Star Wars Universe: Space Trials

Star Wars Universe

Space Trials

By: Michael Mulhollon

“Steer course 245 mark 2 for one, eight, zero, zero knots.” The Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Petty Officer Ransom, repeated Captain Hellman’s order to the helmsmen on the RSVN Black Star and the Space Sub turned with ease as they adjusted to their new heading. Captain Hellman’s tanned, muscular body and complexion intimidated the crew, at first, till after a couple of weeks in deep space, but still regard him as an officer you do not want to get on his mean side. He made his way to the navigation table and holographic chart above the table and before him as his executive officer, Commander Ignon, approached to his left and she asked him, “Captain, how long are we suppose to stay on space trials?” Hellman frowned at the navigation table (showing the last drawn course of the Black Star) and replied, “Until we find a target to test one of our missiles on commander. They are the last part of our trials.” Commander Ignon looked where the captain is looking at the table when Navigation Commander Gave approached, pulled out a red pencil and drew a line from the last coordinates of the Black Star to where they are now and she looked at the area in front of the sub and saw a star system and she said, “Captain, I don’t remember Order Admiral Stalog giving us coordinates to the Vindar System.” Hellman replied to Ignon’s growing concern, “No, the clone admiral did not. We are heading towards the outer reaches of the system and see if we can find a suitable planet to properly test the missiles.” Ignon then spoke in a worried tone, “But it will put us close to Known Space captain. The border is just on the other side of the system.” Hellman remained calm as he said, “Thankfully they can’t see us, let alone detect us with their antique radar and sonar. The last time they updated any of their equipment was almost 20 years ago, according to Order Intelligence.” 10 bells sounded and an officer came over the 1MC and said, “10 bells! I repeat! 10 bells! Begin noon watch rotation!” As the bridge crew began their rotation, an officer entered the bridge, turned his attention to the captain and said, “Captain, message coming through the teletype!” Hellman and Ignon followed the officer to the small communications room right outside the bridge and watched as the automatic typewriter looking machine typed out a message. When the typing stopped, Hellman ripped out the message and read (as Ignon stood by and the other officer stood back), “Admiral of The Order to Captain Hellman of the RSVN Black Star. It is imperative you must conduct the last test AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The status and approval of your ship and the rest of the nuclear sub fleet rest on the success of your last test. Furthermore, border of Known and Unknown Space is at status ORANGE. I repeat, status ORANGE. Signed, Admiral of The Order, Christoper Stalog.” As Hellman stuck the message into the incinerator slot in the bulkhead, Commander Ignon asked, “Captain, do you recommend a new heading?” Hellman replied, “No commander. We keep our heading, but notify navigation, communications and scanner officers about ORANGE and adjust watches accordingly….” Someone called out, “Captain!” Both the captain and commander turned to see Scanning Officer Warn stopping before them and looked distressed as he spoke excitedly, “Captain we have detected a convoy of ships blocked by military vessels coming from one of the moons of the fourth planet in the Vindar System and it looks like the convoy is made up of refugees heading home to the third planet in the same system!” Captain Hellman remained calm as he asked, “Is there a reason why they are being stopped?” Warn answered, “Only that the moon called Sirus was not notified of a convoy passing through and they deny anyone without given permission to pass through. From what comms has heard through their channels, the convoy is coming from the former moon Tyrus from the six planet in the system and they are the only survivors from the destroyed moon, due to a mining accident!” Commander Ignon turned to the captain and said, “Sir, scanners have detected a disturbance in the system six days ago.” Hellman nodded as he said, “I remember you telling me commander. And we were too far away to know why through comms. How come the authorities on the third planet did not notify those on fourth planet and Sirus?” Warn replied, “Whoever is speaking for the convoy said they have notify their superiors in the third planet six days ago, when the incident has occurred and they told them whenever they are done finding survivors they are to head back home and not to worry about their route.” Hellman breathed through his nose and said, “Looks like their superiors are a little slow clearing a route for them and did not bother to notify the refugees that are heading back to expect problems.” Ignon added, “Possibly even hoping there would be problems so whoever was in charge of the mining will be able to cover their assists.” After a few moments, Hellman ordered, “Change course to Sirus, and remain at current speed. How far is this moon?” Ignon replied, “Since it's close to our original heading, eight hours captain.” Hellman stated, “I’ll be in my quarters. Notify me of any important updates that require us to go to battle readiness and when we approach Sirus.” Both Ignon and Warn replied, “Yes sir!” And Captain Hellman walked away and down the ladder well as both the commander and scanning officer resumed their stations.