Volume II

by Ronnie Coleinger

  Trish sent her mother a simple message, “James and I will teleport in the morning. I hope you have an unattached male left on your planet, I need a man for one night.” The computer sent the message and Trish had no more than stepped into the kitchen and the computer told her she had another message from her mother. Trish started to stand up, but the computer said, “You do not have to stand up; I will pass on the message to you.” Your mother said, “Blind date tomorrow night. Monica is babysitting. You will love this hunk. Bring size XXX.”

  Jill had just stepped into the kitchen as the computer spoke to Trish and Jill began to laugh. Jill said, “Your mother seems to have your visit well planned for you my dear.” Trish said, “XXX requires KY.” Naomi stepped around the corner, looked at Jill and asked the reason for her tears. Jill said, “Tears of laughter my friend. Trish is planning a two week assault on planet Quantum’s testosterone producers.” Naomi looked confused, but said nothing. She poured a cup of coffee and then turned to Trish and said, “Have a nice vacation. Say high to Frederica and Monica for me,” Naomi finished pouring her coffee, started to leave the kitchen, stopped and looked at Trish. She smiled and said, “Sorry, I used the last XXX yesterday. You will have to reorder,” turned and walked towards the cargo bay.

  When Jill looked at Trish, her mouth was still hanging open and her eyes were huge. Jill said, “Trish, she was just teasing you.” Trish headed out of the kitchen towards the inventory control locker. When she returned a couple minutes later, she had a tiny cloth bag in her hands and a smile on her face. Trish looked at Jill and said, “Jill, you may have been certain Naomi was teasing, but I was having trouble with her comment.”

  Trish spoke to the computer and said, “Computer, where did we store those small screwdrivers that we purchased for working on electronic equipment, the ones with the red handles?” The computer told Trish the bin location and she said, “Thank you computer, I need one to stick into your high gain audio amplifiers. You keep allowing Naomi to gain access to my every word, so I will silence your snitching abilities by shorting out that f… irritating voice of yours.” Trish slammed her fist down on the tabletop and said, “Jill, I will return in a minute with a screwdriver and then we can finish our conversation.” Jill heard the door to the inventory control locker slide open and then slide closed. Jill spoke to the computer and said, “I think you have done it this time my friend. You have succeeded in turning that wonderful friend and partner of mine into a raging inferno. I will attempt to intervene and block her attempts to destroy your audio circuit board, but I may not be able to prevent the attack.”

  Jill heard the locker door slide open and then reclose. Just as Trish stepped back into the kitchen, Naomi stepped into the hallway and followed her into the kitchen. Trish placed a small red handled screwdriver on the counter near her coffee cup, then picked up her coffee cup and refilled it. Naomi spoke to Trish and said, “The computer says you plan to damage its circuit boards because it snitched your words to me a few minutes ago. You would not really do such a thing would you Trish. Tell the computer you were just kidding, and say the words now.” Trish looked at Naomi, rolled the screwdriver around on the table with her fingers and said, “Am I being threatened by the co-conspirator in this plot to overthrow my authority and make me feel like a teenage girl on the playground with a pimple for everyone to giggle at. Are you and the computer planning to bully the stupid girl that is not telepathic, and try to make her cry? Do you believe that I have no feelings and that my private thoughts are for you and the computer to bandy about? Naomi, do you talk and laugh behind my back over everything I say? Did you think that I would play the same silly games you and the computer play with each other’s minds?”

  Trish stood up, put her nose twenty centimeters from Naomi’s and said, “Don’t test me young lady or I will program the computer to block all my thoughts and words from you. I try not to keep secrets from any of the crew of this vessel because I always trusted everyone, but I can block my mind from all except Jill if that becomes necessary. Naomi if you were not family I would kick your teenage ass around the cargo bay right now.” Jill saw Trish’s hand form a fist. Jill reached out and wrapped her hand around Trish’s wrist. Trish stepped back from Naomi, unclenched her fists, laid the screwdriver down on the table and said, “Jill, I will be packing if you need me.” Trish elbowed Naomi out of her way as she passed and walked down the hallway towards her room.

  When Jill looked at Naomi, the tears began to flow, but she quickly stifled them, walked to her room, then shut and locked her door. Jill spoke to the computer, “Computer, you and I have some rules changes to put into your programming, my friend. As of this moment, except during an emergency, Trish’s mind will remain closed so no one can read her thoughts except for me. Anything Trish speaks, thinks, writes, or in any way communicates, is now sealed and unavailable to anyone except for me. Please implement these rules immediately.” Jill heard three chirps from the computer. Jill said, “Thank you.” Jill walked to Trish’s room and knocked twice, then twice more. Trish said, “Come in Jill.” Jill found Trish giggling with James as they packed a bag with clothes for their vacation, but her face remained red from the adrenaline racing around in her veins. Jill said, “Trish, for the time being, I have created rules in the computers program to block your mind and all your communications from anyone but myself. I have denied Naomi and the computer all access to all of your communications until Naomi learns that our thoughts and feeling are private. The computer, Naomi, and Fred, will have to speak verbally or write down their needs to communicate with you, until you and I both agree to change the rules.” Trish put her arms around Jill and said, “If I was telepathic and could challenge them I would not let this bother me, but I seem to be defenseless to fight both Naomi and the computers incredible intelligence levels.” Jill told Trish, “Partner, you need to tell me when you are struggling with problems like this, as I often fail to understand your ways. You are so very strong both physically and mentally that I often forget that you suffer from hurt feelings, lack of tender words, and things as simple as a backrub. When you get back from this vacation, you and I are going to regain control of this vessel, and reevaluate the purpose for my father creating The Empress in the first place. I would like to get back to spending much more time with our customers than the simple supply trips were have been making.

  While you are vacationing, think about and write down your ideas for getting back to basics, and what it means to you to carry on with this traveling warehouse we call home. Trish, this vessel belongs to you and I, and we are the only ones capable of running it. You know that to be true as well as me, no other two people could manage this life style, so let us get back to the basics and return to the life we both love. You seem to pour your life into the rearing of James, and I have poured my life into my marriage, Fred, Naomi, and now my unborn child.”

  As Jill stood up to leave, Trish began to comprehend the words that Jill had just spoken to her. She reached out and wrapped her fingers around Jill’s arm as she walked and gently pulled her back. Jill turned and Trish realized that Jill had tears in her eyes. Trish said, “Jill, when did you decide for certain you were pregnant?” Jill smiled and said, “About three weeks ago, but I have not said anything to you or Fred until now. I did not want your hearts broken if I miscarried. I will wait another week, and then tell Fred. Can you keep my secret for that long?” Trish wrapped her arms around Jill and said, “Jill that is the hardest secret you have ever asked me to keep. I hope my excitement does not betray me. Congratulations Jill, Fred will be very happy when you tell him. Does the computer know of your pregnancy?” Jill said, “No, thankfully or it would have already told Naomi, who would have told her father. Then I would have been having that argument with Naomi this morning instead of you, or maybe with you.”

  As Jill started towards the door, Trish said, “Jill, give me your thoughts. Should I knock on Naomi’s door and apologize for being so aggressive towards her, or shoul
d I let her come to me. I do not feel that I was entirely wrong, but I should not have gotten into her face like that. I am not certain how to handle this and still keep her as my friend.” Jill said, “Trish, do you want to apologize to Naomi right now, or are you still angry with her?” Trish smiled and said, “I retract my question Jill, I am still very angry, so I will wait until I can calmly talk to her without the anger rekindling within me, just in case she happens to speak a wrong word.” Jill said, “I am making a roast of lamb, carrots, and blueberry crisp for supper. Maybe calmer minds will prevail after a good meal and some red wine.” Trish said, “Thanks Jill.”

  When Jill opened the door, Trish heard James laughing in the hallway and Naomi talking to him. James stepped up to the door and said to Jill, “Naomi cried in the cargo bay.” Trish heard Naomi tell James, “Shush James, Trish does not want to hear that right now.” Jill stood in the doorway of Trish’s room and watched James and Naomi’s words play on Trish’s heartstrings. Trish walked up to Jill and said, “Maybe now is the right time.” Trish stepped into the hallway and saw Naomi kneeling beside James, talking to him. Trish stepped up close to Naomi, put her hand on her shoulder and said, “I am sorry for becoming so angry with you in the kitchen. I had no right to talk to you that way.” Trish kneeled down beside James and he looked up at Jill and said, “I go with Jill, she does not cry.” James walked up to Jill and hugged her leg. Jill reached down, picked James up and said, “Would you help me peel potatoes for supper my friend?” James nodded and Jill carried him to the kitchen.

  Jill had no more than stepped into the kitchen when she heard both Trish and Naomi begin crying and struggling for words to mend the wounds they had created earlier. Jill smiled and said, “James, life is good when friends can mend their friendships.” Fred stabilized in the ready room and when he stepped into the kitchen with Jill and James, he started to ask what was going on with Naomi and Trish in the hallway, but broke off the question and instead kissed James and Jill. Jill whispered in his ear, I will explain all this when we are alone, but everything is now okay.

  Jill sat James down on a clean towel on the kitchen floor and got him peeling potatoes with the small peeler. The last time James had helped peel potatoes, he had twice peeled his fingers with the peeler. Today, James seemed to understand the concept of not peeling his fingers, and intently watched his fingers while pushing the peeler across the potatoes. Fred sat down beside him but did not talk to him, just began to peel carrots. James stopped peeling potatoes and watched Fred for a few moments then said, “Me peel those” Fred handed James a carrot, and then watched carefully to be certain that he had the concept down and would not make his fingers bloody again. Soon they had the potatoes and carrot-peeling project complete. Fred washed the vegetables and put them into a pot to cook. James seemed distant and Jill said, “I think James senses the tension in the air. Maybe you two could tend the growing gardens for say one hour, and by then the tears will be over and supper should be ready.” Jill kissed Fred and then patted him on the butt as he turned to walk with James to the cargo bay. When he walked past Trish’s room, the girls were both talking at the same time, so Fred was certain they were making progress solving their issues.

  As they all sat down to the table to eat supper, Trish picked up a dish of food to pass to Naomi. Naomi smiled at Trish and then said, “Trish, Jill, Father, could I say something before we begin eating.” Trish sat the bowl down, and waited for Naomi to select the words she spoke to insure they came out correctly. Naomi finally began, “First, I want to tell Trish that I am sorry for my treatment of her since I have been on The Empress and I want you to know that I have apologized to her. Trish may not realize it by my actions and sometimes my words, but she is my very best friend and my mentor, and I wish to continue that relationship. Next, I apologize to you Father, and you Jill, if I have put tension in your marriage. I have always supported this marriage between you two, and the last thing I wish to do is create problems between you. Next, I have not told you this because of my pride, but Trevor and I are no longer seeing each other. He has different ideas from me on how a man and woman should express their love to each other before marriage. That is all I have to say on that subject except that Trevor is very angry with me and has told me to stay away from him, and his friends. My heart is broken, but I now understand that sometimes it is easier to have a broken heart now, before I have babies to feed, and a man who hates the sight of me. Next, Trish and I have talked about my long-term plans for remaining on The Empress.

  Trish broke my heart when she asked me today if I planned to stay around or if I was planning to leave in the near future. Trish also told me that she and Jill were going to put The Empress back on track, and attempt to fulfill Jill’s Fathers original design concept for this vessel. I want to say now that I would like to be a part of that long-term plan if Trish and I can get past our differences. I would like to raise my family here on The Empress, and provide my child with the most incredible adventure I can possibly imagine. I may never find a man who loves me, can tolerate my ways or my constantly running mouth, but I need to hope that that will happen in the near future. I am now ruining this wonderful supper that Jill has prepared. I just needed to tell you all that I was angry with Trevor and not any of you; I just took it out on everyone here on The Empress. Next time I will sit down with Trish and talk instead of putting myself in a position of getting my ass badly bruised. Let’s eat.”

  As they ate supper, Jill said, “Trish and James are leaving The Empress for awhile. They are going to visit Frederica and Monica on Quantum for two weeks. It sounds like Frederica and Jill have a lot planned to keep everyone busy.”

  Trish looked at Naomi, and said, “I had asked my mother if I could bring you with me to see the incredible city that Frederica lives in called, Liberty, but Jill says you are starting classes for the next few weeks.”

  Naomi looked at Trish, bit her lip and looked down at her plate. Trish continued to look at Naomi, and finally said, “Girl, we just finished discussing the fact that we need to say, what we need to say, and you have something to say. Think carefully of the words you speak, then look me in the eyes and speak the words. Do it before I come over there and shake the words out of you.”

  Naomi looked up at Trish; her anger showed in her eyes and body posture. Then her face slowly turned into a smile and she said, “Trish, I would love to go to Quantum with you. If I speak to my father and the school to postpone my class until next semester, would the invitation still stand?” Trish stood up from the table, walked around to Naomi, and motioned for her to stand. When she stood, Trish wrapped her arms around her and quietly said, “That was not that hard to do was it? Now that you have learned how to speak your mind politely, I will tell you that I would love to have your company, and if I can help you reschedule your classes, or help you do make up work, please let me know.”

  Trish returned to her seat and began eating her supper. Jill reached under the table and gently squeezed Trish’s leg. When Trish looked up, Jill was smiling from ear to ear. Naomi then looked at her father and asked, “Father, would you mind if I rescheduled my class for next semester and spent some time with Trish?” Fred said, “When do the three of you leave on vacation?” Trish saw the tiny flutter in Naomi’s eyes but no one else noticed. Naomi was struggling very hard to keep her tears in check but when she tried to speak, the first word from her mouth failed her. She finally said, “Would you all excuse me for just one moment.” As she moved from the table, everyone saw the tears that were leaking like fountains from her eyes. Fred said, “I think I will attempt to sift through Naomi’s tears and see if she needs a Fathers shoulder to cry on.” Fred and Naomi returned a few minutes later and as Naomi filled her plate, Trish could see her smile all the way across the table. Finally, she looked up at Trish and said, “Trish, Father will do the paperwork for me to reschedule my class if you still would allow me to travel with you.” Trish said, “We are teleporting around nine in the morning. Th
ey have a public pool next door to Monica’s house, so take swimwear. There are also hundreds of clubs and dances, and I bet we can both find some men to dance with if we are careful, and do nothing that would embarrass your father or break the dating agreement you have spoken with Jill, so take a couple of nice evening outfits. Naomi, if you do not have the cloth’s you require, there are a couple very nice stores in Liberty where we can pick up any clothes or items you might need.”

  Jill then spoke and said, “Naomi, you are a member of The Empress’s crew. I have been putting your weekly wages in an account just as my father did for me. Trish and I are full partners so we split the profits at the end of the year after we have paid for wages, all expenses, and inventory items. Naomi, your father’s funds that he earns are separate from mine and kept in his own safe in our room. Those funds are his to do with as he sees fit, and even though we are married, those funds are not mine, and I have no right or access to them. The funds from the sale of you and your father’s house are also in his private safe and will remain his to do with as he sees fit. I will give you some Milli-Galax for your private use while on vacation. No longer do I want you to use your private funds for anything unless you wish to use them. I would prefer that you put your private funds or any funds that your father gives you into your own safe in your room, and save them for a time in your life when you might need them or wish to use them. The Empress pays for everything for their crewmembers and you have no financial responsibilities while you are a crewmember. When you need funds for any purpose, ask Trish or myself at any time. Eventually, we will provide a cash box, so funds can be readably available to the crew by simply asking the computer to open the secure box. Do you have any questions, Naomi?” Naomi said, “Just one Jill, could I help you with the dishes so we can talk privately for a few minutes before I leave tomorrow.” Jill smiled and said, “Yes, I would like that.”