The white star was completely hidden in the dark menacing nebula; so large that it seemed to be an endless wall of black smoke. But even behind this wall the sun's periodical outbursts could be seen. They would illuminate the nebula for a moment, making it look even more menacing than usual. The system seemed to be lifeless, desolate. Knowing that gave the picture a new flavour.
This universe has so much to offer, yet nobody will ever get the whole picture. And with plenty of more urgent concerns, only few would even try. By the way, speaking about concerns...
The man who observed the view, sitting in a chair in front of a large wall-sized window, let out a puff of smoke. Then he put the cigar into the ashtray built into the elbow-rest. The glass of whisky standing on the other elbow-rest was still half full. The man took another sip and put the glass back. After that he made a slight gesture, summoning a holographic projection.
Project Oscar
Project was commissioned in 817 AS by Director David Copperfield. The goal of project Oscar was to create a testbed cruiser for the many new systems to be built into the LSF-562051 prototype. Due to the continuing development of project Oscar, there is no complete figure for the total cost of the project however combined research, and manufacturing costs have exceeded 10 billion credits. As of 15th March 818 AS project Oscar was placed into active duty as a part of ongoing tests of the equipment on board.
Well, a leopard cannot change its spots. Richard Keller had proven to be wilful in the past, and I knew that it could've made him a liability. And the worst did happen after all: he ran off with the cruiser once again. But enough of useless philoshopy. Let's put it simple: it's time to get the Oscar back.
Kodiak Research Station, Alaska
1 hour later
Norman O'Connor, a Coordinator and LSF First Lieutenant, looked at the nameboard on the door. It said "Samantha Harper. Second Lieutenant, Internal Affairs". Even though the person he was about to pay a visit had a lower rank, Norman still felt a bit nervous. After all, the phrase "Internal Affairs" can work wonders, and everyone in the LSF knew that. But this time Norman had nothing to worry about.
As he approached, the door opened and the agent entered the room. It was quite small, with only a table and two chairs. There was nothing on the table, other than printer. Samantha Harper was sitting on one of the chairs. When the guest entered, she merely pointed at the other chair, without saying anything.
Having noticed that Lieutenant Harper was wearing her sunglasses, Norman just accepted the invitation without a word. The sunglasses were actually a part of Enhanced Reality System (ERS), with which O'Connor was familiar. Samantha was actually working, so he waited patiently until she turned to him and asked:
- What brings you here, Coordinator? - We've got a new assignment, Miss Harper. It comes from the top. The -very- top.
With this words he pressed a few buttons on his wrist-mounted PDA, sending the data about project Oscar to Harper's ERS. The holographic projector of the ship and its brief description appeared in the air right in front of Samantha, among many other projections she was working with. Of course, Norman couldn't see it.
- Our orders are to track it down, Miss Harper. The Director personally insisted on the involvement of Internal Affairs. You are one of the few people who have the necessary security clearance. - Wait... Can you imagine how much data it is? The cruiser itself, its crew, all those logs... - I can. - O'Connor interrupted her. - You won't be working on it on your own. The Director authorised the involvement of other agents. You'll just need to distribute the data according to their security clearance. Just pick some agents and get them to work on it. - Understood. Now, if you'll excuse me...
Samantha didn't need to tell twice. Norman stood up and left the room.
15 minutes later
Samantha Harper was now sitting at one of Kodiak's conference halls, waiting for the invited agents to arrive...
Kodiak was a cold and rather uninviting place, much like the system in which it was based. It was a maze of passageways connecting the various research laboratories, control decks and conference rooms. Security was tight as it is in all LSF run installations, meaning that not many people got to see it. Kodiak was at the cutting edge, both in terms of research and the methods used in modern-day intelligence work. It brought the very best of Liberty's intelligence community together.
The personnel of Kodiak made fast, unassuming glances as they attempted to get a look in without being seen doing so. It was unusual to see someone in a suit making his way through the station. As was the norm, personnel on board Kodiak were required to wear the appropriate safety clothing, this usually meant Lab coats with anti-erosive material or tactical gear that made it's wearer ready for a full scale war.
As the suit finally arrived at conference hall 1-A, after successfully navigating the maze that was Kodiak, he placed feet in the marked scanning area. The floor lit up as the stations security system began to scan him.
The frosted glass doors of the conference hall slid open to reveal it's interior. The suit entered the room and noticed Agent Harper already seated and patiently waiting.
'Evenin, looks like I'm a bit early. My name is Major Elijah Brand and I am here to assist with any and all tactical requirements of this operation.
Despite the fact that the majority of the Security Force described the system simply as "Hellhole", Captain Welch always thought that the nebula was an astonishing place of rare materials and some very interesting encounters. It could be because of his personal scientific view of the place or perhaps from his long term research operations into the nebula, that he has become so fond of.
"Alright gentlemen we are approaching Kodiak station, I want everyone on their posts and all compartments in shape for the inspection. And mr. Galliano could head to the research wing and tell mr. Palerton to shut down his magnetic synthesizers, it's messing up with the navigation again...."
"This is Kodiak station dock control. Mount Crillon, we see you on our scope, please verify your approach vector and designation."
"This is Captain Martin Welch speaking, permission to come aboard the station. Security clearance : Lambda Sigma Four.
RefID: Rho Delta Alpha."
"Ah, Doctor Welch, we've been expecting you. Please proceed to Docking bay-3, we have dispatched the usual science team to meet you."
As the ship approached its destination, captain Welch called up to his cabin his lead scientists for another briefing. Scientists that he was very proud of, but rarely allowed himself to show it to them.
A brief moment later his cabin door slid open and the three doctors, he had summoned, entered the room:
Specialist Charles Manson:A young and capable scientist who was a bit more experienced in the field, than the other two of his colleagues in the room. He was one of the quiet ones and didn't really had anything outside his work to care for. All he needed was a lab and something to study.....or dissect, to call it a good day.
Private John Galliano: An interesting subject this one. Despite his troublesome activities in the field he was dedicated enough to catch Welch`s attention. He was the most violent of the bunch but his ways had proven to be successful...not always, but sometimes he showed some real promise. A doctor more about the action and personal approach to his research than standing in the lab running experiments, safely. And although he, usually, gets the job done there were one or two occasions where Captain Welch had to pull some strings to get him out of a mess. Never the less, he was a very good scientist.
Private John Palerton:A bright and enthusiastic young scientist. He never ceases to amaze with his outstanding logical thinking. Always looking for opportunities to shine and show his, rather interesting, points of view to others. He is one of those type of scientists that has the spark inside to accomplish great deeds. But, of course, with the rank of "student" he still has much to learn and Welch knows that.
Individually these three are nothing else but ordinary scientists with not much to show for themselves. But together, with captain Welch`s leadership, they are one unstoppable science force, complimenting eachothers` skills greatly.
"Listen up newbies, what you're about to see and hear is top secret of the highest level, I don't want to catch any one of you eyeballing around the station. You may not speak about this outside my presence and you may not, under no circumstances, discus this with anyone. You will stay close to me at all time and I don't want to hear a word out from you unless asked to do so. Have I made myself clear ? "
Manson, of course, responded with a nod of the head, acknowledging the captains` words. Whereas the other two were eager to "Yes Sir" him.
A few moments later they were walking the stations` corridors. As Welch was keeping a straight eye towards the meeting room, the others, from his entourage, just couldn't restrain themselves from observing their surroundings. It was all too complex for them seeing such a marvelous structure of outstanding scientific ingenuity. They were very impressed at how everyone in front them paused their activities to salute their Captain. It was obvious he had been here many times before.
"Sir, please stand by. This is standard security protocol, please hold for scanning procedures ..."
They had arrived at that part of the station where security is at its highest values, meaning that they were close to their destination. It was a massive steel door with laser scan above it and six security personnel in front of it.
"Scan complete, Martin Welch, Administrator, RD&A Department."
As Welch proceeded towards the door the guards grouped in a line of three in front of his men.
"I'm sorry Sir, but the gentlemen don't have the security clearance to proceed and..."
"I am their security clearance! These men are with me and they have my permission to proceed. They are expected to be inside for the meeting with me. Now stand aside and let them through. "
"Sir, standard..."
"That's an order!"
As the man backed down the steel door slowly slid open. Welch walked inside while his men cautiously stepped after him.
There the Captain saw two high ranking agents already discussing something he couldn't yet make sense of. As he approached the table at the center with his men for a seat, he , for his wonderment, saw a familiar face.
"Mr. Brand...." "Mr. Welch..."
Agent Harper detected the tension between the two and stood up to greet the new guests.
Good day, gentlemen. All those, who were invited, have assembled, it seems. Now we can proceed. Please, take your seats and keep in mind that what you'll hear today is strictly confidential. The matter is rather delicate, and I expect you treat it as such. The Director expects us to work at our full capacity. Now, let's begin...
Good day, gentlemen. All those, who were invited, have assembled, it seems. Now we can proceed. Please, take your seats and keep in mind that what you'll hear today is strictly confidential. The matter is rather delicate, and I expect you treat it as such. The Director expects us to work at our full capacity. Now, let's begin.
Samantha activated the holographic projector and started walking around the hall. That was the only sign of anxiety that gave her away.
Quote:
Project Oscar
Project was commissioned in 817 AS by Director David Copperfield. The goal of project Oscar was to create a testbed cruiser for the many new systems to be built into the LSF-562051 prototype. Due to the continuing development of project Oscar, there is no complete figure for the total cost of the project however combined research, and manufacturing costs have exceeded 10 billion credits. As of 15th March 818 AS project Oscar was placed into active duty as a part of ongoing tests of the equipment on board.
She gave the agents some time to get acquainted with the information, before continuing her speech.
This is project Oscar, a prototype LSF cruiser. As you have seen, this ship was and still is one of the most advanced and versatile vessels we've ever constructed. I can't tell you all the details, some of you don't have the clearance for that. Simply put, that ship is an extremely valuable asset to us. The problem is, that we no longer have it.
Samantha made a pause to let the others consider what she said, and then continued.
Mister Welch... The project's supervisor was none other than Commander Richard Keller, ex-Administrator of RD&A and your predecessor. The ship remained drydocked at Grise Fjord shipyard after the previous assignment... until recently. Aello Peak, a Bison-class battletransport, disappeared along with it. Given the disappearance of Richard Keller and the fact that both ships were assigned to him, I guess you can see the picture.
Agent Harper finally stopped walking around the room and sat down on her chair.
We've all gathered here to look into this matter. Our primary objective is to track the Oscar down. Then we'll dispatch the forces necessary to retrieve it... or in the worst case, to take it out. For this mission the Director has authorised me to grant you access to any project-related information you may request. Basically, we're beginning our work right now. Any questions?
The dark nebula seemed almost impenetrable, even solid at times. Once could only guess that beyond this wall of black smoke a star was concealed. Yet the picture was deceiving. At any moment the star's outburst could pierce the darkness, disturbing the otherwise motionless picture.
- Sir, we have an incoming transmission from Administrator Keller. - Direct it to my communicator.
The feed opens, showing Richard Keller. He is sitting in the captain chair of Oscar. Both the background and the source location of the feed confirm this.
- Good day, Director. Oscar has completed all required maintaince, the new cannon software installed and tested for compatability with AVIOS.
The Director nodded.
- I assume everything went smoothly? - Indeed. Oscar is now ready to be installed with project Dark Fusion. I have reviewed the improvements myself and have deemed them to meet minimum safety requirements.I have also scheduled Oscar for a refit in 16 hours. I would like to test some of the newer systems within Ellesmere before attaching the new cannon. Oh and, I also have scheduled a live fire test within Zone 21 in 28 hours.
Despite the fact that Keller appeared to be confident of his decisions, the Director didn't seem to share his optimism.
- Are you sure, Mr. Keller? I've read your previous reports. Some of our analysts suggested that the prototype cannon needed additional tweaking before it could be used. They said the inhibitors installed on the cannon proved insufficiently durable. Just a little bit above the minimum requirements. Are you really sure that the risks are minimal? I'd rather play it safe this time.
Keller sat back in the chair, letting out a sigh and rubbing his eyes.
- Director, Dark Fusion is already 4 months overdue from its extended deadline. The original cannon failed safety requirements only becasue the team tried to keep the costs down by cutting corners. The problem with the inbibitors will only become a problem should we use the cannon multiple times before following the maintaince procedures.
The Director gave it a thought before continuing.
- I'm still not entirely convinced. The funding is not the main issue here, safety is. What if the cannon malfunctions during the test? - The absolute worst case is Oscar is consumed while generating, accelerating or shortly after the projectile has left the gravitational stabilization rings. But I ran those events through AVIOS when the first cannon was constructed. We've got a higher chance of blending in with the Order than being sucked into our own gun.
Keller leaned forward. "It's clear that he is eager to have Dark Fusion mounted to Oscar, no matter the risks. This could work, but we really should play it safe this time. I'd rather have the cannon perfected." In the meantime Keller continued.
- Dark Fusion is the second largest attachment to Oscar next to AVIOS. With Dark Fusion we can finally start using Oscar to its full potential. We've had no indication whatsoever that any other house has been experimenting with dark matter like we have. We need to use this advantage while we have it. We can not spend more time developing the cannon, we need a live fire test to continue development at a reasonable pace.
"He obviously wouldn't take a simple "No" as an answer. I guess there's only one way to convince him."
- What we really need are guarantees that the Oscar will be unharmed. I've made my call on this one, Mr. Keller. You say that we can start using Oscar to its full potential... Unless we lose it during a test. We've invested much in that cruiser, and I don't want any chance of failure. The cannon will be refined, and the test will be performed at a later date, on a less valuable ship.
However, the Director's strategy didn't work. It was clear that Keller's patience was at a breaking point. He already had trouble containing his temper.
- Director....Project Oscar was designed to support project Dark Fusion and project Dark Fusion was designed to support project Oscar. If we shut down every project and every operation becasue there was a chance of failure then the LSF would have done nothing! Dirctor Copperfield took a chance on project Oscar. He took a chance on sending Oscar to the Omicrons for its first field test. Director, we can not continue development as an organisation, or as a speices if we do not take the occational, calculated risk.
These arguments made the Director think for quite a while. "He is right, a risk has to be taken. But not yet. It's still too dangerous! How can Keller fail to see it?!"
- And might I remind you, Director, that there are currently no other vessels with the mountings, or technology to support project Dark Fusion.
"He obviously can't be convinced. Time to end this." The Director seemed to be remaining calm, but his voice was colder than ever.
- Yes, I'm aware of that. And that is why we need to be more careful. Now more than ever. I am not shutting the project down, Keller. I am simply making sure that the cannon doesn't shut the whole project down preemptively. You once said you were not prepared to see the work that has been put towards it go to waste. Neither am I. The cannon field test will have to wait. That's the final decision.
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