Stepping Up

by Robert Culp

  “That sounds like an excellent plan. I accept your counter-proposal. As to housing, being Chief Engineer does, but it does not rate priority placement. However, having a child to care for does get you to the top of the list. Talk to the Purser, let me know if you need some command influence.” She claps her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Listen up. I will buddy up with Sonia and Gwendolyn, Troopers Jones and Watson are a buddy pair, Miss Landers you will buddy up with Trooper Ralston.” We receive a signal and open the door. The deck hands have erected a sprayer system from the launch to the hastily erected showerheads. They all have their own protective gear on, but I’m sure I see Ricky leering at me. All of the deck crew are in APE suits to avoid any contamination we may have brought aboard.

  The water is cool but not cold. The deck hands are—thankfully—scrubbing down the launch. Someone hands each buddy pair a bar of soap, a bottle of shampoo, and a washcloth for each person. Aria squirts a quantity of shampoo into my hands, then Gwen’s, then her own. The soap stings the scalp and would surely irritate the eyes. I look over to see Gwen with her face turned up to rinse the soap from her head, her eyes closed, but not squinting. After we all rinse, Aria and I kneel to wash Gwen. As Gwen rinses, Aria turns away from me. I wash her back from her neck to her knees. I turn around, and she returns the favor. This soap also stings. We take extra time rinsing to be sure we get all the soap off.

  We go from the showers to a warm forced-air drying system. I think it’s Needa (there’s no way to know for sure) who leads us through what the casual onlooker would think is a tai chi or yoga class. It’s purpose is to blow away all the water and any cleaner from us. The fans stop blowing and we’re given towels to finish.

  She waves us to the supply people, who hand us each a clean set of underwear, flight suits or other outer wear, socks and boots. I’m surprised. Gwen has been given a decorative long sleeved shirt and a pair of denim overalls. She has slippers on her feet. I’m optimistic she’ll have clothes more to her size when I can take her by Supply to get fitted.

  Once we are dressed, I take Gwen to the Medical section. Doc Traynor is expecting us. “Hi, Chief MacTaggert. Who is this young lady?”

  “Dr. Traynor, this is Gwendolyn. I suppose she’s my…‘Charge,’ for lack of a better word. Aria told her I’m her ‘new mommy.’ She’s going to be with us for awhile. We found her in a TMOD, and I have no idea how long she’s been there. We’ve fed her a FieldRat and tried to get her hydrated. Gwen, this is Dr. Traynor. She’s going to examine you, and she may give you some injections, or any other help she decides you need. You can count on her taking a blood sample. It only stings for a little while. I have to go check on my engines, but I’ll be back as soon as I can. Gwen, I want you to do whatever she tells you, please.”

  “We’ll get her all checked out, Sonia. Go to work and don’t worry.”

  “I will do whatever she tells me,” Gwen says.

  “Okay, girls, I’m off to Engineering. Call me if you need me.” I look around for Avi, but don’t see him. Doc smirks and winks at me.

  On the way to Engineering, Aria tells me there is to be a meeting with the Captain, as soon as possible after we are in Transit. She also gives me the Transit warning order. I guess we have a destination. I’m to meet the Captain in the same conference room we used for the mission brief. I acknowledge. I also call the Purser and ask if family quarters are available. The clerk says she thinks some are, but she will verify and get back to me for sure. Everything is operating superbly in Engineering. Gorb acts as though I was gone for three years.

  “The engines are working good, Shownya. ‘Gorb always helps!’ Everyone says it, so it must be true.”

  “Yes, you do always help. I think you do even better work when I’m not here.” I make a show of breaking a chocolate bar in half and giving the larger piece to him. I toss the other to Ginny.

  Gorb is one happy camper. Aria calls, asking our status. I look over Ginny’s shoulder at the board. She turns, our eyes meet, and I clap her on the shoulders. “Kick this pig,” I tell her.

  “Bridge, Engineering. You have a green board for Transit.” We don our helmets and prepare for Transit.

  Night Searcher speeds away, bound for our next stop, wherever it is. The navigational data must have helped the beady-eyed map-readers on the bridge. “Okay, kids, I have another meeting to attend. Call me if you need me.”

  At the meeting, Aria briefs the Captain on the planet mission, including finding Gwendolyn. He turns to me. “Watch her carefully, Sonia. I will interview her in the morning. About this disk, I believe it to be a vessel or probe of some kind. I don’t know why, but that is how it strikes me. We are headed for BaineRa’ah IV, a planet with intelligent life in this region. I persuaded the Captain of one of the attacking corsairs to give me information. The planet should be able to provide us with four things we desperately need: Resupply, Rest, Relaxation, and a star map. We’ll be there in seven days. Bring Gwendolyn to my office tomorrow at 0800.”

  “We’ll be there, sir. Was the information we brought from the searched ships of any value?”

  “It has yet to be completely processed. Dismissed.”

  15 GWENDOLYN

  I check in with Gorb on my way back to Medbay, explaining I have some errands to complete. He assures me all is well. Doc is finishing her notes, while Gwendolyn slides on her slippers.

  “Find anything worthy of worry?” I ask.

  “She’s fit as a fiddle. I don’t know how her eyes function, but they clearly don’t work like ours do. She is technically blind, but her mind is so psionically advanced that she doesn’t need eyes. She has telepathy, clairvoyance, and some other abilities that I don’t know how to spell. I wouldn’t be surprised if she uses something similar to echolocation or LIDAR. Her blood work is perfect. I didn’t see the first antibody, so I gave her a round of standard vaccines. She may have some mild reaction, lethargy, fever, nausea— that sort of thing. If you need me, call me.”

  My perCom bleeps with a message from the Purser. My room change was granted, citing the Captain’s orders to make us as comfortable as possible. Excellent. I’ll move my personal effects in my copious free time.

  Doc Traynor turns to Gwen as she hops down from the exam table. “And for my extra especially-patient patient I have a gift. I don’t have any lollipops, so I hope this will do.” Doc gives her a personal data pad. It looks like a notepad or clipboard. It displays its contents when Gwen touches the screen. “It has movies, a draw/paint program, and full school lessons for first grade through sophomore in most colleges. That should keep her amused when you’re at work, Sonia.” Personally, I’m curious how she can be sightless and use it, but that doesn’t appear to be an issue. I see her scrolling through the menus, rapidly learning what the device contains.

  “Thanks, Doc. Gwen, do you know what to say?”

  “Thank you, Dr. Traynor.”

  “You are welcome, Gwendolyn.”

  “Ow!” I yelp. Someone pinched me. It’s one of those good ones too, right on my left triceps. I turn around to see Avi grinning like he just got the last cookie from the jar.

  Between guffaws, he says, “Just seeing if you’re awa—oof!” He slides back into the wall. Gwen is scowling at him.

  Doc Traynor says, “We can add ‘telekinesis’ to that list.” She updates her findings in her notebook.

  I intervene quickly. “Everything is okay, Gwen. He’s a friend of mine. He didn’t hurt me; he just surprised me.” That’s not exactly true, he did hurt me but I’ll get over it. That eases the tension in the room. “Gwen, this is Dr. Took. Avi, this is Gwendolyn. Avi, can you join us for chow this evening?”

  “I’ll be there. Hello, Gwen. I look forward to getting to know you better.” She continues to frown at him.

  I pull him to one side for a relatively private chat, “I’m not making any promises about tonight, but you and me getting together is definitely high on my list. We’ll make some firmer plans at, and af
ter, chow. Here’s my new stateroom assignment.” I hand him a slip of paper with the new room number on it.

  “Get a room, you two,” Doc says. I’d forgotten she was still here. Avi and I both look sheepish. “I meant you and Gwendolyn, Sonia.” Okay, that was embarrassing. I laugh nervously as we leave.

  Gwen and I go by our new place, and I show her where closets and bureaus are and how things work, particularly the holoCom and the appliances in the ’fresher. “I’ll be in my office. If you need me, push this icon, the one labeled ‘Sonia.’ Can you…find it?” She nods and points right at it. “I’ll be back and we’ll get something to eat in a bit. You have your notepad that Doc gave you. I’m sure you’ll be okay.” My perCom bleeps, it’s Aria. Talk about timing. I show Gwen where the “answer” button is. She presses it expertly and answers “MacTaggert residence.” I choke trying not to laugh. It isn’t funny, just novel.

  “Good afternoon, ladies. The time for your meeting with the Captain has changed to 0930. Sonia, have Gwen dress appropriately, please.”

  “Roger. As far as ‘dressed appropriately,’ I’ll do the best I can. I understand there are other children aboard. Is there an alterations shop?”

  “There are actually two other children aboard: A girl who is eight, a boy who is four. Supply should have a range of sizes.”

  I go to the LEO. While I’m there, I call supply. “Hi, this is Sonia MacTaggert, Chief Engineer. I need clothes for a six-year old girl. Can you help me out? Maybe the smallest jumpsuit you have, or something spandexey that won’t make her look like she’s a ragamuffin? She has an interview with the Captain at 0930. I’ve eyeballed her measurements. I’m sending them and a picture to you now.” I’m also going to have to spend some time with her hair. Didn’t I see a salon in the directory?

  “No worries, Chief. I think Amber Bennett is about her size. I’ll have three sets of clothes delivered to you. Including, but not limited to, overalls, dresses, jeans, shorts, shirts, nightgowns. The works.”

  “You are a life saver!” I spent more time with Da in the garage then I did Mum in the sewing room.

  After my shift, I go to collect Gwen from the stateroom. The clothes are here. Gwen has taken it upon herself to slip into a tee shirt, jeans, and athletic shoes. The powder blue tee shirt has an appliqué of a butterfly on the front. She takes my hand, and we walk to the chow hall. Avi waves at us as we walk in. We take seats at his table. “I am pleased to see you again, Dr. Took. You are in love with Sonia. That is nice. I like her, too.”

  Avi’s face flushes. “I am pleased also, Miss Gwendolyn. Um...yeah...umm, yeah, I guess I am.” I try not to laugh at Avi’s discomfort. He is so cute when he’s befuddled.

  I come to his rescue: “As you can see, she’s either telepathic or empathic.” I focus my gaze on her, “And I can see we’re going to have to discuss candor and privacy.”

  After we eat, I get a status update from Engineering just to make sure everything is working then suggest we adjourn to the lounge. Avi goes to the bar for refreshments. I use the time to teach Gwen that not everything known must be spoken. “Sweetie, I’m not upset with you. It’s important to me that you understand and believe that. But as your guardian, I am responsible for teaching you how to function in our society. Your mind is capable of learning things about other people without their knowing you have done so. I know it isn’t something you do, it’s something that just happens, and that’s okay. I obviously have no idea of what things were like where you came from. But in our culture—especially on a starship—privacy is at a premium. Do you remember that our stateroom is not very large? And we don’t always want other people knowing what we are thinking. For example, you saying Avi loves me made him uncomfortable, for a variety of reasons. One of which is that he may not be exactly certain of that himself. What’s done is done, it can’t be undone. We’ll talk more about this as we go on, but for now, just don’t say what you know about people that you haven’t heard with your ears. Will you do that for me?” I take her in my arms and hug her ferociously. “Now, I think Avi got us some ice cream. Ooo! Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough! Someone wants me waddling to work!”

  Gwen looks at the bowl and spoon before her. Her face twists and she squeaks. Her white eyes begin to glisten. “But I must speak truths! I am punished if I do not. That has always been the case! I risk death from the gods if I don’t speak truths! I must disobey you on this matter! Will I be punished here as well?” Tears stream down her cheeks, and her chin quivers. “I’m s-s-s-sorry, Sonia, but I can’t do what you ask!” Sobs wrack her body. Avi is uncomfortable; I am crestfallen, but I’m also befuddled by her riddles.

  I pull her to me, her face into my shoulder, and I rock her gently. “You’re okay, Gwen, I’ve got you. No one is going to hurt you. Sshhh. No, sweetie, I’m not going to punish you. I’m not asking you to lie. I’m asking you to not speak everything you know. It’s called ‘discretion.’ There’s a difference. I’ll look up a lesson on your teaching unit for you to do tomorrow. Perhaps there’s a happy medium: Before you say anything about someone, ask me. Chances are good it will be okay. And we can spare unfortunate occurrences if not. I’m not asking you to lie, just to wait. Can you do that for me?” She nods. Avi hands me a napkin, and I dry her eyes with it. She composes herself and tentatively dips her spoon into her ice cream. The three of us chat until the last spoon drops into an empty bowl.

  Avi and I decide that it’s been a long day. I take Gwen to the stateroom, and we both get ready for bed. Our stateroom is actually more of a suite. We each have a small room of our own. Mine, as the “master” is marginally larger, probably in anticipation of a couple living in it. I make Gwen’s bed. While I do so, she changes into a nightgown from her clothing package.

  “What’s this?” The supply people—I will never call them ‘pukes’ again—included a teddy bear.

  “That’s called a ‘teddy bear.’ Children often sleep with them. You can also carry it with you, if you wish.”

  “Oh. Why?” She asks questions, but she’s already accepted him. She air dances him while I finish the bed.

  “I’m not really sure, but it’s been happening for centuries. It’s probably because they are soft, cuddly, fuzzy, quiet, and portable. It’s a security issue. Emotional security, not physical of course.”

  “Did you have one?”

  “I did. I called him ‘Mr. Snuggles.’”

  “May I use that name also?”

  “He’s your bear, sweetie. You may call him whatever you like.”

  “I like ‘Mr. Snuggles.’” After assurance that I will be only a shout away, I tuck her and Mr. Snuggles in and kiss both goodnight. I set the alarm for 0700.

  In the morning we review how the appliances in the ’fresher work. While she bathes, I look through the clothes now in her closet, and select a pale pink dress for her. I’ll pretty her and myself up as much as practical and be standing outside the Old Man’s office ringing the buzzer by 0929. I teach her the courtesies she’ll need for the Captain.

  When we get to the Captain’s office, Aria answers the door. “Come in, ladies. Gwendolyn, you look very nice this morning.” His clerk, Friday, is nowhere to be seen.

  “Thank you, Grandma.”

  I have to bite my lip and look away to keep from laughing, but Aria only smiles. She directs Gwen to a chair in front of the Captain’s desk. Aria and I sit off to the side. I give Gwen a reassuring smile, which she returns. The Captain comes in. The three of us stand and drop into curtsies. He directs us to chairs and sits behind his desk. His cowl is pulled forward, covering most of his face.

  “Hello, young lady.” His voice is unusually pleasant.

  “Good morning, Captain Prowse,” Gwen replies.

  “Gwendolyn, I want you to relax and close your eyes, and think of something nice, like butterflies or ice cream.”

  “Yes, sir.” She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and folds her hands in her lap.

  The Captain leans back, his e
lbows on the arms of his chair, and his fingers steepled before him. His head leans to his fingertips. I can hear his breath catch from time to time. No one moves for five minutes. Without warning, Gwen’s eyes snap open. The Captain slaps his hands flat on the desk and leans forward. He makes no other movement. Gwendolyn is likewise immobile, meeting his gaze. After another three minutes, the Captain stands and says, “Thank you for coming. Ladies, you are dismissed. I have much to ponder. Aria, see me in three hours.” He walks out.

  I look at Aria. She’s no help. “Ok, girls, have a good day. Sonia, I will conduct an Engineering walk-through in six hours. I want to hear purring engines and see clean floors!” She motions us to the door.

  “What just happened? What does he need to think about?” I ask her.

  “I do not know,” Aria says. “He must have sensed something in her mind that disturbs him. Now go clean the engines with an old toothbrush.”

  “We’ll be ready, Aria.”

  We leave and head back to the stateroom. “I have to go to Engineering,” I tell Gwen. “There are two other children aboard. Would you like to look them up this evening?”

  “It makes no difference to me. I am having fun with my new computer pad. It keeps me occupied. Do you think there may be more educational programs? I finished all the ones I have while you were in the shower this morning.”

  “Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me. It’s up to you. I just thought I’d mention it. I set a link to the ship’s library on the holoCom last night. You can’t get to the classified stuff, but anything else is fair game. But all school and no play makes Jane a dull girl. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about. You need social interaction, and not just with adults. But I’m not going to push them on you. I have to go to work; I’ll see you later. I’m going to lock the door behind me. Not to keep you in, but…well, I’m just going to lock it.” I really don’t want to get into the whole “stranger danger” thing, not right now anyway.