Frontierzone
Author, poet, playwright.
Chapter One.
Keeping the Peace in War.
“Captain’s Log: 25 June 2105. We are patrolling the border between the United Systems Alliance and the Mordum Hegemony, in a show of force intended to let the Mordum know that we take their threats of resuming hostilities very seriously.
“We are being shadowed by a Mordum Dragon Class War Cruiser. Communications between our two vessels have been established, and so far, their Commanding Officer, General Malkantz, has indicated that so long as we keep to our side of the border--- established by the latest provisions in the ever evolving Armistice between our two governments--- there will be no hostile actions taken.
“So far, he has kept to his word. But we are approaching an area along our patrol route which borders unclaimed space. Our orders are to enter that area of unclaimed space, and explore said space while still maintaining our vigilance regarding the Mordum. There’s no telling how General Malkantz will react once we cross our border into the unclaimed territory. End Recording.”
The Captain then turned on the intercom on the arm of his chair, and opened a channel to the Auxiliary Command Deck.
“Mister Running Wolf, this is the Captain. I want you to run regular efficiency drills down there. If things go south up here, then the ship is in your hands. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I know I can count on your people, if it does.”
“I just hope that the new Weapons and Defense Officer assigned in my usual spot can aim,” said Mister Running Wolf, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“Don’t worry about her, John,” laughed the Captain. “Mister Schall graduated top in her class at Annapolis.”***
“If you say so, sir,” chuckled John. “Running Wolf out.”
The Captain smiled. “Amstutz out.”
******************************************
John Running Wolf sat in the center seat, and surveyed the Aux-Conn. Though smaller than the Main Command Deck, the stations were the same as those found upstairs. Those seated at said stations, however, were not those he was used to dealing with. He was normally used to working with Alpha Shift, and these were all personnel from Beta Shift.
He also couldn’t help but notice the new Assistant Science Officer, seated at his ten o’clock position. Her green skin and greenish-blonde hair was enough to make her stand out, but add to that the fact that she had three breasts, and it was quite clear that most human males would find the first Yajeebian Officer to have graduated from Annapolis to be something of a distraction.
Get a grip, John, thought the Exec. The Ensign is an Officer. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Okay, people, listen up,” said the Exec. “The Captain wants me to conduct regular drills, to keep you on your toes, so don’t be surprised if you spot a Mordum War Cruiser or a Shardon fighter squadron on your Holo-Vid screens.”
The science officer turned to him, wearing a puzzled expression on her face.
“Sir? I have a question.”
“Yes, Mister…” For the life of him, John couldn’t figure out how to address her. Mister ‘of Barada’ just doesn’t seem right to me. Mister Alli? That’s her first name, so…
She smiled, noticing his face was screwed up in a confused look, and allowed him time to puzzle for a bit, before she answered.
“Mister Galfor, sir. That’s my Household name.”
“Thank you, Ensign,” he replied. “What is your question, Mister Galfor?”
“Why does the Captain want us to be on our toes, sir?”
“What?” he asked, his tone incredulous. He then laughed. “It’s an idiom, Ensign. It means ‘alert and ready for action’. Does that clarify the matter?”
The Ensign smiled. “Yes, sir, it does. Even though our species is able to touch-learn new languages, we don’t always get all of the nuances, such as idioms and metaphors, right off the club.”
“That’s ‘right off the bat’, Ensign,” said the Exec. “At any rate, we can discuss Interstellar English metaphors later. We’re on Yellow Alert at the moment, Mister.”
“Aye, sir,” she said. She then turned to monitor her station.
Why do I get stuck with the green… that is… new people? thought John.
******************************************
Captain Amstutz looked over to the young freckle-faced man with red hair sitting at the Science Station. “Mister Dahm. Distance to unclaimed space?”
“One point zero three parsecs and closing, sir,” said the Lieutenant.
“Very well,” said the Captain. “Mister Knox, slow us down to twenty light-years per day.”
“Aye, sir,” said the African American man seated at the Helm.
The Captain then addressed the petite blonde sitting next to Knox. “Mister Atkinson, once we’ve crossed into the unclaimed area of space, I want you to commence charting procedures.”
“Affirmative, sir,” she replied.
“Mister Gitter,” said the Captain. “I need you to monitor all channels for any subspace signals. There’s no telling whether or not either the Mordum or the Shardon have any secret bases out here. There may also be members of the Righteous Cause, or other splinter groups, who have gone to ground out her.”
“Yes, sir,” said the pretty young brunette at Communications.
“Mister Dahm, I want you to monitor that Mordum ship,” the Captain ordered. “If they so much as appear to be powering weapons, don’t hesitate to hit the battle stations button on your console, understood?”
“Clearly, sir,” came the reply.
“Mister Schall,” the Captain said to the thin brunette at Weapons and Defense. “Coordinate with Mister Dahm. If those Mordum try anything funny, and we end up at battle stations, I want pin-point accuracy on your guns. If they move to attack range, your first shot will be within ten meters of their bow., as a warning.”
“Yes, sir,” said the Lieutenant, jg. “Mister Dahm, I’m going to need a constant feed from you, sir.”
“You’ve got it, Mister Schall,” said Lieutenant Dahm.
******************************************
“Efficiency report on that last drill, CPO Johnson,” the Exec said, addressing the Communications Specialist.
“Ninety-eight point seven two percent, sir.” said the petite redhead.
“Not good enough, people!” barked Mister Running Wolf. “The Captain is counting on us to pick up the pieces, should the Command Deck go off-line! Mister O’Dell, I want a detailed battle damage assessment, pronto!”
“Coming up now, sir,” said the scarecrow-like W-4 at Weapons and Defense.
The Exec looked over the data with a scowl on his face. “According to this, after the hit that took out the Main Command Deck, we were then hits amidships, in sections two, three, seven, and ten. Chief, as Weapons and Defense, you need to coordinate better with Helm.”
“Yes, sir,” came his response.
“That goes for you, as well, Master Chief Yoder,” said the Exec. He then looked the tall blonde MCPO in the eyes. “As Helmsman, it’s your responsibility to use evasive maneuvers in such a way as to make us a less vulnerable target, yet which maximizes Mister O’Dell’s choice of available guns.”
“Aye, sir,” she said. “I’ll do better, sir.”
“I know you will, Master Chief. All of you will. That’s why we conduct these drills, to get better at what we do. After all, practice make perfect.”
******************************************
“Sir, we’re entering the area of unclaimed space,” said Mister Knox.
The Captain nodded. “Very well, Mister Knox. Mister Dahm, status report on that Mordum ship.”
“They’re still paralleling us, sir,” came the response. “They’re maintaining their distance, without deviation, Captain.”
“Keep an eye on them,” the Captain resplied.
“Aye…” Mister Dahm’s train of thought was derailed by a new development. “Sir, there’s another ship in the area. By the looks of her, a Shardon Fu-gyu Class Destroyer.”
“Oh, now that’s just wonderful,” intoned the Captain. “What’s her bearing and distance?”
“Bearing; seven two six mark seven three,” said the Science Officer. “Distance; three point seven six light-years, and closing.”
“Very well,” said the Captain. “Mister Gitter. Raise that ship, and let them know our intentions are peaceful.”
“Aye, sir,” she replied.
******************************************
To’ying’li listened intently to the messege from Ticonderoga. She then turned to the tiger-striped male at her three o‘clock position.
“Ensign Ji. Acknowledge the signal, and send my regards to Captain Amstutz. Tell him I will contact him personally, once we are within instantaneous communications range.”
“Yes, Commander Li,” said Ensign Goi’ji.
Commander Li then turned to the calico female at her five o’clock position.
“Lieutenant Shalratu. Keep a close watch on that Mordum ship. If it so much as seems to do anything of a hostile nature, let me know.”
“Affirmative, Commander,” purred the Science Officer.
I do not fully trust that Easterner, thought Commander Li. It was from tribes like Shalratu, Shalmor, Shalvera, Tinmak, Tikor, and other Easterners that those traitorous Chuns had their origin.
Shaking the thought from her mind, the Commander then addressed he Communications Officer once more.
“Ensign Ji. Send a signal to that Mordum ship, warning them to not even attempt to take any hostile actions, either toward Ticonderoga or ourselves. Remind them that Emperor Heedo has severed all ties to Mordum Chancellor Hedlir, and now considers the Mordum Hegemony to be an enemy state.”
“Yes, Commander,” replied the Ensign.
To’ying’li then turned to the white furred female at her eleven o’clock position. “Lieutenant Fong. Aim your lasers across the Mordum ship’s bow. Be ready to fire a warning shot, should they prove to be hostile. Use your own judgment on this.”
Lieutenant Shing’fong grinned in her usual Cheshire Cat manner. “Yes, Commander Li.”
That one is eager for battle, thought To’ying’li. That is why I am glad she is both my Exec, and a skilled Weapons and Defense Officer.
******************************************
“Captain,” said Lieutenant Gitter. “Commander Li is signaling. She is asking to speak with you, sir.”
The Captain nodded. “Put her on, Mister Gitter.”
“Acknowledged, sir,” the Lieutenant Replied.
The image of To’ying’li on the Holo-Vid screen was smiling, but she wasn’t baring her teeth.
She’s in an amiable mood, thought the Captain. No bared fangs so far, at least.
“Captain Amstutz,” said the gorgeous feline-like lady on the screen. “It is agreeable to see you again.”
Captain Amstutz smiled. “Likewise, Commander. And congratulations appear to be in order. When last we met, you were a Lieutenant Commander in charge of a frigate. Now you’re a full Commander, and have been given the command of a destroyer.”
The smile faded slightly from To’ying’li’s face, but was still evident. “It was a mixed blessing, Captain. I was promoted after the incident with the Meea’zians, but I was later sent out to the unclaimed regions when my government found out that your President had pardoned all four of the Meea’zians involved.
“At first, the Admiralty had thought that I had handled the diplomatic side of things well, in cooperating with you on the matter. After the criminals were pardoned, however, it was thought perhaps to be a not so good of an idea to let them choose to go with you. It was thought that perhaps I should have demanded that the Meea’zians face Shardon justice after all.”
“When it comes to diplomatic issues, a military commanding officer often can’t win for losing, Commander Li,” replied the Captain.
The lovely young feline gave out a hissing laugh. “Agreed, Captain. I find my best negotiator to be my honor sword.”
Captain Amstutz chuckled at that. “With me, it’s my fists, but the notion is the same.” He then spoke in a more serious tone. “So, commander. What might I do for you?”
“More to the point, Captain,” said To’ying’li, “is what I might do for you.”
The Captain then got a puzzled look. “I don’t understand, Commander.”
“You have a Mordum cruiser paralleling your course, as I am sure you are aware,” said the feline.
“Yes,” said the Captain. “They’ve been with us for about three hours now. So far, they are keeping their distance, and keeping their weapons powered down.”
“And I intend to keep it that way, Jacob,” said the Commander. “We no longer consider the Mordum to be allies. On top of that, I blessed you the last time we talked. It is my responsibility as a warrior-priestess to see to the needs of those that I bestow a blessing upon.”
“I appreciate that, To’ying,” replied Jacob, grinning broadly.
“It is my pleasure, as well as my duty, Jacob,” said To’ying. “I would prefer to carry on this conversation in person, Jacob. This time, I will accept you as my guest, on board this ship.”
Jacob nodded. “Yes, of course. I’ll be there in one hour, by U.S. standards. Is that agreeable?”
To’ying gave her signature hissing-laugh. “Of course, Jacob. I am looking forward to seeing you in person again. Li out.”
“Amstutz out,” Jacob replied.
With that, the Holo-Vid screen returned to showing the view from the ship’s bow.
Keeping the Peace in War.
“Captain’s Log: 25 June 2105. We are patrolling the border between the United Systems Alliance and the Mordum Hegemony, in a show of force intended to let the Mordum know that we take their threats of resuming hostilities very seriously.
“We are being shadowed by a Mordum Dragon Class War Cruiser. Communications between our two vessels have been established, and so far, their Commanding Officer, General Malkantz, has indicated that so long as we keep to our side of the border--- established by the latest provisions in the ever evolving Armistice between our two governments--- there will be no hostile actions taken.
“So far, he has kept to his word. But we are approaching an area along our patrol route which borders unclaimed space. Our orders are to enter that area of unclaimed space, and explore said space while still maintaining our vigilance regarding the Mordum. There’s no telling how General Malkantz will react once we cross our border into the unclaimed territory. End Recording.”
The Captain then turned on the intercom on the arm of his chair, and opened a channel to the Auxiliary Command Deck.
“Mister Running Wolf, this is the Captain. I want you to run regular efficiency drills down there. If things go south up here, then the ship is in your hands. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I know I can count on your people, if it does.”
“I just hope that the new Weapons and Defense Officer assigned in my usual spot can aim,” said Mister Running Wolf, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“Don’t worry about her, John,” laughed the Captain. “Mister Schall graduated top in her class at Annapolis.”***
“If you say so, sir,” chuckled John. “Running Wolf out.”
The Captain smiled. “Amstutz out.”
******************************************
John Running Wolf sat in the center seat, and surveyed the Aux-Conn. Though smaller than the Main Command Deck, the stations were the same as those found upstairs. Those seated at said stations, however, were not those he was used to dealing with. He was normally used to working with Alpha Shift, and these were all personnel from Beta Shift.
He also couldn’t help but notice the new Assistant Science Officer, seated at his ten o’clock position. Her green skin and greenish-blonde hair was enough to make her stand out, but add to that the fact that she had three breasts, and it was quite clear that most human males would find the first Yajeebian Officer to have graduated from Annapolis to be something of a distraction.
Get a grip, John, thought the Exec. The Ensign is an Officer. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Okay, people, listen up,” said the Exec. “The Captain wants me to conduct regular drills, to keep you on your toes, so don’t be surprised if you spot a Mordum War Cruiser or a Shardon fighter squadron on your Holo-Vid screens.”
The science officer turned to him, wearing a puzzled expression on her face.
“Sir? I have a question.”
“Yes, Mister…” For the life of him, John couldn’t figure out how to address her. Mister ‘of Barada’ just doesn’t seem right to me. Mister Alli? That’s her first name, so…
She smiled, noticing his face was screwed up in a confused look, and allowed him time to puzzle for a bit, before she answered.
“Mister Galfor, sir. That’s my Household name.”
“Thank you, Ensign,” he replied. “What is your question, Mister Galfor?”
“Why does the Captain want us to be on our toes, sir?”
“What?” he asked, his tone incredulous. He then laughed. “It’s an idiom, Ensign. It means ‘alert and ready for action’. Does that clarify the matter?”
The Ensign smiled. “Yes, sir, it does. Even though our species is able to touch-learn new languages, we don’t always get all of the nuances, such as idioms and metaphors, right off the club.”
“That’s ‘right off the bat’, Ensign,” said the Exec. “At any rate, we can discuss Interstellar English metaphors later. We’re on Yellow Alert at the moment, Mister.”
“Aye, sir,” she said. She then turned to monitor her station.
Why do I get stuck with the green… that is… new people? thought John.
******************************************
Captain Amstutz looked over to the young freckle-faced man with red hair sitting at the Science Station. “Mister Dahm. Distance to unclaimed space?”
“One point zero three parsecs and closing, sir,” said the Lieutenant.
“Very well,” said the Captain. “Mister Knox, slow us down to twenty light-years per day.”
“Aye, sir,” said the African American man seated at the Helm.
The Captain then addressed the petite blonde sitting next to Knox. “Mister Atkinson, once we’ve crossed into the unclaimed area of space, I want you to commence charting procedures.”
“Affirmative, sir,” she replied.
“Mister Gitter,” said the Captain. “I need you to monitor all channels for any subspace signals. There’s no telling whether or not either the Mordum or the Shardon have any secret bases out here. There may also be members of the Righteous Cause, or other splinter groups, who have gone to ground out her.”
“Yes, sir,” said the pretty young brunette at Communications.
“Mister Dahm, I want you to monitor that Mordum ship,” the Captain ordered. “If they so much as appear to be powering weapons, don’t hesitate to hit the battle stations button on your console, understood?”
“Clearly, sir,” came the reply.
“Mister Schall,” the Captain said to the thin brunette at Weapons and Defense. “Coordinate with Mister Dahm. If those Mordum try anything funny, and we end up at battle stations, I want pin-point accuracy on your guns. If they move to attack range, your first shot will be within ten meters of their bow., as a warning.”
“Yes, sir,” said the Lieutenant, jg. “Mister Dahm, I’m going to need a constant feed from you, sir.”
“You’ve got it, Mister Schall,” said Lieutenant Dahm.
******************************************
“Efficiency report on that last drill, CPO Johnson,” the Exec said, addressing the Communications Specialist.
“Ninety-eight point seven two percent, sir.” said the petite redhead.
“Not good enough, people!” barked Mister Running Wolf. “The Captain is counting on us to pick up the pieces, should the Command Deck go off-line! Mister O’Dell, I want a detailed battle damage assessment, pronto!”
“Coming up now, sir,” said the scarecrow-like W-4 at Weapons and Defense.
The Exec looked over the data with a scowl on his face. “According to this, after the hit that took out the Main Command Deck, we were then hits amidships, in sections two, three, seven, and ten. Chief, as Weapons and Defense, you need to coordinate better with Helm.”
“Yes, sir,” came his response.
“That goes for you, as well, Master Chief Yoder,” said the Exec. He then looked the tall blonde MCPO in the eyes. “As Helmsman, it’s your responsibility to use evasive maneuvers in such a way as to make us a less vulnerable target, yet which maximizes Mister O’Dell’s choice of available guns.”
“Aye, sir,” she said. “I’ll do better, sir.”
“I know you will, Master Chief. All of you will. That’s why we conduct these drills, to get better at what we do. After all, practice make perfect.”
******************************************
“Sir, we’re entering the area of unclaimed space,” said Mister Knox.
The Captain nodded. “Very well, Mister Knox. Mister Dahm, status report on that Mordum ship.”
“They’re still paralleling us, sir,” came the response. “They’re maintaining their distance, without deviation, Captain.”
“Keep an eye on them,” the Captain resplied.
“Aye…” Mister Dahm’s train of thought was derailed by a new development. “Sir, there’s another ship in the area. By the looks of her, a Shardon Fu-gyu Class Destroyer.”
“Oh, now that’s just wonderful,” intoned the Captain. “What’s her bearing and distance?”
“Bearing; seven two six mark seven three,” said the Science Officer. “Distance; three point seven six light-years, and closing.”
“Very well,” said the Captain. “Mister Gitter. Raise that ship, and let them know our intentions are peaceful.”
“Aye, sir,” she replied.
******************************************
To’ying’li listened intently to the messege from Ticonderoga. She then turned to the tiger-striped male at her three o‘clock position.
“Ensign Ji. Acknowledge the signal, and send my regards to Captain Amstutz. Tell him I will contact him personally, once we are within instantaneous communications range.”
“Yes, Commander Li,” said Ensign Goi’ji.
Commander Li then turned to the calico female at her five o’clock position.
“Lieutenant Shalratu. Keep a close watch on that Mordum ship. If it so much as seems to do anything of a hostile nature, let me know.”
“Affirmative, Commander,” purred the Science Officer.
I do not fully trust that Easterner, thought Commander Li. It was from tribes like Shalratu, Shalmor, Shalvera, Tinmak, Tikor, and other Easterners that those traitorous Chuns had their origin.
Shaking the thought from her mind, the Commander then addressed he Communications Officer once more.
“Ensign Ji. Send a signal to that Mordum ship, warning them to not even attempt to take any hostile actions, either toward Ticonderoga or ourselves. Remind them that Emperor Heedo has severed all ties to Mordum Chancellor Hedlir, and now considers the Mordum Hegemony to be an enemy state.”
“Yes, Commander,” replied the Ensign.
To’ying’li then turned to the white furred female at her eleven o’clock position. “Lieutenant Fong. Aim your lasers across the Mordum ship’s bow. Be ready to fire a warning shot, should they prove to be hostile. Use your own judgment on this.”
Lieutenant Shing’fong grinned in her usual Cheshire Cat manner. “Yes, Commander Li.”
That one is eager for battle, thought To’ying’li. That is why I am glad she is both my Exec, and a skilled Weapons and Defense Officer.
******************************************
“Captain,” said Lieutenant Gitter. “Commander Li is signaling. She is asking to speak with you, sir.”
The Captain nodded. “Put her on, Mister Gitter.”
“Acknowledged, sir,” the Lieutenant Replied.
The image of To’ying’li on the Holo-Vid screen was smiling, but she wasn’t baring her teeth.
She’s in an amiable mood, thought the Captain. No bared fangs so far, at least.
“Captain Amstutz,” said the gorgeous feline-like lady on the screen. “It is agreeable to see you again.”
Captain Amstutz smiled. “Likewise, Commander. And congratulations appear to be in order. When last we met, you were a Lieutenant Commander in charge of a frigate. Now you’re a full Commander, and have been given the command of a destroyer.”
The smile faded slightly from To’ying’li’s face, but was still evident. “It was a mixed blessing, Captain. I was promoted after the incident with the Meea’zians, but I was later sent out to the unclaimed regions when my government found out that your President had pardoned all four of the Meea’zians involved.
“At first, the Admiralty had thought that I had handled the diplomatic side of things well, in cooperating with you on the matter. After the criminals were pardoned, however, it was thought perhaps to be a not so good of an idea to let them choose to go with you. It was thought that perhaps I should have demanded that the Meea’zians face Shardon justice after all.”
“When it comes to diplomatic issues, a military commanding officer often can’t win for losing, Commander Li,” replied the Captain.
The lovely young feline gave out a hissing laugh. “Agreed, Captain. I find my best negotiator to be my honor sword.”
Captain Amstutz chuckled at that. “With me, it’s my fists, but the notion is the same.” He then spoke in a more serious tone. “So, commander. What might I do for you?”
“More to the point, Captain,” said To’ying’li, “is what I might do for you.”
The Captain then got a puzzled look. “I don’t understand, Commander.”
“You have a Mordum cruiser paralleling your course, as I am sure you are aware,” said the feline.
“Yes,” said the Captain. “They’ve been with us for about three hours now. So far, they are keeping their distance, and keeping their weapons powered down.”
“And I intend to keep it that way, Jacob,” said the Commander. “We no longer consider the Mordum to be allies. On top of that, I blessed you the last time we talked. It is my responsibility as a warrior-priestess to see to the needs of those that I bestow a blessing upon.”
“I appreciate that, To’ying,” replied Jacob, grinning broadly.
“It is my pleasure, as well as my duty, Jacob,” said To’ying. “I would prefer to carry on this conversation in person, Jacob. This time, I will accept you as my guest, on board this ship.”
Jacob nodded. “Yes, of course. I’ll be there in one hour, by U.S. standards. Is that agreeable?”
To’ying gave her signature hissing-laugh. “Of course, Jacob. I am looking forward to seeing you in person again. Li out.”
“Amstutz out,” Jacob replied.
With that, the Holo-Vid screen returned to showing the view from the ship’s bow.
