Angels and Wormholes

Testament

Rolland looked over to Catrina. "Open the channel."

Before Catrina brought her hand to the console, Erin Locke stepped forwards to interrupt. "Captain," she interjected.

"Yes?" Rolland looked towards Erin.

"I believe I should make first contact. I'm trained for this."

"So am I." Rolland smiled. "I think I can handle it." He nodded to Catrina. She entered a command, opening the communications channel with an accompanying beep.

"This is Captain Rolland Barron of the Sol Federation Excalibur. We are here as a diplomatic envoy to the Catechumen."

"The Sol Federation?" Cardinal Abidan stroked his grey beard.

"That's right."

"Sol -" the Cardinal stared off into space briefly, then looked back towards Rolland through the viewscreen "- so you're from Earth?"

"Yes." Rolland nodded. "Well, most of the crew, anyway."

"Earth," the Cardinal repeated. "The cradle of humanity. The birthplace of our Lord."

"Err..." Rolland stumbled. "I suppose so, yes."

"Then this is a joyous occasion." Cardinal Abidan smiled. "But why, may I ask, have you come to us now?"

"We heard about the -" Rolland paused to search for a suitable word. "Dispute... Over the Clarion colony."

"Clarion?" Abidan raised an eyebrow.

"The planet -" Rolland motioned to the sphere on the viewscreen "- the planet your fleet is orbitting."

"Ah." Abidan breathed in. "Our most recent demonstration. I would not use the word 'dispute', though, since it implies a contest. In any case, our expedition here is almost complete. We will be leaving shortly."

"Before you leave," Rolland started, "we would request an audience with a representative from your people."

"Of course." Abidan smiled. "I would be happy to speak with you myself. I will make the arrangements for you to meet with me on the Testament."

"Thank you." Rolland nodded.

Abidan nodded in acknowledgement, and the screen blinked off with the closing of the communication link.

"This is bad," Corporal Keenan's face fell. "We really wanna stick around to chat?"

"That's what we're here for," Rolland answered.

"They blew up Clarion without even knowing its name." Keenan threw his arm toward the viewscreen while looking to Rolland. "If our job is to assess the threat, I'd say we're done."

"We got an update on the planetary scan." Victor Underwood's eyes were fixed firmly on the data readout. "Looks like they're stripping the planet. There's mechanical activity all over the surface. Mining, refineries, manufacturing. They're adding to the fleet." Victor tilted his head towards Jordan Rattan. "I think he was right about the robots."

"So maybe they use robots for manufacturing," Erin started, "but do they pose a threat to the Federation? That's the question."

Jordan shook his head. "If they're growing a robot fleet, they're a danger to everyone."

"We still have a job to do." Captain Rolland turned from the viewscreen. "Erin, Jordan: get ready and head over to the bay."

"I am ready." Jordan held up the small compliance he retrieved from his pocket.

"On my way." Erin turned on her heels and headed for the exit.

Captain Barron looked over to Calvin Campbell. "Have a shuttle ready for us."