Recruit: Book One of the Universal Conflict ( Under Constant Editing)

Chapter 49

  Approaching the galactic barrier both the Vengeance and the Starblade came out of stardrive to begin plotting the warp path to leave the Milky Way boundary. Curious as to how the new human recruits were assimilating into the Starblades crew Krystal and Cory along with his parents went over to talk with the commanders of the mercenaries. Meeting them in the mess hall for coffee seemed to be the most relaxed scenario for all. As they sat around the table it was learned that many of the men had made friends among the crew. The news was welcomed by everyone present.
  "We'll be ready to warp in an hour, according to the Starblades Captain." Krystal said "Your men can watch from the observation room. The forward viewport is the best place for it."
  "Thanks," the General replied "It's sure to be interesting."
  "The first time is," Cory stated "after that, not so much. Although, when you think of the distance traveled in the blink of an eye, it still boggles the mind."
  Knowing the new recruits were doing well was gratifying. Many of the species were extremely friendly and curious about life on Earth. What most found highly disturbing was the violence that seemed to be a part of the culture. Disputes over land or ideals caused so much bloodshed. Most of the civilizations had united millennia ago so the Earthers appeared barbaric to them. They were learning that most of the people of Earth could live in peace if it weren't for politicians screwing everything up in their power grabbing attempts.
  The group returned to the Vengeance, glad that the men were making friends but Krystal was disheartened to find out Cory had been right about those in power on Earth. Back on the bridge, Krystal was confirming the warp vectors. When that was done she ordered the warp generators to begin the process.
Brad and Sally sat in the observation chairs watching the crew rush around preparing for the event.
  "Starblade confirms vectors," Shree relayed "waiting for your mark."
  "Advance in five minutes, warp portal will be stable then." Krystal ordered.
  "Starblade confirms orders." Shree repeated "Five minutes and counting."
  From the bridge Brad and Sally could sense the build up of power in the warp emitters by the vibrations and the whine of generators as they sent massive amounts of power to the emitters. At the four minute mark the warp emitters started to focus the energy at a single point in space. As they watched a darkness blacker than normal space grew to a size that would easily allow both ships to enter.
  As the countdown reached zero the ships moved towards the wormhole and entered. A second later the viewscreens showed the galaxy behind them.
  "Plot course for rendezvous with the fleet." Krystal ordered "Inform me when ready. Keep warp emitters powered up. We jump when ready."
  With that she left the bridge to join the squad for lunch. Walking into the mess hall Krystal saw her friends at one of the back tables having coffee. Grabbing one for herself she joined the group to chat a bit before eating.
  "Long jump in about thirty minutes," Krystal informed the group "This one might actually take a couple of seconds." The last directed at her in-laws.
  "How close to the fleet is the exit?" Cory asked.
  "About a million miles," she responded "we'll be able to see them on exiting."
  "How long to reach them?" Sally wanted to know.
  "Around ten minutes." Krystal answered.
  "Things are going to get busy, soon enough," Cory stated as he got up "I'm going to get some sack time."
  "See you in an hour." Krystal said as she too got up "I'm heading back to the bridge."
  Cory had just settled on the bed when there was a knock on the door. Getting up he walked to the door and opened it to see his parents standing there. Surprised, Cory let them in where they sat at the table.
  "I thought you'd be on the bridge for the jump." Cory said.
  "We still have a little time left." Brad replied "Are you going to join us?"
  "If you want." Cory responded "It's old hat for me. I don't know how many jumps I've been through. It doesn't excite me anymore."
  "Well, it's our first intergalactic jump. We'd feel better if you were there." Sally said.
  "Sure, I'll go with you." Cory replied putting his shoes on. When he was ready they left for the bridge. As soon as they arrived Krystal ushered them into her ready room/office.
  "I'd like to have someone on the Starblade to observe the reaction of the Earth contingent." Krystal commented "I need to know how they handle jumps, some have an adverse reaction because of the energies used."
  "What are the symptoms?" Cory asked.
  "Diverse," She replied "Including dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness and in extreme cases, psychosis."
  "Send Surni." Cory stated "As a healer, she's the most capable in those situations."
  "There were no reports of any problems during the last jump, though." Krystal said "But I suppose you're right. I'll send her over now."
  Returning to the bridge she issued the orders that sent Surni to the Starblade. When she got there, Krystal initiated the countdown for the long jump. The warp emitters sent their energies outward and once again a black deeper than surrounding space appeared. When it became large enough the ships entered. For two seconds complete blackness surrounded both ships before exiting to see the fleet grouped in front of them.
  "Engage stardrive and announce our return." Krystal ordered "Let them know we're here so we don't get blown apart."
  "Yes, Ma'am." Shree acknowledged as she started transmitting.
  In five minutes the Commander replied to the call personally requesting to meet the Earth troops onboard the Starblade.
  "My shuttle will be there in three minutes." T'ilvesh said "Meet me there."
  "On my way, Sir." Krystal affirmed.
  Cory and Krystal ran to the hanger bay and took off for the Starblade.