by Musser, Dale
“As soon as he gets back onboard, I want to see him. Before he goes anywhere else, he comes to me. Is that clear?
“I need to get out of this bed,” I said while trying to swing my legs over the side.
“Sir,” the medic began, “you need more rest. Perhaps tomorrow you can get up and move about, but for now you need to stay still and rest.”
“Right now,” I responded, “what I need is to get out of this bed and find whoever it is that knows the most about Kala’s condition! We need to concentrate on finding her the antidote to the poison!”
I turned to A’Lappe as I began to deliver orders in a focused panic. “A’Lappe, I need you to find out all you can about the poisons used against Kala… and what we need for the antidote… and what we need to do to get it.”
A’Lappe nodded. “I’ll get right on it, Tibby, you have my word on it,” and he headed for the door.
“Tibby, you really should lie down and rest, “said Marranalis.
“You do know I can fire you and get someone else to help me, don’t you?” I said.
“Okay, okay, I’ll help you; but I do so with protest. This is not in your best interest to be up and moving about just yet.” Marranalis managed to locate a wheelchair-like conveyance and he helped me into it.
“Where to now, Tibby?” he asked in a defeated tone as he sat down in front of me.
“I want to see Kala. Don’t say I can’t; just take me to her.”
Marranalis looked at me and sighed deeply. The pain showed in his eyes. “Okay,” he said quietly.
Since Kala and I were both being treated by the toxicology specialists, we were located in the same hospital wing. Marranalis pushed my chair out of the room and into a semi-circle of treatment rooms arranged opposite a medic’s station and then stepped away to speak to the medic seated at the desk. It wasn’t long before the same medic escorted us to the far end of a corridor extending behind the station to a single door where a trooper stood guard, an extra safeguard that Marranalis knew I would appreciate. The trooper recognized us immediately; but he waited for orders before standing aside to let us pass.
There are some things that are better left unknown, the workings of the device keeping Kala alive in stasis was one such thing in my mind. That she was still alive was all I needed to know. I entered the room where she lay in stasis, entombed in a horizontal cylindrical capsule, split along its long axis with a transparent top half. Though I understood that during stasis all molecular motion ceased in her body she was technically still alive and could be revived at any time; but that as soon as she was, the deadly poisons in her body would continue their assault, which would ultimately lead to her death.
The lighting in the room was dimmed, but within her capsule was additional lighting that bathed her in a natural glow. She looked beautiful; and immediately my mind flashed to the story of Sleeping Beauty, a story on Earth of a young princess who falls under the curse of eternal sleep after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel spindle. The princess falls into a deep sleep, perfectly preserved, until many years later when she is released from the spell by the kiss of her true love.
In my grief and bitterness I wished I could raise the lid and kiss Kala to awaken her from her sleep; but her salvation rested on an antidote and not on a kiss.
Never in my life had I felt such despair and loneliness as I did at that moment. When my parents died, my grandparents were there for me; and though I felt great grief at the loss of my father and mother, I still had love. Later on I faced the deaths of my grandparents, but this time I was more emotionally prepared. The knowledge that they would one day die and the changes I saw in them as they aged prepared me; and while I mourned the loss intensely, it was nothing like this. Kala had become my life; all that I knew or cared about was in her. Without her there was no meaning to my existence, no reason to live this crazy life that sometimes seemed to drown me in chaos; and I resolved myself to do whatever it took to see her made whole. I was the richest and most powerful person in the universe and I would move every star in it, if it meant finding the cure and see her well again.
“Kala, I’ll get you the cure, I promise. I won’t stop until you are well again. I swear it,” I sobbed as I threw myself across the encasement and wept. “I love you Kala… I need you here with me.”
“Damn Regeny and his shows!” I thought, “It’s his fault that Kala is here dying! If Kala survives this, I swear I’ll never let any this happen again.”
Suddenly I felt the presence of someone else in the room and I looked up to see Piesew standing near the door.
“Is there anything I can do, First Citizen?” he asked with tenderness and genuine concern in his voice.
“Yes, Piesew, there is. I want some live plants in this room with Kala; and I want some of her personal mementos brought and placed around her. Also, if there are any recordings of Kerabac and A’Lappe’s singing available, I would like them played here while she’s in stasis. One thing more – I don’t want her left alone in here. See to it that someone is always here with her when I’m away. I don’t want her left alone.”
“I’ll see to it personally,” Piesew said solemnly.
“Marranalis!” I called.
I turned once more to look at Kala laying there in her capsule. “I need to go for now,” I whispered to her. “I’ll find the cure. Nothing in the universe will stop me. I swear.”
I turned to see Marranalis at my side. “Just tell me where and I’ll take you there, Tibby.”
“To my office. I need to do some thinking.”
While Marranalis navigated through the corridors toward my office, I asked him questions as things began to fall into place in my mind. “How many of our own trained personal security people do we have on the NEW ORLEANS – not including any of the Special Ops people?”
“Two hundred fifty,” replied Marranalis.
“How many of those are fully trained at a level equal to or greater than the Special Ops teams?”
“Two hundred,” he said.
“Do you know how many Mirage Fighters have been produced so far on Plosaxen that are ready for delivery?”
“As of yesterday they were finishing up number 20, I believe. They have been expediting component fabrication and have been able to advance a little ahead of their production schedule.”
“If we reduce the number of patrol ships we personally have and remove all the Federation ships that are currently aboard the NEW ORLEANS, how many Mirage Fighters do you think we can hold on the NEW ORLEANS?”
“Hm, I’m not sure but I would estimate we could hold maybe a total of a hundred. There aren’t that many Federation ships on the NEW ORLEANS at the moment.” Marranalis answered just as we arrived at my office. He helped me from the conveyance into my desk chair; and I motioned weakly for him to take a seat.
“Do you know what the status is of the 10X fusion reactor installation on the Federation star ships?” I asked.
“Installation is underway on the URANGA, I believe, and there are two other reactors ready and waiting to be installed on other star ships.”
“How long will it take for the reactors and RMFF systems to be installed and commissioned for service?”
“That’s really not my area of expertise. A’Lappe could give you a much better estimate. I can only tell you that I heard a conversation between him and Admiral Regeny about it earlier today; he indicated that it would take about a week for all three ship installations to be complete and operational.”
While I was talking to Marranalis, I saw the one of the secret panels open to the ship’s substructure, through which A’Lappe had taken me on a tour. I knew he had arrived and was in the room; cloaked as usual.
“What do you have to report, A’Lappe?” I asked.
Marranalis turned to scan the room just as A’Lappe materialized in the chair next to him.
“By subjecting a sample of Kala’s blood to spectral analysis and comparing it to the ship’s database of known
toxins, I was able to quickly identify the poison. It is a rare toxin, one that can only be extracted from a ruguian, a small amphibious creature found on the planet Alle Bamma. There is one antidote; but none is available in stock here on Plosaxen or anywhere within the Federation alliance, as Alle Bamma is one of the more isolated non-aligned worlds. It is a rather primitive world, characterized mostly pervading jungles. Except for the people on the planet who might encounter a ruguian, the toxin has presented little threat; so there has never been a need for storing the anti-toxin off world. There aren’t even any ruguians in laboratories or zoos that I can find in available records.
“Preparation of the antidote requires the eggs of these same creatures, which are not easy to find. Ruguians do not make a nest; rather they lay their eggs randomly. Even though they are amphibious, they do not lay their eggs in water. The planet of Alle Bamma is a very wet place that maintains a level of humidity at or near 100% year around; so eggs laid on land are rarely in danger of drying out. Ruguians are not prolific breeders, either, which further complicates the matter.”
“How far is it to this planet, Alle Bamma?”
“Five weeks with the NEW ORLEANS traveling at max GW speed,” advised A’Lappe with a sad tone in his voice.
“Five weeks!” I exclaimed with frustration. “What about traveling with a Mirage Fighter at top speed?”
“Just under four weeks,” said A’Lappe.
I was fighting a sense of desperation as I asked, “I was infected with the same poison as Kala, wasn’t I? I’m getting better. Can’t you make an antidote from my blood?”
“It’s highly unlikely, from what I can see, though we can try. Your body has a natural immunity to the toxin for genetic reasons. It’s not that your body is producing anti-toxin to combat the poison; it’s that the toxin’s chemical or molecular mechanism cannot operate against your body’s cells in the same way that is against Kala’s. While humans or humanoids have evolved on many planets throughout the galaxy, there are minor deviations in DNA and cellular structures on each world. I fear the only way we will be able to produce an antidote for Kala is to obtain some ruguian eggs.”
Suddenly I felt very tired and was having difficulty sitting up in my chair. Marranalis saw that I was struggling and came to my aid. “Tibby, please, you need to rest. You lost a fair amount of blood and even with your immunity you may still suffer some effects from the toxin until it’s entirely metabolized or evacuated from your system.”
“I think you’re right, Marranalis,” I said, as I stubbornly tried to get up from the chair. In that instant the room began to spin and I felt myself falling toward the floor, as I descended into blackness once again.
It seemed I was surrounded by a dense fog, but I sensed someone’s presence. As I looked about, I noted a form moving toward me; and as the figure drew nearer, I realized it was Lunnie.
“Tibby,” she began, “Kala will be alright. It’s not her time yet. But you will need to perform several feats before you can save her. Follow what you know in your heart is right and you will succeed.”
Then the fog thickened around her and I was alone. I awoke to find myself in my own bed. Piesew was seated in a chair beside me; and when he saw my eyes open, he immediately got to his feet and approached me.
“How are you feeling, Honored First Citizen?” he inquired in is typical formal fashion, though there was a great deal of concern in his voice and on his face. “Is there something I can get for you?”
“Piesew, thank you. I’m feeling much better,” I replied. As I slowly got my bearings and assessed my strength, I added, “I could use something to drink – some fruit juice perhaps. And I’m rather hungry.”
“Excellent, sir. I shall arrange for your beverage and something for you to eat, as well.”
As he turned to leave the room I asked, “How long have I been asleep?”
“A little over a day, sir.”
I was momentarily stunned at his reply.
“Is there anything else, sir?”
“Ah, no, not for now. Thank you, Piesew.”
After Piesew left, I got out of bed and stood still for a moment. Remarkably, I felt like my normal self again, aside from the thirst and hunger. While I showered, I took a closer look at the cut on my arm. I could see through the clear plasta-bandage that the wound was already healing. It was a surprisingly small slash and it didn’t seem to be all that deep. As I left the shower, I saw that Piesew had returned and placed a glass of some kind of juice on the vanity. The flavor was reminiscent of tomato juice, which I drank nearly every day on Earth. This juice seemed to invigorate me almost immediately.
I returned to my bedroom to find that Piesew had laid out one of my honorary vice admiral uniforms. It angered me to look at it, as it was a tangible reminder of how Kala and I had been placed in danger by the admiral’s wish to show us off for his agenda. Instead of putting on the uniform, I went to the wardrobe and selected a pair of slacks and one of my casual shirts that were rapidly becoming a fad on the ship. As I dressed, Piesew returned with a tray of food and advised me that he had placed it on the table in the dining area. Without asking any questions he removed the vice admiral uniform from the bed and returned it to the wardrobe.
“Honored First Citizen, the admiral requests a meeting with you and your senior staff in an hour in the High Command main conference room.”
“He does, does he? Okay, thank you Piesew.”
Inside I was fuming. On one hand, I liked the admiral and pretty much agreed with what it was he was trying to accomplish. On the other hand, I was more angry with him than I had been with anyone in my life – angry for putting Kala in harm’s way; angry for the way in which he put us on display like a circus side show; and angry about his lack of respect for our needs, our personal feelings, and most certainly our lives.
I finished eating and went to my office. I stared into the aquarium, hoping that watching the fish would calm my fury so I could think clearly. I had not really paid close attention to them in the past, as I had always been rather busy on most occasions that I managed to be in the office. I found their unique colors and flowing fins rather mesmerizing, as I pondered what made some of them swim in schools, while other swam about individually. I studied the fish in this way for nearly half an hour, but it seemed as though only a few moments had passed before my desk com notified me that was time to meet with the admiral and his staff. I was still angry; but I felt amazingly clear-headed and ready to confront the admiral.
When I arrived at the conference room, everyone was already there and seated.
“Ah, Tibby, good to see you up and about. You’re looking much better,” said the admiral.
I nodded and took my seat at the opposite end of the table from the admiral. The High Command staff was seated on one side the table and all of my senior staff were seated on the other side. The juxtaposition seemed especially significant, I suppose because of my frame of mind at the time.
“Well, once again the Brotherhood’s plans have been spoiled and the Federation has come out the victor,” the admiral grinned. “Commander Wabussie tells me that our FSO agents have reported hearing that the Brotherhood is falling for our plot to lure them to a fake solbidyum delivery site. I’ve ordered Stonbersa to move the NEW ORLEANS to an orbit over the location and to remain cloaked. We will be joined by the URANGA, which will also be cloaked, thanks to its newly installed 10X reactor and RMFF system. They will be joined by the Mirage Fighters. We anticipate having twenty by that time. I think the Brotherhood will be in for a huge shock.”
“I’m sorry to correct you, Admiral,” I said. “The NEW ORLEANS will NOT be participating in the Banur mission.”
“What?!” said the admiral with shock in his voice.
“I said the NEW ORLEANS will not be joining in the trap operation! In fact, the NEW ORLEANS won’t even be in this system when the battle occurs. Oh, and you won’t have twenty Mirage Fighters either; you will have ten.”
�
�What do you mean the NEW ORLEANS won’t be here? The High Command needs to be here to oversee the battle!” challenged the admiral, as he pounded his knuckles into the tabletop.
“The High Command will be there, Admiral, but you will be on your new flag ship, the URANGA and not on the NEW ORLEANS.”
“What?!” the admiral exclaimed red faced, “This is our mobile headquarters, our base of operation. Where do you think you’re going with the NEW ORLEANS?”
“Alle Bamma,” I said. “And for the record, the NEW ORLEANS is no longer your headquarters or your base of operation. It was never intended to be your long-term base; rather I offered it as a safe temporary location until a secure space could be prepared on a Federation ship. You have one now with the URANGA. You don’t need the NEW ORLEANS anymore.”
“But I do. I have no intention of moving the High Command anywhere. Its staying here with the solbidyum until even last grain of it has been delivered,” the admiral barked. I could see the veins beginning to protrude in his neck.
“I’m glad you mentioned the solbidyum; you’re taking it with you to the URANGA. The NEW ORLEANS is not a delivery vessel, nor is any part of my crew your delivery service. This is my yacht. It is not a Federation ship, nor will it ever be a Federation ship. Captain Stonbersa and the crews answer to my orders and it goes where I chose; and right now it’s going to Alle Bamma.”
“Oh, you think so?” the admiral said smugly as he leaned over the conference table. “Well I am commandeering the NEW ORLEANS to serve the needs of the Federation military in a time of war!” he said tersely, as if quoting a long unused code of martial law would abruptly end the argument in his favor.
“No, I don’t think so, Admiral,” I replied, noting the mounting reactions to our exchange on both sides of the table.
“And why not?!” Regeny exploded.
“For many reasons, not the least of which is that I do not believe anyone on this ship will cooperate with you in that decision. Secondly, it would destroy the image you are trying to create within the Federation of solidarity and control. Thirdly, until I came along your military capabilities had become static and had not evolved in centuries. You have made more leaps forward in the past three months than you have in three centuries and you know it. You have the core for the beginnings of a new and improved military and you no longer need me to keep its momentum. To take the action you propose, that of seizing the NEW ORLEANS for your purposes, would weaken you in the eyes of the Special Ops troopers, in the eyes of FSO, the eyes of the citizens of the Federation and in the eyes of your own High Command staff.”