Polaris Rising

By Joseph Arthur Petrimoulx

The year is 2098.
All coastal areas are under water due to the melting of the ice caps.
Iran is threatening world war three.
There is one last hope for human survival. UNM Polaris Rising. The massive space ark in Earth orbit. But she is not without her own problems. Shields that are not ready. A skeleton crew.
Join her and her crew on the first year of her mission as she encounters her own problems en route. Sabotage, murder, alien attacks, and mutiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483633886

Joseph Arthur Petrimoulx

I was born on December 23,1953 to James Robert Petrimoulx and Joan Marie Ritterscamp-Petrimoulx. I'm the oldest of their five children.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Captain’s Log:

12/23/2098

Captain Boris Koveleski Recording

Ve are nearing completion for launch in two veeks. Presently, ve are shipping plants from Eart to ship. Ve are still attached to space station Leader vun. Leader vun has been experiment for new artificial grawity system based on use of superconductor. Has vorked vell so far. It has been in use for vun year now. So far, no problems.

Dr. Veber says she’s not sure vhat the maximum speed or range of ship is. She says that models have hinted at near light speed vit range varying on speed and how many planets Polaris Rising vill pass along the vay.

Allen Jefferies, my next in command, is doing double duty as my X O and Commander of the fighters. He has, how you say, hang up on Jane Vhitefeather, Navigator of ship, and goes out of his vay to make her blush in front of bridge crew. Dis has lifted morale on bridge. I find it often amusing myself.

I have picked most of command crew on board. De only vun I may have problem vit is Allen. He blames me for deat of his brother Lt. Commander Jake Jefferies. American propaganda has lead Allen to believe his brother vas in international vaters ven in fact he vas in Russian territory. His submarine vas sunk vit all hands on board. It vas my submarine dat had torpedoed de American submarine U.S.S. Barack Obama tvelve years ago.

Since dat time, Allen has held me accountable for his brother’s deat. No matter vhat I say, in his eyes, I’m a murderer. I had no reason to destroy dat wessle. I have told Admiral Taylor about dis but have heard noting from him.

Such is de vay of military life. Alvays vanting reports but noting in return vhen reqvested.

De rest of command crew I have no problem vit.

Our present destination vill take dhe ship 20.5 light years avay from Eart. For dhis reason, dhe ship is massive as future population grows on board. This estimates to over 500 billion people having lived on board overall during flight. Not all at once. But over dhe generations.

End log

The Ukrainian Captain came onto the Bridge and surveyed the crew and the overall Bridge. The heartbeat of the mighty vessel. As he did so, he marveled at all of the new technology of Polaris Rising.

This ship was most cutting edge. Her sensors were an all together new type and her drive system was Geo-magnetic. This meant that she used no propellents at all. She used magnetism to shove herself off of planets. Her full speed potential was, as yet, unknown.

Contrary to what one may think, she got the best speed off small planets. The reason for this was that the smaller planets had a tighter packed set of magnetic lines. This resulted in a harder push on the ship. Harder push equals faster velocity. So, magnetic output plus small planet would determine the full speed potential of the ship.

Of course there may be exceptions to this theory. Gravitational output of a planet could change that concept. At the Helm sat Gail Barber. A slender five feet seven inches tall. She had long flowing blonde hair and robin egg blue eyes. She was in her mid thirties and her military rank was a Lt.

To Gail’s right was the Navigator’s station. Manned by Jane Whitefeather. Jane was slender and five feet five inches tall with long black hair, fair complexion and dark eyes. She had the type of Native American look you see so often in paintings. Jane was full blood Huron and was afraid of her feelings for Allen.

Allen realized this. The five feet nine inch Executive Officer used this fact to embarrass Whitefeather and he took great pleasure in using his charms and her feelings to make her blush. The blonde haired, blue eyed Jefferies was determined to break her down. He considered the beautiful Navigator a challenge.

At the weapons and security station was 39 year-old Jason Richards. Jason was five feet eleven inches tall, somewhat dark complected, black hair with electric blue eyes, and a powerful build. He worked out much in his spare time. Because of the weightless state in space, the work out room had weight resistance equipment in it.

The next station had Loren Whycliff. Loren was 40, slender of build, five feet four inches tall, dark brown hair, brown eyes. She was the Communications Officer.

Loren popped up out of her chair saying, Captain on the Bridge.

At ease. All of you. said Boris.

Loren sat back down at her station but reported, Sir, the last of the Rain Forrest plants are being off loaded as we speak.

Tank you, miss Vhycliff. Keep me posted.

Aye, sir.

Allen turned the Captain’s chair over to Koveleski. Your watch, sir. I stand relieved.

Tank you, X O. Any problems?

Nothing worth mentioning, sir.

Wery vell. I relieve you, Mr. Jefferies. Vhat are you scheduled for now?

Sir, I have fighter drills with the crew. We all still have to get used to the new sliders. They are incredibly fast and nimble. I and the crew have to get used to them. I just wish we had some targets to test out the laser targeting system on.

Be careful vhat you vish for, Exec. You may get it.

It’s just I wish there was a way of being sure about the accuracy of the targeting. The fighters are faster than anything I’ve ever seen. The first time I tried a 50% power run, I overshot the moon by 50,000 miles. And I did that in less than one second.

Really? Dat fast are dey?

Yes, sir. That fast.

I vould hate to see vhat dhis ship could do at dhat rate.

Yes, sir. Allen replied. Then he looked at the Navigator and walked over to her. Hi, beautiful.

Hello, Mr. Jefferies.

Aw. I’m hurt, Jane. I thought we knew each other better than just last names, sweetheart.

Loren snickered at this remark.

Mr. Jefferies, I am a professional. I do not have personal relations with any coworkers. Whitefeather commented.

That’s not what you said the other night, Jane. the X O replied.

Look, X O, I was never near you then. At night, I’m busy sleeping.

Uh huh. Keep telling yourself that, wild woman you.

As she turned to respond, Allen headed for the elevator.

Wild woman? the Navigator asked. Just what do you mean by that?

Oh, come on. You should know after the things you did. Allen said as the doors of the elevator shut.

That man is infuriating. Jane said as she once again blushed.

Jason decided to add his two cents in, Hm. Sounds like you two had some real fun.

Laughter engulfed the entire Bridge crew except for Jane.

Not you too. Whitefeather moaned.

Richards said, Allen needs all the help he can get.

No he doesn’t.

Sure he does. How else are we to see you blush so nicely?

At this point Gail stepped in, Honey, you turn such a nice shade of red.

Watch it, Barber, or I’ll be the first Native American to scalp someone on board here.

Well, how are you going to scalp with Allen doing such a fine job of embarrassing you?

I don’t get mad, Gail. I get even.

Am I supposed to be scared? I would think Allen should be after you being such a wild woman.

We didn’t do anything.

Uh huh. That’s not what you said in the Galley. the Helmsman said.

Gail, you are rotten to the core.

Yeah. But I’m nice to the infantry. Then turning to face Jane, she said with a smile, I heard you were too.

Jane was now beet red and decided to close her mouth and not say anything more for fear of getting in deeper embarrassment.

The Captain sat in his chair amused with what just happened. Once again, Allen had succeeded in making Jane blush and get herself in deeper trouble. This was the stuff that boosted morale for the crew. Allen seemed to have a knack for finding the right buttons on the crew. He had the ability to know what would make each of his pilots do what they needed to do.

Jefferies was highly respected and a skilled as a pilot.

Whycliff informed, Captain, Admiral Jenson is on her way to the Bridge.

I vonder vhy she is on board. It certainly can’t be to say good bye. Ve have two veeks yet.

Sir, began the Communications Officer, It could be due to something happening in the middle east.

Vhat is going on dere dhat vould cause her to come here and now? the Captain asked.

There is extreme tension there. A possible nuclear war could be brewing against United States and NATO nations. There are hints that we could be a target, sir. she answered.

Ve a target?

Yes, sir. They think we are a military installation in space.

Exactly who is dhey?

Captain, it’s Iran, sir.

Any idea how many nuclear veapons dhey have?

Nothing exact, sir. The intelligence I’m receiving has an estimate of twenty missiles. But they aren’t sure that number is accurate.

In other vords, dhey have no idea how many may be sent our vay. Boris summed up.

Basically. Yes, sir. Loren answered.

I vant ship on yellow alert, Mr. Richards.

Aye, sir. Jason responded.

Do ve have dhe drive online?

Yes, sir. Barber said.

Slowly increase our obit. Do so in such a vay dhat ve do not break away from Leader vun. Ve still need tings from dhem but I vant to give us more distance as a target and change in overall targeting position.

Aye, sir. the Helm operator answered.

Meanwhile, Allen was in the launch/repair bay.

"This is no drill, gentlemen. We actually are on yellow alert. I want a 5 mile umbrella around Polaris. I haven’t been given specifics yet. So, launch ’em. You know the drill."

The squadron got into their fighter, which they referred to as sliders. The reason for this nick name was due to the fact that they could be going at fast speeds and slide in any direction at the same time.

Their drive system was a smaller version of Polaris Rising’s own drive. This allowed more maneuverability.

This made it possible for faster speeds and maneuvering without being ripped apart by inertia and stress. The entire exterior of the hull was a giant magnet. Every fiber of the hull pushed. No resistance to the inertial change in speed. This meant no major stress on the hull. The structure inside could have problems if it weren’t for the inertial dampeners inside the fighters.

It was the job of the repair crew to make sure each ship was gone over stem to stern. A thorough check of the sliders after each use. The actual designation for the sliders were MK 47 Dreadcat.

Every inch of the structure was checked for even the tiniest structural problem. Then the electronic and electrical was gone over. Finally, the drive system and weaponry.

If a bird wasn’t deemed ready, it didn’t fly. Pilot safety and cost of a destroyed ship were considered paramount. Mainly pilot safety.

One by one the sliders left the launch area which was inside the ship. The launch bay was two decks below the flat top of the vessel. This was done to protect the fighters against possible bomb damage.

With no wing configuration, it was possible to do this and maximize the load of fighters. There were one thousand in all aboard the ship. Five squadrons in all. Allen commanded the first squadron (Alpha) and had been training his crew for three months.

Allen’s squadron began surrounding the mighty ship in practiced layers.

Alpha leader, Loren’s voice came over the ships communication, You are to protect us from possible incoming nukes. Over.

Roger. I copy, mother hen. the X O replied. You heard that, people. We are to make sure no nukes from Earth get near our ship.

The squad went into synchronous orbit around Leader one and Polaris Rising in three differing layers of 100 kilometers each. This was to ensure protection of the giant ark. This allowed them to act as waves of fighters.

Henry Phillips’ voice came over the fighter frequency, Well, at least we’ll finally find out how well the targeting works on these.

Phillips stood six feet four inches tall, had jet black hair, was 24, with green eyes and average of build. Jeb Johnson, the childhood best friend of Jefferies replied, Gee. Thanks for that, Henry. That thought makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Jeb had sandy hair, green eyes, muscular build, and was six feet tall.

The brown haired, blue brown eyed, five feet six inches, lean but muscular Ellen Acres added, What’s wrong, Jeb? Afraid you’ll miss your target and have to go manual?

I’ve done manual shooting before. I have no problem with that. he answered.

That’s not what you said about the triplets at my bachelor party, Jeb. Henry quipped.

You didn’t have to bring that up. Did you? Allen’s friend moaned.

A young man named Manuel Haminga asked, Triplets? You took on triplets? You lucky dog.

Ellen said, I’m surprised he’s still alive with all the women he’s been with over the years.

Not so lucky. Henry stated, He got something that put him out of commission for a month.

Jeb moaned, You had to bring that up. Didn’t you?

Allen added, Hey, no one said they were perfect.

The female pilot asked, Did it hurt, bubba?

Jefferies’ friend replied, Don’t be so damned infuriating, Medusa.

Ellen smiled under her helmet and said, Can’t stand the heat? Stay out of the bedroom.

That’s supposed to be ‘stay out of the kitchen.’ Jeb said.

Not in this case, Hotshot. In your case, it’s bedroom. You always find a woman to bed.

Sometimes three. Manuel intoned.

Oh, sure. Kick a guy when he’s down. complained Jeb.

Allen said, Strategically, that’s the best time to kick someone.

Some pal you are, Al. Hotshot replied.

Hey. I’m there for you, pal. Jefferies answered.

Ellen said, If your friends can’t pick on you. Who can?

Sparky asked, Is that why you don’t pick on him, Ell?

Laughing, the female pilot said, Now you got it. He’s no friend of mine.

Bunch of fricking clowns. Hotshot groaned.

Where’s our grease paint? If we are clowns, where’s the grease paint?

Allen broke in, I’ve got three… . no. Make that seven bogies launched and heading our way.

Jeb said, Party is over, gang. Time to get serious.

The ships maintained the synchronous orbit. Everyone had their eyes on the sensor read out of the bogies. According to the read out, they were incoming nuclear warheads.

Wait. We have a second wave coming our way. the X O said.

Oh, shit. said a voice over the link.

The second in command’s childhood buddy said, North Africa, Al?

North Africa. came the answer.

What is with the North Africa reference? Sparky asked.

Allen answered, High speed attack. You go like a bat out of hell before and after your attack. You do that to avoid fall out. Listen, all of you. Go 50% power at the target. Just before you fire, shut down. Fire Manually. This is to avoid an EMF pulse shutting down your system completely. Got it?

Everyone replied, Roger.

We practiced for a situation just like this. Jeb said, So, don’t choke.

The only choking I’ve ever seen is you, Hotshot, with an ugly lady. a voice said.

Okay, Ninja. I didn’t ask for your onion.

Onion? Don’t you mean opinion?

Nope. Onion. Because your comment stank and drew tears. Jeb quipped.

Almost funny. said the one known as Ninja.

Smiling, the intended pilot said, I thought so, smart arse.

I thought you were only smart in one place, Hotshot. And it was your big toe. Sparky added with a grin.

Oh, ha ha, Sparky. Jeb said.

Knock it off, gang. Allen said, Incoming. E T A fifteen minutes. I want all systems checked. Remember. Once you’ve made your shot, shut down your laser system.

Ellen said, You’ve trained us well, Boss man.

I just want to be sure all of you remember what has to be done and not panic while attacking nukes. Jefferies stated.

I just have one complaint. Sparky said.

Ninja asked, And what, pray tell, is that?

That these are not piloted vessels. Hominga answered.

Be careful what you wish for, Sparky. You might get it. replied Ellen.

I hope so. This is going to be too easy. These don’t dodge and weave to avoid fire. What’s the challenge in this?

Numbers. stated the X O, Numeric superiority. Not only do we have to avoid EMPs from the result of our own shots. We have to avoid EMPs from other pilot shots. So don’t restart until all pulses are done with.

How will we know that?

Seconds after each wave is killed off.

On Polaris Rising, Boris commanded, Stand bye to increase orbit by 10,000 kilometers on my command.

Aye, sir. Standing bye. said Gail.

"Open channels to Leader vun and de fighters."

Aye, sir. said the female Communications officer. She flipped some switches and said, Channels open, sir.

"Polaris Rising to all fighters. Ve are going to increase orbit by 10,000 kilometers to buy us all time. Leader vun, begin off loading everyting not nailed down. Dhis includes crew and staff. I vant everyting and every vun on dhis ship in tirty minutes. Out. Koveleski then signaled to close all channels. Proceed, Helm."

Aye, sir. Barber responded as she hit the needed controls.

The fighters orbited under the mighty vessel. This allowed it to increase the orbit of the ship and the space station. Slowly the huge ark increased the distance from Earth.

She had to do so because of the umbilical that was attached from Leader One. To move too quickly was to possibly tear the umbilical thus damaging the station and perhaps killing anyone in or near the gigantic power and supply tube. Maneuvering thrusters were used in short intervals to slowly change the orbit.

Dis vill not only give us distance. the Captain said, Dis vill also change our trajectory and speed. Ve vill not be vhere ve have been targeted.

Yes, sir. Barber replied.

"Sir, Leader One reports that they are doubling the effort to empty the station." Whycliff said from her station.

Tank you, Vhycliff. Keep me posted on dheir status. Boris commanded.

Yes, sir. Loren replied.

Jason reported, Main batteries are online and targeting is locking onto multiple targets, Captain.

Is targeting locking onto all de bogies?

Yes, sir. All bogies targeted and locked on.

Mr. Richards, recall all fighters.

Aye, sir.

I hope my strategy vorks. Boris said.

We all do, sir. Jane replied.

Dhis is not vhat I expected vhen I signed on.

We knew we would encounter hostilities, sir. But not from our own people. the Navigator said.

Politics and prejudice. Bad bed fellows. Jason commented.

Man’s inhumanity to man. the commanding officer added, I hope ve change dat and get it right.

We all do, Captain. Whycliff stated.

How much have ve increased our orbit?

300 kilometers, sir. the blonde Helmsman stated.

Speed increase?

Ten k.p.h., sir. Gail replied.

"Status vit Leader Vun?"

Umbilical and hull integrity still at 100%, sir. Richards reported.

Give me a below ship view at magnification 35. Boris ordered.

The ultra high definition camera on the bottom of the hull showed up on what was the middle window pane. There were what looked like nine windows but each were actually giant monitors attached to a programmable board. This board, at Jason’s and Laurens’ station, could change the view of the monitors and their magnification up to a magnification factor of two thousand.

The monitor bank was three high by three wide. Each of the monitors were 100 inches diagonally. This gave the Captain a solid view from his chair. And during times of battle it gave him a complete view of what was going on around his ship.

Small dots above the Earth showed up on the middle screen. These were the incoming first wave of missiles.

The massive ark was insulated against EMPs (Electro-magnetic Pulses). Nukes could disrupt electronics by emitting these due to their explosion.

In case of encountering such a thing, the massive vessel was insulated to withstand such an attack.

All fighters have reported in, sir. the Security Officer said.

Wery vell. Ready aft lower torpedo tubes.

Aye, sir. Jason responded.

Plot point of origin of dose birds. Dhey vant to play dis vay, so can ve. From dis position, ve can become a veapon too. Technically speaking, dis ship is it’s own country. Ve are independent of any country. the Captain announced.

Loren suddenly stated, Captain, I have orders from Admiral Janson. She says we are to launch as soon as possible.

Tank you, Ms. Vhycliff. I got that idea vhen ve vere fired at. Mr. Richards, do you have dhat point of origin?

Yes, sir. the big man replied.

Fire dhose tubes, Mr. Richards.

Jason hit buttons, six in all, and reported, Torpedoes away, sir.

Actually, in this case, torpedoes was a bit of a misnomer. They were, in fact, miniature missiles. Each one was programmed into a board that locked coordinates individually. Each could be reprogrammed individually through the Ops station on the Bridge while in flight.

Mr. Richards, bring laser cannons online and target the incoming missiles.

Aye, sir. Jason answered as he touched the panel, Online and targeting.

Dhose bastards are going to vish dhey hadn’t launched on us. Boris commented, ETA to point of origin?

The deep bass voice from the Ops station said, 35 minutes 27 seconds, sir.

Incoming ETA?

21 minutes 19 seconds, Captain.

How far have ve increased our speed and distance, Helm?

The golden haired Barber answered, 5,000 kilometers and 300 KPH, sir.

Dhat should make dhose missiles miss us. Maintain course.

Aye, sir. the female Helm operator said.

Allen entered the Bridge. He had an angry look on his face as he said, Dhose damned bastards. Who the hell do they think they are. Firing on a ship of peace like dhis?

My sentiments exactly, X O. replied Boris, Ve have sent them some lethal love letters in response.

I hope we mess up their ability to launch anything else, sir. I know the citizens aren’t responsible. It’s their little dick head dictator. He has to act like the neighborhood bully. Flex his muscles on those he thinks are too weak.

Only problem vith dhat is dat vun day he vill meet somevun dhat vill push back harder. the Captain said.

And that day is today. Sir, I have a special request.

Vhat is dat, Mr. Jefferies?

I request that I and Jeb be allowed to hit the capital with all we can. To ensure they don’t launch again.

Let me get dis straight. You vant to head a covert operation to attack dhe capital?

Yes, sir. We can’t depend on the missiles hitting the right target. I and Jeb can hit them repeatedly for at least 30 minutes.

Vell, vhat are you vaiting for? Make it so, X O.

Yes, sir. We are as good as gone.

With that, Allen left the Bridge hell bent on retaliatory destruction.

Inside, Jane worried about him. She feared his not coming back from his mission. She knew that he could not dodge death forever as a pilot. It would either kill him, make him an MIA, or nearly kill him at some point.

Sir, Gail began, we are at the ordered height and our speed has increased by 120 KPH.

Tank you, Ms. Barber. Maintain status.

Aye, sir. Maintaining status.

Captain, Admiral Janson is online.

On wideo, Com.

Aye, sir.

The main monitor turned to a view of a gray haired attractive woman in a posh office setting. This was Admiral Nancy Johanson.

Boris, do everything you can to keep that ship safe and to get the mission under way. We can’t keep the original time schedule anymore. Things are deteriorating quickly in the middle east.

No kidding, Admiral. I have already come to dhat conclusion. I’ve sent a retaliatory strike on the attackers.

We monitored the launch against you and have notified other countries with people on board of this.

Admiral, in addition to the missiles I have sent, I’ve sent two fighters down to the Capital. They are to target, damage, and kill whoever is dhere.

I hope the mission is a success, Captain. Right now, my hands are tied. Some of the countries are telling the USA that if we fire on them, they will fire on us.

Dhen, Admiral, I am enforcing our individuality as a country to defend ourselves. I vill be notifying all countries of our intent to do so as soon as ve are done.

Then, Captain, I say good luck.

The monitor returned to it’s original view.

Com, patch me into all middle east frequencies. I am going live.

Aye, sir. Loren said.

Dhese bastards vill learn a lesson.

You’re on, Captain.

"Dhis is Captain Boris Koveleski of the UNM Polaris Rising. Dhis ship is a sovereign state of it’s own and has been fired upon. It therefor behooves me to protect dhis ship against such attacks and future attacks. I have, therefor sent missiles and fighter craft to ensure our safety. The offending country vill be my only warning against trying to take us out. Any other country entertaining notions of retaliation vill suffer dhe same kind of strike as dis varning vill leave. I vill not tolerate any attacks vhatsoewer. Be warned. Ve have dhe ability to defend ourselves and vill do so. Out."

The com link was then closed.

Damn, Captain. That was sure to the point. Whitefeather said.

If dhey vant var, I’ll give dhem a var.

We are all behind you, sir. Jane said.

Have all fighter vings stand bye. he ordered.

Aye, Captain. Richards said.

As far as I’m concerned, ve are at var. I vill not accept political posturing or attacks on us. Ve vill totally destroy our enemies. Com, give me Allen and Jeb.

Aye, sir. You’re on, sir.

Gentlemen, I vant you to destroy also as much of dhier infrastructure as you can. I vant dhem to pay for dhis attack and I vant dhem to remember it for a long time.

Copy, sir. We’ll make them feel it hard and long. Jeb said.

Roger that, Captain. Allen said.

The two fighters were already in Earth’s atmosphere.

Jeb, I’m going for the capital. You go for the oil fields and the biochemical labs.

But if I hit the labs, we could contaminate the population.

Better their population than that of ours or anyone else.

Roger. When you put it that way. I’m on it.

I’m going to cut off the head. Then I’ll go after shipping and their armed forces.

I wish we had Medusa and Sparky here. Jeb thought out loud.

Your wish is the Captain’s command. said a familiar female voice.

Okay. Jefferies began, Sparky, you go for their ships. Medusa, you go for their air strips. I want a high speed, multi-pronged attack.

How high speed? asked Hominga.

Faster than their radar can handle. I want them befuddled by our speed and handling. If you can take out any enemy military flights, do so. We are at war.

Aye. Manuel responded.

Ellen intoned, We’ll get them confused for you, Boss man.

The three went their individual ways as the second in command went his own way.

Computer. Target the Iranian capital building. Set laser cannon to 100% power. Also lock torpedoes onto the building. then mumbling to himself, I’m gonna bust any underground bunkers on that little bastard.

Allen had a plan in mind. He had loaded a ground penetrating probe on board. After hitting the main complex, he was going to seek out any attached bunkers. If there were any, he was going to use the laser cannon and torpedoes to destroy the bunkers.

While Jefferies was heading to his intended target, Ellen had reached one of the air strips. Hovering just feet above the ground, she began opening fire on the ground defenses.

There’s a reason I’m called Medusa. she muttered. Computer, lock onto all ground defenses and open fire.

Her tiny fighter dodged and weaved the incoming fire as it blasted the ground based targets. The targeting took over control of the tiny fighter and began opening fire on all ground based targets as it moved at blinding speeds dodging any fire. The enemy never had a chance.

The vessel dodged so fast that the enemy often hit their own air craft and occasionally exploded them. Within seconds, the fighting was over.

Target air craft and hangers. she told the computer. Fire when locked on.

The unit complied. The enemy aircraft were all on fire and in debris while the hangers exploded with the force of a one thousand pound bomb. Anything inside was utterly destroyed by the massive explosions.

The on board computer reported, Incoming air craft. MIG 24. Four of them incoming.

Acres adjusted a dial and pushed forward on her stick. Soon, she shot past the four inbound jets. Just as quickly, she turned the tiny fighter around and pursued them. The targeting system soon had all four MIGs locked on and the auto-fire system ripped the enemy air craft apart before they knew what had happened.

The female pilot then headed to the next target. While she did so, Manuel Hominga entered the main military harbor.

Target all big guns. he told his fighter.

Targeted and locked. came the automated response.

He adjusted the altitude dial and shoved his stick forward. Wolfman, the name of his fighter, came to a stop just feet from the first ship and just four feet above the waves.

Turning his fighter to manual control, Hominga cut the full length of the ship’s hull with his cannon. The battle wagon began to sink at an incredibly fast rate. Within ten minutes, it was under the waves. Most of it’s crew went down with it.

As it sank, Sparky set the ship back on auto. The next enemy ship began to fire as he did this. Wolfman leaped forward and too close for them to use the guns. Soon, this ship suffered the same fate as it’s sister ship did. As it was sinking, Manuel adjusted the altitude so that he had a clear distance shot with his laser at the next target.

He shot a slightly longer burst from his cannon and punched a hole clean through from Starboard to Port amid ships. This resulted in the explosion of the powder magazine and ripped the hull in two.

Meanwhile, from miles away, Hotshot cut loose with four torpedoes at the main biochemical development building. Quickly, he adjusted the altitude dial and lifted to a height of 14,000 feet. His fighter, Mummy, was at a safe distance from the building. From here, his high definition camera and digital zoom allowed him to see the destruction and resulting cloud over the populace.

God save my soul. Jeb muttered. He felt remorse for the people below but he had his orders.

Boss man had destroyed the capital building and located an underground labyrinth of tunnels and bunkers. He had managed to cut a hole big enough for his fighter, Star Drifter, to enter. Using the map of the tunnel system and infra red, he navigated the tunnels. They were massive and abundant. Some ended in what were some sort of chamber. Slowly, Allen made his way. Finally, he came to a door that had guards outside. This had to be the place where the little dictator had fled to.

Checking his infra red, he found that inside there were four people. One had to be him and the other three had to be his wife and two small children.

Wanting to avoid hurting the wife or kids, he targeted the floor at the bottom of the door. The X O fired and the resulting explosion killed the two guards while ripping the door off it’s bottom hinge.

Staying within the protective confines of the fighter, the wing commander slowly edged his way through the doorway. He did a slow sweep of the room. The cowardly dictator was behind a sofa with his family. The sofa was too close to the wall. There was no way to get a clear shot.

Jefferies thought about the situation for a while. Finally, he took action. He fired into the wall behind the sofa. The debris rained down on the people behind the sofa and created a panic.

The Exec continued firing until the dictator stood up yelling his surrender. Allen fired on him anyway just to end his dictatorial reign. He then left the bunker and tunnels.

Okay, gang. Missions accomplished. Head for home. he ordered over the com link.

CHAPTER 2

Captain’s Log: Supplemental 1340 hours

Allen, Jeb, Manuel, Ellen have all made it home safe and sound. In their absence, they created quite a vorld vide raucous. It seems, no vun vants to make dhis wessle a target again.

Dhey utterly destroyed dhe enemy defenses and ability to use biochemicals against any vun ewer again.

For dhe daring raids, I am avarding the four of dhem the Silver Star Cluster, vich is for dhose whom go above and beyond dhe call of duty.

Dhe four of dhem have gained the nickname of Tentacles because of dhem reaching out in several directions at one time.

End Log

The Bridge crew stood at attention as Allen, Jeb, Hominga, and Acres stood side by side and at attention. One bye one the Captain pinned the medals on each pilot. Shaking each one’s hand and congratulating them. They were the first heroes of the ship.

When the Captain was done, the crew applauded them.

Mr. Jefferies. Since dhis vas your ving, do you have anyting to say?

Yes, sir. I do. then clearing his throat, "This was just a skirmish compared to what may be waiting for us out there. What we have ahead of us could be far more dangerous than we could ever even imagine. For this reason, we pilots will continue practice runs and simulations. I’ve asked for more simulators so that they may be networked together for actual wing simulations. I’ve also requested that the sliders be upgraded not only for that but also to bring up any type of situation imaginable. We need to keep our edge to protect all aboard Polaris Rising. Thank you."

Wery vell stated, Exec. I vill do my best to help you reach dhose goals. Boris said. Back to your stations, eweryvun.

The Bridge crew went back to their stations and Allen headed for his quarters for some much needed rest. For once, he didn’t harass Jane.

He would not sleep easy. His decision to have the biochemical lab destroyed weighed heavily on his brain. He pictured the dead and mutilated innocents. The old. Infirm. Children. He tried to shove them out of his mind’s eye but to no avail.

After a while he decided to take this all out on the simulator. Jefferies got dressed and left his quarters. He turned left at his door and went to the elevator.

He pressed the button to call the elevator and waited for the car. As he waited, he contemplated what kind of simulation he would run to take out his frustration and anger.

He was angry at the man that put him in the situation he had. And frustrated because his options were limited on the mission. He had to put the lab out of commission or yet more people could die.

So many innocent people died because the dictator had to try to be a bully.

He wondered if this raid taught the people not to tolerate any dictators in the future. He hoped so. It might even help stabilize the area and bring about the demise of any terrorist cells.

Polaris Rising had only used a fraction of her might. The Captain had let Earth know that. He had made it clear that they could and would defend themselves.

She and her fighters could out maneuver, and out fly anything on the planet.

The ship had enough fighters on board to rival any country on the planet below. Her fighters were developed and designed in space as a precaution against any country trying to take her down.

Captain Boris sat in his command chair and gave an order, "Ms. Vhitefeather, release us from Leader vun."

Aye, sir. Releasing all magnetic seals.

Take us out, Helm.

Aye, sir. Gail responded.

Slowly the ship lifted above Leader One. The maneuvering thrusters shot in short bursts.

After five long minutes, Barber announced, We are free and clear, sir.

Set course for Saturn. I don’t vant to tempt another country. the Captain said out loud.

Aye, sir. the Native American woman at the Navigator station said.

Speed, sir? the blonde asked.

Let’s start out at 20% power, Helm. Koveleski answered.

Aye, sir.

The ship shot off into space fast enough that the eye could not keep up.

E. T. A.? Boris asked.

At present speed, sir, we will be at the moons in around 4 hours.

Impressive. Vell, ve are under vay and dhis ship is not yet completely ready. Ve vill orbit around Saturn until ve are ready. the Captain commented. Mr. Richards, take dhe con. I’m heading off to engineering to see Dr. Veber.

Jason sat in the command chair as the Captain headed for the elevator door.

Boris was concerned about the status of the ship. An enemy could come from anywhere at anytime. They had to be ready for the journey ahead and the ship had no shielding as of yet. This could be problematic at best.

The person to get answers from was Dr. Susan Weber. Sue had auburn hair, brown eyes, slender build, and stood five feet two inches tall. She was the designer of the massive ark and developed the magnetic drive.

The ship’s magnetic drive worked off of a superconductor and this also created an artificial gravity within the ship.

The main power plant was nuclear and the fuel within would last 200 years, according to estimates. The trip would last longer and therefor the ship carried extra uranium for the estimated trip.

A possible planet for colonizing was found and this was the intended goal to reach. But it had also been decided that if there were any other planets that could be colonized along the way it would be colonized.

And if any replacement for the uranium could be found, it would be used also to continue it’s mission.

These people represented the best of the human race and were chosen for that reason.

Boris entered the engineering area and found the good Doctor working on a computer panel.

That won’t do, Charlie. she said.

How about if we bump up the frequency point ten percent? Would that work? the man asked.

Sue punched some numbers into the computer and gave it a command to run a simulation.

After watching the simulation on the monitor in front of her, she said, Still not there.

Boris could see she was busy working on the magnetic shielding problem.

Ve are presently heading to Saturn, Doctor. the Captain stated.

What the hell? Are you nuts? We aren’t ready yet.

"Doctor, my hands vere tied. We have been under attack vonce. I vas not going to take chance at us being attacked again. All supplies and equipment from Leader vun have been loaded along with personnel."

I see. Sue said, I’ll do my best to get this done before we reach Saturn. How much time do I have?

E.T.A. Is 4 hours, Doctor.

I’ll do my best, Captain. But I can’t promise anything.

Do vhat you can, Doctor.

Sue. Please call me Sue. I hate formalities.

Sue it is dhen. Do vhat you can, Sue.

Thank you, Captain. the auburn haired woman