

I, HUMAN

Part One

## The New Renaissance

by

Vito Veii

I, HUMAN

Part One

## The New Renaissance

by

Vito Veii

Copyright © 2014 All Rights Reserved Vito Veii

Cover Design © 2014 Vito Veii

A fantasy science fiction story concerning the journeys of an android and his companions, as told by his Captain.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author

http://www.KozmicDreamers.com

This story is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this story are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

# TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One The Inventor

Chapter Two Renaissance City

Chapter Three Scrollos

Chapter Four The Crew

Chapter Five Padre

Dear Reader

About the Author

Discover other Titles

# PREFACE

_I, Human_ is an original, thought-provoking epic fantasy science fiction series. It incorporates elements of science fiction, action, adventure, epic fantasy, hard science fiction, metaphysics, philosophy, psychology, paranormal, and humor. The series is for those who like to ponder interesting ideas and enjoy an epic story along the way.

Come on a quest of adventure and discovery as Captain Magnusson, Padre, Vlen, Astra, Ambassador Legari, and others onboard the star carrier _Veda_ explore multi-dimensional worlds and alternate realities.

**In part one, the epic starts at a slow pace and gains momentum with each component added.** Altogether, there are eighty-five chapters in the first volume, with the second volume beginning at part eight, chapter eighty-six.

In my fashion, I endeavor to create credible characters and their universe using a robust framework on which to mount exciting and compelling ideas.

This book and the others in the series are dedicated to people of goodwill, and all kindred spirits, past, present, and future.

Vito Veii

#  Chapter 1

My name is Marcus Magnusson, and at 33 years of age, I've been given command of a starship carrier. I started young, having served as a Commander of a fighter squadron, group Commander of a strike force, and an Executive First Officer of an aircraft carrier.

My planet, Caeruleus, resides in a binary star system called Elysium, located inside a spiral nebula known as the Carina arm of the Milky Way, which is 25,000 light-years from the galactic center. The solar system has twelve planets, of which only five are terrestrial and inhabited. Its twin suns formed about 3,000,000,000 years ago, share an entwined orbit, and sustain temperatures of more than 24,000,000 degrees Celsius. Because of the twin suns, the planets in my solar system have two dawns and two sunsets, causing every cloud and object to cast two shadows.

Caeruleus is the sixth most massive planet in the solar system and the fourth planet from its twin suns. The furthest reaches of Caeruleus' atmosphere extend to 15,000 stadia from its surface. My home world rotates every twenty-eight segments; its axis tilts at 45 degrees toward the two medium-sized stars, and it orbits at a distance of 213,000,005 stadia from its twin suns. We define this distance as one astronomical unit. Looking down from space, one can see the seven major landmasses, including the two poles, and the dark blue oceans that separate the landmasses. I reside on the largest continent, called Terra Levis. Soon, my companions and I will visit the nearby planets of my solar system and then travel beyond its confines.

I was going to see my friend, Paul, an inventor who is also, at times, my mentor. He is my planet's greatest inventor, scientist, philosopher, and an eccentric polymath. It had been a while since I had seen him last, and I wanted to know what he was working on.

I sat, relaxed, guiding my Zephyr through the clear blue sky as the twin suns brightly blazed overhead. I landed the Zephyr upon a broad plateau, surrounded by a deep canyon. Shielding my eyes, I got out and looked up at the mountaintop where Paul lived.

I can cross the canyon by focusing on accelerating the atoms within my body, causing them to vibrate faster, and in the process, cause myself to become lighter than the surrounding air molecules. Achieving the desired state, I levitated upward and forward, toward the top of the mountain across the canyon. I can maintain this state of levitation only for a short time, as it takes a tremendous amount of concentration and energy. Floating across the canyon, I arrived at my friend's home.

Paul lives in a dome-shaped building 40 metrons across in diameter and height, its transparent arc broken by a giant protruding telescope and circular balcony. The building is made of transparent reinforced glass, with the appearance of marble superimposed in the middle section.

Hovering above the dome, one can enjoy views as far as the eye can see. Surrounding the glass dome lay a checkered octagonal black-turquoise floor upon which stood two scattered armies of metron sized game pieces, which respond to voice commands. Each player controls 24 pieces, with different capabilities that face opposite each other; Dragonist is still Paul's favorite game.

I glided gently to the base of the building, then lowered myself next to the entrance, and spoke into the 3D video com.

"Hey, Paul, it's Marcus – your worst student."

"Marcus, what a surprise! Come on up!"

Paul sent down the anti-grav lift to bring me to him, for which I was grateful, as I had expended most of my energy to cross the canyon.

Paul greeted me warmly at the lift entrance with a shake of my hand.

"It's great to see you, Marcus."

"I'm happy to see you're still alive and in good health," I grinned.

"What's this rubbish, talking to me like that? I feel like a young man."

I smiled and looked across the room. I saw the two auto-conforming sofas opposite each other with the other objects in their usual positions. Today I was here to see Paul's latest creation, an advanced android - the first of its kind. I crossed the floor with Paul and casually reclined on one of the sofas. Paul, though old, was still a striking figure: he was tall of stature, with silver-white hair, intense piercing green eyes, an olive complexion, with a creased forehead, and an eagle nose. Paul's whole demeanor was suggestive of a man who was a thinker as well as a man of action, as the truest stoic philosophers are. Paul was also the chairperson of the science and ethics committee, which was always trying to push through new scientific ideas. I noticed his saffron robe changing shades, according to his thoughts. He was the first on our planet to pioneer thought reflective clothing, and the first to wear it. At his side was his newly created android.

The android tall and silver in appearance, possessed a male physique with skin made of living metal, and eyes that shone like nebulas in dark space. The android was Paul's latest creation in his quest to engineer sentient artificial life. I wondered if Paul had taught the android his great love of philosophy. Most of my planet's philosophies had been given to us two millennia ago by travelers from the planet Earth, which resides in the Orion arm of the galaxy. Earth people are more technologically advanced than the people of my world, and though our peoples are very similar, in some ways, we're not. It's been over 200 years since anyone from Earth has visited our world.

"Sir, would you like some refreshments?" the android asked.

"No, thanks," I replied.

The android reclined itself next to Paul, silently studying me. I was surprised at the android's voice. Unlike earlier models, the android's voice was warm and resonant, sounding remarkably natural.

"Paul, I know you have been busy working on improving the brain of the android – so what have you done, exactly? What is the android's brain made of?" I asked.

"Ever the inquisitive one, aren't you?" Paul pretended to complain, shifting his position.

"Very well. Last week, I programmed him to recognize over four hundred emotions by analyzing the muscle groupings in the face and people's body language. His brain is equivalent in size to a normal human brain, made of a crystalline structure suspended in a magnetic field and capable of enormous amounts of parallel multi-threading to the 32nd degree. No doubt you understand some of the basics of brain engineering?"

"Of course, I do. I had the best teacher, didn't I?"

"Then, Marcus, let me give you a quick rundown of some of the newest ideas I have incorporated into my creation since the last time I saw you," Paul said, savoring the moment as the gleam in his eyes became brighter.

"As you know, the android brain is made of a metamorphic poly resonating crystalline structure, segmented along the lines of the human brain. If you were to examine the brain under a photonic multi-dimensional microscope, you would find it made of crystalline lattices, existing and functioning within six dimensions."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"Sensory data entering into the lattice via the android's senses are translated into analog light impulses instead of the usual digital light impulses as used in the current stock standard androids. The captured signals vary in intensity and depth, depending on the source from which they originate. As you know, light photons can hold various amounts of energy and, therefore, the corresponding amount of information. The lattices within the crystal of the android brain captures, transcribes, and retains the data, which is then accessed by holographic lasers. These lasers are arranged in a harmonic series determined by the most appropriate mathematical algorithm. They correspond to the different functions of the human brain required to process various kinds of information.

He picked up a glass of water and had a sip and continued.

"For any movement of the body that requires coordination and balance, the metamorphic crystal that corresponds to the human cerebellum vibrates in varying degrees of intensity and length. These vibrations of the metamorphic crystal send photonic signals to the android's limbs, much like nerve impulses sent from a human brain to its limbs needed to produce motions. The photonic light travels inside the conducting material, which is surrounded by insulating materials, preventing the leakage of light."

"That's a hell of a feat of engineering on the quantum scale! A fantastic achievement!" I blurted, stunned.

"What does it use as a power source?"

"Thanks, Marcus," beamed the engineer-philosopher.

"The breakthrough came when I realized analog signals processed within the metamorphic crystal give the closest approximation to the way signals are dealt with by the human brain, as opposed to using digital light impulses. Not only that, it uses only two watts of power to handle a medium complex task compared to that of a human brain, which typically uses 20 watts."

"But, what's its power source?" I asked.

"Wait for it!" Paul grinned. "To replenish its power source, the android drinks a small amount of water, which it processes within itself. This android is one of only two of their kind; both are unique in concept and design. Hopefully, a new prototype for future models will emerge from all this hard work."

"Powered by water... that's amazing! Where's the other android?"

"The other android, a female, is with my friend, Enrico, who is also a scientist. Both the androids' brains were created at the same time; one programmed male and the other female," he said.

"Is the android a male in full detail?" I asked.

"Absolutely."

"I presume the female android is also a woman in full detail?" I asked.

"Yes, she is."

"Have the two androids spoken to each other?" I asked.

"No. The female android was taken away by Enrico and activated at his home, so these two androids have never interacted."

"Hmm, interesting. I wonder what would happen if the androids met?" I asked.

"Maybe nothing. But then again, maybe everything," Paul said.

He turned his face toward the android.

"Let's go down and start another game of Dragonist," Paul said.

"Yes, Master Paul," replied the android.

"Do you mind if we all go below together for a while?" Paul asked.

"Sure, I have a bit of time to kill," I said, agreeing.

We then proceeded downstairs, where Paul ordered the game pieces to assume their starting positions on the game board. When they had finished, Paul picked up two small game pieces from a table and hid them behind his back.

"Pick one, Vlen," Paul said.

Vlen reached out and selected Paul's right hand holding the gray-white king. I watched intently, as Paul and the android gave voice commands to the moving pieces. Nearly a segment had passed before the end came unexpectedly.

"Gargoyle takes dragon queen, endgame," blurted the android.

I detected a tone of satisfaction in its voice. Paul muttered and stroked his beard, then knocked the dragon king on its side, signifying his agreement with the android's declaration. I calculated that the android had barely won, but noted from the scoreboard that Paul had lost all of the games in the last two days. Anyone else would have given up by now, but not Paul.

"Would you like to play another game?" Paul asked.

"If you wish, Master Paul," the android replied.

Paul winked at me and pointed at a recording device, which was measuring and recording the android's mental processes while they were playing.

I nodded. Ah, that's the real reason you keep playing.

"If that's the case, I'll be going back inside, where you can find me on the balcony enjoying the spectacular views," I said.

From the terrace, I saw the stars beginning to come out. I gazed upon Infernos, a bright flame in the sky with the second and third planets, Copernicus and Galileo, shining less brightly. I continued to watch, as the twin suns' dying rays touched the dome, bringing it to iridescent life with shimmering colors as if it was on fire.

About a segment later, Paul and the android joined me on the balcony. Looking at them, each approximately 1.95 metrons in height, noble in their bearing, I was reminded of the ancient Earth mythologies. Caught in the suns' rays, Paul, and the android appeared as two beings from Mount Olympus - one the majestic Zeus and the other an unknown god. In my mind's eye, I pictured myself as the odd one out, being 1.81 metrons in height, and dressed in a dark navy-blue uniform with insignia designating the rank of Captain.

"Let's stop here for a while. In ten minutes or so, it will be completely dark," Paul said.

He walked over and guided his telescope to its usual position among the stars, hoping to discover something new. I knew he was puzzled by the darkness presenting itself slowly along the North-East rim of the galaxy; it had not been there a week ago. I also looked.

"What do you think is causing the anomaly?" I asked him, looking up.

"It might be a super black hole, billions of stadia across. But my telescope is not detecting the typical bright matter that reaches temperatures of millions of degrees before being sucked inward. Nor is the telescope detecting the usual gamma radiation associated with black holes."

He paused, the silence weighing heavily on my ears.

"I have to conclude I'm looking at a new phenomenon that's growing bigger," he said.

Occasionally, the android walked over to the telescope to look through it.

Does the android understand the significance of what it is observing?

In my mind's eye, I imagined whirling little mechanical cogs. Perhaps the android saw my wheels in motion, too, because he turned around to face me.

"Sir, I presume from the expression on your face, you are wondering if I derive any benefit and pleasure from gazing through a telescope? I want you to know that I do."

I didn't respond; I was amused and surprised by his statement.

"Impossible!" Paul exclaimed.

"Androids are incapable of experiencing real emotions. Humans can program androids with fake or simulated emotions and cues in response to certain situations and stimuli. Stellaris, you are the first of your kind, capable of independent thought and learning to a level unknown in previous generations. However, I have not programmed you to experience real emotions. I wouldn't know how to. You are experiencing a delusional self-image; a time lag in your thoughts is creating this illusion within your head. Know this. Each thought is like a single frame of a film. When you have many frames of the film running in sequence, it gives the illusion of movement and life inside your brain."

The android was about to reply when I interrupted.

"Paul, if you don't mind, can you two discuss this later? I have some business to talk about."

"Just a moment, please. I have to take a new fix on the expanding darkness at the outer fringes of our galaxy."

He made some markings and calculations on the holographic computer and then made a further adjustment to the telescope before sitting down. I could tell the phenomenon bothered him; he had a terrible sense of foreboding about its unexplained appearance.

"You look worried," I said.

"Of course, I'm worried. I see a phenomenon I can't explain, annihilating everything that comes into contact with it, including light."

"Well, if you're worried, then, I'm worried, too. But right now, I'm more concerned about our world, which is on the verge of a global war. Frankly, it scares the hell out of me, Paul. As a kid, I wanted to be a space explorer, but I never imagined my ship would be full of weaponry in anticipation of war."

"The Supreme Council is only making contingency plans," Paul said. "In spite of all this, Marcus, I want to congratulate you. I am so proud that you are in command of a star carrier. Which of the three ships are you the Captain of - The Graziella, Veda, or The Valeria?"

"Veda," I said.

"Ah, Veda. I've seen pictures of her and her sister ships. They are all very impressive: robust in build, sleek in design, and golden in color."

"You should see the command deck; it's very spacious, allowing for impressive views of space."

"Marcus, did you know in the old Earth tongue, Veda means 'to see,' and its secondary meaning is 'to know'?"

"I guessed the first meaning, but I didn't know its secondary meaning. Thanks for telling me."

"Do you know the meanings of the names of the other ships?"

"I understand from my superiors the word Valeria means 'valiant' and the word Graziella means 'lovely with grace.' – they are formidable war vessels." I said.

Paul sighed and remained silent for a moment.

"I wish I was going with you."

"Is that because of the political situation?" I asked.

"That's right. I fear the world is sliding toward war."

"A planetary war... that's an ugly thought, Paul. Let's hope it never comes to that."

"As you know, Marcus, our government, is trying hard to contain the problem and stop the political situation from deteriorating further across the globe. It's a pity each of the political blocs that represent all our world's nations are extremely distrustful of one another. There is no longer any trade or communication between any of the blocs. That was not the case two years ago. I am afraid this is a precursor to war. History has shown us that certain events occur before the opening of hostilities, and we are now repeating those events."

"Well, what can we do?" I asked tersely. "The United Planetary Government was formally dismantled three years ago. All of the blocs, apart from ours, had seceded. We were forced to dissolve the planetary government in the final session."

Paul lowered his gaze and sighed before speaking.

"War is coming; I can feel it. The people of the third bloc 'the homo superiors' believe that the rest of humanity is inferior and don't deserve to live or use our world's resources. They want to shape the world in their image, making it genetically pure – and Marcus, it's not a rumor anymore. Our government has confirmed that all homo-sapiens in the third bloc have been expelled or worse. I fear they are creating a genetic weapon that only targets homo sapiens, subhuman hybrids, and mutants, such as those created by the second bloc. The homo superiors' love of self and cold reasoning has made them emotionless creatures."

"Yes, they are evil, and they would like nothing better than to wipe us out," I agreed, frowning.

Paul walked away and grabbed a drink from the bar, then came back.

I sat down, depressed by what he'd said. He feared the third bloc, but the second bloc was just as bad. Miscreants, a mixture of homo-superiors and homo sapiens, ruled it through greed, corruption, and a weak central government. I had always found them to be malignant individuals, drunk with power, insane pleasure, and lust. What's more, they had created not only mutants but also a species of sub-humans – by breeding humans with animals for sports and war. I imagined if I could look into their minds, I would find only filth and corruption. Just within the last two years, my bloc had received confirmation that hybrids and mutants were being made to fight to the death in gladiatorial sports. Whatever humanity may have existed in the rulers of the second bloc had disappeared long ago. They, like the third bloc, just wanted to add our resources and technology to their own.

"We're very fortunate that the ProConsuls of our bloc look only to continue in peace and prosperity," I said.

Paul shook his head sadly. "Our citizens are protesting in the streets against the inhumanity of the other two blocs. Some of our citizens want to go to war, while others want to stage protests on our mutual borders. Recently one small group of demonstrators crossed into the second bloc and were never heard of again," Paul recalled.

"I heard about the disappearance," I said. "That incident was the trigger that started the activists organizing raiding parties attacking civilian and military installations inside the second bloc's territory, while our government disavows these raids."

"But," Paul said. "The ProConsuls are slowly preparing for war - a war that none of the blocs can win," Paul said.

"Paul, you're one of the world's most intelligent men. Can't you think of a way for us to get out of this?" I asked.

Paul looked at me with tired, sad eyes. "I have a rough idea of a plan of how we could save just our bloc, but I am still working on it. It's radical, untested, and will require many years of work and experimentation," he said.

"We may not have many years," I said.

Paul cast his gaze downward. He knew I was probably right.

"Marcus, did you finish your degree in astrophysics?"

"I sure did; if I hadn't finished the degree, I wouldn't have been given command of _Veda_. I never worried about not completing the degree, because astrophysics is enjoyable. Sometimes, I like nothing better than to relax and look through a telescope, with music playing in my ears while watching the stars."

"Ah, I know what you mean, Marcus. I often look at the stars while listening to opera."

"Well, my musical tastes don't go back that far," I grunted.

The android had cocked its head to one side, looking at me through nebula eyes. "Sir, when will you be leaving to conduct space explorations?" he asked.

"I will only know when I am given my orders by the Admiralty, which receives them directly from the three ProConsuls who work out these decisions in private," I said.

The android made a shuffling noise before speaking again.

"I know how the system of government works. Our bloc's government is made up of the three ProConsuls, the cabinet, Senate, and the House of Representatives. The politicians in the House of Representatives and Senate are elected from twelve socio-political parties using a preferential voting system. These socio-political groups are organized according to the similarity of professions. All socio-political groups recognize the importance of other contributors to the development and maintenance of society."

"Whoa, whoa! Take it easy!" I interrupted. "I didn't come here to receive a lecture on the political organization of our government," I said.

Paul laughed at my pained expression. He knew politics was something I would rather leave to someone else to deal with.

"Please forgive my overzealous android, Marcus. He is still learning. He is a blank slate, like all of us, are, when we are born. Marcus, I was thinking, how would you like to take my android along with you when you go traveling into space?"

I looked at Paul sideways.

"What?" I answered slowly. "Just like that? Where's the catch?"

"No catch, no conditions other than you, your crew, and my android come home whole. Think about it. He is a walking supercomputer, and an excellent Dragonist player – one that will certainly sharpen your mind."

I considered the advantages of having a super-fast, super-strong, calculating machine in the guise of the First Officer. He would need to be programmed for the position of the ship's Executive First Officer.

"Paul, how fast can you program the android to learn the position of the ship's Executive First Officer?"

"Marcus, in one segment, he will know everything that the ship's Executive First Officer needs to know. But he will need a few segments of flying time."

"Okay, that's a deal. What is the android's name again?"

"I've named him Stellaris, as he is always observing the heavens through the telescope."

I looked at Paul and then the android, slightly incredulous. Again I wondered if the android was truly capable of experiencing the moment.

"Do you often look through the telescope?" I asked.

"Yes, Captain, I like to look when Master Paul is not using it, and why not?" the android said. "There is no real difference between you and me, in our ability to experience the pleasure of the stars."

"Now, I know there is something wrong with you," Paul murmured. "Perhaps I should give you another checkup?"

Hmm, it's interesting to hear these words coming from a sophisticated machine, taking itself seriously.

"But now is not the time for a checkup," Paul said. "I will give you as a gift to my friend, Marcus. I want you to guard him well, as I have built you well and are virtually indestructible. When you come back from your travels, we shall talk about whether you still think you are a sentient being or not – and you can also tell me about the stars I will never visit. Now, Stellaris, come over here and receive the programming for Executive First Officer. After that, both of you can leave. I have work to do."

I sat down, continuing my talk with Paul, while the android received his programming. One segment later, the android's programming was complete. I stood up and shook Paul's hand as he gave me a brief embrace and wished me luck. The android offered Paul his hand as well. Paul took it and gave the android a brief embrace, telling him to take care of himself. Paul had no children; for him, this android and the female android were the closest he would get to having children.

The android and I emerged from the anti-grav lift and stood for a few seconds, admiring the view. The android looked at the lush green forest trees that were thousands of years old. I wondered what the android was thinking of; if anything at all. I looked at the tree closest to me. It was so big; one could carve out a house and live in it. I could live in such a home if the world were a different place.

I turned to the android and said it was time to leave. We focused on floating over the canyon toward the plateau where I had parked the Zephyr.

We arrived where my photonic-powered Zephyr waited for us, hovering half a metron above the ground. The photonic cells of a Zephyr, invisible to the naked eye, are built into the material of the transparent canopy. The aerodynamically designed transports are usually seven metrons in length, two and a half metrons in width, and two metrons high. The top part of the vehicles is generally transparent and liquid in form and can disappear and reappear via commands within a second. The Zephyrs are self-maintaining, running periodical system checks, and self-cleaning when they are not in use. The android was fascinated by the Zephyr. It was the first time he had seen one close up. He walked around the vehicle, touching its exterior. Inwardly, I smiled; his actions were somewhat human.

"Captain Magnuson, I presume the Zephyr is made of a biomaterial consisting of nanotubes, that is self-repairing?" the android asked while touching the transport here and there.

"Yes, it is extremely resilient, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable when left submerged in water for two weeks," I said.

The android studied the control features from the outside. They were stylish, yet functional, measuring speed, altitude, compass, and wind direction, among other telemetry. I informed him the autonomous Zephyr could achieve a top speed of 500 stadia, with a maximum cruising height of 15,000 metrons. The Zephyr was also capable of traveling underwater at a rate of 200 stadia per segment. I also explained to him how the high towers create highways in the sky using laser lights, replacing the need for roads on the ground.

"Can I fly the Zephyr?" asked the android.

"Sure, but I have to give the voice command to enable the Zephyr to start."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Come on. It's time we headed back to the city."

We got into the Zephyr, and with a command of my voice, the Zephyr rose in the air.

"Home."

The Zephyr tilted slightly upward, leveling off at 500 metrons as it began its journey. The capital city was 1,500 stadia away, and we would reach it within three segments. I switched the music on and engaged the retractable roof cover, as it was now dark and cold. The last embers of sunlight touched the horizon to the west in front of us, casting a diffuse glow of reds and yellows before fading to black. The android seemed to be pleased with his control of the Zephyr and his newfound freedom. I sat back, enjoying the view. It was a bright, starry sky, magnificent for stargazing. After traveling for one segment, I directed the android to land the vehicle so that I could get out and stretch my legs.

"Very good. You landed the Zephyr like a professional," I complimented.

"Thank you for the opportunity, Captain."

"I'm going for a walk; you can take it for a short flight, and get some flying time under your belt."

The android, still in the seat, took to the skies in a flash, practicing dives, barrel rolls, and looping maneuvers.

I wandered around, looking at the starry sky, wondering about the mission and thinking of Paul probing the mysterious darkness, where no stars shone.

The primary objective of the mission would probably be acquiring new technology and establishing relationships with advanced civilizations on alien worlds, but it could also include something else. All I knew for sure was that I would be leaving within three weeks and visiting the inhabited planets of our solar system - Fortis, Gigas, Sapentia, and Grandius. I wondered about aliens from outside the solar system – would they be peaceful, like the aliens from our solar system, or would they be hostile?

Offworlders frequent our bloc from the neighboring planets, whose citizens are more advanced than we are. As a rule, they don't share their technology with us. From what I've heard, they don't trust our world with its thinly coated veneer of civilization – not that I blame them. In some areas of the political arena, their refusal to share their knowledge has led to resentment. Despite the aliens' refusal, diplomatic ties were established with the Fortis and Ingentum. The offworlders though friendly and well-disposed keep to themselves, allowing only our top diplomats and the ProConsuls to enter within their embassies.

I shone a laser beam into the sky for the android to come down, and he immediately landed the Zephyr nearby. Seated inside the vehicle, I talked to the android about aliens and the other matters on my mind. He occasionally nodded in agreement with my statements. I checked myself.

Why was I telling him these things? Was it because he was different from other androids, or perhaps I needed someone to talk too?

I watched him as he calculated how many stars there were in the Milky Way. I was more interested in the planets than the stars. In our galaxy, our scientists had estimated at least 200 million planets capable of sustaining advanced forms of civilizations, but they had yet to prove the theory. That was the main reason why I was going into space - to discover new cultures.

I was eager to begin the journey, thankful that I would be able to get away from all the news coming from the second and third blocs. Yet, I wondered if I should remain to urge the government to more significant action - but then again, the mission was of the utmost importance.

My thoughts raced ahead. In my mind's eye, I started checking off a mental list of some of the crew I would select, a Captain's duty and privilege. I had yet to choose my First Executive Officer and some of the senior officers. Some officers would be chosen for me by the Admiralty, while I would be allowed to select the others. I was eager to begin the selection process, but I also knew it could be tedious. I'd certainly had enough of reading electronic dossiers.

It was completely dark now, and the stars were shining with a high-intensity tonight. I could see parts of the Milky Way, forming an arch against the sky, rising from the horizon, vast, majestic, and panoramic. I stood there for a moment, transfixed by the breathtaking beauty and forgot my thoughts and misgivings. I placed them aside for the moment and picked up a 3D camera from the Zephyr to take some pictures to add to my collection.

I enjoyed the ride back home to the capital of my bloc, Renaissance. A city renowned for its beauty and love of the arts, sciences, and metaphysics – a metropolis worthy of being the heart of the Republic.

#  Chapter 2

Before us, spread out in a circular grid, lay Renaissance, population 30,000,000. The city has a surface area of 41,000 square stadia and is located seventy-five stadia from the ocean, and surrounded on three sides by mountains. These mountains are some of the tallest on the planet, around 12,000 metrons in height. In the sierra are tunnels, people can pass through and go to the countryside to enjoy nature, or they can also fly over them using their Zephyrs.

The city had been built from scratch 70 years ago as a response to the need for greater security. It was decided that once this requirement was met that the city should be as beautiful and elegant; its architecture radiant and gleaming during the day, and resplendent at night. The buildings had been designed to match and complement each other, reflecting the belief that art, science, and the metaphysical should have equal importance alongside the activities of commerce.

The tallest building, the Great Tower in the Centre, was dedicated to God and stretched eight stadia high. At the pinnacle of its rooftop, a beacon emitted a golden-white light, which created a beautiful, iridescent, halo effect. The light is kept on day and night, out of respect to the Great Maker. Powered by the twin suns, it cost almost nothing to maintain.

At the tower's base, lay the library containing my society's constitution, which defined the rights of an individual, and the powers and limitations of the state. The octagonal building is surrounded by a wall with eight gates. Above each entrance, there are statues made of the most beautiful marble. Each figure bears a different motto to remind citizens of our society's fundamental values. The arched gateways are entrances to conjoined museums, which all lead to the national library.

To the right of the tower lays the Academy of Sciences, a vast ring-shaped building, reaching thirty stories high and stretching six stadia in diameter. The building encloses a park with a lake, a giant aviary, botanical gardens, and a zoo. To its left is the University of knowledge and Life. The University is a hexagonal-shaped building of enormous proportions, intricately designed and embedded with artistic and architectural beauty, dotted with broad, oval-shaped leadlight windows that reflect colored sunlight onto marble floors.

Next to the Academy of Sciences is the Academy of the Philosophers. In several of it's newly created amphitheaters, great debates would rage well into the night or even for days on end. Seven stadia to the left of the Great Tower is the Space Academy, where one can undertake studies in subjects such as astronomy, astrophysics, and their practical applications.

To the east lays the Military Academy, its symbol a giant shield with lightning bolts and an upright sword with the words "Semper Fidelis" engraved at the bottom of the shield. Not far from the Military Academy was a general business city area, occupied by small corporations and individual companies that had established themselves. Interspersed among them are several significant government buildings.

The main city streets radiated outwards from the central tower, intersected by concentric roads. Outside the city, in the northeastern zone, the power station converted sunlight into energy for the Metropolis with the excess energy funneled under the ground.

My home is in an outer sector of the city, designated by the council as belonging to scientists and space explorers, with a giant bronze sculpture of the solar system representing the sector. Immediately adjacent is the district of the Christian monks and priests, the first of whom came from the planet Earth with the first wave of explorers. A giant metal cross represents Their sector.

On the other side of my division lay the zone of the workers, their symbols being the ancient tools of the hammer, chisel, and saw. The workers are the backbone of society, and with the help of automated machinery and massive 4D printing machines, they build the magnificent buildings that the architects have designed, taking immense pride in what they do. What I like about the workers is that despite the automation of machinery and access to androids that can do all of the work for them, they still prefer to get their hands dirty. They believe work gives people dignity and a sense of usefulness.

Next to the sector of workers lay the area of the analytics. Their symbol is a gray pilgrim cast in stone holding a bronze and glass lantern aloft. The lantern's light brings to life the pilgrim's chiseled face. The analytics hold some truths to be constant while recognizing that sometimes, one must go from one truth to a higher principle to advance to the next level of learning. Beside the sector of the analytics lays the division of the Buddhist monks. Their symbol is a giant bronze statue of a smiling monk, sitting cross-legged, with eyes closed – but with the third eye open.

Next to Buddhists lay the sector of the nature lovers, the ones who treasure the environment above all other things. They are a small minority, but an important one. They usually find occupations tending to nature and protecting the environment from the harmful effects of humans. However, even they admit there is very little harm our society inflicts on the surroundings today.

From the outer edge of the tower, every year, on separate days, all the classes hold a parade down the main road to celebrate their achievements. On those days, everyone likes to blow off more steam than usual. The nightclubs make a great deal of money on the show days. Each caste that celebrates its show day is always the one that makes the most commotion in the evening clubs. Sometimes, the disturbance goes a little too far, but only on rare occasions are people thrown into jail for being drunk and disorderly.

My thoughts were interrupted by the Zephyr's descent, parking itself in front of the Zephyr port of my detached home, one of twelve on the block. The buildings in my zone are oval, semitransparent, approximately forty metrons across, with a height of up to 20 metrons. On our approach, the port door began to slide up, and the lights switched on automatically, allowing me to see ahead as the Zephyr parked itself inside. I closed the port door by voice command as we stepped out of the floating Zephyr onto the floor, and proceeded through the archway into the main living area of the house. The lights and heater had automatically switched on upon detecting the Zephyr when we were five minutes away from landing.

My home was cluttered with books and exercise machines. Avoiding them, I crossed over to the refrigerator and took out a cold drink. The android looked on without saying a word.

"I need to do some administrative work and then go to sleep. What are you going to do?" I asked.

"With your permission, Captain, I would like to study Veda's schematics and afterward watch the news. Do I have your permission, Captain?" he asked.

I nodded my approval.

"You will find the information you need in this file," I said.

I leaned over the computer, which scanned my eye, giving me access to the information and handed Vlen a data crystal.

"Feel free to watch the news on the televiewer as long as you like, but keep the volume low."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Good night, and see you tomorrow morning."

I was mentally tired, but I still went into my office, finished the paperwork, and went to bed two segments later.

The next morning, I awoke at the eighth segment, feeling drowsy. I lingered in bed for a few minutes more, and then stretched my arms and got up. In the main living area, next to the arch, the android had deactivated himself remaining motionless. I approached the android, who activated itself on my approach.

"Good morning, Captain. How are you?"

"I'm fine. How about you?"

"I am in excellent condition. Would you like some breakfast now, Captain?"

"Bacon and eggs on toast, with a cup of coffee, would be great."

Such meals were another legacy left to the people of our planet from our Earth ancestors. As Stellaris made himself busy, I headed to the bathroom. I looked at the reflection in the mirror; I looked more tired than usual. My auburn hair needed a cut, as it was longer than the standard regulation would permit – not a good example to set for the new crew I would soon be commanding. My brown-green eyes looked bloodshot, and there was a cut across my straight nose from last week's training. I felt the cleft in my chin, remembering the last time a woman had touched me there. My complexion was more pale than usual, and my freckles a little more noticeable. I made a mental note to go outdoors more often.

I went to the table in the sitting room and proceeded to have my breakfast, which the android had created using the Konstadt food replicator. The Konstadt replicator could create almost anything, be it eggs, ham, ice cream, or meat. The replicator produces these materials from the very atoms in the air by arranging them in their necessary order. It translated requests into a high-level programming language code, interpreted by an assembler, creating a binary biological system, representing atoms combined in sequence, or parallel to produce the food ordered. The first level of food creation took a flat, two-dimensional image and extracted information from it using holographic projection techniques. The replicator builds up the atoms of the material by sketching them in the air and creating a holographic lattice. The three-dimensional image is solidified by rearranging the particles in the cubicle and recombining them around the lattice-mesh into a three-dimensional construct. The food from the Konstadt replicator is eaten like any other meal or snack. I use the replicator to save time; however, I prefer to eat food prepared by a real chef or myself when I can spare the time.

"Are you enjoying your breakfast, Captain?"

"Thanks, Stellaris. It tastes good."

"You're welcome, Captain."

I noticed that I called him Stellaris again, and earlier, I had asked him how he was, without even thinking about it.

I guess I'm beginning to get used to him.

I had to go for a final medical examination and gave him a choice to come with me or stay and do more paperwork.

"I'll go with you, Captain. I welcome the opportunity of traveling with you."

On second thought, looking at his silver skin, I did not want to attract unnecessary attention. The android seemed to understand my concerns without my voicing them.

"Captain, I can alter my appearance so that to human eyes, I will appear human."

"How do you propose to do that?" I grinned, expecting another hidden gem of genius from Paul, about to be revealed.

"Through a simple holographic image that is projected onto my skin from within me. It can cover every part of my body."

"Show me."

He then projected an image of a 30-year-old male with dark hair, hazel eyes, and a medium complexion, dressed in a neatly pressed space explorer's outfit with no rank or insignia.

"I can't tell the difference between a real uniform and the illusion you created," I said, rubbing my chin while studying him carefully. "You've done an excellent job."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Can you generate a uniform with the rank of Executive First Officer, with all insignia, including the symbol of the Space Corps, a spaceship against a receding planet on both arms and chest?"

The android nodded, and in a second, it was done.

As an officer, he looked impressive. Tall and powerfully built, he had correctly detailed the uniform, right down to the short stylish black boots that gave the Space Corps a slightly styled dress that was both practical and smart. The real boots can undoubtedly protect the feet and ankles in rough terrain.

I had not yet made any recommendations to the Admiralty regarding whom I wanted to be my Executive First Officer. Looking at the android, I realized he should be the logical choice; all he lacked was the experience, but he would gain it quickly under my command. He could measure and understand many possibilities, weighing checks and balances in seconds.

"Stellaris, I'm going to nominate you officially to the Admiralty as my Executive First Officer."

"I am honored, Captain, that you have chosen me for the position. I will perform to the best of my ability."

"I know you will, because Paul, my mentor, and your creator, is a brilliant and honorable man; he spent a long time creating you." I reflected on his appearance before deciding.

"Stellaris, we need to give you another name to match your new image."

"What do you suggest, Captain?"

A moment of awkward silence passed as I searched my memory for a proper name.

"Captain, what was the name of your closest friend at school?" suggested the android.

"A kid called Vlen. He died in an accident saving a smaller child."

"With your permission, Captain, I will take the name of Vlen," the android said.

"Excellent. My childhood friend had plenty of heart - Vlen the Valiant. I think his name will suit you very well."

I finished eating my breakfast and opened the viewer to read the news captions. It was the same old stuff - politicians warning about the possibility of war with one of the neighboring blocs. The headlines, at times, gave a brief background to the current situation. I looked at menacing pictures created in the air by the holographic projector. The images were of dangerous, sophisticated machines capable of demolishing large cities within minutes. I became gloomy.

Should I be leaving for space with all this trouble behind?

But what could I do? I was just one person. One person who could do something about it was Paul. Paul was up to something, but he was not telling anyone anything. I stood up, finished my glass of orange juice, and with Vlen walked toward the Zephyr port. I stepped into the vehicle and told it to take us to the Space Academy. The Zephyr reversed itself out and flew into the air, automatically locking onto the laser highway that led to the Space Academy's Medical Centre. We arrived in a few minutes and proceeded to the reception area, where I asked Vlen to remain, as the nurse escorted me to the medical examination room, where the Doctor was already waiting.

"Hello, Doctor," I said, entering the room.

"Welcome, Captain Magnusson. My name is Doctor Frank Klaus. I will be conducting your final medical examination before your voyage."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Doctor Klaus."

We sat down, and then the Doctor confirmed my identity and checked other particulars before commencing the examination.

"I know this will feel awkward, but please take off all your clothes and stand naked in the middle of the room?"

I cringed inwardly at his request. But it was necessary for everyone in the armed forces to go through this type of examination once or twice.

I'm sure the Doctor is a professional, and he doesn't watch; of course, he has to examine the images and biological plates later. Geez, I don't want to do this!

I stripped naked in a room that had cameras installed throughout its walls and ceiling. These cameras were calibrated to pick up the vibrations and colorations of the human aura. Each camera had nine lenses; each lens is fashioned and calibrated to pick up specific frequencies within the invisible light spectrum. The nine separate images from each glass would be recombined to form a picture of the aura. The photo of the aura would be embedded in holographic plates, through which light would be projected, to recreate a detailed image of the aura, superimposed on a 3D hologram of the naked body. The representation of the aura and the body could be viewed from all 360 degrees. The holographic plate readings would show any illness or disease I already had and its progression.

"Now, stand still and the cameras will record the colors and vibrations of your aura. It will give us an accurate description of your overall state of health, and the individual health of all the organs in your body, in minute detail."

He turned around, walked out and into the room next door. Over the intercom, I heard him order the computer to commence the diagnostic imaging. On the wall, I could see the cameras beginning to light up, recording my aura, and creating images that only trained personnel could interpret. After three minutes, the Doctor came back inside and told me to get dressed. I was glad to oblige, thankful that there were no female nurses around. The Doctor invited me to his office and told me to sit down. He began writing down notes via his light pen, which communicated with his computer, displaying the output on the screen.

"Your recordings show that you are in excellent physical shape, Captain, from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet."

"Thanks, Doctor; it's good to know one is healthy."

"Please, call me Frank. 'Doctor' sounds so stiff and formal," Klaus responded.

"I'm not like some of my colleagues, who insist on being called Doctor to satisfy their cravings for respect, prestige, money, or authority."

"Okay, Frank, I get the picture."

Frank looked to be in his mid-thirties, with a fair complexion, medium build and height, grey-blue eyes, and a kind, rounded face. I liked this man, and I felt that we would get along fine. The medical committee had not settled on a Chief Medical Doctor for Veda but would be nearing a decision soon. I decided to circumvent the medical committee and choose Frank. I needed to run checks on him quickly, but before that, I would have to ask a few questions. Was he a bachelor? I couldn't take any married people aboard the ship, as we could be away for several years. I looked for pictures of family on his desk and found none, nor were there any on the surrounding wall. So, I asked him.

"Frank, are you married? Do you have any children?"

"No, Captain, I don't even have a girlfriend, for that matter. Why are you asking?" I ignored his question.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" I asked

"Yes, I have a brother and sister."

Good. His family line wouldn't die out if the worst came to pass.

"Frank, have you ever thought of going into space as an explorer?" I asked. The Doctor's face brightened.

"Are you serious? I'd love the opportunity of going into space!" Frank said, eagerly. "Ever since I finished medical school, I wanted to go into space. By the way, I graduated second in my class overall."

"Then why haven't you gone?" I asked.

"I was involved in a long-term relationship, which finished less than a year ago, and it kept me here. But now I'm free, and have applied for a position aboard a shuttle ship."

"Give me your permission, and a couple of minutes to access your work history. I will look at it, and at the same time, I will forward a copy to my First Officer, who is waiting in the medical reception area."

"Thank you for your interest, Captain. You have my permission."

I called my office at the spaceport and asked the secretary to contact the personnel area and have the Doctor's files sent to me immediately. Two minutes later, the data arrived on my 3D capable PDA. I read the Doctor's work history. His overall record was excellent. I sent a copy to Vlen and informed him of my decision, and less than a minute later, he called me.

"Captain, I believe he will be an excellent addition to the crew."

"Frank, my Executive First Officer, and I agree. You are going to become Veda's Chief Medical Doctor, but only if you accept the possibility that you may be away in space for several years. What do you say?"

His eyes lit up, and his face turned red with excitement. "You have no idea what that means to me, Marcus! Excuse me; I meant Captain."

"I'll make a deal with you, Frank. In public, I will address you as Doctor, and you will address me as Captain. But in private, we will call each other by our first names. Agreed?"

"Yes, Captain. I mean, yes, Marcus."

I stood up and told him I would submit the forms to the Admiral. The submission was only a formality; tomorrow, he would receive orders to report to me at the spaceport on Monday. We shook hands and said goodbye. As I was leaving, I heard the Doctor excitedly telling the nurse that he was about to become the Chief Doctor aboard Veda. I also heard the nurse saying something back, but I couldn't quite understand it. I was about to pass through the arch when she sprinted from behind and caught up with me.

"Excuse me, Captain!" she gushed. "The Doctor needs a nurse who knows how he works. May I come, too?"

I saw Frank walking up behind her, smiling broadly at her enthusiasm.

"Well, Doctor? What do you say? Do you want your nurse to come with you?"

Frank turned to face her.

"Virginia, we'll be in space for several years; Won't you miss your home?"

"Doctor Frank, I don't have anyone special here except a brother, and he doesn't want to know me. I won't be leaving much behind."

"Well, it's up to you, Captain. What do you say?" the Doctor asked.

"Doctor, If you think the nurse is up to the job and that she will be a valuable asset to our expedition, then give me her identity chip, and I'll put her through."

I could see Virginia looking at me with hopeful eyes. She was an attractive woman with blue, green eyes and silver-white hair, unusual for a woman of her age. She was nicely shaped and tall, in a robust, feminine way, capable of turning heads with her looks alone. Looking at her, I sensed that her primary focus would be the well-being of the Doctor and the crew. I smiled as I made a reading of her identity chip, and then returned it to her, shaking her hand.

"Welcome aboard, Virginia. I'm pleased to meet you, and I expect you and the Doctor to report for duty on Monday."

"Aye, aye, sir!" she said, clicking her heels together, smiling as she gave me a quick salute.

"Ah, Virginia - in the Space Corps, only military personnel have to salute. Because you're a civilian, you don't have to salute," I said, smiling.

"I didn't know that, Captain. Thank you for letting me know," she chirruped.

"Okay, people. I've got more than I bargained for today; I have two new crew members, and I want both of you to meet another member of the team. Follow me," I said.

They walked beside me to the medical reception area, where Vlen had kept himself busy reading magazines.

"Vlen, I want you to meet Doctor Frank Klaus and his nurse, Virginia. They will be accompanying us on our trip through the solar system and beyond," I said.

The Doctor stepped forward and shook Vlen's hand, slightly recoiling when he felt the coldness of the android's touch. He looked puzzled and then noticed that the holographic projection shimmered where their hands had made contact.

"Greetings, Commander Vlen," Frank said.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Doctor Klaus, and that of your assistant, Virginia," Vlen said.

"Hi, Commander Vlen, I'm pleased to meet you too," Virginia echoed, pushing herself forward.

"For your information, Vlen is an android, the latest creation by Professor Paul. Vlen is capable of independent thought and action, and for the record, he thinks he is a real person. So, you had better treat him like any other human being," I said.

Both the Doctor and nurse nodded their agreement, not sure how to react to my statement. I became aware of the time and my next appointment.

"Vlen and I have to leave for headquarters," I said.

"Virginia and I will walk you to your Zephyr," said Frank.

They proceeded to walk with us to the Zephyr, where we said goodbye.

I told the Zephyr to take us to our destination, trusting its programming to get us there. The Zephyr lifted off into the air, with Vlen in the driver's seat once again. I could see that I was going have to teach Vlen a thing or two about sharing the driving. We arrived at the Military Academy a few minutes later, where the Zephyr parked itself automatically. Vlen and I headed over to the main building, made of reinforced concrete and titanium, durable enough to withstand a concentrated assault. Two imposing military police asked us to stop and demanded to see our credentials. The guards recognized me, but I still had to follow standing orders.

I showed them my data document and clearance level pass. My military clearance level authorized my entrance into this building and many others. One of the guards asked me to submit to a hand and eye scan. One moment later, the guard gave me the all-clear, as Vlen followed me up the steps.

"Captain, wait a minute, what about the Commander?" he asked.

"Commander Vlen will be my Executive First Officer; I assume full responsibility for him," I said.

The guard spoke to his colleague, who had stood to one side watching.

"Sorry for the holdup, Captain Magnusson. You can go now," he said.

"I understand. You are just doing your job, the same as me," I said.

Vlen and I then proceeded up the steps to the main foyer of the building, its ceiling reaching fifty metrons high. We walked to the grav lifts and pressed the button for the thirteenth floor. We got out of the elevator and approached the receptionist, who asked me my name.

"My name is Captain Marcus Magnusson, and this is Commander Vlen. We are here to see the Admiral," I said. A voice analyzer hidden in the wall gave the all-clear.

"Have a seat, please, Captain. I will inform the Admiral that you are here."

Vlen and I sat down, making ourselves comfortable. I waved my hand above the surface of the table to reveal a bevy of 3D magazines.

After a glance, I grumbled, "Too much politics."

I turned off the device in disgust and stretched my legs while Vlen sat in his chair, staring into space. A few minutes later, the Admiral's aide approached us and escorted us to the Admiral's room. Vlen and I walked into a spacious office that overlooked the spaceport. I could see ships taking off for space or returning from missions. Most of the vessels were from Caeruleus, but four were alien.

On the sidewalls of the office were pictures of every flying craft our bloc had produced in the last 30 years. The Admiral was not the only one there to meet me. Beside him were another three Admirals, each responsible for a zone of air and interstellar space. They stood in front of the desk, dressed in open black mid-length jackets made of black wool, ornamented with shoulder knots with service insignia on the collar, and gold elm braided lace on sleeve cuffs. They each wore a dark blue sweater, with a silver comet against an eclipsed sun positioned in the center, with dark blue trousers and black boots. I saluted the Admirals, who returned my salute.

Admiral Fuller was in his early sixties. He was about 1.78 metrons tall and solidly built, with sandy white hair, while his face bore the markings of previous conflicts. He wore the badge of Supreme Admiral of the Combined Forces of the Navy, Air Force, and Space Corps, while the Army fell under a separate jurisdiction.

Admiral Fuller introduced me to the others. First to Admiral Franks, a man in his fifties with a sizeable scar on the left side of his firm, straight face. I could tell he would be a formidable man to deal with in a confrontation. Admiral Samuels was next. He was in his sixties, with plenty of character wrinkles and small cuts engraved on his face. Admiral Tong, who appeared to be in his mid-forties, came last. I shook hands with each one of them.

"Have a seat, Captain," Admiral Fuller said, "and draw one up for Vlen, as well."

They then each walked behind the large desk and sat down.

I sat directly in front of the desk, with Vlen beside me.

"I received your notification that Vlen will be your Executive First Officer, as well as your recommendations of the Doctor and his nurse. We have looked over the physician's service record; he will be an excellent addition to the ship's crew," the Admiral said. "Continuing, Captain Magnusson, we wish to officially inform you that you will be the leading Captain in this expedition - the Prime Captain. The other two Captains in the expedition will be notified of the decision within the next segment."

"Sir, I am honored," I said

Admiral Fuller continued. "You and your crew are to be ready for liftoff in seventeen days from today. During this time, the Admiralty will await further instruction from the three ProConsuls. At this moment, your destination and exact mission are a secret, even to us. However, we believe that this expedition will lead you outside of the solar system. Therefore, you will be receiving additional orders before your departure. That is all I can tell you, for now," he said.

He's not telling me anything I didn't already suspect. I will have to wait a little longer before I can know more.

"Here is your written confirmation, signed by us, confirming your position of Prime Captain, placing you in charge of the fleet and its expedition. As I am your superior officer, only I can directly countermand your orders; otherwise, you can act as you see fit," Admiral Fuller said.

"Yes, Admiral, I understand," I said. After a brief pause, I added. "I am worried about the potential threats of sabotage."

"We understand your concern. We're taking all necessary precautions, including providing our best man for the job," he said.

"I presume I will be meeting him shortly?" I asked.

"I will introduce you to him now. His name is Severus. He will be your chief of intelligence and security for the duration of the expedition," the Admiral said.

The Admiral pressed a button, a tall, dark-haired man in his late thirties entered the room. I guessed he was the Admiral's insurance policy. He advanced toward me and saluted.

"Greetings, Captain Magnusson. My name is Severus. I am pleased to meet you," he said.

I stood up, returned his salute, and sat back down.

The Admiral instructed Severus to pull up a chair and permitted him to speak. From his seat, he displayed files on the room's televiewer that contained the schematics and details of each ship in the fleet, including the locations of hidden monitoring devices on all three vessels and the roles of the specialized personnel and contingency plans to prevent sabotage. From the way he talked and the information he presented, it was evident that Severus was a consummate professional who left nothing to chance.

Severus then revealed where the self-destruct button was located in a panel hidden in the wall of the bridge.

"Gentlemen, in the event of a hostile takeover, the destruct button can be quickly accessed, with its location known only to command personnel. It will require the combined passcodes of the Captain and his first Commander or second Commander on each of the ships. In the event of the Captain's death, any combination of the first, second, and third officers could use their combined security codes to activate the self-destruct."

Admiral Franks interjected. "Captain, we hope that you and your officers never have to access that panel,"

"As do I, Admiral Franks," I echoed.

Severus requested permission to inject a tiny tracer under my skin so that he could know where I was at all times, to which I consented. He was aware Vlen was an android, and as such, he could be tracked electronically.

"Severus, I want you to know, I have recently chosen the ship's Doctor and his head nurse," I said.

"Yes, Captain, I already knew," he answered.

"That was quick," I said.

"It's my job to know everything about this mission," he coolly replied.

Hell! There's no warmth in the voice whenever he speaks; even Vlen sounds positively human next to him.

Admiral Fuller looked at me directly.

"As I said, Captain Magnusson, you have seventeen days in which to inspect the ships, to get to know Veda inside and out and to engage two top-rate engineers as well as a team of research scientists for Veda. The other Captains, in conjunction with Severus, are in the process of choosing their first executive officers and other key personnel. You will depart our world at 14.00 segments on the day of Freya, which is exactly two thousand five hundred twenty-four years since our foundation. Do you have any questions?" the Admiral asked.

"No, sir. Except for the department heads, to be selected by a committee, all other matters are in hand. However, I am expecting difficulty in filling the position of Head Chef. I will be considering applicants from the civilian area," I said.

Admiral Fuller laughed. "Glad to hear you are looking in the private area, Captain, because you will not find one a chef that matches your expectations in the Space Corps. We know your reputation when it comes to food; you are a fussy son of a bitch," Admiral Fuller said.

The other Admirals burst out laughing heartily at his comment, and even I had to smile at his remark.

"Your sojourns in the kitchen are legendary," Admiral Franks added.

I was astounded; everyone here seemed to know my business and my preference for eating well. The mood in the room became serious, though, when the Admiral took out the Book of the Republic and handed it to me, and requested that I take the oath.

"Captain Marcus Magnusson, you are now required to swear the oath of allegiance to the mission," Admiral Fuller said solemnly.

I stood up with the Book of the Republic in my left hand, and my right hand raised, I pronounced the words:

"I, Captain Marcus Magnusson, in the name of my ancestors and the Republic, swear the oath of allegiance to defend the mission and principles of the Republic, to the best of my abilities, against all enemies, be they foreign or domestic."

With the swearing of the oath, the formalities were completed. There was a round of applause from everyone. We then enjoyed refreshments, as the Admirals reminisced about old times, leaving Severus and me by ourselves.

"Would you like a drink, Commander Severus?" I asked.

"Yes, Captain. I will have a glass of blue-tangent whiskey," he said.

I went to the liquor cabinet and poured one for each of us.

"To the mission's success," Severus said, raising his glass.

"To the mission," I replied, raising my own.

Severus downed his whiskey as I drank mine slowly. I looked around the room; it was a good atmosphere. We had talked for a few minutes regarding Veda before Severus checked the time.

"Captain, I must be leaving; I have other duties to attend to," he said.

"You have my details, Commander. Call me should you need anything," I said.

"Understood, Captain," Severus said.

He shook my hand and left the room. A moment later, I checked the time. It was now four segments past midday, and I still had not eaten properly.

"Vlen, I'm hungry. Let's go to a restaurant and have something to eat. We can inspect Veda afterward," I offered.

"Yes, Captain," said Vlen.

I finished my drink and excused Vlen and me to the Admirals, leaving them to continue their talking and drinking. We took the grav lift, and selected the ground floor, walking through the main foyer, onto the steps past the same guards who had questioned us earlier.

"The restaurant is five minutes from here, Vlen. Okay, if we walk there?

"As you wish, Captain."

We proceeded along the pathway, passing restaurants and cafes popular with the public, as I savored the aromas of herbs and meats being cooked. It was summer, and the people were out in full force, wearing light, bright colored clothes, and sandals. Some of the children wore projector headband glasses, eating ice cream with one hand while playing games with the other, pointing and stabbing at the air in front of them. Now and again, I heard one yell, "I win!"

Some of these kids are spoiled filthy!

We approached the restaurant, its name 'To the Stars' brightly illuminated on the main window. Further down, I read, "Our food is out of this world!"

Behind the words, there was a picture of a spaceship with an alien eating a big, juicy hamburger. The eatery had a high reputation among culinary aficionados. As well as serving our own planet's cuisine, it specialized in food and desserts favored by the people of Fortis and Gigas, though I never once saw a native inhabitant of either world in that restaurant. Mainly military personnel from the four armed services frequented the establishment, with the majority of its guests coming from the Space Corps.

The sliding doors opened as we passed through the arched entrance. The restaurant was big and spacious, with a place for a band to perform. Hanging from its walls were pictures of the armed services, going back in history, with one wall devoted to each arm of the military. The ceiling nearest to the entrance had a white reflective surface upon which were projected images of space. I stood momentarily and enjoyed the view, as did Vlen.

We moved further inside, toward the back, where the ceiling reflected a real-time panorama of the universe. I could make out the familiar constellations, planets, and nebulas I used to see through my telescope. I moved on, looking for a place to sit. The restaurant was nearly full, but I managed to find a table in the corner of the room. I picked up the menu and began to scan the list for something to eat and drink. A moment later, a waitress came over.

"What would you like to order, gentlemen?" she asked.

I looked up at the waitress. "Just between you and me, is the chicken parmigiana any good?" I asked.

"The chicken parmigiana is excellent, sir. A glass of Tertullian red wine complements it nicely," she answered.

"Sounds good," I replied.

In contrast, Vlen ordered a glass of water, which I knew he didn't need to drink; it was his attempt at being more human. As we waited, I checked my schedule; I had several interviews lined up.

Tomorrow, I would choose my Chief Engineer and the Second Chief Engineer. The day after, I had appointments to select the Head Chef. The Captains of The Graziella and The Valeria would be conducting their interviews, but I doubted they would be personally interviewing any chefs; I was the fussiest among the lot. The waitress brought the wine over with Vlen's glass of water, and a moment later, she brought my meal. I began eating with gusto, and between mouthfuls of food and wine, I commented on the performance of the musicians and their songs.

"It's a great band, and she's a sultry singer, isn't she, Vlen?"

"Sultry, Captain?" Vlen asked.

"I mean, she is very attractive."

He looked at me and nodded in agreement.

"Look at her perform – can she move!"

I wanted to find a way to introduce myself to her, but I killed the thought.

Duty before pleasure!

"Is something wrong, Captain?"

"No, I just have a headache."

I ordered dessert, a cassata ice cream, and a cup of coffee. A few minutes later, the waitress arrived with both. After finishing dessert, I sat back, sipping the coffee and relaxing. Finally, I decided it was time to leave. I called the waitress for the bill, leaving her a generous tip. We left the restaurant and returned to the Zephyr, where Vlen jumped into the driver's seat.

"You're pushy, Vlen. Next time, I'm driving."

"Yes, Captain, my apologies."

"Take us home."

The Zephyr lifted off and engaged the laser highway, taking us to my house.

#  Chapter 3

Having parked the Zephyr in its port, we entered through a side entrance into the living room, its lights and heater already active. On entering the living room, I stopped dead in my tracks, with the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Sitting on the sofa, with no sense of fear, was a bald man who was not the slightest bit perturbed by our entrance.

"Who the hell are you, and how did you get in here?" I asked coldly.

He made no effort to respond. With Vlen right behind me, I approached the man and attempted to grab his arm, only to find my hand grasping empty air. The intruder's smile broadened; this was not a real person, but a real-time holographic projection.

"Captain," Vlen said, "the projector could be near. Shall I alert Severus and inform him of the situation?"

I ignored Vlen's question as the intruder's eyes followed me. He appeared to be in his early to mid-thirties. He was dressed in a gray outfit - looking arrogant and pleased with himself.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" I asked.

The man looked at me, stood up, and began to walk around the room, turning his back toward me.

"Vlen, can you determine where that projection is coming from?"

"One moment, Captain ... The signal is an ultra-high frequency narrow band transmission, projected from a satellite belonging to the third bloc."

On the mention of the third bloc, a chill seemed to sweep across the room.

"What do you want?" I asked.

He turned around slowly and spoke at last.

"My name is Scrollos. I'm here to warn you, Captain. You have a spy within the Space Corps, connected to your mission. He has orders to sabotage your entire project and, if possible, to destroy your fleet," he said.

"Why would you, a homo superior, warn me, a mere homo-sapien, about a traitor near my ships? The people from your bloc would be glad to see all homo-sapiens wiped out," I said.

"That is true, Captain. However, I'm here to warn you because I want to avail myself of any knowledge you may obtain on your journeys."

"Why don't you and your bloc go out into space and get it for yourselves?" I asked.

"Unfortunately, the Supreme Council decided our resources are needed at home, because of the political situation between the three blocs."

"That's tough. Do you seriously expect me or my government to hand over any knowledge that we will obtain to an enemy sworn to destroy us?" I asked.

Captain, unlike my brethren, I do not wish to destroy your kind. I am here to warn you, to help you, and, in the process, to strike a bargain to our mutual advantage."

"Where is this traitor located?" I asked.

"I cannot tell you anything at this stage, Captain, as it is not I, but members of the Supreme Council, who are behind this attempt at sabotage. The Council, through their spy, knows about the existence of the fleet, its departure date, and the names of its principal officers. If you agree to my request, I can try to find out who the spy or spies are from my side and inform you," he said.

I was surprised at how much the intruder knew, and I tried not to show him my concern.

"Is there a way we can detect this spy?" I asked.

"Captain, I will not do your work for you, unless you agree to my proposal," Scrollos said. "Our spies are extremely well trained and will put the mission ahead of their lives. If you do not find the spy soon, you may not have a functional fleet for long. Just a thought, Captain - should you be able to capture or kill this spy, there is an excellent chance that there is a second spy in place with an alternative plan, to finish the job. If you wish to save the lives of your ships' crews, then strike a bargain with me."

I scowled. "For all I know, you planted the spy yourself, and will betray him to gain our confidence and our knowledge, betraying us in the end as well."

Scrollos shook his head. "Captain Magnusson, I will leave you for now, but bear in mind what I said. If I were ill-intentioned toward you, I would have destroyed the very house you are now walking around in; if you do not believe me, ask your android."

How did he know Vlen was an android?

"Vlen, is it true, what he says?" I asked.

"Captain, I have analyzed the satellite that is projecting the holographic image. It is a Class A military satellite. He can, as he claims, destroy us," Vlen said.

"Captain Magnusson, if your fleet survives these sabotage attempts, then we shall meet again in 2.6 weeks onboard your ship to discuss this matter further," said Scrollos.

His image then faded in front of me.

"Captain, I have recorded everything. Would you like me to play it back?" Vlen asked.

"No. Send a copy of the recording immediately to Severus, and another to Admiral Fuller."

I picked up my communicator and spoke to Severus on an encrypted channel.

"Commander, I've had a security breach at my home. You should have just received a recording of the incident sent by Commander Vlen. Please review it, make any recommendations, while taking immediate action to tighten security around the ships and my house. Have security crews begin new sweeps of the ships. Check log entrances, computer logs, camera logs, any activities by anyone in connection with the vessels. Investigate anything that appears out of the ordinary. Severus, you know what you need to do."

"I'll start immediately and notify the department heads on each of the ships," he said.

"Severus, I'll be aboard Veda this evening to look her over, and I want you there for further discussions."

"I will see you then, Captain."

I closed the channel and looked toward Vlen.

"Captain, what is your next move?" Vlen asked.

"I will visit Veda this evening to conduct a quick inspection, and when I get back home, prepare for the interviews this week."

I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. I had thought of possible sabotage scenarios, but I had not anticipated a situation with someone like Scrollos.

"Vlen, this time, I'm driving."

"Yes, Captain. I apologize if I have overextended your permission to fly the Zephyr."

I smiled. "No problem, Vlen. Usually, I let the Zephyr fly itself, but sometimes I like to take control."

The appearance of Scrollos had unsettled me. Usually, I like to take a short nap after I eat - it helps me to think more clearly, but not this time. Scrollos had spoiled my rest, ruined my appetite, and disturbed my peace. I felt apprehensive about the ships' crews and the mission.

Damn! Our lives were at risk even before liftoff.

Feeling grim, I walked to the Zephyr, whose door opened automatically. I got in the driver's seat and commanded the Zephyr to travel to the spaceport where the three ships were stationed and arrived a few minutes later. It was dark, but the area was well illuminated. The three ships had their massive lights switched on, while the tower lights added their brightness to the star carriers casting their beams onto the security guards patrolling the area. A few guards had portable scanners, while others worked with sniffer dogs looking for anything suspicious that might indicate an explosive weapon. Other guards watched the maintenance crews working on the ships, scanning equipment, and people. Severus had trained his people well.

A sniffer dog and its handler approached us while we were still seated in the Zephyr.

"Good evening, sirs!" the man saluted.

"Good evening, soldier," I said.

The dog started barking at Vlen; the handler looked at Vlen, and then back at the dog, his hand close to his weapon.

"This is Commander Vlen; he is my First Executive Officer."

"Yes, sir," the guard said.

He saluted again and walked away with his dog toward the outer perimeter. A voice came over the Zephyr's intercom. It was the spaceport tower contacting me, requesting eye and facial scan verifications, and a thumbprint confirmation.

"It seems, Vlen, that the guard was suspicious enough to call the tower to investigate us further," I said.

Vlen spoke calmly, "The guard is only doing his job, Captain."

I felt a gust of air as two security vipers landed, one on each side of the Zephyr. Their pilots looked at me from their cockpits. They would be there to ensure that I could not leave if the security confirmation failed. A flying bot came toward me and spoke.

"Please face in the direction of the scanner, and stand by for retina analysis."

I kept still as a beam of light passed over my face, and then again over my eye.

"Please place your thumb on the scanner for analysis," the bot said. Then, it analyzed and forwarded the information to the tower.

The video confirmation came through the tower to the pilots, who gave the thumbs up, lifting off vertically and taking off in opposite directions.

"Prime Captain, this is Major Grist from the tower speaking, my apologies; we hadn't been informed that you were coming this evening."

"I understand, Major. You're just doing your job," I said.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Prime Captain?" he asked.

"No, Major; Commander Vlen and I will continue as we were."

"Yes, Prime Captain. I will leave you to it. Major Grist signing off."

I started the Zephyr again and took her another 20 metrons closer to Veda, where we got out and looked. She was the ship in the middle, flanked by The Valeria and The Graziella. Two hundred metrons of space separated the vessels on either side. Except for the ships' names, emblazoned on their flanks in red and black, all three spaceships were identical in size and shape and carried the same markings. I stood there for a moment, recalling their specifications.

The ships are 250 metrons in height, 800 metrons in length, and 360 metrons in width. Each star carrier is constructed of a super light alloy, stretched across 20 sections, with each section capable of being shut off from the rest of the vessel in the event of an emergency. The wings ran the length of the hull for one hundred metrons ending at the ship's stern. The rear housing of the vessel contained the central hangar bay for the deployment of more massive spacecraft and equipment. The wings of the starships were bays for the launching of the Star Vipers. Veda, in my planet's atmosphere, fully loaded, weighs 157,000 pondus. Two nuclear fusion reactors power each ship, with each reactor enclosed within a magnetic field. The ships' range of travel is limited only by the life of the nuclear engines, an estimated seven thousand years. Each vessel is capable of carrying 6,000 people. The crew of each starship numbered 2000 personnel, made up of the Captain, his officers, navigation, communication, linguistic experts, scientific officers, medical teams, technicians, maintenance teams, fire squads, security crews, spiritual advisors, and others.

The ship's command center is located on the bridge in the carrier's central tower, allowing a 360-degree field of view from its windows backed up by the ship's external cameras. The communication's array is protected with reinforced armor plating located at the base of the tower, which could be raised or lowered from inside the body of the vessel.

All three ships carried 50 landing craft, 200 fixed-winged starfighters, and three medium-ranged interplanetary explorer type ships, as well as housing one hundred heavily armored Attack Scorpions, with a further one hundred troop carriers. Military personnel included 2,400 infantry, 200 pilots, and 800 support staff, consisting of combat engineers, combat medics, intelligence officers, logistics, and reconnaissance units. The ships' defenses included eight retractable laser cannons, decoy equipment, force fields, and electronic and photonic warfare systems, which were operated by air operations personnel.

Within ten metrons of Veda, a pair of security guards approached us and, after a quick visual moved on. Apart from the maintenance crew, the security guards, and us, no one else was supposed to be aboard the ship. Vlen and I boarded Veda and took an anti-grav lift directly to the bridge of the vessel.

Waiting on the bridge with three other security officers was Severus, while several technicians went about their duties. We exchanged salutes as Severus spoke.

"Welcome aboard, sir," he said.

"Thank you, Commander. Do you have any news?" I asked.

"No, Captain. We have run triple checks on the ships and have found no sign of tampering. As you can see, Captain, extra security is in place. We are scanning the ships on all known frequencies from top to bottom, in case someone tries to enter one of the ships using stealth mode as well as leaving additional monitoring devices in place."

"Commander Severus, it is imperative we find the would-be saboteur and take out the second one, if there is one, before the launch," I said.

I went to the Captain's chair and sat down, while Vlen stood to my right, and Severus to my left. The Captain's chair was located directly in the Centre of the bridge. It could swivel in 360 degrees, and tilt back at an angle of 60 degrees, with two small buttons embedded in the arm of the chair controlling the movements. As I sat down, one of the ships' flying bots hovered in front of my face and did a retinal security scan.

"Retinal scan confirmed," said the ship's computer.

I placed the palm of my left hand on the hand scanner, and a communications device popped up on a smallholder from the side of the chair. I took it, looped the wire over my left ear, and then felt the cord automatically insert five very tiny nodes into the left side of my head.

I heard a voice inside my head; it was the voice of the computer, advising me that it was going to take a picture of my neural network. It wanted me to sit back and relax. I did as the computer asked, feeling a tingling sensation spreading throughout my brain and skull.

"Mapping complete," said the computer.

Then, the computer asked me what persona I would like to give it: male, female, or gender-neutral. I considered this for a moment and reflected on the name of the ship; Veda sounded female. If I gave the computer a gender-neutral personality, then I wouldn't quite know how to read it 100 percent of the time.

On the other hand, if I allowed the computer the use of a human voice, it would have a greater range of expression, able to impart subtler information by sounding more human. If I gave this computer a female name, nine chances out of ten, my next girlfriend would have questions about why I spent so much time thinking about and talking to a female computer.

Ah, the hell with it.

I mentally instructed the computer to assume the persona of a 28-year-old woman with the name of Veda and to speak to me in my local tongue. The computer instantly acquired a pleasant sounding female voice and asked permission to begin downloading, via the communications device, the ship's information directly into the cortex of my brain. In the process, it would build a holographic memory unit and attach it to the central visual processing area of the brain, allowing me to see and feel the ship in a 3D virtual world from any angle, conforming to my line of sight. As Veda did so, I noticed technicians performing last-minute calibration checks on the communications channel, testing security alarm systems, testing combat stations alert, and running system messages for predetermined events.

Veda's deck was broad and high, with the Captain's chair at the center of it. Placed in front of me were the three front-facing desks. The desk on my right controlled navigation and speed. The navigator and helmsman would sit at this desk. The ship's computer controlled the middle console, displaying the real-time status of environmental systems, engineering, propulsion, shields, air operations, and defense and weapons systems. The middle console was also connected to the emergency central control room as a backup. A security officer would be monitoring the ship's security systems and the movements of personnel, from the left-hand side desk. Behind on my right, at the back, was where the communications officer would sit at a console adjoining the wall.

Six doors connected the bridge to the rest of the ship; four opened into the anti-grav lifts, while the other two led to escape chutes and escape pods. All escape pods could sustain life for three people for two weeks. Above me was the dome. I could see the dark sky, and in its center, a circular-shaped red light emitting a steady on/off pattern. The light could be used to send signals and act as an emergency beacon if all attempts at external communication failed. Each one of the windows was 30 metrons long, 15 metrons high, and one-third of a metron thick, allowing a 360-degree view. When the ship was fully operational, the bridge would have eleven command personnel on deck, their workstations arranged in a semi-circle facing in a forward direction. The arrangement of the workstations enabled quick communications between the Captain and the bridge crew.

I wanted to see more of the ship from my chair, using the holographic projector. I punched up projections of the interior of the vessel. Instantly, I saw 3D representations of the engine room, the landing deck, and the fighter bays, in front of me. Out of curiosity, I checked the spaciousness of the crew's sleeping quarters, which reminded me to check out my accommodation in person. I switched to the outside viewer, watching supplies delivered to each of the ships. The supplies had been checked at the central holding depot but were now were being rechecked. I felt the need to stretch my legs.

"Severus, I'm going for a walk. Commander Vlen, come with me so I can show you to your quarters, which are opposite mine," I said.

Vlen and I climbed down one flight of stairs, emerging into the hallway outside the room assigned to Vlen. The door slid open at my command, and the light in the room came on automatically. Vlen and I walked into his new quarters; the room was twelve metrons square and four metrons high. The cubicle contained a desk, a chair, a retractable bed, a storage wardrobe, a refrigerator, a televiewer, a music system, and an on-suite.

"What do you think, Commander?"

"Captain, it is more than sufficient."

We then stepped out, and we walked over to my quarters. I gave the voice command for the door to open, and we entered. My quarters were thirty-six metrons square and four metrons high. In the old days, it was said that rank had its privileges; however, I had always found that idea repugnant. My room was bigger by necessity, with an office in the front and my private quarters at the rear. Upon entering, one would immediately see the desk, with the seal of the constitution above the archway behind my chair. In the future, I would be spending a lot of time in here doing paperwork, and when necessary, invite department heads and crewmembers for talks, review, discipline, or other matters. Alongside the walls on either side were two reclining sofas, and a bookshelf with ship manuals, emergency procedures, and other references printed in the event of computer failure. The bookshelf also contained model crafts of other starships named Veda. To find out more about one of these earlier ships, all I had to do was wave my hand over the model, and the computer would talk about the ship's history.

Under my desk was an emergency button and a vibratory disruptor, capable of tearing apart the atoms of whatever it was fired at. On humans, the result would be a quagmire of human tissue, blood, and bones. I hoped never to have to use it on anyone. Vlen and I went through a sliding door in the wall at the back of the office into my private quarters, with the lights turning themselves on instantly. It was very much like Vlen's room. Except, the private quarters and en-suite were more spacious and decorative. The retractable bed was more extensive than a standard sized single bed, and there was a bar. Unlike Vlen's room, mine had an octagonal window from which I could peer into space.

"Are you satisfied, Captain?" Vlen asked.

"I sure am. Now, let's go down and have a look at the engine rooms. But first, we'll quickly pass through the ship's main chapel, located on the fifth floor," I said.

We left my quarters, took the anti-grav lift, and on exiting, headed straight to the chapel. Before I entered the chapel, I could smell the frankincense and myrrh drifting past its open entrance. The church was set in a big hall with one window embedded into the ship's hull, giving a panoramic view of space. It could hold 1,000 people, divided by an aisle with 50 rows of seats on either side, with the chapel walls decorated with afterlife murals: a bright light, glowing figures of spirits, and an unknown person framed within a golden white light dedicated to the Great Maker. The picture I liked the best was of Jesus surrounded by a beautiful, blue, golden light. Just being in the room made me feel peaceful.

"Isn't it beautiful? I asked.

"Yes, Captain. The murals and soft lighting work well together."

"Let's go, Vlen. It's time to go to the engine room."

We took a lift, descended, and exited into the corridor, where two guards standing at the entrance to the engine room came to attention. On entering, we found ourselves standing on a gangway that hugged the inner sides of the wall. I looked down and saw five technicians checking instrumentation levels, calibrating them, and making adjustments. I heard one of the technicians yell, "Indicators are reaching peak level!"

"Reduce power and bring it back down to normal levels," another technician answered.

The engineers knew I was there, yet, they carried on with their tasks, hardly noticing me at all. I could see the two nuclear engines, each no bigger than the size of my Zephyr enclosed within separate magnetic fields.

Around the engines was a visible disturbance of the air, caused by cosmic energy, which appeared to explode like miniature nuclear bombs going off. These molecules were joining and separating briefly before repeating the process. This constant action caused a sustained fusion reaction that gave the ship its enormous power. A technician leaned to one side, pressed a button, and a plunger three metrons in length entered the middle of one of the cores, causing a loud hum and a glow to form on the protective shields. The cosmic energy that we were tapping into was of the same fabric of the universe. What some scientists in earlier centuries had called dark energy – because, at that time, no scientist could see or measure it.

I remembered certain mystics over the centuries had claimed they could see this unknown energy when they experienced enlightenment. They claimed they could experience cosmic energy in its rawest form, vibrating, churning in constant motion. It was unfortunate that our scientist's skepticism and shortsightedness had blinded them for generations, as this knowledge had been at their fingertips. Their skepticism became cynicism, and the damage was done. If the scientists had paid attention earlier, then we would be much further ahead in our understanding of cosmic energy today.

We surveyed the level meters and indicator lights on the panels, walking around the circle of the gangway and leaving by the same entrance we had entered.

"Come on, Vlen. Let's go down to the landing bay."

"Yes, Captain."

The anti-grav lifts took us to the final level of the ship, where we emerged at the far end of the cavernous landing bay, opposite the outer doors where vehicles were entering with materials and supplies. Alongside the walls of the ship were boxes, containing equipment and munitions for the infantry who would be arriving the day before departure. The soldiers would be sleeping in their private quarters, with all amenities included, as if they were permanent members of the crew. The Admiralty had taken this unusual step because they thought it too stressful to expect humans to live in cramped quarters with no privacy for several years. The grunts would consider this a luxury; however, the Admiralty thought it a necessity. I secretly hoped that we would never have to defend ourselves or attack an enemy because there was no other choice. Not everyone was like me. From experience, I knew that some of the grunts did not mind action, and instead lived for it. I hoped none of those trigger-happy idiots fooled the psych tests and made it aboard.

We stood on one of the two moving pathways that ran along Veda and headed toward where the wings of the ship joined the main hull. One could walk through from the landing bay into the sides of the wings and access the areas where the starfighters were ready for take-off at a moment's notice. We stepped off the moving pathway and into the wing area on Veda's starboard side. There were fifty starfighters, twenty-five facing to the rear of the wing and twenty-five facing forward. The fighters in the other wing would be in the same formation. All the starfighters were hoisted in mid-air, suspended by a magnetic clasp, which, should it fail, allowed the starfighter to slide to the floor. Above the starfighters stretched a gantry, where pilots could walk along and quickly jump into their cockpits. The starfighters were five metrons in length, three metrons in width, and two and a half metrons in height.

A starfighter is capable of flying within a planet's atmosphere. It can be controlled by the brain using mere thought, with the pilot capable of propelling the starfighter up to speeds of 364,000 stadia per segment. Sleek and aerodynamically designed, the twenty-five starfighters facing toward the end of the ship was blue, with those facing the front, bright silver. The third squadron, housed in the left wing, was colored black and could be camouflaged. The fourth squadron's colors were light and dark green. Each ship would carry the markings of its pilot, as each pilot was allowed to chose his or her emblems.

"It'll be interesting to see what markings some of the pilots will choose for themselves, eh, Vlen?"

Vlen looked at me, momentarily puzzled.

"Hey, I thought you were supposed to be a quick learner?" I teased.

"Unfortunately, Captain, it does take some time to become familiar with the idiosyncrasies of humans."

"Come on, Vlen; let's take a look at these new fighters closeup."

We took the anti-grav lift to the top of the gantry. I communicated with Veda, retrieved the command for opening the star fighter's cockpit, and looked inside. The pilot could slide in lengthwise and place his helmet next to where he would be resting his head. The canopy would then slide over the cockpit at the pilot's command or by instructions from the tower. The pilot would then place the helmet on his head, which inserted seven very extremely small electrodes into his skull, and the seat would be dropped slightly and rotated forward into position in the cockpit. Instead of being lengthwise in the cockpit of the fighter, laying down flat, the pilot was now in a slightly reclined, sitting position with visual displays and telemetry superimposed mid-range on the canopy's screen. The starfighter virtually looked the same as the other ones I had flown, only newer, more maneuverable, and faster; when I had a chance, I'd take one out for a spin. Vlen peered inside the starfighter.

"With your permission, Captain, I would like to fly one."

"No problem," I chuckled, "I was thinking the same thing."

"Everyone on the command deck is going to learn how to fly one of these starfighters. It will give them more of an idea of what's involved and a healthy respect for the people who operate them."

Vlen nodded his head in agreement.

"One more thing, Vlen - while we are here, we need to inspect one of the towers."

"Yes, Captain, I would like that."

The towers occupied the central areas of the two wings situated between the gantries and went through the top of each wing, giving a 360-degree view from the top. The width of each tower was 20 square metrons, with the top of the tower jutting out ten metrons above the height of the wings. Each tower controlled two laser cannons with 180-degree movement. Both towers could function as a backup command center in case the bridge and its back up were severely damaged. There were three men running system checks, who stood to attention and saluted. I responded in kind and told them to stand at ease. I quickly looked over the central controls, circuit breakers, auto sequence firing, engage and lift off controls. In operational times, there would be only one person in each tower. I looked at the time.

"Vlen, we need to go; I have interviews tomorrow."

"Yes, Captain,"

We took the anti-grav lift down, stepped on the walking conveyor belt, and made our way to the command deck.

Severus had just returned a moment before me. His men had finished double-checking the ventilation corridors, which ran between the ceilings of the decks throughout the segmented hulls. They had used optical and electromagnetic sensor scans to determine any anomalies for any weakening of the shell.

"Do you have anything to report, Severus?" I asked.

"There is nothing to report, Captain; everything is a clean sweep," he recited. "However, I have left nanobots to patrol the ventilation corridors, in case someone should try to materialize inside of the ship during the ceremony when we are at our most vulnerable."

The computer's dossier on Severus flashed through my head; he was the best in his fields of intelligence and security. If anyone could foil an attempt at sabotage, it would be him. I focused on a 3D holographic image of his dossier inside my head and opened his biography page. The homo superiors of the third bloc had killed his family. His family's cruise ship had strayed into the bloc's territorial waters; his father had only enough time to send a mayday and throw Severus overboard before the vessel was disintegrated. He was only seven years old at the time when his parents and sister were killed. He was found three segments later by one of our bloc's patrol ships.

That's why he never smiles; he will carry those scars for the rest of his life.

I also learned he had been involved in covert black operations against enemy government officials and corporations of the second bloc, known to be behind the creation of sub-humans and hybrids. I imagined being Severus, waiting for the day to cross over into the third bloc, to find the homo-superiors who had murdered his family and paying them back. These thoughts flashed momentarily, and then I was back on the deck with Severus and Vlen.

"Commander Severus, Commander Vlen, and I are leaving. You know where to find me," I said.

"I will keep you informed, Captain, if I find anything," Severus answered.

Before leaving, I secured the Captain's chair.

"Computer, execute command five."

"Complying," the computer responded.

Automatically, a force field bubble covered the chair; anyone touching it would be temporarily paralyzed.

Then Vlen and I rode down in the grav-lift to the entrance level. Two guards stood to attention as we passed. We got into the Zephyr and informed the tower over a scrambled channel that we were leaving. The tower acknowledged our communication and advised that two star vipers had been assigned to escort me to my house.

"That won't be necessary, tower," I responded.

"Commander Severus' orders, sir," the tower operator said.

I could override Severus, but I needed to let him do the job as he thought best.

"We have our friend from the third bloc to thank for all this security," I grumbled.

I allowed Vlen to fly us home as I sat back and enjoyed the night sky. We lifted off with one star viper in front of us and the other star viper behind us.

Several minutes later, we were home. The force field around my house had been switched off on our approach. Waiting outside the grounds of my house was a security detail of several soldiers from a top-secret military unit. They wore balaclavas, carried non-standard military weapons, and their uniforms bore no badges or any other identifying features. There was also a black vehicle outside the house with no government plates for identification. I ordered the Zephyr to park in the port and close the door after itself.

"Thank heaven, Vlen," I exhaled. "At least they left me with some privacy in my home."

"Captain, sensors indicate they have already been inside and conducted a complete search."

I looked around and felt that Vlen was right. I had to reconcile myself to the fact that this invasion of my privacy was a necessary evil.

"Vlen, can you go outside and ask the men if they want anything to eat or drink?"

"Yes, Captain, I'll attend to this for you."

He then tilted his head to the left and looked at me curiously.

"Perhaps, Captain, you need to go to sleep earlier this evening to help prepare yourself for tomorrow's interviews."

"Well, thanks for your concern, Vlen. But before this slave sleeps, I'm going to have to finish some of my work."

"Are you a slave, Captain?"

"I'm joking, Vlen. You'll get used to the way I speak."

Vlen walked out through the front entrance to talk to the men. I got into the shower, and later, slipped into some casual clothes and made myself some hot chocolate. I lay on the sofa, looking through my PDA at the appointments scheduled for tomorrow. I made a few mental notes about questions to ask before finishing off some of the paperwork. A little while later, Vlen entered.

"How's it going, Captain?"

I put down the PDA and looked up.

"I'm peeved, Vlen. Not only do we have a force field in place, but I also have an extremely powerful android as a bodyguard. I feel like a prisoner in my own home."

"It's for your benefit, Captain," Vlen added.

"Maybe, but I'm getting sick of being cooped up."

"I sympathize with you, Captain."

"You do?" I blurted, somewhat amazed.

"I told you, Captain; I have emotions and feelings just like you. Humans can be so arrogant at times!"

"Here, we go again. One day, Vlen, I will let you try to convince me; I can be quite the philosopher, too."

"I know, Captain; Master Paul gave me a dossier on you before we left him."

"Ha! Why am I not surprised?"

Paul was a very resourceful man, whose hand could reach deep into government circles – so much so that he had an extraordinary security level clearance that allowed him access at the highest levels. Paul was considered the great-grandfather of our modern nation. He looked in his mid-sixties, but he had already completed twenty-five decades of existence.

My eyes began to droop, as my mind protested that I needed sleep. I had one more thing to do before I went to bed, and that was to switch on the monitor.

"Good night, Vlen," I said, yawning.

"I'll complete the paperwork and send the relevant notifications to the department heads for you," Vlen offered.

"Thanks. you are a true friend."

"Good night, Captain. I will go to sleep shortly, as well."

I had to smile.

An android who thinks he can go to sleep. He probably thinks he can dream as well. If I remember, I will ask him tomorrow about that.

I cleaned myself up and got into bed. That night, I dreamt I was lying on the seashore, and all around me, couples walked hand in hand. I felt someone near me. Turning around, I could see her nicely shaped figure in a yellow dress, but I couldn't see her face and cursed my rotten luck.

#  Chapter 4

I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed - a busy day lay ahead, interviewing eight engineers for the positions of Chief Engineer and Second Engineer. The Captains of The Graziella and The Valeria would also be interviewing their prospective engineers today. The last twenty-four engineers had been selected from a group of 180 recommendations forwarded to the Space Academy's Chief Engineer, who had narrowed that list down to eight applicants per ship. The shortlisted applicants' names had been submitted to Severus for final security checks.

The successful applicants, today, would not be told the nature of their mission entirely, because of security reasons. They would be assured only the best and brightest were required, and that they would be away from their homes for several years. All the engineers had to be single, like everyone else on board the three ships.

"Good morning, Captain. What would you like for breakfast this morning?" Vlen asked.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to take the sleep from them.

"You're going to make me lazy," I said.

"Would you like a glass of orange juice with some French toast?" Vlen asked.

"Sure. Nothing like French toast in the morning; another great import from the terranes."

While Vlen prepared breakfast, I took my seat at the table and switched on the news, instantly regretting it. A reporter was live on the scene at my country's northeastern border.

"This is Amelia Lucas, reporting for the government news agency. Sometime in the fourth segment this morning, the local population reported an enormous flash of light and a loud explosion. The explosion occurred on the third bloc's territory with the aftereffects of the blast melting the ground on both sides of the border. I can say that the blast area has the appearance of volcanic glass. Livestock near the explosion evaporated in an instant, leaving impressions in the glass. Fortunately, there are no human fatalities," she said.

She walked with the camera operator and soundman, toward a scientist who was cutting samples from the vitrified ground. Before she could reach him, two guards carrying laser rifles intercepted her and her crew.

"Sorry, madam. I have orders that no one interferes with this operation or talks to the scientists," the soldier said.

From the corner of the screen, a major walked briskly over to her.

"Hello, Amelia. My name is Major Alonso Dundee. I understand you have a duty to report the news to your viewers; however, right now, we need this area cleared so that the scientists and my men can continue with our jobs. I must insist that you and your crew leave the area immediately. The ProConsuls will release the information as soon as it's certain of what happened here," he said, in a firm diplomatic tone.

"All right, boys," Amelia said, "you heard the man. Let's shut everything off and go home. The ProConsuls and the government will fill us in later," the reporter said.

The last picture that came through the televiewer was of some airships landing before the broadcast was thrown over to another news item.

Those damn homo-superiors, what are they up to?

I put it out of my mind, finished my breakfast, and with Vlen went to the Zephyr port and moved the vehicle outside.

I looked around and did not see anyone. But, Vlen and I knew better; the cloaked guards and van were still there, in stealth mode, invisible to the naked eye. The military had for more than a decade been using a scientific process of vibrating solids to another dimensional plane, which allowed light to pass through solid objects. To be sure, the guards standing in front of my home were not the same men as last night. Now that we were leaving, one of them would pass through the walls and remain inside until I returned. Vlen told the Zephyr to engage the automatic highway and proceed to military headquarters. Within half a minute, two star vipers flanked us, one on either side, and escorted us to our destination.

After we landed the Zephyr, Vlen and I walked towards the main doors of the building into the foyer, where we took the grav-lift to the third floor. Getting out of the lift, we went straight to the receptionist.

"Hello, could you please direct us to the interview room that I am to use today?" I asked the receptionist.

"Certainly, Captain. Just follow me," she said.

The receptionist got up from her desk and took us to the room assigned for the interviews. Inside the meeting room, there was a big triangular table with some chairs. The triangular table signified all parties sitting at this desk were to practice cooperation and respect. I sat on one side, and Vlen sat on another. My first interview was at 09.30 segments. At 9.25, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," I said.

"Greetings, Captain. Sam Jackson, First Chief Engineer of the Argos, reporting as ordered," he said as we exchanged salutes.

"Pleased to meet you, Sam. My name is Prime Captain Marcus Magnusson, and this is my First Officer, Vlen. Please make yourself comfortable. There's a jug of water and glasses on the table, should you feel the need to drink. This interview will last for approximately forty-five minutes." I said.

Sam sat down in a chair with a 3D PDA in his right hand while resting his left elbow on the surface of the table. He looked confident and relaxed.

Sam was thirty-two years of age, with strong features, and black hair that bore premature streaks of gray. From the information presented to me on my screen, he had more than enough experience to do the work. His responses to the job description, duty statements, and selection criteria indicated that his knowledge, temperament, and abilities had equipped him to perform well in his chosen vocation.

His father had been an engineer in the military, who retired ten years ago and died five years later. Sam was a single man with one brother, which was good, as there were strict rules about not letting any family line die out. In the entire fleet, there were only two exceptions to this rule: one was me, and the other was Severus. Neither of us had any family, but both of us were extremely qualified for our positions. Our service records stated that we did not want to have children, which made the decision easier for the Admiralty.

"In the brief, you were informed by Commander Severus, that you might be away from home for several years."

"Yes, Captain."

"How do you feel about that?" I asked.

"I am willing to accept the job, sir, regardless of whether it is five, seven, or ten years."

"Sam, in your words, tell us why you are applying for the position?" I asked.

"I am applying for this position, sir, because I want to see more of the universe, to learn, and serve in a useful capacity. It would be a privilege to serve with a fine crew on one of the newer ships with the latest equipment."

"Sam, tell us about the time you passed by Phoebus. The Captain's log reports that the vessel became caught in a gravitational vortex between the planet and its farthest moon. Do you want to tell us anything about the situation, not covered in the official report?"

Sam looked straight at me.

"Captain, you know from the report it was a matter of life and death. The ship became caught in a gravitational eddy current at the outer edge of the vortex, dragging the vessel slowly toward its center. I applied a sustained engagement of the fusion engines, at the risk of being killed, until we were able to escape. Everyone on the ship remained calm and worked together to pull the ship out of danger."

Sam did not mind sharing the praise with others; I liked that.

"Captain, is there any information that you can give me, Captain, about this mission?" Sam asked.

"Sam, if you're successful, you will not see our planet again for several years. Our mission is one of exploration, making alien friends, gathering knowledge and technology, and bringing it back home; that's as much as I can tell you," I said.

Sam looked out the window across to the spaceport.

"Sam, I believe your father helped design the ships' engines on paper before he died, is that right?" I asked.

"Yes. My father, along with a team of scientists and engineers, helped design the engines of the current class of ships. I was serving on the Defiant at the time and helped him on weekends or after work. We spent a lot of time going over the schematics and structural designs of the engines for the ships," he said.

"Commander Vlen, are there any questions you want to ask Sam?" I asked.

"No, Captain. The dossier on Sam is very extensive," Vlen said.

It had been nearly 45 minutes, and within fifteen minutes, I would have to begin another interview.

"Thanks for coming, Sam. Are there any other questions you want to ask before you go?" I asked.

"Not at this stage, Captain," Sam said. "Maybe later, if I am successful."

He stood up to leave, and we exchanged salutes. After Sam had gone, I sat down and relaxed for a few minutes, drinking coffee. I looked at Sam's details. Two of the other candidates also had strong claims.

There was a knock on the door, and the second candidate presented with a salute and introduced himself.

"Greetings Sirs, Eric Von Paulus, ship's Chief Engineer to the Orion reporting," he said.

I indicated to him to take a seat. He was a man in his early forties, with a good number of years of service in the civilian and military. He was of medium height and solidly built, with rugged features.

"I presume you have received a brief and have been informed that you may be away for several plus years," I said.

"Yes, Captain."

"How do you feel about that?"

"I am willing to accept the position, sir. I have one brother, who will carry on the family name, but we have not talked together in years, and I have no woman to keep me here. I have spent more time in outer space than on the planet; it would be an honor to have this opportunity."

"Eric, why do you want to apply for the Chief Engineer position? Aren't you happy where you are on the Orion?" I asked.

"I'm content, Captain, but the Orion is an old ship. She only performs routine deliveries of supplies and equipment between the moons. I'm interested in this position because I want to travel much further into outer space and see new worlds," he said.

I nodded my head.

"Eric, tell me about a time when you were under pressure and scared. How did you overcome that fear?"

Eric looked at me under his thick eyebrows. The lids of his blue eyes narrowing.

"Captain, the scariest time in my life occurred a few years ago aboard a civilian ship. I was the Second Engineer in charge of the ship when an unknown party attacked. Weapons fire had breached the hull, and the primary circuit coupling to the reactor had become unhinged, causing us to drift in space. We were facing death unless we could get the ship's reactor started. The hull began venting the atmosphere, so I had no choice. I crawled into the central corridor shaft, avoided electrocution, reconnected the primary coupling, and got the reactor up and running. Captain, I was scared. Under heavy arms fire, dead in the water. I didn't think we would get out of that one. I was afraid I was going to fail, but more for my shipmates than for myself. But, as you can see, I am here, and the rest is history."

I looked over his highly marked responses to the written questions.

"Do you have any questions?" I asked.

"No, Captain. Except to say that I would be quite happy to serve as the Second Chief Engineer if I miss out on the top position."

He has humility and enthusiasm; I like that!

"Do you have any questions to ask, Vlen?" I asked.

Vlen looked at Eric's written responses.

"No, Captain," he said.

"Well then, Eric, the interview is over. You will be informed of my decision soon. Thanks for coming," I said.

Eric stood, saluted us, and left the room.

I sat down and stretched my legs under the table, taking advantage of a short break. Vlen got up from his chair and gazed outside to the spaceport. In the distance, he could see the ships and the maintenance crews preparing the vessels for liftoff. I interviewed the remaining six candidates for the position and finished up for the day.

"Vlen, it's time you and I left and had something to eat and drink. What I mean is that I need to get some food and drink for me."

"I, too, would welcome a change of location."

"Okay. Let's go to the fishermen's restaurant this time. I hear the seafood is excellent, and I can think more clearly on a fuller stomach."

We left the building and got into the Zephyr. Vlen flew, as usual. He commanded the Zephyr to proceed to the restaurant, located on the outer fringes of the city, in the eastern zone, with the two star vipers following at a short distance. When we arrived, the restaurant was full, and we had to wait outside the door for ten minutes.

They finally let us in, squeezing us around a small table. We were surrounded by two hundred or more people eating, drinking, and dancing to music that was fast-paced and rhythmic. This music was another import from the planet Earth; the music was called Rock' n' Roll. It had been in existence on that planet for hundreds of years before the colonists brought it to our world. Having made my selection from the menu, I waved my hand over a sensor, and a holographic waitress appeared in the center of the table and took my order. She then turned toward Vlen and inquired as to what he would like to order.

"A glass of water is sufficient," Vlen replied.

The hologram nodded and disappeared from view. Five minutes later, a real waitress delivered my meal and beer, with a glass of water for Vlen. I ate my food in silence as Vlen stared off into space.

I sat back, enjoying the décor and ambiance, watching the men and women whirl and twist their bodies in time with the music. Vlen and I, along with two others, were the only military personnel in the restaurant, which also became a nightclub at the 19th segment.

"Vlen, tomorrow, I have to interview applicants for the position of First and Second Chief Scientists. If we don't leave now, I am going to be sleeping at those interviews," I said.

There were several applicants, but only two positions. The respective department heads, assisted by small specialist committees, would fill all other vacant scientific positions, with final approval given by Severus. We left the restaurant, and I made sure I was slightly ahead of Vlen this time and got into the driver's seat.

"Oh, no, you don't - not this time. I'm driving manually. You can sit back and watch the master."

I gave the command, and the Zephyr lifted upward and connected with the laser highway, our armed escorts discreetly behind us. It occurred to me that the Captains of The Valeria and The Graziella would also be receiving the same level of security. The sky was beginning to darken, with the stars blazing brightly despite the strong city lights. We arrived home several minutes later.

"Vlen, can you please shift the frequency of your vision and tell me if the guards are still here?" I asked.

"Yes, Captain, I can see several soldiers, including the van. They are all in stealth mode."

"Vlen, ask them if they would like anything to eat or drink before we retire for the evening," I said.

Vlen began to vibrate, shifting his atoms into the next dimension, and he, too, became invisible. About five minutes later, he reappeared.

"They are all fine and do not require anything."

"Okay, let's go inside. I have paperwork to do, and afterward, I'm going to hit the sack."

Vlen began to review the personnel selected by departmental heads as I started to sign off on the paperwork. Twenty minutes later, I felt more relaxed and ready for bed.

"Vlen, is there anything you want to say about today's interviews?" I asked.

"No, Captain. They are all worthy applicants; it will not be easy for you to make a final decision."

"As for you, Vlen, who do you prefer, and why?" I asked.

Vlen sat silently for a moment.

"Captain, after due consideration and matching of skills to the guidelines as set out by the high Admiralty, I recommend candidates one and two, for positions one and two, in that order. They have the necessary skills, and I believe they will both make excellent crew members," he said.

"I agree with you, Vlen. I'll record a personal hologram message for each and send them with a timed notification," I said.

I recorded two separate congratulatory 3D video messages, which the men would find tomorrow morning in their inboxes, then got changed and ready to go to sleep. Vlen asked me if I would like something to drink before I finished up for the day. I declined his offer and quietly climbed into the bed, hoping I would have a lucid dream of a beautiful lagoon on an island, far away from everyone. The technique of reinstalling consciousness in a dream without waking up was one of my more valued achievements.

I got up the next morning, refreshed, and quickly finished breakfast, eager to get on with the interviews. I decided to drive manually, connected to the laser highway, and proceeded to the interview room at Military Headquarters.

It was 09.30 segments. Vlen and I were sitting at the table when a knock on the door announced the first applicant – a scientist who had been in charge of the science department at the leading light university. He came inside and shook our hands. Vlen wore gloves so that no one who touched his hands would notice that he was an android.

I asked him to sit down. He was a man of medium stature, in his late forties and distinguished looking. I had gone through his dossier before he arrived and looked at his main scientific achievements. I asked him the usual questions of why he wished to apply and received his answers in short sentences. The next six interviews went similarly, and I started to become jaded. I needed to get out of this place and finish the last meeting for the day as quickly as possible; of course, I thought about leaving, but it was only wishful thinking.

These interviews are boring me to death!

I decided not to bother reviewing the final dossier; I would wing it.

There was a knock on the door, and two men entered. One was tall and thin, the other short and plump with a jovial expression. I had seen them before, in science magazines. The one with the jovial expression was Joseph Castelli, and the tall one was Vic Telesio. They made an unusual pair. We all shook hands, exchanging greetings before sitting down. I checked my 3D PDA, I had been expecting only one applicant, and yet, here were two. I instructed Vlen to make coffee and refreshments for the two scientists while I excused myself from the room for a moment; I needed to get up to speed quickly.

"Gentlemen, what would you like to eat and drink?" asked Vlen.

"Black coffee, no sugar," Telesio replied.

"I'll have a generous slice of orange cake with my coffee," Castelli answered.

While Vlen was getting their desserts, I was outside reading and checking their dossiers. The two had worked together since they were teenagers, and now, in their mid-forties, they wanted a change of circumstances. They were famous for discoveries about quantum theory and the theory of inverse spatial dimensions. They had managed to unite the two ideas by using the holographic concept of existence and some seventh dimension mathematics, hopefully, to develop the mathematical equations that would demonstrate the structure of the eighth dimension. It was awe-inspiring, that is, if everything proved to be correct. For now, it was all just conjecture.

I came back to the room and found them chatting amongst themselves, entirely at home, as if this was not an interview room at all, with Castelli popping a piece of cake into the mouth just as I came in. With his ruddy complexion and the way he looked at me from the sides of his eyes, he looked like a fat schoolboy. Victor, on the other hand, seemed more dangerous. Was he talking to Vlen about recent discoveries in science, or was it the other way around? Seeing the slight look of puzzlement on my face, Telesio just shrugged his shoulders and kept talking to Vlen. I sat down, annoyed that my presence in the room did not seem to mean anything.

"Mister Castelli, are you through eating cake? Are you ready to continue with the interview?" I asked.

"I am ready whenever you are, Captain," he said.

Continuing as if he had all the time in the world, Castelli wiped his face with a napkin, drank the rest of the coffee, and made himself comfortable.

"Well, I am glad to see you are enjoying the interview, Mister Castelli," I said.

"Sir, I am happy to be here," he replied.

I decided to direct my first question to Telesio.

"Mr. Telesio, why are you applying for the position of Chief Scientist aboard the Veda?" I asked him.

"Captain, I'm applying for the job as I've spent almost all of my scientific life working in laboratories. Joseph and I have produced incredible breakthroughs in the fields of nanotechnology, quantum physics, and nuclear fusion. Still, we wish to broaden our knowledge, by experiencing the universe first hand, instead of the second-hand manner that we have lived with for 30 years. To do this, we need not only the best equipment, but we also need the best opportunities," Telesio said.

"What about you, Castelli? What's your reason for applying?" I asked.

"Where he goes, I go. We're a team, and we will continue to be a team. We're pals, buddies, and friends," he said.

For a moment, I paused, not sure how to respond to his statement.

"Spending seven or more years in space doesn't bother you?" I asked.

"No, sir. I am just as interested in making discoveries as Victor is. If you are somewhat dissatisfied with my reply, Captain, then please consider all that Victor and I have achieved together," Castelli said.

I liked these two, as unconventional as they were. Either by themselves or jointly, each had made significant contributions to my bloc's scientific knowledge. I made up my mind; they would work together, produce results, and not be jealous of each other – perfect.

"Vlen, do you have any questions for the scientists?" I asked.

Vlen shook his head. "I am most impressed by the results of their work."

I looked at the pair considering their reputations.

"Are there any questions you want to ask me?" I asked.

"Yes, Captain, I have a couple. How extensive is the laboratory, and when does the ship leave?" Telesio asked.

"You're very confident!" I exclaimed.

"No, Captain, I am not confident; I know that Joseph and I will more than double your investment," he said.

He was right. I couldn't argue with the obvious, so I decided to answer his question.

"The ship's science laboratory is large - 300 metrons square filled to the brim with the latest technology in atom smashers and matter transmats. You will have everything you need – that our bloc can give – to conduct your scientific experiments. If you are successful, you will be informed as to when the ships are to leave. Are there any more questions?" I asked.

"Captain, is the chef an excellent cook?" Castelli asked.

I barely stopped myself from laughing.

"I haven't as yet gotten around to interviewing for the position of head chef," I said, smiling.

He looked disappointed with my answer.

"Rest assured, Joseph, we are of one mind on this subject! We both want the best available chef."

Castelli smiled. "Captain, thank you for putting my mind at ease."

"Now that we have gotten that out of the way, do you have any further questions?" I asked.

"No, Captain," they said at the same time.

"Then, gentlemen, the interview is officially over. Successful applicants will be notified within 28 segments by an encoded 3D holographic image and message. You both may go."

Vlen and I then stood up as they said goodbye and left the room.

"They are a bit of a comedy duo, don't you think, Vlen?" I asked.

"They may be slightly unconventional, Captain. However, their scientific achievements are second to none in our bloc, and they fulfill all requirements. I believe they would make an excellent addition to our crew."

"I agree, Vlen. Now it is time to go home. I have the chefs to interview tomorrow." I said.

"Captain, why is it necessary for you to interview the chefs?" Vlen asked.

I reclined back into the chair.

"Many years ago, before my mother passed away, she told me, 'you can train anyone to cook, but only the ones who love cooking should be cooks or chefs.' She taught me to take notice of the ones who love cooking; their food will nearly always taste and smell better than those who cook merely for money. Yes, I know we can use a Konsdat replicator for meals, but the meals never taste as good as traditional homemade food," I said as I rubbed my belly. "Vlen, let's get out of here. My stomach is rumbling."

Vlen and I stopped off at the fisherman's restaurant, where I ate a large meal of fish and chips, and finished it with beer. We were sitting there quietly, each absorbed in our thoughts when suddenly, an attractive woman interrupted my thinking.

"Would you like to dance?" she asked me.

I looked up at her; she had an attractive figure, a sweet face, light brown hair, green eyes, and stood around 1.73 metrons. Dressed in a black-and-gold-checkered dress, wearing only a touch of makeup, she was an instant knockout.

What bad timing! Here I was, going away for a long time, and she walks into my life, just like that.

Where were you three years ago?

"Thank you for asking. But I was just about to leave," I replied, pained.

"Why not stay a little while longer?" she asked.

"I have to go – again, thanks for the offer," I said.

I cursed the timing of the meeting and the circumstances as Vlen and I both stood and left.

We got into the Zephyr, with Vlen driving, and followed the laser highway, with the two star vipers shadowing us. When we arrived, Vlen checked in with the squadron Commander and reappeared a few minutes later.

"Nothing to report, Captain."

"Thanks."

Vlen then offered me a game of Dragonist, but I declined. I just wanted to finish signing off on some papers and go to sleep afterward. I went to bed and dreamed of the girl and the two scientists on a checkered couch in a patterned room, talking to one another about the eighth dimension. Waking up the next morning, I recalled the strange dream and shook my head.

What a weird dream! It's amazing what the subconscious will throw up at times.

I got cleaned up and dressed while Vlen made breakfast for me. I did not want to watch the news today, so I switched to another channel, hoping to avoid a repeat of yesterday's news. Today, I had several interviews for the position of head chef. I was to meet the candidates in the meals area of the military headquarters, where each chef would cook for me in turn.

We arrived at Military HQ and went to the reception desk, where I asked for directions to the kitchen area. The management had arranged a small area of the kitchen to be cordoned off. We sat just outside the kitchen, in the lunch area, waiting for the first applicant to arrive.

The first chef soon arrived; he appeared confident and overweight. I stopped him at the door and introduced myself. I requested he place his hands, palms facing down, in front of me so that I could examine his fingernails. I was not happy that he had long nails.

"Thanks for coming, Phillip, but you failed to pass stage one," I said.

He raised his eyebrows.

"What do you mean, sir?" he said.

"I mean, you have long fingernails with dirt under them. I can't have someone with slack hygiene preparing food on my ship," I said.

"Thank you for letting me know, sir," he said and left.

The next applicant arrived half a segment later. I asked this chef also to place his hand palms face down. This applicant, like the first, had dirty fingernails.

"Thanks for coming, but you are unsuccessful," I said.

Though the chef was somewhat surprised, he shook my hand and left.

"Now, these are what I call brief interviews," I said.

We waited for the next chef; this time, Vlen investigated the chef's fingernails, and another chef with long nails was sent home.

I was starting to worry.

"We are not having much luck with chefs, are we, Vlen?"

"Patience is a virtue, Captain; only three individuals have disappointed us thus far."

The fourth applicant came, and after I had examined his clean hands and short fingernails, I took down his details, and we went into the kitchen.

"Okay, John, cook me your best dish," I said.

While he was cooking, I checked his dossier and learned that he had served 27 years on various ships in the Navy and Space Corps. His data file included recommendations galore by Commanders and visiting dignitaries. I sat down and ate a fish meal prepared for me and quietly finished the food, washing it down with red wine.

A good meal, but I've tasted better.

I asked John some questions about why he wanted to keep working aboard spaceships. He explained his position and aspirations for the future, and his desire to retire owning a large establishment.

It was apparent he was going for the money; as we paid, triple the going rate to anyone working in space. I informed him he was unsuccessful and thanked him for his time. Sure, everyone wants to make good money, but this mission also called for passion for discovering what the universe was about, and he did not have it.

We met the seventh and final applicant for the head chef's position; we introduced ourselves and exchanged pleasantries. His name was Michael Nav. He was a medium-sized man of average height with regular, straight features, a tanned complexion, and a small waxed mustache that curled upwards at the ends. After we had shaken hands, I checked his fingernails to make sure they were short.

"What would you like to cook, Michael?" I asked.

"If the Captain does not mind, I would like to cook my favorite meal; a porterhouse steak accompanied with vegetables and salad. Then I would like to follow up with dessert consisting of mint ice cream in a frying pan," he said.

"It won't be necessary to cook anything for Commander Vlen," I said.

"Okay, Captain, just for you then," he said agreeably.

I watched him as he cooked. He moved at a steady pace, humming to himself as he worked. The other chefs in the kitchen would occasionally look to see what he was doing. Vlen and I went and sat down at the table and waited for the chef to finish. He placed the steak dish in front of me, beside a separate plate of vegetables and a side salad. I smelled it first and then started to eat. About 15 minutes later, I had finished the main meal, and five minutes later, he brought over the fried mint ice cream. I finished the dessert with an exquisite drink, which Michael had prepared from different blended fruits and nuts. I had no idea that one could cook ice cream and not have it melt – just amazing. I savored the ice cream. Wow! This guy knows how to cook and whip up an excellent dessert.

"Well, Captain, what you think?" he asked.

"You're an excellent cook, and I enjoyed your meal very much. But why do you want to go on a journey, possibly for several years away from your home?" I asked.

"Captain, as much as I like cooking, I also enjoy astronomy. When I look at the sky, listening to music on my earphones, I feel as if I and the universe are in sync; it is an uplifting experience."

A kindred spirit!

"I know exactly how you feel, Michael," I said. "When I have a chance, I also like to listen to music while looking through a telescope at the heavens. As you say, the experience can be uplifting."

"Does this mean I have the Job?"

"Yes, congratulations, the position is yours." I grinned.

"Thank you, Captain!" he shouted and threw his hat into the air.

"Michael, you will find the formal notification waiting in your inbox tomorrow. You have three days to put your affairs in order. After that, you are to report straight to the department head and inform him of any particular requirements for the ship's provisions. Remember, we may well be in space for seven years. If you have to order special provisions, then do so, don't be shy. The last thing I want is for us to be stuck in space, eating food from a Konsdat replicator for the last two years of our journey. Finally, Michael, tell no one of our business until the second last day before departure that you are leaving," I said.

"I promise," Michael said.

With that, he gathered his tools of the trade he had brought with him and prepared to wash them. We said goodbye to each other, with Vlen and I heading back to the Zephyr.

We stopped off at the fishermen's restaurant, just for a drink. I was also hoping to see the girl in the black and gold dress. But she wasn't there.

You're a fool, Magnusson. You had your chance last night, and you blew it. Ah, hell, the timing is never right.

"Come on, Vlen, it's time for us to go. If you want, you can even fly us home."

"Thank you, Captain. I enjoy flying the Zephyr."

"Yes, I can see that," I said, smiling. "Good thing I don't have to pay you; otherwise, I would be broke."

We headed home, where I hit the sack, glad that my hunt for a quality head chef was over. Again, I dreamed of the girl with the black and gold checkered dress. This time, we were together on the observatory of Veda, looking at the stars.

#  Chapter 5

I woke up the next morning to the sound of Vlen, making breakfast. I had overslept, which was a good thing because I needed the rest. I got up, cleaned myself up, and sat down at the table to enjoy my regular French toast and coffee while I watched the news. Nothing had changed from the day before; there was no new information forthcoming for the moment regarding the explosion. I had finished breakfast when I heard my home's computer announce there was a visitor at the door. I looked at the monitor screen in the kitchen. Standing at the door was a monk holding a staff. A glowing orb, surrounded by flames, that topped the rod.

"Oh, no, I completely forgot," I said under my breath.

I got up from the chair, crossed the floor, opened the door, and allowed the monk to enter.

"Good morning, Captain Magnusson. My name is Albert; I am the Abbot of the Monastery of Light. I've come to talk about Veda's spiritual advisor," he said mildly.

I smiled. "Welcome to my home, Abbot. Did the guards give you any bother?"

"No, in fact, they were quite polite while they were checking my credentials," the Abbot replied.

He was a big man with broad shoulders and a solid build.

That's right, now I remember!

Many of the monks trained in the martial arts; all of our military trainers went to them to learn the ancient skills of unarmed hand-to-hand fighting.

I heard stories from some of the military trainers of how skeptical they had been, in the beginning, about learning self-defense from a monk. It was a given in the martial arts that you should never underestimate an opponent; however, that is what a lot of military instructors did when beginning training at the monastery. The monks, whose demeanor was deceiving, quickly taught the overconfident instructors 'who was in charge.' Many an instructor found themselves on the receiving end, flat on their backs on the mat. That's why the military sent them to be disciplined. Discipline, in the ancient vernacular, meant to learn. All these thoughts and more crossed my mind as I introduced him to Vlen.

"Abbot, this is my First Officer, Commander Vlen. Please, have a seat," I said.

The Abbot nodded in Vlen's direction.

Dressed in tan pants and shirt with a brown coat, he made himself comfortable. He appeared to be 50 years of age, with a kind face, brown eyes, tanned complexion, a goatee, and sandy-colored hair. He planted his staff upright on the ground, but it did not topple. The light blue-green flames emanating from within the orb at the top of the rod illuminated the surrounding area.

"Abbot, I'm honored that you have come to my home," I said.

"Thank you, Captain, for your warm welcome," the Abbot replied, smiling.

"Would you like some refreshments, Abbot?" asked Vlen.

"No, thanks, Commander, I ate before leaving the monastery."

"Are you sure you won't have anything?" I asked.

"I'm fine; thanks, Captain."

I sat down opposite Vlen and the Abbot and waited for him to speak.

The Abbot looked keenly at Vlen.

"You're an android, aren't you?" the Abbot asked.

"Yes, that's correct, Abbot. How is it that you can see past my holographic projection?" Vlen asked.

"I see through your projection because my spiritual eyes can see how the molecules of the air are affected around living creatures. The molecules around inanimate objects act in a manner altogether different."

"How do they behave differently?" Vlen asked.

"We live in an ocean of energy. Air molecules around living creatures churn more dynamically, as opposed to molecules surrounding inanimate objects, which churn less so. Also, air molecules around human beings give off heat and light, but air molecules that surround inanimate objects give off less heat and light," answered the Abbot.

"Fascinating," Vlen said. "Upon accessing my memory, I see that a number of your order has the ability for such vision. I also have that ability, but mine is from technology, whereas yours is derived from a shifting of consciousness."

Vlen paused before continuing. "Unfortunately, unlike you, I am not able to see the thought forms and creatures that your order claims to inhabit the astral planes," Vlen reflected.

The Abbot spoke in a matter of fact way. "It's a good thing that ordinary men and women cannot see some of the creatures that inhabit the astral planes; truly, they are the stuff of nightmares."

"All this talk of energy, astral planes, and strange creatures is interesting, but let's get down to business," I said.

"Your pardon, Captain, I got carried away," remarked the Abbot.

"That's okay, Abbott; Vlen has the effect of encouraging people to talk about themselves and their interests," I said.

The Abbot composed himself before speaking.

"Captain, as you know, a chaplain within the Space Corps also carries the rank of Commander. The equivalent of your First Officer, and can, in the event of an emergency, take command of the ship," the Abbot said matter-of-factly.

"Yes, I am aware of the extensive training chaplains undergo in both the monastery and the Space Academy. I've seen Padres, engage with systems on ships, and pilot them as well as any Captain," I said.

The Abbot continued. "The chaplain falls under the command of the spiritual caste, and will not interfere with the running of the ship unless you request the Padre to take over for some reason. The chaplain's primary function is to provide a service of worship once a week and to minister to those who need spiritual comfort or advice."

I sat silently as the Abbot went over some of the ground rules concerning the role of the chaplain aboard a starship. He wanted to remind me and reinforce the importance of a minister.

"As you know, Captain, it is not the Admiralty that chooses the ship's chaplain; the choice is made from within the monastery. Many applicants prepare themselves, years in advance, in the hope of being selected. I, along with the Abbot of our sister monastery, review all suitable candidates, and from these, we decide who is worthy of being a chaplain aboard a starship," he said.

"Yes, Abbot," I said mildly.

While the Abbot had been talking, Vlen had placed a bowl of fruit and a bottle of liquor with small glasses on the table.

"Abbot, have you chosen a chaplain for Veda?" I asked.

"Yes, one has been chosen. By the way, yesterday, the other Captains meet their chaplains at a special ceremony in the monastery," he said.

That's a polite way of saying you should have been there too!

"I apologize, Abbot, I've been kept rather busy the last few days," I said.

"Well then, Prime Captain, is tomorrow afternoon suitable for you?" the Abbot asked.

"Tomorrow it is. I promise that Vlen and I will both be there," I said.

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing both of you there," the Abbot said.

I smiled and poured myself a glass of nectarian amber liquor. The Abbot was studying my head and shoulders, but not directly, rather in an oblique fashion.

"Is there anything wrong?" I asked.

"I am looking at the colors of your aura. They are dazzling and intense; you are a very energetic person, not only physically, but also mentally. I can see you have a slight interest in the metaphysical, but overall, you are a man who likes to achieve results on the material plane. I also see you are an honest person who endeavors to act ethically. Loyalty, duty, endurance, courage, and honor are crucial to you," the Abbot said.

"What else do you see?" I asked.

"There are four multi-dimensional beings around you, influencing you either to do good or evil, to choose between order and chaos. The two multi-dimensional spirits who represent good are the closest to you, with the two evil ones further off. You are not aware that they are there, nor are they aware that they are within your vicinity. Therefore, these spirits cannot talk to you directly. Nevertheless, these spirits can influence your thoughts, whether you know it or not. There is also a giant gray wolf that sits at your feet and watches me as we speak."

If anyone else had just told me that, I would have called them crazy and walked away. However, repeatedly, Abbots had demonstrated, scientifically, under laboratory conditions, that they could see and know things ordinary people could not have known. I recalled the case of the blind Abbott, under observation in a laboratory, who was able to read the contents of a file in a locked room, in another building, with several scientists and observers as witnesses recording the results. Other monks, on occasions, had demonstrated the gift of precognition. One example came to mind of a monk 300 stadia from a border skirmish, speaking of the conflict minutes before it broke out. I concluded that, if this Abbott had no angles to play, he probably was telling the truth about these multi-dimensional beings. The wolf he mentioned may very well be real, but, on the other hand, it may just be a symbolic projection of a part of my subconscious.

"What about Vlen, Abbot? He thinks he is a real person; what do you see?" I asked.

The Abbot looked at Vlen and studied him for a moment.

"I do not want to influence Commander Vlen, for he is on a quest for the truth and thus enlightenment. The answers Commander Vlen seeks will come to him during his journey, and others at the end of it. Even the learned and wise will learn from his experiences," he said.

"Can't you tell him anything?" I asked.

The Abbott paused as if he was listening to someone else talking.

"I am sorry. But I am not permitted," the Abbot said.

"What do you mean you are not permitted?" I asked.

"My guardian spirits inform me it is in the best interests of Commander Vlen that he obtains the answers directly for himself; they will not give me any other reason. I only observe their request in this matter and respect their higher intellect," the Abbot said.

Vlen looked disappointed, and perhaps it was my imagination, but slightly hurt as well.

"Well, Vlen, it sounds like you are going to have to wait for your answers a while longer," I said.

The Abbot got up to leave. "Thank you for your refreshments, Captain. It is time for me to go, as I have other people waiting for me."

"I'll see you out, Abbot," I said.

"Don't bother yourself, Captain," said the Abbot, smiling.

He grabbed his staff tightly, and it started to pulsate, emitting its blue-green light all around him, and then, he vanished.

Vlen looked surprised. "An awe-inspiring display of power, considering there is no technology involved that I can detect."

"You're right, Vlen. It's not every day that you get to see a display like that and have someone tell you these strange and unusual things about yourself," I said, rubbing my chin. "After that little demonstration, I think, I will take metaphysics a little more seriously."

I paused for a moment and then decided.

"I'm going to have lunch now, and afterward, I'm going for a spin in one of the new starfighters. Do you want to leave the paperwork behind and come with me?"

"Yes, Captain, I look forward to flying a starfighter."

"Good, I'll go up first, and then we'll go together with you in the pilot's seat. How does that sound, Vlen?"

"An excellent idea, Captain."

It was a warm summer's day, so I had a light lunch and a cold soft drink. I grabbed my pilot's helmet, and we stepped out into the Zephyr. Vlen directed the Zephyr to engage with the laser highway; from there, he flew the Zephyr manually, landing at the training site of the spaceport several minutes later. Vlen parked the Zephyr near the training building, whose security guards had been notified in advance of our arrival.

The two star vipers that protected us hovered overhead as we went to the main entrance of the building, passing the guards who stood at attention and walked through the foyer towards the officer at the desk, who prepared to stand up.

"Please stay seated, Lieutenant. My name is Captain Marcus Magnuson of the star carrier Veda, and this is my First Officer, Commander Vlen. We want to take one of the starfighters for a spin into space. Here are my credentials and security clearance."

The officer examined my identity document and directed me to look at the wall directly in front of me, where a hidden eye scanner had been implanted. I felt a slight tingle as it scanned my eye. Almost immediately, the response came back.

"Thank you, sir. I will send for a sergeant to take you to the starfighter," he said.

He pressed the button, and a sergeant appeared. He escorted us to the starfighters outside, where several stood in a row.

I told Vlen to wait for me as I climbed into the cockpit of the first fighter and strapped on my helmet. The helmet engaged the wireless systems in the cockpit, causing the canopy to shut, and a safety strap to spring over my body, as the ship's computer spoke.

"At your command, Captain Magnusson."

"Liftoff and proceed to 15,000 stadia above this position."

The ship's computer took over, and the anti-grav engine came online, emitting circular pulses of electromagnetic anti-gravity. The ship arced up at an angle, pushing upward through the layers of the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere in under twenty minutes, reaching a speed of 45,000 stadia per segment. I finally leveled off at 15,000 stadia, floating in a tight orbit about the planet. I took control of the ship manually, and completed an orbit around the world, arriving above the same position from which I had left.

I commanded the ship to glide in at an angle of 40 degrees, so the bottom of the fighter faced the atmosphere at the best angle for re-entry, before adjusting the nose of the starfighter again. I slowed the vessel down, gliding for a while at around 5,000 stadia, where I made loop de loops and dived, pulling up gracefully each time. I was in no hurry to land. I wanted to enjoy the last few minutes and went into a great, slow spiral dive pulling out 500 metrons above ground level. I then landed the ship at the spaceport, where I had taken off two segments earlier.

Vlen and the sergeant had been waiting in the tower. They came down when they saw my fighter land.

"You had us worried there, for a second, when we saw you dive and reach within 500 metrons of the ground," the sergeant said.

I grinned. "Nah, I was having a bit of fun. Speaking of which, I will let Vlen take control of the next joy ride. He'll be the pilot, and I the victim, I mean, passenger."

"Your attempt at humor, Captain, leaves much to be desired," Vlen said.

We walked over to a starfighter, designed for taking a navigator and a pilot. We strapped ourselves in and took off. Vlen advised the ship's computer that he would be manually taking over the ship's controls. He guided the vessel into position 600 stadia above the base and commenced gliding and swooping motions toward the surface, performing the odd loop de loop and barreling the fighter before finally taking off for outer space. In orbit, he put the ship on autopilot, taking in the view of the planet below.

"Captain, the view is so beautiful, compared to the pictures of the world engraved in my crystalline lattice; it's not the same as when you are here in person."

Vlen then angled the ship so that it was facing more to outer space. Pulling down my visor, I looked toward the twin suns, named Castor and Pollux, which were medium-sized stars in their middle age. Vlen, too, had pulled down his visor, since our ship was lit up golden-red from the rays of the twin suns.

"It's time we headed back, Vlen. We have more work to complete when we get back."

Vlen reluctantly agreed and turned the ship back toward the planet's surface. Not far from us, just another 7,000 stadia from the furthest edge of our planet's atmosphere, our bloc's space station could be seen as a gleaming object in the darkness of space. I knew that, within two weeks, we would be passing the space station, headed out on a new adventure, and, hopefully, a better understanding of the universe.

Vlen was gliding the ship toward the military base when from the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a gleaming silver shaped object traveling from the east at tremendous speed. Simultaneously, the ship's computer announced that a thermonuclear device had been launched from the ocean and had locked on to our fighter's engine. I quickly assumed control of the ship's system, with the missile still closing in, and piloted the aircraft to go straight down. I deployed decoys in the hope that the rocket would mistake one of them for the fighter, but it didn't work. I then launched two anti-missile weapons, which missed their mark.

"We're not going to outmaneuver this missile. Our only chance is to go into a dive toward the ocean, pulling up at the last minute and hope that the missile slams into the water straight after."

"As you say, Captain."

We maintained our downward trajectory, increasing our speed toward the surface of the planet. At just 100 metrons, we leveled out above the ocean surface. The missile, almost on our back, did not have enough time to react and slammed into the water, exploding on impact. The tower at the military base had been tracking the situation and had scrambled four fighters to try and destroy the missile. But I had beaten them to it.

The four fighters formed a protective flight formation around us in case of another attack. A few minutes later, we all landed safely at the airport. I saw an armed platoon deployed near the entrance of the building, waiting for us to land. We left the fighter and headed toward the principal office of the building, where a lieutenant colonel and his staff awaited our arrival. Standing to attention, Vlen and I saluted the officer, who returned our salutes briskly.

"Have a seat, gentlemen. In my opinion, this attack is another example of peace diplomacy failing. The enemy thinks we're too gutless to fight back, but this incident will not go unanswered. The Secretary of the Joint Admiralty has informed me that an ocean submersible has been sent to the launch area to investigate." the Lieutenant Colonel said.

I didn't say anything. My throat was dry. I headed over to the water dispenser and had a couple of cups. Even Vlen had a small drink. The incident had taken a lot out of me; I shook my head, thinking how lucky I was that my experience as a pilot had saved my life yet again. Next time, it might be a different story.

I watched the Lieutenant Colonel place a voice recorder on his desk.

"Prime Captain, I will need you to give me a statement of the incident as well as the crystal flight disk recorder, did you bring it with you?"

"Yes, sir, I followed procedure; here it is," I said, handing it over to him.

"Excellent," the Lieutenant Colonel replied, taking it from me. "You may begin when ready."

I hit the record button and gave a verbal statement of the incident. A few minutes later, it was Vlen's turn. When Vlen had finished, the Colonel turned off the recorder.

"Thank you, gentlemen, I know you have been through a harrowing experience, would you like some refreshments?" the Lieutenant Colonel asked.

I checked the time on the wall behind the Colonel's desk, and he caught my eye.

"Prime Captain, I see I am holding you up, I won't detain you any further. You and Commander Vlen are dismissed," he said.

"Thanks for your understanding, Colonel; Commander Vlen and I don't have much time left on Caeruleus," I said.

The Colonel shook my hand and wished me God's speed, and then we left the building.

We jumped into our Zephyr, and upon lifting off, the two-armed fighters escorted us home. When we arrived, a news crew was waiting for us. We floated overhead as the lead pilot signaled to the security guards, to push away the reporters and the crowd that had started to form. A further detachment of troops arrived to help keep back the people. I was able to land the Zephyr and drive it into the Zephyr port. Vlen and I got out and walked through the port into the main room, where we found one guard watching us through the eyeholes in his black balaclava. He didn't say anything as we entered. He only nodded his head and walked out.

"Vlen, I'm glad we're back home," I said.

We both sat down and turned on the televiewer, only to find that we were the main subject of the news tonight. The Admiralty should have killed that news report; drawing all this unwanted attention right now was not good for the secrecy of our mission. I listened for a few moments and then decided that I had heard enough. A moment later, I received an incoming call from Severus.

"Captain, I was not able to get through to you earlier, as my signal was being blocked. I am still investigating the source of the interference. As you know, my responsibilities demand that I remain near the ships. Is there anything you require?" Severus asked.

"Thanks for your concern, Commander, but right now, I'm going to have a drink and relax, and then finish off that overdue paperwork."

"Understood, Captain, I'll sign off for now," Severus said.

Someone or some government was trying very hard to disrupt the mission. We would have to resort to quantum encoding our messages using photons and cipher keys for encrypting and decrypting messages. I checked the monitor in the sitting room and saw that the troops were still surrounding my property, and hidden among them were the commandos in stealth mode, capable of seeing their counterparts in the mirror dimension.

I finished the paperwork, had a bite to eat, then showered, and went to bed.

The next morning, as usual, Vlen asked me what I would like for breakfast.

"Thank you for your offer, Vlen, but I believe it's my turn to make breakfast. What can I fix for you this morning? A can of oil?" I asked.

"I am glad, Captain, you are so easily amused with small things; a glass of water will do."

"Okay, Vlen, here is your glass of water with a fizzy pill just to pep you up."

"Again, Captain, I find your sense of humor disturbing."

I let out a laugh, having found my mark, and started to make bacon and eggs on toasted bread, with coffee to wash them down.

"Would you like the televiewer switched on?" Vlen asked.

"No, thanks. I've had enough news lately, as I expect more news later when I see Severus," I said.

"Your sense of timing is excellent, Captain. Commander Severus has sent me a notification that he should be arriving in several minutes," Vlen said.

Severus must be more worried than he is willing to let on, to leave the ships, and come here. I quickly cleaned myself up and put on my uniform. A moment later, Vlen announced that Severus was waiting outside the perimeter. I ordered the force field to be lowered.

The house computer let Severus in.

"Greetings, Captain, and Commander Vlen," he said.

"Have you found out anything new?" I asked.

Severus shook his head. "The missile was launched from international waters, from an undersea submersible. Other than that, we can't say who is responsible. Some within the government believe the attack came from the third bloc, while others also within the government are blaming rogue elements from the second bloc."

"This information is not very helpful, is it, Severus?" I asked.

"It is not telling us anything we did not already suspect."

From his bag, Severus pulled out two PDA's and switched them on, before giving one to me, and another to Vlen.

"From now on, Captain, all mobile communications between us are to use a higher level of encryption using these PDA's that carry the keys for encrypting and decrypting messages. If someone tries to intercept these signals, the flow of photonic information will be interrupted, and we will know that someone is attempting to intercept the messages," he said.

"Severus, I have to go to the monastery to meet the chaplain this afternoon."

"Captain, your life is in danger. It would be best if you minimized your exposure to risk until we are ready to leave," Severus said.

"I gave my word to the Abbot. I can't disappoint him a second time," I said.

"In that case, Captain, I will arrange for stealth equipment to be installed in your Zephyr," Severus said.

I nodded, and he got on his PDA and made a call.

"Hawkeye, I need you to come to the Captain's home with the necessary equipment we talked about earlier," Severus said.

In half a segment, Hawkeye had arrived. Vlen ordered the lowering of the force field so Hawkeye could enter inside.

A medium-sized man of average height in a military intelligence uniform introduced himself only as Hawkeye.

"With your permission, Captain, I will place one of these stealth devices in your Zephyr, and I request that you and Commander Vlen attach one each to the side of your belts. These, as you know, will render you invisible to the naked eye," he said.

"Thanks, Hawkeye," I said, taking one of the small discs.

"Hawkeye," Severus said, "I want you to stay with the security detail guarding the Captain for the next few days. Whenever he leaves his home, you are to accompany him," Severus instructed.

"Yes, Commander Severus," Hawkeye said.

I need to lighten the mood.

"Please, gentlemen, sit down and have something to eat. We can't have the enemy upsetting our appetites, can we?" I said, looking at them.

Severus nodded in agreement.

"Hawkeye, the Konstadt replicator is there. You're welcome to make any food or beverage you like," I said.

"Thanks, Captain. I'll avail myself of your hospitality, as soon as I finish attaching the stealth device to your Zephyr," he said.

Hawkeye went out and came back five minutes later. He washed his hands at the sink before going over to the replicator with a gleam in his eyes.

"Would anyone like anything made for them?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I already ate. Now, what about you, Commander Severus?" I asked.

"Captain, my mind is preoccupied with too many concerns at the moment," Severus said.

"Commander Severus, as your Captain, I am ordering you to take a leave of absence from yourself for half a segment. Sit down with Hawkeye and have something to eat and drink. That is an order," I said.

"Because you insist, Captain, I will have a beef burger and drink it with a malt beer," he said.

Here's my chance to try to get this guy to relax and be one of the boys for a change.

"Malt beer! Are you joking, Severus? There is no way you could prefer malt beer to VL beer unless you have never tried VL. Is that the case?" I asked.

"Your right Captain, I have never tried VL beer before."

"Severus, my friend, sit down and enjoy the best beer that ever graced the known galaxy, brought to us by our ancestors from Earth. Let me know what you think," I said.

In the meantime, Hawkeye had created Severus a beef burger and served it up with a bottle of VL beer. He then created his Gallerian sandwiches and drank a glass of ginger ale. Severus had a few bites of his beef burger and drank some beer, before speaking

"Captain, you're right. The quality of this beer is superb. I've never tasted anything like it," he said. With that, he finished his burger, guzzled the rest of his drink, and issued a belch of appreciation.

"Very enjoyable, Captain," Severus said.

"Well, Severus, seeing that you liked the beer that much," I said, "I'm going to send you the recipe to your PDA."

"Captain, I'd like one as well," added Hawkeye.

"Check your PDA's gentlemen," I said. "It's back to business and time to get going. Hawkeye, Vlen, we will go to the monastery, and Severus will return to the ships. Severus, I will need another 3D PDA encrypted to our specifications so I can give one to the chaplain," I said.

"All ready, Captain. I hadn't forgotten," he replied.

He pulled one out of his bag and adjusted it.

"Here it is, Captain; it's fully functional and ready to use. The PDA will respond only to the chaplain's voice and thumbprint after he presses this button."

"Severus, have the leader of the commandos station a soldier in here as soon as we have gone."

"Yes, sir. But before I go, Captain, I want you and Commander Vlen to have these," Severus said.

He gave us a laser pistol each, to attach to our suits. I noticed that Hawkeye already had one. When Severus had left, Vlen and I attached the cloaking devices to the sides of our belts. Hawkeye switched his equipment on, and we were all invisible to everyone except for each other. We proceeded to the Zephyr and activated the vehicles cloaking device. We left the Zephyr port with Vlen flying, as usual, giving the command to take us to the monastery, some twenty stadia from my house. The two military starfighters that were flanking us were also cloaked, visible only to us, and for a change fell in behind us.

From the sky, we could see the monastery looming before us, the main building reached several stories high, squarish in shape, with ornate carvings on the sides of the walls. Each wall had one main entrance, set directly to the cardinal points of the compass. Several monks waited for us on the rooftop, waving in our direction. They could see us despite our cloaking devices.

These monks are amazing!

We landed the Zephyr on the roof while our military escorts hovered in the air.

Vlen and I uncloaked ourselves as we stepped out of the Zephyr. One of the monks came forward and introduced himself.

"My name is Radon, and I am a senior monk at the Monastery of Light; I am pleased to meet you, as are my companions. You may inform your security guard to show himself. When you came within two hundred metrons of this building, you all became visible. Here in our domain, no one can hide their physical selves, or who they really are," he said.

"Hawkeye, be polite, and switch off the cloaking device. They can see you anyway," I said.

"I was about to, Captain," he added, as he gradually emerged into view.

"We are pleased to meet you. I am Captain Marcus Magnusson; this is my First Officer Vlen, and Hawkeye, our security escort," I said, shaking Radon's hand.

"My fellow monks and I are also pleased to meet you. Please come this way," Radon replied.

We climbed down two flights of stairs, walked into the corridor, and waited before a pair of automatic sliding doors.

Radon asked us to remove our shoes and follow him and the other monks into the main hall. The enormous chamber smelled like rose blossoms from the burning incense, and the carpets were thick and plush. Overhead was a beautiful hanging light made of thousands of beautiful crystals. The twin suns' light reflected through them, channeled from the outside using mirrors cleverly hidden in the ceiling. There were about 200 monks present, male and female. The Abbot stood in the front with two monks, one standing on either side of him. The Abbot wore a purple gown and a long gold chain with symbols I did not recognize. The chain around his neck represented extraordinary powers, according to the level of spirituality of the Abbot, who wore it. The monk on his left was dressed in traditional attire, with the monk on his right dressed in a commissioned officer's military uniform.

Radon led us up toward the front and asked us to sit down. The Abbott looked our way and smiled. He then addressed everyone present in a tone tinged with affection. I recalled that this particular sect of monks believed that we are all intrinsically created equal and interconnected through the Creator and his son, who is the bridge and measuring stick within us all.

"Brothers and sisters, we are gathered here today to celebrate the confirmation of our brother, Prometheus, as Chaplain, for the star carrier Veda. For us, we celebrate this special occasion one to two times a year. It is another opportunity to new knowledge and wisdom. But in the process, it must not be forgotten, that our wisdom comes not from ourselves, but from God from whom we borrow love and wisdom," he said.

While the Abbot was talking, Hawkeye was looking down at his shoes. I gave him a bump with my elbow to get him to pay attention.

"Through our daily services of prayer, meditation, and contemplation, we seek enlightenment, and either alone or together as a group to be useful to our community."

I listened quietly, along with everyone else in the hall, as the Abbot continued.

"Our brother, Prometheus, has spent the last three years in training and preparation for this day when he would become a chaplain of a starship. To him, I now present the laurel wreath of achievement, for he is now more than ready for almost any challenge that may present itself."

With that, the Abbot placed the laurel wreath on Prometheus' head as he bowed slightly to receive it, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

"Captain Magnusson, please step forward upon the dais. I did as he asked and stood beside him on the platform.

"Captain, this is Prometheus; he will be your chaplain," the Abbot said.

Prometheus and I turned toward each other and clasped each other's right forearms. The ancient handshake symbolized that henceforth, we would be brothers in arms as well as brothers in spirit. Somewhat self-conscious, we grinned at each other and the audience.

He was taller and more muscular than me - a natural athlete. He looked more like a man of action rather than a meek and humble monk. He had strong, classic features – a broad forehead, high cheekbones, with an olive complexion and hazel eyes.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Captain Marcus," Prometheus said.

"Good to meet you, too, Padre Prometheus," I replied.

"Captain, I will be on board Veda one week before our departure. In case I need anything, how will I be able to contact you directly?" Prometheus asked.

"Here, take this PDA, Prometheus and don't let anyone have access to it. It is encrypted and meant only for you."

"I understand, Captain," Prometheus said.

The Abbot spoke again.

"Ladies and gentlemen, refreshments have been provided. Please help yourselves to food and drinks, and enjoy the music. Come, it is a time for laughter and happiness."

With that, he and his comrades planted their staffs on the floor, where they remained upright, and we went to the side of the hall where food and drinks sat on large tables.

I had a good look at the monks; they were male and female, young and old. No one was forced to shave their heads unless they wanted to, and everyone was allowed to dress in whatever color they wished, in loose, flowing robes. Sex was not permitted, except among married couples. If they wanted to have children, the couple would have to live outside of the temple; children, although welcomed for special occasions and peripheral life, would cause too much of a disruption in the daily routines of the monastery proper. The couples would still be part of the monks' community - they just would not be able to go on living in the buildings immediately attached to the temple itself.

My thoughts were interrupted by Prometheus, offering me a plate of food.

"What is it?" I asked.

Prometheus grinned. "Try some; it's good for you,"

I gingerly tried some with a spoon and rolled it around in my mouth.

"Hmm, this food tastes great," I said. "It's very chewy and tasty. What kind of meat is it?"

Padre laughed. "It's not meat. It's vegetables."

"You have to send me the recipe," I said, surprised. "When I'm not too busy, I like to make my meals."

Prometheus smiled broadly. "I will."

He then walked away to join his fellow monks who were coming to congratulate him, as the Abbot approached Vlen and me.

"Captain Magnusson, I have only just found out about the attempt on your life. Does the Admiralty know who is behind your attempted murder?" the Abbot asked in a low voice.

"The Admiralty has narrowed down the possibilities," I replied.

"I will pray that there are no more attempts," the Abbot said.

"Thank you, Abbot," I said.

I looked around and noticed that Vlen had wandered off. He was talking to a female monk; they looked like they were enjoying each other's company.

Hawkeye was busy socializing with a group of monks while trying different dishes. We remained at the monastery for another two segments, enjoying the food, drink, company, and music. For monks, they sure knew how to have a wonderful time; that is, a great time in the sense of clean, wholesome fun. When these people talk to you, it is as if they are looking at the person inside the body. The physical beauty of an individual or lack thereof was of secondary importance to them.

We had been at the temple for over two segments, and time was ticking away.

"Hawkeye and Vlen, it's time for us to go now," I said.

I went looking for the Abbot and Prometheus to say goodbye to them. After I had found them, we made our way to the roof of the building, where we said our farewells to the Abbot and his monks. I took over the controls of the Zephyr, with Vlen and Hawkeye as passengers. I then engaged the cloaking device as we lifted off the roof into the air. Outside the sphere of the temples, we were re-joined by our military escorts, who had remained cloaked. On the way back, we dropped Hawkeye off at the spaceport in front of the military headquarters. Vlen and I then headed home, with our escort behind us. Just before arriving, Vlen sent a signal to the security detail to expect us and let the force field down. We parked the Zephyr just outside the house and switched off the cloaking devices. The Commander in charge of the security detachment walked over toward Vlen and me.

"Greetings, Commander. Is there anything to report?" I asked.

"Yes, sir. We dispersed the crowd and reporters and extended the perimeter. A short time later, we detected an electro-photonic anomaly coming from within the house. The guard inside at the time was patrolling another room, and when he entered the sitting room, he noticed the air around the sofa bending in on itself, and all of a sudden, nothing. He notified us instantly, and immediately we ran a scan and detected the anomaly," the Commander said.

"Probably Scrollos, come to strike another bargain. Thanks for letting me know, Commander," I said.

I restarted the Zephyr and parked it in the Zephyr port. Vlen and I proceeded to the living room and sat down on the couches.

"I think I overdid the food tonight, Vlen; I need a rest. Tomorrow, I meet the Captains of The Graziella and The Valeria and their First Officers at Military HQ. What are you going to do for the rest of the evening?" I asked.

"I will watch the news before going to sleep."

There it was; he had said it again.

Since when do androids sleep?

"Well, don't keep the televiewer on too long or too loud; I want to go to bed and sleep."

"Yes, Captain."

I headed off to bed and fell asleep quickly. That night, I dreamed I was still at the party, eating great vegetarian food and talking to a sexy-looking female monk. Later, when we were dancing, she suddenly bent down, causing her wig to fall off. I woke up, startled.

What if I had asked one of them out? They could've all been wearing wigs! Whew, that was a close shave!

Annoyed at my nonsensical thoughts, I turned over onto my side and fell into a deep sleep. At some point in my dream, I became conscious and found myself in an unfamiliar place. I stood before two towers separated by a short distance. I detected a disturbance in the air and cast my eyes skywards to the blue-violet sky.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a black, shiny spaceship of unknown design flew past one of the towers. The vessel did a U-turn, smashing directly into the tower, causing a massive explosion as another ship slammed straight into the second tower, causing another tremendous explosion scattering debris everywhere. Horrified, by the sight and the carnage, I cast my gaze downward.

A moment later, I looked up again at the sky, now overrun with enormous shiny black ships, which emitted laser lights dropping smaller vessels containing troops. I put my hands up in an attempt to blot the sight from my eyes. Everything about the situation was hyper-real, as were my sharp senses. I knew this was not a dream. I heard a sound close to my left and turned; an old crone was doubled over on her knees. She lifted her head and looked directly at me, her eyes wild with fear.

"Remember, Captain. Two spacecraft and two pilots. Remember!"

I woke in a cold sweat. For the next two segments, I kept repeating what the old woman had said. "Two spacecraft, two pilots." Eventually, I decided to put the nightmare out of my mind and fell asleep.

************************ END OF PART ONE *************************

#  Dear reader

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my book, which I hoped you enjoyed. If you did, please consider leaving a review or rating, however brief. Even a short comment helps to draw more interest and makes an enormous difference to the exposure the book gets; I will appreciate the gesture.

#  About the author

Hi, if you're wondering why I write, it is because I like to express and explore ideas through the medium of writing. If I could sum myself up in a few lines, it would be these; like any good Kozmic Dreamer, I came, I saw, I learnt, I created, and I moved on.

Oh, one more thing, I believe most firmly that when we dust off this mortal coil, we will have the opportunity of creating our reality to some degree as we see fit, either individually or with others who share the same vision. Isn't that exciting?

#  Discover other titles by Vito Veii

I, Human Part One: The Renaissance

I, Human Part Two: An Android's Soul

I, Human Part Three: The Orbs of Sapentia

I, Human Part Four: The Invisible Spectrum of Light

I, Human Part Five: The Malevolence of Evil

I, Human Part Six: Infinity Awaits

I, Human Part Seven: The Cosmic Corridors

I, Human Part Eight: Metropolis: A City in Sixty Days

I, Human Part Nine: Do You Take This Android To Be Your Companion?

I, Human Part Ten: The Whores of Wreath

Find Me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/VitoVeii

mailto:V@KozmicDreamers.com

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