Act One
Babel Rising
Part II
Solarin Imperial Scientific Research Association (SISRA), Planet Caliburn, Augustine 30th, 3729.
“A Pioneer-class destroyer?” Freume said, frowning at the tablet in front of him. Sure enough, the specs of a Pioneer-class vessel were displayed: a small, pointy starship, hardly the most glorious example of naval ‘ingenuity’.
Admiral Diakos was smirking at him: he had worked closely with her over the course of the last few weeks, trying to come to an appropriate compromise for the US drive. Her smirk suggested that she was hoping he would not be happy with her offer.
“Not satisfied, Professor?” the Admiral asked, confirming his theory.
Freume pursed his lips. “Candidly, Admiral, I would have preferred a larger ship, and a greater test. However, a Pioneer-class ship should prove satisfactory… for the short term.”
Diakos nodded. “I’ll have to speak with Admiral Laughlin, and it is of course subject to Captain’s veto.”
“Captain’s veto,” Freume repeated, frowning, his skin turning a deeper shade of blue before he could stop himself. He closed his eyes, willing his skin back to its neutral blue, before nodding. “Yes, I suppose it would be difficult to choose a Captain who would not baulk at the thought of an Underspace drive being installed on their ship. Still, one would hope Laughlin would be able to find a willing commander, one who understands the potential of this technology.”
“There aren’t so many Pioneers as to make picking one that easy,” Diakos said evenly. “It’s entirely possible that Captain Rykat of the Hawk is retiring soon, so Laughlin may take the opportunity to assign a full science-corp crew to that ship.”
Even as she said it, Freume realised it was unlikely. No, nothing was so simple.
“Whichever ship it is,” he said calmly, “I would like to arrange to speak with the Admiral myself, if that is convenient.”
Diakos bristled for a moment, before finally nodding. “I can… arrange that, Professor.”
“My gratitude, Admiral Diakos,” Freume said. “Incidentally… if I may be so bold, it has been a pleasure working with you on this project.”
Diakos raised an eyebrow. “Really, Professor? If I recall correctly, I have disagreed and challenged you on every aspect of this project.”
“You have,” Freume agreed. “And that is what this project needs.” He smiled. “If I am to overcome the stigma of the Underspace engine, and more importantly, if I am to overcome the stigma of the Bonaventure disaster of antiquity, I must be able to answer every single question, every single discrepancy, everything that is thrown my way.” He smiled brightly. “You have challenged me to answer the critics, Admiral. And answer them, I have.”
Diakos frowned, but after a moment she nodded.
“One of them, anyway,” she said. “It remains to be seen if you can convince the rest. Admiral Laughlin will be the next challenge.”
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“Indeed,” Freume said. “One I look forward to.”
Diakos smiled, as if at some private joke, but Freume did not pay it any attention.
***
As it turned out, however, he ought to have done.
Jayne Laughlin was a stern-faced woman, with dark hair, punctuated by the odd grey strand. Her grey uniform was neatly pressed to the point of overkill, but where some officers wore this fastidiousness in a manner that made them – for want of a better term – stuffy, Laughlin was commanding. Even on the communication channel, where her presence was reduced to a (smaller than Freume would have liked) screen, she was almost intimidating in a way Diakos had never quite managed.
“It would be a lie to suggest that I’m particularly happy about giving over a Pioneer-class starship,” she said, “but Admiral Diakos has made it clear that she considers the endeavour to be worthwhile.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Freume said. “May I ask if you’ve selected a vessel yet?”
Laughlin pursed her lips. “I’m going to approach the Captain of the SES Babel about refitting his ship for scientific service, as well as reassigning him to the Science Corp.” She sniffed. “He won’t be too happy about it but he’ll do the job, especially if I make it up to him another time.”
Freume nodded thoughtfully. “Is there anything I should know about this man, Captain…?”
“Uriel Locke,” Laughlin supplied. “Only that you’d be best off being direct and honest with him at all times, and if you’ve half a lick of sense you’ll keep in mind that it’s his ship, and never forget it in his presence.”
“Of course,” Freume said, nodding slowly. “Obfuscation serves no one, and I am indebted to any Captain willing to assist with this endeavour.”
“I’m glad you think so,” Laughlin said, folding her arms. “Uriel’s a good Captain, and I’m convinced that if your engine works as well as Diakos seems to think it might, you will convince him. He’s stubborn, but he’s not an idiot.”
“Duly noted,” Freume said with a smile. “If that’s all, Admiral Laughlin?”
“There is one more thing,” she replied. Freume paused, his eyebrows raising slightly. “Captain Locke will be in command, Professor. He will have the authority to decide your courses, and to overrule you where he sees fit.”
There was a momentary silence as Freume considered her words, his brow furrowing still-further.
“Forgive me, Admiral,” he eventually said, trying to keep his tone even, “but regardless of his proficiency, I am not sure a military man will understand the things a scientist needs to achieve.”
Laughlin looked unimpressed. “What was that you were saying about being grateful to any Captain willing to put up with this?”
Freume winced. “That does not extend to the capacity to overrule my recommendations when my expertise on the engine -”
“Captain Locke will be the commanding officer,” Laughlin cut him off, motioning sharply with her hand. Freume’s mouth closed with an audible clack. “There is no debate here, Professor. If you want to conduct your research using military funds and military equipment – not to mention military personnel – you will heed military hierarchy.”
Freume paused, swallowing, and then nodded.
“As you say, Admiral,” he said. “If there’s nothing else, I should go prepare.”
Laughlin nodded and signed off without another word. Freume let out a deep sigh.
We have our testbed, he thought, trying to cheer himself up. Now we need only succeed. And that part will be straightforward enough.
***