Before the captain could get back outside, Mark Ellis stepped through the door. “It turns out we have a surprise guest tonight,” he said before Kirsten could protest. He stepped aside and Senator Herbert Firebrandt stepped through the door.
Ellison Firebrandt quickly sat down the two bowls he was juggling and took a step toward his half brother.
Herbert Firebrandt looked around at the crowded room open-mouthed, then looked down at his own somber, gray trousers and jacket. “If I'd known that I was coming to a party, I would have dressed for the occasion.” He looked up and his eyes met Ellison's. “What you did...” He shook his head. “That will go down in the history books."
"I think our mother would have been rather astonished,” said Ellison.
"She would have also been very, very proud,” said Herbert. He stepped forward and clasped his brother's hand, then said very quietly, “She really did love you very much.” Ellison grabbed Herbert in a tight embrace.
"Thank you,” said Ellison as they parted.
"So,” asked Mark stepping up to the half-brothers, “what brings you to Nantucket?"
"Actually,” said Herbert, catching sight of Eva Cooper, “I came to speak to the Surgeon General of the Gaean Alliance.” He looked down at his feet in the way that reminded Fire so much of her father. “The Earth—hell, the whole galaxy—is in an upheaval. People are calling for Jenna Walker's resignation after she helped the Cluster. The problem is that the Cluster affected almost everyone. There are real questions about whether she was responsible for her actions or not."
Mark looked to his mother, who looked to Manuel—all three remembered their own experience with the Cluster. “To be honest,” said Fire, who had just poured herself a glass of Edmund Swan's Saguaro wine, “she seems far less responsible than the Titans who sat on their furry asses all through this. What's going to happen to them?"
"The Alpha Centaurans, Zahari, and Tzrn all calling for a change of leadership,” explained the Senator. “As for the humans—I think the first order of business is to get our own affairs back in order and possibly even discuss the reunification of Earth and her colonies.” He looked over at Eva. “I'd like you to help me. Rebuilding the government of Earth is going to be a tough job."
Eva nodded. “Yes, sir. I'll do whatever I can."
The Senator then turned to Mark. “I also came to offer you something.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a silver star. “I think you've earned this."
John Mark Ellis took the star from the Senator and held it in his palm. It was the captain's insignia of the Alpha Coma fleet. He closed his fingers around it and felt a lump in his throat. He then looked up and saw Kirsten across the room. He pushed his way through the people gathered to stand by her side. He showed her the star and she gasped. “It's what you've always wanted,” she said.
Simon Yermakov, who was standing behind Kirsten, looked at the star and smiled. “Congratulations, sir,” he said.
"I don't...” said Mark, shaking his head. “I don't know if I deserve this,” he stammered at last.
The Senator stepped through the room to Mark. “You deserve it,” he said firmly. “Also, we need your expertise. You know the whales better than most. We need someone who can speak to them and speak to the Clusters that have joined with whales."
John Mark looked down at the star in his hand, his brow furrowed. He'd looked for Richard the day after the Cluster departed Earth. There was no sign of the bull, and other whales had gone missing as well. Unlike humans, their bodies apparently weren't left behind. What had happened was a mystery. “I'd like to help, if I can,” said Mark.
"At the very least, consider a reserve appointment,” urged the Senator. “You don't have to give me your answer tonight."
"That's a good thing,” said Roberts from the kitchen, “because dinner is ready."
"Unless you'd rather stand around talking all night,” added Manuel.
Laughter erupted from around the room and people began to shuffle toward the kitchen to fill their plates from the pots on the stove and the bowls on the kitchen counter.
* * * *
As the dinner drew to a close, Senator Herbert Firebrandt stepped up to his brother and shook his hand. “It was good to meet you at last,” he said.
"Likewise,” said Ellison Firebrandt. “When you get some time, that invitation to come to Sufiro is still open."
"I may take you up on that,” said the Senator. “I have a feeling I'll need to rest a while once we've sorted everything out.” After saying the rest of their good-byes, the Senator and Eva Cooper left together for Washington, D.C. to find lodgings and make plans for the coming week.
"We should get going, too,” said Simon to Kirsten and Mark. “I need to see how repairs to the ship are coming."
"Sounds good,” said Kirsten with nod. She still had a bit of a lop-sided grin from the Saguaro wine, but she held her head as though a headache were coming on. “I'll be up tomorrow and we'll check in with TransGalactic—see if anyone's still there.” Her grin dissolved into a frown.
"Captain,” said Simon holding out his hand, “can we expect you back on the ship tomorrow?"
Mark Ellis took Simon's hand and shook it. “I'm not really sure.” He reached into his pocket and took out the silver star. “I need to sleep on it.” He looked at Kirsten, who was watching him intently. “I think we need to spend some time talking."
Simon pursed his lips. “I don't envy you the decision,” he said. He turned and joined Natalie and Laura who were waiting by the door.
Mark turned around and saw Roberts in his hover chair next to the couch, quietly dozing. On the couch was Edmund Swan, his hands folded over his chest, staring at the ceiling. Fire and Manuel stood together at the sink, washing dishes and speaking quietly to one another. Mark looked at the silver star in his palm, then looked up at Kirsten and thought about two possible futures.
Ellison Firebrandt cleared his throat. “I think it's time we got back to the ship ourselves,” he said.
"We've almost got the dishes cleaned,” protested Fire, but her father looked meaningfully at Ellis and she picked up a dishtowel, dried her hands and passed the towel to Manuel.
Firebrandt looked down at Swan, “Care for a ride back to Sufiro."
Swan sat up and smiled. “If you've got room for one more passenger."
"Passenger?” asked Roberts, startling awake. “No passengers on the Legacy. You'll have to work for your passage."
"I was afraid you'd say that,” said Swan, struggling to his feet.
Mark hugged his mother and shook Manuel's hand. Firebrandt took his grandson aside. “Fifty years ago, my mother stranded me on Sufiro,” he whispered. “At the time, I hated her for it because I thought it meant the end of my career as a privateer captain. However, as I stand here and look over my family—not just you and Fire, but Edmund, Manuel, Kirsten, Arepno and so many more—I realize that she gave me a far better life than I'd ever dreamed possible."
"Are you saying I should stay with the Sanson? That I should stay with Kirsten?” asked Mark.
Firebrandt smiled at his grandson. “All I'm saying is make sure you think about all of your options very carefully. Dreams are tricky things, as you saw when your mind was in the Cluster. You can get caught up in them and lose track of where reality is taking you."
"What are you two conspiring about over there?” called Fire. “Our ride's here."
"Keep your options open, Son, and you'll do fine,” said Ellison Firebrandt patting Mark on the shoulder. He stepped out the door and into a foggy night with Manuel, Fire, Roberts, and Swan. They all piled into a hover van driven by Charlie Rogers.
They rode to the spaceport in silence and listened to the mournful sound of the foghorn bellowing through the dark night. Ellison Firebrandt felt like a lost soul, being called home, being called to his rest.
The captain piloted the launch back up to Legacy while most everyone slumbered in the back. Fire crept up into the co-pilo
t's chair, next to her father.
"I really thought you would stay behind, on Nantucket,” he said to her. “By coming back to Sufiro, you're giving up your job ... your home..."
"It's Mark's home, now,” she said, simply. “The Earth has changed and I'm not sure I belong anymore. I guess I fit in more with the pirates of Sufiro than the heirs of this new Earth."
"The whole galaxy has changed,” said Firebrandt. He looked out at the stars. “I don't think anything is ever going to be the same."
Fire caught sight of the Legacy and noticed the new landing rockets that Junior Kimura had installed, folded up against the body of the ship. “Not even the Legacy is the same. I gather the homestead is going to need a lot of work."
Firebrandt nodded. “You know, two old men like Roberts and I don't need that much house ... I don't know if I'd rebuild at all if it were just the two of us. We could get on just fine in the ship."
"I don't know if I'd trust you two in a ship that can take off and land,” she said. “You got into enough trouble as it is.” She looked back at the men, sleeping in the back. “Manuel and I could always move in with you ... help you with the homestead."
"I'd like that,” said Firebrandt. His daughter stood, hugged her father around the shoulders and then joined the others in the back of the shuttle.
* * * *
The next morning, Simon Yermakov turned around when the elevator doors opened. He frowned for a moment when he saw John Mark Ellis step through the door with Kirsten Smart, but stood up and offered him the captain's chair. Mark placed his hand on the back of the chair.
"Welcome aboard, sir,” said the first officer as he moved toward his chair.
"Thank you,” said Mark. “What's our status?"
"Mr. Mahuk says the mapping engines will be fully operational within the next forty-eight hours."
"Good,” said Mark. He looked at Kirsten. “That should give me time to sell the house on Nantucket."
"I still can't believe you're giving up that property,” she said, taking his hand. “In a way, though, I'm glad. You belong to the stars, not tied to that island."
Mark nodded and gave Kirsten's hand a squeeze. Natalie looked up from the communication's console. “We're getting a signal from TransGalactic. It's Ms. Meiji."
Kirsten and Mark looked at each other. “She's all right,” said Kirsten with a smile. “What are our orders?"
"As soon as the ship is repaired, we're to start mapping the Epsilon Eridani and Gamma Eridani sectors. More orders to follow as ships are contacted and assigned,” she said.
"I guess we'll be getting in some overtime,” said Laura Peters.
"The Cluster certainly played havoc with the jump points,” said Kirsten. “I'd better start getting the mapping instrumentation on line."
"Lots to do,” Mark said. He bent down and kissed Kirsten, then both turned to go into their offices. Before the door closed, Mark turned around and looked at Simon. “Oh, Simon, you should know that I've accepted an appointment in the Alpha Coma reserves. So, one week out of every month, I'll need to be away from the ship. Kirsten has already approved the schedule. Do you think you can fill in as captain during my absences?"
Simon Yermakov smiled and nodded. “Yes, sir, I think I can.” He looked down at his feet, then back up at Ellis. “Thank you, sir."
"Let's get back to work, people,” said Ellis. “Lots to do.” With that, he stepped into his office. Simon strode over to the command chair and put his hand on the headrest for a moment. Looking down, he self-consciously tucked in his flannel shirt and then sat in the chair.
* * * *
G'Liat entered the conference room in the government building under the Rd'dyggian dome on Titan. It was good to be back in moist, hot air, but he still longed to return to his home on Rd'dyggia. He reached out and touched a potted, purple plant, then closed the door and checked the seals. He then pulled out a scanner and checked the air and surfaces for cameras and microphones. When he was certain that all was secure he pushed a button on the table.
A door opened and Teklar, matron of the Titans, stepped through. It appeared that she was unprotected against the hot conditions of the room, but G'Liat caught the faint shimmer that indicated that she was surrounded by a personal force field.
"I have done as you asked, M'Lady,” said G'Liat with a stately bow.
"Very good,” she growled. “Your solution was excellent. You not only stopped the Cluster but you have put them in a position to keep the humans occupied for a very long time.” She ambled over to a large couch that could accommodate her bulky frame and fell onto it. “In fact, I think the Cluster will keep everyone busy for a long time. You have assured the Titans of continued dominance. We are most grateful."
G'Liat sat down at the table, steepled his fingers and looked at the Matriarch over them. “You say I've assured your dominance, yet your position in the galaxy is weaker than ever. You did nothing overt to stop the Cluster. People wonder why."
She opened her mouth to speak, but G'Liat held his hand up to silence her. “I think you knew that if you did nothing, the Cluster would keep this solar system safe. If the Cluster succeeded, the humans would be slaves, all of your rivals would be eliminated and you would be the dominant creatures in the solar system. If I succeeded, the Cluster would be transformed, keeping all of the races in the galaxy occupied and the only barriers to maintaining your dominance of the galaxy would be political."
Teklar inclined her shaggy head. “Political problems are trivial to us,” she said simply. She pulled herself off the couch, stepped to G'Liat and gazed down into the warrior's black eyes with her own. “We will double our payment to you if you keep this knowledge to yourself."
G'Liat's mustache twitched. “We Rd'dyggians are a pragmatic people. I would be foolish to refuse such a generous offer."
"Very good,” she said, then turned to leave.
"I would not underestimate these humans, though,” said G'Liat thoughtfully. “Given more time, Ellis would have come up with his own solution to the Cluster. Also, the human fleet would have likely destroyed another Cluster. They would have gone for reinforcements. They could have won. If they had won that way, they would have been in a position to topple your dominance of the Confederation.” He paused and stepped next to the Titan's ear. “They still could."
"Our probes indicate that two of the Clusters have already reproduced. There are now five. There will soon be more.” She turned to face G'Liat. “Thank you for your help, but I think the time has come for you to see to the safety of your people.” With that, she loped through the door.
G'Liat watched as it closed behind her then turned. She was right. It was time to go home.
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About the Author:
David Lee Summers is an author, editor and astronomer living somewhere between the western and final frontiers in Southern New Mexico. His novels are The Pirates of Sufiro, Children of the Old Stars, Heirs of the New Earth, and Vampires of the Scarlet Order. His short stories and poems have appeared in numerous magazines including Realms of Fantasy, Aoife's Kiss, Star*Line and The Santa Clara Review. David is also the founding editor of Tales of the Talisman Magazine.
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Visit www.lachesispublishing.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
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