Ancient PODS

A dark shimmer slips from the sky and slowly takes form. The star drives take shape first and begin dragging the ship from dimension to dimension. A static bubble can be seen from the station as the merchant ship Greased Goose transverses back into normal space.

         Orbital techs around the station watch in awe at the newest of the fold space Merchant flee comes  closer to the dock.  The computer on the station links the merchant vessel. After checking the scans and the cargo with a quick but through field scan it approves the cargo for it’s destinations. The lower hold open up streaming shuttles heading all over the planet below and one for the station.

“Station Obar this is shuttle 1298AGG requesting dock for the unloading of new crew for the merchant vessel Grey Light.”

“This is station Obar. Welcome and use the red dock on A552.”

Sliding past the repair docks new ships can be seen being put together. And some older ones being retro fitted. Gently they dock next to a medium sized skimmer that is sleek and by the mark on it’s hull has been retro’d very recently.

“There she is. Sold as rich mans ship in her hayday now she works for the merchants. This old girl has seen more out worlds that even the best we have ever seen. She will hold the record for the most outworlds long after she is decommissioned.” Sitting back Jonathan Mesh looks at his new ship. Being a orphan made it hard to get to be captain but being the best at what he did finally paid off. This little ship was now his to command.

         “John I don’t know how you swung this but for her age she definitely is well made.” Engineer and first mate Gus Heinrich said checking out the lines running down the sides. “With the new drives in her I would not be surprised if she can outrun Military speeders.” His eyes took in the cargo area. “Messy work they did in increasing the cargo hold but give me three days and I can make it look and work as part of this beauty. Might be even able to even get some more jump capability out of it as well.”

         “Gus we have a week to inspect her before heading out. What you can do to her is up to the station brass. Just keep the costs low and they will be happy.” Smiling he looked at his other officer. “Sam can you check out the Nav and Coms on her and see if she needs any of your tweaking?”

         “Captain as you know they always do. I will check the specs on her and see if needed parts for upgrade are needed as well.” Looking down at her P.A.D.  she started making notes on the ship and what she knew would be needed.

         “The other person joining us will be here tomorrow. It is a space Marine straight from training. Hopefully who ever it is can look into what weapons we have and any shield enhancements will be needed. If the suggestion of  new bead shields are made though I will turn it down.”

         Stepping into the Docking Arm a young woman approached. “Captain Mesh the Grey Light is ready for your inspection.” Handing him a stack of paper and a slim drive she turned to look at the ship. “Her engine and cargo hold have been upgraded. The engine itself takes up half the room it use to and we were able to add to extra fuel pods to her. The cargo hold still needs a little work but we should be finished in 2 days. The mooring clamps are just holding it onto the ship right now. We were told to give your engineer full control of the actual finish of the job. We have a fix crew waiting for orders to start when he is ready.”

         “Show me to them I can see a few things I want done already.” Gus smiled and started down the Arm.

         “I will need all the Nav and Comm Specs of this ship as well. I can see old carrier connections on the outside but I want to see the guts before doing anything.” Sam nodded and jogged to catch up to Gus.

         Blinking the young woman looked at Jonathan. “Sir?”

         Smiling he shook his head looking at the papers. “Don’t mind those two. They have been itching to get their hands on a ship for some time. They have jury rigged machines to make the ships I have served on better. The chance to rebuild a ship while still in dry dock is a wet dream to them.” Turning around he pulled out a Oval shaped device the size of a small child and placed the slim drive into the port at the top. After a quick beep and a green light he pulled the top off. A small mist hovered out and waited before him. “Interface with their comm devices and P.A.D.’s. take down their directions and after the approve the skims send it to the techs for set up.” The mist shot after the two crew members and flew behind them.

         “Um sir what is that?”

         Turning he smiled. “That is Professional Organizational Data Source. Or PODS for short. You might think of it as a nanite cluster that can relay large amount of info and send directions. It can also form itself into what ever useful tool you need.  Also can mend broken bones or help in regenerating your own personal nanites to their full capacity.”

         “How can they survive outside the body? Nanites need a covering protection to keep them from ware and tare.”

         “Gus found that in small numbers that is correct but when you have the numbers in the billions they create a static field that protects them. They keep moving to protect them from damage.” Smiling he looked at her. “They have saved our hides a few times by completing tasks Gus could not get to by himself. As a reward he has upgraded their programming to be more self aware.”

         “I never thought to see something like that outside a lab or something.” Turning to look at him she saluted. “Harriet Ravell reporting for duty Sir.”

         “The Marine?”

         “Yes sir I got here early by hitching a ride on a diplomat runner from the head. I got here 2 days ago and have been the unofficial foreman of the construction. I made sure the engines were snug and the Cargo hold was not completely completed until you got here with the rest of the crew. I read your files and had the comm. And nav systems moved to the centre of the main deck for Crewmen Samantha Waters. And had some space made so that she can get in at it any time. Also checked the shield and weapons on her. The Weapons can be upgraded easily and with the extra space we can have some redundancy weapons set up as well. The shields are an old slip design. I can see either a bead, base or flux shield being installed. With the room we have we can either use both a bead and flux or just a base shield.”

         “Impressive but you probably already know from my file that I do not use the bead design.”

         “Yes sir. I took that into consideration and checked with the engineers. By cross connecting the flux with the bead we can minimize the power drain on the shields and reflect the weapon energy faster. Less loss in the transfer and more damage from their own weapons.”

         “Show me the report and I might change my mind but have both set ups ready to install.  Check with those two and see what they are doing. Introduce yourself and give them a hand as much as possible. The better the three of you get to know each other the easier the command structure will work. I am in command, Gus is second. You and Sam will be on even ground. In a few months Sam will be second and Gus will be on even ground with you and if you show yourself competent then you will be in second and they will be under you. We work on a rotating command structure under the Captain. It keeps everyone honest and willing to work with each other.”

         “Yes Sir.”

         “Oh and one more thing, just call me Cap, Jon or Mesh. We don’t work formal, just hard.” Smiling he turned and headed down the arm.

         Turning Harriet looked up at the ship dangling in space. It was big enough for 20 people but Merchant standards of travel had lowered staffing to four to keep costs down. Already built ships were cheaper to retro fit than building new ones. Staring past her soon to be new home she looked at the newest ship to be made in a month and whistled. The Greased Goose was a big spend but the Merchants had already made their weight in profit on it in one week. It took over contracts that had early arrival bonuses on them. It had already been to 30 planets and was set to arrive at the next in two hours. She could see the last of the cargo shuttles drawing back into the Gooses cargo hull. 60 cargo shuttles could dock in there easily and reports showed that the engineers had pushed the space to the limit by shaping the cargo shuttles in a specific way to maximize carrying capacity while allowing for 103 shuttles to be placed tightly in the bay. There were 4 personnel shuttles that attached to the small docks next to the docking bay. Hearing the click from behind she looked back to see the shuttle had deposited the crews gear in the docking arm and was heading back to the Goose.

         She had been trained for everything but the thought of Dimensional travel left her shivering. It might shave years or months of a voyage but still travelling between dimensions did not sit well with her.



         “Alright People we have had two days with our new ship what’s the progress.” Sitting in a private lounge in the starport Jon looked over his crew they were all worn but the light in Gus and Sam’s eyes told him they were having a great time of it. Harriet on the other had looked concerned.

         “The Cargo Hold has been modified a bit and is securely attached the mesh plates are now being installed. The engine is a gem. With the three fuel storage containers it will mean at least quad of the distance we are use to going to do cargo jumps.”  Gus Smiled and crossed his arms looking out the port. “That ship was made well. Almost all the specs are still upgradeable for the next 200 upgrade cycles projected.”

         Sam coughed. “The Nav and Comm systems were replaced. I kept three of the old satellite s in the Comm operational. I did upgrade their programming and gave them some new equipment. At Harriet’s suggestion I put some heavy armaments on them so if we get in a pirate raid they will have to detect three pieces of space junk as well as us. It will make them definitely think twice before attacking. I saved one of the old com device that does not work on the normal channels as a project if I think it can do what I hope we might have a signal booster and speeder in a few years for cheap.”

         “Okay Harriet what is it? You are frowning so much I thing it is effecting the gravity in the room.”

         “Sir I checked the Skims and everything is okay. I got word from Mech command and they are giving us a new weapons system to test.”

         “Let me guess. We have the room for it and they want us to test it. Make sure that we have a backup system in place those test systems usually crap out.”

         “Already requested but they turned me down. I went as far as I could in the chain but they would not budge.”

         Jon looked over to Gus and Sam who conveniently were looking somewhere else. Gus had his usual  ‘I won’t tell if you won’t tell’ smile. “Give Gus your list of equipment. Make sure that you leave room for it in the weapons areas. When we head out we will have to do a manual install.”

         “But sir Mech command denied us the weapons.”

         “They always deny us the weapons. Merchants are seen as expendable test subjects. Every merchant ship at least once has been used for test systems or weapons or even new types of shields. The reason why there are not as many reported ships destroyed is because the merchant fleet keep back up weapons on hand so that we don’t die when these systems fail. Gus tell her of the one on you second duty.”

         “That was the smart system that the military wanted tested. The short of it was that it recognized the station we were trying to dock at as a pirate ship and was going to open up all weapons on it. The Cap at the time made sure we knew where the power was connected and ripped it out before it would have killed a few thousand people. And it could have caused the Merchants trouble. The military never admit that something they designed would kill innocents. The merchant fleet would be left holding the bag. Instead we ripped it out and sent it floating into the closest military ship with a welding laser., and a small power pack. It recognized the vessel as a pirate and tried to damage the hull with the laser. The Mech command in the area was yelling for an hour with the station owner for our heads.  The captain just smiled sent the station the data from the device and told the mech commander to go shove the device up his ass. The station owner said she would help.”

         Setting down his coffee he looked at her. “Merchants and the Marines assigned to the ship learn quickly that the test equipment is there to make everyone’s life miserable. Most of the equipment that works is done with testing old terra style. But the military brass cut corners and use what ever they feel like because they can.” Standing he check the wall display.  “You can choose to disagree but check with the Marines on base from other merchants. But keep that space open. I am not letting the ship go out on a untested weapons system.”

         “Yes sir.” Harriet sprang to attention and saluted then walked out the door.

         Sam picked up her coffee and took a slow drink. “She is definitely green and wanting to stay to the rules.”

         Jon Sighed. “They always give the rookies to new ships in hopes of deterring the use of working weapons over their pet projects.”

         Gus smiled. “Wait till she meets those merchant Marines. She will soon know that her paycheck comes from the merchants and not the core anymore.” A devilish looked filled his eyes as his grin got bigger. “She is not going to like that you’re her superior and that the Merchant head is in charge of the largest standing army in all the systems.”



         Stomping into her quarters on the station Harriet cursed as she peeled off her jacket. “Damn merchants.” Going over to her wall display she called up the regs on ships.  A red screen blinked up asking for her Passcode. Pressing the on screen keyboard she hit enter. Another Screen popped up saying incorrect Merchant ID please input the correct code. Blinking she looked at the screen. “Computer why is the ship regs not coming up?”

         “All merchant employees must enter their passcode to view regulations.”

         “Computer I am not a merchant employee I am military.”

         “Incorrect as of  2 days ago you became Merchant employee. Passcode has been created and supplied to the captain of your ship. An Email should be in your inbox with your discharge notice and your contract change over notice.”

         “Computer how many Marines work for the merchants?”

         “Zero Marines work for the Merchants.”

         “Then what the hell is my job?”

         “Previously employed Military Staff are in charge of ship security internal and external. Only the Captain has the Authority to over rule the Security Officer on these issues.”

         “So Marines become the security officer on these ships?”

         “Previously employed Marines become the Security, weapons, and regulations officer.”

         “Computer where is the closest location I can meet other previous marines?”

         “Green dock 12.”

         “Computer what is stationed at green dock 12?”

         “The Puss Bucket, an M34 Heavy Weight, Planet Invader class Destroyer.”

         “I thought all Planet Invader’s were decommissioned?

         “Correct the Puss Bucket was decommissioned and renamed 73 years ago.”

         Grabbing her credit slip she made her way to green dock 12



         Gus checked his scanner as it splashed over the hull of the ship. The station had performed it’s own scan and had reported good structural cohesion but he wanted to make sure. He had already found three area he would want strengthened before they undocked. The seals were good and the connections would last, but he never liked weak points in the plates.  Already PODS was going to those areas on the inside of the ship and reinforcing the structural bonds. Another soft spot showed and this one was huge. PODS would be working around the clock on this one. Checking the scanner again he saw one of the weak points disappear. “PODS how much material did you have to infuse in that spot?”

         A metallic voice slightly softened by the female speech pattern came through. “14 quick bars were needed. The structure had three pull points that were reinforced before infusion was fully set.”

         “Not bad at least the structure was not that damaged by the connection of this cargo hold.”

         “Structural cohesion is sufficient for Merchant regs but like you I do not want to go into battle with stress points in the hull.  Sir I am detecting some super spots in the hull may I have permission to break off a small node to study these?”

         “Granted but do it in 5 minute intervals I don’t want you degrading your system.”

         “Understood. Gus can I request for a mass increase?”

         Stopping Gus looked at the ship. “Purpose of mass increase?”

         “The AI you the Captain and Sam built into me needs extra connections to allow it to grow further and evolve.”

         “How much increase are we talking about?”

         “At fifty percent I will have better mobility and function for repair. At one hundred I will be able to increase my emotional system and response times. At one hundred and fifty I will have more mobility and the ability to split myself in half and perform more functions. At two hundred I will be able to create a basic sentient algorithm.”

         “Fifty percent is approved for now, I will have to talk to the captain about the rest. Email me a copy of your request and at the junctions of amount of material and functionality. Name each in increasing stages.”

         “Understood. I will perform the mass increase after we finish with these corrections. My emotional centre is reporting that I am happy with the response to this request.”

         “Cap will be happy too. He was wondering when you would start making your first requests.”

         “Thank you. I have finished fixing the next spot only 8 quick bars needed and only one pull point to reinforce.”

         “Okay lets keep going.”



         “Sam you in here.” Stepping through the doorway to the bridge Mesh checked out the bridge. It was a small setup but the place had beautiful lines and the five chairs set up were all above standard seats.  At the moment the nav system was still pulled out of the console. Checking the door leading off to the left he found Sam asleep on the bunk. “Hey what did I tell you about sleeping onboard when in dock.”

         “Sorry John I was just relaxing in here going over the specs and I zonked out.” Stretching she detached the P.A.D. from the top of the bunk and got up. “The nav and comm are ready as the will ever be. Gary Will be up after doing the final check of the hull and put the bridge back together.”

         “I saw the request from PODS. Have you had a chance to see it?”

         “See it I read it twice. Gary intercommed me after PODS made the request.  I guess our little project is growing up.”

         “I feel that we should wait a few months between transitions so that we can adjust to them and the programming can evolve along with it. I requested a check on the amount to have it power self sufficient and got a five percent increase once PODS hit the last stage. It will be making it’s own power at that time.”

         “Fusion reactor?”

         “Sub space compression engine. I have already sent the request for more structural quick bars. PODS can use them for increasing mass and the head won’t blink twice about it.”



         The slick door of the station opened onto a long dock. From the doorway, three connections could be seen to the decommissioned destroyer.  Two hardened men were walking toward her. They had  the looks  of well seasoned professionals. On passing her the younger looked over his shoulder. “Welcome to the Puss Bucket.” Laughed and they disappeared behind the closing station door.

         The old destroyer as not what she expect on the inside.  Most of the bulkheads were removed to make way for a large bar that ran down the middle. Tables were placed in a haphazard way. On the ceiling were vid screens mixed with models of ships. There were several virtual gaming consoles around the room. Two of them had a crowd around them. People were laughing and takings bets.

         On the display setup was two small fighters going head to head. Each was trying to out class each other flying around. At the top of the screen there were three red indicators and two green. A claxon sounded from the screen. “Raiders coming in from sector 16N destroy if needed disable if possible.” The two ships turned and headed for the sector. Each picked up the big raider ship and manuvered to opposite sides.

         One of the people near the screen cursed. “That’s a Bufel raider scout and it’s jumping out system.” Sure enough the small ship flashed as was gone. Ten seconds later a dreadnought sized cruiser flashed in.. Weapons ports were open and already firing on the two small fighters.  Three small fighters were launched and chasing the fighter dodging the blasts from the dreadnought.

         “Harriet heard herself say before she could stop herself.” They’re drones, hit the atana near the bridge.” Feeling a hand on her back she looked back as a burly old man bushed her forward.

“Let her take the comm. And see what she has got in mind.” A Girl with the headset passed it to her  and stepped aside.

“On reflex she checked the readings and started. “Red one hit the target I’ve tagged in blue. Red two clear him a field. Use that small port I got marked in green to cause that ship to vent a little air. The ships changed direction and started firing.  “Red one watch your ten they have launched a missile at you. Adjust to 12 mark 3 now.” On the screen the rapid change caused the missile to skim the fighter and hit the small fighter behind.  A blast showed on the Dread as some air vented from the port that was targeted. Four new missiles appeared into view. “Red two skim his flank and start firing on the engines.” Two missiles went dead in space and the small fighter stayed close the big ship the small firing on the engines caused one of the rockets to come back to life and started accelerating at the fighter.

“Red One those two behind you might do us some good head for that lifeless missile now. Sending you a jammer code now when you get there hit the signal and change direction. Red two hit your anti missile batteries in 2 secs and dodge to the other side of the dread.” Her fingers flew as she brought up multiple schematics on the dread and checked the signals coming from the ship.  The two following red one died as the jammer hit them. One of the missiles bounced off the  dread one ad caused it to float straight at the Dreadnought. There was an explosion near the engines that caused them to cut out. The two small fighter engines stopped as well.

“Red one hit that target I painted earlier now.” Switching to the signals screen on the console se saw the signals stop broadcasting from the attana and started her own broadcast.  The two ships sprung to life and started hitting the dreadnought in the area of the destroyed port emptying their entire payload into the section.  A large funnel of debris and fire basted out as the dreadnought went dead. “Red one and two fire towing lines. She’s dead might as well salvage the beast.” Taking one of the smaller fighters she drove it into the gapping hole in the side. Switching to monitor mode she drove it into a shaft and started punching hole in conduit inside until the screen went black.

One the screen above the words ‘Exercise Complete’ flashed.

The burly man behind her whistled low. “I haven’t seen commands like that in years. Especially pertaining to a meeting with a dreadnought class.” Looking at him she tried to gain what she had done. The two men who were piloting had taken off their headsets and looked at her.

“Shit I thought my as was cooked their for a second. Never thought to do that until you sent those orders.” Checking his panel he laughed. “Good thing that was the last of it, I was down to my last artillery drum and almost drained of weapons energy.”