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Description
Ten days remained before the task force left hyperspace and entered the Puzzle Box system. Admiral Carson and his staff were in the Stroud's conference room. Commander Jordan and Captain Valmont, the staff strategy and intelligence officers respectfully, were conducting a briefing. A two-meter wide holographic representation of the system was projected above the conference table. With a light-pen, Valmont highlighted the Component-A portion of the Puzzle Box system. "At the request of the Admiral," said Valmont in a tone worthy of an academy instructor, "I will give a refresher on what we know about Puzzle Box. The system component known as Puzzle-A is composed of a G2 star and four planets. The three inner planets are terrestrial in size but only Puzzle-A-II, the origin of the radio signals, has an atmosphere suitable for human life. The fourth planet is a run-of-the-mill gas giant slightly larger than Neptune in the Terra system. Given the gravitational influence of the sun in the Puzzle-B component, we're likely to find an asteroid belt or two in the Puzzle-A component."

"There are five planets in the Puzzle-B component. The first two planets are small airless rocks, and the third possesses a breathable atmosphere. Planets four and five are gas giants, and the presence of an asteroid belt is likely. Puzzle-B-III is quite all across the electromagnetic spectrum. We won't know any more about that planet until we get there, assuming nothing drastic has happened to the science team's escorts in the interim. For the rest of this briefing we'll concentrate on Puzzle-A-II, which I will refer to as Puzzle." With a 'ware command, Valmont had a representation of Puzzle replace the system hologram. Like Terra, Puzzle was a blue world laced with clouds and large land masses. Except for its location, Puzzle could've been mistaken for any number of Commonwealth worlds. "Interferometer and radio observations enabled us to determine that the planet's daily rotation rate is slightly more than 22 hours long. Axil tilt is 19 degrees, and surface gravity is approximate to Terran normal. The planet has three small moons, making tidal conditions interesting for those involved in fishing or," Valmont made a grin, "surfers in the search of the perfect wave." There was some chuckling in response to Valmont's small joke.

"In any event, this world is suited for life. Whether it is truly human or something else altogether... well, the science team has been in-system for almost three weeks, assuming they had no mishap making the translation to normal space. We'll have more definite answers once we get in contact, but here are some things we do know for certainty. The mere presence of radio tells us that the inhabitants of Puzzle have applied physics. Their radio programs contain direct mentions of plastics and artificial fibers used in textile production. Along with news stories about their economy, technology, and society, this world has a tech base equivalent to Terra in the 1940's. Remember, however, that the distance between the surveillance station and Puzzle Box is 25 light-years. It is a fair assumption that their technology has developed further in the interim. Unless there's a terrible secret they possess, we have nothing to worry about from these people." With that said, Valmont sat down as Jordon took over the briefing.

Wearing a look of studied concern on his face, the dark-haired Jordon had the hologram revert back to the system display. "As you heard, Mr. Valmont had to work from the information on hand. I had to do the same thing, but with more attention paid on what isn't known." With his own light pen, Jordon highlighted a portion of the hologram. "The task group will re-enter normal space five light-hours from Puzzle-A-II. Once all ships have been accounted for, the task force will go into cloak and proceed on an evasive course toward the planet. Scouts will be sent ahead to make contact with the science team's escort. Additional scouts will be sent to deploy surveillance satellites that will give us full coverage of the inner system. Once we have determined that there are no unpleasant surprises waiting for us, the task force will assume a distant holding position relative to the planet. Depending on the outcome of the science team's report, the task force may be brought in closer, if not actually in orbit."

"Thank you, Gentlemen," said Admiral Carson. "In any event, four months of hyper travel leaves us in the need for task force exercise. I want five complete task force problems written up by the time we re-enter normal space. Since there is no time better than the present," Carson said past a grin, "I suggest we get to work now."

-------

After 110 days in hyper the task force returned to normal space. Messages passed between the assemblies of ships as they assumed formation and engaged their cloaking systems. A handful of destroyers and light cruisers sped ahead to fulfill Commander Jordan's action plan, and the task force waited for news about the science team.

Only five light-hours distance separated the task force from the planet. No longer saddled with a twenty-five year lag on receiving radio signals, Valmont's intelligence section could update their database on the locals. Apparently the biggest technological development in the intervening twenty-five years was the invention of the transistor. Valmont and the tech-heads on the other task force ships listened with some amusement to a particular local radio call-in show on technology. Some of the callers were extolling the virtues of vacuum tubes when compared to the 'overly-complicated' transistor boards that were making their way into radios and other pieces of machinery. It was in a way reassuring to hear that the people on Puzzle had their own version of Neo-Luddites.

In the Stroud's officer's mess, Lt Estelle Carson and some of her shipmates were listening to a Puzzle radio music station. The style of music being played had a country music quality, but the lyrics were spoken like passionate prose than actually sung. What sounded like guitars played in the background, but Estelle was far more interested in the voice of the singer. "I wonder how tall he is?" she said to no-one in particular.

"If you've given that question any thought," said Lt Aika Longstreet, sitting to Estelle's left, "you'd know that he would be taller than you. Practically all men are taller than you."

Ensign Kathline 'Katty' Proksel, perched on Estelle's right, hardly needed an invitation to throw in her opinion. "Not only that, Esty, he's probably has a long beard that doesn't even come close to cover his pot belly. You know the saying, 'it takes a big belly to belt out the tunes'."

"That's all idle speculation, Katty." Sitting across the table from Estelle was Lt Wanda Knudson, a member of Captain Valmont's intelligence team. "Until we get some pictures of these people, that's all we can do. Who knows? This could be an elaborate ruse concocted by some devious aliens, or it could be an expensive hoax on someone's part. For all we know, there could just be some automated power stations and transmitters on the planet's surface. I can't wait until we get some definite answers from the science team."

Estelle nodded and took a sip of soda from her glass. "I hope we get some shore leave. If I have to put in another kilometer's worth of laps in the gym I'll go nuts."

Wanda took a draw from her glass of soda. "Great idea, Esty. I'd like to get natural air in my lungs." With an empathized inhale, Wanda's basketball bust tested the soundness of her uniform top. "All that time I spent at the gym during our voyage has worn out my first athletic bra. I want my second one to last longer."

Aika tugged at the hem of her sleeve. "Speaking of clothes, if there really are people on that planet, I wonder how they'll react to us."

With a grin, Estelle made her own considerable charms more prominent underneath her uniform top. "We're not exactly typical examples of femininity. If the men are short, they'll get blinded. Too tall, and they'll have neck spasms from looking down too long at our bosoms."

Kitty made a mewing sound suitable for her namesake. "I'd say we'll be worship like goddesses and be lavishes with gifts and robust men."

"You'll have to wait your turn, Kitty. Rank has it privileges. As an ensign, you'll be treated like a princess instead of goddess."

------

Admiral Carson couldn't fall asleep. Contact had been established with the science team, and the information they had was fascinating. It had been confirmed that the inhabitants were indeed human and called their planet Gaia. Based on the size of the cities, amount of land under cultivation, and other factors, there were at least 250 million people on the planet.

Lounging on a two-place sofa in his cabin, Carson used his wetware to peruse the numerous reports available to him. The technology summaries could be delved into later. It was the orbital surveys of the cities that held his interest. Apparently the Gaians felt no need to build anything over ten stories in height. As viewed from above, the cities were flat and spread out. The road networks appeared to be unusually narrow, until one considered the importance the Gaians obviously placed on rail and trolley transport to service their cities. If there were automobiles on the planet, then the surveillance systems haven't spotted them yet. Only trucks that would've been at home in a 20th Century Terran city were observed on a consistent basis.

One particular seacoast city caught Carson's eye. The city's harbor reminded him of New Darwin's Alberry Harbor on Outback. Docks, complete with freighters and barges, were like so many miniatures toys in the 3-D image that floated before Carson's eyes. With the ocean to its east, the city could only expand north and south along the coastline and to the west. However, mountains formed a barrier further to the south, west, and north of the city.  Eventually space would run out if the city grew past its current estimated population of three million. Perhaps that would be the impetus for the Gaians to create skyscrapers.

With such gorgeous views of the planet available, Carson knew what the crews were thinking: shore leave. Breathing natural air and seeing light not produced by ceiling panels was an unspoken desire even for the most veteran of spacers. Certain steps, however, had to be taken first. Medical teams were analyzing Gaia's microbiological make-up to find any potentially harmful diseases. Given the practice that the medical sciences had with planet colonization, any outbreak could be handled in an efficient, coordinated manner. Another consideration was the establishment of the system surveillance network. It will take time to emplace all the satellites to get the required coverage.

Most importantly, there was the matter of establishing contact with the Gaians. The sociologists needed more observations to form an opinion about the current Gaian society. Knowing more about their history would definitely help in any modified first contact protocol. If indeed these people have been separated from the rest of human civilization for a considerable period of them, then their reaction could range from xenophobic fear to slavish submission.  Hopefully Gaian society was mature enough to handle contact. Otherwise an established naval presence would be needed to prevent other segments of Commonwealth society from making contact with the Gaians until they were ready.  That could mean decades, but if that means establishing relations with a well-adjusted society instead of an impressionable one, then Admiral Carson was all in favor of waiting.

Carson's flow of thought was interrupted by the sound of an opening hatch. Chief Andrews emerged from the cabin's bathroom. The front of his worksuit was all wet, no doubt caused by the wily Chesty he held in his arms. "Andrews, it's beginning to look like Chesty does have a touch of cat in him."

"More than a touch I'd say, Sir. He won't stay still in the wash basin, and despite having his nails clipped he's ruined two of my undershirts on previous washings." Andrews placed Chesty on the floor and watched as the little dog bounded over to the sofa, tail a-wagging. Without a moment's hesitation, the dog got on the sofa and snuggled up to Carson.  "I'm glad to see that Chesty likes you, Sir," Andrews said in bemusement. "I would like to believe he likes me as well, seeing that he shared the bath with me."

Carson scratched the affectionate dog behind the ears. "You've done many things in the line of duty, Chief. It's only fair that I face the same risks that the people under my command face every day. I'll be the one who give this bundle of fur and vinegar a bath next time."

"Sir, that is quite generous of you. But I must warn you that Chesty is more of a problem on wash day than a ship filled with ill-tempered pirates."

-------

Ensign Harkin, secured in his chair's shock frame, went over the projected readouts on his control panel. The task force was conducting an exercise in the neighborhood of Gaia-A's gas giant. Half of the ships formed the defending force, while the other half composed the aggressor force. With all ships in cloak, the task of locating the opposition while trying to remain hidden in turn was a battle unto itself. Active emissions, such as those from Harkin's primary point-defense scanners, were shut down. Only a surprise attack would relieve the boredom that Harkin and his point-defense crew was feeling.

"May I ask a question, Sir?" said Power Technician Third Class Aziz from his monitoring post.

"You may, Mr. Aziz," replied Harkin.

"Sir, I was wondering if we'll get the chance to have shore leave on Gaia-B-III. There's no-one on that planet, and the science people said it's relatively clean, germ-wise."

Harkin understood the restlessness that Aziz and his other three ratings were feeling. Like himself, the point defense crew was on its first long-term deployment. As good as the recreational facilities aboard the Stroud were, nothing could match spending a day in an environment that wasn't maintained and treated by machines. Gaia-B-III was in all accounts a nice world to visit, and Gaia-A-II would've been far better. The whole crew had been listening to the radio programs that came from Gaia. Harkin would've loved to seen the face that belonged to the honey-voiced female singer he'd been listening to for the last three weeks. His imagination readily made a face to match that voice, hoping that he would have the opportunity to compare that face to the actual one. Like the rest of the crew, he hoped that the big brass would at least get some photos of these Gaians for everyone's benefit.

"Mr. Aziz, there would be nothing better than spending a week's shore leave on one of those planets. Until the big brass is certain that nothing nasty happens to us, we'll be sulking around in the dark for the foreseeable future. There have been long-term deployments where the crews didn't get shore leave, but thankfully those were rather rare."

"I hope we do get some time on the planet, Ensign. My mother was in the Navy, and she told me what happens to spacers who get cooped up for long. Bulkhead Bonkers is the term she used."

"Don't worry, Mr. Aziz. Admiral Carson takes care of his own." A warning light flashed angrily on Harkin's projected readouts. He acknowledged it and entered a few commands. "We'll see how he'll pull us out of this situation. It's another surprise attack, and we got thirty simulated missiles bearing down on us in the first wave alone." Harkin grinned as he primed the active point-defense scanners. "Don't you just love being on the flagship? Given the attention we receive, this ship is better served by the phrase 'missile magnate'."

Description
Ten days remained before the task force left hyperspace and entered the Puzzle Box system. Admiral Carson and his staff were in the Stroud's conference room. Commander Jordan and Captain Valmont, the staff strategy and intelligence officers respectfully, were conducting a briefing. A two-meter wide holographic representation of the system was projected above the conference table. With a light-pen, Valmont highlighted the Component-A portion of the Puzzle Box system. "At the request of the Admiral," said Valmont in a tone worthy of an academy instructor, "I will give a refresher on what we know about Puzzle Box. The system component known as Puzzle-A is composed of a G2 star and four planets. The three inner planets are terrestrial in size but only Puzzle-A-II, the origin of the radio signals, has an atmosphere suitable for human life. The fourth planet is a run-of-the-mill gas giant slightly larger than Neptune in the Terra system. Given the gravitational influence of the sun in the Puzzle-B component, we're likely to find an asteroid belt or two in the Puzzle-A component."

"There are five planets in the Puzzle-B component. The first two planets are small airless rocks, and the third possesses a breathable atmosphere. Planets four and five are gas giants, and the presence of an asteroid belt is likely. Puzzle-B-III is quite all across the electromagnetic spectrum. We won't know any more about that planet until we get there, assuming nothing drastic has happened to the science team's escorts in the interim. For the rest of this briefing we'll concentrate on Puzzle-A-II, which I will refer to as Puzzle." With a 'ware command, Valmont had a representation of Puzzle replace the system hologram. Like Terra, Puzzle was a blue world laced with clouds and large land masses. Except for its location, Puzzle could've been mistaken for any number of Commonwealth worlds. "Interferometer and radio observations enabled us to determine that the planet's daily rotation rate is slightly more than 22 hours long. Axil tilt is 19 degrees, and surface gravity is approximate to Terran normal. The planet has three small moons, making tidal conditions interesting for those involved in fishing or," Valmont made a grin, "surfers in the search of the perfect wave." There was some chuckling in response to Valmont's small joke.

"In any event, this world is suited for life. Whether it is truly human or something else altogether... well, the science team has been in-system for almost three weeks, assuming they had no mishap making the translation to normal space. We'll have more definite answers once we get in contact, but here are some things we do know for certainty. The mere presence of radio tells us that the inhabitants of Puzzle have applied physics. Their radio programs contain direct mentions of plastics and artificial fibers used in textile production. Along with news stories about their economy, technology, and society, this world has a tech base equivalent to Terra in the 1940's. Remember, however, that the distance between the surveillance station and Puzzle Box is 25 light-years. It is a fair assumption that their technology has developed further in the interim. Unless there's a terrible secret they possess, we have nothing to worry about from these people." With that said, Valmont sat down as Jordon took over the briefing.

Wearing a look of studied concern on his face, the dark-haired Jordon had the hologram revert back to the system display. "As you heard, Mr. Valmont had to work from the information on hand. I had to do the same thing, but with more attention paid on what isn't known." With his own light pen, Jordon highlighted a portion of the hologram. "The task group will re-enter normal space five light-hours from Puzzle-A-II. Once all ships have been accounted for, the task force will go into cloak and proceed on an evasive course toward the planet. Scouts will be sent ahead to make contact with the science team's escort. Additional scouts will be sent to deploy surveillance satellites that will give us full coverage of the inner system. Once we have determined that there are no unpleasant surprises waiting for us, the task force will assume a distant holding position relative to the planet. Depending on the outcome of the science team's report, the task force may be brought in closer, if not actually in orbit."

"Thank you, Gentlemen," said Admiral Carson. "In any event, four months of hyper travel leaves us in the need for task force exercise. I want five complete task force problems written up by the time we re-enter normal space. Since there is no time better than the present," Carson said past a grin, "I suggest we get to work now."

-------

After 110 days in hyper the task force returned to normal space. Messages passed between the assemblies of ships as they assumed formation and engaged their cloaking systems. A handful of destroyers and light cruisers sped ahead to fulfill Commander Jordan's action plan, and the task force waited for news about the science team.

Only five light-hours distance separated the task force from the planet. No longer saddled with a twenty-five year lag on receiving radio signals, Valmont's intelligence section could update their database on the locals. Apparently the biggest technological development in the intervening twenty-five years was the invention of the transistor. Valmont and the tech-heads on the other task force ships listened with some amusement to a particular local radio call-in show on technology. Some of the callers were extolling the virtues of vacuum tubes when compared to the 'overly-complicated' transistor boards that were making their way into radios and other pieces of machinery. It was in a way reassuring to hear that the people on Puzzle had their own version of Neo-Luddites.

In the Stroud's officer's mess, Lt Estelle Carson and some of her shipmates were listening to a Puzzle radio music station. The style of music being played had a country music quality, but the lyrics were spoken like passionate prose than actually sung. What sounded like guitars played in the background, but Estelle was far more interested in the voice of the singer. "I wonder how tall he is?" she said to no-one in particular.

"If you've given that question any thought," said Lt Aika Longstreet, sitting to Estelle's left, "you'd know that he would be taller than you. Practically all men are taller than you."

Ensign Kathline 'Katty' Proksel, perched on Estelle's right, hardly needed an invitation to throw in her opinion. "Not only that, Esty, he's probably has a long beard that doesn't even come close to cover his pot belly. You know the saying, 'it takes a big belly to belt out the tunes'."

"That's all idle speculation, Katty." Sitting across the table from Estelle was Lt Wanda Knudson, a member of Captain Valmont's intelligence team. "Until we get some pictures of these people, that's all we can do. Who knows? This could be an elaborate ruse concocted by some devious aliens, or it could be an expensive hoax on someone's part. For all we know, there could just be some automated power stations and transmitters on the planet's surface. I can't wait until we get some definite answers from the science team."

Estelle nodded and took a sip of soda from her glass. "I hope we get some shore leave. If I have to put in another kilometer's worth of laps in the gym I'll go nuts."

Wanda took a draw from her glass of soda. "Great idea, Esty. I'd like to get natural air in my lungs." With an empathized inhale, Wanda's basketball bust tested the soundness of her uniform top. "All that time I spent at the gym during our voyage has worn out my first athletic bra. I want my second one to last longer."

Aika tugged at the hem of her sleeve. "Speaking of clothes, if there really are people on that planet, I wonder how they'll react to us."

With a grin, Estelle made her own considerable charms more prominent underneath her uniform top. "We're not exactly typical examples of femininity. If the men are short, they'll get blinded. Too tall, and they'll have neck spasms from looking down too long at our bosoms."

Kitty made a mewing sound suitable for her namesake. "I'd say we'll be worship like goddesses and be lavishes with gifts and robust men."

"You'll have to wait your turn, Kitty. Rank has it privileges. As an ensign, you'll be treated like a princess instead of goddess."

------

Admiral Carson couldn't fall asleep. Contact had been established with the science team, and the information they had was fascinating. It had been confirmed that the inhabitants were indeed human and called their planet Gaia. Based on the size of the cities, amount of land under cultivation, and other factors, there were at least 250 million people on the planet.

Lounging on a two-place sofa in his cabin, Carson used his wetware to peruse the numerous reports available to him. The technology summaries could be delved into later. It was the orbital surveys of the cities that held his interest. Apparently the Gaians felt no need to build anything over ten stories in height. As viewed from above, the cities were flat and spread out. The road networks appeared to be unusually narrow, until one considered the importance the Gaians obviously placed on rail and trolley transport to service their cities. If there were automobiles on the planet, then the surveillance systems haven't spotted them yet. Only trucks that would've been at home in a 20th Century Terran city were observed on a consistent basis.

One particular seacoast city caught Carson's eye. The city's harbor reminded him of New Darwin's Alberry Harbor on Outback. Docks, complete with freighters and barges, were like so many miniatures toys in the 3-D image that floated before Carson's eyes. With the ocean to its east, the city could only expand north and south along the coastline and to the west. However, mountains formed a barrier further to the south, west, and north of the city.  Eventually space would run out if the city grew past its current estimated population of three million. Perhaps that would be the impetus for the Gaians to create skyscrapers.

With such gorgeous views of the planet available, Carson knew what the crews were thinking: shore leave. Breathing natural air and seeing light not produced by ceiling panels was an unspoken desire even for the most veteran of spacers. Certain steps, however, had to be taken first. Medical teams were analyzing Gaia's microbiological make-up to find any potentially harmful diseases. Given the practice that the medical sciences had with planet colonization, any outbreak could be handled in an efficient, coordinated manner. Another consideration was the establishment of the system surveillance network. It will take time to emplace all the satellites to get the required coverage.

Most importantly, there was the matter of establishing contact with the Gaians. The sociologists needed more observations to form an opinion about the current Gaian society. Knowing more about their history would definitely help in any modified first contact protocol. If indeed these people have been separated from the rest of human civilization for a considerable period of them, then their reaction could range from xenophobic fear to slavish submission.  Hopefully Gaian society was mature enough to handle contact. Otherwise an established naval presence would be needed to prevent other segments of Commonwealth society from making contact with the Gaians until they were ready.  That could mean decades, but if that means establishing relations with a well-adjusted society instead of an impressionable one, then Admiral Carson was all in favor of waiting.

Carson's flow of thought was interrupted by the sound of an opening hatch. Chief Andrews emerged from the cabin's bathroom. The front of his worksuit was all wet, no doubt caused by the wily Chesty he held in his arms. "Andrews, it's beginning to look like Chesty does have a touch of cat in him."

"More than a touch I'd say, Sir. He won't stay still in the wash basin, and despite having his nails clipped he's ruined two of my undershirts on previous washings." Andrews placed Chesty on the floor and watched as the little dog bounded over to the sofa, tail a-wagging. Without a moment's hesitation, the dog got on the sofa and snuggled up to Carson.  "I'm glad to see that Chesty likes you, Sir," Andrews said in bemusement. "I would like to believe he likes me as well, seeing that he shared the bath with me."

Carson scratched the affectionate dog behind the ears. "You've done many things in the line of duty, Chief. It's only fair that I face the same risks that the people under my command face every day. I'll be the one who give this bundle of fur and vinegar a bath next time."

"Sir, that is quite generous of you. But I must warn you that Chesty is more of a problem on wash day than a ship filled with ill-tempered pirates."

-------

Ensign Harkin, secured in his chair's shock frame, went over the projected readouts on his control panel. The task force was conducting an exercise in the neighborhood of Gaia-A's gas giant. Half of the ships formed the defending force, while the other half composed the aggressor force. With all ships in cloak, the task of locating the opposition while trying to remain hidden in turn was a battle unto itself. Active emissions, such as those from Harkin's primary point-defense scanners, were shut down. Only a surprise attack would relieve the boredom that Harkin and his point-defense crew was feeling.

"May I ask a question, Sir?" said Power Technician Third Class Aziz from his monitoring post.

"You may, Mr. Aziz," replied Harkin.

"Sir, I was wondering if we'll get the chance to have shore leave on Gaia-B-III. There's no-one on that planet, and the science people said it's relatively clean, germ-wise."

Harkin understood the restlessness that Aziz and his other three ratings were feeling. Like himself, the point defense crew was on its first long-term deployment. As good as the recreational facilities aboard the Stroud were, nothing could match spending a day in an environment that wasn't maintained and treated by machines. Gaia-B-III was in all accounts a nice world to visit, and Gaia-A-II would've been far better. The whole crew had been listening to the radio programs that came from Gaia. Harkin would've loved to seen the face that belonged to the honey-voiced female singer he'd been listening to for the last three weeks. His imagination readily made a face to match that voice, hoping that he would have the opportunity to compare that face to the actual one. Like the rest of the crew, he hoped that the big brass would at least get some photos of these Gaians for everyone's benefit.

"Mr. Aziz, there would be nothing better than spending a week's shore leave on one of those planets. Until the big brass is certain that nothing nasty happens to us, we'll be sulking around in the dark for the foreseeable future. There have been long-term deployments where the crews didn't get shore leave, but thankfully those were rather rare."

"I hope we do get some time on the planet, Ensign. My mother was in the Navy, and she told me what happens to spacers who get cooped up for long. Bulkhead Bonkers is the term she used."

"Don't worry, Mr. Aziz. Admiral Carson takes care of his own." A warning light flashed angrily on Harkin's projected readouts. He acknowledged it and entered a few commands. "We'll see how he'll pull us out of this situation. It's another surprise attack, and we got thirty simulated missiles bearing down on us in the first wave alone." Harkin grinned as he primed the active point-defense scanners. "Don't you just love being on the flagship? Given the attention we receive, this ship is better served by the phrase 'missile magnate'."