Asteroid belt is created, p.8
Asteroid Belt is Created, page 8
The trio sat at a round table, Nelson used the remote and the video of the attack on Aden began. As the reptiles expelled secretions to enter the sewers, Major Whitman said, "Okay, Charlie, I get the jest of it turn it off." Vanwyke rubbed his face with his hands, "Sweet mother of Rah, the Expedi Forces are they on Aden now?" "Negative, Sir, they are holding on station at Saturn and waiting for the light air support vessel to arrive." Major Whitman asked, "Who has seen this video?"
"Unknown Major, this video came from a probe launched by a Neiubo vessel PDV-109, no name on the registry, they are on a maiden voyage. A Watcher named Dnomyar sent this signal as a relay to GMF Command."
Vanwyke said, “Classify it right now, while we sit here, do it now.” Nelson leaped from her chair and went to her desk. After She finished typing, she swiveled her chair, "Done, it's classified, but we don't know who else was connected to the feed." Major Whitman stood up, “I need to go rinse my face.”
Nelson pointed to a door, “It’s in there.” Whitman entered the restroom and closed the door. Vanwyke and Nelson looked at each other as sounds of retching came from the restroom. Vanwyke said, "That video is more than alarming Charlie, and as far as I know, Whitman has never been on the front line. You didn't give a proper warning."
"Aye, Sir, I apologize. Sir, this problem is above my paygrade, I'm throwing it back into your court." "Aye, Charlie, I think I need to review this, and it sounds like you owe Whitman lunch or dinner if he gets an appetite. Not a good slide, Charlie, not a good slide." "Aye, Sir."
"Well, Charlie this is above my pay grade too. Gather what you have on this, and I will take it to the Generals and Admirals. Send the other files to my PDT. Finish your assignments, and when Whitman comes out, send him back to the Academy. We are going to get a lot of questions out of this. I will contact fleet management and get a list of available vessels, we're going to need them. Before I go, any comments or questions?"
"Aye, Sir. I was reflecting on what could have happened if the rookies had made landfall. That would have been a lot of letters of condolence." "Aye, Charlie, we got lucky this phase, and so did they. It's best if you don't answer any questions directly, send them to me, and I will field them. Make note: This will be the last time we send rookies to any hot spot. We got lucky."
"Aye, Sir, we did." "Anything else?" "No, Sir." Vanwyke stood up, grabbed the file off Nelson's desk, and walked out the door. Whitman stepped out of the restroom, his complexion was pale greenish. Nelson helped him over to the couch and had him lie down. "Apology for not giving you a good warning. I'll go get a Naval Doctor." "Thanks, and Charlie, my apology for the mess. I might have missed the bowl at first."
Def Con One
ON ADEN, MILITARY COMMAND sent a planet-wide message to all bases and branches: “Defensive Condition One.” All branches of the armed forces sent their top-level command to the Hexagon for a briefing. As each branch entered the auditorium, they sat in their appointed sections.
A trumpet blared out a cord, and they all stood up, placing a fisted hand on their hearts. The world Directors walked on stage, followed by Military Intelligence Command Officers. A voice announced, “The Director of the United Territories.” Robert walked on stage from the right and stood in the middle. He placed a fisted hand on his heart, bowed his head. He looked at the Officers and said, “Be seated.”
The sound of the Generals, their aides, the Armored Battle Division High Command, and their aides taking their seats was loud. After the auditorium fell silent, Robert said, "Men, the Galactic Council bureaucrats won't be sending any of their Troopers. They say this is a planet problem, and we have a Bug Problem. It was useless to contact them. We can't wait, and we shouldn't wait, for another attack.
That said, I'm open to accepting help from anyone willing to help. Being free on these lands, we, the People of Aden, have always maintained Peace by Strength. As a rule of the land, we have always helped each other during phases of hardship. Morgan, the capital city of Orado was a slaughter house.” Robert walked to the left side of the stage and looked at the Army Generals, "The Reptilians have taken Morgan, and I want you to take it back. Make them pay, no prisoners, no survivors, I want black ooze to fill the sewers. I authorize you to take extreme measures and Do Not Accept a Surrender. Take Morgan back, that is your order. The only restriction is to leave half of the Army back should we face a Last Stand scenario.
Tell the Troopers they must fight to the last man and any Trooper that runs will be killed, shot down as a cowardly, worthless dog. Come back victorious, or don't come back. You know what I'm conveying with that statement."
Robert walked to the right side of the stage and looked at the Armored Battle Division High Commanders. He cleared his throat and said, "Send two mechanized divisions and four artillery divisions and surround Morgan. Nobody comes out, nobody gets by your firing line, including Troopers who may run from battle, nobody gets by the firing line.
The Army will contact you to advance on Morgan after they have killed all the Reptilians and reptiles. If the Army is not successful, full barrage on Morgan. Leave no building standing and destroy all infrastructure buildings, power plants, storehouses, and transportation ports, all of it."
He walked to the center of the stage and said, "I know what I am ordering you to do is hard, and goes against your morality, but it must be done. We do this because we can’t allow the Reptilians to occupy our city after they viciously killed our citizens. They offered no quarter, they gave no mercy, men, women, children, and animals were slaughtered horrifically, and our new enemy now occupies the city.
We didn't ask for this fight, but we will end it. They set the tone of this conflict. Our people had no weapons to defend themselves and were not military soldiers.
So, we will do unto them as they have done unto us. Leave no survivors, kill them all, avenge our people. You all have intel on Sgt. Foreman and his platoon, brave men, all of them. Bayonets and knives, if slicing and stabbing is how we need to kill them, that is what you need to do. That is all, please stand for the ceremonial closing and prayer.”
PDV-109
AS THE EFCV AND SUPPORT vessels waited for the Trooper Transport and air support vessels to arrive at Saturn, PDV-109 arrived in the solar system. The plotted course had them passing between Aden and Jupiter. The Navigation Officer aboard the EFCV noticed their arrival. The EFCV, under SOP (Standard Operational Procedure), hailed PDV-109 and requested Planet Registry Information, the purpose of travel with final destination coordinates, and the current course heading.
Porter turned to face Nottap, “Sir, the EFCV is hailing us.” “Aye, Hold reply.” Nottap stood up and asked the bridge crew a single question, “Go or Stay?” When nobody answered the question, Nottap shouted more forcefully, "Go or stay!?" If they only had known how galactically impactful that question was, they might have altered course and merely kept going. The EFCV repeated the hail and locked onto PDV-109 with a targeting beam. Porter responded to the hail with the requested information.
Crawford heard the targeting lock tone, he stood up and went to the comms panel, connected, and said, "PDV-109 First Officer to EFCV, what is the purpose of the targeting beam? We are not military or hostile. However, we will defend ourselves. Do you copy?" The EFCV's response was swift and direct, "Hold on station for a crew verification and vessel search.”
Crawford disconnected from the comms panel and urgently called out to Nottap, "Commander, the EFCV has target locked us, and ordered us to hold on station for crew verification and a vessel search.”
Nottaps command was firm and decisive, "Pilots, hold on station, standard station keeping, and lower shields to minimum." Logan and Windstorm's response was an immediate, "Aye Sir.”
Bug Eradication
As it turned out, the Gov of Nav Corp, was also connected to the live broadcast from the probe. The Gov of Nav Corp opened a comms link to PDV-109. Porter urgently called out, “Commander, The Gov of Nav Corp is calling you.” The Gov of Nav Corp, with a tone of gravity, advised Nottap and Crawford to offer a first bid and contract to the occupants of Aden for a bug eradication of their planet.
Nottap, fully aware of the significance of this task, reminded the Gov of Nav Corp, they had a limited crew on board. Crawford assisted the EF Troopers with crew verification and the vessel search as Nottap remained on the bridge.
As the Gov of Nav Corp had expressed to Nottap, the planet was the size of a "grain of sand, eight thousand miles in circumference, how many could there be?” which made this a "Little Side Job” on the way to their final destination, “in and out operation, quick and easy.”
Each Department Manager aboard PDV-109 received instructions from the Gov of Nav Corp of this "Little Side Job." Their task was to assist Nottap in writing a first bid proposal and contract for a bug eradication service. The Gov of Nav Corp ended the communication by saying, “What could go wrong?”
The department managers went to the bridge and advised Nottap of the instructions from the Gov of Nav Corp to assist him with the contract. He stood up and said rhetorically, "We aren't bug exterminators, we build planets, and transport people, don't they know that? Did they forget that? What could go wrong? They said that?” Nottap shook his head, walked to his command chair, and sat down. He began to search the database and found "How to Negotiate a Contract and Win."
The Department Managers slowly step backward toward the lift. Without looking at them, he said, "The lift is locked, so go to a data terminal and start reading.”
Nottap and the Managers, strategizing their approach, used a boiler plate contract which was used by service providers on Neiubo. They made meticulous modifications to fit their unique situation. The contract, if accepted, would provide Neiubo with twenty cycles of a specific metal found on Aden, and provide the Aden with a bug free planet.
They added standard provisions that are common in Galactic contracts. Nottap, confident in their strategy, sent the finalized version of First Bid offer and contract to the Gov of Nav Corp for approval, and requested comments if any.
Gov of Nav Corp sent a message, “Excellent Commander, send it to The Director of the United Territories, Robert.” Nottap sent a reply, “Thank you. We all helped to construct the contract the same way we help each other build a planet, which is what we do."
Gov of Nav Corp replied, “Good teamwork. You and the crew of PDV-109 are granted authority to negotiate for The Gov of Nav Corp. Keep in mind the phrase, "For the good of Nav Corp." keep me informed and notify me if they need special provisions, Gov of Nav Corp out."
Nottap muttered to himself, “I was being sarcastic.” He looked at the Department Managers, “Gov of Nav Corp approved our First Bid offer and contract, which I'm sending to, The Director of the United Territories, Robert. They also gave us authority to negotiate for the Gov of Nav Corp, which means we are all here until we have a signed contract, so stop looking bored and relax. We could be here for a while." All the Department Managers leaned back in their chairs and groaned or muttered a complaint.
We Accept your offer
ROBERT SENT A MESSAGE to Nottap and the Governance of the Navigators Corporation. The message read, "As the Director of the United Territories on Aden I accept your offer on behalf of the people of Aden, you may start work immediately,” attached was a signed contract.
Robert sent a copy of the contract to the Galactic Council with a note attached, “We, the people of Aden, request your EF vessels remain in the solar system should unexpected problems arise.” Galactic Council forwarded the contract and note to GMF Command.
Lt. Col. Nelson sent a message to Robert, "Your formal request for Expedi Force vessels to stand by is denied. Our GMF units cannot participate in nonmilitary activities, however, Galactic Council Representatives are currently holding a video conference from Saturn, which may give Expedi Forces in your area extended authority to assist your planet. I will keep you informed, End of Transmission." After reading the message Robert muttered, “I won’t hold my breath.”
The standard procedure for Bug Eradication was to relocate the occupants of the infested planet temporarily. Launch a series of ground-level missiles to predetermined locations in the area of the cosmic bugs' hives or nests. The missiles had a specific form of gamma radiation variant in the payload. This would kill bugs quickly as it contained a cascade element designed to attack specific DNA.
The gamma radiation variant would dissipate after one hour. Once dissipated, the residents could reoccupy the planet, which would be no big deal, this was done all the time in the galaxy by trained and qualified exterminators. Most occupants of planet Aden were transported off to Mars or Minertha by military vessels, private vessels, or cargo vessels. The planets, which were lined up, made the relocation of the populace "quick and easy” short flights between planets.
Copernican Solar System
Inner Planets
ZEUS SOLAR STAR (SUN)
Mars
Venus
Minertha
Mars
Aden
Nottap ordered five Olympus Wrath Landing vessels to Aden to assist with the relocation operation. The Olympus Wrath Landing vessels were piloted by Launcher Crew members, former GMF Troopers who had served as Pilots during their tenure. Their recognition of service also excluded them from the crew verification process.
On the EFCV the Navigations Officer noticed the Wrath Landing Vessels preparing to depart PDV-109 as the space dock doors opened. He placed a target lock on the Wrath vessels and sent a message. "Stand down or we will fire.” The message flashed across the navigation screen on the Wrath vessels. The Pilots of the Wrath Landing group turned off their engines and placed their hands on the ceiling of their cockpits.
An emergency alarm blared on the bridge of PDV-109, and a red light flashed from the navigation panel. Nottap and IT Department Manager Babbage responded to the navigation panel and reset the alarm.
Babbage looked at the view screens and noticed the Pilots with their arms up. He pointed to a view screen and asked Nottap, "Sir, why are they doing that?” Nottap looked at the view screen and transmitted a message to the EFCV. “PDV-109 Commander to EFCV, the vessels preparing to depart are going to Aden to assist with the evacuation of the planet, but I forgot to ask for permission. Please release our landers from target lock, we are not military or hostile.”
After a lengthy delay, the EFCV responded with "Permission granted”" and turned off the target lock. Nottap radioed the Pilots of the Wrath Landing group, “Commander to Wrath Landing Group, apologies, I forgot to ask for permission first, you're free and clear to launch, and again, apologies about that."
The Wrath Landing Group Leader chuckled, “That's alright, sir. SNAFU, we will be departing as soon as we get clean uniforms. Wrath Landing Group Leader Out." Nottap muttered, "Snafu? Snafu? wonder what that means," as he looked at Babbage. Babbage smiled at Nottap, shrugged his shoulders, turned, and returned to his chair.
Congratulations
THE SOUND OF THE LIFT as it opened startled everyone on the bridge. "Why did you lock the lift?” asked Crawford as he stepped out and walked to his Command Chair. He looked around and noticed a fatigued and almost panicky look on all the Department Managers' faces, "Oh, I see.”
As he sat down in his command chair, sounds of heavy sighs of relief filled the air, “Good to see you too." he muttered as he picked up his PDT.
Nottap called out, "You're all dismissed from the bridge, and thank you for your help. Have your people start working on this assignment." The Department Managers began packing themselves into the lift one at a time.
Crawford and Nottap noticed the sound of grunting and muffled voices. They stood up and faced the lift. They watched as the Managers contorted themselves into the lift.
Crawford called out, "Okay guys ... relax now ... there are only three on the lift.” As the lift doors closed, he said, “They actually all fit, I wouldn't have guessed it was possible."
Nottap chuckled and said, “Aye, that was amazing how they did that, have you ever seen the video on tubulars' mating?" "Um...No, Sir ... I think I would have remembered that." "Well, First Officer, that's what it looks like, exactly, minus clothes and arms .... Legs ... otherwise, exactly."
Crawford looked at Nottap, smiled and asked, “Exactly, Sir?” “Aye, First Officer, exactly.” Crawford turned and walked to his command chair and laughed as he walked, he muttered, “Exactly.” He sat down, picked up his PDT, and looked at Nottap, "Congratulations on your contract, Sir.” “Thanks, I had help,” Crawford smiled, “I see that."
Expedi Troopers had completed the crew verification process and released the crew to return to duty. As the bridge crew returned, Crawford looked at Tracker, "Nav, alter course to establish an orbit around Aden, and send the Pilots the new plotted course and delete the current course. Copilot tends to wander in his thoughts."
Tracker laughed. "Aye, Sir, I never heard it put that way before, but I'm glad you noticed." Tracker sat down and began to set a course, he turned toward Crawford, "Sir, are we orbiting above the water membrane or beneath it?” “Get us there and on approach, we will get a better view as I’m not sure we would fit under it.” "Aye, Sir."
Crawford reviewed information on Aden on his PDT. He noticed Nottap had posted on the vessel log that he had sent the Olympus Wrath group to assist with evacuating the Aden populace.
He sent a message to the Olympus Wrath Landing Group Leader, "First Officer to Wrath Group Leader, offer to transport supplies or other cargo as the Aden people are forty feet tall and will not fit in the Olympus, standing by for acknowledgment."
