Chapter 6
Jonah and Jacob talked quietly on the way back to their quarters stopping whenever a ship bot came rolling by.
“They seem to have it all planned,” said Jacob.
“Yes son they do but I'm still not sure how many are involved.”
“I think Lt. Wilson is involved,” said Jacob.
“Maybe.”
“What should we do?” asked Jacob.
“I'm not sure. The question is what do they want us to do?”
“Obviously to go along with their mission interference.”
“Obviously,” said his father. “But I was thinking more about what the end game might be. I think either they are going to want us to agree to founding Tharsis under the umbrella of the Terran Federation or . . .”
“Yes father?”
“Or they do not want Tharsis founded at all and then the question becomes, what happens to us?”
Late the following day Lt. Commander Clements called Jonah and Jacob to his wardroom for a brief meeting.
“Thank you for coming,” said the Lieutenant Commander. “I've been tasked by the Captain to come up with the necessary adjustments to the supplies to see that we can complete this mission. Here are my conclusions which I have already shown to the Captain.”
He showed Jonah and Jacob his summary, cast from his Annie so all could view.
“As you can see,” continued the Lt. Commander, “we will have to make some adjustments, especially in our food supplies. But I believe that with an expansion of our food production centers we can keep these adjustments to a minimum. After conferring with the Captain we were both hoping that you gentlemen might take on the task of expanding the centers.”
Jonah briefly looked at the numbers and said, “Of course Lt. Commander my son and I will do our best.”
“Oh thank you,” said Clements obviously relieved. “We really appreciate your attitude in this matter as we do all the other settlers.”
After further discussion of the necessary resources needed to expand the centers, Jonah and Jacob left the Lt. Commander.
“You were quick in agreeing?” questioned Jacob.
“Yes son I was, for a reason. You see the fact that they are interested in reducing the imposition upon us as much as possible tells me that they still have future plans for us. That is good and we must do whatever we can until such time that we can gain the upper hand in negotiations. It is for the safety of ourselves and the rest of the srttlers that we act.”
“I understand father,” said Jacob admiringly.
The Starfisher had made it to the Pluto outpost. In the two weeks since the docking none of the settlers had been allowed aboard the station, supposed security protocol required the quarantine. It was then that the Captain informed Jonah that the station Commander would be coming aboard to discuss the future of the mission with him and Jacob.
The following day station Commander Vasily Bogdonich came aboard the Starfisher. He met with the Captain, the Lieutenant Commander and Jonah and Jacob in the Captain's quarters.
Sitting around a small table Commander Bogdonich began, “Captain, Lt. Commander, Mr. Jackson and Jacob Jackson, I thank you for attendance. I am sorry that we have had to keep you here on the ship for the past two weeks, but it is standard procedure for the station, I hope you understand.”
“Of course, Commander,” said Jonah. “We understand the need for such procedures.”
“Thank you, Mr. Jackson, we in the Terran Federation welcome you to our advanced outpost. I want to assure you that soon you and the rest of the settlers will be allowed to freely come and go from the station. What I want to discuss with you and your son as representatives of the others is our concerns for completing the mission you are set upon. I can assure you that the Federation fully supports your goals.”
“Thank you Commander,” said Jacob. “May I ask when we will be able to continue our flight to Tharsis?”
“Yes Mr. Jackson that is the question. Captain Ellis do you have an estimate on the time required to repair the Starfisher?”
“Commander Bogdonich we believe we can have the Starfisher ready for deep space in a month's time.”
“Very good Captain,” said Bogdonich. “Now Mr. Jackson, Jonah and Jacob, what we would like for you to do is to continue your expansion of the food growing facility not only on the Starfisher but also on the station. In this way, we can be more assured to have the necessary food supplies ready when the Starfisher departs. You would of course, have at your disposal as many station bots and men as we can spare.”
“Very well Commander,” said Jonah. “My son and I and the rest of the settlers will do our best in the time we have. But Commander may I ask you one question?”
“Of course Mr. Jackson.”
“A month will not be very much time to expand and increase the food production at the station. I doubt that we will get the benefit of the first crop in just four weeks.”
“That may be true, Mr. Jackson. But although the repairs may be finished in a month the departure of the Starfisher may be held up until we get that first harvest. And besides, don't you think that it is an equitable trade, you expand the station's food supply while we repair and replenish your ship?”
“I do indeed Commander,” said Jonah.
“Alright then,” said Bogdonich. “If there are no more questions I suggest we all get to work.”
“What gives?” asked Jacob of his father after they had separated from the others.
“Well son I find it curious but an equitable trade of labor.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I think the Starfisher will be ready to leave in a month and will leave at that time.”
“But then why are we increasing the food growing capacity of the station?”
“Because we settlers are going to need it to survive at the outpost when the Starfisher leaves us behind,” said Jonah.
Chapter 7
“That don't make no sense Jonah,” said Lars Stendahl, one of the colonists. “You know we can't build up the infrastructure and get a crop of food in a month.”
Jonah had called a meeting of all the colonists.
He replied to Lars, “Well the Commander did say that it might be longer than a month before the Starfisher departs. And he did make the point that it was an equitable trade of labor, expanding their food production facilities in return for them helping to repair our ship.”
“I still say it's suspicious,” said Lars.
“That's as may be,” said Jonah. “But I suggest we get to work and do the best we can to show our hosts our gratitude for their help in repairing the Starfisher. Are there any more questions?”
Upon hearing none, Jonah dismissed the meeting.
“Are you coming Jonah?” asked his wife Mia. “You go ahead dear I want to speak to Jacob a moment. Jacob if you would come over here.”
“Yes father,” said Jacob as he came up to Jonah.
“Jacob it is very important that the food supply capability on the station be increased enough to accommodate not only the station personnel but colonists also.”
“I know father you've told me about your suspicions.”
“Yes I know but I'm afraid it may be hard to motivate the others without letting them know what I suspect. If as I expect, when the Starfisher leaves the dock and we find most of the colonists left on the station the food production capacity will be essential to their health and maybe their survival.”
“You are saying most of the colonists now father, what do you mean?”
“I think they will take some of us along to manage the food production facilities on the Starfisher. I don't think they have enough know-how or manpower otherwise. Anyway, as I was saying, I want you to make sure that the production facilities on the station are expanded and ready by the end of the month. Do whatever you find is necessary to motivate the people, understand son?”
“Yes father.”
Jacob had a crew of twelve including himself and four station personnel assigned by the Commander. He divided them into two teams of six each, one headed by himself and one headed by Jonah. Each man in a team had at his disposal a couple of station bots to help. Jacob asked each team to work six hours a shift so that he had at least six people working twelve hours a day for a month. If things went smoothly he had figured this would be sufficient to expand the facilities of the station and start a crop of foodstuff before the month ran out. But it would be close.
To encourage productivity he set up a challenge between the teams. His metrics were square footage of food production facility expanded and square footage of plants planted. Lars and a couple of other colonists would inspect and decide which team had done the best job at the end of the month.
Jacob had been working on the project for several days when one of the station men assigned to his team approached him. “Mr. Jackson?”
“Yes Jack what can I do for you.”
“Well I would like to discuss with you something that has bothered me for some time now.”
“About the work we're doing?”
“No sir, not directly. It's about conditions on the station.”
Jacob waited, then said, “Okay Jack, what do you want to discuss?”
“Mr. Jackson,” Jacob interrupted and asked to be called Jacob.
“Okay then, Jacob, what I know that you may not know,” he stopped and looked around.
Seeing no one nearby he continued, “Well, you see, we've been under strict rationing on the station for months now. I think that either a mistake was made when the station was designed or we are over the limits when it comes to personnel. What I don't understand is why they've waited until now to do something about it.”
“That's interesting Jack. I can't speak to the design issues but let me ask you a question. Is there anyone on the station that has training in agriculture or protein production?”
“No. Many of us are just workers without any specialized knowledge except for what we were taught before we were sent to the station. Of course in engineering and some of the other specialized departments, department heads have some education in biology. At that level, you have to be versed in multiple disciplines to be chosen by the Terran Federation. But I don't think any of their specialties include agriculture.”
“Well my dad Jonah has an advanced degree in Agronomy and I have an undergraduate specialization in Agricultural Sciences. So I would say that Commander Bogdonich is just taking advantage of the situation.”
“That may be so. But Mr. Jackson, I mean Jacob, don't you think that at least one person on the station should have had a background in agriculture like you or your dad. You all realized on the Starfisher that it was important to have that level of expertise aboard, why didn't the Federation?”
“I can't say Jack, maybe they thought that the design would be sufficient if just worked properly.”
“Jacob we have gone hungry for months. I can only believe that it was through incompetence, inaction or callous disregard for the welfare of their people that a proper supply of food was relegated to such a low priority. Jacob it's almost criminal.”
Jacob and Jonah both had discussions with the men assigned to them from the station personnel. They all felt some disappointment and animosity towards their Federation leaders. Except for the term limits in their contract it was apparent that they might have taken matters into their own hands by now. As it was, any discipline enacted against them only brought greater disdain for the officers and the Federation itself.
One evening Jacob and Jonah were talking about the day's work. Jacob mentioned again a discussion he had with one of the station men.
“I am surprised,” began Jacob, “about the animosity he shows towards the Federation officers. That could only have been building over a period of time and hasn't been properly addressed by the leaders. It shows poor leadership, poor planning, a complete lack of regard for their people.”
“Well,” said Jonah. “We've known for some time that the Terran Federation in many ways is an organization that is underfunded and over-ambitious. Obviously they are trying to stretch their resources and cut costs any way they can.
“That's okay when you are on the surface of a planet. But space is not so forgiving of incompetence or carelessness. The lives of these men were and are being endangered by the Federation, there's no doubt in my mind.”
“I think that listening has helped them,” said Jacob.
“I do too. It may also help us when the time comes,” said Jonah.
Chapter 8
The month was up, and Lars and the other colonists had decided that Jonah's team had done the best job although the choice was close. Both teams were invited to a dinner, to be prepared by the other colonists as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work.
At the dinner, Jack had some news for Jonah.
“Jonah I have some news that is not official yet but I think it will be announced tomorrow. I have heard that the Federation has decided to send the Starfisher to Tharsis with a station crew aboard and only a minimum of colonists. The colonists except for those chosen to go will stay behind on the station. I think that is why we were employed to expand the food supply there.”
“Yes, Jack I suspected that something like that would happen. I expect that you and the other station personnel that helped expand the food supply aboard the station will go and that Jacob and I will go. I think the Federation has learned about the importance of the food supply to missions out here.”
“Of course Jonah, I should have known you would have already figured out what was going on. I wish you were in charge of the station, I and most of the other workers would be a lot more comfortable with you in charge. By the way, do you have any idea why they are sending a station crew instead of you colonists?”
“Jack I thank you for your confidence in me. But I don't know everything. I don't know the end game yet.”
The dinner finished, the station crew dispersed, and the colonists settled down for the night. Jonah informed Jacob of what Jack had said. They were both confident that their suspicions had been confirmed but also worried that they had not figured out what the Terran Federation was planning.
The next morning a meeting of the colonists was called in the main hall of the station. Upfront were seated the station brass with the recorder bot Ahab. In the front row were the men that had helped Jonah and Jacob with the expansion of the station's food supply.
The station Commander Bogdonich stood. “I thank you all for coming this morning. I want to announce the status of the Starfisher mission. We believe we will be ready to launch the mission in no more than two weeks. By arrangement with the Solar Federation, the mission will include ship personnel. It will also include these men you see here in the front row that helped expand the food supplies on the station and four other station men. And we request, although we certainly do not order, that Jonah and Jacob Jackson accompany the mission.”
Several colonists raised their voices in protest. Commander Bogdonich tried to quell them. “Let me continue,” he said. “Let me continue please.” The crowd acquiesced.
“Thank you,” said the Commander. “As I was saying we are asking Jonah and Jacob Jackson to accompany the mission voluntarily. The Terran Federation has realized it's mistake in managing the food supplies and is working hard to correct these errors. This is why the top administrators at the Federation have asked me to thank Jonah and Jacob personally for all they have done. And to ask them to continue training the men that have worked with them for the past month along with the new men. We feel that with their help we can correct any shortcomings we have in this area.”
Jacob stood and said, “Commander Bogdonich I believe I speak for my son when I say we will accept your request and accompany the mission to Tharsis. But I do want to ask you one thing, what are the Federation's long-term plans for colonization there?”
“Well to be frank the Terran Federation has no plans for long term colonization of Tharsis by Federation personnel. The long-term goal is still to deliver you settlers. But the Terran Federation has been made aware of the risks such a mission might encounter by Starfisher detouring here for repair. That made the Federation a partner and a responsible party for this mission and we believe that we would be negligent to let the other settlers, particularly the women and children, proceed on this mission without first establishing a basis for safety. So the mission has essentially been broken up into two phases.
First, the Federation and Starfisher personnel along with you and your son Jacob will scout out Tharsis and if possible prepare a base of operations for future settlement. Then once we are comfortable that the risks have been reduced as much as possible the Starfisher will return, refit and carry the other settlers to the base. The Terran Federation believes that this initial reconnaissance will reduce the risk to an acceptable level for the women, children and others.”
“Yeah, and what does the Federation get for their efforts to save us,” said Lars contemptibly.
“You are Lars Stendahl?”
“That I am.”
“Well Mr. Stendahl the Terran Federation does not expect anything. The Jackson's have already been of great assistance and will be of further assistance on the reconnaissance mission. However, if in the future should the colony live up to its aims of establishing a way station and fuel depot then it might show consideration if any Federation ships out that way were serviced at a discount, to be mutually agreed upon with you colonists, of course.”
“That's what I thought,” said Lars abruptly, then sat down.
“Very well,” said the Commander. “Are there any other questions or concerns we should address?”
“Commander,” said Jacob. “How long a mission are we planning? I take it to be at least four weeks to Tharsis, has it been decided how long we will stay there?”
“The mission to Tharsis, the stay-over and the return trip should take no more than fourteen weeks.”
Jacob's wife Joanna squeezed his arm tightly.
Chapter 9
Preparations had gone well, the Starfisher left Pluto Station on time and was well on it's way to Tharsis without incident. The Starfisher was adjusting its velocity to “catch up” to Tharsis and altering its orbital inclination to match.
It wasn't long until Lt. Commander Blyton, sent by Bogdonich to watch over the station men, established his supremacy over them, and again it didn't take long until his orders incensed the men. Just as on the station, he had a way of demeaning a man even while praising him. And it wasn't long until Jack and the other station men were complaining to Jonah as bitterly as before.
“Jonah, may I speak with you,” said Jack.
“Of course Jack what is on your mind?”
“Jonah, Lt. Commander Blyton has ordered rationing again. At least for us station men. I don't understand it. You know the food situation, do we need to ration?”
“I don't think so Jack. According to my calculations, we should have plenty of food for the entire mission. But perhaps the Lt. Commander is just being overly careful.”
“Maybe. But I think it is just his way of lording it over us. Just like on the station. He and the Commander were always coming up with some goals that we had to meet. Work capacity, rationing, watch duties, as if we were always in danger or always at war. It just keeps the men off balance and disgruntled. Such continuous harassment doesn't lead to a man's best performance, I can tell you that.”
“I understand. Maybe I will speak with the Lt. Commander and assure him that the food supplies are abundant and robust and there really is no need for any rationing on the ship.”
“Thanks Jonah, I knew me and the other men could depend on you to speak up for us.”
Jonah was back from meeting with the Lt. Commander.
“How did it go dad?” asked Jacob.
“Not good son. I tried to present my findings on the food supply to the Lt. Commander but he was completely uninterested. I'm afraid it got worse. He accused me of interfering with the chain of command. I tried to point out that I was just presenting my report but dropped my protestations and left as he seemed completely unreasonable on the subject.”
“I don't understand dad, what is going on?”
“I'm not sure son but I'm guessing that the animosity that has built up between the station brass and the workers is being carried over into this mission. The Lt. Commander was Commander Bogdonich's enforcer on the station. And the Lt. Commander seems intent on letting these men know that he is still the enforcer.”
“What a mess,” said Jacob. “That might work planet-side or even on the station but here in these tight quarters of the Starfisher I worry that the animosity might explode into action and reaction.”
“That's a succinct way to put it son, and I think you are right to be worried.”
It wasn't long until the explosion.
Jacob was on his way to aeroponics when he heard someone shouting. Turning a corner he saw Lt. Commander Blyton dressing down Jack Loring.
“Loring,” shouted the Lt. Commander. “You are a disgrace! You've been late for duty almost every day since we left the station! I'm tired of your complaining. You will report to Captain Ellis and he will confine you to your quarters until such time as I decide what your punishment will be. Do you understand!”
“Understand, my punishment!” shouted Loring visibly shaking. “I'll tell you what my punishment should be, nothing! That's right, I've already been punished for the past two years. Joining this ragged, sorry outfit with incompetents such as yourself in command. I'll tell you what my punishment should be, nothing! You can take your officer's airs and shove 'em because you ain't going to punish me!”
Jacob hurried to get to the men but before he could the Lt. Commander had asserted himself. Loring stepped back and took one swing which floored the Lt. Commander. He went down and didn't move.
“Jack,” shouted Jacob as he ran to the man's side. “I wish you hadn't done that. That is insubordination and punishable by imprisonment.”
“Well they will have to catch me before they can inflict their punishment. And that ain't going to be easy I tell you,” said Loring who took off down the hall.
“Wait!” yelled Jacob. But Loring was gone. Jacob bent down to help the Lt. Commander.
“Lieutenant,” Jacob said as he shook the man.
“Lieutenant, can you hear me?”
The Lt. Commander slowly stirred. He looked groggily at Jacob.
“Where is he?” he asked.
“Loring? He's gone.”
“Help me up. That man must be arrested and confined to quarters. Help me get to Captain Ellis, he can deputize some of his men to round up Loring. You saw what happened didn't you? You are an eye witness to this crime.”
Jacob had gotten Blyton to Captain Ellis' quarters. Captain Ellis was listening to Blyton's story.
Blyton said, “I request that you deputize some of your men Captain Ellis and arrest Jack Loring.”
“Lt. Commander,” said Ellis. “I have six men and double that number of bots helping me pilot this ship. All the men have multiple duties. Even if I could spare two of these men to do as you wish they would probably not only face Jack Loring but also the rest of your men from the station. I think before we go off and escalate this unfortunate incident we need to find out where the rest of the men stand on this. If they are against arresting Loring I don't see how we can do it. Not without posing a severe risk to this mission.”
“That is completely unacceptable Captain and I will include your response in my report to the station. You can expect a complaint filed by the Terran Federation with your Solar Federation,” said Blyton as he stormed off.
Chapter 10
“Jonah, Jacob thank you both for coming,” said Captain Ellis at the meeting he had arranged after Captain Blyton's threats. “No doubt you know why I've called you here. I've been placed in an awkward position by Lt. Commander Blyton. He is demanding that I arrest the man Loring and any others that might stand with him. I need your counsel please.”
“Captain, my son has filled me in on the unfortunate incident,” said Jonah. “I think you have been placed in the middle of a situation that has been brewing for some time between those men and the Lt. Commander. He was wrong to ask you to intercede, he should have handled the situation himself.”
“Jonah I'm glad you feel that way. That's what I thought. Those are his men, the problems are his making. I've got my hands full running this ship. I hate to ask you, but can you help as a negotiator between the aggrieved parties. I know that you have the respect of the station men and I suspect that you also have Lt. Commander Blyton's, although he would be the last to admit it.”
“Captain we would be pleased to help out in this situation.”
Jonah sent Jacob to call the station men to a meeting on the lower deck of the aeroponic's area. The men came into the area looking behind them. They acknowledged Jonah but did not speak. When all were present Jonah spoke.
“Thank you all for coming. I have been asked by Captain Ellis to serve as a liaison between you men and the Captain. He is interested in knowing your grievances and hopes that he can address them. Mr. Loring would you begin, will you tell me what happened between you and the Lt. Commander please.”
“Mr. Jackson the Lt. Commander acted belligerently and aggressively towards me. He was the instigator of the confrontation, I was the target.”
“I understand Jack but if you don't mind, may I ask why you think he was so aggressive. I mean, is there any background to the problem?”
“Jonah, the Lt. Commander has been riding our backs since we came aboard Pluto Station. You know from your work in aeroponics that they have incompetently handled the station since its establishment. But they absolutely refused to admit to any problems they may are responsible for and instead blame the men trying to do a job under the worse of conditions. Speaking for myself and the rest of the men we should have revolted long ago, it is a measure of our dedication to our tasks that we have allowed this to go on for so long.”
Almost in unison the rest of the men were yelling that Loring was telling the truth. Jonah signaled for calm.
“Thank you,” said Jonah as the men became silent. “So this breakdown has been building for some time, I see. Then it's not likely that this incident can be papered over with some concessions from both sides. We are going to have to make a more fundamental change in the relationship. Thank you for coming I will let you know as soon as possible my proposal for a resolution.”
As the men drifted away Jonah said to Jacob, “Let's go see the Lt. Commander and get his side of the story.”
They found the Lt. Commander in his quarters, he seemed composed although the bruise on the side of his face was readily apparent.
After being seated Jonah began, “Lt. Commander we are here to get your side of the incident with Jack Loring.”
“I don't understand. Hasn't that man been arrested yet?” demanded Blyton.
“Lt. Commander you are aware that the Captain does not have the resources to facilitate such an arrest,” said Jacob.
“I thought perhaps he had enlisted you two.”
“Well, he has enlisted us in a way but not in the way you apparently expected. He has asked us to look into the matter and hopefully find a resolution between the parties that does not require a criminal inquiry.”
Blyton was about to interrupt but Jonah continued. “We hope that justice may be done on all sides. That is why we need your side of the incident if you would indulge us.”
“That man Loring is the biggest goof off on the station. He is constantly late for his assignments, leaves early if I don't watch him and worse of all affects the morale of each and every man he works with. I have been patient with him for two years. I have discussed the matter with him, I have had him talk with the station psychologist, I have offered him incentives to work, I have reprimanded him, I have done everything in my power and I think in a measured way to try to instill in him a work ethic. This mission is critical to the Terran Federation and I am not going to see it fail because of one man, Mr. Loring.”
“So there is a long history between you and this Loring. I've no doubt what you say Lt. Commander, Jacob observed the same behavior when he was helping him in aeroponics. And I understand how one man can negatively influence the rest.”
“Good, so you two can testify to what you've seen at the court-martial.”
“Lt. Commander,” said Jonah. “You don't seem to understand. The government on this ship, Captain Ellis, does not see fit to take this incident to court. He wants it settled and as soon as possible.”
“Jonah, I will call the station and talk to the Commander, he will, I'm sure insist that the man be placed under arrest until we can try him.”
“Lt. Commander you do realize that we are still a long time from returning you and the other men to the station. The Captain is adamant that he will not be responsible for a prisoner that long. More than that, he needs every man performing his duties to the best of his ability. You, of all people, should know that on a space station or spaceship there is simply no room for this kind of drama. We must get beyond this and we must get beyond this now or this mission is in jeopardy.”
Blyton looked down for a moment and then said, “You are right Jonah, what do you suggest?”
Just then an all ship alert came blaring through the corridors. “Attention all Starfisher personnel, attention all Starfisher personnel, assemble on Command deck for further instructions immediately.”
“What could that be about?” asked Jacob.
“I don't know but let's follow the Lt. Commander and find out,” said his father.
The Lt. Commander was already out the door.
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