Eye of the Gazelle

by Marcia Tucker

  Vekta nodded. “Especially you... I can't ask this of you,” he sent to her privately.

  Novella looked up and met his gaze, then looked away at nothing.

  *

  Moments later, Crater put through to the conference room a call from Starguard Cenntl. “He's with the Commander General and Starguard Director Denayrga right now,” Crater murmured.

  Vekta flicked fingers around the Sixtheye field, then the 3D image of that other meeting formed so that it looked as if the two Starguards and the General were sitting at the other end of the conference room, but at a different table which appeared to merge with theirs at the middle. He stood and bowed. “Commander General, sir... Denayrga.”

  “I think we can forego formalities this time,” Peter Cenntl murmured. “Start again.”

  Sighing, Vekta sat back down. “General... Dena... Jaime...”

  “Good to see you, Vekta,” Denayrga said, qer ashen lips minutely curved in an Esontian version of a smile. “You've been through a lot, haven't you? Please introduce your members. They're your High telepath officers, right?”

  Austine shifted uneasily in her chair. She'd heard that the Perseus Guard was quite informal. Not what she was used to.

  “Yes,” Vekta murmured, and gestured to each in turn. “My executive officer, Major Austine Tauscher, a Level 7... our computer chief, Major Novella Aurand, a Level 8... and our science chief, Major Veladassar abe Ti.”

  “May I call you Austine, Novella, Veladassar?” The smile deepened minutely.

  The Vriesian tapped at the tiny disk on his uniform lapel that would translate his thoughts into vocal speech. Although the Andromedea was a nonvoided ship, he did not generally use it unless he had to speak over a communications channel. “Vel, please, Starguard Denayrga.”

  “Denayrga is fine,” the qoman in gray and white replied. “I think you will all understand if we ask you to refrain from speaking of what has happened to Vekta to anyone else. Except of course for your other High telepath, Stander. He already knows after speaking with Vekta.”

  “There are a couple of Level 7's who aren't department heads,” Austine mentioned. “What about them?”

  “The medical second and a fightercraft pilot,” Vekta explained. “I don't think they need to know about the Attitudes. For now, anyway.”

  “I agree,” Peter murmured. “So for now, just the eight of us. I think that's best.”

  “We can discuss logistics another time,” Denayrga said. “What's more important is the fact that the powers of the Attitudes will help us protect the peoples of the USC from dangers like the Sdaldi and others. But to ask Vekta to bear it alone is harsh. We hope that at least one of you may also develop the Attitudes. It is of course your decision.”

  “Stander has already volunteered,” Vekta said quietly.

  “He has?” Austine looked over, astonished. “Huh, well, count me in! I'll do it, too!”

  “What about you, Jaime?” Novella asked. Up to now, Jaime had been lounging low in his chair, not looking at anyone, seemingly bored.

  “Not me,” Jaime said firmly, glancing over only for a second. He took a swig from a glass in front of him; alcoholic, most likely. “I've got all I need to spy on the Taree. They're practically transparent, you know. I'm fine.”

  “I'm not sure,” Vel admitted, speaking again through his device. “Maybe at a later time.”

  “That's all right,” Vekta said, nodding at the Vriesian.

  “Four would be a good number,” Austine said, then glanced sidelong at Novella.

  I think this is inevitable anyway, Novella mused to herself. I'm his match... and with both of us using the Attitudes together, right there we probably double whatever his present power is. I need to talk to Vekta first, though, alone.

  She took a deep breath. “I'll consider it. I want to take a little more time to think about it,” she said honestly, then added privately to Vekta, “I need to talk to you.”

  “We've discussed the necessity of allowing the — what do we call them?” Peter Cenntl spoke up, tilting his head in thought.

  “Attitudinals,” Austine stated flatly. “I named them already.”

  “Odd, but it works,” Peter replied with a nod. “The Attitudinals will need Starguard privileges.”

  Austine sat forward, blinking. “Why? Aren't we all going to be on the Andromedea? So just our crazy Vekta needs those, right?”

  “That's something we have to decide as well,” Vekta murmured, not responding to Novella as yet. “Perhaps put the Andromedea under the Guard? Because of the Attitudes, we won't be tackling the usual projects, I'm guessing.”

  “Vekta's the only one of the four who has been in the Guard already,” Denayrga offered thoughtfully “Since the others are your officers, perhaps it is enough just to have you return to the Guard... and assign your ship to the Guard.”

  “Or place the Andromedea directly under my personal command,” Peter said. “I think that would be more palatable to Fleet General Staff.” He took a deep breath. “Even with these powers, I think they'll be sensitive about taking the Andromedea away from the Fleet. Remember, right now it's the only Defender with the Starlock drive. They're not going to want the Fleet to lose that.”

  Vekta opened his mouth, about to say that with the Attitudes they wouldn't be needing the Starlock anymore, but thought better of it. That would mean the FGS would choose to use the Andromedea elsewhere, and he wasn't willing to part with Crater just yet. Likely Austine wouldn't want to do without the Starlock either. Wasn't it still being tested?

  “I'd prefer to remain on the Andromedea as well,” Novella spoke up softly. “A Starguard has to make radical decisions sometimes. I don't think I'm prepared for that.” She didn't want to be parted from Vekta, not with all the power the Attitudes brought. The prospect was still scary and she didn't even have the Attitudes yet.

  Denayrga nodded. “What do you think, Austine?”

  I wonder what Stander will do, Austine considered to herself. “Do we have to decide all this just yet? I think we need to bring Stander into this discussion as well.”

  “True,” Peter admitted. “Very well, we've discussed the options. Vekta, I leave things to you for now. Work with Austine and Novella — and Stander when you have the chance — to develop the Attitudes or however it has to happen. We'll talk about how this will work for the four of you later.”

  “Since the Sdaldi have left USC space — and since upon his death, Korgovax's connection with the Muphroi isn't an issue any more — there isn't any dire need for the Attitudes just yet,” Denayrga said. “I know — there is the matter of what you've called the Eye of the Gazelle. It's stable for now?”

  “It's stable as far as I can tell,” Vekta murmured.

  “And of course you have to bring your children back.”

  “Which reminds me of the reason why they aren't back already,” Vekta murmured. Taking a deep breath, he proceeded to explain the situation of the teleXandee.

  *

  Stirring up shit again, eh? Jaime Cenntl thought to himself when Vekta finished. He'd been quiet as the others talked about the future of the Andromedea. But this was another matter. “Look, I'm stepping out on this; I've got a baby Khagan to go check up on,” he muttered, standing. It took a moment to steady himself, thanks to the alcohol. He bowed at the Sixtheye projection from the Andromedea. “Vekta old buddy, good luck with all that! Man, I don't envy you the logistics nightmare you're bringing upon us. Glad it's a Fleet thing. You know the Generals will poop needles over this, right?” He sketched a wave. “Petey, Dena, I'm out of this. Ciao, all!” And the Starguard disappeared.

  It took Crater a few seconds to locate “ciao” in his database. Why Italian?

  Peter sighed heavily. “This matter with the teleXandee is a bit extreme, Vekta. Relocate hundreds of people — nonHumanoid at that — from one universe to another? Can you be sure they can survive in Alpha? And where could we put them?�
��

  “Vriesia,” spoke up Veladasser via his vocal converter. “Isn’t Xanda the same planet in their universe? It has a fairly identical climate. In fact, I'm sure you're aware, as is the commander, that the climate of the equatorial subcontinent on Vriesia has always been considered too extreme for habitation, but it would be perfect for the teleXandee.”

  “That's what I was thinking, too,” Vekta said, nodding, relieved. “The Xandee have already learned Englang and can speak our language, but they've also learned the signed language of the Vriesians. I believe some of their plants were found to be edible for the twins. Whether there are insects on Vriesia that are palatable to the Xandee, has yet to be determined. The first priority is their safety, anyway.”

  “The ecosystem on Vriesia must be able to adapt to the introduction of the teleXandee,” Denayrga said gravely. “Is there nowhere in Xost where they could be removed for safety until the environmental concerns can be studied in depth?”

  “How critical is their situation, Vekta?” Peter asked.

  Vekta took a deep breath. “I've stopped one incursion from the main capital already. Someone will have to be vigilant for the time being. Obviously telepathic intervention is only a temporary measure. The two societies can no longer coexist. Because this is an urgent matter, we've had no time to look for other planets that might suit their needs.”

  Glances were exchanged. The only worlds in the USC with such a tropical climate were Vriesia, Terra — a museum planet — and Deltri — too densely populated with a high volume of tourism traffic.

  *

  The discussion continued a little while longer. It was clear the situation needed a lot more study, both from the teleXandee perspective of their ability to thrive on Vriesia, and from the perspective of the ecosystem of that planet. And to bring in a new sentient species to the USC was something with far-reaching ramifications that must be considered as well.

  Denayrga promised to set up a task force to do the necessary research, to be jointly headed by Starguard Vanusyia, another Esontian Starguard, and Dr. Jassalde bu Ye, a Level 6 High telepath and a Vriesian scientist currently working as a Guard Associate at their headquarters. They would primarily be studying the feasibility from the Vriesian standpoint.

  “Excuse me, General Cenntl,” Crater quietly interrupted.

  “Hmm? Who's that?” Peter asked, looking around.

  “It's Crater,” Vekta said, amused. “Go ahead, Crater, what is it?”

  “It's just that when the Andromedea goes to Xost Universe, I can take up the study of the Xandee and their environmental and nutritional requirements. Well, perhaps with Major abe Ti, that is, since I cannot collect the data directly.”

  The Vriesian officer made a gesture of refusal. “I was going to do that anyway,” he said.

  “I mean,” Crater said quickly, “I can cross reference the data with what we receive from the research team. If you or any of the crew visit the planet wearing a field disk, I can collect data that way, and can put together a working model of the integration of Xandee into the Vriesian ecosystem.”

  “He's going to do that whether I ask him to or not,” Vekta assured Veladasser, shrugging. “Might as well let him.” He omitted telling his colleagues that he had already set Scorpa to work collecting data; that entity was going to have to be a subject for another time, and something he'd rather deal with on his own. Besides, Scorpa would just be adding what he collected to Crater's data; the cybernism would serve as the polymath to integrate all the data.

  “It's a great idea,” Austine said, grinning. “You're expecting to be bored other wise, right, Crater?”

  I wouldn't be bored either way, Crater mused, thinking her question odd. “I have my medical studies.”

  “That again?” Austine made a noise of distaste. “Waste of time for you.”

  “Medical studies?” Denayrga inquired.

  I'll just shut up, Crater thought morosely.

  20: Connections

  “I want to talk to you for a minute,” came the menttrans a second before Vekta was going to autoport updeck to get the Andromedea on the way to Vriesia. The meeting had ended, the Sixtheye connection to Althaea closed, Austine was already gone, and Veladasser was exiting the conference room.

  He turned around to see Novella waiting for him. “Oh, sure,” he said offhandedly, most of his attention still on the trip ahead. He was going to have to Link with Crater again in order to determine what the Dao Parameter was for Xost Universe. Of course he could simply mattport the Defender there, but he didn't want to keep doing that; they'd need the parameter anyway in the future for other Defenders when they, too, had the Starlock. And for the Guard starcraft.

  “Your office?” Novella suggested quietly.

  “Hmm? Oh, of course.”

  They autoported there. “Crater, please give us some privacy?” she asked, glancing at the violet viewport light by the door. The large Freen extended hopeful tendrils toward both Dracons. Vekta absently waved them off, going to his desk. Novella allowed one to twine with her fingers momentarily.

  “Yes, of course,” Crater murmured, though he was curious. None of my business... now, how are we going to determine the Dao Parameter for Xost Universe? He withdrew from the viewport, the light going dark.

  Sinking down into his desk chair, Vekta ran a hand through his hair and leaned back. “I want to get back before the twins wake up,” he murmured. He flicked his fingers to activate the Sixtheye field and poked at it to bring up ship status displays.

  Novella sighed and flicked her own mental finger at the Sixtheye, voiding the displays in the room.

  “What the—” Vekta stood up involuntarily, then glanced up when Novella cleared her throat.

  “I said I wanted to talk to you,” she murmured, meeting his puzzled gaze. “I need to talk to you. Do you really not think we have something very important to talk about right now?” She hoped he didn't notice her increased heart rate. What am I doing?

  Vekta blinked. “Um?”

  She rolled her eyes at him. Starguard mode? she wondered, her throat dry. “The Attitudes.”

  “I told you,” Vekta countered immediately with a gesture of negation. “I can't ask that of you.” His expression was shuttered. It was clear he did not want to deal with this right now.

  “There are hidden consequences to our mental matching in particular,” Novella murmured. “Do you ever think about that?” As I have nearly every hour you were gone...

  A Freen tendril reached a hand at his side. “Er...” Vekta looked down, startled, and stiffened. But then he held still as the tendril continued up his arm. It completed a circle around his shoulder, tightening to firmness.

  “There's a connection there,” she said, looking at him again. “You're not as calm as you think you are, after all.” We're going to have this talk... “Just like our matching. When our minds touched that first time, a connection was formed. A resonance exists between us, don't you think?” Novella was careful to keep her voice calm though warm, gentle. “I've decided I don't want to ignore what that could mean, Vekta. It doesn't matter whether you ask me if I want my Attitudes potential developed. Of course I will.”

  Something in her deceptively soft words seemed to rattle something deep inside of him. “I didn't really have a choice myself,” he said with a hint of bitterness. “The powers are too needed. But even a soulmate of mine must be able to choose freely.” The instant he said “soulmate,” he regretted it, thinking of Jaime's provocative conversation with him about Novella.

  Novella smiled finally. “Is that what we are, then? Soulmates? I confess... I wouldn't mind that! And I do choose freely. Of course there is the need. But more, I don't want you to bear this burden alone.” She moved to stand beside his desk. “You don't have to do that, Vekta. Consider our connection.”

  Vekta's eyes widened as he watched her. Our... connection? Just for the sake of that? He took a deep breath. “I am forever c
hanged by the Attitudes. You really want that? And for me? Why would you want that for my sake? Just because of this mental matching thing?”

  “Not just because,” she murmured. For a brief moment, she looked beyond him to the Freen, then gazed back at him directly. “When you disappeared in front of me — that shook me. Do you know that I was aware that something had taken you? Or that I've known all along that you would be back? I don't know if Thho had allowed me to sense her, too. Perhaps. But I knew that you would return to... us.” She'd wanted to say “to me,” but held back. “I... missed you.” Surely he could hear how loud her heart was hammering?

  He had not expected her to say that. That Novella was at all interested in having her Attitudes potential developed was hard enough to wrap his mind around. Because of the matching? Vekta gazed back at her, then was further surprised when she lowered her eyes, closing them. Then he became aware — was it there all along? — of the subtle bond that had already begun between himself and this woman. She missed me...

  And he remembered when Thho had first wrenched him away from the Korvaleen in Alpha Universe, ripped him away from her. I didn't want to leave her, he thought soberly. What does that mean?

  “I didn't want to leave you like that,” he said in a low voice, still watching her. “I'm sorry I left you with the Tarees. I had no choice.”

  “I know.” Novella's eyes were feeling hot, but she did not wipe at them or show him the faint sight of brimming tears. “I missed you, Vekta. You have no idea how glad I am that you're back at last.”

  Vekta did not know what to say to that. “Thank you,” he said simply. So not going there, Jaime, not by a long shot. “Are... are you sure about the Attitudes?”

  Novella turned away and blinked back her tears, taking a deep breath. “Yes,” she answered firmly. “I'm as sure about the Attitudes as I'm sure about... how I feel about you.” She smiled to herself; there, I said it! Then, nodding to herself, she strode out of his office.