Alpha One - Chris Burton [41]
Unlike conventional wormholes, little was known about blue wormholes and what lay beyond them. What was clear was that they had their own immensely powerful gravitational pull, which to date had only ever resulted in the loss of any space craft that got too near one.
The Sentinels’ religious beliefs were clear: The wormholes must remain inactive to prevent the blue wormhole from materializing. They believed that, if the blue wormhole was opened, something terrible would come through it.
Alpha’s stance on this was pragmatic. The present-day consensus was that a blue wormhole could lead to another galaxy, but more likely than not would lead nowhere and anyone trying to go through one would probably be destroyed trying. Conversely, it was highly unlikely that anything untoward would be able to exit the blue wormhole for the same reasons. Notwithstanding this, the Alpha off-world anomaly committee was always keen to support properly-constituted and -funded mission proposals. The premise was that Alpha would front such missions, funded by the proposers, with the assumption that their personnel would join the mission in a non-military capacity.
The proposal from Nexus Thru Space Incorporated was submitted to the Off-world Committee in the first instance. Admiral Clark approved the proposal in principle and presented the plan, including Alpha’s proposed involvement, to the ‘Cabinet’ at their last meeting. An amendment by Alpha had included a proposal to ‘open’ both wormholes together in a controlled environment, with a view to prove or disprove the blue wormhole theory.
“Gentlemen, Nexus agreed for Alpha to send two research vessels to the wormholes once we have control of the Tri-Star Region. I am in the process of arranging this and will report back in due course,” said Clarke.
“We are also looking further at the Betanica sect and what they stand for. It is not just the Sentinels who believe something sinister lies beyond the wormholes. There is a division of the Sect on Earth known as ‘the Collective’. We are being prudent and investigating the matter in detail prior to any exploration which might take place.”
“Excellent, Admiral, thanks for the update,” said Koenig. “Let’s return to the Partacians.”
Chapter Twenty
Top Gun or not Top Gun
It was Wednesday morning and it was raining, the first wet weather for two and a half months and everything was drenched.
Steve Costello waited patiently for his tutor who had asked him to come today, presumably, Steve assumed, to discuss his poor grades. Yes, they were poor in recent weeks. He was in trouble, and he guessed his tutor was going to make some suggestions to improve his grades. His tutor arrived on time, they entered the office and Steve took a seat in front of the tutor’s desk. Meetings with tutors were non-military and informal; salutes were not necessary.
“Hi Steve, thanks for coming in. I wanted to discuss your grades, which have taken a plunge since the start of term.”
“Yes, I have been expecting this meeting.” replied Steve.
“Expecting? Why didn’t you come forward if you were concerned about your grades?”
“I guess I have been a bit pre-occupied.”
“That much is clear. You grades are down in five classes. We also have to bear in mind your one-point deduction from your Disciplinary Panel Judgment. With your grades as they are at present, your graduation is in jeopardy.”
“I can catch up. It’s only midway through the first semester. I think I might need a little extra coaching with my geometrics, but the rest will all fall into place. I have had a rough few months.”
“That is an understatement. Your grade predictions stand at between 5.9 and 6.2. You need to understand the severity of the situation. I am pulling you out of Top Gun.”
“You’re kidding!”
“No, I am not. I have also taken the liberty of requesting a further psych evaluation, and a voluntary