by Petra Landon
The RimWorlders looked collectively startled. “Heavenly Abode?” exclaimed Kali.
Jerik glanced helplessly at his fellow InnerWorlder and it was Kidani who provided an explanation. “Heavenly Abode is what we call the final resting place of YanTeo, Kali. A few decades ago, led by a mix of explorers, historians, archaeologists and paleontologists, expeditions began a search for the Abode.”
“Did they find it, Kidani?” Zinera Jeryn inquired curiously.
Kidani shook her head. “No, Commander. But an expedition financed by the Guild discovered the first Sacred Realm — a world with evidence of a Benevolent Ones settlement. In the early years, the Guild controlled access to the Realm. Only those on their payroll were allowed to set foot on the planet. But they continued to finance expeditions led by Zufon Ventini to search for the Abode. Ventini did a deal with StarVision to follow him around during one such expedition. It made him and the search a household name and that is how InnerWorlders first learnt about the existence of the Realms.”
“Ventini discovered all the Realms?” the Captain asked curiously.
“Two more, I think” she glanced at Jerik for confirmation. He looked unsure. Jerik wasn’t a spiritual man.
“Then, he vanished from the expedition business for a few years before storming back with the Star Portal Labyrinth” Kidani continued.
“Now that he’s minting money with the portals, Ventini doesn’t need the Guild to finance his expeditions anymore” Jerik added.
Burok chimed in with a question that had been puzzling him. “Ventini is not a scientist, is he?”
“No.” Jerik shook his head.
“He calls himself …” Kidani paused to correct herself. “He used to call himself an explorer and historian.”
“How’d he come up with the SPL?” Burok countered curiously. “That’s cutting-edge technology, decades more advanced than anything else on the Invun Welds.” Or Ren Welds, he added silently.
“Beats me” Jerik admitted. “The Guild has the deepest pockets on the Inner Worlds and they have nothing even remotely close to a portal.”
Kidani frowned, as something nudged at the edge of her memories. “I seem to remember that there was a partner, Burok. Rumors were rampant that Zufon Ventini was merely the front man, the telegenic one who fronted the cameras, while the partner was the real driving force behind their success.”
“I don’t remember the details” she added apologetically, as Burok looked interested. “It’s been a while since Zufon Ventini became a household name on StarVision.”
A beep from his console had the mechanic turning to it.
“Trouble, Burok?” the Captain inquired.
The mechanic glanced up. “No, it’s good news. The diagnostics are clean. In a few hours, we’ll be good to go.”
“But we’re flat out of spare parts, Cap’n” he warned. “We must resupply soon.”
“Put it on the schedule, Zin” Soren directed at his deputy.
“Where to next, Ryf?” she asked. Once she knew their schedule, she could plan to hit one of their usual tech supply depots.
“First to Venn City to unload their cargo. I’ll reach out and see if Zufon Ventini is expected any time soon. If not, we’ll go see him after we drop off the cargo.”
“One more thing, Ryf” the Commander explained. “We need a Cruiser System programmer to isolate the features we want into a new mode — a more secure one for when we dock at potentially hostile star stations.”
The Guild ran most of the Porticos and Vestibules on the Inner Worlds, so there would be plenty of opportunity to test a new Cruiser System mode.
The Captain arched an eyebrow at her.
“It’s beyond my ken” she admitted. “Kali, Vizir and I have struggled with it but this is beyond us. If it was a minor reconfiguration, I could do it. But something major like a new secure mode to replace dock mode requires someone who knows what he’s doing. If we don’t comply with standard Portico procedure, we’ll be unable to dock and that will draw attention to Ilar’s Justice.”
Soren pondered the matter. It would not be an easy task. “Has to be someone we trust, Zin. Can’t allow just anyone to muck with our Cruiser System code.”
“Agreed. Let’s start the search, Ryf. In the meantime, I’ll tighten up our security procedures, both for when we sail and when at dock.”
Ryf glanced around at his crew. “Good job, everyone” he acknowledged quietly. “I’ll call Venn Corp in the morning. Tonight, we stay parked here. Once Burok gives the signal, we sail at dawn.”
“Cap’n” Kidani drew his attention again, on a different matter. “I have the background check on Novia Dozanti. Orphaned now but born and brought up on Idriko. Her mother worked at the same tavern she’s employed at. She’s had periodic stints off-world, mostly on cargo-haulers. But these are short and she always returns to Idriko after a few months.”
“Any criminal record?” he asked.
“Nothing.” She shook her head. “Not even minor stuff. Clean as a whistle.”
“Thank you, Kidani.”
Kidani hesitated. “What do we do with her?” she asked.
A small furrow marred Ryf’s brow. “What do you mean?”
“Should I assign her a guest chamber, Cap’n?” she asked bluntly.
Soren looked taken aback.
“She’s a hard worker, Cap’n” Burok spoke up for the stowaway. “She’s been in the duct for six hours now, working on the tech systems. Hasn’t taken a break, even after I asked her to.”
Silver eyes wandered Cruiser Control, gauging his crew’s thoughts on the stowaway.
“You know my opinion” Kali said impassively. “She could have chosen to hide but instead, she offered her assistance. We were in no position to send an SOS or defend ourselves. That was her.”
The Captain turned to his deputy. “Zin?”
She shrugged. “It’s your call. She’s pulled her weight since Zubiko Ethera.”
Vizir and Jerik remained silent but Yukon chimed in. “She did risk her life for the Cruiser, Cap’n. I vote to keep her.”
Zinera Jeryn looked startled.
Kidani grinned, losing her serious mien. “I don’t want to send her back to the hold. It seems unfair. But if we’re voting to keep her, I vote with Yukon.”
Ryfkin Soren arched an eyebrow, inordinately amused. “We’re not keeping the stowaway, Kidani. But you may assign her guest quarters. We have business to conclude before we offload her on Idriko.”
Portal jump
Novi made her way down the corridor, unaccountably nervous. When Kidani had informed her that the Captain wanted to meet her, Novi’s first reaction had been relief. Finally, she was to know her fate. The little interlude in the shadow of the moon was coming to an end. Burok was confident that the final diagnostics would indicate all systems operating within normal parameters, which meant that the Cruiser would be on its way soon.
Her tasks in the duct completed, Novi had cleaned up and packed away the tools to emerge into the Bay. But as she strode into the Cruiser, the first doubts assailed her. No matter how many times Novi reminded herself about her contributions in retaking Ilar’s Justice from the slingers, there was no brushing over her first encounter with Ryfkin Soren. It had been an unmitigated disaster. She’d aroused his suspicions and Soren was not a man to ignore them. The Renegade who’d forced the Guild Coalition to run from the Rim Worlds, their tails between their legs, would never disregard his gut. And Novi was afraid that her unconventional arrival onto his ship would color any goodwill she’d earned by her assistance with the slingers.
Kidani lounged outside Cruiser Control, waiting to escort her in. Novi directed a sunny smile at the InnerWorlder but it must not have passed muster, for the flame-haired girl put out a hand to stop her.
“Chin up, spunky girl.” She used her thumb to gesture in the direction of Cruiser Control. “Remember, no one in there undertook what you did.”
Novi was startled. “The
y stormed the Cruiser to fight off the slingers, Kidani” she protested.
“Yes, but they had flashers. You faced the slingers without weapons” Kidani reminded her.
Her words gave Novi pause and the flame-haired girl winked, her eyes twinkling. “As for the Cap’n, his bark’s worse than his bite, unless you mean his ship or crew harm.”
A tentative smile flit across Novi’s face. The flame-haired InnerWorlder’s words had made her feel better. “You know what they say, Kidani — once bitten, twice shy.”
Kidani grinned. “You caught us all off guard before, even him. It’s not every day that someone falls from the sky into his arms. Also, you didn’t have allies before.”
Novi looked taken aback by the term. “Allies?”
Kidani leant in conspiratorially. “Can I trust you to keep this to yourself, spunky girl?”
Bemused but more pleased than she wanted to admit, Novi nodded.
“Our Yukon wants to keep you.” Kidani’s face lit up with mischief.
Chuckling at the expression on Novi’s face, the InnerWorlder ushered her into Cruiser Control. Her goal accomplished, Kidani was pleased with herself. But before she could announce their presence, Kali piped up from the Pilot Seat.
“Cap’n, incoming Hailer for you. Unknown ID. Shall I patch it to your earpiece?”
“No, to my console, Kali” Ryfkin Soren directed.
A familiar voice filled the chamber as a face and shoulders appeared on the angled console of the Command Seat.
“No names please, Captain” the voice warned. “The channel is not secure.”
Novi recognized the voice. It was the Synth — Serak Vedino. She’d heard him, as well as glimpsed him on the Captain’s console while peering into Cruiser Control from the access hatch above the Command Seat. That had only been a day ago, she reflected bemusedly. And yet, it felt like a lifetime before. Events had moved much too rapidly since she’d fallen through the hatch to announce her presence to the Cruiser’s crew.
The air in the chamber seemed to quiver with curiosity. Much to her surprise, Cruiser Control boasted a full contingent. Clearly, the crew recognized the Synth’s voice too, Novi concluded.
“As you wish” Soren acceded to the guarded request, careful to not reveal the identity of the man on the console.
“I wanted to thank you, Captain. Your friends have been in touch and have agreed to help us adjust to our new home” the Synth explained circumspectly.
The RimWorlders have agreed to train the Synth pilots.
“You are welcome” Soren said simply.
“I also have something that might be of benefit to you, Captain. Might I request that you wander my way soon?”
The Captain glanced at his deputy to hold up three fingers. She shot a quick glance at her console before mutely affirming his query.
“Three days?” Soren offered.
“The same location and time as before, Captain” Serak Vedino confirmed.
“We’ll be there” Soren assured him before signing off.
“Interesting” murmured Vizir, with a lightning glance at the Captain.
The silver eyes looked thoughtful for a moment, before he swiveled the Command Seat around to face the two InnerWorlders who stood just inside the chamber. Crooking his finger at Novi, he beckoned her to him. Kidani gave her an encouraging grin and Novi took a deep breath to step forward, conscious of the collective eyes of the crew. She allowed her leaden feet to carry her to Ryfkin Soren who watched her with an unreadable expression on his face.
“Many of my crew have spoken for you, Novia Dozanti” he opened.
Unsure of how to respond to the remark, Novi stayed silent. He studied her, the silver eyes opaque. Up close, he seemed larger than life. Novi made herself stand still under his scrutiny, though her heart beat uncomfortably fast for comfort.
“It will be a few days before we dock at Idriko” he warned. “Until then, Kidani will assign you quarters.”
Immeasurably relieved, Novi let out the breath she’d been holding. She owed him an apology and now was as good a time as any. “I’m very sorry, Cap’n. I never meant to stow away on your ship or spy on you. It was all the result of a stupid mistake and I apologize for it.”
One dark eyebrow arched at her use of the diminutive and shortened moniker, much like his crew. But he said nothing.
A little intimidated, Novi forced herself to go on. “I’d like to pull my weight, Cap’n” she said softly. “It’s the least I can do for your hospitality.”
The silver eyes contemplated her. “From what Kali tells me, you’ve already paid your way. But if you insist, Commander Jeryn can add you to the duty roster.”
Novi shot a glance at Zinera Jeryn who said nothing. But behind the Captain, she caught Kali’s eyes. His face flashed with something akin to approval and Novi exited Cruiser Control with a lighter heart.
To her surprise and pleasure, Kidani led her to the chamber she’d used for her ablutions as a stowaway. A pile of blankets and bedclothes lay in a tangle under the access vent, as she’d left it less than a day before.
“Rest, Novi” Kidani said kindly. “When you’re up in the morning, join us in the Rec Chamber.”
Once alone, Novi glanced around the chamber, both relieved and bewildered by the vagaries of fate. Three days ago, she’d followed Jerik aboard the Cruiser to gawk at Ryfkin Soren and his Renegade crew. And now, she was their guest. Of sorts, she reminded herself.
That night, Novi slept well. Her concerns alleviated, she slumbered deeply on the comfortable bed in the warm chamber assigned to her. For once, even the nightly bout of blinding pain and blackout did not visit her. Refreshed and excited, Novi hurried into the Rec Chamber the next morning to be told the good news. Burok had given Ilar’s Justice the all clear and they awaited the Captain’s orders to set sail.
Kali showed her how to look up the duty roster Commander Jeryn posted each week. Novi had been assigned a few shifts to assist Burok. Kidani, in her element in the Rec Chamber, bantered with the crew while they gorged on delicious pancakes washed down with hot seidoki leaf tea and the juice of the coria fruit from the Rim Worlds. Novi stayed in the background, content to observe the crew, something she’d enjoyed doing surreptitiously as a stowaway. But there was no sign of the Captain or his deputy.
Soon, Commander Jeryn made an announcement over the speakers, asking the crew to gather in Cruiser Control. Novi hesitated as the others strode out. But at Kidani’s urging, she joined the crew in Cruiser Control.
Ryfkin Soren stood by the Pilot Seat, his attention on the Vista Screen where a moon loomed large. He turned as they strolled in. “I’ve an appointment with Zufon Ventini at Venn City in thirty hours. That leaves us almost ten hours to kill. This crew deserves some downtime. Any suggestions?”
There was a murmur from the crew and a few strode to their consoles to pull up maps.
“Otherwise, our efficient Zin will take us to the nearest tech depot to replenish supplies” Soren added with a wicked grin at Commander Jeryn.
With the silver eyes glinting and the attractive face lit up by laughter, he radiated charm and a kind of animal magnetism that drew attention. Fascinated, Novi took in the wavy hair worn longer than an InnerWorlder, the large body characterized by fluid grace, the wicked amusement in the silver eyes and the flash of white teeth against his darker skin. In his usual uniform of dark trousers tucked into boots and an open-necked shirt, an aura of health and vigor hung over him. Novi almost pinched herself to make sure that it wasn’t a dream. This was Ryfkin Soren, she reminded herself. Wy would be eager to know all the details and she must soak everything in about the hero of the Five Year War.
A singularly sweet smile broke through Commander Jeryn’s austere exterior and it was like the sun coming out amidst a cloudy sky. Novi was struck again by what a beautiful woman she was. Yet somehow, only Soren seemed able to bring her out of her shell.
“Isn’t that why you keep me around, Ryf?” the Comman
der retorted, her eyebrow arched at him teasingly.
“No, Zin” Yukon piped up unexpectedly. “He keeps you around to give us Hadis.”
Novi, surprised by the familiarity with which Yukon had addressed the Commander, was even more astonished when Zinera Jeryn merely shook her head indulgently at the young RimWorlder.
Soren chuckled appreciatively. “You got me there, beron.”
“Boss” Jerik interrupted the banter excitedly. “That Sacred Realm Vedino talked about — the one where the Guild transport crashed with the Synth? It’s a short diversion from Venn City.”
Soren’s levity abandoned him abruptly. But before he could say anything, Commander Jeryn interjected. “How much of a diversion?”
Jerik glanced down at his console. “Two hours from the closest Star Portal, Commander.”
The Captain’s eyes narrowed. “The portal to Venn City?”
“Yes, Boss.”
Ryf glanced at his deputy. “I wouldn’t mind a sail by to take a look, Zin.”
Kidani chimed in, her enthusiasm clear. “I’ve never set foot on a Sacred Realm.”
It seemed to convince the Captain.
“Why not?” He shrugged. “We have the time.”
He turned to the pilot. “Kali, beron, the Realm it is.”
Heart thumping with anticipation, Novi crossed her fingers surreptitiously, hoping that she too might get a chance to set foot on a Sufito Nekthero.
That first morning as a bonafide friend of the crew, Novi worked a shift with Burok, helping to calibrate some of the misfiring systems. Having looked over Novi’s work earlier, the mechanic was now comfortable delegating some of the routine jobs to her. With her around, Burok could work on pending tasks like upgrading systems and leave the basic day to day maintenance to her.
Around mid-day, Kidani pinged Novi on the Hailer. “Ever experience a portal jump, spunky girl?” she asked.
“No” Novi said excitedly.