The missiles were in high demand and supply was short.
Endeavor and Phoenix both possessed a fusion reactor also. The fusion reactor powered the sub-light drives and other ship systems, and the dark-matter reactor powered the experimental technologies.
Based on the successful tests so far, particularly in combat, the SC might soon consider deploying the technologies across a wider shipbuilding program.
A low, beeping sound interrupted his thoughts. It was the intercom. “Commander. O’Brian here. You’re needed on the bridge.”
His thoughts drifted too far when he was by himself.
“On my way, XO.”
***
Avery entered the bridge as the general quarters alert blared. He moved to stand next to his XO, Lieutenant Marla O’Brian, who was leaning over Ensign Richards, Endeavor’s tactical officer.
Avery liked that about his XO, she got very involved in everything, but she had to be careful she didn’t crowd the crew.
“XO?”
O’Brian gestured to the tactical screen.
“Commander,” she began. “That Terran Union destroyer we monitored earlier has transitioned from warp. We were told the Union called off their search for the Constellation a few days ago after coming up empty. However, since the spatial anomalies have manifested again…”
“They’re here to investigate,” Avery finished.
“That’s our conclusion, sir.”
Avery nodded and moved towards the command chair at the center of the small bridge. “What’s our status?”
O’Brian moved to stand beside him.
“Stealth systems are functioning within normal parameters,” she said. “Heat sink at fifty percent capacity. Estimate another six hours before we have to dump our excess heat. However, if we adjust to emergency power only, we can extend that timeline to eighteen hours should the need arise.”
Such an anomaly could be a source of exotic matter. The Union had discovered a potential goldmine and was probably curious whether it was stable.
The Terran Union was a small enclave and the Union Navy ship didn’t pose a threat. Their capital planet Lumia was a tech-4 world, and they had a few smaller tech-2 and tech-3 colonies, spread across three star systems.
By interstellar law, the sovereign territory of a space-nation extended twelve light-years beyond their nearest colony. The area of space where Constellation disappeared was just over two light-years outside that stipulation—14.3 light-years from Lumia.
He didn’t want to provoke the Union ship. For now, it was best to remain undetected, and observe and report…unless an unforeseen event demanded another course of action.
Avery wasn’t even sure what such an event might be.
“Commander,” Richards called from tactical. “Those other two deep space contacts we monitored have changed course. They’re headed this way.”
Unsure or not, he would soon find out.
***
An hour later the two newcomers transitioned from warp and revealed themselves.
Richards called out the new arrivals. “First contact, Imperial Hemiola-class destroyer. Designation: Pilum. Second contact, class unknown, configuration and power signature doesn’t match any known starships.”
It wasn’t surprising the Empire wanted to know what was happening out here, but Pilum didn’t worry him at all. Her commander was an acquaintance, so that was comforting. But this unknown ship’s proximity to the area where Constellation had disappeared concerned him. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had encountered an unknown starship configuration. It might be a new class of warship built by one of the other enclaves.
Avery took a deep breath. “This encounter has moved into the realm of strange. Let’s transition to the local sector before there’s any tension, or before we create it by our sudden appearance. Wiggins,” Avery said to the helmsman. “Execute a short warp transition from our current position, a respectable distance from the other ships present. XO, resume normal ship operations to coincide with our arrival, and dump our heat before we transition to warp.”
Endeavor possessed advanced stealth capabilities and the other ships hadn’t yet detected her. Avery used the warp transition to give the appearance they’d just arrived as well. The crew acknowledged and Endeavor was now in position.
It didn’t take long to get a reaction.
“Commander, incoming hail from Pilum.”
“Acknowledge and signal image transmission.”
The viewer lit up with the face of Sub-Commander Arias Decimus.
“It is my honor to once again have the opportunity to speak with you, Avery Alvarez. Might I be of any assistance?”
Avery forced his eyebrows to stay straight. Assistance? Despite no further hostilities with the Baridian Empire since the battle of Atlas Prime—the two enclaves weren’t exactly interstellar best friends. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know how the Empire knew he was in command of Endeavor.
“Assistance? We’re performing a survey of this area. I’m sure you’ve detected the anomalous readings by now.”
“Indeed we have. We were also made aware of the disappearance of your survey ship and would like to offer our assistance in your search for the vessel.”
Avery’s eyes narrowed. Who had made the Imperials aware of it? Although Decimus offered a noble reason for their presence, it didn’t mean he was completely genuine. There was no doubt the Imperial Sub-Commander would aid with any rescue operation, but anything the Empire learned from what happened here was undoubtedly their primary objective.
“Your offer of aid is gladly accepted, Decimus, should we need it. I don’t anticipate such an eventuality at this time. However, we most assuredly would summon you if we did.”
“Very well, Avery. Pilum will move to observe and stand by from a distance, should you require our aid. Pilum out.”
To an unknowing eavesdropper it might seem like an ordinary exchange. Basically, Avery had told Decimus, you’re not needed or really wanted, please leave. Decimus had conveyed that he was here to stay, regardless of Avery’s misgivings—but wouldn’t be provocative.
Avery turned to see O’Brian eyeing him—in a way that looked like she was trying her best not to.
“I’ll fill you in later, XO.”
She nodded, but her look of curiosity didn’t fade.
Decimus was something equivalent to an adjutant in the Imperial Navy. He was a loyal officer to the Imperial Navy’s Lord Commander Quintus Scipio.
The same Lord Commander who Avery and Aaron had rescued from Imperials bent on murdering him during the battle of Atlas Prime. By extension, they’d also saved Decimus.
The latter was grateful to them for saving his Lord Commander. Decimus later told them he owed them both a debt. But it didn’t mean the Imperial Commander would place himself at Avery’s disposal.
“The Union ship is broadcasting on open frequencies, sir.”
Avery nodded and the Union vessel’s captain appeared on the holo-viewer.
“To all ships: this is the Union Navy vessel Ardent, Commander Navi Gaess commanding. You are operating close to Union territory, state your intentions.”
“This is Alvarez, Commanding United Fleet ship, Endeavor. We are engaged in search and rescue operations.”
The next transmission came from the unknown ship. “This is the Outer Rim Alliance warship Avenger. We are engaged in scientific studies of phenomena in this sector. Respect interstellar law—do not engage in provocative actions. There will be no further communications.”