The Sculpted Ship

  “Now, that alone was odd, but if we put that together with the possibility of, say, a concealed hangar, and place those in a town where a man like Grotehl has chosen to set up shop? I start to wonder if maybe he located here for the same reason any import/export business would: access to transportation.”

  “Why does that matter to us?”

  “The people with the man in the expensive suit? They looked very unhappy, and several times, they glanced down the tunnel as if that was the direction of their anger. It's just a hunch, but I'm hoping they were looking toward Grotehl's shop. If they're involved in the same business as him, maybe they aren't happy that ICS is here. If they're ticked enough, maybe I can convince them to help us, even if the only help they give us is information.”

  “I thought you said we were trying to avoid talking to anyone, and if we did, I should do the talking?”

  Diamond nodded. “I did, but I suspect this conversation will take a very light touch. I think perhaps I have more experience with that.”

  Anailu didn't like it, but she knew she wasn't a great negotiator. She shrugged. “Alright. Do you want me in there, for backup?”

  Diamond shook her head tightly. “No. I want you to watch from out in the tunnel. Keep a low profile until I call for help.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Anything else I should worry about?”

  “If I come running, run for the bike and have it started, because we probably need to leave in a hurry.”

  Anailu gave a short laugh. “Then let's get moving.”

  Diamond nodded and they left the alley, walking casually back to the tunnel. When they reached the small tea shop, Anailu could see several people inside. She didn't see the “Kugol silk” Diamond had described, but Diamond nodded at her and walked toward the shop, so Anailu assumed that meant the man was still there. Trying to look inconspicuous, Anailu took an interest in the wares of the shop across the way. The tea shop was took up almost half the width of the tunnel, and it was longer any of the shops in the vicinity, probably since it included space for seating. Out of the corner of her eye, Anailu saw Diamond walk to an alcove in the back of the shop. The front of the shop was open, so Anailu had no trouble seeing the back of Diamond's robe, though the alcove itself was dim.

  Anailu worked her way through three of the little shops – kiosks, really – while trying to keep an eye on Diamond without looking like it. She wondered what they could be talking about that could be taking so long. When she checked her comm, she was surprised to see it had only been a few minutes.

  If she continued to the next kiosk, she wouldn't have a full view of the alcove. She considered going back past the tea shop, to visit shops going the other way, but that was farther away from both the kiosk and (keeping in mind the potential need to run) the parking area.

  As she stood there for a moment, dithering, she saw the whole group in the alcove standing up and coming out of the tea shop. They walked over to Anailu, with Diamond and an older gentleman in the lead.

  Diamond made the introductions. “Captain Xindar, may I present Mr. Ruscaban, independent businessman.”

  Anailu extended her hand. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he bowed over it and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand while holding her eyes. “A very distinct pleasure to meet you, madam.”

  Anailu wasn't sure what to think. She'd never been greeted in quite that fashion.

  He spoke again, with a strange accent that she couldn't place. “And this is my son, Stopan.” He gestured at the handsome young man next to him.

  The dark-haired young man stepped forward and shook her hand, saying only, “Madam.”

  Anailu nodded at him. “Sir.”

  Mr. Ruscaban continued, “And now, may I invite you ladies to a private luncheon? I know of a little place here that serves the most excellent grilled kopani – freshly caught, of course.”

  Anailu gave a questioning glance at Diamond, who returned her look with a tiny nod.

  Anailu looked back at Mr. Ruscaban. “We'd be honored, sir.”

  “Excellent.” He offered Anailu his arm, while Stopan offered his arm to Diamond.

  When she took Mr. Ruscaban's arm, she felt hard muscle under his shipsuit. That was a surprise – she hadn't noticed that he was especially muscular.

  Mr. Ruscaban led the group up the tunnel, toward the tower. “Tell me, Captain. Do you know the story of how Purport came to be?”

  Anailu shook her head. “No, I never really thought about it.”

  “Ahhhh. It is a cautionary tale. There used to be one of the 'Wonders of Doran' at this site. Creatively named the 'Arch of Wonder,' it was, of course just a natural stone arch caused by erosion. It was named before the discovery of the Arch Falls, which are far more spectacular.

  “But while the Arch Falls and the other 'Wonders of Doran' were protected by the government, the land around the 'Arch of Wonder' was part of a private claim.

  “A century ago, tourism on Doran was booming, so some optimistic land developers decided to build a resort here, with the intent of providing guests a spectacular view of the arch, from here, in their hotel.” They had arrived at the tower, at the balcony overlooking the atrium. Mr. Ruscaban gestured expansively at the tower around and below them.

  “The first structure built here was the landing pad on the surface, intended to support the large airships bringing construction equipment and components. They proceeded to excavate several recessed landing bays, along with tunnels to connect them to the cliff face.” Here, he gestured behind them toward the tunnel they had just traversed.

  “The main structure of the hotel itself was prefabricated in the city, transported here in sections, and installed on site.

  “Then, disaster struck! The stone arch itself, the 'Arch of Wonder,' collapsed. An investigation determined that the excavations in the cliff face, especially the last one, for the large chamber intended to house the hotel lobby had caused vibrations in the stone – enough vibrations that they had caused the collapse of the arch which had been intended to be the centerpiece of the resort.

  “Having lost the confidence – and money – of their investors, the developers abandoned their unfinished project.

  “Ten years later, some fishermen discovered an unfinished cave which had been excavated at the base of the cliff. It was originally intended for docking and repair of the resort's small watercraft, but the fishermen saw it as a protected place to dock and rest during their fishing expeditions from far to the north along the coast. Some twenty years later, a dispute in their home port caused a few families to search for a new place to live. Those families decided to move here, to the place that previously had been just a rest stop.”

  Mr. Ruscaban led them along the balcony, around the central chamber of the tower. “They improved the unfinished cave, and moved into the bottom floors of the tower below us, where their homes would be convenient to the ocean and their livelihood. When some wit from their old home heard about their new home, he said, 'They purport that their little campsite is actually a town.'

  “With that, the town of Purport was born. Over time, the fishing families grew and other people moved here to work their trades, some bringing their families; some making new families here. As time went on, some families found it more convenient and comfortable to live up here, at the top of the tower, convenient to the recessed landing pads.

  “As the town grew, people moved into one and eventually all three of the recessed landing pads. Today, the unprotected pad on the surface remains sufficient to the transportation needs of the simple folk here. Ah, and here we are.”

  Chapter 37: A Working Lunch

  They had arrived at a fine wooden doorway on the outer part of the tower, overlooking the ocean. A formally dressed maitre'd stood beside the door, ready to welcome them.

  For everything Anailu had seen of Purport so far, the restaurant was surprisingly formal, though small. The maitre'd led them
inside, to a table with a commanding view of the ocean. As they crossed the restaurant, Anailu was shocked to see the ICS Lieutenant! She was alone and seated in a separate alcove, so she couldn't see her once they reached their table, but still!

  How is this more private than the tea shop?

  Mr. Ruscaban noticed her jump. “Is everything alright, madam?”

  “Oh, um, yes, I'm fine. I...was just surprised to realize that your suit appears to be Kugol silk. Am I correct?”

  “Indeed it is. You have an eye for quality, my lady.”

  When they were seated, Mr. Ruscaban ordered grilled kopani for everyone except Diamond, who demurred “for cultural reasons.”

  When the waiter had departed, Mr Ruscaban relaxed into his seat. “And now, ladies, we may speak freely.”

  Anailu wasn't so sure. “What about that Customs lieutenant right over there? Won't that be a problem? Perhaps there is somewhere else we might have our discussion?”

  “Captain Xindar, you need not fear being overheard by our friend the lieutenant; I assure you, this restaurant places as much value on discretion and the privacy of its guests as it does on the quality of its food. I can guarantee this because I am the owner.

  “The lieutenant is eating in my restaurant today because I invited her – not directly, of course. I am giving her a meal gratis, as a small sign of respect for a servant of this fine empire.

  “The time required for her luncheon will also ensure we will have enough time for our discussion. But enough of this idle chatter. If you are willing to accept my assurance of privacy...?”

  Anailu nodded.

  “Excellent. Then on to business. Your compatriot suggested – with some circumlocution – that Mr. Grotehl is a source of irritation to your interests. Did I understand correctly?”

  “Yes. A friend here on Doran was going to give me parts for my ship, but they were recently stolen from him. Now Grotehl has them. He is using them as bait, to frame me for receiving stolen goods, I assume by hiding some stolen Imperial parts in with the ones that belong to me. I'm not planning to walk into his trap, but I need my parts.”

  “That is unfortunate, but it is exactly the sort of behavior I have come to expect from him. It is possible I may be able to assist you, but before we discuss further details, I must ask: Can you provide me with any assurance that you have no motives beyond those you claim?”

  Anailu considered. What would this man consider as proof? She looked over at Diamond. “Any suggestions?”

  Diamond held her eyes. “The ship. If he sees the ship, he'll believe you.”

  Of course.

  Her ship was unique, at least on Doran. If he saw it, he'd know she was who she said she was. Simple enough – except for one problem:

  “I can have my ship surface out there, but it might be bad for me if the lieutenant recognizes it.”

  Mr. Ruscaban considered. “There are sometimes simple solutions for such obstacles. Duro, show me the lieutenant's dossier.”

  Duro, a tall, lean man, handed a tablet to Ruscaban. He studied it for a minute. “Ah, yes, here it is. How fortunate! She happens to be an aficionado of palatika music.”

  The young man seated beside Mr. Ruscaban groaned.

  “Yes, my son.” He turned to Duro. “Duro, you will retrieve Junior's palatikon and his informal costume.”

  Duro nodded curtly, then turned and left.

  He turned to his son. “Go now and speak to the manager to make the preparations.”

  “Father, the kopani will be cold!”

  Mr. Ruscaban's face turned hard. “The kopani will wait. Be glad I am not requiring you to wear the formal attire. You have ten minutes. Now go!”

  “Yes, father.” He stood, bowed to Anailu and Diamond, and left.

  Mr. Ruscaban turned back to Anailu. “It is a father's prerogative to embarrass his children. Junior became quite skilled with the palatikon when he was attending college, and I have required him to keep in practice. I have found an artistic skill to be useful in the most unexpected of situations – as he will demonstrate today.”

  On the table, a light blinked to indicate their food was ready.

  Mr. Ruscaban noted it, then continued. “In ten minutes, the lieutenant will be occupied. If you can have your ship approach the town underwater and surface at that time, then we should be able to continue our business.”

  Anailu nodded and called V on her comm. “V, Ana here. Everything's OK. In about ten minutes, I want you to surface 300 meters out from the tower. I'll call you again when it's time. I need to prove to a friend that I am who I am.”

  As Ana expected, there was no reply, since V was observing radio silence.

  Mr. Ruscaban nodded, then pressed the call button on the table to let the waiter know he could bring the food.

  As Mr. Ruscaban had promised, the kopani was excellent. He had said, “freshly caught,” but it turned out he had meant, “caught right before lunch.” It was so delicate, it almost melted in her mouth.

  Before Anailu had come to Doran, she'd mostly thought of food as fuel. Sure, there were some tastes she preferred, but she hadn't worried much about the source besides basic food safety. She had never even had fresh caught food before going on a safari with the Torrells.

  After consuming a few delicious bites, she took a break to thank Mr. Ruscaban. “This is amazing!”

  He sipped his wine and explained, “This is the only way to truly experience the kopani. They fly some to the city each day, but even in that short time, the flavor changes. If you freeze it, no matter how swiftly, it damages the delicate flesh – and changes the flavor. It can, of course, be held in stasis, but the galaxy is full of good food, kopani is little known beyond Doran, and stasis shipping is expensive and difficult. It has been done, but only rarely.” Ruscaban's frown indicated he didn't think much of that option. “Personally, I believe that if you want to taste something special, you should go to the place where it is best. I see it as...a matter of respect.”

  When the ten minutes were nearly up, Duro returned to nod at Mr. Ruscaban, and take up his position behind him. Mr. Ruscaban acknowledged him with a nod and turned back to the table. “And now we should shortly see my son.”

  The maitre'd crossed the restaurant to the lieutenant's table. After what appeared to be a short conversation, he gestured to someone by the kitchen, out of their view. When this person stepped into view, it turned out to be Junior, dressed in a puffy, shockingly violet jumpsuit trimmed with neon orange ruffs, and carrying his palatikon, which appeared to be some sort of guitar.

  Mr. Ruscaban smiled. “The formal costume for palatika displays significantly more skin, which may have been a factor in Junior's decision to study it in college – especially since his college's palatika club was co-ed. Indeed, some believe the formal attire is the only way to truly experience the music. That would not be appropriate in this setting, so we must hope the lieutenant is not too much of a purist.”

  The maitre'd stepped away from the table, and they heard the first strains of a song. Music of a sort Anailu had never heard carried over to them. It sounded like Junior was skilled with his palatikon, and he had a smooth, mellow voice.

  The maitre'd nodded across the room to Mr. Ruscaban, and he turned to Anailu. “And now that the lieutenant is preoccupied?” He gestured toward the window and the open sea beyond.

  Anailu activated her comm. “Now, V.”

  For a moment, there was nothing visible. Then in one spot, the ocean rose in a swell. The water split there and sluiced away, leaving the Queen revealed rising free of the ocean, her wet, white hull gleaming in the sun.

  “Mr. Ruscaban, the Silver Queen.”

  “A beautiful ship to match her beautiful captain.”

  Duro cleared his throat, leaned forward, and began whispering in Mr. Ruscaban's ear.

  Mr. Ruscaban raised his hand as if to stop him, paused, then dropped his hand, looking out at the Queen as he continued listening.

  When Duro f
inished speaking, Mr. Ruscaban turned to look directly at Anailu. “You continue to impress me, Captain. I accept your proof. As much as I would like to admire her further, perhaps it would be most prudent for her to...fade away for now?”

  Without looking away from him, Anailu spoke into her comm again. “Thanks, V. That's enough. I'll let you know when we're ready.”

  The Silver Queen dropped silently back into the waves and disappeared.

  Duro leaned to Mr. Ruscaban to say something short, then stood straight again. Mr. Ruscaban smiled. “Duro tells me that your ship has a certain selectivity about appearing on sensors. That makes your beautiful ship even more extraordinary. ”

  “Thank you, sir, for your compliments; but now that you know who I am, is there a way you can help me with Grotehl?”

  Mr. Ruscaban gave a low chuckle. “Ah, the directness of youth. Yes, my dear, I can help you. I have in mind a plan that will remove Mr. Grotehl as an impediment to either one of us. You will play a minor role in this plan. Your role will not even require you to risk yourself or your ship. For the finale of my plan, we shall retrieve your parts for you and you may go on your way.

  “I will require a small compensation for my assistance, however. In return for my assistance today, you must agree to transport three special cargoes for me. Now, before you express the concerns I see upon your face, know that you will be fairly compensated for transporting each cargo. The cargoes will not intentionally expose you, your crew, or your ship to danger, and I will not require you to do more than you or your ship are capable of.”

  Anailu considered. That didn't sound unreasonable. “How much travel time?”

  “Hmm. Altogether, the standard shipping time for the cargoes would total no more than...six weeks, starting from here on Doran.”

  Standard travel time could take you to the Core and back in six weeks from Doran.