Project - Prometheus Ch. 21

Jaesa's review of the files also revealed areas of the galaxy that had been previously unknown to her. There were various systems that the Artucian had traveled through, while fleeing the Xuul'khan. She added each system to their star maps, while accounting for nearly six hundred years of stellar drift. It wasn't much, but was something that they could go on at least!

She was a little leery of the systems as they were, as she wasn't aware if there was a Xuul'khan presence there. Though she would bring this information up to the Commodore when she had a moment. The one thing she found odd was the fact that the attack on the Artucian occurred on the other side of the galaxy.

She found this evidence deeply disconcerting and would speak to the Commodore about this right away. That the Xuul'khan had deployed fleets to continue their nihilistic crusade on the other side of the galaxy was troubling. Seeing as there were no reports of incursions into known space was heartening, but Jaesa still would report this. It was better to be prepared than to be, as humans said, 'caught with your pants down.'

Jaesa then started delving into the files properly, going over each one, missing not one detail. She fed each detail up to the Perseus' servers, earmarked as read and analyzed. She continued with her job, as the ladies present in the Ark continued learning about what she had gone over.

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Inari, Priya and Taal'ani were down in the Ark, with Luminia, Valessa and the honor guard. The number of things they had learned that day about the Artucian and their past was amazing! The Ark was apparently built along similar lines as the Perseus had been. Sure, it wasn't crafted to be a mobile battle station, but it was more of a world ship which was impressive.

It had excited Valessa to learn of everything that was aboard the Ark. Much of what the Artucian had brought with them from their homeworld remained intact, including containers of seeds! This was enough to put Valessa in a state of absolute joy, as it was something of their past that could be recovered. Luminia too was also excited, as this meant her people would continue on and flourish!

"So, Ylena, just how much more power would be required to power the Ark's systems? Just the computers and other support systems, but not the engines?" Taal'ani asked.

"The amount of power required would be just over four point three petawatts of constant power. If the generator is adequate, it would supply enough power to keep the Ark's support systems operational indefinitely," the VI replied.

"Well, we can at least come up with something that should keep you going for a couple of years. At least, until the Keepers are able to construct something large enough to power you indefinitely," Talon responded.

"That would be much appreciated Taal'ani! Thank you!" both Luminia and Valessa said at the same time. They then looked at each other and burst out laughing, having the same thought in the exact same moment.

"Like mother, like daughter," Inari giggled.

"I'd say so! Think we have the materials to create one?" Taal'ani asked.

"Let me check with the Commodore," Inari said, before taking hold of her communicator. She put the call in, and it beeped twice before Alex answered.

"Ah, Commander Sunara! I was just about to call you!" Alex answered happily.

"Oh? May I inquire about what, sir?" Inari wondered.

"About getting back up here to go over the Darkstrider, before taking her out for its test flight," Alex told her. Hearing this made Inari smile, and she was giddy like a kid at Christmas.

"It's ready for testing?" she jabbered excitedly.

"Nearly. Just have to have Warrant Officer Taal'ani come on up and look over the final aspects of the computer hookups before it's deemed ready!" the big man answered. Inari then fired a look at Taal'ani, which screamed, 'Have you been sleeping on the job??'

"What?" Talon asked innocently. "I've had my hands full lately, and I got the order from the Commodore to help with things down here."

"You're lucky. Once we're done here, you need to get on that!" Inari told her while maintaining the look.

"OK, OK, OK! You don't need to tell me twice! I was grumbling about being up there in the first place though!" Talon fired back. Inari narrowed her eyes and stared at the cat-girl before going back to Commodore Tomisic.

"We should be finished with how things are down here within the hour and be back aboard well before twilight hits, sir," Inari replied.

"Very good, Commander. We await your arrival and the subsequent test of the new ship," Alex said with a smile.

"As do I, sir! As do I! Before we pack it in for the day, I have a request," she continued.

"I'm listening."

"Do we possess the materials necessary to create a larger power generator for the Ark, sir? I'm asking because the generator we have hooked up to it will only last a few months. With a larger generator, it would give the Artucian enough time to construct a new one which could power the Ark's systems for a longer period of time," she told him.

"What power requirements would be needed for such a generator?" he asked, after mulling the idea over for a minute.

"Something that generates around say five petawatts of constant power. Like Inari said, it doesn't need to be huge or long lasting. Just enough to give them a couple of years worth of power," Taal'ani interrupted.

"We have the materials needed to craft such a generator. I'll have Jaesa begin construction of one immediately and you can perform the needed tests tomorrow morning, to ensure its viability," Alex said, addressing Talon directly.

"Thank you, sir! Depending on how well the Sentries and Jaesa did with the connectors, I might get that done tonight!" Talon grinned.

"Very good, Warrant Officer. Finish up down there and head on up when ready. The galaxy waits!" he smiled.

"Copy that, sir. We'll be on our way up as soon as we can. Ground team out," Inari said.

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Alex smiled as the call ended and he shifted his focus back to a more important matter. He went back to going over the final specs for the Darkstrider as he walked to a nearby elevator. He promised the ladies he'd meet them in the gym for a workout as they waited for the ground team to finish up. Alex was looking over the design of the drones, when Jaesa popped up on the screen.

"Commodore sir, there is something that urgently needs to be discussed," the AI told him.

"How urgent is it?" Alex wondered. Jaesa then showed him what she'd discovered in the Ark's archives about the direction of the Artucian exodus. His eyes widened at the implications of where the Xuul'khani attacked from. He went over the information several times to be sure he wasn't seeing things.

"Are you certain of this intel Jaesa?" Alex worried.

"Yes, sir. The only bit of good news is that there have been no Xuul'khan incursions since the exodus of the Artucian. No recorded skirmishes, no battles, nothing to show that they are even there," Jaesa replied.

"Although it is something, we should keep an eye out for anything that happens on that side of the galaxy. It should also be an area that we should investigate once we have a battle fleet ready," Alex stated.

"Agreed, sir. Would you like me to inform the rest of the crew about this development?" Jaesa asked.

"No. I'll do it, when we've already left the system. I'll add it to the list of things that need to be searched over once we're out there," he said.

"Very good, sir. I will have the pertinent information ready when needed and continue to search through the archives of the Ark. I might find additional information that could provide some insight on how they got there," Jaesa responded.

"All right. Inform me the moment you find anything of value or importance," Alex told the AI.

"Sir, yes sir!" Jaesa said, snapping off a crisp salute.

Alex continued on his journey to the gym, as he was processing this new information. This was a massive bombshell that was dropped on him and he only imagined what the rest of the crew would say when they were informed. He took a deep breath and calmed himself, knowing that he'd tell them when the time was right.

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Inari then killed the transmission just as Alex did, and her thoughts turned to the new ship. Her new ship, as it was still her ship, which she had bought and paid for. Her mind was going a million miles a minute as she was envisioning how it would perform with its new upgrades. Inari was snapped out of her daydream by Priya, who had to wave her hands in front of her to get her attention.

"You looked like you were a million miles away, love," Pree told her.

"Technically, I was. Just thinking about our new ship and what it can do!" Inari enthused. "I'm sorry, babe. Were you saying something?"

"Yeah. Was just saying that we've got all we need down here and that Jaesa is done with Ylena. I'm sure you're eager to get back into the cockpit of the Darkstrider," Priya smirked.

"Absolutely! Talon, you done here?" Inari questioned.

"Yup! Tahral and I went over the specs for the needed spare parts and such. At least now, there will be a way of restoring the Ark's functionality to a degree when it's all done here," she replied.

"OK then. Let's pack it all up!" Inari commanded.

Taal'ani chatted with Tahral as she packed up her deck and assured Ylena that they'd be back with the generator the following day. Priya was heading outside to see to the disposition of the Sentries being directed by Stanley. She had hoped that the tunnel they were digging to the surface would be done soon. Inari watched as Luminia directed traffic out of the room and followed along as everyone vacated the premises.

"Commander Sunara, might I have a word?" Valessa asked.

"Of course, High Chieftaness. What is on your mind?" Inari replied.

"I am guessing that by the new ship that needs to tested, that you and the crew of the Perseus are about ready to leave Talemkha?" Valessa guessed.

"That is correct, High Chieftaness. It is also something that is required to bring the Perseus back to full functionality," Inari told her.

"Is the Perseus still in need of repair? I was of the impression that it's running back to the way it should be," Valessa responded, a little confused.

"Most of its essential systems, yes, but the hyperdrive still needs to be repaired. Without a functioning hyperdrive, it would take years, possibly even centuries, before it would reach any destination. A working hyperdrive would allow us to cross vast distances in a matter of hours," Inari explained.

"Ah! I see! And the materials you need to repair this... hyperdrive... they cannot be found in the wrecks on Talemkha?" she asked.

"Sadly, no. The materials we would have found have long been depleted and will no longer function as we need them to. We barely had enough to make the Darkstrider's hyperdrive functional," Inari finished.

"I understand. I am curious how many Artucian will travel with you on the... Darkstrider," Valessa said.

"Hmm. Given the size of the ship and how we do not want too much attention drawn to us, select two people. This excludes your daughter Luminia, as she is part of our crew and the ambassador to the Artucian people," Inari told her.

"Just two? Can it not be four?" she asked.

"As I said, the size of the ship is a factor. Besides, I'm sure that there is much here on Talemkha that would occupy your people. For a little while longer at least. It's not like we won't be back, because we have to finish repairing the Perseus. When we return, then we will see about taking more people aboard," Inari explained.

"All right. I will think on it and select two before it is time for you and the crew to leave. It will be tomorrow then?" Valessa asked.

"Most likely it will be. After we have hooked up the new generator and performed our tests of the new Darkstrider," Inari replied.

"Very well. I will make my choices before the night is over then," Valessa stated.

They stepped outside of the Ark, bidding Ylena goodbye, promising to return the following day. Inari saw that the convoy of carts was all loaded up and ready to go, so she and Valessa hopped on and they were off. They made good time back to the dome, arriving before the afternoon had bled into evening. Valessa and the Artucian stepped off, eager to share what they learned with rest of the Ahl'kanin.

They waved to the quartet of women, wishing them a safe journey back up to the Perseus. As they left, the Artucian stepped back into their new home, eager to be out of the cold. The moment they crossed back into the heated confines of the dome, everyone shed their winter furs and coats, happy to move around more freely.

Valessa took in the scenery of what was now going on down there. The saplings and trees were growing, their roots having taken hold in the soil. The green landscape was a nice change from the icy white of the surface. She looked up and smiled, knowing that soon enough, this would be the surface, once the ice had melted away. Her eyes dropped back down to see several small clusters of children at play, and she smiled.

It had been too long since she had seen such displays of happiness, as there was little to be happy about or celebrate. Now, because of the help and intervention of these people, the crew of the Darkstrider and the Perseus, there would be much to celebrate. She then caressed her belly, knowing that a new life had taken root within her.

It had only been two weeks, but she was late by more than a week with her monthlies. She hadn't told Sohlkris yet, but she would, soon. Valessa smiled dreamily and hoped that if what she was witnessing was a dream, it was one that she would never wake from. She was heading to the new home she shared with Sohlkris and Tahreena, when the young Keeper who came with them to the Ark, stepped into her path.

"High Chieftaness Valessa," the young man said, bowing deeply.

"Yes, what is it? Tahral, was it?" Valessa responded.

"Yes, High Chieftaness. I wish to ask something of you," he told her, wearing a hopeful smile.

"Ask."

"I understand that the crew of the Perseus is leaving soon, to go out and explore the... galaxy?" he asked, hesitating over the correct word.

"Yes, they will be," Valessa responded, wondering where he was going with this.

"I humbly ask that you consider me for one of the Artucian who is to join the crew in their exploration," he said, bowing his head.

"You are a Keeper. Why would you want to leave?" she asked him. She was perplexed why he'd want to leave when there was so much to still be learned.

"There is much I can learn and do here, but I feel like there is so much more that I could learn out in the galaxy. With so many things that we do not know, I would like to go out there and learn about all I can, before I settle down," he told her.

Valessa then put all the pieces together and knew that this wasn't the only reason he wanted off Talemkha. She recognized him as the Keeper that the cat-girl, Taal'ani, had been spending a lot of time with. She could tell that look in the boy's eye and recognized it; he was besotted with the woman. Not that she could blame him, as Taal'ani had an exotic look about her, both as an alien and as a woman.

She'd also heard that the boy's sister had been trying to set him up with a woman for a while now. Jaiella was a good woman, if a bit of a busybody. She knew that the woman meant well, but smothering her brother as she had been doing wasn't good for him. Even though Tahral was a good Keeper and should stay there, she toyed with the idea. The other Keepers were perfectly capable of doing what needed to be done, so Valessa gave her answer.

"I will place you into consideration. Once I have made my decision though, it will be final, and nothing will sway my mind. Is that clear?" she told him.

"That's all I ask for, High Chieftaness. Thank you!" Tahral said, before bowing and hurrying away.

"A little odd, that a Keeper would be asking to leave, with the wealth of information we recovered from the Ark," Sohlkris remarked as they wound their way to their home.

"Not very odd at all, if you take into account the fact that the boy has been mooning over Taal'ani," she replied with a smirk.

"Oh, ho! That's the main reason for him wanting to leave, is it?" Sohlkris chuckled.

"Partially. There is also his well meaning, but bullish sister who keeps meddling in his business. I think that is also a reason why he wants to leave," Valessa told him.

"Well, a dedicated man will always find a way to be around the woman he wants," Sohlkris said smoothly. "Such men are often good for the woman in question, as they are always attentive to her needs."

"They are. I know of such a man who is very... attentive," she giggled with a smirk.

"I couldn't agree more!" Sohlkris laughed. Valessa's smile just widened as some... interesting thoughts crossed her mind.

"Speaking of which, I have needs that must be... attended to," she whispered to him.

"I would be more than happy to handle those needs," Sohlkris smiled as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

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The four women landed on the Perseus and the headed straight for the armory. Though the mission down to the Ark was fairly safe and routine now, it still helped to always be prepared. It was a lesson that had served them well and had kept them all alive on one occasion or another. It took a few minutes, but they were out of their armor and in their regular everyday clothes again.

Inari led the way, having received orders to come on up for dinner. Though Inari wasn't the one cooking, she knew that every other member of the crew were great cooks. The four of them were yammering about what it might be until they arrived on the Officers' deck. Right then, a delicious smell wafted to them, one which Inari was very familiar with.

"Sweet! They made Italian! With garlic bread!" Inari grinned as she ran forward.

The other three smelled the food, and they all followed Inari, their minds awhirl in anticipation. They all entered the Officers' Mess and watched as Alex, Kasumi and Natalya were setting out a dinner of lasagna. Talon's belly rumbled at that very moment, calling attention to the quartet. Alex's head snapped up, and he chuckled, his shoulders bobbing in mirth.

"Someone's hungry. How about you ladies seat yourselves? The others should be here momentarily," Alex laughed.

Huffing annoyance, Taal'ani walked in and took a seat, but purred quietly as she waited for everyone else to arrive. No sooner than the ladies sat, that Korsa and Shazza joined them, walking and chattering like they were old friends. Korsa turned her head once she saw what was on the table for dinner and licked her lips.

"What is that smell? It is... divine!" Shazza moaned happily.

"That is the smell of lasagna and garlic bread, a favorite dish among humans," Korsa replied as she took a seat.

"If it tastes as good as it smells, I can understand why!" Shazza smiled as she sat next to Korsa.

Alex whipped off his apron and helped Natalya with a second lasagna as she came out of the galley. Kasumi walked out right behind Natalya, with no less than three additional loaves of garlic bread. As they sat down, the rest of the crew stared at the veritable feast in front of them.

"Well? It's not there for staring at! Dig in!" Alex chuckled.

"No issues with that sir, it's just... you made a lot!" Inari told him, as she cut herself a piece.

"Well, considering how much everyone has been eating, I figured I might as well make more than usual. That and I've had a massive craving for lasagna lately, so I thought I'd make enough to last for a few days," he grinned.