Lines Crossed Chapter Fourteen
GRID Traveler Trinity: Lines Crossed
Author: J Carrell Jones
Table of Content
Chapter 14
Chapter 14
“. . . Okay folks. Pulse gives the Johnson the green light. The transmits from GRID Command make the Johnson officially an explorer vessel. Lieutenant Newton is the new Chief of Science, with Warrant Officer Holloway on permanent assignment to Sciences. We got our first destination that’ll take us about a week to reach using long jumps. Dr. Loggar is the lead Scientist and Mission’s Chief. Milkens and Herb her staff, will work with Engineering and Sciences. We’ve replaced half our fighter wings with new shuttle groups. Commander Molino is in charge of Planet Fall and in System Flights. Lieutenant Quock is Chief of Security, ship and Planet Fall. Doctor Collins is Chief Medical Officer and Surgeon. Lieutenant Longhorn is in charge of Food Services and Planet Fall Supplies. Senior Chief Junker is in charge of Ship Maintenance and Sanitation. Senior Chief Goldman is in charge of Bay Maintenance and Control. Any questions?”
No one voiced any.
“Doctor, I’ll let you start.”
Collins began, “More than half the crew suffered mild headaches. A third suffered nausea with half that group vomiting after the jump. We only had 100 crew effected enough that they’ll still have to Trank, but at lower doses to allow them some ability to work and move about ship. Everyone else suffered little or no effects worth mentioning. I’ve put in place new procedures for future jumps. I’ve sent the procedures to all department heads.”
Sean nodded, ”Thanks, Doc.” He turned to Molino. “Commander?”
Molino cleared his throat, “Sir. We have a total of ten new Mark Delta Shuttles. Primary pilots have been assigned and simulation training started the moment we got word. I have three qualified pilots now, excluding me. The rest should be qualified within the week. We’re ready now.”
Sean smiled, “Quock?”
Lieutenant Quock spoke, “Security is ready. We finished a new series of planet fall combat defense and offense sessions. Half of security has been recertified in multi-environment survival tactics and strategies. GRID Command delivered the new MK rifles and Armor suits. That should cover most everything the infinite has to toss our way.”
Sean nodded, “Very good.” He turned to Lieutenant Longhorn, “Lieutenant? Food Services?”
“We’re in good shape, sir. We took on extra supplies and we expanded hydroponics by a quarter deck. We’re working out the details to supply each crew quarter with Ponic Pods for Berries and small vegetables . . .”
Sean perked up, “Really?”
Longhorn nodded, “Yes, sir. It’ll help stretch out ship supplies. It’ll also add to crew moral.”
Sean smiled. “Senior Chief Junker?”
Junker cleared his throat. He was from the Faulkner colonies and carried their famous Gothic accent. “Sir, the Johnson is in good condition. All air and water filters replaced. We replaced all fittings over five years old with Level 3 ones. All deck bathrooms now have retrofitted seals in the toilets and shower heads. We squeezed out three percent more in recycling while maintaining water pressure and flush strength. Autosweep bots have been upgraded to the newest model and all lighting elements have been replaced.”
Sean nodded, “Excellent, Junker. Excellent. Senior Chief Goldman?”
Goldman pushed his wired glasses up on his nose. “Bay Maintenance is top notch. Repulsion field emitters upgraded as all armatrons replaced. We retrofitted mounts and grips to accommodate our new shuttles. The replaced fighters have been dismantled and stored as salvage. And, Lieutenant Fielders received her transfer notice.” He looked Adriana in eyes and smiled. “Lieutenant Newton will be getting a gifted crewmate, she’s also getting a crewmate with habits.”
Sean nodded, “Okay, Lieutenant Newton, the floor is yours.”
“Thank you, sir.” She took a deep breath. “Commander Landtraps group converted part of K Deck as the Science Deck. We’re setup to accommodate a compliment of thirty personnel. Computers and labs are set. We’re tied into NAV and Astrogation. One new addition to Science is from Medical and Doctor Collins and myself worked out some process and procedures for cross referencing data. I haven’t had a formal meeting with staff but will after this meeting. Engineering has also established a permanent Top Deck station near Command. We’ll spend the week in transient tweaking and calibrating new sensors and monitors. I’ve already completed a schedule on training with new equipment, sir.”
Sean eyed his new Lieutenant. “Very good, Lieutenant. Okay, Pulse.”
Pulse leaned back in his chair. “The Johnson’s new engine upgrades are beyond great. They are exceptional. Lieutenant Newton schooled staff,” He winked and smiled at Adriana, “on new harmonic gravitational variations. Not only did we squeeze out twenty-three percent more power we used less energy in the process. As a comparison, the old engines would have redlined passed one-seven-five just to achieve what the new engines did at green line four-two point seven-five.“
Sean did a quick mental calculation. “Astounding!”
“And that is not all. We left two of Johnson’s original engines in place. The computer is running some simulations, but we might be able to push GRID propulsion tech further.”
Sean raised an eyebrow.
Pulse nodded. “Thought you might like that one, sir. It’ll be another eight hours before the simulation is complete.”
Sean said, “Kathy? You get last say.”
“Thank you, Sean.” Loggar tapped out a command on the table CRT and the lights dimmed. “As you know, the Johnson’s new mission is to find Alien life. We know it’s out there. . .”
The main vid displayed a starfield with a dozen stars circled.
“ . . . The existence of the Necronians proves it. And with Data collected from the Necronians we know there are hundreds of humanoid establishments. How many are at our level or beyond our technology we don’t know. Might be many, might be none. Out of all the hundreds of coordinates my team has narrowed our options to a dozen we can reach in a month’s time by long jumps . . . “
A flight path dotted across the map. An animated Johnson moved across it.
“Sean and I decided the Johnson’s first mission is to visit all twelve planets, survey the area for life, possibly leave a team with supplies, if we find life. The teams will determine if contact is warranted. It’s been almost a hundred years since Humanity has done any real exploring for life. We’re the first wave and we’re starting from scratch. With consultation from Lieutenant Quock and Doctor Collins we decided the team would consist of a five person Security team, one Scout, three medical personnel, and one Science staff. Since we’re building science from scratch the medical personnel team will run through a checklist of items from Lieutenant Newton. The team lead will be from Security until it has been determined immediate danger is not imminent. Then, the Lead Medical Office will be in-charge. On teams with Science personnel, science will be team lead. Security will, of course, take charge in an emergency. We’ll leave it up to Lieutenant Newton on which planets she’ll send personnel.” Loggar tapped out a command and the lights came back on.
Sean looked around, “Any questions, people?”
None.
Then he said, “May we have strong winds at our backs and smooth sailing before us. The horizon is far but the stars are bright. We have only a straight line to follow and destination is within reach. May the Johnson see results and reward us for our efforts and will of heart. Eight bells morning watch we begin. Meeting adjourned.”