by F. M. Busby
Rissa looked at her, then at Tregare. "Derek?"
"Limmer," said Tregare. "I hadn't heajd his first name in years."
Rissa said, "Felcie! What has happened?"
The girl laughed. "Well-I'm married, I think. Not that it matters-but is it valid, a ship's captain and all, you're in bed with him and he stops in the middle and says the ceremony -and then you finish?" Rissa stepped forward and cupped the girl's face between both hands, looking up into her eyes. "And is it-yes, of course-I see it is right for you. But I am surprised-that all has moved so quickly."
Felcie grinned. "I guess I'm shameless. When I cut him out from you after lunch, I knew what I wanted. Sure didn't ex-pect to get married, though-or not so soon, anyway."
Tregare moved and clasped her to him. "Somebody should kiss the bride."
When he was done, Rissa said, "I think you have done the job completely."
"And who better?" It was Limmer, descending the ramp. "Tregare-Tari-stay and help us celebrate, wil you?" Tregare gripped his shoulder tightly. "I'll celebrate you under the table, you old war dog. You may be prettier, but I'm the better drinker."
they went to Limmer's quarters. Dinner was late, sketchy, and fragmented, but drink and drugsticks abounded. Rissa en-joyed the euphoria and heightened sensations, but realized she paid for them in a shortened, fragile attention span. Once she found herself hugging Felcie, both of them laughing and cry-ing at the same time. Then they sat side by side, solemnly listening as Limmer and Tregare sang. The song began, "When I was a boy at U.E.T., twice a week they maybe let you pee-" Then the two men's versions differed, and Rissa could make out none of the worlds until the chorus line, twice repeated.
Yes, THAT is the reason, you can plainly see, Why there's only one latrine in all of U! E! T!
Laughing and breathless, the men pummeled each other's shoulders. Tregare said, "You got the middle wrong, Limmer! It goes 'Some time later, when we were men, they told us we could hold it twice as long again.' Now let's try it once more." Rissa shook her head and missed Limmer's protest as she retreated to the bathroom. For a moment she closed her eyes; when she opened them, she had forgotten where she was.
She heard loud voices and opened the door. Limmer and Felcie, nude, were embracing. Tregare clapped his hands and chanted.
"Don't wait-celebrate! Don't wait- celebratel"
She went to him; he kissed and held her, mumbling words she could not understand. He laughed and pointed; she turned and saw the newlyweds coupling. "Us too?" he said.
She shook her head. "Not here. And-Bran, I do not feel well."
"You lie down, then. Next cabin's empty." He led her to it; she sat heavily on the bed, then lay on one side, drawing her knees up. He touched her shoulder. "You all right?"
"I-will be." She closed her eyes, heard the door close, and could not summon purpose to open them, to see if he had gone or stayed. Then another door slammed and she knew he had rejoined the revel. After a time, she slept. she woke to find herself not on but in the bed, and unclothed. Beside her lay Tregare. She yawned, stretched, and decided that except for residual nervous overexcitement, she had re-covered fully. Her clothes hung neatly over the back of a chair; she got up and began dressing.
Tregare opened his eyes, sneezed once and sat up. "How are you, Bran?"
"I've been better. Worse, too, though-I'll manage." "Thank you for putting me to bed. I do not remember it." "Thank Felcie-she put us both to bed, after I helped her with Limmer." He grinned. "I told him I could outdrink him." He looked around. "I guess I left my clothes in there. No robe here, either."
"I will get them, if anyone is awake to open the door." For a moment he looked at her. "You want to know what happened?" "I did not ask." "Well-nothing did." "I am sorry if you were disappointed." "Oh, peace drop off a cliff! It was my own choice." She went to him. "I would not have minded, Bran, if all were willing. We have said, remember, that outside our bed we each are free. But this time I am glad you did nothing, for it is not well to make such decisions when drugged."
"That's what I thought-with what little brains I had work-ing." "I will go see about your clothing." felcie, wearing a robe, answered her knock. "Derek's still asleep. I guess you're after Tregare's clothes? I just plain forgot to take them along last night."
"Bran says you got me into bed. Thank you."
Felcie gathered Tregare's things and handed them over. "Tari-"
"Yes, what is it?"
"Oh-nothing." Rissa nodded and returned to the other cabin. Tregare dressed; after they had washed, they went to the galley.
His appetite had not suffered, she noticed, and hers was normally hearty. They were drinking coffee when Limmer and Felcie entered. Neither said anything beyond greetings; Rissa thought they seemed embarrassed. Well, that was their prob-lem.
Then Limmer said, "I guess we got a little tipped up last night. And I noticed you left early, Tari-everything all right?"
She looked at the scarred, sneering face, and her resolve
melted. "Quite all right. It was only that I had much more
drink and drug than usual and reacted poorly-so I went to let
my mind clear without disturbing your celebration." She
smiled. "As I left, it seemed your wedding night proceeded
wel."
"She told you, did she now? The ceremony, I mean? Well, I couldn't think of a better time for it."
"It was most fitting." Then, to Tregare; "Should we not go upslope this morning? There are calls to make, and-"
"It wouldn't be," said Limmer, "that you're uncomfor-table here, about anything?" She shook her head. "No-truly not." He did not look con-vinced, so she rose and went to him. "Men always kiss the bride. I think that is most unfair to the other women-and to the groom." She bent down, and the kiss was long and firm. When she straightened again, she smiled and said, "Now we have had our due also, you and I." He laughed. "All right-whatever my question was, that answers it." Then; "Tregare-any special instructions to-day?"
"Just that you could expand weapons training, if you haven't already-set up some simulations so people can practice on their own ships in as many turrets as are handy to rig."
"Carcharodon's already in the business; I'll get onto No Return today. And you've got the hul plates marked?"
"Yes, and numbered. Not duplicates, though. Have some-body take care of that-two spare sets al around."
"All right." They shook hands. "If anything needs it, I'll cal on scramble." Tregare and Rissa left the ship. At first they did not see the aircar; then it emerged from behind a building and taxied toward them, Deverel driving. He came alongside them, leaned out, and said, "Thought I'd fuel her while I thought of it. We going back to the scout today?"
"Yes," said Tregare. "And right now, unless you've some-thing more to do here." Deverel shook his head; they entered and he took the car up. His piloting was competent and cautious; Rissa wondered about his inward reaction to some of her and Tregare's maneuvers. Well, he had never com-plained. ...
at the cabin they found that Kenekke had completely re-paneled the door and cut away the burned wood from the front wall, exposing blackened metal. The men went to the scout, Rissa into the cabin. She made coffee, bathed, and changed her clothing, putting the discarded garments to launder. As she turned the machine on, Tregare entered.
"Word from Hawkman, Rissa! Sten Norden's agreed to sell -Valkyrie's on her way here. Hawkman stayed and sold the frozen gas contract to-I forget the name-it's a ship I don't know." He poured them coffee and sat. "One problem-Nor-den wants off. Says he's too old to change-to command an armed ship that means business." He scratched his cheek where the tattoo had been. "So who do I put in charge? I know Norden personally, but none of his officers."
"And if you install one of your own, there might be trouble?"
"Using the truth field? Not hardly. And my man-or woman-would have a cadre along, too, for coordination. But-"
"Who are you thinking of? Do I know any?"
/>
"You've met a couple; you may not remember them.
Gonnelsen, my First on Inconnu-"
"I remember him, though we did not speak together. A very- contained- man.''
"That's him. Well, he'd be ideal-but he doesn't want com-mand. He had first offer of Left hand Thread- Limmer was new with me then-and turned it down. So-next in line is Zelde M'tana, my Second. She could handle it."
"The tall African woman, yes. I liked her. And she is a striking person."
"True. But more important, she's capable- and has the command-type mind."
"Then she is your choice?"
"I think so. The only knot in the string is-it'd be my Sec-ond Hat taking over, in charge of Norden's First and the rest."
"Why do you not-no, I must think longer."
"Let's hear it, Then we can both think."
"Two heads-? All right-why do you not name Zelde M'tana acting captain of Inconnu until you-both of us-re-join that ship? If you explain the reason to her and to Gon-nelsen-and you say he does not wish command-might not that sol ve it?"
He squinted, looking past her into air. "Yeah, that'll do it. I had another idea, but this is quicker and more plausible."
"And on Inconnu, who replaces the woman?"
"Hain moves up to Second. And) for Third-" He paused, then grinned. "You want to see my new Third Hat?" She nodded. "Then go look in a mirror!"
"Tregare-Bran!" She shook her head. "I cannot do it. I am not qualified." He counted points on his fingers. "One-you're learning navigation and control. Two-you outscore any turret gunner I have; I want you in charge of that department, and to do the job right, you need some rank. Three-when it comes to of-ficer material on Inconnu, you're the best I've got. Now-is that enough?"
She argued no further. "All right-there is a paper I have seen but not yet read. It is old; the edges are frayed. The cover, says,
'NEW Ship's Regulations, by order of Bran Tregare, and the date. I wish to study it." He nodded. "Sure. There's a copy in the scout-maybe
two. I'll find you one. You already know most of it, though -do your job, obey orders, no fighting without captain's per-mission, no drink or drug on duty. Oh, there's more-but some of it was just me showing off, and isn't to be taken seri-ously now." He chuckled. "Maybe I should publish a new edi-tion."
The laundering machine buzzed and turned itself on. Rissa said, "Then I will read both versions." lunch came late, as breakfast had; then they went to the scout. Tregare taped a message for Inconnu, ordering and ex-plaining Zelde M'tana's promotion. He stopped the tape and said to Deverel, "That makes you Second; al right?"
"Sure, captain-it's the same job, just a little more rank. Now who fils in for met"
"Turn your head a little and you're looking at her."
Deverel blinked, then smiled. "Congratulations, Ms. Ker-guelen-the skipper makes good choices. But watch out for him-on his bad days, he's a real tyrant."
"Thank you, Hain-or do I say 'sir,' now that you outrank me? Before, of course, I had no place on that ladder." Palm forward, Deverel spread a hand. "Even on ship-which we aren't-rank only means precedence of command. It doesn't get in the way much."
"On Inconnu, you mean," said Tregare. "Ships differ. All right-let me finish this tape before the next signal window comes up and passes. What's the date?" Deverel told him; he nodded. "Three days left-and they can catch signal on the way in. After al this dul time sitting watch out there, Inconnu deserves a litle fling in port."
"Three days until what, Bran?"
"Until we could last get a signal from a ship close enough to get here-and still be outfitted in time to join us." He re-started the tape and gave orders for Inconnu- return, refuel-ing, crew leave, and the move to Base Two. At the end he said, "We're only five ships; it's not enough and I know it, but we can talk about that when you get here. I hope someone can convince me I'm wrong. Good speed; we await you."
He turned from the machine to Deverel. "Give Limmer the gist of it, to tell the others." Then, "Hain? You think there's any chance we could do it with five?" Deverel shrugged. "If anyone could, it's us." the day after Valkyrie landed, Rissa and Tregare flew the pass to meet with its captain. On board his ship, Norden-white-haired, but younger than Rissa had expected-served brandy to his guests. He introduced a thin, pale man. "Kile Ressider, my First."
They shook hands. Ressider said, "Pleasure, Tregare. By the way, nobody's told us-wil this be my ship, under you, or are you bringing someone in?"
Tregare looked at him. "Except for where you bunk, does it make any big difference in your plans either way?"
"My question was asked first."
"Like that, is it?" Tregare shrugged. "Al right. I need one of my own commanding, because I don't know you yet. If you can't live with that, I'l buy you out-fair shares-you'll have the money to buy into another berth if one comes along."
"Not so fast!" Low, close to the table, Ressider waved a hand. "I've heard about you, Tregare-If I'd believed it bet-ter, I wouldn't have pushed. Wait a minute-let me think." He closed his eyes hard, then opened them. "I'd work under Sten indefinitely-but he's leaving-and sure, I hoped for command someday. Now I won't be getting it. I don't know!" He shook his head, pale wispy hair flying as Tregare waited. Finaly, "Oh, al right. Staying First on Valkyrie's better than buying into an unknown setup." He reached to shake hands again. "You can depend on me, Tregare. Ask Sten." Norden said, "I trust Kile with my life. I should-twice, he's saved it."
Rissa thought, Itdoes not matter-Tregare has the truth field. But she listened as Tregare said, "You have a better chance than you think, Ressider. If plans work out, we'l have more ships than officers good enough to command them."
"And if plans don't work out?"
Tregare grinned. "You know better than that. Dead men don't command much of anything." Ressider took a quick breath, then laughed. "Now you tel me. Al right, I'm stil in it. Now-who takes over for Sten?"
"Name's Zelde M'tana. Not likely you'd know her-she didn't come up through UET.'
"Then where did she train?"
"Didn't, formally. Was living with a ship's captain-gradually learned and took charge in his name while drugs and sickness killed him. You've heard of Parnell and Chantic-leer!"
Ressider sucked in his breath. "Yes-of course-but I thought that ship was lost."
"Not so. Zelde changed its name to Kilimanjaro, But she'd been pushed uprank so fast-all the way from cargo to cap-tain-that some of the crew wouldn't accept her in permanent command. So a coalition bought her out, and she got off. I found her on Fair Ball; she's been with me ever since."
"I'm convinced-from someone like that, I can learn."
"Anyone can. I did." Tregare rose. "Sten, I want to stand you dinner-and catch up on a lot of talk-before you vanish groundside and look for what to do next. All right?"
"Of course. And I should say, the terms are fair. Your representative, Hawkman Moray-I like the man."
"That's good-so do I. He's my father."
Norden stared, "Tregare-I never knew you were Hulzein-connected."
"Until recently I wasn't, effectively-we left each other alone. But now we work together."
"I almost wish I were staying on. I knew-your aunt, would she be? The one in Argentina. About fifty-five she was then, and one hell of a woman. She's the one who persuaded me Escape was possible, and next time out we did it. Her name-?"
"Erika. My aunt, yes. I saw her once-but she didn't know it. Well, then, dinner-when's convenient for you?"
"Tomorrow, the next day. Either. I'll be packing, to get off before you move the ship. So, whenever it suits you."
"Day after tomorrow, then. I'll pick you up, help you move into town." They shook hands and said good-byes; Rissa and Tregare left the ship.
she checked the day-count on her watch. "Bran-I forgot-yesterday I should have been at the Hatchery for a pre-ovula-tion check. It may not be too late. Take me there now?" "All right if you just take the aircar yourself and come back when you'
re done? I mean-I'll drive you if you want, but I do have a lot to take care of around here." Rissa said, "Yes-I remember the traffic markers well enough. Where will I find you?"
"Hmm-how about over at the corner where we landed the scout?"
"Yes." She kissed him and got into the aircar. She found the DRC building with no difficulty, and Estelle Marco was free to see her almost immediately.
This time Rissa knew what to expect-the slight discomfort of gas moving inside her, after the cold feel on her belly as the "faucet handle" opened passage to her ova. This time no blockage was found, and in a very few minutes, after talking briefly with Dr. Marco, she was outside again. As she got into the aircar she heard slow thunder. Looking toward the port, she saw the ship descend.
She flew a little faster than the city's traffic rules sanc-tioned, and landed where she had agreed. She did not see Tregare, so she got out and walked toward the new ship, less than a mile away. When she neared it she saw its name: Graf Spee. She thought, Why, it's one of his! Now he has the six he needs! She tried to remember more of what he had said. At the ship's ramp she met an armed guard. She said, "Is Tregare aboard? " The man said, "If he is, who wants him?"
"Tell him Tari Obrigo."
"I never heard of you."
"Nor I of you-but be advised that Tregare will want to know I am here."
"I'll see." He talked into the unit strapped to his wrist, listened, then nodded. "Captain Krueger says you can go up. Sorry-we never know who anyone is at a strange landing."
"In such case, would not courtesy be the safer course?" But she added, "Aboard I will say nothing to your disfavor."
She did not wait for an answer, but climbed the ramp and entered. Inside, the ship was nearly a twin to LefthandThread. Guessing, she tried the galley first and found Tregare sitting and talking with a slim blonde woman. He looked up and waved a hand as Rissa approached.
The woman stood; she was considerably below average height. Tregare said, "Tari, meet Ilse Krueger. We're six ships now!"
As Rissa shook hands she looked carefully at Use Krueger-pale curly hair, blue eyes slightly tilted, strong cheekbones that dominated the thin face. Thirty years, biological? Or thirty-five, perhaps? And for all her look of fragility, the woman's handclasp had strength.