Expeditions of the Mantis Read online

  They flew the Mantis to the designated bay well ahead of time. Ximon, Elsbeth, and Raiza reported about 20 minutes before the designated time and were directed to a large briefing room. The room was already about half-populated with a motley assortment of retired Scout captains and crew. Though some wore the KSF uniform, relatively few were within age, weight, or grooming standards. However, for wartime mobilization that generally didn’t matter.

  More crews filed in over the next few minutes and most grabbed pastries and coffee on the way to their seats. Ximon estimated that about 16-18 ships were represented.

  A few minutes before 0600, CDR Jantzi and a few lieutenants took seats in the front row. At 0600 on the dot, the room stood at attention for the arrival of Admiral (Adm) Weber, Tixaya Station Director of Operations. Guards closed the doors as he strode in.

  Adm Weber, “Everyone, take your seats.” He then ordered, “View” and sector maps appeared on the screens behind him, showing the movement of lots of forces to the front.

  “As you know, we are at war, people. The 10 Kingdoms are proving to be a tough adversary and there’s concern they may be getting external support. In any case, we have had to shift a LOT of forces to the 10 Kingdoms front and will likely have to shift more. That’s why you’re here. Some of you will be tasked to missions on/near the front, but most will be tasked to handle other missions left undone by those force shifts.”

  “CDR Jantzi will provide you with your assignments and will excuse any of your crew who do not choose to either be activated, enlist, or sign-on as contractor staff. LT Harris and his staff will coordinate mobilization paperwork with you and any crew remaining. The information provided from this point on is sensitive and you’re all subject to the Kremniy Secrets Act. Any disclosure of this information in wartime will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Stand by for orders.”

  Elsbeth whispered to Ximon, “Well, there’s our KSF, being warm and cheery as usual.”

  Ximon shot her a glare before he turned his eyes back to the front.

  CDR Jantzi then showed displays of the ships affected and a scrolling list of potential tasks. Then he started announcing ship assignments and sending summaries to the ship captains, though he cautioned them that this was just their initial assignment and remained subject to change at any time depending on the needs of the KSF and the Republic.

  At this, Elsbeth again whispered, “Well, at least they’re predictable in their refusal to provide any predictability.”

  Jantzi appeared to hear Elsbeth speaking because he glared up at her before continuing.

  She quickly started at her shoes and he continued.

  A couple of ships (ones with longer jump range) got “Comm Relay Ship duty,” replacing a specialized communication relay ship on some backwater route. Several of the newer ships got “Naval Force Support” assisting a KRN force near the front lines. As with several other ships, Mantis’ assignment was “System Patrol Support,” meaning they’d probably be assisting other system defense forces in patrolling a system where the majority of other Naval and Scout forces had been withdrawn. Mantis was assigned to the Brulane System and they were ordered to depart for there within 24 hours at best possible speed.

  When everyone had received their assignments Jantzi said, “Captains, confer with your crews and report status to Lt Harris. You’ll then meet with an Operations and a Personnel team.”

  They then all got to their feet hurriedly as Adm Weber dismissed them, saying “Scouts, do your duty!” He then strode from the room.

  Ximon turned to Elsbeth, “So, what’s your answer?”

  Elsbeth groaned and said, “Whatever. I might as well go. Sign me up as activated KSF and Peter up as a contractor.”

  Ximon reported their status to LT Harris and was directed to a cute, young NCO from the Personnel team. Ximon sent her details on his crew and she looked at their mission requirements. The idea of robot crew was obviously somewhat foreign to her, so she had to go confer with Lt Harris. After some review the NCO returned and said, “LCDR Sabo, you will be mobilized at that rate with review board in 12 months. Engineer 3 Petra, you will be mobilized at that rate with potential promotion review board in 6 months. LCDR Sabo, we cannot enlist or mobilize your ‘non-person’ crew. However, you can charge their labor as either ‘contract labor’ 3, 2, or 1 depending on their allocation of time.”

  Ximon groaned, “Specialist, you know that’s ridiculous, right?”

  “Commander Sabo, that is the official position of the KSF. It is not in my purview to change it.”

  “Roger. Please note in the record that the Captain objects to the exclusion of members of his crew and the rate for contract labor allocated.”

  “Yes, Commander. Noted”

  Ximon was just trying to make a point and wasn’t surprised it went this way. While robots were common in certain roles, society and the KSF could be unrelenting in their misguided beliefs about robot competency or of the roles they should play.

  Ximon and Elsbeth then both had to do some various mobilization paperwork with the personnel team and then met with Operations. The operations specialist produced an operational assessment report comparing the Mantis’ ship information against the mission profile. The report primarily stated that the Mantis needed a dedicated Weapon Systems Operator (WSO -- i.e. a gunner).

  They discussed the options for filling this requirement and concluded the best plan would be for the KSF to try to have a WSO ready for Mantis to pick up when it transited the Cepheo system. That would be on their path as they’d have to jump through the Thade X, Cepheo, Zecososy and Renusa systems en route to Brulane.

  Aside from arranging for a crew member, the KSF helped prepare Mantis in several ways. They were issued or allowed to draw from KSF supplies including:

  - Food and other necessary supplies for a few months

  - Two missile packs to haul to the Brulane system

  - An inflatable fuel bladder and external pumping equipment so they could theoretically refuel various small craft – shuttles, fighters, etc.

  - Additional chaff, flares, and auto-cannon ammunition for their defensive systems

  - A few specific spare components

  - A purchasing line with strict rules on usage (and lots of paperwork if used)

  - KSF Secret-level encryption keys so they could utilize secret transmissions

  Mantis was also sent detailed mission data and coordinates on where to report in the Brulane system. They were told the notional ‘time on station’ in the Brulane system was 60 days, but as always, they knew that could change at any time.

  By the time the day was over, Ximon and Elsbeth both had distinct reminders of some of the reasons why they had chosen to retire from the KSF in the first place. They were also tired and a bit anxious about the upcoming mission. The crew enjoyed a nice last dinner together on Tixaya and then went back to Mantis to rest and prepare.

  Ximon announced, “I’ve filed a takeoff time of 0700 tomorrow. Let’s start this off right. We’ll have to file status reports each week and we could get mission updates any time. We’re in the Scouts now.”

  Elsbeth said wryly, “That wasn’t a queue for me to start singing the KSF hymn, was it?”

  Jaunt Two: Patrolling Brulane

  They took off with more formality than normal, but no issues. From Tixaya they headed for a calculated jump point to Thade X. The only update for them at Thade X was that they should plan to meet a WSO at the Cepheo Station. So, after refueling, they jumped the Cepheo System and headed to the Scout base at Cepheo Station. Several hours before they got to the Scout base, Ximon was sent the personnel file on their WSO, a Ted Doyle. Ximon perused the file and had Mantis summarize some additional highlights of it.

  They spent a half-day at the base and at Cepheo Station, resting, refueling, and resupplying. Ximon also met their Doyle when he reported to the ship within 30 minutes of them landing. Doyle was an active duty KSF Scout -- a slender man in his late 30s with b
ushy brown hair and a short beard. He looked like he was in KSF regulations, but he was pushing the limits in many areas. As an active duty Scout (vs a mobilized one), he had to follow all the rules. He wore KSF uniform coveralls and carried a large duffel bag, so it looked like he was ready to go.

  He reported in sharply, “Sir, WSO Doyle reports as ordered.”

  Ximon, “Acknowledged. Welcome to the Mantis.”

  Then Ximon led him to the galley and they sat down to talk.

  Ximon, “I was surprised to see they’d assigned an active duty Scout to us. However, after looking in your record, I see you’ve hadsome disciplinary actions. That coupled with the fact that your commander seemed willing to ‘give you up’ for this mission on short notice, leads me to believe that you’ve been in trouble and are just awaiting legal action. Am I right?”

  Doyle looked a little sheepish, “You could say that, sir. A bit of misunderstanding about an incident in a bar. I was given the choice of taking this mission or facing Captain’s Mast non-judicial punishment. I took the mission.”

  “Well, as long as you don’t cause trouble here, I don’t much care. But I won’t put up with any crap. I may just be a mobilized ol’ officer, but I can also throw you out an airlock or issue that non-judicial punishment myself. Copy?”

  Doyle, “Roger, Cap. Got no issues here. I’ll be no trouble.”

  “Ensure that’s the case. Our lives may depend on you and I won’t tolerate it if you’re a trouble-maker, a drunk, a slacker, or incompetent.”

  “Roger, Cap. No issues.”

  Ximon, “Good to hear. Now that’s out of the way. You’re in cabin 5. You can set up in there and start getting oriented. We take off in 3 hours and I expect you at the WSO position, with all your systems checked out.”

  “Roger, Cap, but you’re certainly not expecting combat here” Doyle said with some hesitation or confusion in his voice.

  “No, but I’m expecting you to spend a whole lot of time learning our weapon systems like the back of your hand. I will assign you training simulations every day. On top of that, you and I will be doing drills or exercises fairly frequently. Within a few days, you should just about have everything memorized. Other than that, you’ll pitch in whenever we have work that needs an extra set of hands – maintenance, cleaning, etc.”

  “Roger, Cap. Will do.”

  “Ok, then. Again, welcome, and don’t cause trouble. Go get settled.”

  Doyle turned to start to go and then said somewhat sheepishly, “Cap, am I correct in understanding that we have a sex bot on this ship?”

  Ximon became rapidly angry at that one and responded through clenched teeth, “No, Doyle, WE do NOT have a sex bot on this ship. My WIFE, who is our steward and medical officer, happens to be a companion bot. I expect you to treat her and every other member of this crew with the utmost respect. If you can’t do that, get off this ship now so you’re not thrown out in space. Is that perfectly clear?”

  Doyle looked quite taken aback at Ximon’s heat, “Crystal clear, Sir. I apologize – I was misinformed.”

  “Well, now you are properly informed. Do NOT forget.”

  Ximon closed his eyes and took a few breathes, then went on more calmly, “We do have a pretty good virtual reality suite – lots of classes, entertainment, etc. Aside from learning your systems, I expect you to take some classes when we have down time. Feel free to pick some or I can give you some recommendations. Go get settled.”

  After that, Doyle seemed to be no problem. He spent a lot of time in his room, but he was pretty good company at meals. He and Elsbeth, especially, seemed to get along. He applied himself to his WSO simulations and performed well. Mantis tracked his progress and reported that his skill level was high. When Doyle and Ximon did combat drills and exercises, Doyle also did quite well. Ximon also checked with Mantis and she showed that Doyle was making some progress on some classes on sensor systems.

  Mantis jumped through the Zecososy and Renusa systems without incident. In each place, they got KSF updates and filed their (uneventful) weekly reports. The war showed no signs of abating and there had been strikes on several planetary systems along the front lines, hitting bases, shipping, or even some planets. There had even been a few raids some distance behind the lines. Both sides were engaging in ‘commerce raiding’ of the other, capturing or destroying merchant shipping intended for the enemy.

  Mantis was on heightened alert when they came out of jump in the Brulane system, though all appeared quiet. They headed for Brulane Station and sent a message to their point of contact – Captain Gordon of the Brulane System Defense Force (BSDF). The BSDF was a system-specific organization, that solely focused on protecting the Brulane System so they, naturally, had the “most skin in the game.”

  They got a video response from Captain Gordon about 60 minutes later. He was a tall, heavyset man with a thick, scraggly beard wearing the black and grey BSDF uniform. He sat on a small, crowded bridge and held a datapad he’d been looking at.

  Gordon dove in without preamble, “Greetings Mantis. It’s good to have you here. We’ve seen some activity in the system that we think may be scouting for piracy. We’re bringing my ship here, the Mongoose, back into station now to resupply and take some R&R. Our ETA there is 18 hours. Head to the station now and send us and station your ETA. As we get closer, we’ll set a time to meet in Station Ops. Please also send a summary of the equipment they sent you with, so we know what we’ve got to work with. See you tomorrow.”

  At their current distance, there was about an hour lag, so any kind of conversation was a problem. Ximon sent the requested info and exchanged messages with the station. As they got closer, Ximon was sent an appointment for the next day. The station sent Mantis docking coordinates and they landed.

  The station wasn’t too much to speak of. Located on a desolate moon orbiting the only truly inhabited planet, there was a moderately sized mining colony, some manufacturing and trade, and a little “downtown” area with a few restaurants and shops.

  Ximon released the crew to go downtown but told them they were subject to recall within 1 hour notice and NO drinking (something that had been an issue for Elsbeth in the past and apparently Doyle). Then Ximon headed for Gordon’s office.

  The Station offices were crammed in the back of a building complex the housed most of the “city.” The offices were completely utilitarian, with no pomp to them whatsoever. Gordon’s office was wedged in with about a dozen other offices associated with the BSDF and was crowded and spartan. A few pictures of small space craft adorned the walls, except one covered with a viewscreen. His desk was littered with stray stacks of paper. In person, Gordon was even bigger than he’d appeared on screen – easily 2 m tall and probably 130 kilos. He looked tired and somewhat harried. He motioned Ximon to take a chair.

  “Welcome, LCDR Sabo, to the exotic locale of Brulane.” He motioned about with his hands and smiled sardonically.

  Ximon interjected, “Please, call me Ximon.”

  “Sure. Again, glad you’re here. Here’s the deal. Until recently, there was a small naval escort here most of the time and others passing through. There was also often a KSF ship or two. Now, they’ve all been sent elsewhere AND the neighborhood has gotten more dangerous.”

  Gordon held up a stack of papers, “We’re getting reports of pirate activity in multiple neighboring systems and they just seem to be getting bolder. Clearly they know that the Navy and the Scouts stripped a lot of their resources from this sector and its neighbors.”

  “The Brulane System has a few main planets of interest, at least to us. Brulane 3 here is the main hub, with a substantial station and mining on the moon, as well as a colony with some mining and manufacturing on the planet below. Brulane 2 has a research and mining station … and there’s mining and ice gathering on the moons of Brulane 4. Other than that, we’ve got to watch Brugas, our only gas giant. For one thing, much of our trade comes through there, skimming fuel as they leave or arrive. Two, ther
e’s a good chance than any trouble that jumps into the system is going to refuel there before they bother us. So, our job is to watch all that.”

  “Now our assets. We’ve got one system defense boat, the Mongoose, one small armed freighter that we seized, 4 old fighters, a couple shuttles, and you. So, we’re pretty thin. Any questions so far?”

  Ximon said, “Sir, I see the problem, but I can’t guess at the solution.”

  Gordon laughed, “Me either, at least not a good one. Part of it is to continue complaining to the Navy and Scouts in hopes they send more help, but we have what we have.”

  “Anyway, here’s my plan. I’ll keep the Barque, that’s what we call that slow, ugly freighter, near the station here. Combined with the few defensive systems here, and a couple fighters, they can fight off a small ship or two. As soon as we get back out there, I’ll have the Mongoose patrolling from here to Brulane 2, back to here, then to Brulane 4 and back. That keeps us relatively close to the station and our other close-in assets. I’ve got one armed shuttle at Brulane 2, so there’s always something there, and one fighter at Brulane 4. That leaves you with a tiny fleet to defend the gas giant, inspect traffic there, and warn us of invasion. Your ‘fleet’ is you, one fighter, and one shuttle.”

  Ximon interjected, “That’s not much to cover a big gas giant and whatever traffic is around it.”

  “Nope, it’s not. But you’ve got a few minor things to help. There are several comm relay satellites around Brugas and its moons so that’ll help you have comms around the planet. There are also a couple early warning satellites there. They only cover a 15-20 percent of the planetary system, but it’s something. Finally, you’ve got those missile packs you brought. I know your ship would have a hard time against a moderate sized armed merchantman or corsair, but those missiles could help. If any bad guys get within range and within their arc, you can fire the missiles and guide 1 or 2 if it helps. So, you’ll need to plot out a good plan for rotating orbits around the planet, figuring where to keep your ships, and working the scheduling of the fighter and shuttle. The fighter really can’t operate much more than 18 to 24 hours without fuel and rest for the crew. The shuttle can go 3 to 5 days tops.”