Firstworld

by Paul E. Horsman

  ‘Join hands with my peers! I don’t even know where half of them are.’

  ‘You drifted that far apart?’ Kyrus said.

  ‘I’m not going to discuss that,’ the god said. ‘Go get me followers, son of the others’ halfgod. I will ask them their needs and they will love me.’

  ‘I will do so. My people shall rebuild this village and we will help you care for them. You have my respect and my thanks, great Tha-a-Zeek.’

  ‘Well, that is a start. Yet you are a follower of those others.’

  ‘My god,’ Kyrus said. ‘I am of Firstworld and of the Realm. There is no reason why I cannot follow my lord Bodrus’ family and yours with equal devotion.’

  ‘That is a strange concept,’ the god said. ‘I will think on this. Now there is something else. A small matter of a human rep with no memory.’

  ‘Six,’ Kyrus said.

  ‘Is that how he calls himself? Apt. I noticed his emergence. You will give him this.’

  A snowflake landed on Kyrus’ shoulder. He touched it with a finger and it felt solid, like an icy brooch. He picked it up, and it did not melt from the warmth of his hand.

  ‘I will, my god,’ he said.

  ‘Then go and carry out my commands.’ The divine waved his hand, and they all were back on the bridge of the S-Az.

  ‘Admiral!’ Holyn said. ‘What happened?’ Then he noticed the boy, shivering and near to tears. ‘Another one? Tales can wait. These kids need a hot shower and clothes. Come with me.’

  ‘Cawah, please,’ Kyrus said. He sat down in his chair. ‘We met one of the Galactic Gods.’ Someone handed him a mug and he took it absently.

  ‘Do we return?’ First officer Ginny said.

  Kyrus felt the heat of the cawah warm his body. ‘Let those two have their showers first. I gotta call to make.’

  He sat back in his chair, put his feet upon the command console and closed his eyes.

  ‘You be careful with those big feet of yours, won’t you, Admiral, sir?’ S-Az said. ‘I’d rather not have you confusing my nexuses by you smashing the wrong buttons.’

  He grinned without looking. ‘I won’t. Gunild?’

  ‘Sir?’

  ‘I’m at Entrallen. I need the colony restored as soon as we can manage it. Lemme give you the whole story.’ He told her everything, only pausing to sip his cawah.

  ‘A god!’ she said. ‘You truly spoke with one of our gods?’

  ‘Yes; he sounded much like our own gods, too.’

  When he was done, she sighed a little. ‘That place needs a complete update. A new brain will take some time. I will ask Mr. Marff to design an Expanded AI. What will be the colony’s purpose?’

  ‘Production, research, maybe those magricultural students can come up with a project to design greenstuff that grows in arctic conditions.’

  ‘Admiral Derris and I can find people for that. I think with the modern techniques that colony could be made quite comfortable.’

  ‘I’ll leave it to you then,’ Kyrus said. ‘I see two dressed kids returning. We’ll be with you shortly.’

  ‘That was so lovely,’ the girl said. ‘Imagine showering with hot water? It felt wasteful. I hope I didn’t use too much of the ship’s energy?’

  ‘With a shower?’ S-Az said. ‘No, miss. One second’s shot from my main beam gun would use more energy than you could bathe away in a year. I am glad you enjoyed it.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I feel much better now.’

  ‘Good!’ S-Az said. ‘Then I suppose we can go back to Realmport, my brave lord Admiral?’

  ‘By all means,’ Kyrus said. ‘I know you pine for the comforts of home, dear fellow.’

  ‘That’s it for today,’ Kyrus said when they had landed. He jumped to his feet and stretched. ‘I leave you the ship, Lieutenant Ginny.’

  ‘If that could be true!’ S-Az said. ‘She’s such a gentle officer; kind, brave, beautiful.’

  ‘Which I am not?’ Kyrus said.

  ‘Alas,’ the AI said dolorously.

  ‘I will have you scrubbing the deck then,’ Kyrus said. ‘Come, guys, let’s go meet my sister.’

  ‘Are you and the ship fighting?’ the boy asked as they crossed the field.

  ‘No,’ Kyrus said. ‘We’re just playing. He’s an AI, but as smart as any human. He’s spent the whole last thousand years awake, drifting between the stars, and that has warped his sense of humor. I could have a bigger flagship, but I won’t change; I like him.’

  They entered the main building and exchanged greetings with Gunild.

  ‘The high admiral is in her office, sir, with the admirals Odysson, Derris and Tamyas.’

  ‘Who?’ Kyrus said, astounded. ‘Tamyas?’ He shook his head. ‘More surprises. We’ll go and join them. They sure want to meet the two oldest Firstworld people in the universe.’

  CHAPTER 22 – FLEET ACADEMY

  Kambisha stood in her office watching a team of Moi and one of Firstworld guys kicking a football across the grassy sports field Gunild had created under her windows. It wasn’t her game, but the enthusiasm both teams put into it was good to see.

  Behind her, Odysson sat on the edge of the high admiral’s desk, leafing through a stack of papers.

  The door opened and Ram came in, scowling in his underwear, carrying his clothes in his hands. ‘I got the wrong uniform. Mine ain’t showin’ all those stars and whatnot.’

  ‘What’s wrong about them, Colonel?’ Kambisha said innocently.

  ‘Colonel!’

  She walked up to him and put her arms around his neck. ‘Yes. You need the rank if we’re to work together. No, you deserve the rank. You’re the senior marine officer in the Realm, mister.’

  ‘Idiot!’ he said. ‘What do I know of colonelling?’

  ‘As much as I know of admiralling,’ Kambisha said. ‘We’re learning on the job. Now dress, before you make me forget myself.’

  ‘Ma’am,’ Gunild said, interrupting them. ‘I’ve got Captain Jenson of Ma-T 12. He needs assistance.’

  ‘I’ll take his call. Jenson? High Admiral.’

  ‘Ma’am, I am at this Fleet Academy; the dome is gone, and the place is occupied by some local tribe. They turned it into a village. They’re not hostile, but not happy to see us either. I cannot get at the brain with them present. I need someone in authority to speak to their leader.’

  ‘I’ll be over right away. Out.’ She repeated the call to Odysson.

  ‘Locals squatting in the ruins; it had to happen,’ Odysson said. ‘You know what? I’m coming with you. I’m curious to meet those people. Gunild, do we have any data on them?’

  ‘Fleet Academy, Kau’s World 4, was built on a large island east of the planet’s main continent. At that time, the island was uninhabited. The people of Kau are roving hunters and fishers, but not much is known about them.’

  ‘We’ll have to take it as it comes then,’ Kambisha said. ‘Warn Emma and Captain Unnaerd we’re going out.’

  Kau’s World was blue-and-white as Firstworld, though visibly bigger and wetter. One major continent and a mass of island varying in size from the largest Chorwaynies to sandbanks sporting a solitary palm tree.

  They joined Ma-T, and a relieved Captain Jenson. He was one of the merchant cadets her brother had recruited the first round, and this was only his second mission.

  ‘Happy to see you, ma’am,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t sure what I could promise the locals to leave the base.’

  ‘Let’s see what their demands are,’ Kambisha said. ‘I’ll meet you on the ground.’

  ‘Do you need us, ma’am?’ Ram said.

  ‘Well, I got Odysson to protect me,’ she said mischievously. Then she chuckled. ‘You come, of course, but you can leave your guys on board.’

  They rode their brooms down, and saw Jenson waiting at the edge of the base. He was a slender young Vanhaari with a studious face and carefully combed gray hair. She saw a faint look of anger on his face as he watched the locals occupying the base
.

  ‘Ma’am, this tribe is called the Keni-Arroo,’ he said after they had exchanged greetings. ‘They are fish hunters, most of them. Bahuit is their hunt-leader; he is the one I spoke with.’ Did they quarrel? Kambisha thought. Thinking of that leader makes him very angry.

  She nodded. ‘Then we will start with him. Where do we find this hunt-leader?’

  They crossed the base, past workplaces and barracks now occupied by men, women and children. All were tall, well-built and grim-faced humans, their complexions varying from bluish-green to the opposite. Their heads were hairless, and they all wore faded Moi-style jumpsuits.

  Near the main building they found a massive man sitting on a stool, watching them approach.

  He didn’t react as they halted, just looked at them expressionlessly.

  ‘Hunt-leader Bahuit, I bring you our commander, the High Admiral Kambisha,’ Jenson said, his face blankly formal.

  ‘A woman,’ the hunt-leader said. ‘What am I to discuss with a weak woman?’

  ‘Shall we discuss this idea of weak, hunt-leader?’ Kambisha said.

  ‘Am I to speak of strength? Women cannot compete with men. Your people have no men.’ The hunt-leader gestured at a large barrel of fish, still addressing Jenson. ‘I invited you to impress me by lifting that barrel, you who call yourself captain,’ he said. ‘You refused. So you are no man.’

  Jenson didn’t answer, but his hands on his back were clenched.

  ‘Can you lift that barrel, hunt-leader?’ Kambisha said in a cool voice. ‘Prove me your awesomeness, great hunter.’

  ‘I will show you how a man does that, you who call yourself captain.’ The hunt-leader rose and clasped the barrel with two tattooed arms. Then, with a mighty grunt, he lifted the load four inches from the ground. He held it up for a count of three and put it down with a thud.

  ‘That’s how a man does it.’

  Kambisha chuckled. ‘If that’s all you need to be a man...’ She went over to the barrel, got a good grip on the rough wood, gathered every ounce of her strength, and lifted it to halfway her thighs. Full of fish, it weighed at most three hundred pounds, but it was awkward to hold. Her mother had trained her carrying worse and heavier objects, so whistling softly, she walked away with her load and put it down in the center of the base. Then she looked around at the awe-struck faces of the locals. ‘This, hunt-leader of the Keni-Arroo, is how a woman does it.’

  A chorus of giggles and suppressed female laughter made the hunt-leader’s face turn dark and his face reflected rage.

  Before he could say anything, a small child came running from the main building and stopped before her.

  ‘The Mother wants to see you,’ she panted. ‘Come, come.’

  Kambisha followed the little girl inside, where an ancient woman crouched, with a circle of other old females around her.

  ‘You,’ she said, and her face crinkled as she laughed. ‘Whoever you are, you showed him. A good jest I will help him remember often. Now who are you and what is your business here?’

  ‘I am High Admiral Kambisha of Realmfleet,’ she said. ‘I come because the gods have commanded me to restore our base on this island. I was not aware of your presence, however.’

  ‘You are one of the ancients?’ the old woman said, tilting her head as she studied Kambisha. ‘But the old treaties have long been forgotten.’

  ‘Forgotten, but never rescinded,’ Kambisha said quickly. ‘The guardian of the base is getting restless; we must wake him soon. I understand this will turn you out homeless, so we are willing to compensate you for your troubles.’

  The old woman’s eyes were thoughtful. ‘You are mighty; build us a new village, and we will go.’

  ‘Agreed,’ Kambisha said immediately. ‘Where?’

  The old woman turned to the child. ‘Go fetch my grandson. Tell him to hurry.’

  The child grinned and ran out, to return with the hunt-leader, still scowling terribly.

  ‘The High Admiral and I have concluded,’ the old woman said. ‘She will build us a new village and we will leave this place of hers.’

  The man’s eyes narrowed. ‘A new village,’ he said. ‘To our wishes?’

  ‘Of course,’ Kambisha said coolly. ‘If you manage to tell me what they are.’

  ‘The island to the south has a beautiful bay. We would like a village on its shores.’

  ‘Very well,’ Kambisha said. ‘To speed matters up, I must awaken the guardian of this place. I hate to inconvenience you, but I need this building. The rituals are secret and I do not want to harm anyone should they accidentally see part of them,’

  ‘Spoken like a true leader,’ the old woman said. ‘Listen to the High Admiral, hunt-leader. You might learn a thing or two. Up, you women. We will go sit in the sunshine for a bit.’

  ‘I will join you,’ Odysson said. ‘My business is trade. I don’t lift barrels of fish; I buy them.’

  ‘That, too, is strength,’ the old woman said. ‘Let us speak of trade and money, then.’

  ‘You watch the doors,’ Kambisha said to Ram. ‘You never know with those little kids.’

  She hurried to the central column, removed some baskets of bread and knelt to open the hatch. Down in the cellar, she called up a light and with pounding heart went to the brain. The fluid was clear as a still lake, and she quickly started its support system.

  She worked fast and soon lamps flashed on and machinery stirred.

  ‘Gods!’ a male voice said heavily. And then, ‘Intruders! I...’

  ‘Disregard, Fleet Academy!’ Kambisha snapped. ‘Change of Overall Command.’ She gave her code, and the voice acknowledged. ‘Leave your dome down for the moment; take no action until I explained the situation.’

  ‘Most irregular, ma’am,’ the voice said.

  ‘I know. What is your name?’

  ‘My... I am Colonel Valluur, Realmfleet Marines.’

  ‘Well met, Colonel. Please check your data.’

  ‘Yes, I see,’ Valluur said. ‘The quake... My cadets! Oh dear gods, half of them were on exercise.’

  ‘Those were Lhandor’s guys? We got them. They were lucky, Colonel; they, and the tech students, were the only ones in stasis suits. We got them and the ships.’

  ‘That at least is good news,’ Valluur said. ‘I have the other half below, in stasis.’ He sighed. ‘The trainers who went with them perished, of course.’ His words sounded bitter. ‘They wouldn’t have worn their belts. True Realm warriors didn’t, you see. It was different when I was a Marine, but somehow the idea had crept in that toolbelts were only for newbies and you were, ah, not taken serious if you wore one. Unless you were a newbie, of course. To make the point, cadets even had to sleep wearing their belts. I never understood this idiocy, but when even my admiral believed it...’

  ‘Then it’s their own fault,’ Kambisha said. ‘What if an accident happened?’

  ‘It never did, ma’am. The ships are so capable, the people felt invulnerable.’

  Kambisha remembered something Emma had said that day at Shan 4. “They didn’t need belts, for they knew I would keep them safe. Only I didn’t.”

  ‘Well, it’s too late now,’ she said.

  ‘Yes.’ Valluur coughed. ‘Ma’am, about those intruders?’

  ‘They are locals, living here in good faith, Colonel. Do you have building equipment? I agreed with the local leader they will leave if we build another village for them. Can you do that?’

  ‘If it’s a matter of barracks and such, I certainly can,’ Valluur said.

  ‘If you need anything, Gunild at Realmport will assist you,’ Kambisha said. ‘Discuss the matter with the old lady outside. Grand Trader Odysson is with her. Now, the cadets you mentioned. How many are there?’

  ‘Fully half of our strength, ma’am; twelve hundred nineteen young Moi.’

  ‘Wake me their senior. I’ll go below now.’ She stared around but where at Realmport was a corridor to the stairs was a blank wall.

  ‘I’ll unloc
k the safety doors, ma’am.’ Valluur said.

  Silently, the blank walls moved aside and there was the corridor.

  I didn’t know they were there,’ she thought, as she hurried to the stairs. Below, she nearly ran over a girl in the gaudy Moi colors, who was on her way up.

  ‘Steady!’ Kambisha said. ‘Report!’

  ‘Recruit-Major Waell,’ the girl said, breathlessly. ‘Who are you, ma’am? Where is everybody?’

  Kambisha introduced herself. ‘Let’s go to the mess; all should work again. Colonel Valluur, would you kindly tell Colonel Ram to join me here?’

  As they sat down, a servor came and she ordered three cawah. ‘Now, Recruit-Major, let’s get over the hard part.’ She told of the quake and the state of the realm. The girl nearly broke down, but she kept a grip on herself. Then Ram joined them. Waell jumped up to salute him, and her training helped to steady her.

  ‘It’s a mess,’ Kambisha said. ‘But at least we got you and your guys, as well as Lhandor and his troops. Together, we will rebuild the Realm. Now we will wake up your fellows, we’ll tell the situation and then I will take you all to Realmport for a medical and briefings. You probably will return here, but at the moment we have no Marine instructors. Up to now the only officers we found alive were brain persons, a single scout lieutenant and some midshipmen.’

  ‘Brains aren’t officers,’ the girl said.

  ‘Sure they are,’ Kambisha said. ‘They are no longer line officers, but specialists; they retain their ranks and they are still on active duty.’

  ‘Oh, dear. You just settled a long-overdue grudge, ma’am,’ Gunild said. We live, we serve, some of us held high ranks before we took on this task; why should we be deprived of our former status?’

  ‘You shouldn’t. How do you see yourself? As a senior officer?’

  ‘Me? No! I was the chief deputy to a high government official.’

  ‘So you’re a civilian manager with a rank equal to General Cruishand.’

  ‘That would be fair,’ Cruishand said. ‘Apologies for butting in; Gunild and I were talking with Valluur, updating him as to the situation. But I agree; Manager Gunild is a voice of authority and has a right to the rank that goes with it.’ His voice grew stern. ‘Bear in mind we all serve the Realm, Recruit-Major. Many of us have been commanding armies and great ships before we became brain persons. We have earned our ranks.’