Expeditions of the Mantis Read online

  Explorations of the Mantis

  Mantis Saga Book 2

  Jim Henderson

  Contents

  Jaunt One: Vast Preparations

  Jaunt Two: Patrolling Brulane

  Jaunt Three: Resupply at Jaje

  Jaunt Four: Eapalian Summit

  Jaunt Five: Points Rimward – Setting Up Base

  Jaunt Six: Recovery

  Jaunt Seven: Rescue

  Jaunt Eight: Heading Coreward

  Jaunt Nine: Going Home, Already Home

  Copyright 2019 by Jim Henderson, All rights reserved

  In writing this book, I must acknowledge the 40+ years of science fiction books, movies, TV shows, and tabletop, role-playing, and video games that fired my imagination. Thanks to all those who encouraged me in this effort and those who provided feedback on the first book. Special thanks to Stephen and Jessie for plowing through and providing feedback and to Ethan for help on the cover. Most especially, thanks to my dear wife Rhonda for reading the book multiple times and for her valuable feedback, encouragement, and patience.

  Prologue:

  Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Ximon Sabo has been retired from the Kremniy Scout Force (KSF) for just about a year. In reality, he is only partly retired and has been awarded a surplus scout ship, the Kremniy Scout Ship Survey Craft (KSS SC)-1550-V, Mantis. He is technically part of the KSF’s Auxiliary Reserve Command (ARC). Belonging to the ARC generally entails few responsibilities. He has to maintain the Mantis, produce the ship for inspection every 3-5 years, and has to be willing to share “exploration data” from the ship’s travels with other scout bases and ships. Finally, in case of a major war or emergency, Mantis is subject to be recalled back into service, with or without its captain.

  The past year has been very eventful for Ximon. He and his crew completed a series of missions, most of them odd jobs from the KSF. They established first contact with an alien race, had investigated a remote outpost that had lost communications and rescued the survivors, mis-jumped light years from their destination, eluded a pirate ship, made a bunch of money by salvaging a lost freighter, and dealt with an apparent murder amongst his passengers (pax), along with hauling a variety of cargo and passengers. They also fixed a lot of mechanical issues on the Mantis and upgraded her in a variety of ways.

  After the last mission the core crew has settled to 2, 4, or 5, depending on how you count things. Ximon serves as captain, pilot, navigator, and sometimes sensor operator. He is a 50-ish retired KSF officer, about 1.8 meters tall and 100 kilos, with some thinning to his reddish hair and a thickening waistline. Elsbeth is also a KSF retiree, 40-ish, and (though certainly over KSF weight standards) moderately attractive and curvy with long sandy blond hair. She serves as chief engineer and assists with a variety of other things.

  The next two, who not everyone might count, are robots. Raiza is a TrueForm Service Robot (TSR) model D8 companion bot. She’s about 1.6 m tall, with a small waist, a relatively large bust, a dazzlingly beautiful face, some permanent makeup, and strawberry blond hair that falls in ringlets when not in a perfect braid. She is also Ximon’s wife, the two having gotten married only recently. She serves as ship steward and nurse, and generally handles anything else that needs to be taken care of. Peter is also a robot who Elsbeth had acquired. Specifically, he’s a TSR QT companion/service robot, with a strength enhancement. He has the muscular physique of a body-builder, stands almost 2 m tall, with a chiseled face, and black hair. He assists Elsbeth with ship maintenance and helps handle cargo.

  Finally, there is Mantis, the ship and ship’s computer. She is an advanced artificial intelligence system and had been upgraded multiple ways along with the ship during their recent overhaul. She can perform most ship roles (pilot, navigator, sensor operator, medical analyst, etc.) to some degree, though often not as well as a human might and often with some limitations. She is also sometimes represented in person by a telepresence robot, basically a screen and cameras on a pole on wheels who will sometimes attend ship meetings.

  Mantis, the ship itself, is a surplus Vanguard-class survey craft almost 50 years old. She has a 3-seat bridge, 6 cabins, a common shower room, a small galley / common room, and a broad array of sensors. Recent upgrades have made her much more comfortable. Though small, she is an extremely flexible ship and can perform a wide array of missions. She has a small weapons array (dual laser cannons, chaff throwers, anti-missile flares, and an auto-cannon for ship defense) so she can defend herself.

  Mantis:

  Type: Survey Craft

  Displacement:130 tons

  Power Plant:Closed Fusion Reactor

  Thrust Rating:3.1G

  Jump Range:10.6 LY

  Sensors: Advanced KSF planetary and ship packages

  Computer: Type III Ship Control

  Sensor, Navigation, and Fire Control packages

  Armament: 2 Light Laser Cannons

  Defensive: 2 chaff throwers

  Anti-missile flares

  Ship Defense Auto-Cannon (SDAC)

  Crew:1-8 officers and enlisted personnel

  Berths:6 cabins, 4 cryo chambers

  Cargo bay can be configured for up to 36 pax for short duration

  The Kremniy Republic of Worlds (KRW) is a loose republic claiming approximately 250 star systems and a half trillion people. Its area can be described as a flattened sphere or a fat lens shape. Many of its 250 star systems are either thinly populated colonies or are completely unpopulated and undeveloped. Therefore, it has just under 100 member worlds with diverse populations, economies, and governmental systems. The KRW is a constitutional republic run by the Republic Senate made up of a prime minister and an upper (Sage Court) and a lower house (Congress). The capital is located on Krax. It was relocated there about 20 years ago to be nearer the geographic center of the growing Republic. Given the time it takes to disseminate information between star systems, a more central location was deemed vital.

  Humans make up the primary inhabitants of the KRW, but there are several intelligent alien species represented within the KRW or its neighbors. These generally include multiple variations on the human layout, but with divergent genes, appearances, and optimal lighting requirements, height, and temperature ranges; Canids - bipedal humanoids descended from canine stock; Cetas – semi-aquatic mammals created in ancient times by enhancing intelligence sea mammals; and others.

  Portions of the KRW are former systems of the Interstellar Empire. When the Empire was rocked by civil war and severe economic and communications disruption 30-50 years ago, many star systems broke away. The losses from that civil war left the Empire seriously injured and too weak to try to re-assert control of all its former systems. What’s left of the empire is sometimes referred to as the “Rump Empire” or “Remnants of Empire.”

  The KRW is bordered by remnants of the Empire, multiple small kingdoms and alliances of kingdoms, a variety of independent states, the Federation of Free Worlds, and an area of very sparse star systems known as “the Vast.”

  Following their previous busy year, Ximon and Raiza’s wedding, and all the upgrades to Mantis, the crew had relaxed, settled into the more comfortable Mantis, and taken some time off. However, as they did all this, the galaxy turned.

  The KRW and the neighboring power known as the “10 Kingdoms” had long argued over disputed planetary systems along the border. Usually the contention was limited to diplomatic wrangling or cross-border raids. However, an active, large-scale border war had exploded rapidly, as if both sides were releasing pent-up tensions. So, now the powers are actively fighting one another, with combat along a front of over 50 light years. In areas where they can’t devote enough forces for largescale combat, both powers also support a
llies in contested planetary systems and in the nearby Independent States region to expand their influence. Thus, where there isn’t major warfare, there are proxy wars, with support from the KRW, the 10 Kingdoms, or both.

  With all this combat over such a broad area, much of the Kremniy Navy (KRN) and KSF have been diverted to support the main war effort against the 10 kingdoms or to support allies in these proxy wars. The main front of the war is over 100 light years from the Tixaya system which Ximon and his crew call home. However, the deployment of so many forces to the war has left many other missions in the Republic undone and someone must fulfill them.

  Jaunt One: Vast Preparations

  The crew had all taken several weeks off after their last series of adventures and was now essentially ‘petering’ around. Ximon and Raiza had been working on some projects on their house, while Elsbeth and Peter had done quite a bit of site seeing, skinny dipping, and bar-hopping.

  Ximon was starting to research jobs on ScoutLink but hadn’t applied for anything yet. As Ximon sat staring at some options, Mantis interrupted his revere.

  Mantis, “Captain, you’ll recall that 10 days ago we set today as the day to complete my restructuring.

  Ximon was dreaming peacefully about lying next to a bubbling brook in a dark, green forest, cuddled up with Raiza by his side. He always slept better with her nearby. Being a robot, she doesn’t sleep but lies quietly with Ximon, letting her systems ‘rest’ and continually ‘learning’ by processing data gathered throughout the day.

  Suddenly Ximon was jarred awake by a blaring alarm signal from his tablet. This caused him to jolt out of bed, alerting Raiza in the process.

  Raiza, “Ximon, is everything all right?”

  As he fumbled with his tablet, Ximon mumbled, “I’m not sure. That’s that alarm for a priority 1 message.”

  Ximon rubbed his eyes and opened the message, a formal message from the KSF. The message read as follows:

  To:KSS SC-1550-V, Captain - LCDR Sabo

  From:Tixaya KSF HQ, Director of Operations

  Subject:Potential Mobilization

  As a duly-designated member of the ARC, LCDR Sabo is hereby ordered to report without delay to KSF HQ, Operations Office, to discuss potential mobilization. Failure to report in a timely manner will result in disciplinary action and possible forfeiture of retirement pay and the vessel KSS SC-1550-V. KSS SC-1550-V is hereby grounded until this order has been complied with.

  Ximon knew that the Operations Office was manned 24/7 so there was no real excuse for delay. He signaled his acknowledgement to the Operations Office and stated he would report within an hour. Then he turned to Raiza, “Raiza, I have to report to KSF headquarters ASAP. Would you please get out my KSF uniform and ensure it’s in order while I get ready?”

  “Of course, Ximon. I trust everything is well.”

  “I hope so, but our lives might change.”

  Ximon was both excited and worried as he shaved, tried to make himself look presentable, and donned his uniform. Then, after a quick hug from Raiza, he hailed a robocab to HQ.

  When he reported to KSF Ops, a young Lieutenant validated Ximon’s identity and annotated his compliance with the order in his tracking system. He then directed Ximon to wait in conference room Delta where an Ops representative would meet with him shortly with details.

  Ximon waited and it was, indeed, short. Commander (CDR) Jantzi arrived less than 5 minutes later and introduced himself as the shift Ops Officer. He then explained.

  Jantzi, “LCDR Sabo, as you know, the KRW is currently at war. That war is taxing all available Naval and Scout assets. Current fleet strengths cannot support the war in addition to all required peacetime tasks. Therefore, we are mobilizing some elements of the ARC. Per the standard terms of your ARC contract, the KSF has the option to mobilize you, your ship, or both. We are mobilizing both. You are to report to Bay 64-Q with KSS SC-1550-V no later than 0600 in 5 days. If you have crew, you may report with them and you will be compensated for their service at standard KSF pay grades. If any of them are separated or retired KSF, they can be reactivated, and their time may accrue as KSF service time. Non-veterans can enlist if they wish or be paid as contractors. If you do not wish to bring your crew, or they do not wish to participate, you may terminate their employment and we will fill what positions we can to meet mission requirements. Please provide this office with your ship’s status information and intent regarding crew within 72 hours.”

  “Roger, Sir” Ximon replied. “However, can you tell me anything about the nature of our mission?”

  “I’m afraid not with any certainty. Ships and missions are being matched at this time. The missions vary widely. Again, your ship will be crewed and equipped if necessary, for the specific missions you are assigned. If some of your crew is uncertain, you can report them as tentative and then finalize at, or immediately after, the report time.”

  “Understood. I will be there. I will discuss the matter with my crew and report our intent.”

  “See you then, Sabo. Welcome back to the game.”

  As he headed back to Mantis, Ximon sent a message to the rest of the crew asking them to join him in the galley for an important discussion and breakfast in about an hour. When they gathered, Elsbeth sat at the table, with Peter’s arm around her. Raiza stood nearby, but Ximon asked her to sit. Mantis’ telepresence bot stood attentively at the end of the table with Mantis’ avatar of a styled praying mantis waiting expectantly.

  Ximon began, “You all probably have some cognizance of the news lately. The Republic is at war and has had to move lots of Naval and Scout ships to the war zone, leaving a lot of things undone elsewhere. Therefore, I’ve just been notified that Mantis and I are being activated. We must report in 5 days for assignment.”

  Elsbeth said, “I thought that could be coming. Any idea what the mission will be?”

  “No, they can’t tell me yet. It could be anything and the duration is very much uncertain. Since you’re a non-ARC retiree you can’t be activated without your consent. So, I must report, but you don’t have to. I’d love to have you come, and if you do, you’d notionally be under a wartime activation and would revert to current KSF pay for your grade. I’ll try to make up some of the difference from your regular pay but can’t do that forever.”

  “The pay doesn’t matter, Ximon – you made me a pretty rich girl with my take from that freighter salvage,” Elsbeth said, smiling. “I can struggle on Scout wages for quite some time. However, I ain’t fitting back in any of those KSF uniforms designed for school girls and I want to know the mission before I sign on.”

  “Understood. When we report and get our mission, you can come as a civilian, in your regular ship’s uniform. Once you hear the mission, you can leave if you want. If so, I’ll have to terminate your contract. If you stay, you can be a contractor or on wartime activation. In either case, KSF uniforms won’t be necessary.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Okay. I’ll go then and see what’s up.”

  Ximon then turned to Raiza, “Raiza, I would never go without you. I would like you to accompany me to the briefing as ship’s crew, though they likely won’t recognize you as such.”

  Raiza, “I understand Captain. I will be ready to accompany you in ship uniform and will ensure your KSF uniform is ready for you. What else can I do to help you prepare?”

  Ximon squeezed her hand, “Please order supplies for a 4-6-week mission. Assume this crew, but they may assign additional personnel and we may have to order more. Please also make sure the ship is clean, though that’s never an issue.”

  Raiza, “Yes, Captain. I will also prepare several additional KSF uniforms for you and have several additional Mantis crew uniforms prepared for Elsbeth, Peter, and myself.”

  Turning to Elsbeth, Ximon continued, “Elsbeth, please ensure we’re up on preventative maintenance and ‘button up’ anything you might be working on. To the degree you can, please also provide some continuity data in case you don’t come with. I’d like
‘as-is’ diagrams of ship systems, your standard operating procedures, etc. When we go to the brief, you can bring Peter if you wish, though you don’t need to. Your call.”

  Elsbeth, “I’ll probably just back brief him. If I decide not to come, he can pack our bags while I’m there.”

  Ximon, “As you wish.”

  Ximon then turned to Peter, “Peter, please ensure everything in the cargo bay is properly stowed and that inventory documents are up-to-date.”

  Peter, “Yes, Captain. They are, but I will verify.”

  Finally, Ximon addressed Mantis’ telepresence bot, “Mantis, please make fresh backups of all your key systems, as well as Raiza and Peter and place in secure storage. Please also ensure that you have all the latest applicable software versions.”

  Her avatar nodded on the telepresence screen, “Yes, Captain, I will verify. I have already started a backup of all key system data and have prepared virtual images of all key systems in case the KSF mandates the use of specific software or database versions.”

  “Good idea, Mantis. Thank you.”

  Ximon then reported back their status to KSF Ops as, “KSS SC-1550-V, Mantis, ready for operations.” He provided a general ship summary stating that Mantis was fully functional, jump-capable, and had no outstanding maintenance issues. He reported crew status as: “Captain/Pilot/Navigator – confirmed, Steward/Medical Officer – confirmed, Engineer – tentative, Mechanic’s Mate – tentative.”

  They all scurried about over the next few days, checking and documenting things. However, since almost everything was already ready, they took some time to relax as well.