Free Talosian Chronicles 2: Star Dancer by Ben Winston

doubted that, Kyle. I guess I just needed to talk to someone,” Ian said.
    Kyle nodded. “You know, Sir. There are a few things going on down here you might not be aware of. With your permission, Sir, I might be able to get a few other items we’re going to need moving at a faster pace. Without telling them what’s going on of course.”
    “That would be great, Kyle. However, don’t hurt your own project to do it. If you can find the time, please let me know what you discover and who you get motivated. Maybe I can help get people going on it too,” Ian replied.
    “We’ll be ready, Sir. Somehow, we will do this,” Kyle assured him.
    “I hope so, Kyle. I really do, because if we don’t, Earth doesn’t stand a chance.”
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    F .S.S. Star Dancer.
    Selene Orbit, (Earth’s moon)
    Earth, Sol Sector.
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    “E ngineering, Ensign Goldstein. How can I help you?”
    “Good afternoon, Ensign. This is the XO. I have a favor to ask of you or one of the other Engineers,” Jenny said.
    “I would be happy to help you if I can, Sir.” Goldstein replied.
    “I was wondering, is there a way to configure a probe for underwater work?” Jenny asked.
    “That shouldn’t be much of a problem, what did you have in mind, exactly?”
    “Well, I’m going to need a probe to follow the trans-Atlantic pipeline looking for any anomalies,” Jenny asked.
    “Ah, that’s going to be a little harder, but still do-able. If we put in a larger power unit, and replaced the thrusters with water jets... Yeah, I think I can do this, can you give me a couple of days?” the engineer asked.
    “Certainly, Ensign! This is actually for a hobby investigation I’m doing. I wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t also semi-official. Please let me know when it’ll be ready, and I’ll see about getting it a ride to where I’m going to need it,” Jenny said.
    “Will do, Colonel. I know you’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but congratulations on the new baby,” Goldstein added. “I just found out I’m going to be a father too.”
    “Thank you! Congratulations to you too!” Jenny replied.
    “I should be able to get on this later today; the new weapons systems are in final testing, so the Chief will probably be releasing a bunch of us,”
    “Excellent, like I said, it is kind of an official project, but it isn’t a priority yet. Thanks for your time,” Jenny replied to the friendly engineer.
    “Anytime, Sir. Engineering out.”
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    I an was just about to go off duty for the day when his door chimed a visitor.
    “Come!”
    Chief Dommer was, by nature, a very serious and dour man. Those who knew him would freely admit they had rarely, if ever seen him smile. Consistent with his appearance, his personality was very business-like and no-nonsense. When he entered Ian’s office, he actually had a small smile on his face. Ian was tempted to ask who he was and what he had done with the chief engineer, but thought better of it.
    “By the look on your face, Chief, I assume you have some good news,” Ian said by way of greeting.
    “Sir, I have to admit, when you called me to ask if I had time to speak to that weapons tech, I thought it was a waste of time, but, I was truly surprised,” Dommer said. “That weapon he designed is really neat.”
    “Did you get it set up then?” Ian asked. “I thought there was some problem with it?”
    “Well, there was at the beginning, but we got that handled as well as a couple of other issues that cropped up, and now I think anyone who attacks us is going to have a really nasty surprise,” the man said animatedly. “At first, I couldn’t think of a use for his weapons other than as a point defense cannon, but his design makes far more than that. Even though it’s a projectile weapon, it’ll do far more damage up close than our large lasers would.”
    “How so?” Ian asked.
    “The overall design was based on the Gatling-gun system