Page 147 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

“With good reason; we will be clipping the outer edge of a Gravity Occlusion on our way into the
sector so internal Transporter pads would probably not work correctly. We have those for when the
dangers are minimal. It’s best to get used to these as they, and the crawl ways will be the only
methods of getting between decks during the Hyper Warp jumps. It also reduces the energy drain
somewhat. We have to keep our Sub-Space signature to a minimum in case of hostile encounters”
Krysta replied.

“Designed by a committee no doubt” Hubris said under his breath, and joined Krysta in the elevator.

On the Command deck Trok was going over some technical schematics with a junior Coms
tech. He explained what he wanted to do and the tech opened up the coms panel and started
making some adjustments.

“Hubris; Veelah Shon Meksha mubraht!” he said in greeting. Hubris smiled

“The last person to use that greeting to me was an augmented human. Forgive me but I don’t think
that could be you” Hubris responded

“Of course not, but he was my mentor at the Academy in Linguistic studies. He said if I was ever to
meet you I was to use that exact phrase. I am honoured to meet with so dignified a member of your
race. Lyle Marchant was always speaking of you fondly.” Trok did the slow head nod in tribute.
Hubris looked stern for a moment then warbled the Vahamat equivalent of a belly laugh.

“You have imitated his mannerisms expertly. But; as I have told your Captain, no formalities please”
Hubris said. A cough came from behind him. He turned and there before him was a slim Genovan
female of medium height and build. “Jennifer Trebant! You are part of this crew?” Hubris said
surprised to see his former student.

“I am sir; and pleased that I will be your second for this expedition. I got my doctorate in Xeno-
Biology last month. I’ve set up the labs as you like them and I’ve also installed some of the specialist
equipment you requested.” Jenifer replied with a broad grin.

“It’s good to see you and I look forward to working together.” Hubris took Jenifer’s hand and kissed
it lightly. The Coms tech secured the panel and powered it up. He had inadvertently spun the volume
control and a loud screech basted out of a speaker on the console. He quickly turned it down to a
more sensible level. Trok laughed and told the young man to head back to Engineering.

“I’ve taken the liberty of changing the settings on the filters to best accommodate the signal sounds
that the Kryst Probe used. And I’ve included an updated version of Hasbid’s filter as well. He sent me
the specs about an hour ago; He’s busy setting up the secondary Coms array at The Hole. Michael
Faraday here will make the adjustments to all the coms as we are underway. He’s a good boy, if a
little clumsy. But I have yet to find another Human so skilled in adapting equipment.” Trok
announced. The Coms bleeped and the voice of Governor Bryce Halaran of the Terran Commission
came over the speaker system.

“Members of the expedition. Your task is twofold; one part is to find out more of this race known as
the Kryst, and the other part is to prepare to encounter them should that be possible. I am a simple
man, so I will keep this brief. May the Maker give you speed!” the voice said and that was it. Krysta
had Jenifer take Hubris to his quarters and she had the crew set about preparations for launch.

The Veklaar slid almost silently from the dock of N’uhr Vergha Orbital spaceport. Within
minutes it had left the planets gravity slope and was on its way out of Unt system. The sector they
were headed for was remote and would take several weeks to reach even at the ship’s highest Hyper
Warp setting. To reduce the load on the drives, the entire ship had been constructed of synthetics,