Not With A Whimper: Preservers

by D. A. Boulter

  “Owen,” he said as his son entered the room, “how’s Detector School?”

  His son looked at him from an expressionless face.

  “You didn’t call me in here to ask that question,” he stated, certain of his conclusion.

  Johannes sighed. “No, I didn’t. But would it hurt to tell me, anyway?”

  “You have access to the records.”

  Johannes held himself still. It would not do to lose his temper here, much as it would relieve him to do so. He couldn’t afford it in his own war room – but then, again, he couldn’t afford it with his family, either. “True, I do. That doesn’t mean that I use that access, nor does it mean that the records would tell me whether or not you enjoy your studies.”

  Owen stood before him, saying nothing.

  “As it happens, I have not accessed your files; you don’t need me looking over your shoulder as you attend class.”

  As a peace offering, it showed a singular lack of success.

  “But you wish to ‘look over my shoulder’ into my personal life,” Owen accused him. “That’s why I’m here, isn’t it?”

  Johannes walked to his small cool-box and withdrew a carton of orange juice. “Want some?”

  “No.”

  He shrugged, and took a large pull of the sweet liquid, allowing it to wend its way down to his stomach, cooling him as it did. He walked over to his chair, and sat down, waving his hand at the small couch that graced the other side of the narrow room. Owen remained standing.

  Closing his eyes, Johannes took a deep breath, then said as innocuously as possible, “Well?”

  Owen glared at him, but answered nonetheless. “I’m second in the class after Roy Tannon. I enjoy the class. It started out rather rough, but has improved.”

  “Started out rough?”

  He received a small, bitter smile.

  “Yes. As you know, a Paxton instructs the class – she doesn’t like that I’m an Yrden. Not my fault.” He emphasised ‘my’, with the inference that the fault belonged to his father, no doubt. “And Ben Paxton made the class miserable at first.”

  “But no longer?”

  “We’re friends, now.”

  Johannes smiled. “That’s good.”

  “And that’s how I know what you want to talk about: Major Temple. Ben’s uncle has already talked to him; the Fontaine rep has talked to Ginny, and the Tannon Family Head has talked to Roy. That leaves you and me.” He stood almost to attention. “But I don’t care what you say, Sharon has treated us all with respect, with kindness. I’m not going to stop working out with her. She’s already taught us all a lot.”

  The slight husk in Owen’s voice as he spoke the USNA Major’s first name caused Johannes to wince inwardly – but he didn’t allow that to show. Now? Now, his son found a cure for his shyness, and it came in the form of Major Sharon Temple?

  “I agree, son. Sharon is a nice woman, kind, upright, trustworthy, I believe.” He received a shocked look from his son. The young man could hardly have expected this. “And she’s quite good-looking, too.”

  “She’s beautiful.” The words came out before Owen realized his mistake, but he quickly covered up the momentary expression of fear. Then, he reiterated, “Beautiful,” both as a conclusion and a challenge.

  Hands up in surrender, Johannes conceded, “Okay, beautiful. Sharon is warm, kind, trustworthy, and beautiful.”

  He could see Owen didn’t trust his seeming surrender. And he had that right, too.

  “However, Son, Major Temple is none of those things – excepting, perhaps, beautiful.” He’d have to give her that, in deference to Owen’s sight.

  And he had startled his son. His brows came down, and his carefully controlled expression melted into one of confusion. “What do you mean? How can she be both trustworthy and untrustworthy, kind and not kind, warm and not warm?”

  Time for the old Father & Son talk. “Because, Owen, Sharon Temple and Major Temple are two different people. Sharon would probably put herself between you and danger – and for that I respect her. However, Major Temple would only do so if it served the USNA. Sharon would keep any secret you imparted to her; Major Temple wants to learn ours for her superiors, and would use you to get them.”

  “That’s not true!”

  “Son, please sit down.”

  To his surprise, Owen did take a seat opposite him.

  “Why did Major Temple come to FTL-1?” Johannes asked.

  “She’s liaison from Space Force to the Families.”

  “She’s investigating the pirate situation in general, and the Amalgamated 684 incident in particular. I hope you’ve said nothing about it to her.”

  Owen reacted as if stung. “She hasn’t asked; I haven’t said anything.”

  “Good. I didn’t think you would. She wants to go to Venture, to interview her captain and crew. I’ve put her off, and she’s not happy about that. So, she’s gone from Family Head – or Rep – to Family Head, asking for any information we have. And she hasn’t stopped there, Owen, she – and her people – have gone to ships’ crews and especially otherhires asking leading questions.”

  Owen’s hostility faded. “But that’s her job, Dad.”

  Johannes almost wept at the ‘Dad’, but contained the small comfort which that had afforded.

  “Exactly, Son. That’s her job. And I believe that Major Temple earned her rank and her position – just as you will earn your position in our Family – through hard work and ability.”

  Owen seemed to swell a little with pride, then he shook his head. “She hasn’t asked me anything, Dad – at least not with respect to Family.”

  Johannes made a show of shrugging. “Perhaps you haven’t met Major Temple yet. When you do, I want you to remember that your Sharon may show you some loyalty, but Major Temple’s loyalty lies with the UNSA. And, unfortunately, Major Temple’s loyalty will come first.”

  His son cocked his head slightly to one side. “Then you aren’t forbidding me from seeing her, practicing with her?”

  The only good that would do would be to drive him under cover; he’d meet her clandestinely. Better to have it out in the open, where his Family could watch and protect him.

  “No, son, of course not. You’re a man now; you make your own decisions. But I would like you to keep two things in mind, if you might.”

  He could see Owen almost sag with relief. Undoubtedly, the Tannons, Fontaines, and Paxtons had forbidden their children from continuing the practice sessions, and Owen had expected the same of him. But, as the others didn’t see Temple as a romantic interest, they would obey, whereas Owen wouldn’t.

  “Dad?”

  He jerked out of his little reverie.

  “Dad? You want me to keep two things in mind?”

  “Ah, yes. First of all, like I said, you’re a man, and a man makes his own decisions.” Owen straightened at that. “However, your decisions affect others. You don’t want to hurt your friends or family – or the Families.”

  “No, Dad, I don’t. I won’t.”

  “Good man.” He took a deep breath and let it out with a sigh. He nodded, dismissing his son, but Owen didn’t rise.

  “You said two things.”

  Yes, he had, but he didn’t know if he should mention the second. Should he remain quiet? No, better to have his son armed.

  “Yes, I did. The second: while Sharon may be your friend, make no mistake about it: the USNA doesn’t hold friendly feelings for you, for me, or for the Families. They are not our friends.”

  * * *

  Wednesday 04 August

  “Where are we going, Johannes,” Helen asked.

  “Just a little tour.” He had her take his arm, and led off, simply strolling. “We’ve nothing important to do for a while, and Jill can look after things.”

  “Aren’t you worried that your son may see us like this?”

  “Let him see. But I think he’s too interested in Major Temple to hang around, spying on me.”


  They took the lift down to the Concourse level. There, a group of well-dressed people milled about.

  “Rich emigrants,” Johannes said. “Taking a Fontaine ship to Liberty tomorrow, where they’ll set up as landlords, traders, industrialists – in so far as Liberty has industry. They came up early to experience station life.”

  “And they know nothing?”

  “Who knows? Perhaps that’s why they’re leaving. Let’s go down and see the docks.”

  She laughed, and looked up at him. “How very romantic, Johannes. Every girl wants to see the docks.”

  He smiled, but said nothing, leading her past the shops, past Darcy’s eatery, to the immigration/emigration zone.

  “There’s a shuttle coming up from the USNA. We should see it dock on the screen. Last of the passengers for Normandie – the Fontaine ship. The subsidized emigrants come up just before the ship leaves. A few of the shuttle’s passengers will remain on the station, a couple go to Haida Gwaii, and one for Venture, I believe. Come, we’ll sit in the receiving lounge and do some people-watching.”

  “This is a side of you I haven’t seen. People-watching?”

  “I think you’ll find it both instructive and worth your while.”

  “You must have been a real fun date during your single days.” But she laughed as she said that, robbing the sting of the barb.

  In the reception/departure lounge, they sat. Johannes indicated the screen, which showed the shuttle on approach. A Fontaine official joined them.

  “Hello, Johannes. Last batch for Normandie coming in. They get a few hours on station and then off.” She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Be glad to see the last of this lot.”

  “Causing you troubles, Yvette?”

  “Only the usual. You here for yours?”

  “Just people-watching.”

  Yvette glanced at Helen by his side, then away. Two more station personnel appeared, ready to move the newcomers into the changerooms to remove their emergency suits. From there, they would be directed to wherever they needed to go. Johannes explained it to Helen.

  “Just like when we came up,” she said. “I remember – even if I crashed at the end.”

  The shuttle docked. The screen showed the hatch open, and the shuttle attendant leading the passengers out to the lounge.

  “See the Normandie people?” Johannes said. “All smiles – except for that gentleman who looks like he ate before coming up, and shouldn’t have.”

  Beside him, Helen smothered a laugh. Then she got into it.

  “That one looks like someone returning to work. No smile, just grimly facing the end of his vacation.”

  “Exactly. Now that woman belongs to us – probably going to Haida Gwaii.”

  “How can you tell?”

  “Her suit fits properly – tailor made, shall we say, and not off the rack.” He grinned. “It also has her name on it.”

  “Cheat.”

  Helen watched the last of them file by, some happy, some tired, some excited and looking all around.

  “Well,” she said. “We’ve watched people. Whatever shall we do next?”

  “Hmm. That’s strange. We had one for Venture, and I didn’t see her. Let’s wait a bit longer. Maybe she’s talking to the shuttle crew and – ah, here she comes.”

  A gasp from beside him. Then Helen jolted to her feet, and began running to greet a woman who looked like a younger, somewhat prettier version of herself.

  “Carol!”

  “Helen!” Carol saw her sister, and rushed to meet her.

  Johannes watched the two women hug. Behind them, the pilot appeared, and set down a carrier. He grinned, straightened, and walked over to join the women.

  “How did you get here?” Helen asked.

  Carol laughed. “No need to be coy, Connie told on you.”

  “Told on me?”

  “For the last year you’ve been buying a lotto ticket in my name. Well, it won! I have a month in space courtesy of the Yrdens. I get to spend two days here, then off to their ship, Venture.” Her eyes lit. “And then, guess what?”

  “What?” Helen appeared to be able to think of nothing else to say.

  “And then I get a trip out to Io Station!” She hugged her sister again. “I get to go into hyperspace, to Jupiter.”

  Helen turned to Johannes. “Io Station?”

  “Mostly a TPC operation, but we have a few Family members working there. Scout-1, a small ship that Venture carries, is hyperspace capable and can sleep eight. It will be going to pick them up and bring them home. As part of the package, the winner gets to take the trip out and back.” He gave Carol a smile. “Congratulations, Ms White.”

  “Thank you, uh Mr Yrden?”

  “Johannes Yrden,” he confirmed. “I’m here to see you to your quarters. We have you next door to Helen – who’s doing a paper on the history of the Families.” Helen shot him a look, and he nodded. “She’s been interviewing me. When I found out that you had the winning ticket, I thought it would be amusing to bring her along to help me welcome you on station.”

  “I still can’t believe it,” Helen said.

  “Believe it!” Carol’s eyes gleamed. Then she turned at the sound of a meow. “It’s beyond anything I ever dreamed of. When they called, I said I’d need to find someone to watch Hurricane, but they said I could bring her with me. They had facilities on the shuttle, believe it or not.”

  “We bring up pets often,” Johannes agreed. “And many of the Family vessels have a Ship’s Cat. Venture used to have one, but doesn’t at the moment, so Hurricane will likely receive a heroine’s welcome.”

  Hurricane didn’t look entirely happy with the situation but, then again, she’d never experienced weightlessness before.

  “Ms White?” the shuttle’s pilot interrupted. “We should get your suit off, now. This way.”

  “Thank you, Jimmy.” Carol turned back to them. “I got to ride up on the flight deck, not in with the passengers. Haven’t had this much fun since ... well, ever.”

  “We’ll wait for you here,” Johannes said, “and then get you settled. Perhaps Helen would like to show you around, take the burden from me.”

  Jimmy led her off. Helen turned to Johannes, and hugged him for all she was worth. When she finally stepped back, he could see tears rolling down her cheeks. She wiped at them.

  “Thank-you, thank-you, you dear man.”

  “Jill figured it out, made the suggestion.”

  “Jill?” she looked at him, baffled. “She did this for me.”

  “She’s not pure evil.” Johannes lifted her chin with his finger until she looked him in the eyes. “Don’t let on. Let her enjoy her vacation. Time enough for the bad news when it comes. Connie’s in charge of packing more of her things. If there’s anything that we absolutely shouldn’t forget, then let Connie know. Same goes for anything you’ve left behind that you figure you’ll want that you didn’t bring before. And make sure Connie sends her stuff ahead so that she won’t need to do anything more than get to a rendezvous in what she’s wearing.”

  “The sooner we get Connie up here, the better. I don’t think she can last much longer.”

  “Agreed. The tension is getting to her. And time is running out. You can see it in every news report and—” He stopped speaking and put on a broad smile.

  “Here’s your winner,” Jimmy Tannon said, presenting Carol. “All yours now. Have a great vacation, Carol. Hope you enjoyed the trip up.”

  Carol hugged her pilot, and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I loved it. Thank you so much.”

  Jimmy laughed, and took his leave.

  “Let’s get you settled,” Johannes said. He bent down and picked up the carrier. “Your luggage should be in your room by the time we get there. Hurricane’s ‘facilities’ will likewise be set up before we arrive. We’ve had time to prepare.”

  They found the luggage sitting beside the dresser. Hurricane poked her head out of the carrier, looked around and then decided it safe to e
xplore.

  “Here’s your key,” Johannes handed her the card. “And this,” he handed her another, “will get you service at any eatery on the station – order whatever you want, it’s all included. It will also get you into any recreation room, also free of charge. If you want to work out, we have gyms. If you want to try your hand at floating, we have zero-g rooms where you can practice.” He handed her a third card. “If you need help that you can’t get elsewhere, call me.”

  Carol accepted each card in turn. “Thank you, Mr Yrden.”

  “I think I can leave you in the capable hands of your sister.” He turned to Helen. “And I think we can dispense with the rest of today’s interviews. We’ll reschedule them for later.”

  Johannes left them, and walked to their operations centre.

  “She get here okay?” Jill asked.

  “Yes. They’re going to make a day of it – or two.”

  “Good. Maybe that will take some of the starch out of her.”

  Johannes considered her for a minute; she bore it without comment.

  “You did good.”

  Jill shrugged. “You, too, I guess. We did good – for what it’s worth.” She cocked her head to one side. “You sleeping with her?”

  He stiffened. “I’m a married man.”

  She threw back her head and laughed. “Hasn’t stopped millions – both men and women. But that doesn’t answer my question.”

  Not that she deserved an answer, he thought. “Other than what you saw – which wasn’t deliberate – no. As I said, I’m married.”

  “Yeah, and we’ve all heard about that.” Jill studied him for a bit. “She wants it. All you’d have to do is ask. Hell, not even ask, merely suggest, hint. Marriage vows notwithstanding, you deserve some happiness, too.”

  Stunned by that, unable to answer, Johannes just nodded, turned, and left the room.