NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22 - Terms of Engagement
By the end of the first week, the Triumph of Darron had found its rhythm. The initial excitement of the FTL drive had settled into the comfortable monotony of deep space travel, and everyone had carved out their piece of the ship's routine.
Ryan and Chris had spent the better part of three days crawling through every access panel and maintenance shaft, emerging occasionally with grease-stained uniforms and satisfied grins. "Fusion reactor's purring like a kitten," Ryan had announced during one morning briefing, wiping his hands on a rag. "Generator's operating at peak efficiency, electrical bus is clean across all systems. We've got energy to spare."
That had been the big worry, whether their jerry-rigged modifications would hold up under the stress of the three-week puddle jump. But the ship was running smoother than any of them had dared hope.
The FTL drive hummed its constant, barely perceptible note through the hull, a sound that had become as familiar as breathing. Zoe reported their progress with the satisfaction of someone whose calculations were proving flawless. "We're making excellent time," she'd say, fingers dancing across her navigation console. "At this rate, we'll reach Alpha Centauri two days ahead of schedule."
The ship's gym had become the unofficial gathering spot, scheduling conflicts growing more common by the day. Chris practically lived there, and even Luca found himself gravitating toward the weights when nervous energy needed an outlet.
Danny had claimed the ship's three laboratories as his personal kingdom. Every instrument labeled, every sample catalogued, every surface arranged and organized. He'd emerge periodically with data readings about their journey through subspace, eager to share theories with anyone who'd listen. "The distortion patterns are absolutely fascinating," he'd say to whoever happened to be passing.
And Luca? Luca had made himself scarce.
He'd thrown himself into maintenance schedules, inventory checks, and a dozen other tasks that kept him anywhere but the bridge because the bridge was where Emily spent most of her time, working alongside Zoe on navigation updates and whatever mysterious XO duties filled her days. And after that night in the observation lounge, he wasn't sure he trusted himself around her.
Luca sat at the head of the table, staring at the mission charter as if their lives depended on it. Which, in a way, they did. He could feel the tension in his shoulders, a familiar weight these days, a constant reminder that time was slipping through their fingers like sand.
"Alright," Luca began, his voice steady, cutting through the low hum of the ship. It was a role he was still growing into, one he hoped would feel less like a performance with time. "Four weeks down, we'll be at Alpha Centauri in one week. That gives us just over three months to get the survey done before we have to haul ass back to Sol."
"That's cutting it close," Emily said without looking up from her laptop. She was the very definition of efficiency, taking notes throughout the meeting. It was a trait he found distracting in the best way, not that he'd ever admit it, especially not with Joey and Danny at the table.
Danny, ever the scientist, leaned back in his chair, adjusting his glasses. "It's not just the time. The UER wants a full system map, the IFC is salivating over potential resource exploitation, and then there's the whole 'search for alien life' mandate. It's a huge list." He wasn't wrong.
"Let's not forget that we're balls deep in debt to the IFC," Joey, ever the voice of doom, chimed in. "Three hundred million deep, just to be clear."
Yeah, Joey, I know the numbers, Luca thought, resisting the urge to tell him to shut up. The reminder was like a stone in his gut. He rubbed his eyes, pushing back the pressure.
"Exactly. The payouts are there, but we have to be fast and efficient." Luca said. "The charter mentions bonuses for 'strategic resource identification.' So, any high-value asteroids or unusual minerals, we tag them. No screwing around."
Emily tapped her screen, pulling up a new data set. "The habitable zone analysis has the big payout," she confirmed. "Five hundred million for a habitable world, two hundred more for a bio-compatible atmosphere. That's our main target."
The numbers echoed in Luca's head. Cash money. That's what this was all about. It was the language everyone understood. He hoped she did, too.
Danny nodded, frowning. "But what if there are no planets to even consider? The charter still requires us to document any planetary bodies, even barren rocks. We still need to grab core samples, scan for life signs, artifacts…" His voice trailed off, the scope of the task hanging in the air.
Luca leaned forward, gesturing to the main screen where the charter details were shown. "We've got the satellites, the probes, the whole shebang. Everything we need is right here. We just need to have our deployment strategy locked down so we can jump into action the moment we arrive." He felt Emily's presence beside him, a steady warmth that made it difficult to focus on his own words.
"That's what we've been doing," Danny's voice was a bit too sharp for the morning brief.
Luca held up a hand, a placating gesture meant to prevent a lecture. "I know, I know. I'm just saying we deploy instantly. Probes out for planetary surveys, start analyzing for energy signatures, grab core samples where the charter indicates. Plan the orbits, grab the data, and move on."
Emily raised an eyebrow, giving him that look. The one that said, You're oversimplifying, but I'll let you continue. "Luca, you can't half-ass this. The charter is very specific about the 'comprehensive mapping' and the 'alien lifeform detection' protocols. We need to follow procedure. This is our only shot."
She was right. Annoyingly right.
"I'm not saying to half-ass it," he retorted, his temper starting to simmer. He caught himself, forcing his tone back to neutral. He was the captain; he couldn't afford to be defensive. "I'm saying we have to be sharp. No wasted effort. We don't have time for screw-ups. If we plan carefully, we can do this fast and right."
Even as he said it, he knew it was a gamble. He was so aware of her sitting beside him that it was hard to keep his thoughts straight. As if sensing his rising frustration, a light nudge from her foot met his under the table. It was barely there, but it was enough to notice, to cut through his irritation.
Danny sighed, a sound of pure scientific weariness. "Concise and thorough don't always work together, Luca. You can't 'optimize' science."
And damn it, the scientist had a point.
"Look, Danny," Luca said, leaning forward again, this time trying to project sincerity. "I know you're the brains on this. I trust your process. But three months isn't a lot of time when we're dealing with three stars and God knows what else. We have to prioritize the charter objectives first."
He opened the file again, the dreaded charter, its dense text a map of their potential success or failure. Emily had likely memorized half of it already. Luca, on the other hand, focused on the numbers. The ones that would either make them rich or leave them stranded.
INTERSTELLAR FRONTIER COMPANY
Official Memorandum
To: Command Staff, Triumph of Darron
From: United Earth Republic, Office of Interstellar Oversight
Re: Mission Charter: Alpha Centauri Survey Expedition
Date of Issue: 2025-02-05
Authorization: UER Directive 09.24.α-C / IFC Charter Code 112-D
Commissioning Body
This mission is authorized by the United Earth Republic (UER) Interstellar Commission, funded in part by leading Earth-based corporations seeking to expand humanity's scientific knowledge, resource base, and interstellar reach. The Interstellar Frontier Company (IFC) has been assigned execution authority, with the Triumph Initiative operating as its primary expeditionary arm.
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Primary Mission Objectives
Mapping and Surveying
Conduct a comprehensive spatial and resource mapping of the Alpha Centauri system, including all planetary bodies, asteroid belts, and notable features. Collected data will contribute to both scientific records and future commercial infrastructure planning.
Base Payout: $50,000,000
Potential Payout: $100,000,000
Habitable Zone Analysis
Investigate planetary bodies located within the habitable zones of the system's stars. Assess atmosphere, climate, surface gravity, magnetic shielding, and the presence of liquid water or breathable air. This objective directly supports future colonization planning.
Base Payout: $75,000,000
Potential Payout: $700,000,000
Core Sample Collection
Recover geological core samples from worlds with active atmospheres or exogeological interest. Samples will inform Earth-based models of planetary formation, resource potential, and terraforming viability.
Base Payout: $50,000,000
Potential Payout: $250,000,000
Alien Lifeform Detection
Search for and document signs of past or present alien life. This includes microbial samples, biosignatures, DNA or RNA analogs, fossilized remains, or observable ecosystems. Precautions must be taken to avoid contamination and biohazard risks.
Base Payout: $30,000,000
Potential Payout: $750,000,000
Alien Technology or Artifacts
Identify and secure alien technologies, structures, or ruins. Field research is encouraged where applicable. All finds must be recorded and submitted for verification.
Base Payout: $75,000,000
Potential Payout: $2,500,000,000
Strategic Resource Identification
Locate asteroids, planetary crust zones, or moons containing rare or commercially valuable materials. Particular interest includes platinum group metals, deuterium reserves, and exotics beyond Earth-standard classifications.
Base Payout: $25,000,000
Potential Payout: $50,000,000
System Anomalies and Phenomena
Investigate unexplained or anomalous events related to System-linked activity. This includes but is not limited to: portal structures, temporal distortions, gravitational anomalies, hostile entities, or energy signatures not traceable to known physics. Priority is placed on anomalies that may provide technological, defensive, or strategic value.
Base Payout: N/A (Performance-based)
Potential Payout: Royalty-bearing; evaluated per discovery
Secondary Mission Objectives
Research and Data Collection
Gather atmospheric, magnetic, oceanographic, and environmental data across Alpha Centauri planetary bodies. This objective supports universities and scientific institutions with baseline readings for comparative exoplanetology and long-range weather modeling.
Base Payout: $20,000,000
Potential Payout: $100,000,000
Ownership & Compensation Structure
Mapping and Surveying Data
All maps and survey data belong to the United Earth Republic (UER) as the commissioning body, funded by corporate sponsors. The Interstellar Frontier Company (IFC) may retain an archival copy for its role in organizing and executing the expedition.
Payment: The Triumph Initiative receives base pay and a bonus upon successful delivery of mapped data.
Core Samples
Payment: Additional compensation is provided for each verified sample delivered, with bonuses awarded for samples of high scientific or commercial value.
Habitable Planet Discovery
Discovery data for any confirmed habitable planet is jointly owned by the UER and the Triumph Initiative. Territorial claims and colonization rights are negotiated separately through Horizon Colonies, a subsidiary of the IFC, and UER Colonization Boards.
Payment: $500,000,000 for confirmation of a habitable world; $200,000,000 additional for verified bio-compatible atmosphere.
Alien Artifacts and Technology
Recovered alien technology and artifacts are subject to shared custody. The Triumph Initiative retains the right to conduct independent analysis and may pursue joint patents or royalties of no more than 10% ownership on resulting technological breakthroughs.
Payment: Bonuses per item recovered; royalty structures maybe be activated upon verified commercial or scientific utility.
Strategic Resource Data
Maps, scans, and location data pertaining to high-value asteroids or rare mineral reserves are the intellectual property of the UER. The IFC is granted access through a licensed-use framework.
Payment: Bonuses are awarded for each high-value deposit, with additional incentives tied to future commercial exploitation or mining viability.
System Anomaly Data
All data pertaining to portals, spatial distortions, System-related entities, anomalous energy signatures, or new System mechanics is held jointly by the UER and IFC. The Triumph Initiative retains provisional rights to field-deploy, analyze, or classify anomaly-related discoveries.
Payment: Compensation is performance-based, with potential royalties for usable schematics, technology, or threat-response protocols.
Environmental and Atmospheric Research Data
Raw scientific data collected for exoplanetary research, weather modeling, and planetary habitability studies is jointly owned. The IFC retains exclusive licensing rights for distribution to academic or governmental institutions.
Payment: Royalties or data access fees are paid to the Triumph Initiative based on usage volume and relevance.
Biological Discoveries
All samples and findings related to alien lifeforms, biohazards, or ecological systems are jointly owned by the UER and the Triumph Initiative. The UER retains regulatory oversight and is responsible for coordinating with Earth-based and colonial biosecurity agencies. Strict quarantine protocols must be followed, and no biological materials may be introduced into Earth or UER colonies without explicit clearance.
Payment: Bonuses vary by sample type, potential medical application, or research significance.
Salvage and Non-Charter Materials
Any materials, artifacts, or valuables found outside the scope of primary objectives are considered the property of the Triumph Initiative. The UER waives claim unless the materials present a systemic risk or interstellar legal conflict. However, the UER holds first right of refusal on the purchase, licensing, or acquisition of any such materials before they are offered to third parties.
Payment: Not applicable; full profits remain with the crew and Triumph Initiative.
Note:
Failure to complete 75% of primary objectives may result in forfeiture of asset ownership rights and mission termination under UER Interstellar Exploration Protocol.
Signed and Authorized:
Marisol Vintar, Director, UER Interstellar Development
Encrypted and logged via IFC Legal Chain v.7.2
Luca snapped back to the conversation as Emily scrolled past the final clause of the charter like she was reading a bedtime story. His attention, however, was being actively sabotaged.
Her gaze was on him, and it was damned hard to pay attention. "He's got a point," she said, her voice cutting through his thoughts. "The IFC doesn't care what we find unless it lines up with the payouts. So, habitable zones, resources, life signs… that's where we have to focus." As she spoke, her knee brushed against his under the table, a simple, fleeting contact that sent a jolt straight through his focus. He really needed to get a grip.
Joey, who had been unnervingly quiet, finally decided to speak. "But what if there's nothing out there? What if it's just dead rock?"
Oh, fuck you, Joey, Luca thought, the words a bitter taste in his mind. Don't jinx us like that. Now that was all he could think about. That, and the distracting warmth where her knee had just been. It was damn inconvenient.
Emily broke the silence. "We've got more than theories. Five planets based on every observation from Earth. Sure, one might be radioactive, but that still leaves other options." Her confidence was a magnetic force. She looked directly at Luca as she spoke, a silent message of reassurance passing between them that had nothing to do with the mission.
Joey looked up, his expression less grim. "Yeah, but 'options' don't guarantee results."
"No," Emily agreed smoothly, "but it's better than nothing. We have data, tools, and a kick-ass team that knows how to use them." She held Luca's gaze for a second longer than necessary. "And that counts for a lot."
Danny nodded, looking vaguely smug. "Yeah, those observations give us a start. Once we're in-system, we can fine-tune everything in real-time."
"And there's probably a valuable asteroid or two," Luca murmured, trying to act like he hadn't just lost his entire train of thought. "If all else fails, we sell that on the black market."
Joey snorted, the tension finally breaking from his face. "Oh, great. The captain's Plan B is to turn into space pirates. Fantastic."
Luca shrugged, feeling the knot in his own shoulders loosen. "Whatever keeps us out of debt, right?" Maybe he could get a cool eyepatch.
Emily rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. For a moment, Luca forgot all about being a captain and just wanted to… well, best not to go there. "Let's stick to the mission before you start designing a pirate flag, okay?"
Yeah, yeah, okay, a voice in his head replied. What would a space-pirate flag even look like, anyway?
"Fine, fine," he said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "But don't say I never gave you options."
The lingering smile between them stretched a moment too long, and Luca felt the familiar pull of her presence. He cleared his throat, forcing himself back into captain mode. "Right. Well." He pushed back from the table. "Speaking of options, we should probably make sure we actually know what we're working with. Time to bring everyone else into this."
Emily nodded, closing the charter document on her screen. "The crew's going to need to understand exactly what they're surveying for."
"Mess hall in fifteen minutes," Luca announced, standing. The weight of command settled back onto his shoulders, but it felt lighter somehow after the brief moment of levity. "Time to see if we're as ready as we think we are."