by S. H. Jucha
Ophelia glared at Lucia, but the admiral wasn’t fazed.
Despite Ophelia’s glare at Lucia for the dressing down, she realized the admiral had rightly pointed out the communication problem.
I hate this job, Ophelia thought about the presidency. She knew she’d become overprotective of the system, trying to be both president and commandant.
Finally, Ophelia broke eye contact with Lucia. She turned to regard Alex and Jess, and they looked at her with sympathetic eyes.
The question enabled Julien and Miriam to educate Ophelia on the Elvian control module, the drone-cradle synchronization, and the drone’s energy output.
Ophelia’s chagrin was evident.
Alex placed a hand on Ophelia’s shoulder and squeezed gently. She was surprised she could distinctly feel the grip through the environment suit.
Ophelia was grateful for the understanding. It surprised her that Alex hadn’t included a “but” or “next time.” There was no condemnation in his support.
Jess wanted to see the engine installation, and Miriam led them aft to where Bortoth and Daktora were directing the Trident.
The visitors waited quietly, while the delicate task of mating the massive engine complex to the freighter’s hull was completed.
The engines’ attachment would be completed in two phases. The first was temporary. Special rods spaced every fifteen degrees extended from the tri-engine assembly. They were designed to slide into girders in the new hull section. Slowly and carefully, the rods were aligned with the openings, and the Trident, which was controlled by a SADE, slid the rods home.
Immediately, engineering teams rushed to lock the twenty-four rods into place.
The visitors marveled at the Crocians, whose massive musculature allowed them to proceed at the pace of the several SADEs working within the teams.
When the rods were secured, Bortoth communicated to the SADE aboard the Trident, and the crew in the warship’s bay released the tethering beams.
When the Crocians turned, they roared and sent,
After welcoming the others, Bortoth sent contentedly,
In the airless environment, the humans missed the contented rumble that accompanied Bortoth’s pronouncement.
35: Commander’s Lot
While Jess and Lucia waited for the appointment with Captain de Long, Jess sat on a couch in the salon and studied a holo-vid displaying the consortium’s requested gates connections. He saw several issues with the speed with which the members would probably want the installations to proceed.
When Lucia detected Alain’s approach, she triggered the suite’s door for him.
Alain entered and paused. He’d seen Lucia’s eyes narrow, as she crossed the room to greet him.
With two more steps to go, Lucia suddenly delivered a spinning kick aimed at Alain’s head.
Alain effortlessly leaned back, and Lucia’s foot harmlessly passed by.
Immediately, Lucia followed her attack with a back kick, which Alain also easily evaded.
As Lucia sought to rebalance, Alain firmly tapped the middle of her back with an open hand.
“You’re out of practice, Admiral,” Alain said, grinning.
Lucia faced Alain and returned his grin. “I need someone to help me work out,” she said, as she hugged him.
“There are always SADEs,” Alain offered.
“Have you ever contested and beat a SADE?” Lucia retorted.
“I’ve done a foolish thing or two in my life and will probably do more, but that isn’t one of them,” Alain replied, laughing.
Jess rose to greet Alain, when the captain approached him. “You won’t need to defend yourself against me,” he remarked. “I don’t know any of those fighting techniques.”
“On the other hand, Commander, I understand that you’re deadly with a Loopah weapon and have demonstrated your considerable skills innumerable times,” Alain replied.
“Yes, well, exigent circumstances,” Jess replied, brushing off the compliment.
Alain replied, as he took the chair Jess offered him.
Lucia sat beside Jess, who regarded Alain, and asked, “How can we help you, Captain?”
“I would like to know how you gain updates from the Tsargit,” Alain req
uested.
Jess was momentarily taken aback by Alain’s unusual request.
“Regarding what?” Lucia asked.
“I think you’d agree that information is valuable,” Alain replied. “The outpost is in the middle of alliance space, and the Tsargit hosts the members of most of the alien races. Wouldn’t you like to know what the Tsargit membership is considering?”
Alain could see that Jess and Lucia had been caught off guard, and he took the opportunity to press his point. “In addition, I believe it would be worthwhile for the outpost to be aware of the council’s considerations.”
Jess pivoted, recognizing that Alain was far ahead of him. “Obviously, Captain, you’ve given this considerable thought. What did you have in mind?”
Alain’s smile was slight, but it was there. He gave Jess credit for a quick shift from defense to offense.
“I think the outpost requires an ambassador to the Tsargit, and I’m applying for the job,” Alain replied, with an infectious grin.
“And here I didn’t know we even had a job opening,” Jess remarked. “How negligent of me.”
“I’m sure it would have occurred to you sooner rather than later, Commander,” Alain responded. While he spoke this time, he’d been careful to keep his expression neutral. Otherwise, he might have appeared patronizing.
“First, Captain, in alliance space, the position is referred to as an envoy,” Jess said. “Second, I’ve no doubt that you’re eminently qualified, and third, I’d have to consider the idea.”
“What are your concerns, Commander?” Alain pressed. He was loath to leave the conversation in such a nebulous state.
“I’m wondering how the Tsargit members, without their approval, will react to my sending an envoy to monitor their activities?” Jess replied.
“Do you think an outpost envoy at the Tsargit has value?” Alain inquired.
Rather than reply to Alain, Jess turned to Lucia, inviting her opinion.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Lucia replied promptly. “Regardless of who occupies the position,” she added, winking at Alain, who grinned.
“Wouldn’t it be appropriate to test the welcome?” Alain proposed.
“You mean ask the leaders of many races?” Lucia inquired, and Alain nodded.
“I think it would,” Jess said.
“Captain, what does Admiral Tachenko think of your idea?” Lucia asked.
Jess stilled. Only a close associate could have asked the question of Alain. He kept silent, knowing this matter was between two individuals who’d spent decades together risking their lives.
“It was discussed, and the admiral understands and supports my choice,” Alain replied calmly. He wasn’t affronted by the question.
“What I would like to know,” Jess said, when Lucia appeared satisfied with Alain’s answer, “is why would a vaunted Trident senior captain and a member of Alex’s inner circle request a post as outpost envoy?”
“It’s an opportunity to train,” Alain replied. “This job is perfect to prepare me for my next position.”
“Which is what?” Jess asked.
“Commander of Outpost Two,” Alain replied, as if that should have been deduced.
“Where is that to be located?” Lucia inquired.
“I’ve no idea,” Alain replied, laughing. “But I know Alex. There’ll be many more outposts before he’s finished with the universe or before the universe is finished with him.”
“When do you expect to address the leaders, Commander?” Alain asked.
“Sooner than I would like,” Jess replied sourly.
When Alain glanced at Lucia with a cocked eyebrow, she explained, “The leaders of a consortium of races are due to arrive here soon.”
“Why?” Alain inquired.
“They’re intent on stepping outside the Tsargit on the subject of new gate connections,” Jess replied.
“I admit that I’ve been relaxing on Pyre, and I’ve been out of touch,” Alain said. “Would you mind updating your future envoy, Commander?” His grin was inviting, and Jess couldn’t help but reply in kind.
“A group of races has formed a consortium,” Jess said. “They comprise Resistance races and their trading partners. They’ve outlined the gate connections that they want to see established between their domes.”
“And they don’t care what the Tsargit says,” Lucia added.
“Does the Tsargit council know?” Alain asked.
“The consortium leaders haven’t informed the Tsargit. It was agreed to give the council some time to see if it could craft an acceptable proposal,” Jess replied. He watched Alain nod thoughtfully and could imagine the captain starting a list of priorities to follow, if and when he became the envoy.
“And why do you expect the leaders’ immediate return?” Alain queried.
“A time limit of forty Pyrean cycles was set for the council’s proposal to appear. The time is about up,” Jess replied.
“Has the council developed a plan?” Alain asked. When he saw frowns, he added, “The envoy’s duties are growing by the minute.”
“If this position is created, I don’t want cube communication,” Jess said.
“Understandable,” Alain replied. “We can either post a Trident on station or install an intersystem comm at Hyronzy Station.”
Lucia turned to Jess. She asked, “If we decided to use a comm unit, would we allow the Pyrean member to communicate with President Tuttle or Finian?”
“Another good question,” Jess said. He regarded Alain and waited.
“Well, Commander,” Alain replied, warming to the subject, “I think in either case we set up a delicate situation. I would have access to technology that neither the Pyreans nor any other race would possess. That might create consternation. If it does, are we prepared to share the tech with the races?”
“The tech isn’t licensed,” Lucia pointed out.
“True,” Alain agreed.
“I want something for the tech,” Jess declared. “The alliance is built on trade. The races have established market-driven relationships. If we offer the alliance races comm tech, they’ll expect us to request compensation. I intend to ask that they support our needs, whatever we deem them to be.”
Lucia and Alain nodded appreciatively.
“By the way, Commander, there’s no need to pay me a stipend,” Alain said.
“Everyone who works for the outpost is paid. No exceptions,” Jess responded. Then he quickly raised a hand to interrupt Alain’s reply.
“I know,” Jess said. “You’re going to tell me that you’re a shareholder in Omnia Ships too.”
“I am,” Alain said. “But why do you say it that way? What of your account?”
“I’m paid by the outpost,” Jess replied.
“No, I mean your other account,” Alain persisted.
When Jess frowned, Alain sent,
Alain stood, extended his hand to Jess, and said, “I look forward to hearing what the consortium leaders have to say.” Just before the salon exit, he turned back and said, “Commander, perhaps you should examine your personal finances.”
As Alain stepped through the doorway, he discovered two of his pilots, Nata and Petra, bracketing a handsome and strapping young Earther. “Ude?” he exclaimed, when he received the bio ID. “I’d heard that you’d been successfully repaired. The Jatouche do marvelous work.”
Alain stepped aside to let the trio enter the commander and admiral’s quarters.
“Welcome,” Alain heard Jess say before the door slid closed behind him. He smiled, as he thought about the opportunity he felt strongly would be granted him.
Lucia hugged Ude. “It’s hard to recognize you,” she said.
“I can understand,” Ude replied. “You remember a sk
inny teenager, who later appears encased in a monstrous avatar.”
“How are you feeling?” Lucia inquired.
“Please don’t ask, Admiral,” Petra said, laughing. “He’s liable to show you his newly acquired skills. The demonstration might have him bouncing around the room.”
Lucia’s brow furrowed, not comprehending what amused Petra.
“If you would?” Jess said, offering the couch opposite where Lucia and he sat. When Petra and Nata sat on either side of Ude, he added, “Ude, you requested the meeting.”
“Ever since my rescue from the New Terra, humans and aliens have been generous to me, and I remember rebuffing those individuals who tried to help me aboard the city-ship,” Ude explained. “After my accident, I realized I was wasting my life hating everyone and everything. I’ve a lot of time to make up for always taking and failing to share. I want to serve the outpost.”
“Your change of heart is commendable, Ude. Service in what capacity?” Jess asked.
“Frontline,” Ude replied. “I’ll take a trooper position and work my way up.”
“Ude, most of the troops are alien forces,” Lucia cautioned. “They take the brunt of the losses.”
“I reviewed the statistics, Admiral,” Ude replied. “I’m well aware of their losses. I think the outpost lacks a number of qualified commanders.”
“And you intend to be one of those?” Jess inquired.
“Absolutely,” Ude replied. “Your troop commanders learned in the field with you, Commander.”
“What makes you think you have the qualifications, Ude?” Jess asked. “Having a new body must feel great, but you shouldn’t be making a rash decision.”
Petra and Nata bristled, but Ude smiled. It was gentle, and it hid his fierce determination.
“I spent annuals hiding in a derelict colony ship from minders,” Ude replied. “I led a gang of starving children to food supplies. For many more annuals on Talus, I attempted to evade the SADEs and locate the hiding place of Artifice to destroy the AI. Of course, little did I know, the SADEs were monitoring me the entire time.”