Chapter 2
The Convoy finally broke through the Trillion Veil, the sleek vessels resembled a flying icicle, and the Idinium Repulsors utilized the explosive force of mixing the elements Iodine and Aluminum under zero pressure. The resulting flash freeze jettisons each of the individual CLERGY vessels at high speeds, with the side effect of ice coating the exterior hull of the ship, each repulsor moving like a fish’s fin.
Aboard the flagship, Admiral Latarr strides along the bridge, several crew members busily typing at their consoles. The bridge floor was littered with haphazardly placed large box computer consoles, a wide expanse of window faced forward, and a sleek black raised catwalk cut through the bridge floor from the entrance to the window. The walls of CLERGY 1 were reflective panels of metal, the individual angular sheets of metal panel did not meet at the edges, exposed colored cables and wires weaved behind the panels. The members of the Convoy are humanoid in appearance, their light blue skin is slightly different because they have scaly texture, and they refer to themselves as Callos. The Callos range in build as humans do; girth and height varied from one Callos to another. The Admiral stood straighter and taller than most of the Callos, his military upbringing provided that. He, like the other Convoy members, had blue feathers on his head and a beak-like nose. His eyes were a sharp grey, his lips pursed tightly in concentration. He paced with his hands behind his back, his fingers human-like but with sharper thicker nails.
Each of the Callos below him were in brightly colored skin tight suits, the Callos paid no attention to their Admiral striding the platform above them. The Convoy requires precise calculations for trajectory, the slightest mistake in calculation could result in a collision course with a rogue meteor.
Admiral Latarr approached a console jutting from his viewing platform; he pressed the screen as he spoke through to those aboard each of the Convoy vessels:
“This is Admiral Latarr, we are adjusting our course.” He said as he adjusted his black and white jumpsuit, the thick padding at the shoulders emblematic of his position.
“We have reason to believe that something we previously calculated to be a small terrestrial ball just went supernova. Therefore our course is redirected approximately 87 reaches.” He explained.
Admiral Latarr’s voice boomed over several thousand loud speakers placed throughout each of the six CLERGY vessels. Admiral Latarr clicked his shiny black boots and left the bridge heel-toe heel-toe.
The Admiral strode off the platform towards an office nearby; he closed the door behind him.
“We just saved two days of fuel.” He explained, holding back a confident smile.
A grayscale face projected from a thin screen, the image moved as the projected Callos spoke.
“Sir, based off of additional analysis.” The floating head explained, the face was gaunt and angular; the feathers on his head were thin and wispy. The collar of the doctor’s white lab coat occasionally bobbed up and down; the projected Callos was walking as he spoke.
“Analysis of the supernova?” The Admiral asked with his brow raised.
“Sir. You asked me to oversee the data stream from our scouting probes.” The Doctor reminded.
“What did the results show?” The Admiral asked with concern.
“I cannot be certain, but they suggest that the source of the radiation burst stemmed from a planet’s surface.” The Doctor explained, wringing his hands in worry.
“Interesting.” The Admiral thought out loud. Reclining in his chair, he ran his hand through his straight-cut feathers.
“What do you suggest?” The Admiral asked, straightening in his seat; this situation needed to be dealt with carefully.
“It is your command, but I have to admit,” The Callos in the lab coat bit his lip;
“We need some additional information.” He spat out finally.
“Thank you, Doctor. I think I might have something for Alvar to do. He has been anxious to do something.” The Admiral decided, pulling the thin tablet off of his desk closer to his face. He pressed against the screen, deactivating the hologram, the Doctor’s face disappeared.
Admiral Latarr stood from his desk and returned to the bridge, he leaned to whisper to a crew member. He nodded in understanding and briskly left the bridge.
The Admiral remained stationary, looking out the panoramic window; stars and the black blanket of space filled it. He remained still for a few minutes until the metal doors to the bridge hissed open automatically.
“Admiral, sir!” A male voice called out.
The Admiral turned with a grin to face the Callos standing on the platform next to him; the Callos wore a sleek red military jacket, large gold flourishes marked the clasps used to attach the jacket to his regular skin-tight suit. The Callos filled it well, well-built like the Admiral with the same strong jaw, the Callos stepped closer for a hug.
“Alvar, brother.” The Admiral greeted him.
“What was it, which my brother the Admiral needs from me?” Alvar said loudly, glancing to both directions to see whether the crew around him was paying attention to him.
“Alvar, please.” The Admiral directed him to be quieter, “Come with me.”
The Admiral led Alvar to the side, against the wall.
“Doctor Melric informed me of a strange development.” The Admiral began.
Alvar stood quietly, listening intently.
“Apparently the source of the supernova I just announced was a planet.” The Admiral explained, “I need someone to investigate. Take whoever you need with you.” He whispered.
“What you think that the Yau Tang are back?” Alvar laughed, turning to see whether anyone else thought his joke was funny.
The Yau Tang was a militant alien species who had warred with the Callos two-hundred years ago. Whispers of their continued existence remained, but folklore always took longer to die. Especially because the Callos are capable of accessing ancestral memory; at birth all of the memories of the parents and their ancestors are imprinted on the new born infant. Every generation the Callos grew more efficient… and set in their ways.
“Do me this favor. I ask you because I knew you would be keen on doing something so bold.” The Admiral admitted, gritting his teeth to prevent him from snapping out against his brother.
“Yes, sir!” Alvar snapped to a salute and mock marched out of the bridge.
The Admiral ran his hand across his face in frustration;
“The Convoy is so close to Phlasia. I can’t let anything go wrong now.” He thought. “We don’t have nearly enough food, water, fuel, or minerals to sustain ourselves without. It is my responsibility.”
He closed his eyes and concentrated, the last thing he needed was another problem.