by L M Lacee
Netta asked with a scowl. ‘What is this word cool, are you making up words again? Melody told me about that.’
‘No, it is a word, seriously I heard it in a really old vid, Melody and I were watching, it means great.’
‘Okay, so cool.’ Netta grinned. ‘Yeah, I like it.’
‘Yes cool.’ Peyton grinned at Netta, she was so funny sometimes and other times a little scary but she did not tell her that, she thought it may hurt her feelings. She was fairly sure Netta had them.
When they reached the war room, it was to find Darby fiddling with her newly upgraded comm unit. As they entered, she said sharply. ‘We are ready and waiting for you.’
‘So bossy.’ Peyton moaned as she spied cake and quickly bit into a slice, ignoring the frown Darby threw her way. Then with a smirk she waved at Peyton, letting her know they were on air. Peyton quickly swallowed and smiled, ignoring the muffled laughter around her.
‘Greetings to you all this morn. This is Peyton again... what do you mean… No, I am not saying that, because Comp girl it sounds pretentious... No, Lady is not…it is nice and polite, respectful... Aww shut the hayda up Lady Darby... no, that was respectful, better than what I was going to say... No Lukkas, I am not angry at Darby. I apologize... yes to her too. Good Stars... So let me start again. Greetings, I would like to talk to you this morn because some things have happened and we should clear them up. You probably already know this, because my stars, can gossip travel fast on ships... Oh, it can so Melody, these guys are the biggest gossips... are too. Annny way! Let’s get some information straight.
Firstly: We are almost at our destination, another little while and we can all look upon our new home worlds. So very exciting.
Secondly: We made a stop as all of you already know, to a planet that was hiding our Warriors from us. Thanks to everyone that helped out on the planet we retrieved four thousand sleepers as far as we know all not dead... What now… saying not dead is better than saying not alive... it so is Heather. Fine next time you can say that they are not dead in healer terms, medical doctors... sheesh... Oh yeah… Healers.
Thirdly: I would very much like to clear up two points here. Misconceptions that have spread like wildfire, we did not raid that planet like Raiders. We were given a warning what was going to happen to the world. So we took everything of value with us, and yes, I do mean the people who lived and worked there. Please make them feel welcome. They have not had a very easy time of it lately, and we all know what that is like. We are not thieves or thsieons. I am sorry if any of you feel that way but it really was a case of, we need it, they would not.
Fourth point: It was not me who obliterated the planet and system. The Star Child who created the Universes did as I have said repeatedly. I am but a vessel for them. I hope you read your tablets on the existence of the Star Child and what they are responsible for. I know it will not be to everyone's liking and I get that, but seriously, I did say military when I spoke to you the first time.
Okay Fifth point: Yes Darby, I am going in numbers because I wrote it that way... in my head... yes Willian, I can write notes in my head… no; I am not a cyborg... Willian, are you reading science fiction…? You are, didn’t I tell you that fiction meant not true... there are cyborgs… really…? Yes... yes Commander Hawk. Later Willian, you and I will talk.
Okay, number five, it is true my hair grew. It is now below my knees and is very white... Yes Esther, blinding white is a good description and thank you. This was the Star Child’s decision. Granted, I was very angry, which started the change, and no I cannot reverse it. Apparently the Star Child likes long white hair on their Star Daughter, mind you they could have done something about my height.’
Laughter filled the air ways, and Peyton grinned with the others as they heard it. Rose and Frand sat in the war room surrounded by the councilors and several Warriors they had been introduced to at first-meal. A somewhat confusing, combined meal and meeting.
Rose called her family beforehand, and they were now underway to meet them. When she had found Frand in medical, he was just being released; she explained to him what had happened and how Peyton had found them. He had been as relieved as she was to find they were off the planet. Heather had offered them both the download before they left, which they had declined. Rose had explained that apart from the humans and the planet Earth, traders had a very good understanding of who was in their Universe. Also, languages were a trader’s gift; they would be speaking English by the end of the day.
After saying goodbye to Heather, the siblings had talked as they made their way to Helen’s dining room about the last few wekens. As well as the Warship, they were on and the people and contract between Rose and Peyton. This conversation carried them until they entered the dining room, where the siblings had been greeted warmly and introductions had been made. Then Rose and Frand had sat bemused and intrigued as they listened to the squabbling and business discussed over the meal. They were shocked that the meeting was not interrupted by people asking for orders or to have something confirmed. It was as though the people on this ship all knew that this was the time for these amazing people to relax and talk, and to reconnect.
Half-way through the meeting, Melody had sat back in her chair and turned slightly toward the brother and sister asking. ‘Have you figured it out yet?’
Rose had nodded. ‘Yes, I would say so.’
Frand smiled. ‘I think so and I have to say I am jealous.’
‘Why?’
‘We grew up in a family of traders and watched our parents hold morn meetings. Not once in all those yentas did we see any of them act this way. There was always something that pulled someone away or someone who needed something. Usually, only our parents or the older traders spoke, unlike here, where everyone seems to have a say.’
Melody had smiled as she told them. ‘I see how this would be a surprise for you. Everyone is an equal here and everyone has the right to speak and offer opinions. Oh, by the way, welcome to the family.’
That had been earlier. Now Rose and Frand sat with the others watching and listening to the Star Daughter broadcast her speech. They waited for her to yell at the people for the interruptions. But as they listened, watched and heard the laughter from the listening audience, they realized there would be no reprimands.
Heather whispered to them both as she slid into a seat next to Rose. ‘It is not the normal way to present a speech, we know. The first time Peyton did this, she was so nervous and we were all so scared. It sort of happened, the interruptions, the information, the laughter all mixed up together, and it worked. So now we all expect it and the Warriors love it, listen to the people on the other ships and watch these males.’
Rose said. ‘It is truly amazing, she is so not what one expects, the Universe has no idea what is coming for them.’ She looked at Frand and grinned when she noticed his shining eyes and smile of contentment. Already the magic of the Star Daughter was working on him. He whispered. ‘Rose, this is the best place to be. Our lives are going to be so much better now. I cannot wait to see where we go.’
Hearing the end of the conversation, Helen said. ‘That’s the spirit.’
They tuned back in to hear Peyton say. ‘Alright listen up, we also managed to acquire a new family who are joining our ships and will be coming home with us. They are the Leesungha traders, Rose and her brother Frand, as well as their sister Miko. They are to be our traders for Maikonia; now information on trading in the Indorino Universe is on your tablets. As time goes on and we have settled more on our worlds and if you are interested in trading or have ideas for items to be traded. I encourage you to contact Rose. Information on how to do that will be on your tablets, but please let us settle first on Maikonia.’
Rose and Frand burst out laughing as Peyton frowned and asked. ‘What do you mean Heather… did I ask them?’ She scrunched her face up. ‘I think I did… Oh I didn’t… Rose sorry... Oh good, it’s okay... see Heather, it is okay... no Melody, she didn’t just say
that. No Armee girl, it’s not just because she is polite... she so does mean it... Keep out of this Armee girl... we could ask, but then you know… What do you mean you don’t know? You know Melody, you can just shut the hayda… Yes Esther, I know language like that is not needed, yes Ma’am, I apologize.’
Peyton shot Melody a look of retribution, which she laughed at, causing Peyton’s eyes to narrow.
Netta called out. ‘I am getting old here.’
Peyton nodded to Darby and said hurriedly. ‘So, that’s all about Rose and her family joining our family... really will you stop laughing Melody, I will ban you all... no Willian it is just a saying... Yes it was... no, I would never... sheesh... so sensitive... Oh, they so are... no Heather not when they are bashing each other’s brains out. Okay, so people I am going to talk about something now which seemed to surprise the Warriors, why I can only imagine. Credits, so Warriors I am speaking to you now. Accounts for you will be set up in your names, so we can distribute credits into those accounts. Obviously it will be a little at first but hopefully in time they will grow, as we grow… No Willian, I meant the accounts will get larger with credits… No Kerol, credits do not make us grow… Well, yes food does. I know Heather but we are not talking about weight, are we? Now remember every time any female or Warrior works for another world, whether they are guarding, defending, accounting or trading, our world will receive payment as do all of you. We will be charging for your services and receiving bonuses... What do you mean what for? To spend Willian... I don’t know, shoot... no Lukkas it is an expression put your blaster away… Melody we talked about that, no weapons in the war room... I do not care that it is called a war room. See this face, it is frowning... no not at you Lukkas… Yes Helen, I was talking about credits. Warriors you can buy flowers for your mate, because Kerol it is a nice thing to do... You know what… I do not care that you don’t know what to spend your credits on. Save the friggin’ things... no William I am not upset... yes Kerol, females like flowers... yes, I am sure Nina is going to grow flowers... really, other worlds. Oh yes, sorry Commander Hawk, I will keep on topic. Now, to my next order of business, I have some requests to make. We need accountants, lawyers, designers and tradespeople. Do you have the program done Darby? Oh, it will be finished tonight, okay so when the program is finished... no, there was no tone... I swear I know how hard you all work... I swear I do. Okaay! So tomorrow morn... because I thought that would ease the pressure on you... Yes, most definitely there is tone now... No Willian, don’t look for it hon, it is a saying... yes another one... See this is why I don’t... Yes Darby, there is still tone. So tomorrow there will be a program installed on your tablets, it is for everyone to enter an occupation... Yes, preferably their own, thank you Melody. This is not set in stone we just need an idea of what you all can do, to get things rolling on our worlds once we arrive. One thing I would like to have started now is a formal union, marriage or mating ceremony, whatever we wish to call it. So Celebrants if we have any, I realize we may not have. Oh, we do... really Brenda, you are a Celebrant... that is so nice... yes thank you. So if all the Celebrants could get in contact with Brenda, contact information on your tablets. Seriously ladies, wait until I am finished, quick aren’t they? As I was saying, get with Brenda and come up with a ceremony. We have couples who have found each other, so it would be nice to formalize their joining... Oh no, I never did... Helen just asked if you all want that.’
A resounding yes came back to them, through the ship’s comms.
‘Alright then.’ Peyton said, pleased at their ready acceptance. ‘Oh… Oh… No Commander, I am okay. The Star Child just informed me they will bless each mating with a symbol and I am a little worried… because the couples may not like it... Yes, it is from the Star Child... yes, you are right Commander Hawk; everyone will feel proud, I am sure to wear their symbol... Are you sure ladies... okay, the ladies on the council agree with Commander Hawk. Hopefully, you will all like what it is, so a drawing of the symbol will be on your tablet when Jean uploads it. As you all know, Maikonia is a system designed by the Star Child for the Star Daughter and the people who live there. Apparently the symbol is like the name of our system, non-negotiable, and remember when you see the markings they are a blessing from the Star Child. Only people of our worlds will ever wear them.
Just to give you an idea, it is a marking that will encircle each wrist about half an inch wide, it will be in the script of the stars. On the left will be the name of Maikonia and the name of your mate. On the right will be the name of Maikonia and your name. Both mates will have them, and they will appear at the consummation of the mating... Eww! I will not explain that ... seriously no… work it out for yourselves. Well, I believe that is everything I have to tell you for now. If there is anything else. We will talk about it just before we land... No Commander Hawk, landing is an expression. Seriously, we are going to have a talk about these terms. So I will say goodbye for now, use your tablets and contact who you need to. Oh, just a thought here, Warriors do not forget to tell us what your occupation is... Yes thank you Willian. I know it is Warrior, but some if not all the Warriors know other things as well... what do you mean, like what Melody? Some know about computers and plumbing, communications and healing, building, work like that… because people talk... yes, they do… sometimes around me... I am not exaggerating healer girl. Fine, Helen and the ladies tell me... Oh, wait a min, Warrior Kolin, he is an Engineer, and he told me that himself. Okay everyone, we are done. Talk soon.’
Darby closed the transmission as Peyton slumped onto her chair asking the others. ‘So, what did you think?’
Esther told her. ‘Same as before, got all the information out.’
‘Squashed some ugly rumors.’ Helen stated.
‘Made everyone know to use their tablets more, so they do not keep asking me stupid questions.’ Netta grumbled.
‘Okay, Netta. I think you need mat time. Go beat someone up.’ Peyton grinned at her.
‘I am out of here, see you all in two hours. I have booked the room, do not forget.’ She told Peyton, as she waved goodbye.
They all watched her go as Melody said. ‘Got the Star Child involved, which is good, it helps everyone to normalize them.’
Kerol agreed with her. ‘This is true, the more the ladies think of them as a reality, the more of a presence they will become in their lives.’
‘So a success.’ High-fived Esther and Heather as everyone moved off, leaving Rose, Frand and Peyton together.
‘Are you all right?’ Peyton asked them both as Frand kept looking at her strangely.
He finally croaked out. ‘I think I am not.’
‘Oh, do you need Heather?’
He smiled. ‘No Madam Peyton, I just need a strong… very strong drink.’
He then wandered off, and she watched him speak to Hawk, together they walked out the room. She asked Rose. ‘So, he has a drinking problem?’
Before Rose could repute that, Helen came back handed Peyton’s cup to her and said. ‘No, he is in shock at how you could be so disorganized when you give a speech.’
‘Hey, I thought you liked it?’
‘Really! That was what you thought.’
SEVENTY-FIVE:
The following morning Kerol paced back and forth along the passageway outside Helen, Brenda and Esther’s cabins. He had swapped his early morn duty with Sarn, so he and his brother Lukkas could hopefully talk to the ladies before their day started.
It never occurred to them to just knock on one of the cabin doors and announce themselves. Instead, they, in Kerol’s case, paced the passageway as they waited for one of the females to open a door. Lukkas leaned against the wall and watched his brother while amusement played around his mouth.
Kerol growled as he paced. ‘Do not find too much enjoyment in my dilemma, brother of mine. Your turn will come, and I will be the one amused.’
Lukkas straightened as he heard movement inside the room across from him. ‘Until then, brother of mine, I
will stay very amused. It is not often I have been witness to the hard, calculating, precise Captain Kerol Nahail, being whacked upside the head as Madam says. Allow me to enjoy this momentous occasion.’
‘Stop teasing your brother, he looks like he is going to bust a valve.’ Esther said coming along the hall, they both turned quickly, neither of them had heard her cabin door open or her approach.
‘Lady Esther,’ Kerol said relieved, ‘I am very pleased to see you.’
Concerned at his desperate tone, Esther banged on Brenda and Helen’s doors. ‘Get out here, one of the boys needs us.’
The doors flew open. ‘Kerol, Lukkas, what is it?’ Brenda asked as Helen demanded. ‘Has someone been hurt, is it Peyton?’
Brenda asked sharply. ‘What is it Esther?’
‘I do not know, I just found them lurking in the hall.’
‘Lurking, we were not lurking Lady Esther. I apologize, no one is hurt. We have been waiting… we were waiting. We did not want to disturb you.’ Kerol told the three females.
‘It doesn’t work like that.’ Brenda scolded them. ‘If you need us, you knock and we come out. Do not do that in the future.’
‘Now, what has happened?’ Helen demanded for the second time.
Kerol opened his mouth but nothing came out, his shoulders slumped and his head lowered. The three ladies were instantly worried, and it showed in their expressions. Lukkas tried to hide his laughter at his brother’s predicament, finally he managed to say. ‘Ladies, Kerol has found his mate.’
‘Oh my!’ They chorused.
Brenda crowed. ‘That is wonderful.’
Helen asked. ‘Are you unhappy?’
Esther demanded to know. ‘What is the matter boy?’
‘Is it Peyton?’ Brenda asked sympathetically as Helen asked her. ‘Why would it be Peyton?’