Mission Origin View (Final Days Trilogy) Read Online Free PDF Page B

the artificial intelligence (AI) computer chip, imbedded in the wrist band, was smaller. The ATCCS would attach to either forearm of his jumpsuit using micrometal velcro. Gideon laid the device on the small desk and turned it on using the standard push-button interface; it started immediately and displayed his name, rank, and a briefing schedule. His first briefing would be at 1300.
     
    USECC, Mount Mitchell
    1300 —February 10, 2372
    All naval and marine officers, assigned to Mission Origin View, sat in a smaller conference room. Admiral Frank was there, accompanied by Dr. Seth Harper and Dr. Heli Jones. Both doctors and the admiral gave more in-depth mission details. Then the officers were allowed to ask questions.
    “ Doctor Harper, how exactly did you come up with this theory that if we go far enough into space, we can look back in time?” communications officer Ensign Matthew Young asked.
    “ That’s a great question. If you think back to your physics classes, you’ll probably remember your professor telling you that the stars we see today are not actually the same stars that are in the sky. What we see is actually how the stars looked billions of years ago because the time for the light to get to the Earth takes light-years. We’ve concluded that if we can go billions of light-years away from Earth in a relatively short period of time, we’ll be able to look back at Earth as it was billions of years ago,” Dr. Harper explained.
    “ All right, so we’re going to be sent light-years away from Earth, further than any starship has ever traveled. Since we’re going to be so far away from Earth—and I assume there isn’t a way to rescue us if we run into trouble—are there any precautions that have been taken to ensure a safe trip there and back?” navigation officer Lieutenant Temani LaPalm asked.
    Dr. Harper replied, “There’re no absolutes in this mission because nothing like this has ever been attempted. I know this doesn’t inspire confidence in what we’re about to do, but let me assure you that we’ve taken every known precaution into account and have made the Stephen Hawking as safe as possible. At the moment we’re not exactly sure how far we’ll have to go to get to our initial observation point, but we’ve estimated it to be four point five billion light-years away.”
    “Admiral, why’s the Stephen Hawking designated as a civilian Scientific Research Ship and commanded by the United States Navy?” Mary asked.
    “ The main reason is for security, Captain,” Admiral Frank said. “Although this is a scientific mission, classified military technology will be used, and weapons are available for defense.”
    “ Thank you, sir,” Mary said.
    “ Sir, why are marines assigned to this mission?” Captain Neubauer asked.
    Admiral Frank answered, “The marine contingent will, of course, enforce ship security during the mission and will also be used, if necessary, to assist Doctors Harper and Jones in looking for and acquiring three other scientists who’ll also accompany the mission. These scientists are on three different colonized planets that the Stephen Hawking will stop at on its way to its destination. As of yet, the governments of these planets haven’t responded to our request of allowing these scientists to become a part of this mission. We do hope that their approval will be received before the Stephen Hawking departs.”
    Gideon listened to the answer, and read more into the admiral’s response. The marines would probably have to extract the scientists from the planets using force. Gideon, though excited by the prospect, also felt apprehensive in having to kidnap someone.
    “ Thank you, sir,” Neubauer said.
    “ Also, Captain Neubauer , you need three more enlisted marines for your contingency. I know you’ve selected three marines you’ve worked with before; I suggest you let Lieutenant Klaxton select three men that he’s worked with,” Admiral Frank said.
    “ Very