Framandi Alliance- Galaxy Accretion Conflicts Page 5

  Sven spoke to each of them through their headsets, “Crystal and Isla have just brought to my notice that our mystery asteroid-like object is deaccelerating at a rate that’ll bring it to near standstill in half an AU. That’s about the distance we expected to execute our turning manoeuvre. Whatever the object is, it has intelligence. I want everyone putting in time working with our AI – Kei, to outline possible scenarios for when we encounter AL-I; things we may not have already identified. I’m confirming back to Lýsi leadership that the object on interception course has displayed ‘behaviour’. No doubt, Kei has already shared this information with Shun for analysis. We’re facing the unknown, so put your thinking caps on and let your minds roll.”

  Deacceleration was much more severe on Átt’s crew. After a thorough systems check, everyone onboard strapped into contoured grav-chairs in the Suður SSEV’s operations hold, for the duration. The vast area inside overcame claustrophobia, an input that Lei had given the twins when the exploration vessels were being designed. Lei had grabbed a grav-seat close to Eiji. They had collaborated before on the wicked problem of rapid global warming, and they enjoyed each other’s company. Their modelling and analysis had led to Lýsi’s thrust towards space exploration and possible colonization, as a means of protecting Earth’s life, intelligence and knowledge.

  Eiji turned to Lei and said, “The gravity on AL-I seems to have increased in sync with its deacceleration. I was working with Kei to develop a more sensitive gravity measurement instrument using nano scale sensors. We’ve hooked these up in vacuum pipes in the gas layer of the outer hull panels. The sensors bounce very thin lasers off each other. The lasers bend ever so slightly when gravity is exerted on them. With all the sensor data from each of Átt’s SSEVs, we’re able to better detect and measure gravity of other objects in the space around us. That is, after disregarding our own use of focussed gravity.”

  “Has this information been included with the master sensor feed?” Leimomi asked. “It may help us better understand what we’re dealing with,” she added.

  Eiji spoke to the space-based AI, “Kei, generate a 3D graphical interface similar to our navigational situational awareness feed, that can be pulled up from sensor menus. It would need to show gravity, mass and object size information.”

  Kei responded, “I’ll have it ready shortly. On a separate topic, I’ve taken the results on your recent quantum computing hardware research and clubbed it with our nano tech development. It’s been put into production to create molecular, self-replicating, multipurpose machine components, which can configure themselves for most of our manufacturing needs. Using this technology, we should soon have our next generation of AMCARs ready, on all three of our SSEVs and on Norður, the bio module.”

  Lei asked Kei, “Let me have a look at the new AMCAR configurations you’ve planned for Norður. I’d be interested in looking at ways to construct additional bio modules if the opportunity arises and to have the AMCARS maintain the modules autonomously. Please also brief Stefán on all of this.” Eiji seemed engrossed with his mission pad, so Lei began evaluating the mental states of each crew member, one of her primary tasks as the mission’s psychologist.

  Isla had strapped herself in next to Jón. She was keenly interested in the transhumans. Besides her specialization in astronomy, she had taken up biotech and materials science. She found chemistry exciting and was exploring compatible materials which could enhance human and animal biology. But right now, they needed to focus on the approaching object.

  Jón turned and said to Isla, “We’re halfway to the rendezvous point estimated for the interception with AL-I. Given that we’re not seeing any other propulsion system, I’m convinced both we and it are using the same propulsion and manoeuvring technology – gravity manipulation. Since our science has been developed by drawing on extra-terrestrial tech, we should consider that AL-I may be from the originating culture of this technology. They’re obviously way ahead of our timeline. This could go one of a few ways. If they’re friendly or even neutral, they’d be keen to investigate us, as we would them. So, it’s likely they’d attempt to communicate. However, if they’re hostile, its likely they would pre-emptively strike. To what degree is anyone’s guess.”

  Isla nodded and acknowledged, “We’ve all brainstormed on various scenarios and the options we’d have available to us. We’d do well to try all the communication protocols available to us first. Átt is configured for deep space exploration and is hardened against most natural elements we might come across. Let’s hope the vessels are prepared to shoulder whatever AL-I throws at us, if it comes to that.” They joined the rest of the crew in analysing the options available to them and adding scenarios not already covered.

  Sven announced to the crew, “I’m going to swing Átt around in a tight turn to bring us parallel to AL-I’s expected path. Expect a few higher Gs and some discomfort while the localized gravity adjusts. Kei initiate the manoeuvre.”

  A minute into the course correction, Kei broke in, “AL-I has stopped deaccelerating. I believe we’re being scanned in some manner. Most of our sensors are recording increased levels of radiation. A mix of protons and heavy ions. Our layers of outer panels are absorbing the bulk of the bombardment, and interestingly, the Cosmic Ray Energy Generators are overproducing energy. AL-I must have some way to ‘see’ the effect of the radiation bombardment on us. Just like an x-ray scan.”

  Sven broke in, “If the object releases a focussed beam or burst of radiation, Átt may not be able to shrug off the effects. Let’s all keep an eye on sensors. Ásta, you monitor EM frequencies. Kei, advise on any change in AL-I’s behaviour which may be of consequence.”

  What the crew took to be a scan soon stopped. Their relative velocities had slowed with AL-I’s speed reducing to a crawl, in space travel terms. The object was only doing ten kilometres per second as it came parallel to Átt. They were now on parallel courses heading toward the Sun, a good nineteen and a half AU away from the center of the solar system.

  The initial nervous excitement of contact subsided, and the crew began a more methodical approach to the investigation. A two-member team comprising Jón and Isla who had volunteered, went to the rear of Suður SSEV to prepare a shuttle, and approach the object to observe at close quarters. The shuttle was designated Little Suður and the naming convention followed for each of the other SSEV shuttles.

  Meanwhile the asteroid-like object ‘AL-I’, had placed a focussed gravity point ahead and midway between itself and Átt. Both were beginning to gently accelerate towards the Sun. Little Suður detached itself soon after this acceleration began. Jón updated the crew aboard Átt, “We’re being pulled forward along with you. We’re using a combination of focussed gravity and ion thrusters to get alongside and close to AL-I.” A few moments later once Little Suður was closer to the object he continued, “There seems to be movement on the approach side. The high-resolution visual sensors are picking up a tiny portion of the surface facing us, beginning to gain a symmetrical shape. It looks like the surface is forming into a compatible dock. Kei, check and ensure this is all being recorded and relayed back to Álfhól and to Shun on Earth. Everyone who can contribute to this, needs to be brought up to speed immediately.”

  Soon after, Isla updated the team, “The object appears to have rapidly manufactured a suitably compatible dock. By the looks of it, it should match our universal docking port.” Sven broke in, “You’re not to release the docking port to open on your side until you’ve conducted an EVA to check the object over. Obviously, we now know that it’s not an asteroid. So, AL-I is of extra-terrestrial origin. I want both of you to reconnoitrer AL-I, back-up each other. Kei will maintain vessel control while you’re out, and Crystal be on standby to remotely operate Little Suður if needed. I want as much information as possible on the object, before you enter.”

  Isla, brought Little Suður parallel to AL-I. The disguised ET vessel did not seem to react to their presence. Putting Kei in control of Little Su�
�ur, Jón and Isla checked each other’s HSEVA suits and exited the vessel. They used thrusters built into their suits to gradually approach AL-I. Neither wanted to take an abrupt action, which might provoke a negative reaction. There was no telling how fast or slow AL-I or its occupants processed information, so it’d be best not to spook them. Arriving next to the freshly manufactured docking port on AL-I, they relayed visuals back to their team on Átt. Kei informed, “The dock’s mating components look like they’re meant to interface with our universal docking port. The sealing mechanism too, looks like it will be adaptable. Check the vessel’s surface please.”

  Jón moved himself away from the docking port and to the right of it. The surface was rocky in some places, flat in others. There weren’t any external sensors or viewing ports; nothing that could be readily identified. He spoke into his headset’s microphone, “Nothing stands out, I’m going to go around the vessel diagonally toward the front, and then around. Isla please follow keeping about five meters distance. Be wary for movement. Kei, use sensors from all vessels on Átt which are not immediately required for navigation, to seek any additional data on AL-I. Also, have Little Suður follow our progress around the ET vessel, just in case we need to withdraw quickly.” Instructions being given, Jón and Isla began their survey.

  The surface was like that of a large asteroid. It was rugged, pockmarked, dented and even scraped. Various sections of the exterior looked different in colour, like portions of it had been ripped off revealing deep noticeable indentations, differently shaded from the rest of the surface. They were slowly walking on the surface of the vessel. The gravity was just under twice that of Earth’s. This wouldn’t be possible unless it was artificially generated. The two explorers had just completed their survey when Kei’s very pleasant virtual voice came in through their headsets, “I’ve picked up bursts of low intensity gravity, originating from AL-I, aimed at us on Átt, at Little Suður and simultaneously at Jón and Isla. There’s nothing coming in on any electromagnetic frequencies, or anything in light. I’m beginning an analysis. Since we’re basically coasting along under pull from AL-I, I’m going to commit most of our computing resources available on our vessels, towards identifying if this is communication of some kind, and if so, what it says.”

  Not having discovered anything out of the ordinary, Jón and Isla decided to return to Little Suður and attempt docking. If successful, they would try to enter the ET vessel. Both felt the nervous tension. Once they entered the airlock, Jón spoke, “Isla, we’re barely two hundred meters away from AL-I. We could remain in the airlock, instead of pressurizing and entering the cabin. If we dock successfully, we could enter the ET vessel quickly if it permits us to. Do you think you can control Little Suður using the operations pad in the airlock?”

  Isla answered, “I’m keen to get going as well. Normal procedure is to remain in our vessel with the airlock acting as a buffer between us and the docking port. But I think it would be safe enough to remain in the air lock and control the mating procedure from here. There’s adequate visibility through the viewing port beside the dock frame. Ideally, there should have been a viewing port built into the dock’s hatch as well. Kei, please take this as a design upgrade input.”

  The two maneuvered the shuttle towards AL-I’s freshly manufactured docking port. Slowing to a crawl with delicate thruster adjustments, Isla brought the shuttle within ten meters of the ET vessel. Abruptly, six slim flat tendrils, each no more than three centimetres wide, extended snakelike from equidistant locations around AL-I’s docking port. These clamped in some manner at points around the shuttle’s universal docking port. As soon as the last one was clamped, the tendrils stiffened and began tugging the entire shuttle in. Both vessels’ docking ports were perfectly aligned and came together. There was a whirring followed by a click as clamps between the docks fell in place. A brief swoosh indicated a vacuum seal between the docking ports had been successful as well. Jón reach out to Isla and pressed her left hand to ensure her. She squeezed back indicating her confidence and readiness to face the unknown.

  The crew on Átt were observing over their video feeds. Most were tuned into the visual inputs on Little Suður. For a brief while everyone held their breaths in anticipation of some action by the ET vessel or perhaps its crew. Nothing happened. Taking the lead, Isla announced, “I’m going to disengage the locks on the hatch in preparation to opening it. Given the level of intelligence the other side has shown in understanding our systems, I have a good feeling they would have reciprocated the airlock as well.” Jón agreed, so she went ahead and released the locks. She then keyed the operations pad in the airlock authorising the hatch to open. There was a whirring of motors as the airlock’s hatch swung inward revealing the extra-terrestrial vessel’s hatch.

  Without any fanfare, the hatch on the other side opened and swung in. Jón and Isla had tensed themselves in preparation of the unexpected. They weren’t armed. But they were confident their hard-shell suits could take a little punishment if they faced aggression. Relaxing a bit, they moved towards the open hatch and peered into the ET vessel. There was a dark void ahead. They seemed to be looking into a large airlock. Switching on their helmet and shoulder mounted lights, they entered the space inside. Two drones entered behind them, brought in by Kei. There was a rack of six drones in the shuttle’s airlock, kept on standby should they be required outside for repairs or operations. The drones used their own diffused lights, infrared and laser to map and explore the inside of AL-I.

  Five minutes into the exploration of the hanger-like airlock on the alien craft, a soft glow began to appear in lines along what was now the roof of the large interior space. AL-I or its crew seemed to have understood that the humans entering it required light in a specific range to see. Jón said, “This is disappointing. There doesn’t seem to be anything of interest here. The area looks like an empty hold. This is a lot of wasted space for a deep-space or interstellar vessel. I think the ET vessel created the space soon after it studied us. We know that the vessel can reconfigure its exterior while exposed to space. It seems reasonable that it can do the same inside. But why such a large space I wonder?”

  Isla was at a far corner, to the right from where the two and accompanying drones had entered. She called out, “Jón over here. There’s some kind of panel with what looks like tiny switches.” Jon got to her side quickly and studied the panel. He suggested, “Perhaps we trigger a few of these and see what happens. We’re already way past any by-the-book procedure and we’re going to have to wing it here on.” Sven came in over their headsets agreeing to their acting and soon, because their now tiny fleet of vessels were beginning to accelerate towards the Sun.

  Jón pressed the first little button to the right of the screen. Nothing happened. He pressed the second. Still, nothing happened. He went on and pressed a third and then a fourth. Nothing. Reacting to instinct, he pressed the last button to the left of the screen. One of the drones patched in a visual feed, to their heads-up displays. It was of a 3D projection in the center of the cavernous interior space. A screen appeared and glowed softly; over the panel they were at. The projection and screen both displayed a human shape within a circle. The circle was linked by a line to a specific button. Jón paused to consider, then went ahead and pressed the button.

  A ring dropped from the roof and hovered just over their heads. Isla came in close to Jón with her back to his. The drone moved out from under the ring. As soon as it did, the ring began to descend around Jón and Isla. Using the drones as relays, Kei came in over their headsets, “I’m detecting all sorts of radiation including x-rays. I believe you’re being scanned, like an MRI. There’s also a lot of gravity waves at various intensities being focussed and passed through you. I can only extrapolate at this point, but I believe you’re being studied at the subatomic level. The drones may not be able to pick up scan radiation that’s outside our science.”

  The ring reached the floor and was absorbed into it. The roof where the ring
had appeared from, didn’t show an indentation. Material was being continuously manipulated within the vessel.

  Jón and Isla checked the exterior of each other’s suits, while Kei ran an internal systems and bio diagnostic. Nothing seemed out of order. Nor were Jón or Isla affected other than having elevated blood pressure from the brief excitement.

  The display on the wall changed to accommodate human visibility. It now showed an animation depicting AL-I’s two visitors. Their individual forms could be distinctly made out within their HSEVA suits. The animation depicted each one exiting their suits and stepping out.

  This took the two by surprise. Isla spoke into her headset, and through the drones, to the whole team, “I hope you’re able to get all this. AL-I seems to be asking us to exit our suits.” Stefán responded saying, “I’m tasking an additional drone into the ‘hanger area’ you’re in, to take continuous environment readings. It’ll support us as an extra pair of eyes.” Sven spoke next saying, “Ásta and Stefán will join you there. They’ll take the shuttle from Vestur and dock on Little Suður. We’d want an additional team in there with you in HSEVA suits, if you’re going to consider exposing yourselves to the interior environment of AL-I”.