The Solarian Celebration: Book 3 of the Alliance Conflict by Jeff Sims

Author:Jeff Sims
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Tags: Science Fiction, First Contact, Alien Invasion, Space Opera, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Publisher: Jeff Sims
Published: 2016-07-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Russ looked at the communication screen in amazement. He said, “Captain, we just received new orders from the admiralty.”

Jim stood up. He wasn’t sure why he stood, so he sat back down. He changed his mind and stood up again. He figured that he should be standing when he received important orders. Somehow, it seemed more dramatic.

Jim said, “Are they marked secret or anything?”

Russ looked at the communication. He wasn’t exactly sure what the code meant. Learning how to pilot the cruiser was easy. However, learning the various communication codes and procedures was not nearly as straightforward as it seemed.

Russ answered, “No idea. I think it is marked urgent though.”

Jim now felt silly standing. He wanted to sit back down, but didn’t want to vacillate in front of Russ and Becky. Jim said, “Play the new orders.”

…The Alliance Navy department of clandestine affairs has reason to believe that a spy or possible Hiriculan defector is hiding on the observation platform in Opron. It is believed that this being possesses information about the Neto. Specifically, information that proves that Hiriculans have systematically engaged in selective breeding on a global scale.

“Nice background, but what does it have to do with us?” Becky asked.

“Good question,” Jim responded and casually sat back down. He hoped no one noticed.

…The Sunflower is ordered to proceed forthwith if not immediately to Opron, retrieve said asset, and return without delay to the Conron Naval Depot and Shipyard…

Jim said, “Computer, we already have orders to wait in Conron until Admiral Solear returns, then to proceed for permanent assignment in Waylon. Which one are we supposed to follow?”

…Both orders are legitimate and are from equal ranking admirals. However, this new order carries a higher level of urgency…

Jim said, “Meaning that we need to follow the order with the higher priority.”

Becky nodded affirmatively and Russ said, “So it would seem.”

Jim said, “Plot a course to Opron.”

Russ replied, “Straight through the system in real-time or jump around the outskirts?”

Jim said, “Let’s test the jump drive system. Plot a course around the system.”

Russ entered a solution of three jumps that skirted the gravity well of the system. He then ran a simulation to see if the computer approved of the course. The simulation beeped negatively. Russ double checked the coordinates and discovered that he had basically programmed the ship to jump in a triangle instead of an arc.

He readjusted the last set of coordinates and tried the simulation again. This time it beeped affirmatively. Russ said, “I think we are good to go.”

Jim wanted desperately to say “Engage warp drive” but managed to keep the witticism to himself. Instead, he simply said, “Let’s go.”

Russ placed the pilot cap on his head and let the information flow into his mind. He easily found yellow and attached the color to a corresponding color in his brain. He quickly attached the other colors.

The flow of information was much easier to trace in a cruiser than a fighter. However, there was much less information and control selections.

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