prolog
Dust cloud 3958
Earth space explorer fleet 12 light years from home
It had only been ten months since the old crew of the Taurus had started retiring to teach the children who would be the future offices. In fact most of the crew had been only at their stations for a few months. That was the way on these DSE (Deep Space Explore) ships. The young officers would replace the old, who in turn would teach those who would replace them.
It was too important not to lose the wisdom experience had given them. Some crews would go their entire crew only flying through empty space. How could they teach how to explore a planet or asteroid field if they had never done it. It was only possible from the collective experiences of past crew.
“Commander, asteroid field off starboard!” The voice coming from the navigation officer showing her inexperience as it almost squealed the last word.
The commander had been first mate for years before his promotion. That time added to his natural claim. “Full stop, Lieutenant Orr I want a full scan of the field.”
“Yes, Commander Hulson.” Another young officer answered while keying the orders into his station command interface.
The ship had been traveling over 1600 years and this might be the first time it had stopped. The rest of the fleet quickly lite-up their communication boards.
“Tauras, this is Commander Hurtis of the Bolas, is there a problem?” A strong female voice spring from the speaker filled with authority. “Do you require assistants?” She was not someone to be trifled with.
“No Commander Hurtis, just scanning for raw materials. Our supplies can always use an addition.” The youngest Commander in the fleet but he had been trained by a leader who had never passed a chance for search for what they could use anywhere he could.
“We will slow to 70 present, try not to delay any longer then needed. Bolas out.” It was not just a statement but a warning.
With that they had been left on their own. If anything malfunctioned they would be on lost in space. The commander could only hope the gamble was worth it. They were still 3 light years from their destination and he had to think about those 100 and 200 years down the road. Almost 100 years ago his great great grandfather had mined an ice comet they had come across by chance. It had doubled their supply of reusable water, which had been dangerously low since a malfunction had cost the ship almost half its water 200 years before.
“Commander! There is a larger amount of iron ore and frozen water in the debris field around the asteroid.” The Lt. read off his scan report. “If I didn’t know better I would think I was scanning a planet.”
“Deploy collectors and then let’s catch up with the fleet. Might have some extra water for the next Mixing.” His eyes lighting up at the thought of it. His time to receive a mate from another ship had come. With the extra supplies they could even trade for another supplies they might be short on with limiting their levels.
Once the collectors had filled their holds they signaled the bridge with the take. “That was 120 tons iron ore and 325 tons ice commander. Allow with some other trace materials the hydroponics could use.” An even younger sounding voice cut off almost before finishing.
“Good, now increased the Ion flow to full diffusion.” Comm. Hulson directed the young officer at the engine controls. “We have to catch up with the fleet before the mixing begins in 8 months.”
