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ABOARD THE USS POLARIS
    A Legacy of Freedom
    COMMAND HISTORY
    The USS Polaris is the first Polaris -class submarine, and the first ship to bear that name. She was named for the Polaris missile, the first submarine-launched nuclear missile, in honor of the contribution that weapon made to world peace during the Cold War.
    The keel was laid on October 14, 2020, and the crew was formed in July 2023. On May 19, 2024, Irene Gilchrist, wife of the Honorable James Gilchrist, United States Representative from New York, christened the Polaris during launching ceremonies held in Groton, Connecticut.
    Builders’ sea trials were conducted between February and April 2025. Each sea trial set a record for efficiency, and the ship was delivered sixty-eight days early.
    On May 25, 2025, USS Polaris was commissioned at Naval Underwater Systems Center, New London, Connecticut.
    The ship then commenced shakedown operations and underwent shipwide inspections. The crew completed a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO), and launched the ship’s first C-6 missile. In April 2026, the ship conducted its first strategic deterrent patrol.
    In fall of 2028, the USS Polaris spearheaded a program to assist the community near its homeport in educating local schoolchildren on water-quality issues. “Water for Life,” as this program was christened, has become a landmark project involving local, county, and state agencies in a major cleanup of the area watershed.
    On May 29, 2029, operational control of the USS Polaris was given to the Alliance, to aid in their mission of supporting democracy around the world.

 
    CHAPTER SIX
    Hamlin walked into the wardroom just behind Holmes. On the table was a pitcher of slightly gray-looking reconstituted milk and a dozen tiny boxes of cereal in a metal mixing bowl. Moody was waiting at the head of the table: the captain’s chair.
    â€œGentlemen,” she said. “We’ve got some time before we get to the degaussing range. Wanted to get a quick status update. Frank?”
    â€œYou’re looking at the entire crew. Not counting the doctor or the one locked in the escape trunk.”
    â€œThat’s it then? Three officers. And a doctor somewhere.” She inhaled deeply. “Well, it’ll be tough. The three of us can stay on the conn as much as possible. Use the automated systems when we can. We don’t have much choice. Autopilot is driving us now, seems like that’s working at least.”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” said Frank.
    â€œAnd how are our systems?”
    â€œEverything vital is running, with the exception of radio. Propulsion is good, all combat systems are good.”
    â€œOxygen is low,” interrupted Pete. They both looked at him.
    â€œHow low?” said Moody.
    â€œFourteen percent in the forward compartment.”
    â€œChrist, no wonder I was falling asleep up there. Can we increase the bleed?”
    â€œOne bank is empty,” said Pete. “The other is less than twenty-five percent.”
    â€œAnd none of us can operate that oxygen generator,” said Moody. “We’ll just have to ventilate when we can.”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” said both Frank and Pete.
    â€œOne more thing,” said Moody, looking at Frank. “After the degaussing range, take Ramirez to the torpedo room—let’s shoot his body overboard as soon as possible. Before long he’ll start to … smell. Bad for morale. And we’ve already made an unholy racket—one body shot overboard won’t matter much at this point. Do you need help?”
    Pete froze, filled with dread that he might have to help move the body of his dead friend, the friend he killed.
    â€œNo,” said Frank as he smirked and involuntarily flexed his arms. “I can get him down there.”
    â€œThat’s not what I meant,” said Moody, rolling her eyes. “Can you operate the torpedo tubes? Shoot him