Chapter 167 (1/2)

Galileo

As the first of the Copernicus class to venture outside of the Milky Way galaxy, the crew of the Galileo counted themselves lucky. This mission it was hoped would be the first of many voyages of discovery into the universe. What had brought the Galileo so far out into a semi hostile galaxy? Nothing less than the opportunity to study a binary star system. While binary systems could easily be found within the Milky Way, this system was rare. Orbiting one another in not an elliptical path but a circular one, were two red dwarf stars.

For several days, the jubilant astrophysicists aboard the Galileo had scanned the twin stars intently. Orbital characteristics, radiation field fluctuation, and magnetic variance were all studied. Long range sensors were also utilized to study the effects these twin stars had on the development of the system as a whole. This opportunity was what dreams were made of for an aspiring astrophysicist.

Sitting on the bridge in his captains chair, rested Colonel Victor Gayle. A career Air Force officer, Gayle had long ago been seconded to NASA as a member of the shuttle program. During his two weeks as a shuttle mission commander, Gayle had thought he had seen the zenith of his career. Little did he suspect that a few short years later he would find himself in command of the Galileo. His childhood dream now come to life, Gayle counted himself as the luckiest of men.

As the Galileo was not a warship, her crew was composed of scientists and military officers long posted to NASA. The normal manning levels found on warsh.i.p.s of the Tauri fleet was not present here. Instead of a team of sensor operators maintaining a vigilant watch over the space around them, this duty along with control of defensive systems fell to the shipboard AI. Following in the footsteps of the ship Galileo was pattered after, this AI like that found on Destiny, interacted with the crew via a visual avatar.

Unlike the avatar found aboard the Copernicus class vessel Carl Sagan, the Galileo's avatar did not resemble its namesake. Instead, this avatar was a tall and thin man of dark hair and eyes, with pale skin always ready to display a vibrant smile. Clothed in an image identical to the flight suit worn by the sh.i.p.s crew, Galileo constantly stood guard over those in his care. Appearing on the bridge, Galileo's presence was quickly noted by Colonel Gayle.

”What can I do for you Galileo?” Gayle asked.

”Colonel, my sensors have detected a fleet of three vessels entering the solar system. One Hive and two cruisers are present. They are currently six hundred thousand kilometers from our position.” Galileo informed his captain.

”Power the weapons!” Gayle ordered nervously.

”Colonel, you are aware that control of all defensive systems falls under my purview. I did not notify you of the fleet's arrival to seek instructions. I simply thought it polite to do so.” Galileo responded briskly.

Bringing up a holographic display screen, Galileo made clear the developing tactical picture. Two minutes later, the sudden departure of the Hive was noted. Seeing the two cruisers remain behind, no question as to what would happen next existed. On the screen, the two red triangles representing the cruisers gained speed and began to close in on the Galileo's current position. Analyzing the developing tactical situation and weighing against the enemy being faced, Galileo quickly formulated multiple defensive scenario's.