New to Lost Hope? Start from the beginning!
Cameron’s department officer was messing with a small hand held device when Cameron entered his office. “Lieutenant Steele reporting for duty,” said Cameron, as he snapped to attention.
“Lieutenant, have a seat.” Major Kepford gestured with an outstretched hand as he set the device on his desk. “Let me start by welcoming you aboard the Stinson. I’m Major Gilbert Kepford, department officer of first crew, engineering spaces. I am sure you have many questions, and I will do my best to get them answered. Much of Stinson’s mission is Top Secret, so I may not be able to answer them all.”
The major picked the gadget up off the desk and started playing with the screen. Without looking up, the major said, “Our planet is in much greater jeopardy than most people have been told. It is true that HOPE is doing all it can to restore the environment on the planet, and continue the human species. Nevertheless, with all the work that has been done, it has been determined that there is still a high chance the earth may not be able to support life for much longer. HOPE has been taking measures to ensure the continuation of humanity.”
The news was quick and hard to take in all at once. Cameron was in disbelief, life on earth, as they knew it, most likely would end. Why did HOPE not tell the rest of humanity? There had to be something more they could do.
“HOPE,” said Major Kepford, “working together with the World Space Agency, constructed two planetary transport ships: the Stinson and the Legacy. Each ship will voyage to another planet. The Stinson will travel to Batavia, and the Legacy to Ashokan. Our scientists determined that both of these planets would be able to support life. Our mission will be to journey to Batavia, set up a colony, and continue the human species.”
Cameron had so many things going through his mind, so many questions. His mind raced, this was too immense to put his head around. He would have to refrain from interrupting his superior officer; Cameron needed to show that he was in control of his emotions.
“Our department is in charge of all engineering spaces; pretty much, if it is on the ship, it is ours. Once you are qualified, we will assign you to a watch rotation. There are five watch rotations and each watch rotation is made up of 30 personnel.”
Major Kepford flipped Cameron the device he was playing with. “This little piece of equipment is your lifeline to the ship. It is a Portable Information Computer, or PIC. They’re linked to every sensor and computer on board this ship. The ship will alert you to problems that may need attention. It will also be your primary means of communication with other members of your watch section. You are to carry it with you at all times when you are not in hibernation.”
“Hibernation?” said Cameron without thinking.
“Deep cryogenic freezing to be exact.” Major Kepford cut Cameron off before he could get another word in. “Each watch rotation will last for 6 months; which means that you’ll be off watch rotation for 24 months, and in hibernation for this time. Keeping a majority of the passengers in hibernation during the voyage will keep the consumption of resources down. This is going to be a long trip. Its estimated that 30 years will have passed on earth, but due to the speed we’re traveling, only 6 or so years will have passed on board.”
“Once Stinson leaves Earth’s orbit,” Kepford tapped on the desk with his pointer finger, “qualifying on all the engineering systems will be your number one priority. Once qualified and you are assigned to a watch section, you will most likely enter hibernation. I am not going to lie to you; hibernation can be a tricky thing. You were screened for cryogenic freezing compatibility during your medical examination at the Academy, so there should be no problems, though.”
Major Kepford leaned back in his chair and looked Cameron square in the eyes. “Son, there is a very strong chance that we won’t see the earth again in our life time, so this mission is on a strictly voluntary basis. If you choose to stay on earth, you will be transported back to the surface once both ships have left orbit. It is too dangerous of a risk to have people on earth know we are leaving, they will not understand. I do not need you to make a decision right now, but will need to know your choice in the next few hours so we have time to fill your spot with an alternate if you choose to stay behind.”
Cameron did not know what to think. Usually a fast thinker and good under pressure, he was now lost. He sat dumbfounded.
“Lieutenant, do you have any questions?”
Cameron thought for a long while, trying to get a grip on the situation. “Sir, how long does the earth have?”
“Well, that is a good question. Some scientists estimate that it will be only a few years, some say ten or more, and there are the very few who believe that the earth may still have a chance. The correct answer is that nobody really knows for sure. You could choose to stay and possibly live a long life.” Major Kepford frowned. “But the majority opinion puts the odds against you.”
Cameron had an idea why the World Space Agency selected him for this mission, but thought of the kids in the receiving station. “Major, how were people chosen for this mission?”
“Well, there are two categories of passengers; Agency personnel and civilians. Agency personnel make up the core crew of the ship.” The major’s PIC began to beep. Major Kepford removed it from his belt and tapped the screen, silencing it. “Prior to even being accepted to the World Space Agency, applicants were screened to ensure they were medically fit for long space travel. The second thing that the Agency considered was family ties. In most cases, there is only enough room for the Agency candidate, so applicants with family were often not considered. After finishing training in the Academy, we chose only the top performers in each field, keeping the needs of the mission in mind. This is how the Agency chose you Lieutenant.”
“Civilians,” the major’s face grew sour, “also had to meet the same medical requirements as Agency personnel, though I wager some requirements were overlooked for the right people.” Major Kepford tapped away at his PIC, and then stowed it on his belt.
“The civilians come from a wide variety of people, all the way from doctors to cooks. Each person will be important to the survival of our way of life once we reach Batavia. Between you and me, most of the civilians chosen for this trip were due to who they were or whom they knew. It takes a lot of money and resources to pull off an endeavor like this, and I’m sure many rich folks got a higher priority when HOPE selected civilians.” Kepford shook his head in disagreement.
Things were starting to make sense to Cameron; the crying on the shuttle, the kid in the receiving station, it all was clear. Some people knew coming up to Omnis that they would never see Earth again. Everyone had a role to play in this mission, Cameron felt ashamed that he was quick to judge.
“Sir, how many people are on board?”
“We have 3,521 on board the Stinson, and there are 3,524 on the Legacy. About 460 on each ship are Agency personnel, the rest civilians. Most of the civilians will be in hibernation for the entire trip. It is our job to get the ship to Batavia safely.” The major’s PIC began to beep once more.
Major Kepford removed his PIC from his belt and studied the screen. “It appears I’m needed at the number 3 engine; they’re having some issues getting the Sub-light Ion Pulse Generator on-line. If you have any more questions, First Lieutenant Deerfield will be able to assist you. She is the security officer for the Legacy and is in charge of Agency-Civilian relations. She will be able to answer any more questions you may have, and will also brief you on what information is to be held top secret and what is common knowledge throughout the ship.” The major stood up and started towards the door.
Cameron stood up. “Major, I would be honored to serve on board the Stinson.” Cameron was shocked to hear the words come out of his mouth. He had not even given it thought yet, but after saying it, he knew this was the only place for him.
“Great, Lieutenant,” said the major, while reaching to shake Cameron’s hand. “I am glad to have you aboard; Lieutenant Deerfield will be in shortly.” The major exited the office and left Cameron alone.
Cameron sat back down. It was hard to believe what was happening, he tried to collect his thoughts. All of his hard work had paid off, Cameron felt good that the Agency had chosen him. He would work extra hard to prove he did belong here, and that they did not make a mistake in choosing him.
The door to the office opened and in walked a woman Cameron assumed was First Lieutenant Deerfield. Cameron stood up and came to attention; he was only a second lieutenant.
“At ease Lieutenant Steele,” said the woman. “I’m Lieutenant Grace Deerfield. I’m not big on this whole rank formality, so call me Grace or Deerfield please.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Great, another by the book Academy grad. You’ll loosen up after a bit. Please sit down.” Lieutenant Deerfield took a seat behind the major’s desk.
“I am going to start by telling you that all mission specific information is top secret. The only information you may discuss with civilians is: where the ships are going, how long the trip will take, and any other general information that is posted on the ships bulletin board. You can access those records using your PIC.” Lieutenant Deerfield pointed to the Portable Information Computer that Cameron had forgotten he was holding. “Not all civilians know when we are departing, which is in four weeks.”
Cameron did not understand why the departure date was top secret, but knew better than to question orders. He kept quiet.
“There have been a couple of sabotage attempts in the past, so most civilians have been assigned to the ships support section. They do not have access to any areas such as the engineering or navigational spaces. You will need to wear this at all times.” Lieutenant Deerfield handed Cameron a bracelet. “This bracelet scans your biorhythm and feeds the information to the ship. The ship monitors all life forms on board and this bio-bracelet will let the ship know who you are.”
Cameron took the bracelet and put it around his wrist. The bio-bracelet closed with a click and a green light began to blink with a faint glow.
Lieutenant Deerfield checked the bracelet. “As you approach a secured access area, the ship’s personnel monitoring system will know whether you have access to the area or not, and will open the door as appropriate. If more than one person enters a restricted area with only one bio-bracelet sending a correct biorhythm, the ship will activate the Emergency Action Response System, EARS.”
The security officer pulled a PIC off her belt and scanned Cameron’s bracelet. “Looks good. I will upload the security information to the main computer and set up your access.” Lieutenant Deerfield typed away at her PIC. “Do you have any questions for me?”
Cameron thought for a second. He had questions, tons of questions. He just didn’t know where to begin. “No, ma’am.”
“Well, if you come up with any questions prior to ships departure, you can reach me on your PIC. After ship’s departure, your security officer will be Major Werke; I’m covering indoctrinations for the major, the Legacy is my duty station.” The security officer stood up and she pointed at the door. “Until you’re assigned a watch section and placed in hibernation, you’ll be in temporary quarters; down this corridor, third door on the right. Go get settled in and when your qualification leader is ready for you, he’ll contact you via the PIC. Good luck, Steele.”
Lieutenant Deerfield walked out of the office talking to herself. “Ma’am? Why do they always have to call me Ma’am?”
Cameron stood up and headed to his quarters. When he got within three feet of his room, he saw a red light on the top of the doorway turn green. A split second later the door slid open; his bio-bracelet was already working.
Cameron entered his room to find it smaller than his Academy dorm room. There was enough room to take four steps from the back wall to the front wall. He noticed that there were bunk beds, which meant he was most likely going to have to share this tiny living space. At least Lieutenant Deerfield said this was temporary quarters. But for how long?
The bunks were not much larger than a coffin, and Cameron questioned if he would even fit on the bed. Cameron hoped that his roommate had not chosen a bed yet, and that he could take the top bunk due to his size, as it was easier for him to get in and out of the higher bed.
Cameron noticed his name on one of the two large lockers. He reached up to open the locker, and as his wrist got close to the door, he heard a click as the locker unlocked. This bracelet was very convenient.
Opening the door to the locker revealed all of Cameron’s belongings. His uniforms were neatly hung and pressed. At the bottom of his closet were the rest of his possessions.
Sitting at the only desk in the room, Cameron began to fiddle with his PIC, getting himself familiar with the different screens available. A two-tone chirp came from the quarter’s door, followed by it opening. In walked a shorter man with hair slightly longer than regulation. The man had a look of surprise as he looked the room over.
“Wow! These rooms are small!” said the man as Cameron stood up. There was barely enough room for both of them. They would have to turn sideways to get by each other.
“Lieutenant Cameron Steele,” said Cameron, reaching out his hand.
“Lieutenant Frank Benton.” He shook Cameron’s hand vigorously. “Could they have given us a smaller room? They could have least given me a smaller roommate.” Lieutenant Benton chuckled at his own joke.
“I took the top bunk, hope you don’t mind?” said Cameron.
“I don’t mind the least bit. I wouldn’t want to have to climb in and out of that thing every time. Where did they assign you?” Lieutenant Benton began rummaging through his locker.
“Engineering spaces.” Cameron was afraid to ask. “You?”
“Navigation and communication!” Benton was beaming from ear to ear. “Where were you stationed prior to getting this great assignment?”
“The Academy.”
“Wow, first assignment then. This is my second duty station; my previous assignment was a communication outpost in Australia. That was a great job, but this is unbelievable.” Lieutenant Benton closed his locker and climbed into his lower bunk. “Man, this is a tight fit in here. Good luck, my big friend. I sure do hope our other quarters are bigger than this. How long do you think we will be assigned to these miniature rooms?”
This guy sure did like to talk. Cameron hoped he was not always like this; he may never get any sleep. “I don’t know.”
“Well, hopefully it isn’t too long, I need my space.” Benton emphasized my and laughed once again at his own joke. “We are going to have a good time Cameron!”
Lieutenant Benton was a little excessively energetic for Cameron’s taste. Cameron kept playing with his PIC, hoping they would call for him soon. His roommate was going to be good motivation for Cameron to stay in the engineering spaces and qualify as fast as possible. More time at work meant less time listening to his endless talking.
“Hey, Cameron, what did you think of Lieutenant Deerfield?” Benton had a boyish grin. “I wish she was assigned to our ship, I’d love to help continue mankind with her.”
“I did not notice,” said Cameron, half to himself.
“Did not notice?” Benton shot out of his bunk. “How could you not? She was a 10 on any scale!”
“FIRST Lieutenant Deerfield is a superior officer and I will treat her as such! I expect you to do the same!”
“Sorry, Lieutenant, I was just trying to make small talk. Lighten up. This is going to be a long trip and if we don’t have a little fun, we will all go crazy.” Benton climbed back into his bunk, appearing to hide from Cameron.
Why did they have to pair him up with this sorry excuse for an Agency officer? Cameron promised himself it would not take a long time to qualify. He looked at his PIC, wishing for it to alert him. A beeping came from the lower bunk; Benton’s PIC was going off.
“It looks like they’re ready for me in the communications room.” Lieutenant Benton got out of his bunk and waved his bio-bracelet in front of the quarters door and it opened. “Cameron, my friend, you have got to ease up a little.”
As Benton walked out of the room, Cameron noticed his shirt was wrinkled and not tucked in all the way, as if he had slept in it for days. Cameron just rolled his eyes and let out a big sigh. He felt he knew all he needed to know about him.
Cameron’s PIC began to beep. He picked it up and read the message on the screen. He was requested to be in engine room number two in ten minutes. Not knowing where any of the engine rooms were, Cameron decided to not waste time sitting in his room; he did not need to be late on the first day. He waved his bio-bracelet in front of his door and it slid open instantly.
Cameron looked at his PIC and selected “directions/map” from the on-screen menu. A map came up and had a flashing arrow on the screen directing him in the proper direction. He headed off, making sure his uniform was tucked in and suitable; his roommate may be sloppy, he was not.
Interested in pre-ordering this serial (or any others)? If so, just click here!
