Starship Vengeance

Chapter 19

It was now day three of our ceasefire with the Xroex. Shahae and Maxir had made little progress in establishing stable communications. They had been spending most of their time in the manufacturing area. Several hours had passed since I received an update, so I decided to check on them in person. Shahae agreed to take complete responsibility for the project. Translating the entire conversation had become too cumbersome and time consuming. Besides, the topics they discussed were way beyond my understanding. Silence greeted me as I entered, and witnessed yet another silent argument taking place. This was the biggest reason I stayed away. As much as I tried, I couldn't get used to the silence that pervaded the room during one of their disagreements. Maxir's perfectly passive face revealed nothing about the nature of the conversation. Shahae's expression gave away the tone of the conversation. From the look on her face, it wasn't going well.

"Any progress?" I asked, forcing them to stop their current discussion.

"Not really" Shahae replied. "Most, if not all, of their technology is psionic driven."

"What do you mean?"

"Take their communication arrays for example. The arrays and corresponding equipment receive the psionic input, amplify and focus it, and then send it on to the target. Without the psionic input, the equipment won't even turn on."

"Is there a way to mimic it? I asked hopefully.

Looking annoyed, she said, "We've been working on this for days now. I highly doubt you would have an idea we haven't considered." I knew she didn't mean it as an insult, so I pushed aside my bruised ego. "We were actually just discussing artificial psionic input for the second time. I thought we were making progress with our current prototype, but everything we had been working on just fell apart."

"Do you think they would allow their delegates to receive a permanent nanite implant?" I offered, trying to find a new approach. "It would allow them to directly communicate as well as interpret for others."

She shook her head and glanced nervously at Maxir. "I made the mistake of proposing a similar idea. I have no desire to endure another lecture. Apparently, the Klixrax want nothing to do with any technology that might alter their way of life. He mentioned something about being tainted. Honestly, I'm surprised they allowed him to remain here as long as they have."

"It's starting to look hopeless, isn't it?" I asked dejectedly.

"We'll find a way" she said reassuringly. After a moment of silence, she sighed and resumed her conversation with Maxir.

I left them and slowly meandered through the bowels of the ship. As I walked, I couldn't help but notices the abysmal state of moral amongst the crew. We were no longer under attack, but until an agreement could be made with the Xroex the fleet was to remain on high alert. Haggard crew members stumbled by on their way to their quarters after a long and stressful shift. Something was going to have to change soon. Those who passed me saluted, but it lacked the usual enthusiasm I had come to expect from my crew. An uneasy feeling told me we wouldn't be able to continue like this for much longer.

I was halfway back to the bridge when I was paged. "Admiral, an unknown ship just arrived and has requested docking clearance. The pilot claims to know you."

"Have them hold until I arrive." Five minutes later I arrived at the bridge breathing heavily. I had been slacking on my PT and it was starting to show. "Show me the ship" I commanded. A sleek looking craft was projected in front of me.

"Sir, the craft is too small to be carrying any crew" said Lt. Sanchez "In addition, we can't detect any atmospherics on board."

It took me a minute, but realization finally dawned on me. "Direct her to land in my docking bay. There should be plenty of room for a ship that small." I exited the bridge, leaving behind a very bewildered communications officer.