First Contact (Galactic Axia Adventure) by Jim Laughter Page B

applauded and Leatha blushed. “She also scored eighty-seven on level K-66,” he added. Someone let out an appreciative wolf-call whistle and Delmar looked over at Leatha and grinned.
    “Now, on to the ship assignments.”
    Berlon immediately had everyone’s undivided attention. “I want to say that you’ve all made me proud. You have done well and not only proven yourselves to me but I hope in your own estimation as well.”
    He paused for a moment and then continued.”Each ship assignment has been made taking into full consideration all aspects of your training and experience. The service feels it’s best that an assignment be well suited to the newly minted pilot or captain. Those of you that made pilot this time around may later qualify for a captain’s plate. In that case, you can apply for reassignment to a ship of your own.”
    He paused and again scanned their faces. Soon they would all scatter across the galaxy. The moment had come to release them. The trooper-first was finding it difficult.
    “From this moment on the nature of your relationship with the service and fellow troopers takes on a new and extended meaning,” Berlon said firmly. “This meeting here and now is the last chance to ask questions, make comments, or address any second thoughts. I open the floor to any and all. Nothing said here can or will be used for or against you in the future. No recording is being made of this meeting to assure that neither you nor the service enter into this new relationship under duress, coercion, doubt or confusion.”
     The trooper-first looked around the room studying the face of each graduate. Satisfied, he continued. “Any comments?” No one spoke up. Instead their faces showed a newfound resolve.
    “All of you are to meet here tomorrow morning at 0700 sharp for your new assignment. Tie up any loose ends and make sure your affairs are in order. It is highly likely that some or all of you will be shipping out before end-of-day tomorrow. Dismissed.”
    ∞∞∞
    The translation of the alien transmissions proved easier than the scientists had first expected. The recollection by one of their number had proven correct and what they heard was quite similar to that ancient dialect. By utilizing the audio and written material available from the university library, a quick glossary was assembled.
    Using a simple language computer, one of them entered the necessary translation commands into the language protocol program. When the machine signaled it was ready for the disc, he started the player and let it run. Within moments the translation of the alien words appeared on the screen. With the exception of what may have been technical words, the computer had little trouble translating the signals into the primary language of Maranar.
    The stunned scientists finished reading the text and looked at each other with complete amazement. “It is obvious from the messages we’ve intercepted that they know about Maranar,” one of them stated. “Do we want to let them know we’re listening?”
    Everyone turned toward the most senior of their number.
    “I think it’s time we did,” Garret said after a moment’s consideration. “Start working on a transmitter that can reach them. It’s time we knock on their door.”
     

Chapter Six
    Bright sunlight streamed in through the windows of the small lounge where the flight graduates were to meet. Thinking he was early, Delmar was surprised to see most of the group already there. He noticed a small service bar with coffee, juice and a selection of traditional breakfast pastries to one side with a service person helping the other graduates.
    “There’s the sleepyhead!” Leatha called out from where she was sitting. Close by were the other graduate captains.
    “Told you he’d be late,” Eaton quipped to the others as he grinned at Delmar.
    “Give me a break,” Delmar said. “I was up and about in our room half an hour before you were!”
    After the graduation