The Rings of Haven (4 page)

“What’s on the menu today?” Nathan picked up the meal pouch that Vladimir had dropped on the table in front of him, giving it a look. It didn’t appear terribly appetizing.

“Something with noodles,” Vladimir said. “But it is supposed to have meat in it,” he added as he set the small pot of boiling hot water on the table between them. Nathan peeled back the cover on the container and poured in some of the hot water.

“Anything is better than nuts and dried fruit,” Nathan insisted as he stirred the contents to thoroughly distribute the hot water.

“We hope. But it cannot be as bad as a meal-replacement bar,” Vladimir added as he stirred his meal.

“So, how go the repairs?” It was the first question that Nathan always asked, as it usually took Vladimir most of their brief meal period to explain everything he and his staff were doing.

“It is going. Everything that can be fixed is being fixed. But for many systems we will need to manufacture new components in order to repair them. We have several component printers and even some machining equipment stored in the hangar bay, but they have not yet been installed. But, we have propulsion and maneuvering, and we have most of the rail guns working. Even some of the ones that were not yet connected—they are also working—thanks to Danik and Allet.”

“Who?”

“The two rebel engineers,” Vladimir explained. “How do you call them,
Karuzari
? They are very good. They are working in the torpedo room now. They will have the port auto-loaders ready soon. Maybe even the aft loaders as well. The starboards tubes, however, they are badly damaged and will not be available for some time.”

“Oh, I was wrong,” Nathan said, his face souring as he took his first taste of his reconstituted meal. His face took on a sour expression. “Fruit and nuts are better.”

“Hey, at least it has meat in it,” Vladimir exclaimed as he began to shovel the reconstituted mixture into his mouth. “Although I am not sure what kind.”

“So these guys are that good, huh?”

“Oh yes! They even improved the power transfer to the rail guns, increasing their rate of fire by ten percent. They could boost it more, but there are other priorities.” Vladimir stopped shoveling food into his mouth for a moment, adding, “You know, our systems appear to be very simple to them.”

“Damn, this really is bad,” Nathan stated, not sure he could finish his meal kit.

“Stop whining. It is food. Listen, Nathan, you are going down to the surface of Haven, yes?”

“Yeah, that’s the plan.”

“What is it you are going to do there?”

“Try and get some food and supplies, and some intel if possible. Why?”

“I think I should go down there as well.”

“Why?”

“According to Tobin, there is a vigorous black market there. Perhaps I can find some interesting technology? Maybe something that would be of use to us?”

“You think that’s possible?” The idea had not occurred to Nathan.

“I think it is worth a look. We could use many things right now.”

“Aren’t you busy here?”

“Most important things are working,” he insisted. “And my people will continue working in my absence.”

“Yeah, okay. I don’t see why not.”

“I would like to bring Danik and Allet as well. They would be helpful in locating useful technology. Besides, it was Danik’s idea,” Vladimir admitted.

“Well, I’m not sure we can bring them both. There’s only room for six passengers on Tobin’s shuttle. And Jessica wants to take some muscle along. But I agree it would be a good idea. Maybe you can just bring one of them?”

“You were right, Nathan,” Vladimir admitted.

“About only bringing one of them?”

“No, this stuff is bad. Very bad.”

* * *

“Have you been sleeping in here?” Jessica asked, noticing the pillow and blanket on the couch as she followed Nathan into the captain’s ready room. “You have quarters, you know.”

“They’re all the way down on C deck. It’s easier to just take naps here,” he explained.

“No, I meant the captain’s quarters? They’re right down the hall.”

Nathan shook his head, his expression changing to one of trepidation. “No, too soon,” he protested, waving his hands slightly.

“Wuss,” she muttered as she plopped down on the couch. Just like everyone else on board, she had gotten very little sleep over the last few days.

“That’s
Captain Wuss
to you, Ensign.”

“Yeah, I was gonna ask you about that. Don’t you think your
Chief of Security
should at least be a lieutenant?”

“Why? You looking to be next in line for command if Cam and I get killed?”

“Hell no! Just looking for a raise in pay.”

“Let’s wait and see how long you keep the job.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!”

“What’s what supposed to mean?” Cameron asked as she entered.

“Nothing. How far out are we?” Nathan asked.

“A couple hours.”

“You guys get a chance to take a break and eat something?” Nathan looked at them both, seeing that neither of them indicated they had so much as left the bridge since their last meeting several hours ago.

“Well, see to it that you at least get some food into you,” he insisted. “Both of you. And stay away from the noodle and meat thingy. Trust me on this,” he added as he sat down behind his desk. “So, have we given any thought as to what we’re going to be shopping for on Haven?”

“Well, food is the number one priority,” Cameron began. “And one of the environmental systems techs suggested that we look for some seasonings and spices as well. He used to be a chef before he joined the Fleet. Makes sense that if we’re going to start cooking local food, we might want some local spices to go with it.”

“Yeah. Doctor Chen pointed out to me earlier that we are setting foot on an alien world, with a race of people that although human, could carry many diseases that our immune systems aren’t ready for. She suggested we take caution while on the surface. She also wants everyone who goes to the surface to report for a full medical screening when we get back. So I was thinking, we probably should go over any consumables we bring on board before we start eating them.”

“Agreed,” Cameron said.

“She also gave me a list of possible pharmaceutical substitutes to be on the lookout for as well,” Nathan continued. “Antibiotics, pain killers, basic stuff like that. They were stocked up to normal peace-time levels when we left. But with all the wounded, she’s already running out of the basics. Two people died because of a lack of antibiotics.”

“You really think we’ll find something out here that’s safe for us to use?” Cameron wondered.

“Well, they’re humans, just like us. So it stands to reason that they’d have similar meds and such. And since we’re already seeing evidence of superior technology in some areas, maybe they have better medicines as well?”

“One can only hope,” Jessica added.

“I don’t know,” Cameron objected. “It sounds kind of risky to me.”

“She’s not too keen on the idea either. In fact, I pretty much had to talk her into it. But we don’t know how long we’re going to be out here or how often we’re going to have an opportunity like this.”

“Anything else?” Cameron asked, taking notes on her data pad.

“Yeah, Vladimir wants to go down and check out the local black market for useful technologies.”

Jessica had not been paying close attention to the conversation, until Nathan mentioned the black market. “Whoa, that might not be such a hot idea,” she warned. “Black markets tend to be fairly dangerous places to hang out. At least on Earth they are. And Vlad doesn’t seem like the right personality type to work the black market—too friendly and outspoken, you know?”

“He wanted to bring the rebel engineers with him as guides. He seems to have a lot of confidence in them.”

“I don’t know about that either,” Jessica warned. “I haven’t really dealt with them all that much. But if they’re anything like their lady friend, I wouldn’t trust them any farther than I can throw them.”

“Maybe you’re right,” Nathan admitted. “But the more I think about it, the more I think that Vlad is right. With their understanding of both the local technology and our own, they would be invaluable down there. Maybe it’s worth the risk?”

“Is there even room?” Cameron asked.

“Well, there’s only room for six passengers, according to Tobin. So maybe we leave some muscle behind?”

“No way,” Jessica insisted. “I’d rather take the muscle than some shifty rebel.”

Nathan was a little surprised by her characterization of the rebels, but he understood her point. He had selected her as his interim security chief because of her training in such matters, so he felt it best to heed her advice. “Very well, you keep your two guys. I’ll have Vladimir bring only one of the rebels with us.”

The comm-system buzzer sounded.
“Captain, Bridge,”
the communications officer called.

Nathan stabbed at the comm with his finger. “Go ahead.”

“Captain, communications. Incoming message from Haven Control, sir.”

“Very well, call Jalea and Tobin to the bridge. We’ll be there shortly.” Nathan broke the connection before continuing. “Then we’re settled on this?” Jessica shrugged in resignation. Cameron simply nodded. “Great. Let’s go see what Haven Control wants.”

Nathan, Cameron, and Jessica filed out of the ready room and onto the bridge just as the communications officer put the incoming message up on the loudspeaker.

“Volander, Volander, Haven Control, please respond.”
The message continued to repeat, with the exact same cadence and tone, making Nathan wonder if it was a recorded hail. He was about to respond when Jalea and Tobin entered.

“Captain,” Tobin interrupted. “Perhaps it would be best if I spoke with them?”

Nathan looked at Jalea, who nodded, and then Jessica, who shrugged. “Very well,” he agreed, stepping aside.

Tobin stepped up to the communications station, waiting for the comm officer to indicate the channel was open and ready.

“Haven Control, this is Volander.”

“Volander, why was your response delayed?”
There was a sense of urgency in the controller’s voice that worried Nathan and Jessica, both of whom were standing close by.

“Apologies, Haven, but our deep-space communications array suffered damage in transit.”

“Volander, state you reasons for approach.”

“We seek to harvest from the rings, and to procure supplies from your local merchants.”

“Understood. Will you require local crews?”

“Affirmative, Volander shall require local crews.”

“Understood. Transmit your desired quotas and we will assign you a harvesting position.”

“We will transmit our quotas shortly. Volander out.” Tobin turned to face the captain. “That should do it.”

“Who’s Volander?” Jessica asked.

“The ship that originally used the codes entered into your transponder. It was reported missing many months ago.”

“What’s this ‘quota’ they were asking for?” Nathan inquired.

“They wish to know the amount of material we plan to harvest from the rings, in order to calculate the fees that will be due them upon your departure. A few hundred kilotons is a common amount.”

“Seems like a lot,” Nathan observed.

“Too little, and they will be suspicious as to your true intentions. Too much, and your fees will be difficult to pay,” Tobin warned.

Nathan was uneasy with the whole arrangement. He was sure that Tobin was getting far more out of the deal than he had let on. Nathan figured, for now, it was best to play along. He looked over at Jessica, whom he guessed was thinking the same thing. “Very well, transmit the amount you think best.”

“Tell them our quota will be three hundred kilotons,” Tobin informed the comm officer before turning back to Nathan. “That should take no more than a day or two to harvest, process, and sell on the surface to pay for your supplies.”

“Can we up the amount later if we needed?”

“You may, but it would probably raise undue suspicion.”

“We’re receiving navigational instructions, sir,” the comm officer reported.

“Feed them to navigation, Ensign.”

Cameron went to the navigation station and began plotting a course change. “They’re sending us to a fairly dense part of the rings, Captain. Not too far from the Haven colony moon itself. Should be a pretty good place to hide out for a while.”

“Very well. Take us in, Cam.” Nathan turned back to Tobin. “So how’s this going to work, again? You’re going to bring up some workers or something, and they’re going to work from here?”

“No need for concern, Captain. Very few ships that come to harvest the rings bring their own harvesting equipment and crews. There are many teams available for hire on Haven. They will bring their ships and workers here. The harvester will collect material from the rings and bring it to your hangar deck. There it will be off-loaded, sorted, and repackaged. Some goes to your hold, some goes back to Haven where it will be sold to pay for your supplies, as well as the workers doing the harvesting. It is quite common, and we get ships from all over the quadrant. The material in the rings is quite rich with precious metals and water ice. It is a unique and rare combination, as you will soon see.”

Nathan nodded his understanding. “Are we all set?” he asked Cameron.

“Course plotted and ready.”

“I’ll take us in,” he insisted. “You go and take a break. Get something to eat. You’re going to be in command while I’m gone, so this may be your last chance for a break for some time.”

“Okay. Then I’m headed for a shower and a meal,” Cameron announced as she headed out.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Jessica agreed. “I think I’ll do the same.

“Actually,” Tobin interrupted. “Where we’re going, being too clean might attract attention. It might be best if those going to the surface refrained from bathing until they returned.”

“Okay, good to know,” Nathan said.