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Order of the Phoenix
Order of the Phoenix
Order of the Phoenix
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Order of the Phoenix

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A small object far out beyond Jupiter is determined to be a rogue comet headed on a course to hit Earth. The best chance to stop it is to finish a new ship, Jupiter 2, with the new style engines and collector systems. However the engines and supporting collectors are in doubt because they were used on the Lith. And after three months of searching the fate of the Lith is still unknown.

JD, supported by Tod, Jorgi, and Fos in the Light Speed must find the Lith and determine if the engines or collector systems caused it to be lost. Order of the Phoenix tracks JD and his crew as they determine the fate of the Lith, construct a new Jupiter 2 and voyage out to do battle with the massive comet.

During a return trip to find out why the Comet, now parked in the Hammered Belt, is venting steam they learn we are not alone in our Galaxy. We have Neighbors. However, the newly met neighbors relate to the research team that they have a huge problem they hope we can help them solve.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherPens Ink
Release dateMay 9, 2017
ISBN9781370579471
Order of the Phoenix
Author

Bob Winter

Bob was employed as a Field Service Engineer, Design Engineer, and Training Manager for a number of material handling manufacturing and service corporations for many years. From those positions Bob, along with his wife, forged careers for themselves developing training programs as consultants. With hundreds of training programs, service manuals, vehicle system designs to their credit they are now retired. Still yearning to write they continue their team work writing for fun in their first fiction series, L.S. 1.

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    Book preview

    Order of the Phoenix - Bob Winter

    L.S. 1

    Book 2

    Order of the Phoenix

    By

    Bob and Penny Winter

    Copyright 2017 Bob and Penny Winter

    Published by Pens Ink

    Smashwords Edition

    Smashwords Edition License Notes

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased four your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    This book is fiction

    Other than references to historic persons, locations, and events any resemblance to any person or persons is accidental and unintended.

    Table of Contents

    Title Page

    Chapter 1 – The Fate of the Lith

    Chapter 2 – The Search for the Lith

    Chapter 3 – Biological Hazard

    Chapter 4 – Comet S.G. 101

    Chapter 5 – The Voyage Out

    Chapter 6 – How to Stop a Comet

    Chapter 7 – Salvation and Celebration

    Chapter 8 - Honeymoon

    Chapter 9 – Moving Forward

    Chapter 10 – Phantom Ship

    Epilogue

    Authors

    Also Available

    Still To Come

    Chapter 1

    The Fate of the Lith

    A few days after a great welcome home family and friends dinner at the Norsman farm, JD visited his Uncle Burt at his home early one evening. He put his ancestors old wind up navigation chronograph pocket watch in Burt’s hand so he could open and look at it. Burt looked more than a bit surprised. When did you last set this?

    It was set the evening before we went off in the Light Speed. Meg helped me open the orb and this was in it. We set it together and made sure it matched both our new style digital watches. We wanted to be sure it still worked. And it does. I have continued to watch it since we returned.

    Who else knows of this?

    Only my crew and Meg.

    We always knew some difference would be encountered, but not this extreme. This chronograph only indicates two weeks and here on Earth two months went by. A four to one time difference was not even considered. Our calculations are not even in the ball park.

    Yes, Burt and we were only about two light years out for a short time. From what I can calculate we may find time differences even more extreme if we voyage further into open deep space away from planets. We may even find places where time as we know it seems to stand still.

    Burt sat down easily and just looked at the old watch for a minute. Yes, we seem to have a lot to learn now that we can travel out and experience deep space first hand. Meg still thinks your delay in returning is her fault you know.

    Well Burt, we sort of resolved that problem in our own way the last few evenings. She told me about asking Gib to help keep me safe. And both you and I know he would not do anything to endanger anyone.

    Well JD, what did happen to the Light Speed?

    We experienced a double failure on four critical navigation control boards. I had some spares in a secure location in case we did experience any tampering. I thought it possible not every person involved in building the ship would share our interest in a successful light speed ship. I examined the failed boards, but could not verify they were tampered with due to the amount of damage. But it was unusual for the main boards and back up boards to fail identically. My spare boards worked fine when installed.

    So the Light Speed is operational at this time?

    Very much so.

    Burt gave JD a slight grin. And that emergency landing at the farm?

    Well Burt, we had an added minor problem in flight that I was able to repair after we landed.

    Burt’s grin widened to a smile. It was rather fortunate you were headed toward the farm at that exact time.

    JD looked Burt eye to eye and matched his grin to avoid any misunderstanding. Yes, that was quite a coincidence wasn’t it?

    Well I know you had something specific in mind or you would have waited until Meg had some time to come with you. Out with it son.

    JD took a deep calming breath. Uncle Burt we need to go out and try to find Gib and his crew. I know it has been nearly three months now, but according to my calculations they should be reachable if we can use the Light Speed. And as you and I now both know, time for them is going much slower. They should be fine if the Lith is not totally destroyed.

    We in the Admiralty share your concern. But they may have already perished and funds for continued rescue efforts are not be available. The ships we sent out came back after a month out looking without any sign of the Lith.

    We have an added problem as well. My crew is off with their families and I do not have the heart to ask them to further risk their lives on a second voyage into the unknown. Besides if something did happen I would like to have my team here on Earth to help build and test more ships so this technology does not get lost.

    Burt’s expression changed to concern. Well now that is a problem. So far every test pilot and navigator still thinks the Light Speed is a death trap. The few that know of your voyage asked me to never ask them again to pilot that silly looking thing.

    Not all Burt, cousin Tod and his friends from 25, Jorgi and Fos, approached me at the dinner and said if I ever needed their help don’t hesitate to ask. As you know they are experienced and seem almost fearless in the face of danger.

    Well I will not promise anything. But I will first contact Senator Maylor, and then I will approach the committee. Hopefully we can work out something.

    JD added as he was leaving. Thanks Uncle Burt. I have not mentioned this to Meg so she will not get her hopes up if we do not get approval. And I know she does not like the idea of me going out in space again.

    Sammie, dressed in a comfortable lightweight highly flowered smock, walked slowly up the loading ramp of the shuttle that would take her to the LIth. A stern looking seaman met her with a disapproving manner. Mam, this is a military flight only. Tourists need to go to bay five down the hall. And, I might add, the large amount of luggage you seem to be wanting to take with you is never allowed on space flights.

    Trying to be helpful he added. You may want to go back home and call your travel agent and determine the maximum amount of luggage permitted.

    Young man, please look at this. She handed him the authorization from Admiral Karuk. Then she added. My name is Sarena, please don’t call me Mam.

    My apologies Sarena please proceed.

    "And young man my luggage should be stored very carefully. It is most important. A lady should never go on a voyage without her knitting.

    Yes Sarena, but three very large steamer trunks full!

    It could be a very long voyage. Come to think of it, perhaps I should have brought more.

    Welcome aboard Sarena. You have seat Six A.

    Sammie hesitated briefly looking back at the young seaman. Now don’t forget my luggage!

    Yes, I will see to it.

    Several hours later Commander Resul met Sammie as she exited the shuttle and entered the Lith. Welcome Sammie, the gate guard told me to expect you."

    Yes commander he was very careful to not allow any tourists to enter. Please pardon my appearance I like to travel in comfortable clothes. The commission is very interested in a full report on how the Lith performs. I will try to avoid getting in the way of any crewmembers and will only observe.

    Of course, please allow me to escort you to your quarters. Later I will give you a tour of the ship if you wish.

    That would be splendid. Please do have someone find my luggage and take good care of it. I just cannot take a voyage without my knitting. My hands long for something to do on these trips you know.

    Commander Resul escorted Sammie to her quarters via the pods traveling through transfer tubes. At her quarters he apologized for the lack of comfortable amenities, but he made certain she had one of the few larger quarters in hopes she would be comfortable.

    Oh, you needn’t fret too much over me. I have seen just about all the cramped and uncomfortable quarters imaginable. As long as I have room for my knitting and me I will be cozy as a kitten in a yarn basket. This will be just fine.

    A few hours later the luggage was still apparently lost and Sammie set out on her own to find it. After a few wrong choices in the transfer pods she wound up in the storage hold where all the extra gear, dry goods and crew personal items were stored. She immediately began moving between secured stacks of boxes, palletized skids of goods, and even climbed up on a couple of larger stacks. But, her trunks were not to be found. A crewmember came in to get some items and was surprised to find her looking around. Sarena described her trunks and their importance to her. They looked together for a while until a third member came in. And now there were three. After a few more minutes another crewman arrived. And now there were four looking around and checking the entire inventory. Still the trunks remained lost. Finally tired and frustrated Sammie thanked each of them and transferred back to her quarters.

    Commander Resul met her with an invitation to dine and take a tour of the Lith. Smiling a bit he told her. We can locate your lost Lith luggage later.

    Sammie paused and smiled. Well that was certainly a mouth full Commander!"

    It just sort of rolled off my tongue. I did not intend to make light of the situation and I am sure your luggage made the transfer. Besides we do not leave until tomorrow at 07:00 hours. It will be found.

    Sammie found the ship to be constructed just as she had determined by examining the data files. The command habitat was up toward the bow, recreation and kitchen habitat was next followed in turn by the crew quarters and finally the supply hold habitat was in front of the engines and technical module. And like all new Navy ships the outer hull was sealed and pressurized. All systems were working efficiently and the ship felt secure and stable.

    Even the cafeteria was mostly stark with bare walls of mild colors but well lit. The chairs were comfortable and the meal was more than she expected. Sammie sent her compliments to the chef.

    Now more comfortable with moving about the ship she thanked the commander for his company during the meal and left by herself to return to her quarters. She found two of her trunks by the door to her quarters. One had a latch popped open but other wise it looked fine. As she looked around she heard a noise from above. The escape hatch opened and the third trunk slowly began lowering down as if by itself. Instinctively Sammie stood under the trunk and helped support the weight from below.

    A young sounding male voice said. Thank you who ever you are. This thing is very heavy.

    Between the two of them they lowered the trunk. Finally a young sailor emerged from above holding his pants up as best he could with one hand. His belt was attached to the handle of the last trunk.

    Sarena retrieved his belt and handed it to him. Thanks, he said. That was the only way I could get these up and back down through the emergency escape hatches.

    Why is that?

    Well Mam, they are a little too big to fit into any of the transfer pods. The commander made it very clear these must be delivered to this location. I did my best. It was easy moving them along out in the zero gravity of the outer hull. But lifting them up and then lowering them back down into the habitats was a challenge. It took me a long time.

    Well sailor, do not fret about it. They are here now and safe. Call me Sammie my family and all my friends do.

    The young sailor helped Sammie move the trunks into her quarters. Once inside she immediately opened them and found all in order.

    The sailor could not resist. Yarn and knitting needles Sammie. That is the last thing I would have expected to see in them.

    Oh young man, the uses for yarn can never be underestimated. I find knitting very rewarding and relaxing. I never voyage without my knitting. And the things I have been able to make never stop amazing even me.

    After he left Sammie buzzed Commander Resul to let him know her luggage had arrived in good shape the voyage could depart according to schedule. Thank you Sammie I had confidence they would show up.

    Actually they came down not up. Your young man had to deliver them down through the overhead emergency hatches. I will have to talk the engineers about the size of the transfer pods.

    Yes, perhaps they are a bit small. An increase in size might be a good improvement. I will note it on the log. Will we see you for breakfast and our early morning send off?

    Why yes. I would not miss it. - - Oh yes, speaking about down. Your young man had to use his belt to lower the trunks and nearly lost his pants. Don’t you have any ropes or lines on this ship?

    Actually no, Sammie, this is the modern Navy. We have everything modularized and tied down with clamps, fixtures, and job specific netting. The days of ropes and lines are gone forever.

    The next morning after a delightful breakfast Sammie, dressed in one of her signature light cotton smocks, sat quietly in the corner of the Lith Command Center. The crewmembers wore dress uniforms ready for the big send off. Cameras in the com were focused on Commander Resul. He quietly ordered. Ship all panels.

    The helmsman responded as he worked the controls. Shipping panels Sir.

    Outside at the nose of the ship all the solar and hydrogen collectors quickly retreated into the nose cone leaving a clean front to the long sleek looking ship.

    All on board listened to the speeches broadcast from the Earth. They watched intently as the ship was christened and the bow cleaned by the autonomous drones. Moments later Commander Resul broke the on-board com silence. Navy ship Lith requesting clearance to depart.

    Admiral Karuk watching in the Navy Theater on Earth responded. Permission granted. Safe voyage to you and your crew Commander.

    Commander Resul acknowledged the permission clearly ordering the departure commands for all in the theater at the Navy base to hear. Deploy solar and hydrogen panels.

    Panels deployed Sir.

    Once more the array quickly opened.

    All ahead slow.

    Again the helmsman responded. Ahead slow Sir.

    The ion engines began to glow dimly. The great ship slowly began to move as the tugs quickly move away and parked.

    Ahead one third.

    The helmsman moved the engine controls forward. One third Sir.

    Instantly the ion engines lit brightly and the ship began accelerating away.

    In one com display the crew saw the audience stand up and applaud. In moments the view faded. Next the Earth faded as well. The Earth slowly became a spec of light as the ship moved out toward Polaris.

    For the next few days testing went according to established methods. Accelerate for eight hours. Cruise for eight hours and then decelerate for eight hours to a full stop. All data was transferred via live data link to the Navy Base on Earth. Commander Resul was careful to stay within communications range.

    Sammie was often present in the command center or the cafeteria. She always had some knitting with her. The project seemed to be a circle type throw rug or perhaps as one crewmember commented. That looks like a very nice small rug to step out of the shower and dry off on.

    Yes it does, doesn’t it? Sammie replied, and kept on knitting.

    Sammie kept on watching and knitting. Finally she sent a message to Admiral Karuk on his secure line about some minor vibrations and some lights she witnessed in the distance that seemed to be moving along with the Lith. Commander Resul was now going to test the ship at eighty percent power. And Sammie was now getting a bit nervous. She sat in her quarters with her hands on the wall feeling the ship’s mood. To her it was not good. Finally she determined it was time to make an appearance in the com center and have a talk with Commander Resul. The Lith was now accelerating under seventy percent power heading toward eighty and she was beginning to feel dangerous vibrations in the hull. She hurried to the command center. But she was too late to talk to the Commander. Just before she arrived the massive ship shuddered and a great noise echoed through every shaft and bulkhead, nook and cranny. She could feel instant rotation of the ship as it started to spin in space. Thankfully the transfer pod continued to operate. After a few seconds that felt like minutes to her the transfer pod opened. She slipped out of her smock and stepped out of the pod in time to hear Commander Resul issue a firm order. Full reverse, NOW!

    Before the helmsman could react, Sammie countered with her own command. AS YOU WERE! HELMSMAN DO NOT TOUCH THAT THROTTLE!

    Everyone in the command center froze in place. They all looked to see who issued that order. They saw the now fully uniformed Navy Admiral Sammie with her medium length dark brown hair accenting her powerful jaw line. Her now menacing brown eyes and increased height in wedged shoes gave her an impressive appearance that fully complimented her orders.

    My God! exclaimed one member.

    No, I’m only an Admiral sailor. But you all need to listen. She handed a sheet of paper to Commander Resul with her orders from the commission and high command signed by Admiral Karuk. The orders clearly stating she could assume command if needed.

    Commander Resul stood in a bit of shock. He remained quiet and read the Admirals orders.

    Sammie assumed command at least for the moment. Helmsman sixty percent power.

    Sixty percent.

    A few minutes later. Helmsman fifty percent power.

    Fifty percent.

    This she continued until finally she ordered. Engines off.

    Engines off Admiral.

    She turned to the Commander and motioned for him to follow her. Commander we need to talk.

    They left the com and went to an adjoining small room. Closing the door, she leveled with the commander. Commander Resul you may not agree but it is my opinion you were about to make the worst decision of your career.

    Why is that, we hit something and I was about to back away from it.

    Commander if we had hit something we would be space dust right now. What happened is the front of the Lith is somehow severely damaged. Something came loose. Didn’t you feel the vibrations?

    Yes, but the engineers assured me the ship would not come apart and any vibrations would pass as the ship transitioned from one speed to the next phase. Sort of like going through the sound barrier.

    They were wrong, and the ship is now broken. Hopefully we can survive until we get some help. Were we headed toward Earth or away on that run?

    Away, why?

    Then we are undoubtedly drifting farther away. We stopped the engines, but we did not reverse to achieve full stop.

    You’re right of course. Why did you counter my order? It could have stopped us.

    "It would have torn

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