by S. H. Jucha
Jeremy, the Spryte navigator, caught Ituau’s eye and pointed at his board.
“The ore ships are moving toward the YIPS, Captain,” Ituau announced. “Rumor mill beat your message. How was incarceration?”
“Actually, restful,” Jessie replied. “The major endeavored to ensure I was well fed and entertained. His people, Lieutenant Higgins and Sergeants Lindstrom and Rodriguez, are solid individuals. If they were spacers, I’d hire them in a minute.”
“Should I call Captain Harbour or will you do that, Captain?” Ituau asked.
In an earlier time, Jessie would have growled and told Ituau to make the call as directed. That was then; this was now. “I’ll make that call,” he replied.
“Understood, Captain,” Ituau said, and Jessie could hear the approval in her voice.
“I’m out,” Jessie repeated to Harbour, when he connected with her.
“Oh, for the love of Pyre, I’ve wasted all this time,” Harbour lamented.
“Doing what?” Jessie asked.
“I was drafting a new agreement with your captains or whoever got your company. Having learned a thing or two, I was intent on making the deal a bit sweeter for the Belle.
“So, you don’t think our arrangement is fair?” Jessie asked, while he called for a capsule to his ship’s terminal arm. He was confused as to whether Harbour was serious.
“The previous deal has its perks, but, with a new owner, those perks would have disappeared,” Harbour replied.
Harbour’s roundabout compliment penetrated Jessie’s mind, while he strapped into the cap and focused on what she was saying.
“I never considered myself a perk,” Jessie replied. The young female spacer across from Jessie gave him a bright smile.
“A perk, Jessie, such as the one I’m referring to, is in the mind of the beholder or admirer, in this case. Dinner tomorrow night? We’ll be stationary by then.”
“I’ll catch a shuttle. Eighteen hundred hours?” Jessie replied.
“Perfect,” Harbour said and ended the call.
Jessie’s steps along the terminal arm were quick. His front deck shoe barely had time to adhere before he slipped the rear foot. It amazed any passersby that the captain could walk that quickly without losing traction.
-27-
Come Collect Us
The Jatouche appeared again on the monitors of the Belle and at JOS security. The colony ship’s bridge crew rushed for ear wigs, and Dingles signaled Harbour.
“We’re ready, Captain Harbour,” Tacticnok announced, when her call was answered.
“That’s wonderful news, Your Highness,” Harbour replied. “Our ships are stationed at Pyre. Within days, we can be sailing for Triton.”
“Who will come for us?” Jaktook asked.
“Captain Cinders will be aboard one of his ships and will be the first to meet with you,” Harbour replied.
“Most appropriate,” Jaktook whispered to Tacticnok.
“I’ll follow in the Belle, although our sailing time will be days longer than Captain Cinders’ ship,” Harbour said. “The Jatouche will be hosted aboard my ship.”
“We’re honored to be offered accommodations aboard the Pyreans’ great ship,” Tacticnok replied. “Please inform Captain Cinders that we’ll begin transiting equipment in ten of your human days and stacking the cases in the main corridor. We presume his shuttles can land aboard your ship.”
“They can, Tacticnok,” Harbour replied.
“Then the first elements of the process are in place,” Tacticnok said. “We’ll discover the next challenges when we arrive at your manufacturing station.”
“We call it the Yellen-Inglehart Processing Station or YIPS, for short,” Harbour said. “I look forward to meeting you and your team, Tacticnok.”
“Until then, Captain,” Tacticnok replied and ended the comm.
“The leader of the empaths is coming,” Jaktook said quietly to Tacticnok. “Does it make you excited or nervous?”
Tacticnok glanced toward Jittak, who seemed to have adopted a permanent scowl. She’d tried to have him replaced but ran into objections from Master Pickcit. The advisor successfully argued that a replacement, at this late date, would not possess the experience gained from contact time with the humans that was necessary to ensure Her Highness’ safety.
Who is going to keep me safe from the errors created by Jittak’s inconsiderate actions? Tacticnok had asked herself, when her father delivered his decision.
“Some of us are excited,” Tacticnok replied. Swinging her eyes toward Jittak, she added, “And some of us are nervous.”
Harbour called the Spryte, requesting Jessie. It was a few minutes before he answered Ituau’s hail.
“Our guests appeared and announced that they’re ready to begin operations,” Harbour said.
“Sorry, I was in the shower,” Jessie replied.
Harbour quickly updated Jessie on the conversation.
“Good timing,” Jessie said.
The Belle and the Pearl had been emptied days ago and resupply was underway.
“I’ll send the Spryte, under Ituau, and the Pearl to Emperion,” Jessie said. “We can keep some coin flowing, while this operation is underway. Tomorrow, I’ll launch the Annie for Triton. How soon can you follow with the Belle?
Harbour glanced at Dingles, and he signaled two days. She scowled but accepted his judgment. “My trusty first mate says we need two more days to complete preparations. As soon as we’re ready, I’ll follow you,” Harbour replied.
“Once I reach Triton, I’ll work on communicating with the Jatouche about their equipment and transport,” Jessie mused.
“Why the Annie?” Harbour asked. “Is that due to the personnel aboard?”
“Partly,” Jessie replied, “I want the Jatouche to see familiar faces, but mostly I need the vehicles aboard the Annie to transport the equipment from the dome to the shuttles.”
“Understood, Jessie.”
“See you there, Harbour,” Jessie said, ending the call.
Harbour hadn’t put her comm unit down before she received a call from Birdie.
“Evan Pendleton for you, Captain,” Birdie said.
When Harbour said hello, Evan said excitedly, “The JOS broadcast just showed the Jatouche appearing at Triton. What did they have to say?”
Harbour smiled to herself at the thought that the JOS was transmitting the signal from the Triton array. Obviously, Jessie had worked with Major Finian’s people, while he was under arrest. It was so like the man to be detained and still make progress with his plans.
“They say that they’re ready to proceed,” Harbour replied.
“May I inquire as to who’s going to Triton?” Evan ventured.
Harbour hesitated, but it was Evan Pendleton asking and YIPS tracking would reveal their courses soon after launching, so she relented. “Jessie is sailing aboard the Annie, first thing in the morning. I’m taking the Belle there later.”
“Wonderful news, Captain,” Evan said with obvious relief.
The YIPS manager’s response was a new one for Harbour, and it eased her concern over Evan’s call.
“Captain, I’ve been thinking about what the Jatouche might be bringing us. You know, alien stuff and such. Well, I suspect they’ll need us to make alien metals and equipment, things we’re not set up to do.”
“Understood,” Harbour said, encouraging Evan to continue.
“You’re intending to haul the aliens here, aren’t you, Captain?” Evan asked.
“Yes,” Harbour replied.
“It seems to me, Captain, that you’re not making the best of your return trip. That is unless your people can read alien schematics, understand their metallurgy, and parse out their exotic fabrication techniques. But, of course, you can’t. Captain, what I’m trying to say is that I have the perfect person to accompany you. She’s an extraordinary metallurgist and fabrication engineer. She can be working with the Jatouche, while you’re en route back here.”
“There’s just one small problem, Captain,” Evan said, wincing.
“Yes?” Harbour said slowly, drawing out the word.
“Nine years ago, Olivia Harden and her husband were working on the YIPS. They were together when an overhead pipe burst. He was killed and she was disfigured. Since then, Olivia’s lived on the YIPS.”
“What are you saying, Evan? Olivia has never left, never visited the JOS?”
“Since the accident, never, Captain. Those who work here at the YIPS accept who she is and how she appears. She prefers that and chooses not to subject herself to the stares of JOS stationers.”
“Medical couldn’t repair her disfigurement?” Harbour inquired.
“They tried, and they did make some improvements, but it’s her face, you see. They couldn’t do much with the amount of tissue that was lost.”
“Are you sure that Olivia wants to come with us?” Harbour asked.
“To tell the truth, Captain, I haven’t broached the subject with her. She loves engineering challenges, and I think she would jump at the chance, if she could feel safe aboard the Belle.”
Harbour wondered about the dilemma. The opportunity to thrash out the challenges facing human fabrication of Jatouche equipment before arriving at the YIPS would be invaluable.
“Stand by, Evan, I’ll be sending someone to meet with Olivia and you.”
“Understood, Captain,” Evan replied, ending the call.
Harbour stared at her comm unit. If Olivia needed calming when she faced new people, then she needed the right empaths at her side. “Lindsey,” Harbour said, after connecting to the older woman, “meet with me immediately in my quarters. You’ll be making a short trip to the YIPS. In the meantime, think about another empath who you’d wish to accompany you.”
It gave Harbour a thrill to think her dear friend and mentor, the previous Harbour, was well enough to leave the Belle to take on an important task. Young Sasha, Aurelia’s sister, had put her incredible power to use, playing the game of protecting the older empaths who suffered from the inability to block the emotions of others. The more the game was played and the harder the other empaths pushed to break through Sasha’s protective veil, the more the older empaths regained their ability to block.
Harbour enjoyed watching Lindsey walk self-confidently through her cabin door. The elder empath had no fear of a challenge.
“And I’m going to the YIPS to do what?” Lindsey asked, without preamble.
“According to Evan Pendleton, the best engineer and metallurgist we have, Olivia Harden, resides there.”
“She resides on the YIPS permanently?” Lindsey asked.
“She’s a woman who’s severely disfigured and prefers the relative solitude of the YIPS over the JOS.”
“Oh, for the love of Pyre,” Lindsey replied. “I take it that we’re supposed to coax this engineer to travel with us.”
“And you need to accomplish that in two days,” Harbour added. “Who do you want to take with you?”
“Up until you shared the problem with me, I was going to invite Yasmin.”
“And now?” Harbour asked.
“Only one choice now … Sasha,” Lindsey replied.
Harbour kept her expression neutral and clamped down hard on her emotions. “Do you think that’s wise, Lindsey?” she asked.
“You want this woman aboard?” Lindsey retorted, her eyes challenging Harbour.
“I think we need this woman aboard. We’ll have a load of Jatouche with us for the return trip. A few of them have met a few of us. Once they’re aboard the Belle that’s going to change, in a big way. It would be smart to have their scientists, engineers, techs, and what-have-you engaged in communicating with one of our best engineers. At least they’d be speaking the same language, of a sort.”
“Then the best empath for me to take is Sasha. From what you’ve told me, Olivia will need to be shocked out of her complacency. I can’t think of a better person to do that than Sasha.”
“That’s true,” Harbour admitted, a smile quirking the corner of her mouth.
“I take it that’s your approval?” Lindsey asked, pointing a finger at Harbour’s face.
“I wouldn’t call it wholehearted approval, but go before I change my mind,” Harbour replied.
Lindsey gave her ex-pupil a hug, twirled around, and made a fast exit.
As the cabin door closed behind Lindsey, Harbour sent a quick wish to the stars.
* * * *
Lindsey and Sasha rode the Belle’s shuttle to the JOS. Then they transferred between terminal arms to catch the next station transfer shuttle to the YIPS. The effort allowed Sasha to experience much more of Pyre than she had after first riding the El from downside, a year and a half ago. She was in the growth spurt of her early teenage years and quickly maturing under Lindsey’s tutelage. At least, her power control was maturing. In conversation, Sasha was still as blunt and direct as a plasma engine’s exhaust.
Evan Pendleton met the two women at the YIPS arrival terminal arm and escorted them to his office, where Olivia was waiting.
“Does Olivia know why we’re here?” Lindsey asked Evan.
“No, she doesn’t,” Evan replied, a little sheepishly.
Lindsey schooled her face, but Sasha scowled at Evan, who was taken aback by the lithe teenager’s disapproval.
“You’re the young lady who was freed from the governor’s house, aren’t you?” Evan asked, hoping to engage the girl in conversation.
“Yes, and I’ve a low tolerance for weak men,” Sasha fired back.
“Sasha,” Lindsey said, scowling mildly and working to keep a smile off her face.
When Evan entered the office, the two empaths heard him announce in an upbeat voice, “There you are, Olivia. Sorry to keep you waiting. I’ve two guests who are anxious to meet you.”
Olivia, who had been slouched in a chair, rose quickly, twisting nearly around to present the right side of her face to the strangers.
“The woman is Lindsey, and the girl is Sasha,” Evan said brightly.
Lindsey smiled genially at Olivia and eased open her gate. She detected intense anxiety and humiliation from the woman.
Sasha, on the other hand, chose to walk around to Olivia’s left side to see what she was hiding. “Wow,” the teenager said, examining Olivia’s ruined face and scalp, “that must have hurt.”
Olivia might have recoiled in horror at the comment, but she was mentally bathed in sympathy and concern.
“It did,” Olivia managed to say before adding, “You’re an empath.”
“And you’re an engineer; and Captain Harbour wants you,” Sasha replied.
“Why does Captain Harbour want me?” Olivia asked, intrigued by the turn in the conversation.
“To meet the aliens. Don’t you want to meet them? I do,” Sasha declared.
“It’s not that easy for me,” Olivia replied in a maternal tone.
“Why, because of your face?” Sasha demanded. “So, it’s broken. We’re all broken,” she added, twirling her fingers at the three women. “You on the outside, Lindsey in her mind, and me here,” Sasha added, pointing to her heart.
“That’s true,” Lindsey said. “Life has been challenging for all of us.”
“You don’t have to worry about your face, Olivia. I’ll make sure everyone around you is nice to you.”
“Sasha,” Lindsey cautioned.
“She always says that when I boast too much,” Sasha said, acting a bit admonished. It was a game the two empaths played. Sasha would talk about her prowess, in no uncertain terms, and Lindsey would let her know not to broadcast it. The truth was that Sasha wasn’t bragging, and Lindsey knew it. Normals would be terrified to realize the extent of Sasha’s power, which was still growing.
Olivia turned toward Lindsey, who had her first look at what the woman hid. It took a great deal of self
-restraint to maintain a pleasant expression. She eased her gate wider and sent a strong wave of comfort.
“You’re an empath too,” Olivia acknowledged, closing her eyes and bathing in the dual nature of what she received.
“Yes, I am,” Lindsey acknowledged. “We’re here to take you to meet the Jatouche. According to Evan, you’re the best engineer we have, and our alien friends will need your expertise to help them interface their designs and equipment with our human technology. Aren’t you interested in resurrecting Pyre?”
Olivia looked forlornly at Lindsey out of her one serviceable eye. Pain showed through it. Captain Harbour and Evan were offering her the engineering opportunity of a lifetime, and fear, despite the assurance she was receiving from the empaths, kept her rooted in place.
“Come with us, Olivia,” Sasha said, taking the woman’s hand. “It’ll be all right.”
In a relaxed dream state, Olivia, holding the teenager’s hand, left Evan’s office.
Sasha led Olivia back to the transfer shuttle, determined to never release the engineer’s hand until Olivia was safely ensconced in her own cabin aboard the Belle.
Lindsey whispered to Evan, “Take me to her cabin. I’ll pack Olivia’s things. You can help me cart them to the shuttle. Oh, and Evan, there’ll only be three passengers for the transfer shuttle. You’re flying us directly to the Belle, and I want no cabin crew — pilot and copilot only.”
“I can’t authorize that expense,” Evan protested, as he watched Olivia and Sasha round the gravity wheel and disappear from sight.
“Then, Evan, I tell you what. I’m chartering the transfer shuttle. Charge it to the Belle’s general fund.”
Evan stared in shock at the expense Lindsey was assuming, but the empath nudged him to get moving. “Time’s a wasting, Evan,” she said.
-28-
Load Up
With the Annie holding station above Triton, the crew hustled to set up the processes to manage the transport of the Jatouche equipment. The first shuttle to land dropped off the shelter, the search rover, and the shelter crew. The second shuttle delivered another rover and the surveyor. The latter piece of equipment, with its telescoping arm, would be handy for lifting heavy crates and loading them into the second rover, the rear seats of which had been removed.