by J W Murison
‘You mean she replaced his limbs with synthetic ones?’
‘Aye.’
The President shook his head, ‘I had no idea it was that bad.’
‘Babes, can you show the President some film footage of Charlie as he was when we rescued him?’
The President was forced to watch as Amanda Freeling, the ship’s doctor, listed all of Charlie’s injuries. When he turned as white as a sheet Steven stopped the replay. The President swallowed hard and Steven could see moisture gather round the man’s eyes.
‘Animals,’ the President choked, ‘how could they? How the hell did he survive that?’
‘It took my ship three weeks to heal and repair him, but Charlie has always been very strong.’
‘How is he coping now?’
Steven relieved a crick in his neck with a twist of his head and rubbed the area with a hand. ‘Our doctor believes he is suffering from PTSD; Charlie refuses to acknowledge it. He says he is fine. If you didn’t know him you wouldn’t know there was anything wrong with the man.’ Steven smiled, ‘He has changed though, he rarely smiles or laughs anymore.’
The President mulled something over for a moment, ‘Would you like him transferred? People with PTSD can be a bit twitchy and unreliable. No insult to your friend intended.’
Steven shook his head vigorously, ‘No; if anything goes wrong with Charlie, or if he gets hurt, there is no one else capable of helping him. That was one of the main reasons I had him transferred here.’
‘I understand,’ the President went into deep thought. ‘I read once that one of the worst things you can do to a soldier who may be suffering from PTSD is to remove him from his friends and companions, where they feel safe. You might want to consider taking on board some of his friends. Every ambassador is allowed an armed body guard for protection.’
‘That might be a good idea sir. I certainly have the space now the ship is almost twice the size it was. Aye, and those lads can fairly fight. Now we know there are a lot of hostiles out here, the extra manpower could come in handy.’
The President had a stupid grin on his face.
‘What is it sir, did I say something amusing?’
‘You speak with an American accent, yet you are talking like a Brit.’
Steven laughed, ‘I may have lost my Scottish accent years ago sir, but there are words I have never lost. My mother and father have never lost their accents and every argument in the house turned in to a Doric slanging match. That is the accent that is particular to the district they were brought up in,’ Steven explained.
‘I passed through that part of Scotland when I was a student,’ the President laughed, ‘it was certainly an eye opener.’
Steven joined his laughter, imagining the look on the young President’s face the first time he heard the Doric accent. ‘What’s really funny is the way the crew have picked up certain words from the other accents and dialects surrounding them. Bloody and bugger, seem to be the two most popular.’
The two men laughed.
CHAPTER 3
Charlie was dozing in his quarters when the request from Steven came. When he had returned from the ceremony he had taken his kit off carefully, gave it a quick clean and put it away. After exchanging his kilt for a pair of shorts he had slipped off into a dreamless sleep.
It took him a moment to orientate himself. ‘Tell Steven I will be with him shortly please. I am going to grab a quick shower.’
Charlie stripped off and caught himself looking in the full length mirror. He moved closer to it and touched the skin on his face. It wasn’t his skin, he knew that, but it felt real. He didn’t need to shower these days as he didn’t sweat, but it made him feel a little more Human. He didn’t need to shave either. The thick mat of hair that once covered his chest was gone, along with every other hair. His body looked buffed but Charlie knew it was an illusion. He would never grow old like others. He had been told that he could have children if he wanted to, but what woman would want to live with a man who would never age like she did?
Babes had told him that his brain would still age, but probably at a much slower rate now most of its functionality was redundant. It was no longer needed to regulate a body more cyborg than Human. Small computer chips the size of a pin head would do that.
Dark clouds began to form in the recesses of his mind, but he pushed them brutally away. He was alive and there were many that weren’t.
He took his shower and dressed in a tracksuit for ease and comfort. Going home on leave had been hard. He had personally known so many of those who had died on the city ship. Many parents and loved ones had sought him out while he had been on leave. Returning to barracks and the reforming of the regiment had been a relief at first. The familiar routine and training had been welcome. The feeling hadn’t lasted very long though.
Within a short time his super-Human abilities had been noticed, and very soon Charlie began to pick up unhealthy thoughts directed at him by those who were jealous or just ignorant. When the request from Steven had come through he had jumped at the chance. Now, stuck on the ship, he wasn’t so sure he had done the right thing. To be blunt, there was just nothing for him to do. The ship was manned by young professionals straight from the space academy – idealistic young men and women who were much brighter than he was, and he knew it.
His mind reading abilities had been kept secret and only a select few knew about it. He was grateful for that. Only God would be able to help him if the intelligence community ever found out. Over the months he had been able to get control of the ability and switch it on and off at will.
Buzz greeted him as he came onto the bridge, ‘How are you doing Charlie?’
‘No bad Buzz. Any idea what this summons is about?’
Buzz shook his head, ‘None, but I’ll warn you, the new Earth President is with him.’
Charlie hesitated for a moment, ‘OK, thanks for the heads up man.’
‘No bother.’ Buzz grinned cheekily and Charlie laughed at his attempt at a Scottish accent. He liked Buzz a lot.
Buzz watched Charlie disappear down into Steven’s quarters. Things had been a little tense between them at first, but they had soon grown to like each other. Buzz was glad he had been able to make Charlie laugh. It was a rare thing to see.
As Charlie descended into Steven’s quarters the President stood. Charlie switched on all his senses and was aware of what the President was going to say before the words even came out of his mouth. Charlie stood to attention.
‘Please excuse my attire gentlemen, I wasn’t aware of the company I would be joining.’
His pleasant response helped steady the President’s nerves a little. ‘Sergeant Murison. Obviously you know who I am, so I won’t beat about the bush as some folks like to say. I just wish to apologise for the behaviour of some of my people and for the way you were treated while in the hands of some of my fellow countrymen. I also realise that your actions with Orlath Canaries was exactly the right thing to do. In our haste to scrape together qualified men, we ended up scraping up some shit along the way. I know you will never be able to forgive us, but I just wish to convey my regret for what happened and thank you personally from myself and from the citizens of the United States for your service.’
Charlie took a deep breath, ‘Well this is unexpected sir, but I would like to reassure you that I hold no grievance towards yourself or any of your people for what happened to me. They were bad men sir, or shit as you so accurately described them. It didn’t even occur to me to regard them as American. As far as I am concerned, they were just plain bad. Rotten to the core. May I ask what happened to their masters?’
‘We are still trying to track them down. We now believe the Jamaican Warehouse incident was caused deliberately to help keep the area destabilized. From what I have been able to ascertain, it was all to do with gun running and drugs. It would seem that our two generals had their fingers in a number of dirty pies. Until you turned up and let the fox loose in the chicken coop, we
weren’t even aware of what they had been up to.’
‘If I remember correctly sir, many American troops lost their lives as well.’
‘You are right Sergeant, we did lose some good men.’
‘All because of the greed of a few.’
The President nodded, ‘Isn’t it always the same.’
‘Please don’t blame yourself or your people sir, I don’t.’
The President smiled and offered his hand, Charlie shook it. ‘We will continue to hunt those responsible down Sergeant, and bring them to justice.’
‘Thank you for your concern sir, it is gratefully received.’
Knowing he was dismissed Charlie returned to his room.
CHAPTER 4
Lady Jane Montgomery Royce stood over the royal bed, her mouth for once agape in wonder. Isobel burst out laughing. ‘It is certainly King size.’
Jane regained her composure, ‘It is so big it is almost indecent. His Royal Highness will be pleased no doubt.’
‘He thinks we will get lost. These animals are much bigger than we are. I suppose it needs to be big enough to accommodate a cow.’
Jane’s scathing look silenced Isobel before she could go any farther.’
‘You will not refer to them as animals, cows or any other such term Isobel. They are sentient beings and should be treated with respect. It is a simple fact that they are all smarter than us, please try and remember that before you cause another war.’
Isobel sighed, ‘For God’s sake ease up Jane. We are alone.’
‘We may well not be Isobel. According to my sources, there could be recording devices in every room. You would do well to remember that. These people know nothing about us, so they will take every opportunity to gather as much information as they can about us. I sincerely doubt your royal status will save you from scrutiny. In fact it will most likely intensify it. Consider yourself and your behaviour as if it were under a microscope.
The King appeared at that moment and stopped in his tracks when he caught sight of Jane. The smile slipped a little.
‘Ah Lady Jane.’
She gave a sight curtsy, ‘Your Royal Highness. I was just telling Isobel that she should consider herself under a microscope.’
‘Yes of course, we most likely are. I have already said as much to Isobel.’
‘Then you need to reaffirm that sir. She doesn’t seem to be taking it quite as seriously as you are.’
‘Jane says they may have recording devices in here,’ Isobel whined a little.
The King looked around the room, ‘She could well be right. I did tell you to be on your best behaviour twenty-four seven Isobel.’
‘I didn’t think you were referring to our bedroom darling.’
‘I am afraid so Isobel. Lady Jane, do you have the protocols for this banquet tonight?’
‘Yes sir, they are on your desk. You seem to be getting on well with the Emperor.’
‘Remarkably well. The parade was a great success. They seemed to particularly enjoy the Naval Gun Race.’
Jane smiled frostily as usual, ‘I think we all did sir. Was there anything that seemed particularly offensive to the Emperor?’
‘Not that I am aware of. Although he did mention that he could do with a band of pipers. He thinks that having them march up and down in front of any potential rebels would be enough to frighten the hell out of them.’
Jane picked up a noted pad and began scribbling, ‘I did notice at the ceremony that they all reacted badly to the pipes. I will bring it to the attention of those that need to know.’
‘The Emperor told me that he enjoyed them thoroughly and apologised for his people’s reaction. I of course told him about the Scottish regiments. He was particularly fascinated by their reputation in battle. It helped of course that the Gordons were the first on to the city ship, and also took the surrender of the Albany at the very end. It may be a good idea to have one or two in my personal guard while on this trip. Keep them visible, and in the public eye as it were.’
Jane’s pen hesitated for a moment, ‘Steven has a friend of his on board who is a Gordon. He was at the ceremony today.’
‘I did notice. Do you know his name?’
‘Charles Murison, I believe.’
The king’s face split into a wide grin, ‘Charlie, Charlie Murison.’
Jane was shocked, ‘Yes sir, I believe that is what they call him.’
The King rubbed his hands together, ‘Excellent, he will make a great addition our party tonight.’
Jane’s shock deepened, ‘You know this man sir?’
‘Oh yes, the Gordons often provide the Royal Guard at Ballater. I have met Charlie a number of times. He also attended almost every ghillie’s ball while they were serving. He is a great dancer, and always made a great impression.’
Jane was doubtful, ‘Wouldn’t an officer be a better choice? I heard his commanding officer was in the thick of the fighting, and actually took the Albany surrender.’
The King’s face fell, ‘Have you met the Bear?’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘The commanding officer of the 1st Gordons. His nickname is the Bear.’ The King became thoughtful, and then smiled. ‘Yes, there was always a spark of competition between those two.’
Jane shook her head, ‘I am sorry your highness, I seem to have lost your train of thought.’
The King blinked, ‘Oh sorry! When the Bear and Charlie got together at the ghillie’s ball, they were always trying to out dance one another. You don’t want to get between that pair in a Dashing White Sergeant.’
Jane sighed, ‘I see. Shall I make enquiries as to their availability tonight on your behalf sir?’
‘There is no need for you to put yourself out Jane. In fact I will say no. What we will do is host our own party.’ He rubbed his hands together, ‘Yes that is a very good idea. We will host a ball of our own and invite the Emperor. In the meantime Charlie, Captain Gordon, and Lord Dunedin will suffice for this evening from your crew, along with those guests that have already been invited of course. You yourself will be joining us at the top table as part of the royal party.’
‘What about Mya sir?’
‘Ah, Mya is the personal guest of the Emperor and will be taking the place of his brother. She is actually a part of the Imperial family now. Tomorrow she is to be taken to the home and estate that she inherited from his brother.’
‘Did you get a chance to talk to her today sir?’
‘No I didn’t, the Emperor told me himself. He seems as fascinated by her as his brother was.’
Jane smiled grimly, ‘Mya has the most impeccable manners; I just hope she is coping will these people.’
‘I have never had the opportunity to meet her yet, but I hope so.’
CHAPTER 5
The music at the Grand Ball was no better than it had been in the morning. Many of the Humans had gagged at the food as it was put on the table. A soup that seemed to be made from silage bree was served first. The Humans were treated to a plant of some sort that most races could eat and was readily available. It was one of the vegetables that had been available on the Burning Wind, and was declared edible. Tonight it had been cooked to a soggy mess that resembled porridge.
The Royal table was raised high on a platform. Mya was almost invisible between two of the Emperor’s brothers, both decked in their military finest. The King sat next to the Emperor and the Queen next to the women of the Emperor’s household. Lady Jane was almost at the end of the huge table.
Steven found himself next to the President and they talked animatedly throughout the meal, enjoying each other’s company and picking at the food. Tapper was at a higher table with other nobles, while Charlie was way down at the bottom table with those just above common status. There were other military people at his table, mostly Modloch Officers. Of the lot, Charlie was the lowest ranked there.
Komoru sat at the same level as Steven but across the other side of the room. The giants siting opposite her ensured t
hat they couldn’t see one another. Thankfully for Komoru, she had the President’s wife and daughter to talk to, both of which were eager to hear of her adventures so far.
The President was asked a question by one of the other political leaders and Steven took a moment to absorb the atmosphere. The banquet hall was the biggest he had seen in his life. The décor was extravagant, the architecture alien, to say the least. The roof must have been at least thirty feet above their heads and the single room a hundred meters square. Yet there were no supports or signs of any braces. The roof itself would have graced any cathedral with its high arches.
‘You seem fascinated by the ceiling.’
Steven turned his attention to the portly Modloch who had been slurping through the meal next to him and who Steven had been trying his hardest to ignore all evening.
‘Yes it is rather grand. I was wondering how it was supported.’
‘The material of its construction is extremely light weight, but that isn’t its secret. The secret is the central support that runs along the middle of the roof. It is like a big cross, can you see it?’
‘Now you mention it, yes I can. It’s a little thicker than the rest and runs in both directions. Oh! There is a number of them.’
‘Yes that’s right. The walls support the braces and the arches press against the braces. Those braces are completely ridged, no sag. In reality the walls don’t really support anything more than themselves. Those braces actually run down the walls and under the floor forming a ridged structure.’
‘I understand. Like a box or a frame. Each side supports the other.’
‘That’s right, and everything else is simply hung on it. I am impressed that a military man would be interested in architecture.’
‘I’m not a military man.’
‘Are you not the Captain Gordon that led the assault on the City ship.?’
Steven was shocked, ‘Yes, I was involved, but I am not military. How do you know of me?’