“Iruuk!” Governor Anderson shouted from the doors behind Alice. “If he’s in one piece, this will cost you two points. If he has any injuries, a scratch, a scrape, you’re down twenty-five. You do not assault a fellow officer.”
“Sir, I understand, Sir,” Iruuk said as several cadets ran down the hallway behind him.
“Either way,” Governor Anderson said as he walked towards the T crossing in the hall, “this is going on your record. Let’s see how much damage you did.”
Alice and Yawen followed him, passing Iruuk, who was standing at attention. “He’s all right!” Called a cadet with red slashes on her shoulders. “His suit activated before he hit, not a scratch or a sprain, just a bit of Nafalli shock.”
“That’s two points then,” Governor Anderson said, his dire expression unchanging. Alice couldn’t help but notice that he patted the Nafalli on the arm as he passed by. “I’m sorry about all this, Alice,” he said as he stopped in front of the doors. “I’ll make sure none of this gets into your file, but Gambin’s will have every kind of warning where female officers are concerned. We’ll either train him to be respectful or he’ll be assigned to something technical where he’s not expected to serve alone. We should have noticed him stalking you earlier.”
“It’s all right,” Alice replied. “Thank you. And thank you for not hitting Iruuk with the full charge,” she whispered. “He’s really young but he’s learning faster than I am.”
“I know,” Governor Anderson said. “If I had my way you’d be assigned together for the rest of your careers, especially now.” He retreated back into the auditorium where the cadets were filing out.
Alice walked to Iruuk and took his big hand in both of hers. “You shouldn’t have done that, but thank you,” she said.
“You’re not happy I got rid of him?” Iruuk asked, still stiff at attention, but looking down his long nose.
“Oh, I’m really happy,” Alice chuckled. “I’m just sorry you lost points for it.”
“It was worth twenty-five points,” Iruuk said. “I don’t know how I only lost two, I feel like I cheated.”
Yawen looked up from her comm unit. “I have it here: improper discipline of a subordinate. It’s the only one that fits.”
“Well, thank-you,” Alice said. “Fur-face.”
“You’re not angry with me?”
“Nope.”
“Hugging you now,” he announced, bending down, picking her up and squeezing her gently.
“Okay,” Alice laughed.
“Stop improperly handling her,” Yawen said. “Combat exercises start in thirty-seven minutes.”
“Time to go,” Iruuk said, turning to follow Yawen while carrying Alice so she was facing outward under his arm.
The cadets filing out of the auditorium were obviously amused as Alice crossed her arms and told Iruuk; “I am not cargo.”
Chapter 38
Triton
Stepping through the airlock from the Revenge to the Triton was a surreal experience for Jake. The broad corridors seemed larger than he remembered. Ensign Frampton, a fresh-faced young man greeted Jake, Woone and Minister Caniili at the airlock entrance.
Many interior walls were transparent closer to the core of the ship, revealing more of the extensive aqua system within. “They keep fish in their water?” Woone asked as a school of small blue and green fish swam down the length of the hallway on the other side of the transparent bulkhead.
“The Triton contains an entire functioning ecosystem,” Ensign Frampton explained. “This one ship carries enough biodiverse life to seed a planet with marine and plant life. The only mammals we keep are humans and a few other sentient species though.”
“In containment for populating colonies?” Woone asked, wide eyed.
“No, I was just kidding. I meant the crew, they’re the species, um,” the Ensign struggled. “The conference room is just up here. Quarters are being prepared.”
“Well, I have to say it’s more hospitable than the Revenge, but this couldn’t possibly be a ship of war,” Minister Caniili said.
“It’s a lot better, I bumped my head at least five times on the last ship.”
“The Triton is more powerful than the Revenge,” Jake said. “You’re right though, it was built as a ship of exploration. The armaments were included for defence. If we had ships that could match it, we would have brought them.”
“I’m endlessly impressed with your forthcoming nature and honesty, Captain,” Caniili told him. “I expect these negotiations to go well.”
“We’re actually here for an update on the situation and to coordinate our efforts from here.”
The trio entered the conference room. Through one transparent wall they could see the green space of the Botanical Gallery. It had grown from a park to a small forest, with fruit trees almost clogging the pathways. Through the bulkhead to his right he could still see the dark waters inside the ship. A small octopus climbed up the other side of the wall in one corner. A larger fish with a savage looking maw darted at it, chewed it to pieces then feasted on the remains as they sank.
Oz, Liara and a woman Jake hadn’t met before entered the room from the door on his left. “Jake, this is Karmen Uba, she’s representing the citizens of Freeground Alpha while the government is out of commission,” Oz said with an easy smile, introducing the tall, dark woman behind him.
“It’s good to meet you, I’ve heard a lot about you,” she said with a firm handshake.
“I’d like to present Minister Caniili Olaana and Woone Iduoi,” Jake said. “This is Admiral Terry Ozark McPatrick, and Lieutenant Liara Erron.”
Caniili shook Karmen’s hand first, then went around the room enthusiastically, ending on Admiral McPatrick’s hand. “I love this tradition of clasping hands, most cultures have abandoned physical introductions.”
“We’re a friendly group, and you can call me Oz,” he told her.
“Oh, then I will,” she said. “If none of you mind, I’d like to start this meeting with my first offer in terms of what my people will be entitled to once we’ve delivered you from the nebula.”
Everyone in the room seemed a little surprised at the proposal, but they took their seats. “Please, go ahead,” Oz said.
“My Matron, Loashi Iduoi has consulted our scientists and those chosen as our homesteader experts on where we might settle once we arrive on Tamber, and we believe we’ve found a space that will more than accommodate us while leaving everyone on the planet undisturbed.” With a gesture she brought up a map of Tamber’s surface and highlighted a large, flat region. “Our tribes are already marrying and breeding to replenish some of our numbers, so we will require a great deal of land for independence. The main mass of the continent of Sur Boreal may seem larger than what we need, but the tribes I represent all agree that they would like to maintain their independence. In our experience the best way to do that is to maintain a separate land mass. We recognize that there is a low land bridge that floods every nine weeks, and accept that as a boundary. That should satisfy the city leaders who live beyond it.”
“I’d like to bring something to your attention, Minister,” Oz said. “Most of the land you’ve selected, the Dower Wastes, are covered in a toxic crust. We’re pretty sure it was from a failed attempt at terraforming that land mass.”
“We’re aware of it, and our scientists believe they can treat that whole area, balance the chemicals that are there with minimal resources and time then reactivate the process. We’re sure that we can make that green in a month. Along with this land mass my people want a treaty with your military and civilian government, and a seat on your global committees. We will maintain our own government for our own people. In our proposal you will also find normal rights to a space station and defence platform in geosynchronous orbit above the Sur Boreal continent, details on water rights and a few other details you will find fair. In return, we will participate in your military by offering our young warriors the opportunity to enrol with y
our permission. That is providing we are given some power of supervision. We will protect and transport Freeground Alpha through the rest of the nebula, and once we are in the Rega Gain system, we would like to begin talks for a formal military alliance. We will share our scientific knowledge, introduce you to trade partners, reveal our military assets in and around the Iron Head Nebula and give your citizens free passage through most of the land you grant us. With this proposal we request the right to renegotiate all but the land grant for sixty three of our days after our arrival in the Rega Gain system.”
Jake was more surprised at what the Minister didn’t request; food, building materials, or access to facilities that would help them repair their ships or build on the planet. Oz looked a little stunned, but Liara was already in his ear, whispering.
“Thank you for your proposal, Minister, one moment,” Oz said, listening to Liara.
From his end of the table, he could see that both Woone and Caniili were smiling a little. They could hear everything Liara was whispering, Jake was sure.
“Some of your proposal will have to be negotiated in finer detail,” Oz said, “but the broad strokes of it are all agreeable. Generally, you’ll find my people will agree to most of what you’re asking for with some modifications. As for the land grant, you’re asking for a massive area that represents over nineteen percent of Tamber’s land mass. I can guarantee you a grant of the Dower Wastes, the eastern shore, northern shore and inland to this point.” Oz said, drawing a line two hundred kilometres west of the Dower Wastes, cutting off a large section of the continent. “We have a military base just beyond that border. The land from that divide to the western coast is largely unsettled, so I’ll have a proposal drawn up for our government that suggests that your tribes and Haven Shore govern what’s left of the continent together for a limited time trial. Once the trial period is over, we’ll reassess cooperative government for that area.”
“Cooperative government,” Caniili said quietly, amused. “Since the east and north shores represent such a large, clean portion of the land we’re after, and the Dower Wastes are much larger, I can see your counter offer as more than fair. The thought of co-governing the area you propose is intriguing, I’ve never heard of a human culture making such an offer.”
“We’re not your average humans,” Oz said.
“Then I accept your counter-proposal, and we will take possession one day after our arrival,” the Minister said, standing and bowing deeply. Oz stood and offered his hand, she accepted it, shook it for a long moment then sat back down.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have a fancy proposal, but while we’re on the topic of what will happen to new people settling on Tamber, I have to ask what you think will go on when Freeground Alpha arrives.”
“From what I know of my people, there are only going to be two offers on the table,” Oz said. “Full integration with Haven Shore, so your people will begin the process of becoming citizens, or you can stay on the station and try to make a go of it there. Your fleet will join ours.”
The holographic image of Admiral Rice appeared in one of the seats at the table, already nodding. “I’m Admiral Jessica Rice, representing Freeground Fleet. The Admiralty agrees that Freeground Fleet will integrate with Triton Fleet with one proviso. The integration has to happen over a two year period, we will not see our commanders unseated and replaced.”
“I agree, I’ll personally make sure that the transition is slow and your fleet is respected,” Oz replied.
“I don’t know about the civilian integration, I’m not sure everyone will go,” Karmen said.
“Haven Fleet will not allow a fringe group of malcontents to retain control of Freeground Alpha while the rest of your people resettle,” Oz said calmly but firmly. “I just got a directive from Haven Fleet on this. Freeground Alpha will be governed by them, your current remaining leadership will be disbanded and we’ll fast track civilians through the screening and citizenship process so they have the same rights as any Haven citizen. If an individual is unhappy with that they’ll have one month to find another place to live on their own. There’s no room for negotiation, Haven Fleet is interested in helping Freeground, but only on their terms. We’re not willing to deal with the infighting or bureaucratic mess that your government has become known for. What happens to the station after resettlement is finished will be up to Haven Fleet.”
“Sorry, Haven Fleet?” Admiral Rice asked.
“I should have explained,” Oz said. “They’ve changed the name from Triton Fleet because the leadership believed Haven Fleet better reflected the purpose of the organization.”
“I understand,” she replied. “As for what will happen to Freeground Alpha, considering its current condition I can’t disagree with Haven Fleet’s intentions. I’ll try to smooth it over with our people, it’s going to sting, all of them were born there.”
“Haven Fleet wanted me to extend a promise of a better place to live. They’re working on completing enough comfortable living spaces for all your people in Haven Shore, an area that most of the people on the Tamber moon and Rega Gain system are trying to move to.”
“Our Minister of Tourism brought that to my attention before she was killed, I believe most of our residents will be happy there. What do you think, Karmen?”
“I’ve seen the presentation,” she replied. “We’ll be happy to move there, myself included, but I have to caution Haven Fleet and your government. I agree that Freeground should be abandoned, its barely holding together now, but you have to be very careful in how you present the options to Freeground citizens. I’m afraid that Freegrounders are known for holding a grudge, among other things. If this feels like a forced relocation that’s going to cause problems for you for generations. If I were in your position, Admiral McPatrick, I’d get together with this lady,” she touched Liara’s shoulder, “and put together a broad set of options that take the pitfalls and alternative opportunities in the Rega Gain system so Freegrounders can see their full range of choices. I know most of them will choose to resettle in Haven Shore because it most likely offers the most comfort, security and advantages. It would help if you gave people more time to leave Freeground too, but I get the sense that’s not on the table.”
“I’m afraid you’re right,” Oz said. “The rest of that idea, showing them the rest of their options, sounds right. I’m afraid that beyond a few new companies that operate in the Rega Gain system that might be willing to hire experienced spacers, there aren’t many, but it can’t hurt to present the options.”
“Just remember where you came from, Admiral McPatrick, and how people there react to ultimatums,” Karmen said.
“I’d like to work with you on that package then,” Liara said.
“Could you spare her for a couple of days, Captain?” Oz asked Jake.
“Barely, but it’s for a good cause.” Jake said. He checked on the rest of Liara’s team using his comm unit. He was surprised to see Remmy in the Triton’s Medical Bay and Dotty in deep stasis. The rest of the team he sent to Freeground was fine and already transferring back to the Revenge, along with their shuttle.
“With all that settled for the time being,” Admiral Rice said. “Let’s discuss the plan to move Freeground Alpha out of the nebula.”
* * *
When the planning session came to a close hours later, Karmen and Liara left to work on the package that would be presented to Freeground residents, Admiral Rice’s holographic avatar disappeared after she offered her best wishes, and Caniili drew Jake into a surprise embrace. “I almost regret leaving your ship, I haven’t been so surrounded by warriors since I was much, much younger. There is especially a warrior spirit in you, Captain, but I sense a struggle to balance that with a love of family. I see it in the way you carry the weight of command. Don’t forget that the true warrior’s vigour is inspired by that which they protect.”
“Thank you, Minister,” Jake replied.
Woone embraced him a little less enthusiastica
lly, but smiled at him when they parted and said; “Thank you, Captain.”
That left him and Oz alone in the conference room built for twenty or more people. They shook hands and embraced briefly. “So, you got a message from home?” Jake asked. “Ayan got back, then?”
“She did,” Oz replied. “My people are going over what she discovered, the new connections she made, everything she’s developed from the Lorander tech and they’re amazed. I still can’t believe you sent her back, or that she went along with it.”
“She didn’t want to, but she couldn’t argue that the risk of losing her along with the Revenge was too high. It looked like we were about to be surrounded. Any word from Alice?”
“I was wondering when you’d ask,” Oz said with a smile. “She sent you a short message, it’s in the data burst I sent to your comm unit when you came aboard.”
“Is she all right?” Jake asked more urgently than intended.
“I haven’t watched it, but her status summary said she was okay,” Oz replied.
Jake scrolled through the data burst from the Triton and opened the message as soon as he found it. The holographic system in the room made it look as though she was standing in front of him, more than a head shorter, in a loose fitting vacsuit that was styled to end just above the knee. Her new face, healthy, youthful but almost fully grown, and curly red hair surprised him, but not as much as how much she looked like Ayan. “Hi Dad!” she said with a grin, bouncing on her heels. “Surprise! All the framework tech is gone, and don’t worry, I didn’t go through what you did. They got it all gone while I was sleeping, but part of the process took me through one more regeneration, and I think I got lucky. You’re still my bio-Dad, but Ayan is now my bio-Mom. I guess my subconscious finally clued in on the fact that I’ve always cheered for you two to get together somehow, and I’ve always admired her, so now I get to surprise her with this. I hope she’ll be happy about it, maybe you should tell her first. I mean, there’s nothing like having someone pop out at you saying; ‘surprise! I’m your daughter!’ So maybe you could tell her first and tell me how she feels about it? Either way, I hope things are going well with you two, especially now.” She took a breath and nodded at someone who wasn’t being recorded. “I’ve only had two days to think about it since the change, but I’m going to go through with my entrance into the Fleet Academy. They posted the requirements and it looks like I’m going to have a lot of studying to do for the qualifications, but I’ve thought about what I want to do, tried to consider other things, and it’s the only thing I want. Ayan’s best friend down here has stepped up and wants to help me through the harder parts of the qualifications, and my Ranger training along with a lot of hard work is going to get me through the physical challenges, I think, I’m still getting used to this new body. It’s a little more feature-rich than I’m used to, but I’m sure I can gain muscle in time. Anyway, I just wanted to record this so you have proof that you did the right thing leaving me on Tamber. I’m better than ever and not getting into trouble. I hope you’re doing well out there, I still wish I was there, but you know. Miss you, Dad, make it back safe.” The message ended on a frozen image of her smiling a little, then her hologram faded away.
Spinward Fringe Broadcast 10 Page 33