Connor's Gambit Read online

  “Message received, safe mapping,” Mundasen responded immediately.

  As Laco directed the vehicle to advance to the edge of the mapped area, Brad watched in amazement as the computer mapped the ridges, folds, and furrows that stretched and spread out to the right of them. Although he had partial information, he was able to keep up with most of the maneuvers needed to counter the turbulence from the folds. It seemed to go well even as Laco made a left turn following the mapped areas.

  As they approached the dark unmapped areas in front of them, Laco slowed the ship. “Is there any indication of measurement at the edges as we get closer?”

  “There’s no change. The mapping has remained static,” Brad reported. He looked at it again and thought it was strange. There should be some measurement similar to what they saw during the descent. He didn’t know what it meant and the lack of available information made him uneasy. Laco accessed mapping logs on his console. Brad pulled up past logs on the mapped area and tried to read it as quickly as Laco, but he was still lacking in that ability. Later, he would need to spend more time learning to read the new language’s technical reports.

  Brad was taken by surprise by a sudden sharp right turn, since they had not discussed it before. But he was more surprised how Laco avoided flying straight into the dark area and was now flying around the edge. “How did you know it was a dark hole?”

  “I wasn’t sure. I suspected it was there from the mappings and the logs. As we approached it, you confirmed it by reporting that the sensors were not picking up anything beyond the edges. Although the sensors are now mapping both sides of the vehicle, they are also outlining the boundaries of the dark hole. Special equipment will be needed to verify the mapping we are seeing. There is a small possibility that this may be another transit gate and not just another place to get lost in. Ninety eight percent of the time, these readings suggest the phenomena is a dark hole not a transit lane. When we pull up, I’ll pull the maps and show you the indicators. At this moment, I need to focus on piloting away from the hole’s boundary edges or we will be pulled into it.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything before we descended?” Brad asked. He felt left out and wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear the answer. He assumed Laco had lost confidence in him and his skills. He stared at the inverted typhoon illustrated on the windshield showing a mass of rapidly swirling black streaks interspersed with thin bands of light funneling to a smaller pinpoint in the center of the dark hole. He shuddered as he thought about the ships that had been caught in the gravity wells and pulled toward the pinpoint. While the areas were unmappable, the computer simulated drawing was a warning buoy for future pilots.

  “You had enough to worry about for the first time dropping into an unmapped region. Expecting you to know the signs and what to do would have been unreasonable for first time piloting. Right now, I need you to watch the mappings ahead and help me navigate around it. Watch for any indication I’m off course and need to begin turning. When we leave this area, I want to make sure the area around the dark hole is clearly mapped for others to see. I also need you to continue to keep up with the counter maneuvers. That will help me focus on the path ahead. These dark holes are all about the same size and shape, but I could use assistance in getting around this one until we can take the ramp back up to the mapped lane.”

  The pity party is over, Brad thought. He had a plateful of tasks to keep him busy and couldn’t afford to allow himself to become distracted. “Message received.” He watched the mapping as it continued to define the outline of the menacing dark funnel. When the mapping was finally completed, the dark hole would resemble a tilted oblique ellipse with a completely inverted typhoon. He noted a slight increase in the distance from the edge. “It looks like you’re moving away. Recommend you turn five degrees to port.” Slowly the spacing decreased. As Laco turned, Brad observed a clearly defined arc. He instructed the computer to measure the arc and calculated the circumference based on the arc’s parameters. “Laco, I have a circumference calculated to plan a route around the area. I’ll send it to your display.”

  Laco looked at it. “Brad, I’m sending my calculations. There are some differences. See if you can adjudicate the estimates to produce a route between the two.”

  Brad looked at the two calculations and produced a third route for Laco to follow. He sent the detailed route back. “If you follow along this track, it’ll ensure the distance from the edge remains constant. I’ll continue to check the measurements and send updates to the navigation console.”

  Laco examined the route changes. “Looks acceptable. I haven’t seen anything that might indicate this area isn’t an average dark hole, but we still need to watch for signs of an abnormality.”

  “Message received.”

  Laco kept the vehicle on the recommended track. The dark hole was to his left, but he kept looking to his right ensuring the sensors were mapping the area. He followed Brad’s recommended arc back toward the mapped areas.

  “Trainee Johnson, this is Pilot Mundasen. I just passed marker 61.10.19.8756. The ramp to the transit lane is open. Information from your vehicle shows you discovered a dark hole. Congratulations, is there a name?”

  Brad had been unaware the pilots named these space anomalies and wasn’t sure what to say. “Uh, we are still discussing it. We’ll get back to you on it. Safe travels.” Brad cut off communications and glanced at Laco. “What is she talking about? How do you name a dark hole?”

  Laco smiled slightly. “In addition to the nice bonus pilots receive for discovering the dark holes, pilots are obligated to name them. I’m leaving it up to you this time.”

  “I don’t understand. Why would I name the dark hole?”

  “Traditionally, the discoverer names the area and it’s included in the future mappings. I’ve already named a few others, so I’m passing the obligation to you.”

  “Thanks, I think.” Brad continued to watch the mapping, ensuring the distance remained constant. He gazed at the maelstrom overlaid on the mapping of the dark hole. “How do I select a name that would have meaning for future pilots? Do I choose a name to honor a historical figure or planetary system?”

  “In the past, serious names were given to honor historic individuals for their accomplishments. But these dark holes have become so prevalent pilots choose almost anything from family members and pets to useless phrases. Sometimes they are crude and irrelevant.”

  Brad ran a few ideas through his head but he was stumped. All references to Earth were out; he didn’t think Shinny would feel honored if the dark unmapped area were named after her. The more he thought about it, the more he doubted anyone he knew would be honored. “Hmm, something crude and irrelevant. After deliberating greatly on this task,” he stated in an exaggerated British accent, “I, Brad Johnson, dub thee dark hole, Connor’s Gambit.”

  Laco choked on his next breath and quickly looked behind them to see if there was a reaction. “Are you sure that is what you want to name it?” Laco asked with panic in his voice. “Connor may consider it disrespectful,” he whispered quietly to Brad.

  “I’m sure; I keep thinking Connor is working an elaborate ploy or ruse equal to the discovery of the dark hole. I’m honoring his efforts by naming this special anomaly after his game.”

  “I heard everything you said,” Connor announced behind him.

  “I’m sure you did. Am I right?” Brad queried as he continued to watch the mapping in front of him.

  “You’re in the neighborhood of being correct. I may have a gambit in mind.”

  “Great, just my luck,” Brad whispered aloud.

  Laco, still stunned, glanced quickly at Brad. “What does that mean?”

  “I’ve been led around as if there is something I’m supposed to do.”

  “What?” Laco asked.

  “I don’t know. I’ve seen this before with Connor. It can be annoying.”

  “I’m not asking you to do anything other than to give it your best effort,�
� interrupted Connor.

  “I know where this is going,” Brad grumbled. “Keep the name, Connor’s Gambit.”

  Laco slowly exhaled, “Okay, I will record Connor’s Gambit into the log. I’m sure I will never be able to completely explain the reason for the name you picked.”

  Griken noticed Connor’s expression and laughed. “It’s been a while since I have been this amused.”

  Brad continued to work on the counter-maneuvers and mapping the edge of the dark areas while Laco slowly swung the ship toward the right. “I assume you are heading toward the ramp.”

  Laco nodded, confirming Brad’s comment. “We are about 180 degrees from the point where I turned off to outline Connor’s Gambit. I’m picking up the transit lane to the ramp.”

  “Wouldn’t it make more sense to ramp up sooner rather than fly further to take the mapped ramp to the transit lane?”

  “The unmapped ramp presents a higher risk than traveling in a straight line to the marked ramp. Staying in this path is more predictable. We’ve had enough excitement for today.”

  Brad nodded that he understood and continued to focus on supporting Laco. Startled by a hand on his shoulder, Brad was surprised to see Divazz standing next to him. “You’re a little early.”

  “Actually, I believe it’s more like you have lost track of time.” She looked at Laco. “It looks like I missed all the fun. Will I ever hear how the universe flipped over during two rest periods? The trainee is in the command seat and now Connor’s Gambit has been revealed to all. I can’t wait to hear,” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

  “I’m not sure I can explain everything except Connor claimed this isn’t his gambit. However, Trainee Johnson is convinced Connor is planning something,” Laco explained. “I recommend we stay out of it.”

  “Of course Connor would have something planned; Admiral N’Klaftin wouldn’t be Connor if he didn’t.” Divazz looked behind her to see Connor walking toward them, entering the cockpit from the passenger seating area. “I’ll take your recommendation under advisement. By the way, thanks for the bonus.”

  Connor looked at Divazz. “Are they ready to be relieved?”

  “Yes sir, although our new trainee seems disappointed at not being able to finish the transit through the exit gate.”

  “He’ll get over it. The trainee looks like he needs to rest during the next shift, if he is going to be ready to report to his squadron on the Zuonopy,” noted Connor.

  Brad was about to respond with a smart aleck remark, but he recognized the look on his friend’s face telling him not to go there. “Yes, sir, message received.”

  Laco stood up. “Connor, I’m ready to be relieved. The remaining flight should be easy with the trainee’s mapped course.” He looked at his tablet, while tapping on it. “Trainee Johnson, I’m signing off on this flight, with a recommendation that you are allowed to continue training on this vehicle. You are not that far away from being graded proficient in the piloting of Transport Vehicles.”

  Brad stood. Even though his muscles screamed from the stiffness of sitting as long as he had, he had a grin on his face and was thrilled Laco signed off on the flight. He hadn’t been convinced Laco would, since Brad had turned the vehicle piloting over to him. “Thank you again for the opportunity.” Looking at Divazz, he echoed Laco, “I’m ready to be relieved. She’s all yours.” Brad stepped away from his chair to allow Divazz access to the cockpit.

  “Who is ‘she’?” Divazz asked, as she sat down and watched Laco and Brad head toward the rear of the vehicle.

  Connor sighed to himself thinking he would need to warn Brad to watch his idioms. “I’ll explain later,” he said as he gestured over the console to follow Brad’s preprogrammed route.

  Brad watched Laco walk quickly toward the sleeping tubes. He was more than ready to join him, but he wanted to talk to Shinny before he went to sleep. Stepping into the gym, he looked around and saw it was empty. Just my luck, he thought. Stepping out of the gym, he walked to the tubes and saw Shinny’s tube was occupied. He assumed she was still sleeping and needed the rest. Brad thought about sending a message but he owed her an apology in person. He would wait until they were both up and could talk. He opened his sleeping tube and climbed into it. As the tube cocooned him, his last thoughts were of how spent he was from being so vested into piloting the vehicle. He hadn’t noticed before now.

  Chapter 12

  Brad ran as fast as possible to keep up with the group in front of him. The shooting behind him crescendoed and he knew what was coming next. Wake up, he told himself. He heard a soft knocking sound. The knocking was something new in his dream. It grew louder and louder, waking him from his nightmare. He opened his eyes and was startled by the darkness that surrounded him. Taking a moment to adjust, Brad remembered he was in the sleeping tube. He opened the tube’s hatch and saw Laco staring at him with an apprehensive look on his face.

  “Brad, are you okay?” Laco asked.

  “I’m fine. Is everything all right? Why were you knocking on the tube?”

  “We were concerned. You have been sleeping for quite a while. You missed coming out of the gate and pulling onto the Battle Cruiser Zuonopy. Your sponsor is waiting for you.”

  “Sponsor? I don’t understand.” He held his head against the overwhelming cacophony outside the tube. “What is that noise in my head?”

  Laco smiled. “Welcome to the Zuonopy. You are hearing the Zuonopy daily news feed on an encrypted channel. It’s a loop you can turn off on your chip after listening to it once.” He pointed to the open doorway. “Your sponsor from your squadron is through the door and down the ramp.”

  Brad looked around at the empty cabin. “Where is everyone else?”

  “They’ve disembarked. The major left a clean uniform for you and had your bag taken off the vehicle. You’ll have to tell me how you did it. I didn’t see you speak one word to her and she leaves you a clean uniform and has your bag personally removed from the vehicle.”

  “I think she likes older-looking men.” Brad smiled. It was a nice touch on Shinny’s part, but he wished she had waited to talk to him. “Did the major disembark with Connor?”

  “I’m not sure what she did. Apparently her battalion decided to run an Evasion Exercise.”

  “What’s an Evasion Exercise?”

  “An Evasion Exercise requires a targeted individual to evade a hunting party,’’ explained Laco. “She has a quarter of a shift to report to her battalion commander. Meanwhile the Battalion is hunting for her.”

  “Seems like a bad way to welcome someone new to your command.” Brad hopped out the tube and grabbed his uniform.

  “That would be a polite way of describing it. No one was happy to hear about her orders, but she asked Connor and Griken to stay out of it. Personally, I think something should have been said, because they will pull it on others and it won’t be too long before they decide to hunt Fleet members. I don’t care if they are Special Combat troops. They are always pulling crazy stunts like this and it isn’t right,” Laco spat.

  Laco’s momentary outburst surprised Brad. Obviously the exercise crossed a line with Laco. “I see your point,” Brad responded cautiously, trying to understand everything around him. Brad wanted to know more about the exercise, but this wasn’t the time and he needed to report to his squadron. “I need to take a quick shower. Could you please let my sponsor know I will be right down there?”

  Laco had returned to his normally laid-back manner. “No problem. Contact me when you receive your Swarm Defender pin and I’ll arrange a few take offs and landings for you on the transport vehicle.”

  Brad stopped suddenly. “You’re not returning to Earth?”

  “Unfortunately, the senior flight officer decided I needed to take my rest period on the Zuonopy. I will be attached to a squadron here for training.”

  The realities of belonging to a military organization and lack of control hit Brad. “Sorry to hear that.”

  “It isn’t all ba
d. There are plenty of things to do on the Zuonopy to keep me busy and I will be able to catch up with a number of my colleagues.”

  “Glad to hear there’s an upside to it. I’ll contact you as soon as I have a handle on everything.”

  Laco laughed. “If I have to wait that long, I may never hear from you, and I am expecting to hear from you.”

  “Message received. As soon as I earn my insignia pin, I’ll contact you.” Brad gave Laco a nodding salute before he walked toward the showers.

  Major Plinoa Ukpres was irritated that the transport vehicle was more than a full shift late. She had posted her platoon at several positions throughout the Transportation Room waiting for its arrival. When she proposed the Evasion Exercise to the colonel, it seemed like a brilliant idea. But with one shift already wasted, she was questioning whether this would be worth her efforts.

  The rumors that Admiral Griken would return with the last Connor had set everyone on edge. Her supervisors grew nervous and looked at her to find a solution. An unspoken urgency hovered for her to do something that would have an impact. She didn’t have a clear plan, but she believed the Evasion Exercise would be a good first step in tripping Connor. The reports on his daughter had indicated she had gone native on a primitive planet and was out of shape from turning off the rejuvenation function on her chip.

  Plinoa’s position gave her the most advantageous view of Connor and his escorts. While she couldn’t see the face of the female standing next to Connor, the tracer application on her tablet showed that it matched Major N’Klaftin’s chip signature. Plinoa couldn’t believe her luck and was wondering if N’Klaftin received the exercise announcement. She checked her tablet and noted N’Klaftin’s confirmation response. It seemed odd that Major N’Klaftin would stand in the open. It seemed like N’Klaftin was not participating in the Evasion Exercise. Plinoa stared at the signal emanating from the platform and formulated a strategy to counter N’Klaftin’s passive participation. Plinoa decided she would personally confront N’Klaftin and use the troops as backup. N’Klaftin’s reputation was as legendary as her father’s, but Plinoa was convinced her own skills would easily overcome N’Klaftin, if it came to that point. The way N’Klaftin stood next to her father, it almost seemed as if she lost her fight and should be retired instead of transferred to the inactive reserve. Plinoa needed to balance pushing that idea with her commitment to meeting her supervisor’s intentions.