Chapter 1: The Star Shell: A Mystery
Chapter 1 - The Star Shell
I was awoken from my wonderful nap by the sound of the computer’s alarm. One of the first things I changed was non emergency alarms to sound like old Earth wind up alarm clock bells. Making this change has proven time and time again to be worth the sudden jarring the noise gives me. Heck I have a REAL working non-replicated Earth antique wind up clock in my quarters. Looking out of the Sphinx workpod window I see its arms finish attaching the habitat module to the relay station. I was scheduled to be woken up soon anyway.
“Computer report, please.”
“Compliance. VISION probe nine has detected an anomaly along its travel vector. Anomaly is on the extreme edge of VISION probe nines sensors and is currently boosting detection range.”
“Computer, please tell me if VISION probe nine has the anomaly in viewing range?”
“Compliance. VISION probe nine does have the anomaly within viewing range, but the resolution is only thirty percent of optimum.”
“Computer compare with known data and extrapolate a possible identity for the anomaly, please. You have permission to use full power if necessary.”
“Compliance. Comparing VISION probe nines sensor data along with visuals to extrapolate a possible identity for the anomaly. Full power restored for calculation purposes.”
I type into the Sphinx workpod console the commands to suspend the current operation and return to shuttlebay one. As the Sphinx workpod maneuvers around and toward shuttlebay one I speak to the computer. “Computer would you display any video data from VISION probe nine on this screen, please.”
“Compliance. Displaying active VISION probe nine video data on Sphinx workpod three display beta.”
I look at the video feed with its horrible resolution. Sitting there in the center of the video is a dull gray orb. I peer at it moving my face closer and closer to the screen. “Well that’s no moon nor is it a rogue planet. It’s too round.” I say inside the cockpit to noone. I tilt my head to the left then a moment after to the right and then back up again. A little habit I got from my mother. She does the same thing when thinking upon a problem.
At about the same time I think I have an idea of what I’m seeing the computer chimes in, “Initial analysis complete with a seventy percent chance that the object is another star shell. Analysis also shows with a probability of ninety five percent that over fifty percent of the star shell is intact.” Exactly what I was thinking by just looking at the image on the screen. Without all the extra probability and percentages. “Thank you computer. Return operations back to Gray mode please.”
“Compliance. Operations returning to Gray mode.”
It was then I felt the Sphinx workpod hit something. It was the floor of the shuttlebay. I was back on board “The Father’s Pride.”
“Computer, close shuttlebay one doors, activate the artificial gravity in shuttlebay one, return the atmosphere to shuttlebay one, and reactivate the life support to shuttlebay one at Gray Mode levels, please.”
“Compliance. Closing shuttlebay one doors. Activating artificial gravity in shuttlebay one. Returning atmosphere to shuttlebay one. Reactivating life support to shuttlebay one at Gray Mode level.”
After a short moment I exit the Sphinx workpod and walk on over to the turbolift. After the turbolift doors open I enter it and wait for the doors to close before I say “Bridge, Please.”
“Compliance. Turbolift destination; the bridge.”
After waiting inside the turbolift a moment the doors open and I exit the turbolift and enter the bridge. I walk down to the left side of the bridge where the ops chair and console is and sit down in it. I start to type in commands in the console relating to VISION probe nine’s findings. The main viewscreen turns on and begins to display VISION probe nine’s video data. Looking at the greatly enlarged image of what I, and the computer, believe to be another star shell I lean back in the ops chair, just staring at it. This makes the eleventh one I’ve found since leaving the Milky Way Galaxy. A few more commands and the main viewscreen shows the other ten star shells that I’ve discovered in their own ‘windows’.
“Computer would you tell me what is the calculated diameter of the new star shell, please?”
“Compliance. The calculated diameter of temporarily designated Star Sell eleven is one million, four hundred thousand kilometers.”
“Wow,” I say in surprise, “that’s small. About the size of Earth’s sun if I recall correctly.” I type more commands into the ops console to compare star shell eleven to the other ten. Yes, definitely smaller than the rest. Star shell eleven seems to be approximately fifteen percent the size of the next largest star shell from itself; number four.
I’m figuratively drooling over this information. I really, really want to go and check this star shell out. All the others so far were severely damaged, broken and smashed like fragile eggs. Whatever star, planets, or life that was inside stripped clean. I only know of two species in the few universes that I’ve been to capable of such destruction. Mother may know of more. All the other star shells size the ship's sensors were able to show the damage from afar. Each one has a class nine long-range multimission warp probe ‘parked’ nearby for future research of the star shell.
I close my eyes to think on what to do. I mentally go over my Starfleet mission parameters. My primary objective is to deploy and assemble as many automated subspace relay platforms as possible headed toward the Andromeda Galaxy before having to return for more supplies. The secondary objective is to map the ‘path’ I’m taking for future Starfleet use. The tertiary objective is to find any habitable planets or systems suitable for a colony or base to be set up at about every ten percent of the total distance. There really is no other official objectives. Unofficially however… I can do just about whatever I want.
I look over the ship's probe inventory for a little bit before making my decision. Decision made I speak to the computer. “Computer, deploy two class nine probes along VISION probe nine’s flight path. Pallet and module loadout for long distance communications relay. Label them “Shell Relay Alpha” and “Shell Relay Beta”. Shell Relay Beta is to maneuver to VISION probe nine’s position. Shell Relay Alpha is to be positioned between Shell Relay Beta and “The Father’s Pride”. VISION probe nine is to proceed to Star Shell eleven’s far side to verify its integrity, please.”
“Compliance. Deploying two class nine probes, one labeled “Shell Relay Alpha” and one labeled “Shell Relay Beta”. Pallet loadout and module loadout set for long distance communications.”
I smile as I watch the two probes launch. A distraction now and then from things can be nice especially if this star shell is intact and habitable. I stand up from the ops chair and rub my hands together. “Well I have a fusion reactor to get running. Might as well get back to work while I wait.”
Back with Fluttershy and Discord the mare seems a bit confused over her friend’s declaration. “Did you say someone?” Fluttershy asks of Discord.
“Oh, yes my dear. Someone I haven’t seen a while. I know him through his mother, a kind old soul that you really don’t want to anger.” Discord rubs his shoulder as if massaging a pain away. “He’s more like a nephew to me. He never really hated me for some of the things I did. He’s a bit of non serious studious type. Twilight and him would get along very nicely when she’s not being… excitable.”
“If he’s near you should go see him. You said it has been a while. Is he close enough? By the way that was a very nice way to comment about Twilight’s behavior. You're learning quite well.”
He looks at Fluttershy. “I can go anywhere I want with a snap of my claw! Distance means nothing to me!” A smile slowly makes its way onto his face as he says, “Yes, yes I will go visit him. In due time. Right now I’m visiting you. Right here is where I want to be right now.”
Fluttershy blushes and smiles at Discord and the two of them continue drinking tea and talking to each other.
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Excerpt from the Datapad 002; The VISION variation probe.
Twilight inserted the chip about custom technology into the PADD. It flickered and then displayed the table of contents. “They sure do love their acronyms now don’t they?” Twilight chuckled. Scrolling down the list as she was taught she came to and entry she remembered hearing about a lot when Shin was here. The VISION variation class eight probe. The same type of probe that allowed Shin to find Equus.
Reading the entry left her intrigued. Much of the terminology she just didn’t understand, yet. Luckily for her Shin put some notes at the end of the entry that summed it up in less ‘fancy’ terms. The VISION probe is a class eight probe stuffed with every spatial detection pallet and module possible along with a telescope in the front. Add in extra computing power and an over powered subspace transceiver. Don’t think too hard on what VISION is an acronym for, there isn’t one. ;)
“Did he really end that entry with a winking smiley face?” Twilight asks to the empty kitchen.
Chapter 0: Prologue: Introducing Shin’ichi N'dokason
Chapter Zero: Prologue
Mission log, stardate 47457.1. Provisional Lieutenant Commander Shin'ichi N’dokason reporting. I have arrived to the next subspace relay station site. As per the mission parameters this site is 20 light years away from the previous one headed more or less on a straight line to the Andromeda Galaxy.
I look at the main view screen and see the usual; stars. Not as many as when in a galaxy but still quite a few.
“Computer begin stage one assembly of automated subspace relay platform number 1,240, please.” I say into the dimly lit and empty bridge.
“Compliance on stage one assembly of automated subspace relay platform number one, two, four, zero. Launching marker beacon, launching class eight VISION variation probes in pattern N’dokason zeta one, powering up Sphinx workpod three and cargo management unit Workbee one”, was the response that came over the bridge speakers from the computer’s bland and inflectionless baritone male voice. I respond with a thank you knowing I won’t get an answer. I stand up from the captain's chair, walk over to one of the turbolifts to my left and leave the bridge by entering the turbolift when it opens its doors.
The doors close and I say inside the turbolift, “Deck four, please.”
“Compliance to deck four.” I close my eyes for the few moments it takes to get to deck four from deck one and then open them and exit the turbolift when I hear the doors open. I head toward the main shuttlebay and after a bit of walking the empty hallways with their minimal lighting I enter the shuttlebay where the platform’s cross junction was already being assembled and where it will be towed out to the beacon. The three Sphinx work pods, a couple of the type 15 and 16 shuttle pods, a couple of cargo management units otherwise known as a Workbee, and the “Nodoka”, my Danube class runabout and several of her modules were housed, especially her photorp launcher module. I’m really proud of myself for getting Starfleet to sign off on that particular piece of hardware. The rest of the shuttlebay was filled with preassembled sections and parts for building the automated subspace relay platforms.
I walk over to the active Sphinx workpod and open the cockpit. The whole front glass lifting up on the hinge at the top. I look over the systems display from the outside of the pod making sure the mission parameters are correct. They are correct of course just like the last 1,239. Hopping inside the right seat of the Sphinx workpod I close the cockpit and begin to type in the mission start confirmation code. This part of the automated subspace relay platform assembly is mostly automatic, especially by now after 1,239 have been made and assembled this way. I just sit in the Sphinx cockpit and watch and make sure that should something go wrong, I’m there to fix it or abort it. It is a nice bit of down time where I can catch a quick nap and listen to some of my mother’s music.
“Computer verify no loose items present in the main shuttlebay, please.”
“Compliance. No unsecured items currently detected within shuttlebay one.”
“Wonderful. Computer deactivate the artificial gravity in shuttlebay one and purge the atmosphere, please.”
“Compliance. Artificial gravity in shuttlebay one deactivated. Atmosphere in shuttlebay one purged.”
“Computer open shuttlebay one doors and proceed with external automated assembly of automated subspace relay platform number 1,240, please.”
“Compliance. Opening shuttlebay one doors and initiating external automated assembly of automated subspace relay platform number one, two, four, zero.”
I lean back in the Sphinx workpod seat and watch as it maneuvers over to the assembled cross junction of the automated subspace relay platform. The Sphinx workpod turns around and I see on the display panel that the Sphinx workpod has activated the tractor beam to grab the cross junction of the automated subspace relay platform. The Sphinx workpod then pulls the automated subspace relay platform’s cross junction up and out of Shuttlebay One and into space. I watch as the Sphinx workpod pulls the cross junction into place. The Sphinx then deploys its manipulator arms and retrieves the beacon floating in space next to it. After attaching the beacon to the junction the Sphinx heads back to shuttlebay one for the next corridor segments that are all ready to be towed into place.
This is usually the point where I turn on my collection of my mother’s self performed music and take a small nap and think upon some of the knowledge I have acquired. All the major portions of the relay assembly is automated and barring anything unforeseen I won’t be needed until the fusion reactor needs to be activated. That will be in the next five hours. Turning thought into motion I turn on my mother’s music, close my eyes and fall into a nice relaxing sleep.
In another place not far away from where Shin’ichi is, galactically speaking, a creature who has a horse-like head with a deer antler on the right, a blue goat horn on the left, one long fang, different-sized pupils, a snake tongue, a goat beard, and white bushy eyebrows. The creature has the right arm of a lion, the left claw of an eagle, the right leg of a lizard, and the left leg of a goat. In addition, it has a bat's right wing, a bird-like left wing, a horse's mane, and a dragon-like snake's tail with a white tail tuft. The shape of its body resembles that of a snake. This individual is called Discord the spirit of chaos and disharmony. Discord is a male draconequus and he was talking with a winged pale light grayish gold miniature equine with a pale light grayish rose colored mane and tail. On the miniature equines hindquarters are three butterflies with cyan bodies and pink wings. This creature is called a “Pony”, and this specific pony is a pegasus female, a mare, and she is called Fluttershy. Discord and Fluttershy are currently sitting inside of Fluttershy’s house drinking tea, telling stories, and generally enjoying each other’s company.
“I told him ‘You hit me! He never hit me. His admittedly witty comeback was ‘I'm not him. So I told the brute ‘Indeed not. You're much easier to provoke. How fortunate for me. He was a very enjoyable distraction for a while.” Discord said ending whatever tale he had just told.
“Oh Discord I know this happened long before you became reformed and made friends but do you think you could have done some of those things differently?”
“True” he replied, “but at the time I was losing a traveling buddy and was upset over that. I did however assist on saving over one thousand souls from a very messy end.”
“I guess that’s good then. See you had it in you back then to be nice to everypony.” Fluttershy replied.
“Why yes my dear I think I... “ Discord trails off as he looks up at the ceiling in Fluttershy’s in a peculiar way.
“What is it Discord? Is something happening?”
“I’m not sure. I… sense something… near… Something familiar.”
“Something… bad?”
With a big smile and a twinkle in his eyes he responds with, “No. Something, someone, wonderful.”
“Some... one?” was Fluttershy’s whispered reply.
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Excerpt from the Datapad 001; The Automated Subspace Relay Station.Twilight Sparkle sat down at her kitchen table with the box that Shin had left her and a cup of tea. Apparently the box was filled with several libraries much larger than the one at Canterlot in little rectangular sticks. The box had a hand written note on top of it. “Don’t forget to recharge every 12 hours!” in Shin’s flowing writing.Twilight opens the box and inside it are several items with labels. The first and largest with a label of ‘P. A. D. D. Personal Access Display Device please recharge every 12 hours’. The second about half the size of the PADD looked like some sort of odd book holder. The label stated it was a solar charger for the PADD and that the blue side of the device should face the sun. It also had a note about recharging every 12 hours. The next item was basically several small rectangular pieces of colored glass that Shin called ‘plastic’. They were each labeled and a larger label beneath them, “isolinear optical chips’.She looked at several of the ‘chips’, one labeled “Shin’ichi N’dokason: Biography and Statistics”. Another was labeled “Starfleet History”. Another “Delpin Amazon Humans: History and Culture”. Yet a fourth one was “Custom Technology aboard The Father’s Pride.” Following the instructions Shin had taught her before he left she turned the PADD on and saw the first screen. “DON’T FORGET TO RECHARGE ME IN 9 HOURS AND 42 MINUTES!”. Twilight sighed at Shin’s antics. She only forgot to recharge the PADD she borrowed from him while he was here the one time!Picking one of the isolinear optical chips that was labeled “Unclassified Starfleet Technology.” Skimming through a few of the entries Twilight stopped on an entry with technology that Shin had mentioned many times during his visit; the Automated Subspace Relay Platform.-----AUTOMATED SUBSPACE RELAY PLATFORM:One of the problems space explorers face is how to keep in touch over the vast distances of space. The difficulty arises because communication signals inevitably decay over time; this causes significant amounts of information to be lost, rendering the message useless. Much effort has therefore gone into devising and implementing a suitable communications network that will convey messages quickly and accurately. Scientists found that by deploying subspace relay stations at intervals of approximately 20 light years, a signal could be boosted before it started to decay. This had the added benefit of increasing the speed of the communication to as much as 60 times faster than a starship's top warp speed.There are already thousands of relay stations located in Federation space. An additional 500 come into service each year, mostly along trade lanes and in areas of ongoing exploration. During journeys into previously uncharted regions of space, starships will sometimes 'drop' a trail of temporary relay stations behind them as they go. These are often replaced by permanent stations at a later date. The Starfleet network is further supplemented by numerous civil and local communication webs throughout the galaxy.
