“She spent all her time off-duty with her,” Liam said. “I’d say that was a great choice on your part. Are you envious?”
“No,” Ashley replied without thinking. “Yeah,” she said with a sigh. “I just miss her.”
“We’re almost done here,” Liam said. “You’re taking all this in pretty quickly, I’m impressed.”
Ashley looked back to the hologram of a green apartment building. The levels were fanned out in a circle, so every apartment had a large balcony, enclosed garden, and plenty of window space. Water flowed across the large, roof-top gardens and trickled down the sides to water the greenhouses and gardens below. “So this is where I last lived on earth, The Orwell Long Term Care Centre. I was partially responsible for taking care of two people: Sharon Parks, and Tina Carierre. I had Mondays and Tuesdays, Susan had Wednesdays and Thursdays, Rhonda had,” Ashley stopped and looked at Liam, who was looking at her with mild surprise. “What?”
“I didn’t expect you to remember that kind of detail, it’s only there so you can convince the Carthan Officers that you spent real time on Earth.”
“Okay, sorry.”
“No need to apologise,” Liam said. “I’m only surprised.”
“Question,” Ashley said, sitting straighter in her seat. It was difficult to get comfortable in something that was so roughly welded together. “Does everyone on Earth pull double duty, taking care of the elderly?”
“Some people take care of very young children instead. I was fortunate enough to be chosen by these two ladies, they were incredible people,” Liam replied.
“So they chose you, you weren’t assigned?”
“It’s not seen so much as a job, or assignment. I wanted to be integrated into the community while I was there, so I passed the checks and was put in a list of helpers they could choose from. Have you always been able to retain so much in such a short period of time?”
“I wasn’t able to sleep for most of last night, so I spent my time looking at the life you set up for me on Earth,” Ashley replied. “It’s easy to remember all this stuff when it’s so weird. I mean, this is based on your experiences there, and you got so close to people, they really took you in. It must have been hard to leave.”
“It was,” Liam said. “But my purpose doesn’t allow me to stay where there’s harmony. Travellers like myself aspire to be builders, advisors, and teachers, staying somewhere only while we’re needed. What I showed you was a stable community, where the residents are fairly harmonious and happily integrated.”
“So when you’re finished here you’ll move on and find other people who need help?” Ashley said.
“Unless I find something or someone here who makes it impossible for me to move on. Then I’ll retire. I won’t have to make that decision for years from the looks of it though, there’s plenty of work.”
Ashley chuckled and nodded. “Yup. You’ll be here for a bit.”
“So, how do you feel about everything you’ve taken in? Do you think you can convince a military Officer that you are a trained Earth Commander?”
“No,” Ashley said, laughing nervously. “I get all the background stuff, and I can try to pretend, but I’m so jittery.”
“Then think of it this way,” Liam said. “Earth Commanders don’t reveal anything they don’t see as absolutely necessary. Just the fact that you’re revealing yourself as a commander is a massive breach by Earth standards. They don’t believe they owe anyone outside of the Sol system anything. Help, information, technology, or time are all things a Sol Defence Commander will want to withhold.”
A notion dawned on Ashley. “So you want me to be a snob!”
Liam laughed and nodded. “Since you put it that way, that would probably work best.”
“I’ve met more than I can count and grew up serving plenty, that’ll be easy,” Ashley said.
“Just amend your performance with one detail: always be polite. Sol Defence and Earth Peace Officers are so polite it’s frustrating.”
“Okay. What if they start yelling or something?” Ashley asked.
“Ignore them,” Liam replied. “Do everything in your power to pretend they’re not there at all. Look or talk to someone else, walk away, or even seal up your vacsuit if you have to. Just do anything but react to them. All higher ranking Sol Defence Officers are trained to communicate effectively and quickly. They lose respect for whoever they’re speaking to if they can’t do the same.”
“Wow, okay, I’ll try,” Ashley said.
“Good, we’re going as soon as Ayan returns. It’s a good thing you have some time too,” Liam said, looking at her comm unit.
Ashley looked and squealed at the message she saw from Panloo: I’M IN THE REFIT HANGAR WITH SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO SEE YOU.
“Go reunite,” Liam said. “I have a few things to check on.”
“Are you sure?” Ashley asked, not wanting to look like she was shirking the background study she’d committed to.
“You know everything you need to and a lot more. Go on.”
“Thank you!” Ashley said, giving him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek before running down the narrow path to the hatchway.
* * *
Liam Grady gave Ashley time to get down the hall and well out of sight before he turned his attention to the message he received from Earth earlier that morning. It wasn’t the first time he’d looked at it, and he had to look again. It was difficult to believe.
SOL DEFENCE MESSAGE FOLLOWS. NOT FOR RETRANSMISSION.
Axiologist Pilgrim Liam Grady, it is a pleasure and a relief to know that you have survived in these trying times. We are aware of your progress with the wayward crew led by Jacob Valance, or Valent as he has decided to be called yesterday. We believe a fracture in the group is likely, and are certain that by lending your support to whichever side you feel inclined to instead of leaving that group of people would be more beneficial for the common good.
It is with sadness that I inform you that we have closed our borders, so your request to return to the Sol system has been denied. Our belief that the Fourth Fall was coming has been woefully confirmed, and we will not allow any being entry into our space until we decide the galaxy has achieved a higher level of stability. In that spirit, Sol Defence is disabling the quantum entanglement communications system connected to the Triton. Instantaneous communication with Earth will no longer be possible for at least a generation.
Ties are being cut, projects outside of the Sol solar system have been abandoned, and only a few of our outbound explorers are returning. The rest will continue on, alone and in the shadows until this storm passes. Just as the Sol system was beginning to open our boarders, we are being forced to isolate ourselves again.
You made a favourable impression while you were here, Liam, and are spoken of fondly. Woo-Jin Lim enjoys bringing you into conversations occasionally, so the entire cloister knows you earned his admiration. Knowing where you came from, and having known you personally gives me hope for the future of mankind in the Milky Way. Whether you choose the path of war or creation, I know you will do well.
It saddens me more than you can know that I may never see you again. May love follow you, and your desire for peace guide you.
With love and respect,
Axiologist Mentor Ute Eisenberg
Liam Grady sat back and closed his eyes, giving himself a moment to recall Ute and the time they spent together. She was not his mentor. That was Woo-Jin Lim, who Liam had said farewell to when he left. There was closure enough in that departure. The teachings Woo-Jin imparted on him could lead him through life, so his mentor would always be with him.
Ute was a woman he met, another Axiologist who was fascinated with technology beyond the Sol Defence borders. Long, late night discussions soon evolved into romantic evenings. He didn’t need holographic recordings to recall her deep blue eyes, flowing blonde hair, or warm smiles. Most people who were allowed to visit Earth wanted to return eventually. There was so much to learn, so m
uch to see.
Ute was Liam’s real reason for returning, but the request he quietly included with the message the Triton crew sent to Earth didn’t specifically state that. It said he wanted to return as a student, and to permanently integrate on Earth, Mars, or one of the larger outer stations.
The reply from Ute was acknowledgement of that message, and her way of saying she would have liked him to return. The only solace in discovering that he wouldn’t be able to see her was that he felt free to pursue someone else, but he was in no hurry. Liam released his mental image of her, saying, “Some journeys must end.”
“But others await,” replied Minh-Chu.
Liam opened his eyes and cleared his throat. Minh-Chu was standing in the open hatchway. “Sorry to interrupt your meditation, Mentor.”
“No apologies, Wing Commander,” Liam replied. “Your timing is excellent.”
“Jason noticed you received a transmission from Sol Defence. He’s a little crazy at the moment, because the origin date is from today, and well, from Earth.”
“So you volunteered to speak to me instead,” Liam said. “How did you convince him to stay away from this discussion?”
Minh-Chu entered the room and made his way down the narrow path of installed deck plates. “You have the respect of practically everyone here, but have made almost no serious attachments, and haven’t revealed much about yourself. I told him that a wrong move could lead to you leaving.”
“That sounds rational, and mostly correct, but I doubt that convinced him to stay out of this conversation,” Liam said with a little smile.
“Laura told him to stay put,” Minh replied.
“There it is.”
“They’re having some serious problems, I don’t think he wanted to make it worse. I’m just glad he’s finally making her a priority.”
“Agreed. So, Wing Commander Minh-Chu Buu, what shape will this conversation take?”
Minh retracted the glove of his vacsuit and offered his hand. “I’ve never properly introduced myself.” He waited for Liam to shake his hand before saying, “I’m Minh-Chu Buu, my friends call me Minh or Ronin.”
“I’m Liam, and pleased to meet you, Ronin. I’m highly amused that someone named after a rogue Samurai leads Samurai Squadron,” Liam replied.
“I know,” Minh said, sitting down. “I was about to tell them there was a mismatch there, but the names were already on the books.”
“You are eager to learn what was in that message from Earth.”
“I am, but I have other questions too.”
“I’m sure you do,” Liam replied. Sitting down with Minh-Chu was a bit of a thrill for Liam. He watched the pilot from a distance. The man was almost forty, but looked younger, and seemed very youthful outside of his command duties. There was a list of questions he had for him, but they’d have to wait.
“First, how did that transmission cross that distance in one day?” Minh asked.
“The Triton has a stable quantum entanglement communications system somewhere onboard. Most likely inside the dormant computer core.”
“No one has been able to build a stable Q.E.C.S. but they’ve started rolling them off the assembly line on Earth?”
“I realise most QECS are sold as novelties and scams in the galaxy, but yes, Earth has mastered the technology. Sadly, they used it to say farewell, so I won’t be returning for at least a generation.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Minh said. “But I’m hoping you remain here. You are needed.”
“I know,” Liam replied. He thought a moment, aware that Minh was watching him. “I’ll decide whether I’m staying after the Triton is reactivated and I’ve completed a check of her systems. I’ll make sure there’s a good replacement if I leave.”
“What did they have to say about the Triton?”
“It has been released. If they were able to connect to the QECS, then they know who has the codes, where the Triton is, and what condition she’s in. The fact that they can contact it at all tells me that her core computer is activating. The Triton’s software is updating, and she’s almost ready to come back to life. I checked Ashley’s comm. Nothing has changed, she still has valid command codes. Whether it’s just a way for the Triton to continue collecting data about us, or they like the fact that Ashley has command codes for some other reason doesn’t matter. She has top level command codes, and the power to transfer command to someone else using the Triton’s main computer.”
“You didn’t tell us that when you looked at the codes last night,” Minh said, shaking his finger at Liam playfully.
Liam couldn’t help but laugh at the younger man’s antics. “You’re the first I’ve told. I’m sharing this with you because it’s a gift. I want you to tell Ashley yourself.”
Minh sat back in his seat, his reaction was difficult to read. “Why?”
“There is something about her that challenges everything you are in the best of ways, and it’s never happened to you before. At the same time, I believe you respect her, perhaps put her up on a pedestal. That brings all your insecurities to the surface when you meet her.”
“Yup, she melts my brain,” Minh agreed.
“It’s time for you to speak to her with real respect, as a person you should know, and destroy the infatuation that’s been building, whether you’re aware of it or not, so there might be something else. I’m giving you this secret to share with her until she decides who should be in command of the Triton.”
“You’re either a wonderful man or deeply evil,” Minh said, shaking his head.
“No one is purely one or the other,” Liam replied. “You will have to help her make this decision, perhaps you’ll have to do it as Ronin, Wing Commander of Samurai Squadron at first, but I know you’ll lead her to the correct decision.”
Minh shook his head rapidly and sighed. “I don’t know how this’ll turn out, so I’ll say thank you for now, but I reserve the right to amend that later.”
“Understood,” Liam said with a smile. “Next question.”
“Right,” Minh said. “Oh Swami, does the QECS still work?”
“Yes, but it’s not connected to Earth any longer, they’ve shut their end down,” Liam replied. “I don’t know if it’s connected to anyone else.”
“All right,” Minh said. He pondered something a moment before going on. “So Ashley might not be stuck on the Triton like she thought and Sol Defence has released the Triton. The computer core is already waking up, there’s a QECS on board that could be linked to other ships or planets, and you enjoy torturing me for my own good. Did I get everything?”
Liam laughed and nodded. “Yes, you did.” He paused a moment and leaned forward, speaking more seriously. “You shouldn’t let Ashley tell you to make her choices for her over the next day. Lead her to the decision that feels right to her.”
“You already know what she’ll decide,” Minh said.
“I have more than a fair idea.”
“We also have to watch for Larry, the agent aboard. There was nothing about him in the message I received, so I’m led to assume that Sol Defence isn’t willing to share information about him to my friend on Earth, or they are unaware of him.”
“He gave Ashley the code she has, so he might be able to interfere,” Minh concluded.
“It’s possible,” Liam agreed.
“If he does?”
“Your people need this ship and will use it well,” Liam said. “Prevent him from taking control, even if it means killing him.”
* * *
The information Minh collected felt like a weight across his shoulders. He didn’t regret any part of his conversation with Liam Grady, but he couldn’t tell if he was being examined, taught, admired, or all three during the encounter. Making his way through the busy corridors of the Samson, past welders, electricians and countless grunts, he ran everything he learned over and over in his mind.
People called him a Zen master, a commander, and a mentor, and it all felt a little fo
olish all of a sudden. He understood why Liam made such a massive impression on everyone he spoke to, and wished he could continue talking to the man for several days. There was so much to learn, so much to experience, and with a guide like him to enrich it all, life could only be better, or at least more interesting.
He finally reached an external hatch and made his way to the bottom of the severely tilted gangway. The hangar was well lit, beyond the main doors was the long night, decorated by the lights of ships in the sky and people wearing lit vacsuits of many colours.
Ashley was near the middle of the huge hangar, in the cantina that was just a large collection of folding chairs, tables, and a few makeshift food prep counters. Minh used his comm unit to zoom in on her and Zoe. She was holding the laughing toddler upside down, gently shaking her up and down saying, “Oh my gosh! She’s all fulla giggles! I’ve gotta get ‘em out!” Panloo stood by, her squeaky laughter only adding to the mirth of the scene.
Minh-Chu smiled to himself, remembering when he finally became social enough to meet his nieces and nephews. It didn’t take long for him to enjoy having them around just as much. He decided to wait until Ashley’s visit with Zoe was over before sharing the weight of the new information he’d gained with her. Jason wouldn’t wait, however, and he started walking back to the Clever Dream to face the interrogation, deleting the recording of his conversation with Liam Grady along the way.
Chapter 24
Loose Ends
“Good morning, Ayan,” Lewis said as she emerged from the shower into the captain’s cabin. The Clever Dream had no problem providing purified water for her and the other officers to take a shower every day, but she only took one when she needed cheering up in the morning. The water was soothing, and the full body air-drying inside the shower cubicle was invigorating.
“Now that’s civilisation,” Ayan said. “Good morning, Lewis.”
“I can’t see how a thorough cleaning is civilisation in itself,” Lewis said.
Spinward Fringe Broadcast 7: Framework Page 18