The Flight III

Inexorably, Future was approaching the last point in the Solar System. Most of the areas on ship's deck did not allow to directly observe the outer space, but specifically for this occasion, the signal received by the bridge was being sent to holographic displays.

The first ring was still several hundred thousands kilometers from the ship's current position, but it could be already seen from afar, owing to its humongous size - its diameter was big enough to put six Future ships next each other inside the ring.

While the most of people in the crew seemed excited by seeing such a gigantic structure, captain Delevigne was clearly stressed.

- It will be tight, freaking tight - he was repeating these words regularly - I knew how fucking tight it will be, but now I see how fucking tight it will be.

- We'll make it, captain - lieautenant Stankovich was trying to calm him down.

Both men knew each others for years now, serving on so-called cruisers, the biggest class of space ships ever created, before Future that is. Still, given their expertise, they were the best people that could be hired for flying the biggest space ship ever built.

The first officer was not only a great pilot, but also a good friend of the captain and one of limited people who actually knew how to make Andre calm down when he got nervous.

- I'm not saying we won't make it - stated Delevigne - I'm only saying it will be a hard task. The first ring is nothing, but remember subsequent rings are getting narrower, and we need to keep the ship at a proper angle to stay inside the stream. Otherwise, we'll get thrown outside...

- Captain, sir, with all due respect, but we've been already through many hard tasks, and managed to complete them - Stankovich had his own concerns of course, but also knew and trusted his and captain's skills - If we can't do that, no one can.

Andre Delevigne laughed out loud.

- Better pray so it goes as you say, otherwise I'll find you on the other side and kick your ass.

Over dozen of hours or so passed before they have reached the point where they had to confirm proper positioning of the ship. Captain Delevine let lieutenant Adrian Stankovich to adjust the position at the current speed, mainly because of his expertise in precise maneuvering. If asked about the only concern captain had about Stankovich in such situation was that lieutenant had tendency of being too meticulous.

- Lieutenant, how is the status of positioning? - Andre was getting slightly impatient.

- We are already on the proper path, but I want to be one hundred percent sure we go precisely though the centre of each ring - the first officer explained calmly, despite the captain's comment.

Ideal plan in this situation would be to reset the engines, position the ship and initialize the engines from the very point they were at right now. However, due to time constraints, plan required them to follow the procedure while already having the ship moving. This meant that they were skipping several steps and moving directly to swapping from plasma thruster to graviton engine relying on the antimatter.

The most important part of the sequence was to properly match the speed to peak performance of each ring. Gradual acceleration was the key, and they could not allow even the slightest power drops, therefore engine control was the key part of the procedure to perform a stable jump. Due to that, the first officer had supervision over the engineering team to make sure power distribution works properly.

- Everyone in positions? - he waited for confirmation before continuing - Great. I don't have to tell you how important precision is in this situation. I expect everything to be done at correct time stops. Increase the main reactor's output.

Stankovich was of lower rank than Marlow, but in such situations decision-making was not based on ranks. John was taking care of further distribution of tasks. Increasing the output immediately caused the ship to shake, but situation quickly stabilized.

First ring was actually pretty close when the current speed was taken into account, therefore they had to act fast in order to go through its centre at its peak performance. In order to turn the accelerator on, they had to connect to the system remotely.

- What's the status of the first ring? - asked lieutenant - How is the initialization?

- We have started the power supply, and the system is activated and online - he heard a reply from one of the engineers - Current output at ten percent, but continuously growing. Increase is stable, no disturbances. The ring will reach the maximum within twenty minutes.

- Turn the plasma engine off!

The order was completed. Everyone felt slight distruption in artificial gravity, but nothing dangerous. In space, their ship was not decelerating despite engines being off, however, the longer they would allow Future to drift the more likely it was to go off course. At this point, they had fifty percent of initial speed required for pasing through the first ring.

- Graviton drive on!

Julian, what was unlikely for him, crossed himself before pulling the safety lever.

Lights inside the ship immediately dimmed, and some even turned off. They felt everything was shaking, and some loosely connected things got torn off.

- We are at one hundred thirty percent! - Martin shouted.

They were thirty percent over the required amount. At current rate, the ship would go through the first ring too soon.

- What's the status of the first ring? - Stankovich immediately reacted - Is it possible for it to reach the peak before we get there?

Engineer responsible for the ring's control made a quick calculation.

- I can try tweaking the power supply - he replied - It should get us the required increase, but we will go above the allowed limit, which may be dangerous to ring's structure.

Lieutenant bit his lip.

- Captain? - he did not want to make such an important decision himselg.

- It's not turning back now! - Delevigne did not waver - Trying to slow down at this point may be dangerous. All or nothing. Hit it!

Everyone in the engine room looked at each other - no one was calm. The lights were still blinking from time to time, but otherwise reactor's parameters looked fine.

- Keep up the course! - they could hear captain's voice - Adrian, I trust your skill, but please, if you need to hold on something, let it be the controls!

Looking at Stankovich's face, it was hard to guess what he was thinking. However, those who were close enough could hear him repeating:

- Oh, fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Still, he managed to keep his cool when he replied to the captain:

- Yes, sir!

Yet another, but much stronger shaking now. One could easily count every vein on lieutenants face and hands. He had trouble keeping Future on course. John jumped to hel him with controls.

Even with the two of them, keeping up with all the feed on displays was a hard task, but ultimately they have managed to stabilize the ship on course, successfully passing through all the rings and into the tunnel.

- You saved me there, major - Stankovich shook Marlows hand before wiping sweat off his forehead - It was tough, but now we can have a bit of rest.

The speed reached by the ship was sure to allow it to smoothly proceed through the tunnel in accordance with provided data. From this point on, until reaching the New Gaia's system, autopilot was responsible for the flight.

Inside the tunnel, there were no reference points, and catching even a glimpse of stars and planets with human eye at this speed was impossible. Only the high computing power of Future's board supercomputer was able to lead the vessel of this size through the tunnel.

Obviously, leaving such an important task to algorithms could be considered a risk, but humans were simply incapable of pulling off such a feat. The biggest concern here was that the jump was not a short-time process as often shown in sci-fi movies, especially the old ones. They were supposed to stay in this unstable environment for about a month. Despite the tunnel being a huge unknown, after taking into account all the stress caused by the recent hours, everyone felt a relief after safely passing through the Gate.

They were the first people to go on this road, and in such a big number to boot. It was not possible to foresee how would their organisms react to all these changes and what will hapeen to them once they fly into an artificial black hole passage. Black holes themselves were already enough to scare most of humanity.

And here they just got into that hole and everyone, at least based on what they knew, were still alive. They did not evaporate, did not disappear, they were all in one piece.

Those in engine room were doing high fives. Initial relief started turning into euphoria, joy of passing yet another obstacle.

- So, it means it's going to be a downhill ride from now on? - asked Julian, smiling widely.

Others were also happy, but not so optimistic.

- We are getting much closer, but it's still halfway the road - Thorsten rubbed Julian's hair - I guess it's okay to feel happy, but too soon to actually celebrate.

- Oh, c'mon. Don't we deserve that after doing a good work? Still, we'll be getting a break at least - Martin agreed with the youngest crewmate - There was way too much stress lately.

The sole way they talked to each other meant much lower tension.

Marlow, who well know how technology may fail at crucial moment, continued to be sceptic, but some as others felt relieved after fulfilling his duties. Nothing exploded, there were no damages, and everything remained optimal. All of that made him smile unconsciously.

- Even major looks happy - Julian did not miss this sudden reaction - This really may be a sign it will be only better from now on!

John wanted to reply to this comment, but at this very moment he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was lieutenant Stankovich.

- Let me thank you once again, major - he said loud enough for Marlow hear him despite all the chatter around - To be honest, I was afraid I won't make it back then.

- It's nothing, lieutenant - John did not think he did anything extraordinary - Staying on course was crucial for us all. I doubt anyone would like risking damage to the ship in such circumstances. Even another approach would cause us a lot of strees. And, to be honest, from the very start I thought it was a bit too much for one person, that's why I was keeping an eye on the situation. After all, I'm the one responsible for engine room.

Despite that, Stankovich was still thanking him and asking to somehow return the favor, so Marlow finally gave up and let him buy a drink as a thank you.

Everyone around was among the crew working in the engine room as this party was something they have planned beforehand to do once they enter the Gate. Accepting a drink from Stankovich meant one more person by the table, but no one complained - in the end, lieutenant worked with them through this situation.

John was not the type to like big events, and never considered himself a party man. He enjoyed his alone time, but recently learned to appreciate these moments spent with more people. The group in which they were usually gathering grew a lot since the start of the project, making him used to staying with larger groups like the one made of engine room staff.

Now that he was enjoying the time with engineering and mechanic team's, Marlow realized that he ended up making acquaintances among the various teams participating in the expedition. Initially, it was mainly mechanics and engineers, but as the time passed by, additional people joined from military, administration or reasearch teams.

He wondered what was making people attracted to this gathering of people. John never considered any of his colleagues to be standing out any way. Of course, they had some important people among them, but he did not see this as a reason for attracting more people.

During such a mission, it was important to have contacts, and Martin never failed to remind John about it. Despite that, John continued to have concerns and doubts about others, mainly because of conversations he had with Mathias, especially parts about Earth corporations intervening and potential sabotage attempts.

So far, Marlow did not notice anything suspicious about people with whom he had contact, but still remained vigilant, because he knew people's nature and their behavior could be deceptive.

Though this could be causing most people to be anxious, John never planned to close himself in his quarters and avoid contact with others in order to be not mixed in potentially dangerous schemes. Staying afraid was definitely not the route he wanted to take. He had to function within this society and adapt to this environment, all while not disclosing too much information about himself since this could allow blackmailing.

As the time passed by, the group sitting by the table grew. The core right now was made of the first acquaintances Marlow made since joining the project, including Martin and other mechanics, as well as Rashid and others he met on Mars surface. However, aside from them, some new faces appeared - it was not like John did not recall them, as they had a limited crew after all, but it did not mean he knew everyone personally. Among those people was also Adrian Stankovich, who joined in as John's guest today.

- Please, have a seat, have a seat - each time someone arrived, Martin Johnson was the one to welcome them with a smile - We have a lot of space. The more the merrier!

Initially, lieutenant was slightly intimidated. Usually, militarymen had a tendency to stick together, but even among them pilots were treated differently. They had bigger and better equipped quarters to the point of not needing to visit canteen for a long time.

Shortly speaking, they were among privileged people in the crew. The best example here was Mathias Kaller, rarely leaving his office, and visited canteen maybe two times since they left Orbital Ring. Those were the people without whom mission had no chances succeeding. Of course, even among such people there were exceptions like colonel McRae, regularly appearing in the canteen, close to his subordinates, though in his case it did not change much, because they were often to shy, or maybe too scared to sit with and talk to him during a meal.

Fortunately, Stankovich had an ability to fit in quickly in the group and several minutes were enough for him to casually talk with women from administration. On the other hand, John joined in the discussion concerning technology.

- I've been a mechanic for many years now, but this accelerator is really something else - Martin was clearly impressed by both graviton engine and accelerator rings - Imagine, with this kind of size, how much work it required to put these together. And to generate enough energy to power all of these rings. You need crazy skill to pull off something like this. What was his name? Wait, Paweł Bortch... Borwetch... Fuck, I cannot say it properly.

- You mean professor Paweł Borowicz? - Marlow helped him - Indeed he was responsible for engineering works, but remember it wouldn't have been possible without the work of professors Adam Barszcz and Oleksandr Pavlov. Besides, in order to make it happen, the team needed help from Polish Engineering Committee, and CERN which both cooperated internationally.

- CERN are those responsible for Large Hadron Collider? - even Rashid got interested in this topic - They worked on antimatter and black matter?

- Precisely - confirmed Thorsten, one of those most interested in the topic - It's thanks to CERN we have access to antimatter now and we could use it in graviton engine. They were researching since twentieth century, but it was until the end of twenty first century when they finally managed to get control over the antimatter, making it possible to be used on larger scale. Initially, LHC was being used in research. It's really interesting that it had twenty seven kilometers of length, but now we can reach much better results with noticeably smaller devices like the ones we have on Future.

Conversation about antimatter drew attention of others. It was not your typical chat by the beer as it focused on a key system of the ship and key technology that allowed them to travel between space systems.

- Wait a moment, aren't these devices dangerous? - Marta asked - You can create black holes with this, it's the same thing both in graviton engine and in accelerator rings, right? Aren't we supposed to have fuel reserves in stock?

Jeanne put a hand on her shoulder.

- I get its not your section and fuel in your opinion is simply fuel - she said with a smile - but nowhere in the storehouses we have such a thing as antimatter. I was working at loading and never saw anything similar on the lists. No such thing like antimater tanks or anything.

- And thanks God - Liu had a derisive smile on his face - If I knew we had something like this on board, I would have likely left the ship. Antimatter can be crazily invasive and could easily affect the ship's systems. In case of Future, antimatter is being produced when required, and nuclear reactors are used in the process.

Not for the first time, John was surprised how lacking was the knowledge of the crew in terms of ship's structure or functioning of key technologies required for the expedition's success. The most important information was available for everyone in the staff. Obviously, it was not like they all had access to precise technical drawings, including engine construction plans, however, everyone had to be briefed about the general principles of operation.

Despite all the thoughts piling up in his head, he had no intention of pointing out others' ignorance concerning the available documentation. It was not a time or place for such talks. There was no need to make anyone feel nervous.

Until now, they all had enough problems, so why cause additional ones?

- These engines are an extremely advanced technology, for the first time used on such scale - he joined in - No wonder there are so many concerns. Even though I'm well aware of the principles behind this technology, I agree putting it in motion in such a short time was risky, but after spending some time working with this engine, I can assure it's pretty solid. If everyone follows procedures, and doing their job properly, it's unlikely for it to break down or cause any damage. To be honest, the only unknown for me were accelerator rings, simply because I wasn't involved in their construction, but it ended up clicking on the first time.

Several people smiled at his metnion of not being involved in accelerator rings construction - Martin even said something along the lines "You don't trust anything if you don't touch it?" Still, his words might have been reassuring since no one touched the topic of security, but it did not mean this ended the talk about the antimatter. As it turned out, after John mentioned knowing a great deal about the technology, others started bombarding him with questions.

Marlow was generally good at grasping technological principles and physical processes. Still, he was not an expert in the field. If they were to ask him about topics concerning programming, engines or artificial intelligence, John was sure he could provide proper, elaborate explanations. Even math and chemistry-related topics would have been easy. However, CERN's method of producing antimatter was not something he had an extensive knowledge about. In the end, he could talk about the basics - explain how the energy is sent to the miniaturized particles collider, how much energy is needed for creating enough fuel to pass through the Gate, or what kind of phenomena are occurring inside the collider.

The topic was so vast that discussing it - to his surprise - took over two hours. Good thing he had some time off planned on the next day.

***

Engine was working without issues, and all parameters were staying optimal. When John was starting his shift, he saw people patting each other and congratulating work well done. Even Mathias Kaller, whom he did not see for a long time visited the engine room to check the readings.

- It's definitely one of the jewels we have on this ship - he said with excited voice - Life really keeps me surprised all the time. I'd have never dreamed to have a chance to see this working with my own eyes.

Professor was moving his look between the control panels, nodding, before finally taking an antimatter container into his hand. The container was no bigger than one litre bottle, but such amount would still have been enough to destroy the whole engine room if handled incorrectly, even with all the security measures they had in place.

- Who would have thought such a small amount is enough to travel millions of kilometers - Kaller's eyes were sparkling - We've already left our mark in history.

It never crossed John's mind until now. He knew he was participating in a crucial mission, but for some reason it did not occur for him that such small events like the first usage of antimatter in graviton engine could by itself be considered an achievement, in which Marlow participated.

He caught the container thrown by professor at the very last moment.

- Good job, John, keep it up - he heard from Kaller, who was now leaving.

Obviously, throwing the container was by no means dangerous, unless someone got hit straight into their face. That's because the container was empty - after all, there was no chance for anyone to take the full container in their hand. The system was tight, and containers were kept inside until the moment these were emptied. Afterwards, so-called shells, emptied containers that is, were thrown outside for checks and refill.

- When did you get close to Kaller, John? - Martin gave him a look from above the terminal - You were the only he called by him so casually.

Major shrugged.

- I don't have an idea why. Both he and McRae talked to me several times, even to the point of being bothersome. I don't recall if I told you that before, but I prefer to keep people at a proper distance, and especially those with power. I like a calm and comfy life, you know.

Johnson burst out laughing.

- I nearly spat on myself - Martin still had a smile on his face - You say you like a calm and comfy life, and you go to a place, where you are unlikely to get that. Well, it may be possible after the colony gets established, though it will take time, but now? It's going to be a lot of work after we get there...

- You said as if I didn't knew what was up for me in this project - John went towards the console and initiated planned diagnostic programs - I was aware it won't be comfy, and obviously it was clear it won't be easy. Besides, it's not like I decided to join because I liked the idea.

Martin also worked on routine diagnostics, continuing the talk with his boss, whom he also considered his best friend in the whole Future staff. Moreover, it was owing to John he decided to further participate in the project.

- I didn't say anything like that. I'm simply still wondering why someone like you decided to go with this plan. You had everything there, so you don't actually need this New Gaia.

Johnson continued glaring at Marlow, but the latter did not reply.

- You aren't telling me everything, are you?

John sighed. He had trouble to understand why would Martin pry into this topic, after all he gave him quite a bit of clues already.

- Is it really that important? - he asked.

- Explain this to me, and then I'll explain what's it all about.

- You know you sound like one of my exes? Ok, fine. I don't consider this a secret. Besides, I told you quite a bit about my situation since we got to know each other. I'm not only an engineer, I'm also a researcher and part of military. Back when I was at one of the conferences, we were given a chance to decline, you should remember - Johnson nodded, confirming it was the same for him - Exactly. Many declined at that moment, and - honestly - this was my first decision. Still, I was not allowed to go with it since colonel McRae was seated next to me. I've learned the hard way that being a part of military definitely has its cons. Of course, I could've try pushing through with my initial decision, but I'd surely be a subject to many problems because of that.

Johnson pat his back.

- Thanks for being honest - he said - I heard a lot from you until now, but you were never clear about your reasons. I knew you still had concerns, and I feel the same despite continuing with my contract - Martin reached to his temple and at the very moment, John's implant received a request for direct communication.

Major was confused about this approach since they were standing next to each other. Nevertheless, his companion was not the type to do something without having a reason. That's why he accepted.

- Ok, what's up with this sudden conspiracy? - he asked.

- Better be careful, concerning what has happened until now - Johnson sounded unusually serious - I don't want to stand out and asking you directly my catch someone's attention. Listen, John, to be honest, I recall our previous talks and I remember what you said, but I really had to check if you are not that close with those upper class guys. I don't want to sound crazy or anything, but be careful around Kaller and McRae, John. I hear those guys don't like each other, and many say they are fighting over influence. Kaller is a scientist, while McRae is a typical army guy, and their beliefs are opposite in many cases. If they are both interested in having you on their side, be really careful and don't get yourself involved in the conflict between the two.

To be perfectly honest, Marlow already had a general picture of the two most important guys participating in the mission.

- Thanks for confirming my thoughts - that was his reply to Martin's words, and the end of this conversation at the same time - These readings also look perfectly fine - that he said out loud.

Martin looked surprised, likely by the fact John was so calm about potential power struggle among higher ups, but he also confirmed readings on his end were within the expectations. None of them touched the topic of project chief and chief of military after that through the remainder of their shift. Both men were well aware of problems fights for the power could bring out.

The shift on that day ended up without issues, but when that happened, they have received a message directly from Mathias Kaller - it was a decision to temporarily move them to the hangar crew. A moment later, only John received yet another email, this time from Ryan McRae. Marlow frowned, what immediately caught Martin's eye:

- You don't like this transfer that much? - he asked as he could not see the message John was looking at right now - I wonder if others were transferred too.

- Well, you always can contact them and ask - major replied to him - Sadly, I have to go, an urgent matter...

Johnson continued to look at him with a visible curiosity.

- What kind of message did you get? From who? A woman?

- I'd like to - it was the only thing John said before leaving the engine room.

Fortunately, Martin did not follow him and did not try to continue the topic.

Marlow never liked being called by superiors, and in fact Ryan was one of those who could give him orders. To be more precise, McRae was the highest ranking officer, supervising or military-related matters, and all soldiers reported to him, including John.

Information from the colonel was brief and straightforward. It also did not leave much room for the recipient: "Come to the chapel ASAP. It's an order. No matter what you are doing now, drop it and come." In such situation, there was no way to even try declining. It sounded even more serious since colonel McRae rarely used the word order towards Marlow.

John did not visit the cental module's chapel ever before. His parents were both Catholics, and because of that Marlow used to participated in a mass, but since their death, his approach changed to a large extent, and he never visited any church or chapel over all these years. It was not like he did not believe anymore. Even as a scientist, he believed there had to be some powerful force, maybe not necessarily a being, but something powerful enough to create and modify the universe. The reason was the only one thing - until now, over all these years, he simply could not bear the injustice. Whoever or whatever was responsible for the creation of the universe either did not care about beings living in it or simply let everything go with their own course after the creation was completed. If it is a sentient being, it may even be sitting somewhere now, having fun watching the living struggle, as if watching a very long soap opera. Hence John's approach changed - if someone did not care about their own creation, why should the creation care about the creator.

Putting aside all these personal thoughts, he had to admit that ship's designers were really thrifty to even plan for areas required by the believers. After all, chapel was not the only such a place on Future's board as they also had synagogue and mosque. Moreover, there was also a number of additional rooms for the use of less popular, but officially registered religions, such as Jediism. While it might be hard to believe, many of the greatest minds participating in the expedition were the believers of minority religions.

Major only smiled at the things which he considered nonsense. Besides, he had more important worries, such as guessing what kind of goal colonel McRae has in making Marlow come to the chapel. John hoped that Ryan was not a religious fanatic who learned about John staying away from churches, and now wanted to make him return to proper ways.

He reached the chapel much faster than expected, concerning how far from the other facilities engine room was located, and how many levels up religion-related sectors were. There was no mass planned at this hour, but anyone was allowed to come and pray at any time.

When Marlow entered, it turned out colonel was the only person there - even military chaplain who was taking care of the place was not present. McRae was on his knees, praying, and did not stop even after John came closer and sat next to the colonel, waiting. Ryan gave him a short look, continued to pray for a bit longer, crossed himself, and only after that he sat next to John.

- I apologize for calling you here out of a sudden, but there is a matter I'd like to discuss with you - he explained - An important and delicate matter.

- I should have expected that based on unusual meeting spot - replied Marlow - It's quite empty here.

Colonel smiled.

- You are a bright person, John, and that's why I've been always honest with you. I don't want to deceive you and imply I'm a really religious person, because it's not the case. I mean, I'm a Catholic, but the choice of the spot has a different reason. As you probably know, all priests here are military chaplains, so we can be sure no one will bother us here.

Major immediately looked at the direction of the entrance and noticed it was closed - he missed the moment someone closed the door.

- Ok, I get that it's a serious topic. I don't see any other reason for such security measures - John pointed out - But is this really needed? Couldn't we use encoded connection?

McRae shook his head.

- We both know that even that way one can intercept the signal. Even though it would require breaking the code, I don't want to risk anything. Only limited number of people know this, but there are rooms on this ship which render signal interception impossible, and no one can communicate with the outside when inside them.

- And the chapel is one of them, correct?

John knew a great deal of security, but what Ryan mentioned was like putting additional layers on top of standard procedures. For centuries now, complex networks existed on Earth, creating a really complex system in which finding a signal required expertise to separate it and remove the noises, but simplified network existing on Future was much more transparent, and signals were easier to track. It really looked like McRae wanted to get him mixed up in something serious, and that was definitely not a good information for Marlow.

- Ok, then, I'm all ears. How can I help you? - he asked, without any additional remarks.

- And that's what I like. Come with me.

John was surprised by these words. He did not expect they were supposed to move anywhere else. Still, he followed the colonel until they have reached sacristy. McRae showed him to sit down, while taking a spot on the other side of the desk.

Anyone would feel uncomfortable in such an abstract situation. Colonel sitting on priest's spot, and major on the other side like some cleric or acolyte. Good thing Ryan did not use a confessional as in some kind of old movie.

- You look pensive, John. Is there a problem? - colonel was looking at him with curiosity.

Hearing these words, Marlow just shrugged.

- No, it's just, this whole situation surprises me. I was even suspecting we were about to go to a confessional.

Colonel laughed.

- If I knew it's something you expected, I could make this happen. Or should we go there now?

McRae made a move as if he was about to really stand up. However, John just pointed out how unusual these circumstances were, and did not want to lose time. Looking at how absurd this seemed, Marlow was not sure if it was not some kind of test army prepared for him.

- Since we are already sitting comfortably, maybe we could finally move to the topic? - he suggested.

Major tried to speak in a way that would not show his slight irritation he felt for some time now.

- I understand you didn't bring me here for some unusual prank?

Ryan's eyebrows raised, showing his surprise.

- Does it really look that way? Maybe I'm dragging this for too long. Ok, so let's go to the topic. Needless to say, it is related to your transfer - John's face did not show any surprise as McRae spoke - But it looks like you expected that.

- That would have been way too much of a coincidence given the order of things that happened today. Don't you think that contacting me so soon may be found suspicious?

Colonel waved his hand.

- There's no chance anyone can overhear us as long as we are here. Still, let's get to the point. I have an important question for you, John. Do you consider yourself to be more of a researcher or soldier?

This was not a hard question as he could give only one response. After all, Marlow agreed to join the army because of practical purposes. Neverhteless, he had to weigh his words while talking to the highest ranking officer on board since his answer could have a huge impact on his future. The question might have been simple, but tricky.

- Honestly speaking, science-related work has always been something I've been aiming for - he started, making sure for his tonne to sound neutral - However, it's a fact that I wouldn't be such a succesful person if it weren't for the army, therefore I'm indebted to military.

Ryan raised from the chair. John also made the same move, but colonel used a hand gesture to tell him to stay seated. McRae himself went towards the wall with a really small window, braiding his hands together, and looking into the space.

- Your work is much appreciated - he started speaking - Back on Earth, you have already achieved a lot, helping with design of military-grade equipment, and even contributing to several systems used on Future. The team you work with right now likes you a lot, and has high respect for you. In general, you have gained many connections within the crew. Moreover, your skills are already useful on the ship, but will be even more crucial once we get to our goal. Long story short, many have noticed your knowledge and anyone would like to have you on their side.

It was definitely a praise, colonel was complimenting him, but the whole context of this conversation made Marlow feel concerned.

- I'm just performing my duties. Many people contributed to the project.

Ryan turned around, facing him now.

- You are absolutely right - colonel agreed - The thing is, people have all their respective duties. However, some may affect business of specific groups.

McRae approached the desk.

- Do you remember organizational structure we have on this ship? Main project chief is Kaller. He is a scientist, but he basically has supremacy over the whole expedition, even over me if need be, even though I'm a military chief. It means that, in fact, civilian orders the army around.

John had a good understanding of what colonel was talking about. Officers did not like to be supervised by the people from outside the army, the ones who had no idea about internal affairs. They have already had a lot of stuff to work on because of politicians and governments, but it was easy to infere what direction this was going.

- I mean, it's usual for military to follow orders from governments - colonel McRae continued - Situation we have on this expedition so far is really complex, and I'm afraid there may be conflict of interest at some point. As soldiers, we are a part of Earth Army, which reports to World Counsel. On the other hand, professor Kaller, despite being appointed by the Counsel, is a protege of Earth Business Federation.

In other words, as Marlow understood McRae's point, Kaller was working for those who used money to influence the world.

- Ok, so to sum it up, you suggest he will be putting corporations' business above the society well-being World Counsel is supposed to care for? In other words, you think his decisions may promote corporations?

Ryan nodded.

- Precisely. You put it in better words than I hoped to - he admitted - So far, he has alread made a number of decisions based on his own opinion, without consulting. He tends to completely ignore me and give orders without involving me. Such approach can cause a great deal of problems, because he keeps disregarding the chain of command.

John understood his point.

- But what does it have to do with me? - he asked for explanation.

- Your transfer was a decision he made without checking with me. According to protocol, since you are enlisted in the army, he shouldn't have done that without consulting with me. I can't let that slide, but I'll be only able send the report after we get out of the tunnel, as you well know. Since that's the case, his decision will have to be carried on, but just to be sure, can you confirm that engines do not need this much attention at this point and land equipment needs inspection?

As far as Marlow knew, that was all true, therefore he confirmed.

- When it comes to the engines I can confirm we found no issues during several inspections. There was no damage and all parameters are staying optimal so far.

- Do you think taking you out of the team was a good decision?

This was unusual question John did not expect.

- I'm not sure - he replied, shrugging - We've got a really good personnel aside from me. They should manage. Besides, engines are not my main specialty. I believe I was selected precisely for work on the New Gaia's surface, so I'd consider my work on board to be something additional.

Colonel got lost in thought for a moment.

- And don't you think such last time change is suspicious?

Marlow was starting to get tired by this conversation. Sure, he had talks with Kaller before, but so he did with McRae. Still, what was happening now was nothing else than an interrogation.

- I've been in the army for years now. Getting transfer notice out of the blue is nothing unusual.

- Ok, and what would you do if Kaller gave you an offer to cooperate with financial compensation, at the cost of your work in military?

That now was a straightforward question, and the one John would have preferred to not hear from Ryan. However, it looked like Martin foresaw this was going to happen. Right now, Marlow was getting pulled into a power struggle between the two chiefs involved in the project. They did not even reach the planet yet, but are already weighing their strengths, as if preparing for battle.

- I think I will follow the official procedures and act in accordance with protocols - John finally said after a bit of thinking - Chain of command is set for a reason, therefore I will follow orders from the highest ranking person. Military order will come in first unless project chief says otherwise.

McRae sat down again, put his hands on the desk and gave Marlow a serious look.

- I believe you can make proper decisions on your, and I might have overstepped here, pushing you into a corner - he admitted - Still, please remember that even superiors may make mistakes, and we have procedures for such situations too. I and Kaller do not like each other, and I consider him to be dangerous, but it doesn't mean I'm sure about his intentions. Nevertheles, it's a fact that we had way too many incidents until now. We must be cautious. After all, military is present for this mission to ensure its safety.

Colonel took a deep breath, and leaned back in his chair before lighting a pipe. After taking a couple of puffs, he continued.

- Now, to the main point I wanted to bring up - he lowered his voice despite all the security around - It has to stay between us for now. First of all, if you notice anything unusual being done by Mathias, feel free to consult with me. Second thing, I've made some changes in chain of command. Right now, you are the one to take over my duties should something happen to me.

For a moment, it made John speechless. Of Course, he had an appropriate rank, but he was still more a scientist than a soldier.

- You can't be serious - he said finally - I may be a major, but I'm not the only person with that rank in the crew. You even have a backup, so why...?

Ryan shook his head.

- Calm down, John. It's a formal decision I have to make in face of recent events. My backup will indeed take over, but you will be involved as a safety measure in case anything happens, it will be protocol that can be initiated in extreme situation. If we have more saboteurs among the crew, anyone with higher rank can be a potential target.

Still, it was not something Marlow ever wanted. He just could not agree to be put in a dangerous position.

- I'm aware ensuring the safety is important, but I must decline, colonel - John declared in official tonne - I'm just a science officer and if we talk about experience in commanding I have, the answer is: none. Colonel, with all due respect, I'm not a proper person for this position, even if I'm to be a commander in name only.

McRae did not look happy as he sighed before talking to Marlow:

- Listen, I understand you are anxious. I guess I cannot force you to take on such a dangerous role where you could take a bullet for someone else. Since I'm the one who talked you into participating in this project, I will also take responsibility and remove you from the protocol. Nevertheless, I hope you will be supporting our cause in the future as a militaryman. We don't know what's waiting for us there, and if everything goes according to plan. Still, whatever happens, remember about your duties and the cause we serve. I know that serving the cause is not common nowadays, but remember that there were people before us who made the correct choice in the past, and that's why we still have ideals even today. If it comes to worst case scenario, and you end up on the crossroads, remember my words.

After these words, colonel put two fingers behind his ear, activating PEC. Undoubtedly, he talked to someone using thought communication instead of spoken one. In the end, he informed John their time has ended.

Moments later, a chaplain entered. Marlow said his goodbyes and left the room, leaving colonel McRae with the priest.