Lines Crossed Chapter Twelve
GRID Traveler Trinity: Lines Crossed
Author: J Carrell Jones
Table of Content
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Sean tapped out a command on his CRT. “Pulse, are you ready?”
Pulse replied, “The Johnson is ready, sir.”
“How’s our new Lieutenant working out?”
“Captain, we’re here aren’t we, is all I have to say.”
Sean laughed – Lt. Commander Fortshure won a month’s pay.
“Very good.” He tapped out. “Mr. Kirkland, make announcement please.”
Kirkland entered the Shipwide broadcast mode, “Attention all hands, attention. Prepare for Long jump. Prepare for Long jump.”
Sean said, “Mr. Foster?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Move us out of dock please.”
Foster slid a finger along the acceleration strip.
The Johnson slowly moved from the docking station. At twenty klicks the Johnson stopped.
“Johnson is ready, sir.”
Sean nodded, “Very good.” He tapped out Shipwide broadcast from his CRT. “Attention crew. This is the Captain. Thirty seconds to Long jump. Thirty seconds to Long jump. Two bell rings to ten second countdown.” He tapped Shipwide broadcast off. “Mr. Foster, start countdown.”
The Johnson moved forward.
Foster entered the Long jump code. “Down to twenty seconds, sir.”
Sean turned to Dawn, “We’ve gonna have to come up with something new.”
Two bells rang.
Dawn said, “Should be something easy to remember. . . “
And, the Johnson jumped.
Sean waited and felt . . . nothing special. All the AVs said most likely nothing special would happen. He looked around Top Deck and crew did the same as he was doing. “How are you feeling Dawn?”
“A slight headache, but other than that good. Very good. You, sir?”
“Disappointed.”
“Sir?”
“I take that back. All this time, the Johnson could have had the upgrades, but no, we had to keep the older engines, Tranking, all because of some bullshit politics. I’m not disappointed, I’m pissed.”
Dawn nodded.
Foster said, “Captain, Long jump ending in 30 seconds.”
Sean tapped out Shipwide broadcast on his CRT, “All hands, all hands. Long jump ending in less than 30 seconds. Two bells to ten second countdown.”
Two bells sounded.
And.
Nothing. Sean was greatly disappointed again.
“Well, that was very disappointing. I don’t feel any different.”
“Same here Captain, though that headache got a little worse. I’m sure taking a PAREL will resolve it.”
“If that’s the worst we get then I’ll declare this test a success.” Sean said as he tapped out a few commands on his CRT. “Engineering, report, please.”
Pulse answered, “Captain, have we started the test yet?”
Sean paused, “Pulse?”
“Captain, the Johnson’s engines registered practically nothing. It’s amazing. Not sure how above redline we can push the engines but it’ll be something when we do.”
“Thanks, Pulse, I’ll see you in two hours. Debriefing room five.”
“Very good, sir. Engineering out.”
Sean tapped out Medical on the CRT, “Doctor, report please.”
Collin’s voice came through the speakers, “Captain, all is well. There are a few reports of headaches and some nausea. I should have some numbers by briefing time.”
“Thanks, Doc. Top Deck out.” Then, “Mr. Foster?”
“Sir,” Foster began, “Still calibrating NAV to the new engines. For some reason the specs are off . . .”
“Off?”
“Yes, sir. The Manual says there should be a 10-point variation from the old engines to the new at point six-zero power. I read an 80-point difference. COMP is still computing.”
“Why the difference?”
Foster shrugged, “The Engines, sir. Mr. Landtrap peaked the efficiency.”
“Okay, briefing in two hours. Mr. Kirkland?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Broadcast an all stand down. Department Heads to Briefing room 5 at afternoon watch four bells.”
“Briefing at afternoon watch, four bells, all stand down, sir. Will do.”
Sean stood up. “Dawn, I’ll be in Starboard’s Bow. You have the Conn.”
Dawn nodded, “I have the Conn.” And she watched as Sean stepped into a lift.
There was a bowl of Skilly waiting for Sean.
Cookie sat opposite and waved him over. “Captain!”
Sean walked over and sat. The Skilly smelled delicious. There was a tin cup of Rum to one side. Sean lifted the cup to his nose and inhaled. “Cookie? The good stuff?”
Cookie beamed. “Yes, Capt’n. Kind of a tradition.”
Sean took a sip of the Rum. The sweet liquid bit at his lips before sliding down over his tongue and down his throat. Sean knew Grog when he tasted it and this was it. “Damn, Cookie! It’s been awhile since I had some.”
“Captain, Miss Newton stopped by earlier.”
Sean nodded. He took a spoonful of Skilly. Magic.
“She says I’d only be on the Science team temporarily . . . “
“Now, don’t worry, Cookie. We’ll build the department up with new recruits next inbound and . . . “
“But Cap’n, I was hoping it would be permanent.”
Magic gone.
“I was hoping this could be a permanent assignment, sir.”
“Serious?”
Cookie nodded.
Sean lost his appetite and drained the cup dry. His stomach bucked.
Cookie noted the look on Sean’s face. “Captain, the Skilly was done by Lieutenant Longhorn.”
Sean looked down, “Really?”
“I’ve been coaching the Lieutenant for a while. Both messes are on auto-pilot, now. Haven’t you noticed I’ve been outside the kitchen more often?”
Sean had to think about that. Sure he noticed, maybe. “How long Cookie?”
Cookie laughed, “A while. This group is the best and finest I’ve had the pleasure to guide. The Lieutenant is ready. She has been for months and if the Capt’n will let me I’d like to step behind the burners and cook up a meal or two on down nights to keep in skill.”
Sean stared at the bowl of Skilly. He slowly lifted the spoon and scooped up a piece of lobster meat. He took a bite. The magic was still there. He took another bite and before long the bowl was empty. He wiped his lips with a napkin and stared Cookie in the eyes.
The big man smiled and waited patiently.
“Okay, Cookie. Once Lieutenant Newton finishes the transmits I’ll make the transfer permanent . . . are you sure about this?”
Cookie laughed again, “I am. Sir. The Johnson is a great war craft and now we’ll have an even better explorer craft. I’d like to be on the front line on this one.”
Sean nodded. “Thanks, Cookie . . . Warrant Officer.”
Cookie smiled, “Sir, Cookie will always do.”
Sean nodded, stood up. ”Very well, then, Cookie. Briefing room five, afternoon watch four bells.”