Chapter 26

In the dining room on Dóchas after the family meeting, Amy’s Clan sat with Sarah’s Clan during lunch. Erin said, “Amy, how do your children like living on a space ship?”

“They think it is great. From their comments, they really like spending more time with yours and the other children they didn’t see very often.”

“We’ve noticed that all the children really seem to enjoy each other’s company.”

“A few of ours have asked about the children of Ann’s Clan. We told them they could either visit Taiséalai or they could invite them here.”

“Several of ours are shuttle qualified, so they could take them over. They run back and forth to Phoenix a lot.”

“We’ve noticed our children using the shuttles more. We’ll mention it.”

Tara said, “Are all of you aware that many of our children are on Dóchas and Taiséalai?”

“Really,” replied several.

“Interesting,” said Joyce and paused before adding, “although it seems to be a coincidence.”

Judy said, “That is going to change shortly after we arrive in Celia system. Many of our clans are expecting their first children. It looks like Siobhan’s and Maureen’s Clans will be the first with babies.”

“How many children are we expecting?” asked Sarah.

“Over the first six months, probably about seven hundred to a little over one hundred clans. Most of the clans are expecting 3 sets of twins but a few will gain four sets.”

“Wow,” said Jill, “that seems like a lot of babies.”

“It is,” replied Judy, “but a pretty small percentage of our family. We are pleased to see the clans staggering their pregnancies.”

Betsy added, “Actually, I think the number is pretty low. Historically, once we begin moving to a planet like A-Celia, we would expect the birth rate to be between 5 and 10% a year for a couple of years. A part of this is due to the fact that our clans have chosen to wait until after we move. I can sense some concern regarding maintaining operations. With our support system, I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“We agree,” said Siobhan. “Sarah’s Clan recruited a group to help them care for their children. That is fortunate for us as many of us weren’t around babies or a lot of small children when we were young. I think all of us are planning to add children to our clans in small groups.”

“I think we have all joined this discussion,” said Keriann. “We would like to shift the subject direction a bit. We think we should actively promote the learning centers as a way for our family to learn more about our history, the history of the universe and available technology. Yes, we always encourage using the library and the AIs are a great assistance in finding information. However, it is not the same as structured learning.”

“Do we have a problem?” asked Jill.

“No, not at the moment. Going by what has been accomplished, it is clear that we have done well in bringing new people into each operational group and finding needed technology to solve our problems. The downside is that not many of us have a broad knowledge of the material in the library.“

replied many of those in the link.

“Many times we have suggested using the library,” said Sarah, “perhaps we should be encouraging everyone to use the learning centers. We would need more coaches for them if more people are going to use them.”

“I’m willing to take the lead on this,” said Janet of Sarah’s Clan. She paused and then continued with, “Our first step should be identifying the available syllabuses, although the list is probably already on the learning center terminals. Next is to bring the learning center coaches together to see what needs to be done to promote this to the whole family.”

“I’ll help,” replied Kelly of Keriann’s Clan. Several others offered their assistance.

“If I heard right, someone from each ship offered to help.” Janet paused then said, “Over the next couple of days, would each of you talk to your learning center staff about this project? With their insight, they may already have a solution.”

“Will do,” came the responses.

“Is there anything else we need to cover while we are connected?” asked Sarah.

“I wonder if the syllabuses are available at all locations,” mused Kelly.

“They should be,” replied Amy.

replied Molly’s Clan.

“Let’s return to this topic the next time we get together,” said Kathryn. “Several people are here wanting our attention. By the way, three of us are expecting. It looks like we will have six or eight babies to care for in about 6 months. Also, I know we are all geared to think of a pregnancy lasting for nine months but that was on Earth. However with our Órarduine calendar it is a little less than 7 months, but the same number of days.”

“Congratulations!” came a chorus of voices.

said Kathryn’s Clan which was quickly repeated by the other seven clans.

“Amy, would you walk with me down to the learning center?” asked Janet.

“Sure.”

“Gee, that didn’t sound right. It was not my intention to exclude anyone.”

After everyone laughed Betsy said, “None of us took it that way and we all have plenty to do. So go to it.”

It was the morning of the Órarduine departure from Sol system and the Command Staffs had all risen early. Each had exercised and freshened up while checking the preparations for their departure. Their excitement was apparent but was no greater than that of the rest of the crew.

“Breacadh,” said Sarah’s Clan, “do you have the final version of our broadcast to Earth?”

“Yes. It is cued to be sent when Dóchas departs Mars orbit.”

“Excellent. You’ve contacted the AIs on Earth and verified your primary communication protocols, correct?”

“Yes. We recently added two secondary means of communicating in case the primary fails. Both AIs setup duplicate memory cores. If the AI determines it is time to evacuate, one of the cores will travel here with the escapees. The remaining core will manage defensive systems until everyone is safely away then self-destruct.”

“It sounds like they are expecting the emergency evacuation to be needed.”

“Not really, however the probability is measurable for the group operating the secure storage facility in the Idaho – Montana area. There have been an increasing number of intrusion attempts.”

“Okay. With hibernation at level 3, will you have enough time to be a refuge for the AW Mars depot if required?”

“Yes. Also, if the security sensors are disturbed or the Iridiens activate their defensive weapons, hibernation level will be reduced as appropriate.”

“One last question, are all the AIs supporting you comfortable with the arrangements?”

There was a slight pause before Breacadh responded with, “I just verified that with them, and the answer is yes. We will do everything to ensure that An Clochán is ready for your return. Have a safe trip.”

“Thank you. Don’t hesitate to query us,” said Sarah’s Clan.

“We won’t,” replied Breacadh. “May the Gods and Goddesses be with you.”

“And with you,” replied Sarah’s Clan.

“Star, any comments on that exchange?”

“No. Breacadh and his supporting AIs are performing well above the required level. He is currently linked with the LRS in Celia system. The bots that are staying have placed themselves in their protective enclosures, established a comlink with Breacadh and engaged their enclosure’s locks. They are effectively sleeping in a cocoon and will stay that way until needed.”

“Thank you.”

“Command Staffs,” said Sarah’s Clan, “how do you stand regarding departure?”

“Rocking and ready to roll,” came the replies which were followed by laughter.

“Great,” replied Sarah’s Clan when their laughter diminished. “After breakfast lets hook-up together so everyone is included in our morning meeting.”

“You don’t think it will last long, do you?” queried Molly’s Clan.

“Nope,” replied the other Command Staffs.

Kathryn said, “Some are hoping we will move the departure times up if the meeting is short.”

“The departures are scheduled to begin 60 minutes after the meeting ends.”

“By the way,” said Keriann, “we have placed a qualified flight crew on the freighter accompanying us. This is because we didn’t like the way it was responding to commands.”

“We raised that issue with Commander Timalta and his staff,” replied Kathleen of Molly’s Clan. “They were aware of the slow response to commands and compensated by adjusting their procedures to accommodate it.”

“We’ll have our programmers monitor systems on the freighters,” said Claudette of Sarah’s Clan.

“We will also have a flight crew on the freighter linked to us,” replied Molly.

“So, will we,” added Maureen. “It will be good experience for them.”

“We should continue with crews on the freighters until we know the reason for the slow response,” said Tara of Sarah’s Clan. “Our suggestion would be to have two crews on each freighter on twelve hour shifts. Once we are in FTL they can rotate.”

“We’re going to the dining room,” said Siobhan. “We will monitor our link but let it lie in the background.”

“Agreed,” said the other Command Staffs.

After an exceptionally brief morning meeting, each Command Staff headed toward the bridge of their ship. At the same time the six crews prepared to leave for the freighters, their first stop was navigation to pick up copies of the flight plan and associated navigational markers.

When Sarah’s Clan reached the bridge on Dóchas, Sally contacted Mars depot Sol41. “Good morning Commander.”

“Good morning, Sally. To what do we owe the pleasure of this call?”

“Two things. Have you heard from Commander Egulle? If so how are they doing?”

“We have. They are on schedule and will arrive at their destination in 4 Mars days. Actually, they are a little ahead of schedule.”

“Great. The other reason for the call is to advise you that we will begin departing in 50 minutes. Your link to An Clochán’s security system will be active as soon as you authenticate.”

“Thank you. Have a great safe trip and we look forward to seeing you soon on A-Celia.”

“Thank you.”

Sarah’s Clan watched their consoles on Dóchas as the systems updated their departure status. Through their link with the other Command Staffs, they were aware of the progress each ship was making toward departure.

Before long the monitors showed Marthanóir lining up on the port side of freighter FLDC-3 which they would control remotely. Fiontar moved to a position on the starboard side of it and halfway down its length. This positioning gave Fiontar a clear view of the freighters movements. They sat in formation for several minutes while Molly’s Clan verified the coordinates in the navigation system with the flight crews on the freighter. Once everything was verified Molly said, “Marthanóir of Órarduine Destiny Flight Group 1 commencing departure sequence.”

“Fiontar of Órarduine Destiny Flight Group 1 commencing departure sequence and pacing.”

“Acknowledged,” replied the other five Dóchas ships.

It took several minutes for the three ships and their accompanying Badb-2 cruisers to begin moving away from the others. It wasn’t long until they were out of sight. At that time Sarah’s Clan turned to watch the monitor tracking the position of Flight Group 1.

Tara said, “Good, one group on their way. Ten minutes till Flight Group 2.”

Sarah’s Clan patiently watched and waited as their other two flight groups departed for their assembly point J0. Just after Phoenix and Eagle left with freighter FLDC-1 Joyce said, “Why don’t we ask Amy’s Clan to join us here?”

“Good idea,” replied everyone, so Sarah’s Clan said, “Amy, why don’t you all join us on the bridge for our trip to J0?”

“Sure, we can do that,” replied Amy’s Clan. “We’ll be up in a couple of minutes.”

It was just minutes from departure when they entered the bridge. As they entered they said, “Thanks. You are giving us a real treat.”

“We should have thought of it before,” said Sarah.

“Scanner status,” said Rusty as they began final departure steps.

“Departure path clear,” replied Terry.

“Orientation set. Commence movement,” said Sarah. Shortly after she spoke those on the bridge could feel a slight change in the ship as it began to move.

“0.05... 0.1,” said Janet as their speed picked. This was soon followed by, “0.2... 0.3... 0.4... 0.5... 0.6 ... holding at 0.6”

In place of the normal window there were two large screens. One screen showed the area in front of them with a 70 degree field of view. The second showed their flight path, position on the path and the other 3 flight groups.

When not occupied by their activities on the bridge Sarah’s Clan watched the monitors along with Amy’s Clan. As the trip progressed, members of Amy’s Clan moved closer to the different consoles so that they had a better view. After about 2 hours Sarah said, “We’ve got 19 hours before we get to J0, so let’s start rotating watches. Amy’s Clan, you are welcome to be a part of our watch rotation.”

Amy’s Clan looked at each other, and then Amy replied, “We are thrilled by the offer. We are willing to assist with the watches but would prefer not to go further than that.”

“We understand. Having assistance on watches gives us a little more flexibility in maintaining them until we reach J0. Maintaining an active watch is one of the down sides to traveling long distances at sub light speed.”

“True. How do the other Command Staffs handle this since their clans are smaller?”

“They are assisted by their Reserve Command Staff. Each of them has selected a flight qualified Security team to fill the role. Typically they divide into three groups, with a minimum of one group on the bridge at all times.”

“Interesting. I don’t remember anything like that being the case back before the sabotage.”

“Based on what we found in the logs, that Command Staff didn’t have a reserve. There were provisions in the Connemare operational directives for a Reserve Command Staff. Actually, depending on the ship, there could be two reserve groups. We implemented this after the incident we had on Egulle’s ship. Star brought this option to our attention and suggested we implement it. Her argument was that while she could do it, taking on this additional role could reduce the availability of critical resources to other ship functions. Another aspect was that a biological based Command Staff was quicker than an AI in dealing with some abstract relationships. Thus they typically responded faster with an appropriate response.”

“So, who is your normal Reserve Command Staff?”

“It is Briana’s Clan.”

“We wouldn’t want to deprive them of this opportunity.”

“They are quite happy to share it with your clan.”

“So how do you want to do this?”

“Well normally we would split up into three groups. The trip to J0 is approximately 21 hours, well a little less than 19 now. So why don’t half of us go rest for seven hours, then the other half rest for seven hours. That way we will all be on the bridge just before we arrive at J0.”

“Suits us.”

After setting a return time, half of Sarah’s and Amy’s Clans left the bridge for their compartments.

About 20 hours after Dóchas departure from Mars orbit, the position marker for Flight Group 1 changed to flashing green indicating that they had arrived at assembly point J0. Then fifteen minutes later Flight Group 2’s marker was next to Flight Group 1’s and flashing. Fifteen minutes after that Flight Group 3 reached J0. At this point, the Dóchas countdown clock appeared on the screen counting down their arrival at J0.

As Dóchas arrived at J0 they could see that the other three groups were already in position for the combined flight group to J1. Seeing the positioning, Jill guided Dóchas along with freighter FÓCT-001 into its lead position, with the correct orientation for departure.

Sarah’s Clan broadcast to their crew, “Well done. We are at the starting point for our first group FTL jump. Our departure is scheduled for 2 hours from now. Commence preparations.”

“Dóchas ships,” said Rusty, “how do we stand?”

“Everything went fine,” said Molly’s Clan. “We now have an idea as to why some seem think the freighters are hard to control. It appears that their instruments drift.”

“Could you elaborate?”

“Our flight crews believe the instrument settings are fluctuating and that the compensating output response lags the change. This causes the size of the fluctuations to grow until an adjustment is made in the control. In terms of old fashion controllers, it is acting like an out of tune controller.”

“So, you get a response like having a loose front end on a car.”

“That is a good description,” came the quick reply from Siobhan. “We are seeing the same issue controlling FLDC-1.”

“Same here,” said Keriann. “How is the freighter we built?”

“We’ve not seen any of the issues you are describing, but it has our control and propulsion systems.”

“Good,” said Brigid of Keriann’s Clan. “All the navigation systems on the Dutsuz freighters were checked out and calibrated. Why don’t we have a couple of Ferrets latch onto their network? That way we can get unfiltered data from each system. The way we have been accessing them up till now has been through standard access ports.”

“So you think the systems have been tampered with.”

“If they have its been before the Dutsuz found them. We really need to be sure we are seeing the raw data before we can begin to tell where the problem is. Once we see the raw data, we can run simulations and compare that against the commands being given the freighters systems. The Ferrets data stream should go directly to the ship in its group that is not exercising control over the freighter.”

“Sounds good,” said Claudette of Sarah’s Clan. “Is everyone in agreement with this approach?”

“Yes.”

“Do we need to extend the departure time?” said Joyce of Sarah’s Clan.

“No. Two hours should be more than enough time to set it up,” said Casidhe of Siobhan’s Clan.

“Joyce, why don’t you plot two departure times, with one an hour later than planned?” asked Jackie.

“Why don’t we just extend the time?” responded Maureen.

“Okay,” said Sarah, “departure is set for three hours from now.”

“Set up the Ferrets in stealth mode. I know we wouldn’t normally do this with our AIs but it would be better if the freighter AIs are kept in the dark until we know what is going on.”

“Agreed.”

“Our commander on the freighter indicated that the primary AI on the ship seemed very responsive to commands. So her impression is that the problem is down the line.”

“Thanks, Molly.”

“Let’s begin preparations,” said Conan.

Terry of Sarah’s Clan said, “Security groups - Destiny Task Group, set up perimeter scanning. Departure now in 3 hours.”

“Acknowledge,” replied all the groups.

“Navigation,” said Sarah, “this is a good opportunity to verify chart maps and supporting data once you have the course settings.”

“Acknowledge,” replied the Navigation group.

A little over 2 hours later, Sarah’s Clan said, “How are we coming along?”

Brigid replied, “We are collecting data so we are ready.”

“Phoenix is collecting data so we are ready,” replied Tiff of Siobhan’s Clan.

“Fiontar needs about 15 minutes yet,” replied Cariss. “We just started collecting data and need the time to verify it.”

“Okay,” said Sarah, “In 30 minutes we will begin the sequence to FTL as a group. Star, initiate links with primary AIs in Destiny group.”

“Links are established and tested, currently in standby,” replied Star.

“Command Staffs,” said Cariss of Jackie’s Clan some 15 minutes later, “we are ready.”

“Great,” replied everyone.

“Dóchas crew,” said Sarah’s Clan, “we will begin our jump to Factor 4 FTL in 15 minutes, make all necessary preparations.”

Sarah’s Clan watched their consoles. As each section went through their preparations, the status indicators changed several times before holding as green. They could sense the same process running in parallel on the other seven ships.

At jump -10, Sarah said, “sync clocks.”

Jill and Janet of Sarah’s Clan said, “All Propulsion groups, be prepared to adjust power. There is a high probability that the freighters may lag our power curve. If they do, you won’t have much time to compensate.”

“Aye.”

The Destiny group was now positioned with Dóchas in the lead along with FÓCT-001. Phoenix and Eagle were next in line with FLDC-1 between them but not in the same plane. Iarracht and Taiséalai were next with FLDC-2 between them. They were followed by Marthanóir and Fiontar with FLDC-3. Along the sides of the formation were 28 Badb-2 cruisers. The ships were positioned so that each had a clear path in front of them.

“Security groups,” said Terry, “perimeter status.”

“No issues,” replied each ship in turn.

“Shift to travel mode.”

“Affirmative.”

“Destiny Group, orientation?” said Rusty.

“Set. All units optimum.”

“Commence FTL transition on the mark,” said Rusty.

On Dóchas’ bridge Sarah’s Clan watched the monitor showing the Group’s location in space as the clock counted down. When the clock switched to indicating travel time, Destiny group began to move slowly, with three freighters lagging a bit. The other ships quickly adjusted their acceleration to match them.