Hawk Genesis: Peace (Hawk Flight), page 11
James radioed for clearance and a moment later he added power. John could hear the drive capacitors come to life, the ship creaked and began to rise up.
James said, “It’s got the same command station setup as the latest generation of fighters, and with my hand control I can maneuver it to within centimeters of a hatch. Of course, it’s got automatic approach controls, but as a fighter pilot, I like the ability to hand fly a ship.”
John looked out a thick viewport and watched as the ship ascended up past the ‘lodge’ and into clear sky. James added in thrust and the ship began to move forward. He added, “With a typical cargo it can accelerate at 6 Gs, and it has enough fuel capacity to reach any destination in human space, and with extra tanks, return. We haven’t gotten a license for the missiles, but Mr. Padilla received a Navy briefing that indicated that at least one of those missing destroyers has been spotted in the Nasser system. He believes that his company will receive a special license to outfit this class with missiles. It can only launch two, and carry ten, so it’s not a threat to a warship, but it could take on a missile boat and possibly most first generation destroyers. The Navy even has a classification for it: ‘Light Cutter’. The Navy would have to sign off on any sales, but planetary governments should have no problems.
By this time the shuttle had soared up out of the atmosphere, allowing James to boost the power setting. Shuttles operated in atmosphere, but were primarily space vehicles. They were ubiquitous and absolutely necessary to a space-faring society.
During the war, thousands were converted into clumsy gunboats with missiles mounted externally. In the early battles, they’d been used in mass assaults that had frequently overwhelmed defenses, albeit at great cost. By the end of the first year of the war, nearly half of all systems were manufacturing rudimentary fighters. At first, they didn’t even have energy weapons, and had to expend their own missiles to defend themselves, but the advent of small 15 cm lasers began to help fighters to husband their missiles for offense. Soon, larger fusion drives allowed for 25 cm weapons that had the ability to take on fighters and ships as well as missiles. By the end of the second year, gunboats were relegated to secondary system defenses and had little impact on the latter battles.
James put the craft on autopilot and spent the next five minutes showing John the relatively sophisticated yet simple controls. It included far more automated systems than the fighters the two brothers were accustomed to, and it was built like a tank. Considering its intended usage – hauling freight – it would have to be durable, with redundant systems for the large hatches and freight handling equipment, and an extremely reliable drive system. Regulations required a crew of three, including a pilot, co-pilot and freight operator, who had his own station inside the freight compartment. However, this craft could actually be operated with just one pilot.
John and James changed places and after contacting orbital control, he went to full acceleration. It registered 6.31 G’s, a very good number, and much, much better than shuttles were either capable of or required, since they were typically only used to ferry freight from immense freighters, parked in orbit, down to their terrestrial destinations.
Fully loaded, James estimate of 6 G’s seemed accurate.
He shut down the drive and played with the sensors and precision approach controls. The cargo hatches and loading equipment were operated from the cargo master’s station, but due to ancient regulations, the cargo controls could only be operated from a separate station that could not be on the command deck. Neither man knew why, although the word ‘safety’ was the most likely probability.
Typically, shuttles operated with an airless cargo compartment, but it could be aired up if the cargo required it. Most shuttles lost that ability after just a few heavy-handed pilots dinged a cargo hatch, but there again, this shuttle had a flexible seal that could hold pressure even with nicks, dings, dents and mildly warped hatches.
John turned the shuttle and began accelerating back toward the hidden factory. James took over, and within two hours the craft was touching down. Within another fifteen minutes it was back inside the factory.
John walked around the ship, looking at it and asked, “Is there any way to disguise it so that it doesn’t look brand new?
Most shuttles carried small but distinctive ID markings on their noses, large registration numbers plus even larger numbers on the hatches.
James promptly commed the office and was patched through to a technician. After James told her what he wanted, she said, “Of course, we can include additives that mildly reduces the coatings effectiveness but changes its color. What were you thinking of?” James told her, “We want a shuttle that to a casual observer doesn’t look out of the ordinary. Anyone who works around them will eventually notice that it’s longer than a regular shuttle, but due to its unusual six-sided hatch layout, they may not think anything of it.”
She asked, “So, you’re thinking you want the coating to resemble the dull tan color of a normal shuttle? We’d have to increase the thickness of the coating, but sure.” James asked her to give him an estimate of the cost plus a time frame. She said, “Time is no problem, we can coat it here, fuse it and then, say, seventy-two hours later you’re good to go.”
John asked James, “We’ve already taken ownership?” James nodded and John waved, “Tell them we want it done as soon as possible. Also, see if there is something that can be done to camouflage the missile hatches and the energy mount.” James asked, “Why not have an armored, sliding hatch on rails?” John asked, “Why not indeed?”
They went up to the offices and talked to one of the designers. She brought up a 3D hologram of the ship, and quickly laid out a large two meter by eight meter ceramic hatch that could cover both missile tubes. James pointed out, “If the hatch jammed, both tubes would be blocked; try two hatches that slide in opposite directions.”
In just a couple of minutes she modified her design. James nodded, “This could be anything. In fact, we could make it a design element on all the shuttles.” She asked, “Why don’t you want people to know you’ve got missiles? I’d think you would prefer them to know.”
John shook his head, “As a system defense shuttle, sure; but this is going to be a private shuttle that is armed, armored against energy weapons and can jump. We don’t want to advertise any of its capabilities. Anything we can do to make it indistinguishable from the thousands of other shuttles is good.”
She nodded, “We can design the hatches with a magnetic latch so that they spring open; we can add a bevel to the edges so that the hatch isn’t as noticeable, and we can add in some discoloration on the coating here and there, make it look old.”
They watched in silence as she quickly finalized the design of the hatch, made some changes to the hull identification number so that it more closely resembled other shuttles, and brought up images of current shuttles. Within just a few minutes she’d modified the new coating so that the ship suddenly looked well used. John nodded in admiration, “That’s it.”
She saved the design changes and told them, “Two days to install the hatches. We can wire the hatch into the missile guidance system: once the system goes live, the hatches slide open.” John shook his head, “Can you design the hatch release so that it only opens when you hit the firing button?” She frowned, “It would add, say, two tenths of a second to the initial launch. Is that acceptable?” John looked at James, who shrugged, thinking about nearly five years of war, “Yes.” James said, “Set it up so that the hatch immediately closes after the launch. It takes this system twenty three seconds to reload and launch; in that time, a lucky hit on the tubes could ruin the crew’s day.”
She made some additional notations, asked if that was it, and hit the save button. She said, “I’ve sent the coating settings, so figure…three days to build and install the two hatches, three days to recoat it, and maybe one day for Murphy. Come back in one week.” John thought about the immense bureaucracy he’d glimpsed at Lockheed’s fab center, and smiled happily. The future was looking up.
They flew back to Chavez and were home in time for supper. Jessica looked both happy and anxious to get John off alone, which happened within five minutes of his arrival.
In their bedroom she kissed him and said, “In case you forgot, I am your wife, the one you pollinated last night, and if memory serves, again this morning.”
John grinned, “Again with the pollination.” She nodded, “Exactly. Now, next subject; have you seen that house? It’s huge!” John said, “No, I haven’t, but you apparently have. And…?” She said, “Yes!” He grinned, “So, tomorrow you have an additional task.”
She smiled, kissed him and then asked, “Did you know that our newest family member was part of the intelligence establishment on Nasser? She was a spy. A rebel spy!” John replied, “Yes, we figured that out within a few minutes of meeting her. We think the Army lieutenant who took us to that hotel also knew, especially since she was able to bring up information on her within just a few seconds. Um, how is it that you know?”
She said, “She told us. Her father is a fairly high-ranking member of the Nasser underground. She’s, well, let’s just say the girl is full of demons. Mr. Padilla is arranging for her to meet with his company medic first thing tomorrow. She’s not received very good medical care, although I must say her choice of parents was exceptional!” John grinned and told her of the conversation he’d had with Arsinoe in the restaurant. She gasped when she caught on, “What did you say?” He grinned and she laughed, and kissed him, “Our bed isn’t large enough for two women and one cadaver.” John laughed loudly, “So, no changes or modifications to our marital structure?” She hugged him, “Just one – get me pregnant.” He sighed, “I’ve done my part; or rather, parts.”
Supper was nice. After his conversation with Jessica, John commed the house agent and ordered her to proceed with the acquisition of the house. During desert he made the announcement and said that within three days they could begin moving. He looked at his mother and she nodded, “I think I know how to move. Will you be here, or are you heading out again?” John said, “I should be around for the move, but for the foreseeable future you can expect frequent absences, the next one being in two weeks, when I head to Elyse, which system may appreciate my visit.”
She asked, “Would you object to a new roommate?” John asked, “Who?” She said, “Your brother has been demobilized. He might be a good addition to your organization, but he definitely needs a place to hang his hat.” John smiled, “So, we’re together again.”
She nodded firmly, “I assumed you would be delighted with the opportunity to get to know your brother, and told him we’d love it.” John smiled, “Thank you for knowing in advance what my feelings would be.” She corrected him, “Mine as well son.” John smiled – here in this home he was neither a professor nor captain, he was the middle son.
He looked at Arsinoe, and glanced at his mother. She nodded minutely: his brother had met the Egyptian secret agent. John thought his older brother was easily the best looking of the three, and he was unmarried. On the other hand, Michel had already seen her.
Arsinoe asked John, “You are going to continue to try to open offices of your veteran’s association?” John could tell by her question that she was interested, “Yes. Since you’ve asked, what do you think of the concept?” She said, “I wish you could have had success on Nasser.” John glanced at Jessica, and she turned to Arsinoe, “Would you be interested in working with us?”
Arsinoe looked frankly at Jessica and asked, “After our conversation this afternoon, do you…is that possible?” Jessica already knew John’s answer, apparently a growing trend in this home, and nodded firmly, “Absolutely. If you wish, we can talk after supper.”
Arsinoe asked, “With your husband?” Jessica took Arsinoe’s hand in hers, “John runs the operations, and is in overall charge of the project, but I am the administrator, I pay the warrants that come in, ensure that all the myriad details that my husband is incapable of noticing are taken care of so that when he leaves he has a suitcase full of clean clothes instead of the rags he came home in.” Arsinoe said, “Oh.”
John asked, “You might look at Arsinoe as a potential team member. Peter as well.”
His mother asked, “I wish to sit in on that discussion.” John turned to Jennifer and raised his eyebrows. She laughed in delight, “Yes!” Jessica said, “No! At least not until you’ve been divorced at least once, as I will be if my husband even thinks of agreeing.”
John sighed dramatically and told his sister-in-law, “Sorry, but your sister is an excellent cook, and I’m hoping to remain married.” Jordan sniffed, “She’s not actually all that good a cook. You must be thinking of someone else.”
Jessica said, sweetly, “In that case, you shall prepare the supper tomorrow night.” Jordan protested, “I’ve got homework.” Jessica nodded, “Yes you do, right after you prepare supper.” Jordan turned to Arsinoe, “Would you like to help me?” She shyly nodded. Jennifer said, “After school, could we take Arsinoe to our soccer game?” Jessica glanced at her mother-in-law and asked a logical question, “Arsinoe, is soccer a popular sport on Nasser?” She said, “It’s our…their primary sport. I’d love to go.”
John rolled his eyes, thinking of his two golden-haired sisters-in-law in company with Arsinoe. Jessica caught his expression and looked suspiciously at him, “What?” John sighed, “Nothing, nothing at all. Just trying to imagine the reaction of all those poor teenaged boys when these three show up. Not good, not good at all.” Jennifer laughed, “We’re not wearing sacks, so forget it.”
Arsinoe asked, “Sacks?” Jordan said, “He’s always telling us we have to wear sacks over our heads.” Arsinoe asked, “Sacks? Oh.” She blushed and a smile slowly blossomed on her face. Jennifer and Jordan laughed at her expression. Arsinoe told Jessica, “Some Muslim women still cover their heads, although most do not, so I am familiar with the concept. John, are you worried about Jennifer and Jordan?” Jessica smiled warmly, “He’s worried for the poor boys.” Arsinoe burst into shocked laughter, “Oh! I quite agree.”
Jennifer stood up, “That new outfit you bought today? It would be perfect.” Jordan rose up and took Arsinoe’s hand, “We must prepare.” Arsinoe stood, “Now?” Jordan firmly said, “Yes, there are boys to bedevil, and we have to go over your story.”
The three disappeared into the rear of the house. Milla said, “She’s fitting in I think. If I haven’t told you this already, Jennifer and Jordan are treasures, as is their sister. You were wise to accept our decision.” Jessica hugged her mother-in-law, who smiled at the son she’d thought would never find a wife.
Chapter 14
The following days passed in a blur of moving, and ordering new furnishings for the approximately five-times larger home. Now that the war was over, civilian production had picked up, making the acquisition of furniture, clothes and the other trappings of a modern life somewhat easier. Maya’s government had raised import duties on the goods and merchandise that it could produce domestically, but there were still many things Mayans considered important that only Earth could produce.
John spent the next few late afternoons and early evenings in their offices, getting acquainted with the new equipment. The production versions of the suits possessed some additional features that Karl loved; one was the ability to mimic a variety of standard work clothes. From as close as ten meters, they were totally unremarkable. The head covering had been heavily modified and now looked like a hood, providing more support as well as obscuring the lines. A future model would be spaceworthy, and Karl had already ordered a full set for the shuttle. When John asked, he shrugged, “Might be handy if we had to inspect a suspicious craft.”
The new house was just one block away from the Padilla home, meaning visits between families were going to be common.
Miss Filomón had a long talk with John. She had been badly upset by the events on Nasser, and they agreed that she would remain on Maya. She had an out-of-work husband and a baby, and she wanted peace, as well as the opportunity to live to enjoy it.
Peter arrived, moved a small amount of personal belongings into his room and spent an afternoon with John and James. He didn’t talk about their father, and they didn’t bring him up. It seemed that Peter’s lifelong subservience had grown old.
James asked Peter, “What can you tell us about your Army training?” Peter shrugged, “What do you want to know?” James didn’t even glance at John, “We’ve got an opening. Do you remember Lucia Filomón? She was badly affected by our trip to Nasser, and we need someone to handle our away team security and intelligence.”
Peter hadn’t known the details, and was visibly surprised to learn that they had killed twenty-four men and injured more. James seemed to have more patience with their usually reticent brother than John, and just waited him out. Peter reluctantly said, “I have little field experience.” James waved his hand, “We have shooters; we need someone who can give us advance warning and prevent us from being penetrated, in any sense of the meaning of that term. We had high security clearances and our current project is possibly just as important as what we did in the war. We still have contacts in the Navy, although that is a very closely held secret. So?”
