Alpha One - Chris Burton [117]
“Not so far as I am aware. We do need to tread carefully, though: they may be on our side for this one, but they do have some pretty strange practices. Do you want me to open a line of communication?”
“Yes, please. I also need you to speak to the media representatives in the fleet and request that they comply with the communications ban. Give them something to work with, but point out the consequences of not complying.”
Shenke continued, “I am due to meet with Cameron this evening. I am hoping he will have a quick solution to getting the wormholes closed. Then perhaps we can forget the whole thing and pretend Winterburn and his cronies never existed.”
“Let’s hope so. We can’t forget Commander Hoskins though. He needs time to get out, if only for us to determine whether any of this is true.”
“Chris. I am certainly not going to forget Hoskins. The hole cannot stay open indefinitely. Assuming we can close the hole, I will give him twenty four hours to get back out.”
* * * *
Doctor Cameron stood in the Admiral’s anteroom observing the artwork on the inner walls and the views from the large observation window, which showed the three stars and their close-knit planetary network. The system was compact, and this region of space could well have made a wonderful tourist spot. He doubted whether that would now be the case.
“Ah, Dr. Cameron, come in please.” Shenke ushered Cameron into his state room and offered him a glass of chilled water.
“Thank you, Admiral,” said Cameron nervously. He was not comfortable in these surroundings, but he realized the importance of this meeting and wanted to quickly get started. “I presume you want to talk about closing the wormholes?”
“Yes, but there are other issues which we need to address first. I have put a block on all comm links for the foreseeable future. It is imperative the events of the last twelve hours, and in particular the contents of Winterburn’s message, don’t become common knowledge on Earth. I will be making direct contact with both Alpha Command and ECG. We don’t want anyone else to know about this.”
“I understand, Admiral. Please be aware that, despite appearances, the Botanic and most of the support craft are non-military. I cannot compel them to do anything. I presume you will prevent anyone from leaving the system?”
“Yes, we will. Please ensure you pass this on to your crew; not the Alpha contingent, they will be briefed separately. If we could turn towards the closure of the hole. I presume this can be achieved and, if so, how?”
“I have my team working in this at the moment. In theory we can reverse by using a different oscillating pulse. We need time to determine exactly what the parameters are. What concerns me is whether we have enough time. How long will it be before the Kryl come through the void?”
“You need not worry about the potential threat from the Kryl, if there is one. We will deal with any threat as it happens. I assure you we have every possible weapon available and at our disposal. In the meantime, we need the holes closed up A.S.A.P. I can deploy significant resources from Alpha to assist you too. Please do make use of their considerable expertise. I am sure you will find their help beneficial.”
Chapter Fifty-One
Nothing But Silence
Steve let Jake sleep on well beyond his allotted shift change. Not out of any form of compassion, but simply because he enjoyed the experience and he was not ready to hand over the controls. Piloting a craft, even a yacht and not a jump ship through deep space was what he dreamed of, even as a small child. He was fulfilling his dreams.
Steve piloted the Yacht for ten hours before he felt tired. Fortunately, Jake woke.
They had entered the Tri-Star system a few moments earlier, and both stared transfixed at the sight ahead of them. The ‘sky’ turned a deep shade of blue and stretched across the whole region surrounding all three stars and their respective planetary systems. It was breathtaking and yet unexpected. Jake had seen holographic displays