Our Roots, our Destiny (Chapter 4.5)

"Sure is a beauty, isn't it?" Hellion said.

"That is... the largest warship I have ever seen," Kerigh said. "it nearly terrifies me."

Hellion chuckled. "It's not a warship."

"Then what is it?" Kerigh asked.

"Her name is Federation, and she will be the fastest starship yet."

"THAT is a STARSHIP?" Kerigh said. "It's huge!"

"Most of it is manufacturing facilities and crew habitation."

The observation deck looked out over the immense starship. Federation was a mile long spindle swarming with workerbees, with a white half and a black half. The tan-white surface of Hotel loomed behind it, drifting slowly as the assembly plant orbited it.

"So the propulsion hasn't been attached yet," Kerigh said.

"Yes and no. There is an onboard reactor which isn't finished yet... but the propulsion won't be attached. That's staying in orbit around Bravo," said Hellion.

"You mean, this is a light sail?"

"It's a mature technology."

"For small exploration missions and probes! Where does all the power come from?"

"That's classified," Hellion said.

"Forgive me Commander, but why have you brought me here?"

"Federation's mission is one of the most important in the history of the Space Command. More unknowns than ever. We need your expertise."

"ME sir?" Kerigh said.

"I'm told you wrote the book on lasers while using them in the Charlie campaign." Hellion said.

"With all due respect sir, if you want a laser physicist, I'm sure Bob and--"

"I haven't made myself clear. Federation will be the first armed starship. We need your tactical expertise to deal with uncertain situations."

"Commander, are we waging a war against aliens?" Kerigh said, so deadpan that Hellion knew she was joking.

"I can't tell you what our mission is until you've agreed to join the project. Suffice to say, we're going to solve the biggest mystery about our heritage as a species."

"Commander, I can not make that decision until I know more."

"I think you probably will. Inside that cynical war hero is an astronaut who signed up for the civilian space program," Hellion said.

Kerigh remained silent.

"I'll await your answer," Hellion said, and he climbed down to the lift, leaving Kerigh alone. Kerigh sighed. The biggest mystery? How could it be more important than defending Echo against the Charls? The mere existence of this starship proved that it must be important.