Free Kingdoms Away 1: Jorian Cluster Archives by S. V. Brown Page B

table, nicknamed the
“Round Table” or “Arthur.” A large desk stood to one side and just
beyond that that an expansive screen took up almost the entire
bulkhead.
    Captain Sorance briskly walked over to take
his position at Arthur and was shortly joined by three officers.
The Engineering Officer, Jade, was to coordinate with engineering
personnel on deck three. The Science Officer, Ross, was to
coordinate with the Verger Team in the science division deck two
and the Programming Officer, Arran, was to care for the Erge Team
on deck four. Each of them inserted a Blazer and a security card
into their respective slots in the glowing round table. Four panels
rose from the surface.
    The checklist began.
    Chen said, “Boomerang report.”
    First Officer said, “No new updates. All
check.”
    Chen flicked a switch to activate the ship
“Announcement,” knowing a recorded voice would be heard throughout
the vessel. The bridge was quiet, and only the rotating blue light
above the table indicated that Verging had begun. Each Joiran knew
that the attite armor would automatically protect them but they
still made a conscious effort to activate it. Even after thousands
of years since the first attites had been introduced to humans they
still liked the attribution to their ancient cellular
protection.
    At a nod from Arran the Captain
continued.
    Chen said, “We are on the Verge.”
    Ross said, “Triggering the Verger to
UNLOCK.”
    Arran nodded. “Decoding has begun.”
    Ross said, “Beginning dematerialization. We
are unsynchronized with home dimension.”
    Jade studied her station and touched the
keypad. “Inputting dimensional signature, s-str-m-04.”
    Chen glanced around the room.
“Transform.”
    Arran said, “Activating coding sequence.”
    Ross announced, “We are materializing. We are
synchronized with wend dimension.”
    Jade said, “Dimension signature is
confirmed.”
    Ross said, “Triggering the Verger to
LOCK.”
    Chen nodded. “We have crossed the
bridge.”
    Jade ran through her list. “Confirm all
systems are operational.”
    Ross said, “Verger check, Converter
check.”
    Arran continued, saying, “Erge check, Coder
check, Programs check.”
    Jade said, “Fusion Reactor check, Toroids
check, CGD check. Initializing Flight Procedures. Coordinates.”
    First Officer nodded. “Do : G5 : Us :
VA.”
    Jade nodded. “Check.”
    A Meta-Shield officer stepped up to the table
and put in her card. “Drepanaspis shielding has been activated,
Captain.”
    Chen smiled. “All go.”
    Jade touched a button. “Activating
Acceleration Sequence. We are on route for Vespa. Time of arrival
will be 1.5 years.”
    “Good work, people. See you at dinner.” Chen
left for the pipe, much like a lift, knowing that each member would
be busy making final preparations. A small secondary bridge team
would be rostered to ensure everything was operational. He strode
through to the galley, hoping for a snack before dinner. They had
made the transition many times to this string dimension but they
always felt the tension before each procedure. Only matter could
travel without hindrance through this dimension but to receive
information they had to access another dimension via Boomerang. The
pipe made the twelfth floor smoothly and the door slid silently
across, allowing him access to the three-way corridor. He turned to
the right, nodding at those passing him.
    He entered the galley and strode through the
room empty of bodies. He called out into the galley and was awarded
a friendly smile by Chen’s favorite chef, Chef Pierre.
    “Ah, Captain, I heard you missed your lunch.
Here …” he passed over a covered plate, “… your favorite.
    “Perfect timing, Simon, a little bird told
you, hey?”
    “Of course, Captain. But not so little keh?
But you must eat before your dinner gets cold.”
    Chen went to sit at one of the many empty
tables. Simon Pierre joined him with a glass of wine. “So what’s
the plan, Captain? What do