Galactic Alliance 3: Honor Thy Enemy by Doug Farren Page B
Authors: Doug Farren
Tags: Science-Fiction
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Crossing Over
“Approaching target coordinates,” the helm announced.
The Dragon slowed then dropped out of stardrive at the designated coordinates. Using a button on her command console, Captain Sheppard switched the main viewscreen to long-range tactical mode.
The star chart that overlaid the tactical data identified a star 1.6 light years from their current position. The data associated with this star was displayed in yellow because the navigational computer could not determine if the star was actually there. This was due to the effect of the Kyrra fold’s influence on space.
The computer’s map had been updated to account for the ‘missing’ space so it knew that the star was actually located where it appeared on the map. But, since gravity was unaffected by the hyperdimensional field, the star’s gravitational influence could not be detected by the Dragon’s exquisitely sensitive Hess sensors since it was gravitationally located nearly 1,200 light years away. A large collection of green icons peppered throughout the display indicated the location of the Alliance ships.
“We are being hailed by the Rin’Bak ,” the communications watch said a moment later. The Rin’Bak was a Tholtaran juggernaut, the largest and most powerful ship ever built by an Alliance race. The juggernaut was a truly gargantuan vessel measuring twenty kilometers at its widest point.
“Main screen,” Sheppard directed.
The face of a Tholtaran Fleet Commander appeared on the bridge’s main viewer. The Tholtaran home world was lit by a star rich in ultraviolet light. The Tholtaran’s had evolved a thick leathery skin and sunken eye sockets to protect themselves against the rays of their own sun. Their race had warred among themselves for centuries until they finally achieved planetary unity before joining the Alliance. Their society was still based upon a militaristic structure.
In addition to their leathery skin, Tholtarans were short in stature averaging 150 centimeters in height. They were bipedal and near Human in general shape and construction except for their larger ears. During the Tholtaran – Human war many Humans referred to the Tholtaran’s as Dumbo’s based upon the fact that their skin and ears resembled an ancient animated film version of an elephant.
“Fleet Commander Chomack, this is Captain Francine Sheppard of the Komodo Dragon . We will be maneuvering to position ourselves for entry into Chroniech space.”
“Captain Sheppard,” the Tholtaran replied. “The fleet has been assembled and is in position to deal with any Chroniech ships which may cross into our space. I would personally like to convey my hope for a successful mission. Good luck.”
“Thank you Fleet Commander. Just make sure you don’t mistake the Kyrra ships for Chroniech.”
Although Human jokes were, for the most part, a mystery for many Tholtaran’s, this particular individual had worked with Humans long enough to recognize one. His leathery face cracked a smile and replied, “Not to worry Captain. If too many ships appear on our screens we will try to remember which ones are friendly. Chomack out.”
After three hours of maneuvering, the helm reported that the ship was now at the precise position directed by the Kyrra.
“Very well,” Sheppard replied. “Transfer helm control to the ship’s computer and activate the auto drive initiation program.”
The helm made some adjustments on his console then reported, “Helm is now under computer control.”
Sheppard glanced at one her screens then pressed a stud on her console causing an attention tone to sound throughout the ship. “All hands this is the Captain. We have arrived at the coordinates provided to us by the Kyrra. According to their timetable, the hyperdimensional barrier could be altered any time between twelve and thirty-six hours from now. When this happens, the ship will automatically perform an emergency transition to maximum FTL drive.”
“In
Crossing Over
“Approaching target coordinates,” the helm announced.
The Dragon slowed then dropped out of stardrive at the designated coordinates. Using a button on her command console, Captain Sheppard switched the main viewscreen to long-range tactical mode.
The star chart that overlaid the tactical data identified a star 1.6 light years from their current position. The data associated with this star was displayed in yellow because the navigational computer could not determine if the star was actually there. This was due to the effect of the Kyrra fold’s influence on space.
The computer’s map had been updated to account for the ‘missing’ space so it knew that the star was actually located where it appeared on the map. But, since gravity was unaffected by the hyperdimensional field, the star’s gravitational influence could not be detected by the Dragon’s exquisitely sensitive Hess sensors since it was gravitationally located nearly 1,200 light years away. A large collection of green icons peppered throughout the display indicated the location of the Alliance ships.
“We are being hailed by the Rin’Bak ,” the communications watch said a moment later. The Rin’Bak was a Tholtaran juggernaut, the largest and most powerful ship ever built by an Alliance race. The juggernaut was a truly gargantuan vessel measuring twenty kilometers at its widest point.
“Main screen,” Sheppard directed.
The face of a Tholtaran Fleet Commander appeared on the bridge’s main viewer. The Tholtaran home world was lit by a star rich in ultraviolet light. The Tholtaran’s had evolved a thick leathery skin and sunken eye sockets to protect themselves against the rays of their own sun. Their race had warred among themselves for centuries until they finally achieved planetary unity before joining the Alliance. Their society was still based upon a militaristic structure.
In addition to their leathery skin, Tholtarans were short in stature averaging 150 centimeters in height. They were bipedal and near Human in general shape and construction except for their larger ears. During the Tholtaran – Human war many Humans referred to the Tholtaran’s as Dumbo’s based upon the fact that their skin and ears resembled an ancient animated film version of an elephant.
“Fleet Commander Chomack, this is Captain Francine Sheppard of the Komodo Dragon . We will be maneuvering to position ourselves for entry into Chroniech space.”
“Captain Sheppard,” the Tholtaran replied. “The fleet has been assembled and is in position to deal with any Chroniech ships which may cross into our space. I would personally like to convey my hope for a successful mission. Good luck.”
“Thank you Fleet Commander. Just make sure you don’t mistake the Kyrra ships for Chroniech.”
Although Human jokes were, for the most part, a mystery for many Tholtaran’s, this particular individual had worked with Humans long enough to recognize one. His leathery face cracked a smile and replied, “Not to worry Captain. If too many ships appear on our screens we will try to remember which ones are friendly. Chomack out.”
After three hours of maneuvering, the helm reported that the ship was now at the precise position directed by the Kyrra.
“Very well,” Sheppard replied. “Transfer helm control to the ship’s computer and activate the auto drive initiation program.”
The helm made some adjustments on his console then reported, “Helm is now under computer control.”
Sheppard glanced at one her screens then pressed a stud on her console causing an attention tone to sound throughout the ship. “All hands this is the Captain. We have arrived at the coordinates provided to us by the Kyrra. According to their timetable, the hyperdimensional barrier could be altered any time between twelve and thirty-six hours from now. When this happens, the ship will automatically perform an emergency transition to maximum FTL drive.”
“In
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