Mission Beyond The Stars: Book #1 of "Saga Of The Lost Worlds" by Neely and Dobbs

  ***

  The robot moved away briskly, leading the way down the long corridor.  ADIZ's steps were entirely silent, while Jazon's trailing footfalls echoed faintly.  He mused at this; the AIDD outweighed him by more than two to one.  Could the people responsible for ADIZ's design and construction ever have imagined that he would become the vehicle for an alien intelligence?

  Finally accepting that his path was locked in by that intelligence, he paused.  Were there any issues he should address before departing?  No, Sabanda would automatically take command in his absence. She approached command in a manner uniquely her own, but her instincts were unusually good.  He had complete confidence in Sabanda. Her inherent intelligence and talents, honed to an exceptional level through long training and experience, had thoroughly prepared her to handle it perfectly well.

  But how long will I be gone?  Clearly, Hoga had not allowed ADIZ to answer questions about the immediate future.  Hoga had delivered the personal invitation and delegated the rest to the AIDD.  Somehow, Jazon was sure that ADIZ would offer further information as it was required— and no sooner.  He was convinced that the hope of finding the solution to the SD threat justified the trip, however long it might take.

  Still, the ability of the Hoga to take control of an AIDD— especially from a great distance— worries me.  It's a frightening display of technology, far more advanced than ours.

  His thoughts were interrupted as the corridor terminated at an elevated platform high above the floor of the launch bay.  A long stairway from the platform crept down the wall to the distant floor, where their waiting ship rested.  He felt bemused that he and ADIZ would be the sole occupants of a ship designed to carry a complement of fifty.

  They boarded only minutes later, and he heard the soft hiss of the craft's machinery sealing the entrance behind him.  Soft light emanated from its interior with a steady glow.  Then his suppressed apprehension flared into extreme anxiety.  Do I really have to make this trip?  Am I out of my mind? What am I getting myself into?

  Before the anxiety could transform to panic, ADIZ spoke.  “Sir, I have been given instructions to offer you a final opportunity to choose.  You may, if you wish, abandon this mission now and return to your normal duty.  However, I must remind you that such a decision could result in the loss of the Wasp, as well as continued peril to Kepren and the entire Cluster.”

  Jazon took a deep breath. Frightened or not, I have to go. “Proceed.”

  ADIZ moved to the pilot's compartment without comment and immediately entered the departure commands.  The ship rose straight up; the bay floor vanished as the ship passed through holographic force-field that appeared, from the outside, to be an ordinary surface of rolling hills.  The cycle of the seasons was faithfully depicted, as visibly evidenced by the autumn colors of leaves rustling on the stately growth of trees covering the hills.

  The ship suddenly rose above those hills as if emerging from the forest.  The planet's surveillance and control of proximal space precluded any unauthorized observation of the sight.  Or should… Jazon thought, again reminded of Hoga's unheralded visit.

  Kepren rapidly receded to a pinpoint.  He made no effort to determine the ship's course.  He reasoned that ADIZ would retain memory of the coordinates, so long as Hoga did not interfere.  The ship's automated trip records should also show their course and the backtrack could be computed— if he was ever allowed to leave!

  Jazon rebelled against his unaccustomed passivity.  His responsibility as Admiral required that he make the attempt to report his destination, and his devotion to his wife confirmed the need to try.  And the Admiralty was so concerned about a husband and wife team sharing such high positions of responsibility!  Although the heat of crisis had steeled him to giving priority to command decisions, he savored situations such as this, where no conflict existed.

  He spoke with maximum command authority, “ADIZ!  On my mark, immediately transmit this ship's course and destination coordinates to Kepren Command Center, encryption coding Alpha-1/7/2, for delivery ‘eyes only’ to Vice-Admiral Sabanda Ozier.  Report compliance with and completion of directive.  Mark!  Execute!”

  He was stunned by a silence that clashed brutally with the crisp compliance he could normally expect.  The contrast forced out a deep groan, a mournful sound escaping through his clenched teeth.

  ADIZ's response was chilling.  “Sir, I regret my inability to comply with your directive, but Hoga’s instructions will not permit me to execute your order.  I share your discomfort at my failure of duty, and I anticipate severe repercussions. Should I stand down and deactivate?”

  Jazon hung his head, defeated. “No…no, ADIZ,” he hesitantly assured the robot.  “You might as well continue.  Your contradictory directives obviously come from a higher authority.  And I need you too badly.  We're in this together.”