***
Paul had spent the next hour waking up his staff and delegating out most of his usual work, so he could give his full attention to this mission.
He needed to go through the specs of the F-35. With two other technicians, he sat at the main desk of CASP and began plotting a course to Heliostronus. Factors that most space controllers would have to consider were time of year, position of the sun, fuelling requirements, weight, etc. This was not so for Divisions.
The F-35 Mizzen Taurus was designed to go fast, thanks to being equipped with Crytaalic based engines, thanks to Cantal, Septen, and human coordinated efforts. The Septens, in exchange for setting up an underground moon base, exchanged technology, including the sub interstellar drive. Of course, Zymergy was not available, unless they took apart the BSP. That was unheard of, and not just because it was virtually indestructible. The F-35 hull was Crytaalic based too and more advanced than anything the humans had available to date. It was nowhere close to what Sataal had reported about the effect that Zymergillian had powering and covering the Trimadian ships. Paul felt excited at the prospect of obtaining a Trimadian warship. Now things had sunk in he was glad Calham had agreed to this mission. At least it gave him something practical to do instead of beating himself up mentally. He just wished his boss would give him a longer leash.
Sataal had stated the Trimadians had huge plants dedicated to creating their ships and engines from the manufactured Zymergillian. He helped to compose and trial the formulas when he was with Marone’s fleet. However, with no plentiful supply or properly equipped plants, it was simply not worth thinking about. No one, except the Trimadians could manufacture Zymergy and this was no time to explore worlds for any possible source of this substance. It was believed to be only available on Heliostronus, so even synthesizing was out of the question.
Pilcher knew that would not stop good old human nature from trying. With Calham’s enormous funds, even if they could obtain the vital ingredients and a small supply of Zymergillian, possibilities were endless.
If we possessed Zymergy powered engines and weaponry, we would have a chance in battle against the enemy. The human race would have hope.
Putting that aside, this whole mission was insane. Rescuing Leah and keeping her out of Kalvich’s clutches, plus stealing a Trimadian warship and staying alive; if they pull all this off he probably would run around the streets naked. On a more practical level, keeping in mind what was at stake, it was all worth the risk. If they did nothing, they were doomed for sure.
An assistant came rushing in with a portable phone. “It is Mr. Calham.”
What does he want now?
“Hi Denver, Paul here.”
“I thought you would still be there. I have made contact with an old friend who would like to be part of the rescue crew. I would recommend it would be a good idea to take him with your selected team.”
Paul lifted his eyebrows. Wait for it.
“You remember Scaba?”
At least that is something.
“Of course, he is one resourceful fellow.”
“I have given him an outline of our recent meeting and he will be docking at Divisions tomorrow.”
So they would have Scaba the Septen, alien extraordinaire, as Paul tagged him. Septens, who are born with telepathy abilities and a photographic mind, can absorb enormous amounts of knowledge and would be more than worth having around. Out of all their allies, he should be able to help with the Trimadian ship.
Perhaps they may even be able to track down and extract Sataal, steal some Zymergy and fly back.
Scaba could be the advantage they need.
Chapter 33—Homer & Denver