s I was tired. Fighting that fire took over six hours of my life that I can’t get back. Rather than returning to the boat bay I decided to stay here in engineering. Midshipman Bartleby, and two crewmen were dismantling the engine control circuits. While we were here it was both a teaching experience and a repair moment. We had closed the engine vents and restored life support to the engine room. The engine itself was a total loss. Maybe someone could use it for parts, but it was pretty crispy. The Happy actually had two backup generators, one that had to have been on the Apollo missions it was so old. I had not even seen one like it at Sam’s before. The other was brand new. The new generator had the words ‘Property of EOS Oneders” stenciled on its base. Now that we had comms back with our ship I told Wilson to run a search on that name.

I was staring at a circuit diagram when the hatch opened and the shouting began.

“LEE, WHAT IN THE COCKAMANIE HELL DID YOU DO TO MY SHIPS!” Commander Arthur was here. His face inflamed and scowling he resumed his tirade against me. “YOU SORRY EXCUSE FOR AN ENGINEER WHAT SORT OF JERRY-RIGGED-CRAP HAVE YOU DONE NOW!”

I calmly replied to the commander. “Sir, those connections were needed to…” He never let me finish. He began to berate me. “No excuses Lee! What is this I hear about Ensign Porter? You will drop those charges now. You are the worst officer and engineer I have ever seen. Sergeant?” A small squad of marines came forward. “Arrest this good-for-nothing..Officer.” The marines approached me and roughly grabbed my arms, putting handcuffs on me.

“BELAY THAT ORDER!”

The XO, Commander Wang strode into the room. “What is the meaning of this!” Wang demanded.

The marine sergeant was the first to answer. “Sir, we were to arrest Lieutenant Lee on the orders of Chief Engineer Arthur.”

“On what charges?” The XO asked.

Turning to Commander Arthur the XO smiled and said, “so you finally decided to come over here and take the credit. How many officers did you bring with you?” Commander Arthur had a shocked look on his face. “Sergeant, how many officers did this man bring with him?”

The Marine seeing the writing on the wall answered quickly. “Sir, he brought all but two of his officers.”

“Where did he leave them? I don’t see them here.”

“Sir, two officers took control of the life support system. Another two started dismantling something in the boat bay. The last two should be around here somewhere, sir.”

“Well sergeant, release the lieutenant and go round up those missing officers please. Including the ones in life support. Bring them all to the boat bay. The final two are already entertaining some of your brethren. Thank you sergeant.” The sergeant and his men hurried out of engineering.

“So Commander Arthur what to do with you. Why don’t you come with me please.” The XO motioned to the door.

“Sir, she needs to be dealt with because of the mess she made of the shuttle and pinnace alone! We may need a shipyard to repair what she did. She shouldn’t even be an engineer.”

“Commander Arthur, I am ordering you to follow me to the boat bay. Are you refusing a direct order?” The engineer shook his head no.

“Then come with me. All will be explained. Lieutenant? Finish up with what you were doing and have your crew meet us in the boat bay.”

“Sir? I need to leave one man in life support.”

“Leave Midshipman Bartleby, I think he can handle it.” Commander Arthur visibly started.

“Midshipman? That man is no Midshipman! What nonsense is this, Sir.” Arthur was now waving his hands and getting red faced again.

With a sigh the XO pointed toward the fore of the ship. “Boat bay commander, NOW!” Arthur and the XO left, the engineer was still arguing with the commander.

“You heard the commander, wrap it up. It looks like you might keep that rank Bartleby.” I smiled at my team as they kicked it into gear and closed up all the consoles.

Off to the boat bay. I whistled a faint tune that had to do with hills and woods. My team rolled their eyes at me.

Reaching the boat bay we slid into the back and stood along the wall. Most of the rescue group was already here. Commander Arthur’s officers stood under light guard near the temporary hospital. Most of the civilians had already been evacuated to the James Cook. Commander Wang stood in front of the small crowd.

“If I may have your attention please.” The room quieted. “Thank you. We will be towing the Happy back to New Reno. Everyone should prepare for extraction in one hour. Our Captain wanted me to relay his thanks for all of our hard work. Be assured that you will be rewarded for it. Now let’s get ready to go home.” Everyone got to work breaking down the hospital and stacking equipment.

I caught the XO’s attention. “Sir we found two auxiliary generators, so we can disconnect the shuttle and pinnace from life support. Something funny about one of them though.”

“How so, Athena.” Wow, he used my first name. I giggled in my head.

“It has writing on it saying that it was the Property of the EOS Oneders. I checked and that ship disappeared on a routine patrol last year. The other one is interesting too. I have never seen such an old model, how did they get on board?”

Nodding the XO agreed with me. “I too have noticed some inconsistencies with this ship. The Gilmore G. also. You will have to fill out your AAR and get with me later.”

“Sir, about Commander Arthur? Is he in trouble because of my actions sir?” I asked while glancing at the now sweating Chief Engineer.

“Don’t worry about him Athena. Just get your team ready to leave.” He walked over to the marines.

My team disconnected our ship from the Happy's life support system and reconnected it to the back-up generators. We then boarded the shuttles and returned to the James Cook.

Chapter 9

Stirring an ant hill with a stick is the only comparison that I can think of for the events that transpired upon our return to the James Cook. Organized chaos reigned all around us. Too many inconsistencies with the two ships and odd occurrences with the survivors. My link pinged that there was a captain’s conference at 0900 hours. I had orders to be present. Great. More fun. Leaving the shuttle I made sure that my engineering team had gotten back in one piece. I assigned Midshipman Bartleby to stow all of our equipment in its proper location. Excluding their regular duties I informed my now former-team to take the rest of the day off. They'd earned it.

When my personal pain-in-the-ass alarm went off at 0700 with Wilson playing weird music singing 'about doing something', I was grouchy to say the least. The day before had been a very long day. I cleaned up, how I got bits of ash in my hair while inside my suit I will never know. Space pixies or something.

“Space pixies! Athena you need to call Geraldo about that, he loves pixies.” Wilson was in rare form today.

“Geraldo? What's a Geraldo? Wilson, what are you blathering on about?” He was starting to get annoying. He needs a project.

Dressed in my best and only clean uniform, I proceeded to the Captains conference room. The two armed marines at the hatch stepped aside at my entrance to reveal the Captain seated inside. Captain Gorshin was an enigma to me. The rarely seen captain had a well known history both with the former PPL navy and the current EOM. We had only met just the one time, when I first reported aboard the ship. Entering the conference room I saw all the top ranked officers on the ship. Other than the stewards, I was the lowest ranking officer in the room.

“Nice of you to join us Lieutenant Lee.” I jumped in surprise. Commander Wang was standing behind me.

“Find a seat, somewhere near the front. This conference is about the intelligence that was found on those two ships.”

“Lots of juicy stuff in the data-banks about what they found over there Athena. Interested?” Wilson was enjoying himself.

“NO! Shut up! I need to listen.” My comment to Wilson was just a bit loud. The commanders sitting beside me must have heard me because they started looking at me funny. Great, talking to myself, now everyone will think I am insane.

Captain Goshin brought the room to attention. “Be seated people. This will be a round table discussion concerning yesterday's events on board the Happy and the Gilmore G. We will start with a report from Commander Wang. Commander?”

“I wanted to begin with commendations for our rescue personnel. When we boarded the Happy life support was at 18% and falling, only quick decisions by the engineering team led by Lieutenant Lee halted that decline. Our med team braved the fire quite literally and saved many lives in disregard for their own. Commendations are being placed in your records.” He glanced in my direction. “Discoveries by the engineering team led to further areas by our intelligence group. These ships were not the victims of pirates as we previously believed.”

“They are the pirates!”

The officers in the room began to murmur to themselves. “Quiet down please. Our marine team, along with intelligence, helped to secure the gunship: The Gilmore G. It was a hostile boarding. When the crew on board saw marines, not the expected med personnel, they attacked with small weapons fire trying to escape. While not our intent we took the ship by force. A data dump of their computers showed falsified reports and evidence of pirate activities. The ships were owned by two brothers, Jervis and Morris Tetch. They were on the bridge of the Happy and were killed during the attack. The rest of the crew shows up in our files as having criminal records. Our engineering team on the Happy found equipment on board that came from at least one navy ship, the EOH Oneders. That ship was reported missing two years ago in sector 10.The Intelligence personnel have begun interrogations of the crew. Captain?” Sighing Commander Wang then sat back down, nodding to the Captain.

The now stern faced Captain looked in my direction “Lieutenant Lee? Can you discuss the damages to the Happy please?”

Like a deer in the headlights I was caught with my finger in my ear. Oops. “Yes sir. The damage to the Happy was caused by War Shot. Either early Earth tech lasers or later pre-war colony copies. Some of the shots were direct hits on both the bridge and engineering. Opened to space, everyone on the bridge was killed instantly; only a few even had on skinsuits. In engineering, hits damaged life support and severed a plasma line. Leaking plasma started a fire that spread to the engine room. Little or no maintenance by the Happy's crew allowed the fire to engulf the engine area without any of the fire suppression systems kicking in. By the time we got there the crew was spraying water on a plasma fire. Surprisingly no one was killed. They didn't think to deploy the foam system. The engine is a total loss. Life support is currently running on an Auxiliary generator.”

“Lieutenant, how did you repair the life support system? Commander Wang said that you did something non-standard.”

My face began to get a little red. “Sir, I cross connected the conduits to our shuttle craft and rebooted the system. Essentially our ship was the life support system and the freighter was the pump.”

“That is something that I have NEVER heard of doing, in both the navies that I served. How is that you thought of it on the fly like you did?”

“Sir, I had used a similar set-up on Firefly station when life support failed due to a bad connection.” Not that I'm going to mention that I had been the one who connected something wrong and almost killed myself.

“If it's stupid and works it isn't stupid, my own father used to say that. Write it up. I will submit it to fleet for you. That could prove useful in another situation like this one. That brings us to another issue that has come up.”

The Captain turned to the Master-at-Arms. “Commander Arthur our Chief Engineer is under arrest along with most of his officers. The charges range from cowardice to malfeasance. He will face Court Martial proceedings along with several of his officers. That leaves a giant hole in engineering.” Both the Captain and the XO looked at me. “Lieutenant Lee step forward please.”

Crap. What now? Anxious and very nervous, I stepped forward.

“While you are only a lieutenant, you are the best engineer we have. I would like you to take over engineering on a temporary basis, just until a replacement can be sent from Fleet HQ. We have already given a 'battlefield commission' to one of your crewmen that will stand. He gets to keep the rank. Select one more to help you run the department.”

Without a second thought I said “Crewman Jacobs sir. He was a huge help on board the Happy. If not him then Ellery, sir.”

“OK, either I or Commander Todd will get with them and see if they want the rank. For now get down to engineering and get started. Use my name or the XO's. Send anyone who objects to see me. Understood? Dismissed.”

Wow, I'm in charge. Holy cheese balls! I danced a little jig in the corridor as I exited the meeting.

Chapter 10

The entire time I've been aboard the James Cook engineering has been the personal fiefdom of Commander Arthur. He ruled our section like a feudal lord. His cronies enjoyed pushing off all of their work onto other crewman, namely me. I enjoyed the work even though I had lots of extra duties. It was fun to take things apart. Even with the extra duties I treated it as a learning experience. With the 'Lord of the Manor' in jail it was time to see what the peasants had been up to.

“Wilson?” Silence. “Wilson!”

“Yes Athena?”

“See if you can get into Commander Arthur's computer, without alerting security, and find out what he has been doing in engineering. Please?”

“Yippee, I almost can't contain my glee.” Such a weirdo, that AI.

Heads barely turned when I entered engineering. Lt. Commander Heed was supervising the crewmen in the scheduled engine take-down and cleaning.

With a sneer the commander turned to me. “It's about time you reported in. Hope you had fun slacking off over on those ships. The Chief left a long list of...chores for you to do. For starters you can take over here. I have other more important things to do.”

Typical. I kept still and for half a minute just stared at him.

“Well? What are you waiting for? Get to work! I see what the Chief means about you being a waste of space.”

“Commander Heed, the Captain and the XO have sent me down to take over engineering. Chief Engineer Arthur has been placed under arrest.”

“You, YOU are in charge? Nonsense, I am the superior officer here!”

His pompous attitude was getting old. “Sir, Commander Wang told me to inform you to report to either him or to the Captain, for your new assignment and orders.”

“We will just have to see about THAT!” The officer stormed out of engineering slamming the hatch behind him.

The various crewman all stared at me with big eyes.

“Regardless of what Commander Heed thinks, as of 0900 hours I have been placed in command. We need to get this section shipshape as soon as possible. Both Jacobs and Ellery have accepted a promotion to midshipman, Bartlby gets to keep his rank. Things are going to be different around here, I promise.”

Rubbing my hands together, I turned toward the engine take-down. “Let’s get finished and get to work.”

Lt Commander Heed and Ensign Parker from night shift were reassigned. Other than being snobby, no actual charges were laid against them. Digging around the former commander’s office was a heavy job. Investigators from security had already been through there and it was a real mess. They had left instructions to the effect that if I found something 'hinky', to let them know. Checking the master repair list I found that it had not been completed, except by me in several months. Just what had Arthur and all the other officers been doing all this time? My new midshipman took to their new jobs like ducks to water. When I exited 'MY' new office small teams were fixing and repairing all the systems and equipment in the bay. Awesome.

Midshipman Jacobs stopped me. “Excuse me Ma'am?” At my nod, he continued, “I would like to thank you. From all of us, you saved our lives over on the Happy. Then there is all of this” He made a sweeping motion around the bay.’ My promotion, the changes in engineering, all of it.”

“Mr Jacobs, I was just doing my job. Your promotion was for a job well done. You can thank the Captain for making things a little better for all of us. Ok?”

“Yes, Ma'am. I will”, he beamed up at me.

“Good. So, status?”

“All of the consoles, panels, and conduits have been checked and re-certified. The engine take-down is complete and teams are working their way through the list of ship repairs from other areas.”

“Excellent Jacobs. Tell your team thank you from me. You have been here longer than me. Any idea how it got this bad?

He scratched his face and glanced at the floor. “When Commander Woody was in charge engineering ran like clockwork. You could eat off the floor it was kept so clean.”

“What happened to him?”

Chuckling at my expression he replied, “Nothing bad. We had an I.G. Inspection and the Admiral in charge was so impressed with his work that he transferred him to the flagship. It's the navy. That is what happens sometimes.”

“So let me guess. Commander Arthur transferred in and things went downhill.”

“The commander had been on a light cruiser, the Madoff, I think. He came highly recommended.”

“I'll ask the XO about it all. Keep to the schedule. If anything urgent comes up and you need me I will be in a meeting with Commander Wang.” Smiling I proceeded to the bridge.

The Captain and the XO were happy to see me. “Lieutenant, how are things in engineering?”

“Captain, everything is proceeding smoothly so far. I did have a few questions, though.”

At his nod I continued. “To be blunt sir, did you know how messed up it was down there? I'm sorry If I am out of line sir.”

“To be honest with you lieutenant, not until recently. The former commander was a good bullshit artist. He had come highly recommended to me and I had given him free reign to run his section as he liked.”

“I questioned the crew down there today and got the low down.”

“Chief Engineer Woody was a wonder. He deserved the transfer and the promotion that came with it. It seems that the former commander may have been 'foisted' off on me to get rid of him. We are checking into that.”

“Sir, that I can easily believe. His office was a mess. The logs show almost no work was getting done. I'm not sure what he or his officers were doing but it wasn't working. We found 20 pages of interdepartmental repairs that need doing. My people are working the backlog as we speak. The logs for engineering are messed up too. We are re-certifying every part and system as we go. Can security get into his personal logs to see if there is anything that I might not be seeing? I can get in but you won't like how.”

The Captain and the XO both glanced at me questioningly. “The security techs are all concentrating on the logs of the pirate ships at the moment. You say that you can get in? How?”

<sigh> “Did either of you sirs read my whole file?” Bracing myself I thought here it comes.

“Was there mention of my AI in my file? The navy and Admiral Kane are both aware of it, him.”

“AI? What AI? Wait, you have an AI?” Both officers were sitting up straight reassessing me. The Captain pulled out a tablet obviously skimming through my file.

“Hold on Peter, the lieutenant is correct. We both missed it. It is in the classified section of her file.” The captain continued to read. “Lieutenant, you may be the solution we have been looking for. The intelligence section has been unable to break into the pirates computers. We can get into some of it but the navigation data is hidden. Can your AI break in?”

In my link I heard “To infinity..” I had to wince, he was so loud I missed whatever else he said. He then continued “Sure thing Athena working on it now.”

The Captain looked concerned, he had seen my wince. “Everything OK there Lee?”

“Yes sir. He can be a bit loud sometimes. He is working on it now. This is good as he tends to get bored easily. When that happens he gets into mischief.” At the XO's look, I quickly corrected myself. “Nothing bad, not really, sometimes its like having an all knowing 8 yr old in your head. He messes with people and sends reports or vid to authorities, little things like that. He has saved my life more than once now.”

“Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!”

I leaned over the table, “Captain if I may?” At his nod I activated the wall screen.

Chapter 11

Projected up on the screen of the conference room was a map of one of the patrol areas. Plotted lines showed the progress of a ship. Up to a point in space.

Activating the speaker I asked. “Wilson, why does the map end in uncharted space? Is that all that was on there?”

Wilson's voice held a touch of a twangy accent that I had heard at the Capitol planet, Texas. Uh oh, he was role-playing again. “Your thirst for...”

I cut him off. “Wilson cut the BS and tell us please.”

His voice changed to a youthful sounding one. “ You really are no fun. The information that you want is not in the computer. They never entered it and wiped flight logs regularly. There is mention in one of the owner's daily logs about a 'lost colony' and profit. That point in space is really far out for a lost colony though. There are no historical records of any kind that point to that area of space as having any early colonies.”

“Find anything else in there?”

“Sure lots of things. Records of ships that they took, contacts on planets, banking information; lots of things. One of the owners was a Lothario and taped his encounters. Athena, are you as flexible as some of ..” I stopped him right there and turned off the speaker. My face was now bright red.

The men were very obviously trying not to laugh at me.

“That is how Wilson can be.” I said “He did send those records he found to the intelligence team, including the dirty movies. He's right about the colony though. I have been researching the Ghost Ships of Terra for a while. All the early ships had early model fighter's attached to them.”

“Those old stories? Those are space tales. Ghost stories to scare new spacers.”

“I'm not so sure about that sir. I have a friend back on New Reno. He was a pilot on one of the last colony ships to leave Earth. He may know about lost ships in this area.” The Captain, nodding his head, turning to regard me.

“I take it you know Sam then? He doesn't tell his story to many.”

The XO looked back and forth between us. “Uh, there is a colony ship pilot still alive? How is that even possible?” Wang's jaw was hanging so wide it was about to fall off.

“You would have to ask him yourself XO. It's not a huge secret but Sam value's his privacy. I'm surprised he spoke to you about it, lieutenant.”

“Sir, I needed a couple of power sources that I couldn't build myself for a project I was working on. He has a couple of original Starfuries in his warehouse. The back-up weapon system power supplies were the right size. We got to talking about ships and it just came up. The Starfury fighter was equipped with War Shot. Only the early first or second wave of colony ships had those particular fighters.”

“Ah, yes, I have heard from Commander Todd about those quarters of yours. I didn't believe him at the time but you will have to show us sometime. We will let intelligence research the fighter issue.”

“Is this something that I should know?” The XO looked at me.

The Captain answered for me. “She has a maintenance shop set up inside her cabin.” He looked at me appraisingly. “Do you get any sleep at all?”

“I like to stay busy.”

Checking the time, the Captain turned to me and said “We all need to get back to work. Keep us informed on repairs, Lee. Good work. Dismissed.”

As I walked back to engineering, I talked to Wilson. “Did you research Sam's background for me?”

“Yes Athena, I did. He has been careful. Little or no computer records about his history. If we had access to Earth, yes. But no one has that. The local government is aware of him and his origins. There are rumors of other pilots but nothing definite. He has owned his business since the New Reno was built 75 years ago. He's telling the truth, at least about his age.”

“Remind me to touch base with him about our pirates. He may know something about a colony ship way out here.” Wilson signaled his agreement.

Returning to engineering I found a cluster of security troops along with intelligence boxing up Commander Arthur's things. Seeing me, Midshipman Ellery walked over.

“Ma'am, doing inventory we discovered a hidden area behind the storage racks. When we removed the wall section, we uncovered an illegal alcohol still and several crates that look like drugs. I informed the security officer of our discovery. He requested verifying vid to exonerate us. We gave them everything that they asked for.”

“Good job, Ellery. Just one more nail in their coffins. Did you inform the captain or the XO?” She shook her head no. “Don't worry I will take care of that for you. So, where are we on the repair list?”

Chapter 12

Engineering was finally working like a well oiled machine. Without the snobby and overbearing Chief Engineer the crew were much more friendly and sociable. The backlog of repair requests were down to reasonable levels due to my people’s hard work. I finally found some time to work on my own projects. The power supply fit in my droid. I dismantled the other unit with the intent of copying the design. My link chimed at me. The XO needed to see me in conference room one, as soon as possible.

The conference room was full when I arrived. The meeting had already started. The navigation and intelligence officers were staring at a galactic map on the screen and arguing about something. Everyone else was bent down, the table strewn with hard copy reports and star maps, trying to hear what the Captain was saying. The sound of the door opening made the Captain look up and see me.

“Good. Lieutenant Lee, join us please. Lieutenant Morgan, slide over so Lee can sit down.” I sat down at the table next to the captain. “Morgan here, is our pirate expert from the intelligence group on New Reno.”

The lanky looking junior officer was eyeing me with confusion. Most likely wondering why an engineering lieutenant would be invited to this meeting.

“Lieutenant Lee is our acting-Chief Engineer.” This elicited a very surprised look on Morgan's face. “It was her AI that broke the code on the Gilmore G's computer. Athena, were you able to finish that research that you told me about on the colony ships?”

Captain Gorshin obviously, didn't want me to mention Sam to the intelligence lieutenant. “Yes sir. There are no records of any scout or colony ship ever exploring this region of space. Several of the really early ones were headed in this direction when they were lost. There is no historical record of anyone finding or seeing wreckage from an Earth ship out here. However, that power generator we found came from a first wave ship. Only one other like it is known to exist out here, it's in the Colonization Museum on New Earth.”

“So maybe these pirates found a Ghost ship and bit off more than they could chew? Is that what we are thinking?” The lack of answers was frustrating the Captain, the strain of it showed on his face. He sat forward and rubbed his eyes. “Here is what we are going to do. Commander Freeman?” One of the officers debating the star map came over to the table. “Commander, start plotting a course that follows what we have from the pirate data. They left a trail of breadcrumbs, let’s follow it. Get with Commander Dunne, he should know about potential trouble spots. We need to find this colony or wreckage. Lieutenant Lee, start putting a team together. Whatever we find, we will need tech help. I need an expert and you’re what I've got at the moment. Dismissed.”

Back in engineering I studied the list of repairs that my team was doing. My people had done a week’s worth of repair in just two days! Amazing. A sudden thought came to me and I pulled up the training schedule for engineering. After thoroughly reading, I decided that we all needed a refresher and some more training. I sent a note to Commander Todd, the training officer.

The next day we started a revised training program. There was a strong chance that this ship would take part in a battle soon. My people were not at all ready for that. Our recent rescue demonstrated that while they could think on their feet, the engineering staff lacked basic shipboard rescue and repair skills. With help from the quartermaster we cleared a section of the hold and began training.

Setting a fire in a closed, oxygenated space is never a good idea. We used shipboard simulations in a mocked up hallway and engine spaces. Building the mock up was fun for everyone. We got to use our engineering skills to fashion halls, walkways, and rooms using cargo containers and some of the packaged cargo. The program was quick and dirty but it helped to get the main points across. Space combat is dangerous, people can die. Hearing about our efforts, many of the other departments sent observers. The Captain himself even came to see the training exercises.

Standing on a catwalk, mounted to the cell guides in the hold, I was observing my crew in action. They were clearing debris and trying to rescue trapped crew members. Dry ice simulated the effects of smoke and fire. All my people were in full gear; skin suits complete with full pressure suits and bunker gear. This was to give them the feeling of realism and for them to adjust to the weight. I was making notes on my tablet when I turned and saw that the Captain was standing there! I jumped to attention.

“At ease Lieutenant. Finish what you were doing.” I completed my notes and turned back to the captain.

“Sir, how do you like our mock up?”

“You have done excellent work here Lee. Your group is really shaping up. Of my officers, only about 15% have seen actual ship to ship combat. Thank you for passing your experiences on.” The Captain grew quiet. After a moment he continued. “I am going to have some of the other departments use your mock up so don't tear it down yet. I will inform Commander Xavier that his cargo bay will still be needed. Be sure you write up how this was constructed, we may need to do it again.” At that the captain left the cargo bay.

Following the 'breadcrumbs' left by our supposed pirates, we headed out toward unexplored space the next day. I hoped my team was ready for what the depths of space might throw at us.

Chapter 13

   The first way-point in our quest was a small resupply post on the edge of claimed space called Clew Reach. Outside of our normal patrol area it was built as a security outpost in the last war. Renamed Clew Reach it had become a resupply station. It's owner catered to the needs of prospectors, explorers, and scavengers. Rumor was that it was also a pirate base.

The James Cook paused as it reached the outer marker near Clew Reach. Still out of sight and off their sensors, Captain Gorshin called a meeting.

“Commander Dunne, what do we know about this resupply post?”

“Sir, it was built during the last war, then abandoned. Members of the O'Malley clan led by their matriarch Grace claimed the post. Almost overnight the Clew Reach station was born. It is the only resupply point within two days travel. Since it is outside our government’s area of control, all manner of quasi-legal entertainments are available. Gambling, prostitution, drug running, weapons, and some reports of slavery all have been associated with it.”

Captain Gorshin had a surprised look on his face. “Commander, why was I not informed of this 'place' when we began our mission here? We were searching for pirates and they seem to be located here.”

The commander dropped his eyes to the floor. He didn't want to answer the question.

“Commander? I order you to answer!” Visibly red-faced and mad, the captain was yelling now. “Answer the question or I'll have you up on charges!”

Looking up at the very angry captain, Dunne nodded his head and answered.

“Sir, the reason that Clew Reach was not included in your orders is that the sector Governor has a partnership with Clan O'Malley. In other words, he gets a kickback to provide them with 'prey' and paid off to keep the navy away. Sir, we can't go after them.” Dunne was pleading now. “We just CAN'T. If we do, it will bring down a political shit-storm. Governor Tweed would destroy all of our careers, he has that much influence.”

Captain Gorshin was still very angry. “The navy knows about this? Our navy? This deal with pirates? How deep does this corruption go commander?”

“Deep Captain, very deep. Intelligence is aware of situations like this one.” The officer glanced around. ”There are spies and informers on most of the ships sir. I am not sure who on this ship.”

Deep in thought, the Captain nodded his head. “OK, we will leave them alone. For now. I need to dig into this however. Commander Dunne, you WILL be telling me what you know. Let’s solve one mystery at a time shall we. Commander Freeman, take us to the next way-point. This meeting is dismissed. Back to work.”

This Navy that I joined has serious problems. Was this Governor going to try and kill me too? I think that I have a job for Wilson.

Our ship continued to follow the electronic trail left by the suspected pirates. Our sensors showed a lot more ship traffic than had ever been reported out here. The point in space that we had assumed was a rendezvous spot, was in the middle of three distinct solar systems. None of which were on our charts.

Lt Commander Draper was the ship's Astrophysics Officer. He was assigned to navigation but was rarely seen. Looking at the three systems he spoke to the captain. “Sir, the system on the right is a W class star. It is basically a dying supergiant. The system supports mainly gas planets or those that resemble large moons. This would be a perfect system for bulk mining.” Draper twitched a lot. In some ways he resembled a rodent. It was hard not to think of him that way.

Twitching some more, the commander continued “The star on the left is a class B. The planets should be gas giants and silicon based planets. Life would not be easy in that system. The star in front of us is the big winner. A K class star. Lots of potential for life bearing planets. The star is similar in strength to the one in Sigma Draconis or at Pollux. This may be the system that we are looking for. Sir, permission to use sensors to log the stars for future study?” He was now rubbing his hands in delight.

“Permission granted Lt Commander. You are dismissed.” After Draper had left the captain commented “that is a very unusual young commander.”

Commander Freeman chuckled. “He almost never comes out of his tiny lab in navigation. He's brilliant but not a very sociable person.”

“OK we have our target. Commander Freeman take us toward the K star.”

“Yes Captain. Right away sir.”

“GENERAL QUARTERS GENERAL QUARTERS”

“ALL HANDS TO BATTLESTATIONS, ALL HANDS TO BATTLESTATIONS.”

“THIS IS NOT A DRILL” began to echo throughout the ship. The crew scrambled into skin suits and moved to their stations. Armed marine guards were now stationed at all major access points in the ship. Marine gunners now assumed control of all the ship’s weapons systems.

My request to the captain to return to engineering was denied. Captain Gorshin felt that my research into early spacecraft and colony ships would give him insight if it came to battle. I left Midshipman Bartleby in charge.

As we entered the system we detected a battle already in progress.

Chapter 14

The system was smaller than most, three planets and an asteroid field. Two planets were gas giants, it was the third that held promise of a life giving atmosphere. Strong electronic emissions were coming from that planet. Scans showed a moderate to advanced civilization on the planet. In orbit were several rough-looking space stations and shipyards. The area around the planet was a battlefield filled with the floating remains of burnt and battered ships.

“Status Commander Wang?” Our captain was in full combat mode.

“Sir, scans have identified two groups of combatants. What appears to be local defensive forces and a mixed fleet of aggressors.”

“Commander Wang, what is the makeup of the aggressor fleet? What kind of ships are we up against?”

“Sir, intelligence has identified a half dozen freighter's, one Banzai class destroyer, one Ibuki class light cruiser, and a Charger class carrier.”

With fierce concentration the captain asked “XO, what do we know about the carrier? That class is not familiar to me.”

“Sir, intelligence reports that the carrier is a former AA support ship. It is based on a civilian space liner design. Only four of the class were built. Original armament was defensive only. It can hold up to 30 fighters.”

The captain now had his eyes closed and was clearly concentrating on something. Without looking up the captain asked “what about the defenders? What are we looking at?”

“The defenders appear to be using strictly fighters. Starfuries with War Shot. Several larger ships are in that make-shift shipyard but have not launched. The defense platforms are also equipped with War Shot, and with what appears to be tactical nuke missiles.”

The Captain glanced in my direction and saw me studying the scan data. “Lieutenant, see something that could help?”

“Maybe sir, the carrier only has point defense and the fighters all look like short range surplus: Sky Sharks, Red Falcons, and Fuglies. Take out the carrier first. Those fighters will run out of fuel fast sir. Unless they changed it, the Banzai class has very light armor around its engines. The Ibuki is the problem. It has those turrets fore and aft. Plus it carries fighters.”

“Very good Lee, we will make a tactician out of you yet. I Captained an Ibuki in the war, the Hosho. It is a tough class of ship. Triangular in shape with thick armor on all sides. The only vulnerable spots are the hanger deck aft and flight control surfaces. I wonder which one she was?” Captain Gorshin studied the scan for a moment. “What about the planetary forces?”

“Sir, those Starfuries look like the first model ones. I got to take apart one of those not too long ago. They are high powered and lethal. Aim for the pilot, take him out first.” The captain turned and looked at me with sharp eyes.

“A little bloodthirsty Lee, that's not like you.”

“ No sir, it's practical. The early Starfuries have a backup generator located under the pilot's seat. Even if you disable the ship the weapons can still be fired by the pilot.”

“Ah, sir?” The young Lieutenant had a question.

“Yes, William?”

“May I ask what a Fuglie is?” I had to chuckle at that.

“Lieutenant, a Fuglie is what is generally called a 'scratch built' ship. It is not uncommon out here to take the wreckage of several ships and build one. They are flying scrap heaps. Don't discount them though. Each ship is unique, only the pilot knows what it is armed with until it fires. Watch each one carefully. Communications, start broadcasting who we are to the colony forces, get with intelligence and find their frequencies. Let those people know who we are. Those ships are old but they can still kill us!” The captain pulled up his control console and hit the intercom button.

“Attention, this is the Captain. We are about to thrust ourselves into a battle not of our making. This navy was founded to protect the Empire of Man. We fight pirates and other forces to do our duty. We are going to do our damnedest to prevent the destruction of this colony by pirates or raiders. Follow your orders and trust your training.” Turning the intercom off, the captain turned back to the bridge. “OK, set emergency stations. Fire control teams to your positions. Let’s go. Attack!”

In my head I heard Wilson muttering “...ride for ruin.....red dawn..”

“Wilson. Wilson! Pay attention. I need you to activate the repair droid in my quarters and send it to engineering. Tell it to make repairs as needed. Did you hear me.” As I appeared to be talking to myself, I got several looks from the bridge crew.

“Yes Athena, I heard you. The droid, he snickered, is on it’s way.” I called Midshipman Bartleby and let him know he was getting some help, sort of.

The James Cook was going to war.

Chapter 15

   The pirate fleet was attacking the 'lost' colony world. The pirate light carrier Boadicea, was monitoring the battle from a rearward position. The resupply freighters surrounded the ship. So far the battle was going well. This was a prime target; a rich world that no one knew about.

Captain Amlodi watched the battle monitors with glee. The prize money from this world would set him up for life. As a captain he had first pick of the slaves. He had an asteroid all picked out for his new home. His console beeping roused him from his dreams of an empire. “WHAT!” He yelled at the bridge crew.

“Captain, sensors are picking up a ship closing with us from behind the fleet.” The lieutenant was very nervous as the commander had been known to shoot bearers of bad news.

“That should be one of the resupply freighters coming back from Clew Reach, don't worry about it.”

“Uh, sir, it’s too big to be one of our ships, and our sensors are being jammed sir.”

“What! Raka transfer your readings to me you idiot, that's impossible. No one knows we are here.” Amlodi checked the scan data. “That's a Navy heavy cruiser! What the Hell is it doing way out here? Sound battle stations!”

At that moment the James Cook launched a spread of five torpedoes at the carrier.

“Incoming torpedoes sir ...impact in 30 seconds.” Lieutenant Raka was in a panic. The Navy wasn't supposed to be here. “Captain? Orders? Sir, sir. Orders sir?”

Captain Amlodi was frozen, his dreams were being crushed, for a moment he could hear nothing. Hearing his name woke him from a stupor. He glanced at his scans and his heart stopped. Then he started yelling.

“Battle stations, point defense, target those torpedoes! Fight the ship you idiots! Battle stations!”

Amlodi was yelling at deaf ears. These were pirates who had never had to fight in defense of their ship before. Like rats leaving a sinking ship the crew was running for the life pods as fast as they could. Pirates made lousy gunners. They had always just done the bare minimum. Everything else was too much like work.

The ship’s computer was counting down. “Impact in 10 seconds.....9....8....7...6....5...4...3...2..1.”

The countdown was the last thing that Amlodi heard in this life. The torpedoes ran true and hit the carrier amidships. The Boadicea had been taking on supplies. Ammunition and other flammables had been piled in the hangar bay for distribution.

The resulting explosion was like a miniature star.

The bright fusion explosion heralded the James Cook's entrance into the battle. The Gunners began firing at the scrambling freighters as the James Cook passed by. Most did not stand a chance, the rest scattered in every direction regardless of orders.

On board the Ganuaile, the pirate flagship and cruiser, Kate O'Malley, the pirate 'Queen', stood in shock at the explosion. But only for a moment. “What ship is that?” She watched as the heavy cruiser flew past the freighters, scattering them like a flock of birds.

“Ma'am it's the EOM James Cook. It just destroyed five of our resupply ships along with the carrier.”

“Commander Alaois, order the fighters away from those colony pricks, have them concentrate fire on the navy ship.” Her victory had been assured, damn it. What in the five hells was the navy doing here! If this was a double cross, she would have that Governor's head on a pike!

“Ma'am, the fighter pilots are reporting they are running out of ammo and fuel.”

She turned and glared at the commander. “Tell them to run those ships dry if they have to, but fire at that cruiser! Dying in space will be a mercy from what I will do to them if they don't follow my fecking orders!” She softened her voice. “We can resupply a few of them. Launch the Queen’s Squadron. When the bay is empty, take aboard the worst of the lot then get them back out there.”

The heavy cruiser's course was obvious. It was headed straight for those fecking colonists. When the Tetch brothers had found this world she almost could not believe it. The Ghost ships were fairy tales to tell to children. Who could believe that they were real. Finding a non-aligned world out here with no real protection was just money in the bank. She had initially tried subterfuge and had approached them with open arms. Those idiot Tetch's had screwed that up. What kind of idiot kidnaps a girl from a negotiation meeting? A really stupid pirate, that's who. Those two idiots barely escaped with their lives. Now the fecking navy was involved.

The pirate 'Queen' checked her navigation plot. “Alaois, tell Dafydd to use his destroyer to support the fighters, but to NOT, and I mean NOT, go toe-to-toe with the cruiser. When their tanks are dry have him tow what he can back to us. Send orders to the Queen’s Squadron. Attack targets of opportunity. It's us or them. Tell them to hit that shipyard and start in on the platforms.” She looked over at her navigation station. “How many of the freighters are still with us? See if you can call back the ones that scattered. We have to have those supplies. What a cluster- feck this attack has been. Feck!” With that the 'Queen' stormed off the bridge.

Back in her cabin Kate O'Malley was breaking things in anger. About to throw another trophy at the wall she had a thought. If Governor Tweed was not behind this attack, did he know about it? She mashed her hand down on the intercom system. “Communications? Pick the fastest freighter we have left and send them to New Reno. I have a message for our friend the Governor.”

Chapter 16

The pirate carrier's explosion heralded the James Cook's attack on the Clew Reach pirates. The heavy cruiser swooped in like the angel of death, destroying pirate freighters and fighters in its wake.

On the bridge the echoes of cheers were still sounding. Lieutenant Hudson's torpedo men had scored direct hits on the light carrier, completely destroying it. Bursting through the covey of freighters our ship with its side gunners had destroyed at least five, damaging many more. The main conflict area was still ahead of us.

“Communications? Have you gotten through to the colony yet?” The Captain still had his game face on and was short with everyone.

“Yes sir. We have, but they don't believe us. The pirates tried this trick already they said.”

Damn all pirates to hell. “Link your broadcast to my station. Audio and vid please.” The captain looked straight ahead at the main screen. “This is Captain Kodo Gorshin of the Empire of Humanity ship James Cook to any colony representative. Our assignment is to represent the Empire and protect its colony worlds. We intercepted two pirate ships in our closest system. We backtracked their navigation data to your location here. We have destroyed the pirate carrier. It is my request to have you either help us to defeat the pirates or retreat to your world. We can settle who is who after the battle. But pick a side. I have no desire to attack your ships. James Cook, clear.”

The intelligence officer spoke up. “Captain the pirate fighters have turned away from the colony ships and are on an attack vector toward us now. A squadron of Stuka IV's just launched from the cruiser and are flying CAP.”

“Lieutenant Hudson, get point defense ready and repel those fighters. Navigation, head for a position between the colony and the pirates.”

The main screen lit up with the face of an middle age man wearing a old fashioned suit and tie. “This is Bishop Heratio Beck the spiritual and temporal leader of Beck’s Refuge to the ship claiming to be from the Empire of Humanity. We have witnessed your attack on the pirates and villains who have threatened our world. While we are still suspicious, we will retreat to the planetary stations. If you are an enemy we will not hesitate to attack you. Beck’s Refuge clear.”

Shaking his head the Captain turned to the XO. “Status of the pirate ships?”

“Three squadrons of mixed fighters inbound and the destroyer is coming around to attack.”

“Keep point defense concentrated on the fighter's, main guns, take out that destroyer!”, the Captain roared.

I took that moment to get the Captain’s attention and said “Captain sir? Can I return to engineering to organize my people? We are about to take damage sir.”

“You are right. Dismissed Lee.” He turned back to fighting his ship. I quickly left the bridge and raced to engineering.

I had just made it to the lift when the ship shuddered from the first attack. Ignoring the lift I ran to the access tubes between decks. Popping the hatch I slid down the gravity well to the engineering deck.

My people were doing their jobs. The full shift was here and in action. We had damage control teams suited up and standing by to make repairs. Midshipman Jacobs acknowledged me with a sharp nod and returned to his panel. I caught Ellery's attention and called her over.

“Midshipman Ellery, I need you to pick three of your best crew and have them suit up and get into the fusion controller room. I had it fully stocked with food and water for three days already.” She gave me a strange look. “It is the safest place on the whole ship. If the worst happens they can safely get out and be able to save us. Just do it.”

The ship shuddered and jerked. We were starting to take a pounding. I looked around the room. “Did my droid show up.” Barteby answered.

“Yes ma'am, it did. It wandered off and I think it was fine tuning the engines. How did you make it autonomous?” A distant roar was heard.

“I'll tell you later, lets fight this battle first. Damage control teams get moving. That was a hull breach in the starboard section, we’re going to have minor damage both fore and aft.”

The ship shuddered again, violently this time. Alarms started to sound. “Get a team to fusion one, the room is open to vacuum. Get a hull patch in there ASAP! Anyone not in a pressure suit needs to put one on right now!”

“This is the Captain speaking, Good work folks, the fighters are returning to the cruiser. Gunnery crews excellent shooting. We need damage control teams both fore and aft. Med teams to your stations.”

“OK, Jacobs, Bartleby? I need you to take your teams and join damage control. We need to get as many of the hull breaches repaired as fast as we can before the next attack. Get moving”

The little trash can looking droid was already in action repairing small breaches from the outside of the ship.

Chapter 17

   The battle so far was in our favor. The James Cook had destroyed a carrier, at least five freighters, and over two dozen fighters. The ship had taken some serious hits and was open to space in several areas. The fight was far from over.

“Status reports.” Captain Gorshin was happy, his ship and crew had performed admirably so far.

“Sir, engineering reports that repairs have begun, Lieutenant Lee says that all major repairs will be patched and resealed within two hours. Medical is reporting lightly sustained injuries and five deaths due to decompression. All other systems are normal and functioning within standards. Staff replacements are switching crew around to allow some food and rest. Ammunition levels are at 75%.” The XO wondered how the captain kept from looking as stressed out as he was..

“Good work Peter. What are the pirates doing?”

“The cruiser is just out of our range. It's called the Ganuaile, it is the flagship of Kate O'Malley the selfsame pirate 'Queen'. Radio intercept identified her during the battle. They are rotating the fighters in and out of the cruiser for resupply. That destroyer along with the squadron of Stukas is patrolling the perimeter.”

“What about the planet? Any further communication with the colony?”

“No sir. They have been real quiet. That shipyard of theirs took a real beating. The pirates have left those defense platforms alone. They must be bad news.”

The captain leaned back and closed his eyes. “A good strategy would be to pin the pirates between us and those platforms. If possible we will do that regardless of whether they are assisting us or not.”

“Captain! We have movement. The enemy is getting into a formation.”

Watching the plot, the Captain and XO saw that the pirates were lining up into a battle wall formation with the cruiser in the middle, the destroyer on one end and the Stukas on the other. The now rearmed fighters surrounded the cruiser.

Hmmm, thought the captain. Someone has been reading some books. “XO bring us about, I want us facing the cruiser head on. Be sure to keep the colony platform to our stern.” The ship swung around and was now pointing at the pirates. “All stop. They are trying to draw us out. Stay right here.”

The pirate destroyers began to move forward, edging to port, trying to flank us. On the starboard side the small squad of Stukas were doing the same thing.

“Yes sir.”

“Good, they are trying to use an ancient Earth Zulu tribal attack formation called ‘the horns of the buffalo.’ The trick is to lure the enemy into attacking head on. When they do the outside of the formation loops around and encircles the attacker. Someone over there is thinking. It won't work but it’s a smart move. Have our main guns both fore and aft open fire on the 'outside' ships, the Stukas and destroyer. Let point defense take the fighters. We have one chance at this or we may lose them if they run.”

Watching his plot, the captain saw the outside attack force begin to circle around. It was at that moment that the James Cook's weapons began firing.

Lieutenant Hudson fired two full spreads of torpedoes before the main guns opened up on the destroyer and Stuka force. The pirate fighter squadrons began moving forward on attack vectors toward the cruiser. Explosions could be seen on the light cruiser. At least one of the torpedoes struck the light cruiser. It was at that moment when Captain Gorshin knew he had been suckered.

The empty pirate freighters had been hidden behind the light cruiser. They now came into view. The ships were moving at top speed, all on collision courses with the James Cook.

Jumping to his feet, the Captain began yelling “Sound collision alert. Evasive maneuvers, target change, target those freighters. Fire!”

All of the guns swung around and started firing on the now dodging civilian ships. One was hit by laser fire and instantly disintegrated in a large explosion. The pirates were using kamikaze tactics. Shattered debris and chunks of ships battered the ship as they bounced off our shields. All of the freighters had been destroyed. It was then that the real attack came.

“Captain, torpedoes closing to port!”

“Helm roll ship to avoid port torpedoes” It was then that the captain saw his mistake. The Stukas. Yelling he said “ BELAY THAT ORDER! Roll starboard.”

Slow and sluggish, the ship fought the helm for control as it rolled to starboard to avoid the torpedoes.

“Everyone hold on, we are going to take some hits!”

Two of the torpedoes hit the ship. The first striking the stern just above the engines. The second hit us amidships, punching through to the center of the ship.

Gunnery crews continued to fire killing many of the fighters and damaging the destroyer. The damaged pirate cruiser had changed course and was closing. It seemed that all might be lost, but then the colony opened fire. The flanking defense platforms fired on the remaining pirate fighters. There were few survivors. Starfury squadrons screamed up from the planet below and targeted the wounded cruiser attacking with War Shot. The explosions lit up the night sky. The lightly damaged destroyer reversed its course and boosted for deep space.

None of the colony’s ships had the 'legs' to catch it.

Chapter 18

Engineering was a mess. The torpedo strike above the engines opened our compartment to space. Ensign Johnson, one of our new officers, was sucked out of the breach to her death. Alarms were sounding and my command and control board was lit up like a starry night.

I saw legs sticking out of a pile of packing crates. Using an anti-grav unit I was able to shift the crates. “Jacobs are you alright?” The midshipman opened his eyes and smiled at me.

“I am now. Thank you, Lieutenant Lee.” The ship shuddered again.

“Good let’s find the rest of our team and get to work, we have damage to fix.”

Internal gravity stuttered and I felt the ship roll to one side as explosions rocked the ship. We managed to find about half of our people alive. The rest would have to wait.

“Jacobs take half the group and head toward the center of the ship. That is where most of the damage occurred. Repair as you go. Main lines first, get the vital systems up.” He took his team and got moving. The training I put them through was paying off. None of my people had a lost look on their faces.

My group stayed in the aft section. Without the engines we were screwed. I had a stray thought. “Wilson. Wilson are you there?”

“Yes Athena?”

“Are you still in touch with the droid.”

“I am. It is on the outside of the hull conducting repairs to the weapon system circuits.”

“How the hell did it get out there? Don't answer that. I don't have time. Do me a favor and check the internal computer system and reroute if you have to.” He was annoying but could be very helpful.

Working my way back to engineering I found midshipman Ellery repairing the airtight doors.

“Ellery, good to see you alive. When you get a chance go and let those three out of the fusion control room. We can use their help on repairs.”

“Yes, Ma'am, and thank you.”

“For what Ellery?”

“For believing in us and for the training you gave us.”

“You just needed a push in the right direction that's all. Now let’s get back to work, we have a ship to fix.” She left to let our people out. It was nice that my backup plan wasn't needed.

There had not been any explosions for a while so maybe the battle was over. Internal communications had just been repaired by Jacobs’ group.

Midshipman Bartleby didn't make it. He had been in the ship’s cafeteria when the torpedo hit. He and a full fifth of the crew had died in the explosion.

My console beeped. It was the captain. “Yes sir?”

“Lieutenant Lee, status on repairs?”

“Sir, power to the engines has been restored. Midshipman Jacob’s team just finished with communications and are moving on to life support and the gravity system. Midshipman Ellery's team is working on patching the larger hull breaches. My team is checking air tight doors and is on fire watch.” Taking a breath I asked, “Sir, how did the battle go?”

“It was close lieutenant, very close. At the last minute the colony intervened and wiped out the pirates. Don't let me stop you, finish what you were doing . There will be an officers meeting at 1000 hours to discuss our next steps. Try and be there.” I told him I would be.

I was able to stand my crew down at 0500 hours to get some rest. The majority of the major repairs had either been completed or were at least patched and holding. This allowed me to return to my quarters and get a short nap before the meeting.

   The officers meeting was in the Captain’s Ready Room, just off the bridge. We had lost many of the officers who would have normally attended. The ship was still at general quarters so the meeting was going to be a quick one.

The Captain called the meeting to order. Many of the officers had a haggard and beaten look about them. Not all had fared well in the battle. “I called everyone here to discuss the aftereffects of the battle. I have reviewed your status reports. Most of the departments have recovered. Casualties were light for what we had against us. I see surprise on some faces. The answer is yes, a fifth of the crew is small compared to some battles. In war people die.” He stopped and scanned the room catching everyone's eyes. “I would like to commend engineering and weapons. Without their efforts we might have lost this one. It was that close. If the colony had not joined the fight we might not be having this conversation.” I caught his eye.” Yes, Lieutenant Lee?”

“Sir, what is the status of the colony? Are they talking to us?”

“That is a bit complicated, but yes they are talking. And yes, they are a lost colony from one of the Ghost ships. For now they are talking to Commander Dunne. They call the colony Beck’s Refuge. Their ship, called the Boston Tea Party, was launched in the first wave of colonization. They claim that a navigation error led them this far out. The colonists were religious and political extremists. Calling themselves Conservatives they were fleeing from the totalitarianism of Earth. From what we know about Earth Gov at that time, they might be telling the truth.” The captain sighed. “We were right about the Tetch brothers. They stumbled upon the colony and tried to exhort them for supplies and technology. When that failed, they brought in 'representatives' from what they said was the government. That plan went south when one of the Tetch brothers attempted to kidnap a young girl and hide her on his ship. They managed to escape but only barely. We know the rest of that story. The attacks began shortly after that. Small at first then the big one we joined. They don't trust us. Not even a little. Apparently the sentence 'we are from the government and here to help you' is a huge curse on this planet.”

There was a knock at the door and Lieutenant Merlin had a message for the Captain.

“Sir, a courier ship just jumped into the system. It’s IFF says it belongs to Governor Tweed. Its really fast and should be here within the hour.”

“Thank you lieutenant. That just about completes this meeting. One more thing.” The Captain touched a button and vid from outside the ship came on. “Our marines found this on the outside of the ship. It was doing repairs and acting independently. The marines claim that it alone saved the ship by repairing the main guns after they were damaged.” The vid showed my little droid moving along repairing things as it went.

Uh oh. Busted. “Captain that belongs to me, it is a prototype of sorts. It got loose during the battle.”

“Lee it is autonomous, is it not? Later we need to discuss your revolutionary new design. Everyone is dismissed.”

As I walked back to my quarters Wilson chimed in. He echoed my thoughts at the time, how did the Governor know how to find us? WE didn't send a courier.

Chapter 19

The courier had a negotiation team on board and our new orders. We were to proceed to Clew Reach and finish off the pirate threat. The Governor thanked us for destroying the infamous O'Malley pirate clan and told us to make sure they were all gone or in prison. His negotiation team would take over for us in dealing with Beck’s Reach. Since the pirates were gone he was 'releasing' us to go back to our regular patrol. The whole thing was very strange and too hurried. It also left a lot of questions.

The Captain did not forget about our talk. He put it on my schedule and made sure I showed up.

“Lieutenant Lee, thank you for coming. Have a seat.” I sat at the conference table. It was just the two of us. “As promised I would like to talk about this project you have. Is it truly autonomous?”

“Yes, sir. I used a clone of Wilson's that he dumbed down as its operating matrix. It can take complex orders but really only understands engineering terminology. It will repair until it can't, then it will shut down. It waits for either more repairs or verbal orders.”

“This is a revolutionary design that I know for a fact the Navy will want first crack at. Can you build more?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. I will contact navy research and you can start testing them here on the ship.”

“Thank you Captain.” I hesitated, “I had a couple of questions about our fleet orders.”

“Just spit it out Athena. What is it you want to know?”

“More like questions really. How did that courier know where we were? How did the governor know to put a negotiation team aboard? How did the Governor know the name of the colony to put on the orders? And finally, how did he know about a 'notorious' clan of pirates that even we had never heard of?”

The captain had a thoughtful look on his face. He looked me in the eyes and told me what intelligence had told him.

Oh Crap!

At the very least our next deployment couldn't possibly be more exciting than this one could. It will be boring by comparison.

The battered Banzai class destroyer was seeking to hide in the shadow lanes of space. Taking time to get the previous wounds fixed that would allow it to return. Kate O'Malley looked at the records from her recent battle. Her face twisted in disgust as she slapped her hand, turning off the video. She looked out her view port and said softly, "Revenge, dear Captain, will be sweet..."

Look for more Athena Lee adventures soon

Book 4 - Revolutionary Due April 2016

Book 5 - Title not yet determined (Rev part 2) due April/May 2016

Book 6 - ?

Check out my blog ^{www.tspaul.blogspot.com}

Or on Amazon ^{www.amazon.com/-/e/B01C7IPHYQ}

So I have gotten a lot of Reviews some good some not so good. My First two books were works in progress. When they first came out they had a few issues. Now both have been updated with some new material.

Look for books 4, 5, and 6 This summer. Plus a few more surprises. Keep a close eye on blog for news.

Some of my reviews for Book 1 : The Forgotten Engineer

-Just a note. This book has been a #1 Bestseller for over 3 weeks in shorts reads.

3.0 out of 5 starsThis reads like a decent story IDEA

By ^daleraby on March 3, 2016

This reads like a decent story IDEA. It is too short however, overpriced on that basis alone and had too many grammatical and spelling errors. The story idea could have been developed into so much more that I was kind of disappointed. Keep at it, but don't give up your day job just yet. If this seems harsh, welcome to the world of professional writing padawan. At least you were brave and motivated enough to try..

3.0 out of 5 starsDecent but truncated.

By ^Adam Andrews on February 26, 2016

This feels like an incomplete story. It's got a good beginning part, and a good ending part ... but it's like the author decided to skip all the boring bits in the middle and just jump straight from start to end. It might be better to think of it as an introduction to whatever comes next -- which I'm still going to read when it comes out.

5.0 out of 5 starsGreat first book!

By ^J. Hendricks on March 6, 2016

Needs some work on editing, but I'm sure the author knows this. However, the story was really interesting! How crazy to be alone I space for 15 years in the middle of a battleship cemetery! The heroine really must be strong to live through and not be crazy! Can't wait for the next book!

4.0 out of 5 starsGreat story teller

By ^Scott on March 8, 2016

This is a hard review to write. I really liked the authors writing and have read both this and the next book and am waiting for the next installment eagerly.

However I was really generous in calling it a book. Thirty one pages isn't a book. If I didn't have kindle unlimited I wouldn't have read it in the first place, even having read it and liking it I would never pay even 99 cents for a 31 page novelette much less the 2.99 price listed. This is more like a very very short serialized story.

To the author...

I think you have what it takes to tell a great story. Your story is very reminiscent of the Galaxy Unknown series by Thomas DePrima crossed with the Wandering Engineer series by Chris Hechtl both of whom are very successful to my mind indie authors in this genre. The difference is that they are writing 300 to 700 page books. Your first episode could easily have been fleshed out to books size of 200+ pages. Just treat the existing book as an outline. You have all these great stories that you didn't really tell other than to say it happened all through the main plot line. The same with the second book.

I have read the other reviews left and know that your getting others saying that it's good but needs to be fleshed out. Listen to us. We really want to read this story the way it could be. :)

Nice story

By^Tendo Kayiiraon March 11, 2016

It was a bit short, but good. It makes me want to read more of her adventures. I laughed at the naming of the military vessels.

ganz ok

Von ^F. Lüttgens am 29. Februar 2016

Die Geschichte beginnt nicht schlecht aber 3€ für 31 Seiten?! zumal die Kurzgeschichte ja mehr ein Teaser ist für die folgende Serien ^Kommentar War diese Rezension für Sie hilfreich? ^{Ja Nein Missbrauch melden}

And now just a few from the second book Engineering Murder

"A lot of old-fashioned space opera action"

By ^Dorene Johnson on March 6, 2016

I read the first story of this adventure and wanted to see how the author advanced his story line. Editing is still an issue. Genders of some of the main characters is still up for grabs. I do hope this gets worked out. For a really short read, there is a lot of old-fashioned space opera action. The MC is a bit loose but developing more in-depth character. It is nice to see a smart fem in the main role. She does not sit around waiting for someone to rescue her, but uses her "smarts" to save herself. I want the author to make the next book longer as most of the action is run too fast.

Lots of fun!!!!

By ^J. Hendricks on March 6, 2016

This is a great story! Can't wait for the next one! The story flows better in this book than it did the first. And the action was really good too!

Gotta say I love all of the 20th century pop culture references! A ship named Wang Chung! Lol too many to name but it would make for a great scavenger hunt, how many pop culture references can you find? And can you find the one related to Star Wars????? Great job!!!

4.0 out of 5 starsGetting better

By ^Micah on March 12, 2016

A vast improvement over the first book with a more even flow in writing and editing. The storyline and concepts are still great and getting better with this 2nd book. Look forward to the next one.

This book is a work of fiction, All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.

Copyright (c) 2016 T S Paul

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

Cover designed by Michael T. Anderle

Editing by Diane Velasquez. Dorene Johnson, Jennifer Hendricks, Bree Buras, Jean Paul, Judith T Ney

Special thanks to Michael and to my wife Heather who keeps me grounded and to Merlin the Cat, we are his minions.