The United Federation Vessel INFERON was one of three machines designed to provide a fast and powerful first line of defense within a federation of worlds numbering in the thousands. Its genetically prepared crew trained from birth for a lifetime of serv

THE Enlightenment of INFERON

By Steve Denton

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 Steve Denton
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4772-1112-0

Contents

Preface.............................................viiPrologue: Children Of The Sky.......................xiiiCh 1: Thirteen billion years........................1Ch 2: Anasec........................................12Ch 3: Membership....................................18Ch 4: Queen Arean...................................27Ch 5: The tip of the spear..........................35Ch 6: Coffee........................................47Ch 7: Mr. Iss.......................................52Ch 8: The science of supernovae.....................62Ch 9: Left reflections..............................67Ch 10: Reflections right............................71Ch 11: Reflections in time..........................74Ch 12: The search for meaning.......................80Ch 13: Urianaz......................................85Ch 14: Polyemetic memories..........................89Ch 15: Tribal watch.................................98Ch 16: Sands of emptiness...........................105Ch 17: Contact......................................110Ch 18: The visitor..................................115Ch 19: Programmed incentive.........................119Ch 20: Faith........................................123Ch 21: CIMDI........................................127Ch 22: Guardians discourse..........................131Ch 23: Computational emotion........................138Ch 24: Old federation...............................143Ch 25: The path.....................................147Ch 26: Family.......................................152Ch 27: Predatory things.............................160Ch 28: Days of Urian................................166Ch 29: Solemn ground................................171Ch 30: New federation...............................177Ch 31: The stars....................................180Ch 32: Future history...............................184About the Author....................................187

Chapter One

Thirteen billion years

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." Unesco

In the captains chair aboard the flagship Paquet Commander Iss took a rare moment to relax. The exercises were over. The Paquet and its fleet of support vessels completed yet another training mission where they successfully located and eliminated several simulated rouge pirate frigates. Once the assessment and debriefing of the exercise was complete and the appropriate reports filed, they would move on to their next assignment.

Before he could let his mind wander too far from his duty as the ships captain the information console chimed. He leaned a bit closer to the device.

With a sigh he spoke, "accept transmission."

Moments later the new message appeared. He knew its general content before he read it. His mind drifted for a moment to all that transpired to put this message on his monitor. He knew changes as big as the ones sure to come were a long time in the making, but now they were upon him. He'd been apprehensive about his world joining the federation since the first debate on the subject years ago. During the political process that ensued, he attended numerous meetings on the subject of joining the United Federation of Worlds and participated with both comment and opinion for the record. His opinion differed from that of the political leaders though. Their motivation centered on political and economic matters. His was more concerned with preserving peace and defending his world from the aggressive acts of others. As far as he was concerned, his world managed to remain free without any outside help.

Commander Iss's priorities formed early in his life. Having grown up with a father and a grandfather who were both generals in their time, Asun Iss adopted many of their attitudes and opinions at an early age. All through his time at the academy and the service to his world that followed, he believed simple adherence to a defined set of laws and the application of military strategies were enough. It wasn't as though politics were unknown or unimportant to him, in fact he understood them quite well. It was just that they were secondary to the greater value he found in practical and simple logic. Acts of aggression were just that, acts of aggression. No amount of political maneuvering would ever revive the dead or evaporate a single drop of spilled blood.

His "keep politics and emotion out of the mission objective" attitude had served him well through two wars, several military police actions, and numerous negotiations. As a result, a career that began as an inexperienced navigation lieutenant matured into that of the seasoned military commander who was now Lead Commander of the Anasec space defense contingent.

Nevertheless, his military point of view was only one of many. His government and his world had its own list. High on that list was the fact that over the last few decades several of the worlds Anasec traded with became members of the United Federation of Worlds. With their alliance came lopsided trade agreements and preferences resulting from higher taxes and tariffs on non-member worlds such as Anasec. It wasn't as though the federation intended to manipulate or pressure outside worlds like his into their coalition but the cost of doing business as a non member was nonetheless expensive.

Another factor they considered was the fact that the Anasec system was located on the fringe of a very large volume of space controlled by it. With federation worlds on one side and the vast unknown on the other Anasec finally made its choice. As Commander Iss prepared to read the transmission, his world was in the last stages of a lengthy and complex agreement. He couldn't quite put a finger on what it was that made him uneasy. "After all the federation had no history of violence other than to defend itself. Maybe it was simply `change' that made him feel that way," he thought. He trusted, no, he hoped the high council understood what they were doing. Because history was filled with examples of political decisions both good and bad. Unfortunately, the bad ones often tended to drag the military into senseless and bloody conflicts.

The transmission on his monitor was a response to questions the Anasec Central Government Council posed regarding the mysterious "superships" the federation claimed guaranteed peace. He'd heard rumors and unofficial reports regarding them but had never seen one, not even a holographic image of one. With them, the federation promised protection allegedly from any aggressor. Considering them from the standpoint of a career military mind Commander Iss wanted a copy of the report, not just to satisfy his curiosity but also to assess their military implication.

He reclined in his command chair scanning the stars through the windows. "Peaceful," he thought. "Quiet, just as it should be." Around the bridge, his command crew went about their duties. To his left were the scanning and science teams. To his right the weapon systems officers, communications, and environmental monitors. Just below his forward view were the navigation and tactical analysis crew. Beyond them, the transparent beryllium windows provided a magnificent view of space. The thousands of others busily doing their assigned tasks aboard his ship also crossed his mind. For a while, he could afford the luxury of some time to read the report. Eyeing the cup of purple liquid sitting on his console, he reached out and took it feeling its warmth with his three-fingered hand. Derf was a tasty beverage made from the fermented larvae of Derfenisa beetles. It had a mild aroma especially when consumed hot. He brought it to his lips savoring a sip of its pleasant flavor as he began to read ...

United Federation of Worlds, High Council Report on: United Federation Vessel INFERON Coordinated date: 110414

Subject:

Reply to requested information regarding Inferon class federation vessels to prospective member planetary system Anasec.

Specific to your request, non-classified general answers to questions regarding federation "Iclass" vessels are provided. Although all three vessels, (Westix, Sagin, and Inferon) are similar in design, function, and capability, this correspondence is specific to the newest and most advanced;

United Federation Vessel INFERON.

The data contained herein is compartmentalized to the following;

Why was it built? Who designed and built it? What is its crew contingent? What is its mission? What are its capabilities? Summary

Why was it built?

The United Federation of Worlds is an organization consisting of more than 5500 individual participant systems and myriads of outposts and settlements, most of which coexist peacefully with one another. These worlds reside within a roughly elliptical volume within the habitable zone centered approximately 50,000 light years from the galactic nucleus. Its own autonomous government governs each individual system. The United Federation of Worlds provides for the common defense of all systems from outside "alien" invasion, establishes and enforces mutually agreed civil rights, resolves planetary disputes, and negotiates trade agreement policies. The defensive component consists of significant fleets of interstellar vessels and standing armies capable of controlling entire planetary systems.

Deployment of fleet and logistical support resources has been historically slow by comparison to the speed of conflict. Therefore, a first line defense capability became necessary. Three vessels were designed and built for this purpose. These vessels are equipped with advanced capabilities that are intended to be first on scene and formidable enough to slow down even the most well armed and determined aggressor. They function in conjunction with federal fleet resources and report directly to the UFW Central Command Complex located at the world Urianaz.

Who designed and built it?

The UFV Inferon was designed by some of the most brilliant minds from more than five hundred of the most advanced worlds of the federation. It is therefore a collective product of the United Federation of Worlds itself. Every was detail painstakingly developed by the most advanced technology available. The computer system was built first and would become the central component. This "self-aware" cybernetic intelligent computer could reason, therefore it could also participate in design and construction. Significantly advanced sub system capabilities were designed and incorporated under its guidance. Many thousands of scientists, engineers, technicians, and multitudes of specialized androids participated in the construction of these vessels.

What is its crew contingent?

Despite its size and capability, the crew consists of seventy living beings and the cybernetic computer system. Since the entire 3.2 billion bases and 35,000 associated genes of the easily manipulated human genome were mapped centuries before, the human species was chosen to be the model for this vessel. Adjustments to the appropriate A-T-G and C base pairs were performed to remove all possible genetic diseases and abnormalities. Adjustments were also made to enhance physical and mental capabilities necessary for the lifetime task of each individual.

Education and training for each unique crew began shortly after birth and continued to the point of "insertion" into the machines where they will spend the rest of their natural lives. A lifetime for these individuals is based on statistical probability with a standard deviation centered at approximately 700 earth years. The "retirement" of the crew will necessitate decommission and dismantle of the vessel if newer technology warrants or replacement of the crew with a new one if it does not.

What is its mission?

Defense:

The primary mission objective is to defend United Federation of Worlds members from aggression, internal or external. It is a device intended to provide an overwhelmingly powerful first line defense in response to acts of aggression in advance of federal fleet forces.

Mediation:

Providing the platform for mediation between systems in conflict the crew and computer system can be utilized as an ambassador of peace whose purpose is to avoid or put an end to destructive, hostile actions.

Science:

Its physical capabilities in conjunction with state of the art technology provide the platform by which new discoveries can be studied from a vantage point closer and in finer detail than many of the most advanced science vessels. Data from these discoveries is freely distributed and shared among all participating member systems within the federation.

What are its capabilities?

Propulsion:

The UFV Inferon utilizes both NS and ZS propulsion systems.

Normal space propulsion (NS engines):

NS engines operate in three dimensional "3dim" space and propel the vessel to within .995 light speed. Acceleration in 3dim space exceeds 160,000 feet per second per second (approx 5000 earth g's). 90-degree course changes at full NS speed is accomplished in less than 2 seconds per turn.

Hyperdrive (ZS engines):

ZS engines operate in zero dimensional "Zdim" space and commonly produce warped space hyperjumps of 5,000 light year distances with longer jump capabilities if needed.

Defensive armament:

The exterior hull is formed as a single crystal polydiametic solid metallic lattice. There are no exterior doors, ports, or other access to the interior. All transfer of matter in or out of these vessels is via matter-energy transporters. The general shape and dimension is approximately 7 miles long x 3 miles wide x 1 mile.

In addition to the physical hull, a classified number of force field shields surround the entire vessel. These shields are independently phased to confuse or block any incoming projectile, plasma, or energy weapon. The shields also function as energy absorbing sinks. Energy absorbed during an attack can be redirected into its own systems.

Offensive armament:

Weapon systems are incorporated for a wide variety of applications:

Close order, small targets:

Pulsed laser, and focused plasma can be targeted against numerous targets simultaneously.

Simultaneous target numbers and individual pulsed laser and plasma energies are classified.

Targeting is accurate to 99.95%.

Large targets, hardened vessels, and planetary bases:

High-energy plasma and "knife energy" weapons can be utilized to vaporize large targets or to cut them into smaller pieces. The knife energy beam has an adjustable width and involves matter disruption energies.

Planetary scale or very large military armadas:

Antimatter launch systems are available for deployment against very large targets or military installations. These systems produce antimatter with minimum quantities under an ounce and maximum quantities large enough to produce a planetary destabilization event. The antimatter core is protected by strong deflection fields and can be steered during transit.

Information and communication systems:

Internal:

The cybernetic intelligent computer system is the primary information-processing device. It is a massive multi level neural net processor designed around molecular polyemetic crystal lattice core technology. It is capable of high order reasoning, emotion emulation, and internal-external multi task functions. It is a sentient self-aware, synthetic life form, and a member of the crew. It is capable of interaction on a mental "pseudo telepathic" level utilizing beta wave modulators. Hence the acronym CIMDI; Cybernetic Intelligent Mental Direct Interconnect. The specific technology remains classified.

Anything CIMDI sees or senses with its myriad of sensors can be mentally conveyed into the mind of the captain and leading members of the crew. Those crewmembers can also mentally convey information and instructions to the CIMDI system.

External:

The UFV Inferon utilizes both 3com and Zcom communication systems.

Local:

Three-dimensional communications "3com" is utilized in close proximity.

Interstellar:

Zero dimensional communications "Zcom" is utilized for interstellar communication.

Person to person:

External personal communications are conducted via the Hypercybergenic form generator system (HCG for short). This system is similar to an old style transporter except that it creates a replica of the user at a remote location. Through the CIMDI system, the user "projects" him/her self mentally into the HCG form and experience all five senses as if physically present. Anything the HCG form experiences the user experiences (with the exception of pain or death). This feature is of particular use during negotiations. The CIMDI system automatically translates language allowing the user to communicate in his/her native language. The HCG form communicates in the indigenous language.

Misc communications:

The CIMDI system has the ability to scan the computer system on an aggressor vessel regardless of its protection systems. Information obtained in this way is used first to alleviate hostility, second to disable, shut down, or take control of the aggressor, and lastly to determine weakness.

Constant communication is maintained between all three "Iclass" vessels and the master system located at the central command complex on Urianaz via Zcom. Since the master system and all CIMDI systems are in perpetual contact, no decision of any importance is made on an independent level.

Maintenance and upgrades:

The General Systems Specialists direct maintenance functions that can't be handled by the CIMDI system directly. Via specialized function androids, the Inferon can repair or "heal" itself. Replacement components are automatically upgraded to the latest design advancement.

Misc. systems and functions:

Navigation systems:

These systems contain a complete database of every known celestial body. Updated on a real time basis to account for known velocity and gravitational interaction, navigation to a specific point in close proximity to moving celestial bodies is extremely accurate.

Science platform:

A wide variety of advanced observation, measuring, and testing systems analyze all forms of physical phenomena as well as coordinate, organize, and disseminate scientific observations and data.

Summary:

The United Federation Vessel INFERON is one of three most powerful and versatile devices within the federation. Only the fastest ships exceed its speed and maneuverability. Its CIMDI controlled armament is unmatched. Its defensive hull and associated shielding make it nearly impenetrable.

The intent of these is to protect United Federation of Worlds member systems from all aggressors. To date this strategy has been an effective tool for deterrence. In most cases, the arrival of one of these vessels has been sufficient to alleviate hostility. In the rare case where aggression was attempted the power of one or more of these vessels was brought to bear and efficiently ended the conflict.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from THE Enlightenment of INFERONby Steve Denton Copyright © 2012 by Steve Denton. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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