R.S.S. Moonstone

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Chapter Three

You have been chosen for a Secret Mission

Captain Harry H. Roberts was at that moment studying several overlarge negatives. On them, against a planetary nebula’s garish colors was an artifact. A stellated octahedron that reflected light from the binary star system it orbited. Amazingly the object was nearly eleven hundred meters in diameter. That was, according to the scale he’d been given it was that large. For all he knew if could be an odd game die floating just in front of the lens. “Ostul?” he asked, not expecting an answer. “They’ve left some odd things in space. It could be theirs. Maybe one of those odd artworks of theirs.”

“Older” a black and grey clad woman informed him. “Much, much older than the Ostul Empire. It may be one of the fabled Braken jump stations.”

“Impossible” Roberts whispered. “It’d have to be at least a million years old. Nearer a million and a quarter. Nothing non-natural survives and still functions that long. Not even in space. Not even Tael technology lasts that long. You say those scientists claim there are still a few functioning systems aboard?”

“Intel thinks it’s Braken Harry” Admiral Harberson offered. “There are legends that say they left this galaxy one half step ahead of the Ashkoth, and everyone knows the Ashkoth considered any digestible life form not their own as food. Even that definition was subject to change, depending upon who was hungry at the time and who was standing around. Thank God the Ashkoth were wiped out by the Ostul. They were only a few hundred light years from Earth by that time and I don’t think Neanderthals would have given them much of a fight. Anyway, given that option I think this is exactly what a Braken Planetary Jump Station would look like. Though I have to admit I never expected one to be this big. Or to find one still functioning. Much less in deep space. All we’ve ever found before is twisted, shattered fragments. Nothing this big. Not ever. It might even be the fabled Great Gate. The Great Gate. Now that would be a prize worth having.”

Harry sat the negatives down, preparing himself for what he felt in his gut was coming. “Those things are supposed to be one way sir. The larger they are, the farther they are rumored to go. So what are we supposed to do? Moonstar is not a warship. Not really. We’re a heavy cruiser hull deep space research vessel with barely the firepower of a standard destroyer. If the Uralth or Moffel get wind of this they’re going to be sending more force than Moonstar can stand up too. Even with Redemption as backup we’d be outclassed, treaty or no treaty. If you want someone to try it, there better be a return station in range. That thing might send a ship half-way across the galaxy. That’s a long walk home sir. Well beyond our current technology.”

“No one is asking you to go through that thing Captain” the strange woman answered. “No one. Your just delivering critically needed personal and supplies, while acting as a defensive force for a few weeks. In any case, all report’s we’ve seen so far are the thing doesn’t work. At least Ryan’s Rocket, that private scout that found this, has flown around and through it dozens of times with no effect. Your job is to secure the area until those reinforcements arrive. Redemption will stand by with you. True, she’s only a light destroyer but she’s all we have in the area. Besides she has a mine rack. It’ll easily double your firepower.”

“Who’s senior” Harry asked.

“You are” Admiral Harberson answered. “Captain Whitfield’s only two years in rank. Even at that she doesn’t have the training or experience your own XO has. Redemption just came out of dry dock three weeks ago. She was already headed out when this came up. I’d rather Punisher was ready, but that’s dreaming. She’s still parts in dry dock and light carriers simply don’t wander around that far out alone. Not without at least few cruisers. Anyway, if we had that group available we wouldn’t be sending you out.”

“Shorthanded, like always” Harry agreed. “Thank the politicians. Well, unless there is something else you want me to know I better get back to my ship. We should be okay as long as someone bigger doesn’t pop up to take a shot at us.”

“We know your not a warship” the still unnamed woman admitted. “Our problem is, Moonstar and Redemption are all the real firepower we have available. I’ve got Warheart already headed out, she’s running slow to link up with you on the way. What use an empty jeep carrier turned training ship is going to be I really don’t know, but with at least three months before a shipment of fighters will arrive I’ve no other use for her anyway. You outrank everyone aboard her so don’t worry about that. Their all instructors and greenhorns. Harry. All we are asking is that you do your best. Nothing more.”

“That you will always get, our best. Admiral? I’ll take my leave.”

“Good luck Harry” Admiral Harberson offered as Harry saluted, then turned to leave. None even suspected that this would be the last time any of them would meet face to face.