Escape from the Drowned Planet
Page 80
“Of course.” Arya grinned. “We’ll keep the Federation attack dogs on a tight leash, don’t you worry about that.” For the benefit of the other listeners she added: “Their most useful function is as a threat—and believe me, they look threatening—but like all war-mongers, they sow nothing but destruction if allowed to operate the way they want to. And if the ship Captains complain, we can always quote old history to them.”
*****
After supper Kati and Mikal collected their possessions from their room and paid their bill, arranging for Yarm and Jocan to keep their room for one more night, since they would not be flying off towards Yarm’s home until the next morning. Then Yarm and Jocan accompanied them to the Temple grounds where Arya and Jeffo were already waiting impatiently, by the Scoutship. Good-byes were difficult but, mercifully, had to be kept short, since Arya and Jeffo wanted to get back to the war ship in orbit, and begin the processes involved in protecting all the sentients of this, once drowned, world. Kati and Mikal were anxious, too, to continue their connected quests of bringing Gorsh to justice, and freeing the slaves that he had collected. Thus the hugs and the handshakes were brief, if heartfelt. Kati was not the only person wiping wetness from the corners of her eyes.
Just before heading for the Scoutship, Kati remembered something:
“Mikal,” she said. “Your boot. Is there anything still there?”
She had pulled one of her own off, and turned it upside down, giving it a conk. Three gold coins fell from a slot designed to hold a knife. Mikal did likewise, and added two more to her total. Kati handed the five coins to Yarm.
“These belong to this World,” she told him. “Figure out what’s the best use for them.”
She replaced her boot, grabbed Mikal’s hand and they ran to catch up with Arya and Jeffo who had already entered the Scoutship. At the hatch Kati turned around one last time and, her eyes filling with tears, waved good-bye to the friends that she was leaving behind.
THE END