by M. D. Cooper
Tanis placed a hand on Erin’s shoulder. “So what you’re telling me is that you don’t need to be anywhere in particular until then.”
Erin gave her a sidelong glance. “You giving me permission to relax, Tanis?”
“Would it work if it was an order?”
“And what about you?” Erin asked, looking into Tanis’s eyes. “I’m surprised you’ve not grown to your chair in here. I hope you manage to get away, too.”
Tanis ran a hand along her hair and tightened her ponytail. “Yeah, I’ve established a rule for the weekends that is essentially ‘Unless a planet is about to crash into Canaan Prime, it can wait till next week’.”
“I know what you mean,” Erin said. “Some people have trouble gauging the immediacy of the crisis.”
“Well, next week we move out to the ranch.” Tanis gave a heartfelt sigh. “That should give me a bit of a buffer when I’m out there.”
“Oh wow!” Erin exclaimed. “A ranch? As in with horses?”
“That’s just the type,” Tanis replied. “I used to ride when I was younger. I want to teach Cary. You know, once we get settled, I’ll have a little get-together. You’re on the invite list, of course. You can bring Martin and Isa, too.”
Erin’s eyes grew wide. “Are you keeping tabs on me, Tanis?”
Tanis shrugged. “Half the time I reach out to you while you’re on Carthage, your location is with Isa or Martin. And the other day, you were with both of them out on the coast. Doesn’t take Earnest Redding to figure out that you’re finally settling down.”
“What are you, my mom?” Erin asked with a laugh.
Tanis tilted her head as she regarded the engineer. “Maybe. Do you need one? I could give you ‘the talk’ before you head back to the beach.”
“Tanis!” Erin exclaimed. “Is this how you’re going to make me take some time off? By embarrassing me out of your office?”
“Will it work?” Tanis asked with a chuckle.
Erin gave the governor a steady look. “Thanks, Tanis.”
“For?”
“Helping me keep perspective.”
Tanis gave Erin a knowing look. “Earnest always says that entropy hits perspective the hardest.”
“OK, Tanis,” Erin held out her hand. “I’ll get you the official report and then head back to the coast.”
Tanis shook Erin’s hand and then put a hand on the engineer’s shoulder and turned her about. “You’ll do no such thing. I have a car waiting outside to take you to the coast. Get me the report after you have all the facts.”
“You sure?” Erin asked.
“Yeah. You have fun, and I’ll live vicariously through you. Right now, I need to prepare for a meeting with the leader of the opposition, who is pushing back on my plans to bolster the military further. Don’t you just love the parliamentary system?”
“Didn’t you advocate for that form of government?” Erin asked as she paused at the door.
“Off with you!” Tanis said, making a shooing motion. “I have Angela, I don’t need you reminding me of my mistakes as well.”
ATHENS BOUND
STELLAR DATE: 03.13.8937 (Adjusted Years)
LOCATION: High Carthage Station
REGION: Carthage, New Canaan System
Isa stood between Erin and Martin as they waited to board the shuttle that would take them to the Odyssey. At long last, the three of them would be able to spend some quality time together. And what better place to spend it than Athens?
Nursing a slender hope that she might see the friend she’d made on her last visit, Isa stood on her tiptoes and peered down the line and around the air and spaceport, but Usef’s hulking figure was nowhere in evidence. She guessed it would have been quite a coincidence if they’d ended up taking the same flight again.
“Are you looking for something?” Martin asked.
“Not something—someone,” Isa replied. “The last time I took this trip, I met a really nice guy. He showed me the ropes and helped me have a good time. He’s great fun to be around, a real party animal. He told me he goes to Athens whenever he has a chance, so I was hoping I might see him again. But it doesn’t look like he’s here.”
“He might already be on Athens,” said Erin.
“Yeah, he might. If he is, I’ll be able to introduce you. I booked us into the hotel where he always stays. I stayed there too, last time. I think you’ll love it. It’s really quaint, with real wooden furniture and drapes and all kinds of old-fashioned stuff. I was in one of the regular rooms for my last visit, but this time I booked a ‘full traditional’ suite for us.”
“Full traditional?” Martin asked. “What does that mean?”
“Hmm… I know you can’t use the Link to control anything in the room. It’s all manual,” Isa replied, “but apart from that I’m not exactly sure. The description said it was a step back in time.”
“I’m intrigued,” Erin remarked. “I have to say, you’ve really got my hopes up for this vacation, Isa. You always make Athens sound great.”
“It’s unforgettable,” said Isa. “You’ll see.” She put an arm around Erin’s shoulders. “You have to promise not to brood about your investigation, though. I know it’s bothering you, but you deserve some relaxation time.”
“Okay,” Erin replied, smiling. “I’ll try.”
“Yeah,” said Martin. “If I can manage to forget about work for a week, so can you. I’m looking forward to spending time with the two most important people in my life. I don’t even mind being away from the seeding site.”
“You really don’t?” Isa teased.
“Well, only a little bit. I asked a colleague, Cameron, to stay there for a few days while we’re away. He owes me a favor, and I trust him to keep an eye on everything.”
“Hey, we’re boarding,” said Erin.
The line had begun to move. They followed the other passengers onto the shuttle and found their seats, stowing their minimal baggage. Isa had told the other two they wouldn’t need to bring much more than swimwear for the trip.
The cabin filled quickly and, before long, neared full capacity. Athens was certainly a popular destination for Carthaginians.
Isa strapped in for the short flight up to the Odyssey. A last few stragglers appeared and took their seats. It was nearly departure time, and the shuttle was about to shut its doors, when another figure rushed aboard.
“Usef,” Isa exclaimed.
She tried to stand, but her safety straps held her down. She unsnapped them and jumped up.
Usef grinned and strode down the aisle toward her, gasping for breath. He’d clearly run to the gate.
“Isa,” he exclaimed. “Great to see you.”
They met with a hug, Isa’s arms failing to make it even halfway around her friend’s muscled chest.
“I’d hoped we might meet up again,” Isa said.
“Yeah, me too,” Usef replied.
Suddenly, he stiffened and drew away from her.
“I-I better go to my seat,” he mumbled.
“Uh, okay,” Isa replied, looking up into Usef’s face.
He was staring, shocked, at something behind her. Isa followed his gaze and was surprised to find he was looking at Erin.
“Major?” said Erin, returning Usef’s stare.
“Ma’am,” he replied, looking uncomfortable. Picking up his bag from where he’d dropped it to hug Isa, he said, “I’ll see you….” The rest of his sentence dried up. Without another word, he walked down the aisle to his seat.
Isa watched, mystified, as Usef stowed his luggage and sat down without looking at her. His friendly expression had transformed to troubled confusion.
Isa was also confused. She took her seat again as the shuttle door closed.
Erin leaned
across Martin to whisper, “That’s the friend you were telling us about? Major Usef?”
“Yes. He told me he was a Marine. I didn’t know he was an officer.”
“He’s an officer all right, and a pretty well-respected one, at that. He helped me with some tricky work last year. But I don’t understand…. Weren’t you saying he’s a party animal? Are you sure you’ve got the right guy?”
“Yes, I’m sure,” Isa replied. “What I don’t get is what just happened. Is something wrong? He started acting really weird as soon as he spotted you.”
“He did, didn’t he?” Erin smiled to herself as she leaned back in her seat. “I’m looking forward to this trip even more now. I can’t wait to see how the major behaves when he’s off duty.”
* * * * *
The servitor at the cocktail lounge aboard the Odyssey had been replaced by a human bartender, a burly man whose blond hair was so pale it was almost white. He was pouring out a drink as the three vacationers took seats at the bar. When he’d finished serving his customer, he turned to Isa.
“Hi, I’m Mikkel. What can I get you?”
“Hi, Mikkel,” said Isa. “Hot Buttered Fusion Flames all round.”
“Sure,” the barkeep replied. “But did you know we have a new menu?”
“You do?” Isa looked it up and saw a long list of exotic drinks. “Whoa. This is going to take a minute.”
“No problem. Take your time,” said Mikkel and he picked up a glass to polish.
“Guys,” Isa said to Martin and Erin, “check out the cocktails.”
“Mmmm… Bacon Liqueur Twist,” Erin read out loud. “Chocolate liqueur, vodka, whipped cream, a stick of chocolate-covered bacon, and a cherry on top.” She chuckled. “I wonder what notable member of New Canaan society that was created to honor?”
“Listen to this,” said Isa. “Atomic Sunrise. An orange mushroom cloud bursts up from the bottom of the glass, produces a brief ‘Opa!’ effect, and then fades to dark purple.”
Martin said, “I think I’ll have a Universal Untranslator.”
Isa read the description and asked, “Are you sure? That’s a powerful concoction.”
“I’m on my first proper vacation in about five thousand years. I might as well push the boat out.”
Erin snorted with laughter. “Not literally, for once.”
“I can’t decide,” Isa whined. “They all look great.” She asked Mikkel, “What would you recommend?”
“Well…” He looked her up and down. “I wouldn’t want to give you something too strong for you to handle.”
“She’s a Noctus,” Erin said.
“Ah! Okay, in that case, I’d suggest a Skjaldemjød.”
“Sorry, what?” Isa asked.
“It’s what Odin drinks in Valhalla that gives him the gift of poetry. In the myth, the main ingredient is Kvasars’ blood, but I made some substitutions.” Mikkel flashed a broad grin.
“I’ll have it,” Isa announced.
“Don’t you want to know what’s in it?” asked Martin.
“Nope,” Isa replied.
“You’re the best kind of customer,” said Mikkel. “And, to be honest, it’s probably better that you don’t know.”
“That sounds ominous,” intoned Erin. “I’m going to have—”
“Don’t you dare say cream soda,” Isa interjected.
“Huh,” said Erin derisively. “Cream soda is delicious. But I’m prepared to try something different for a special occasion. I’m going to go for—”
“Wait,” said Isa. “Let me guess. A Naked Atom?”
Erin shook her head. “Try again.”
“A Slippery Black Hole? Photon Bomb?”
“Wrong both times.”
“I know,” said Martin. “A Deep Space Delight.”
“No,” said Erin. “That’s going to be you later, my dear.”
Isa guffawed. She was delighted that her two partners were loosening up. They could both be a little straight-laced at times, though Martin more so than Erin. Isa hoped they would let their hair down in Athens; it was the kind of place that mandated it, if you actually wanted to have a good time.
“I give up,” she said between giggles. “Don’t keep us in suspense. What are you having?”
“A Quantum,” Erin replied. “The description says, ‘Did you drink it or not’?”
“Yeah,” said Mikkel, “I should probably change that. I can pretty much guarantee you’ll know you drank it.”
“What the hell,” said Erin. “I’ll have it anyway.”
“Okay, so that’s one Universal Untranslator, one Skjaldemjød, and one Quantum coming right up.”
As Mikkel turned to his extensive stock of bottles, Isa spotted a familiar figure in the corner of her vision. She turned just in time to see Usef pass through the entrance to the lounge, but it seemed that he’d changed his mind about coming in and was leaving.
“Usef,” she called. “Come and join us.”
Her friend hesitated in the doorway, and Isa realized with embarrassment that it was because he’d seen her group. She’d put him in a difficult position. Would he pretend he hadn’t heard her invitation? But Usef swung around, an unnatural smile fixed on his face, and walked stiffly over.
“Hi,” he said as he perched his considerable frame on a bar stool. “I see you brought some friends this time.”
“Yes,” said Isa. “This is Martin.”
Usef reached over the bar to shake hands with him.
“And I think you already know Erin?”
“We have met,” said Erin, “under very different circumstances. It’s good to see you again.”
Usef said, “You too, ma’am.” He ordered a cocktail from Mikkel, then sat in silence, his elbows on the bar, his gaze fixed on a spot about a meter in front of his nose.
Isa chatted awkwardly with Erin and Martin for a couple of minutes. She also tried speaking to Usef, but he would only give monosyllabic answers. She regretted inviting him, and wondered what was making him so uncomfortable. His demeanor had entirely killed the party mood. She was beginning to understand why Erin had checked that they were talking about the same person.
“So, Major,” Erin said, putting down her glass and turning to Usef, “how is military life treating you?”
“Well enough, ma’am.” He accepted his cocktail from Mikkel.
“I’m glad to hear it,” said Erin. Her expression and tone were as serious as Usef’s, but she had a mischievous look in her eye that Isa had gotten to know well. “Been on any interesting operations lately?”
“I’m afraid I’m unable to answer that,” Usef said. “All operational details are classified.”
“Of course,” said Erin. “So what else have you been doing? It sounds like you lead an exciting life outside of work. Isa told me what you did when she last saw you. I have to say, I’m looking forward to seeing your one-handed handstand on a surfboard trick.”
“One-handed handstand while surfing?” Martin asked. “Fantastic. I never managed that.”
“I… Well, I… don’t think…” Usef downed half his cocktail in one swallow. He stared ahead morosely, unspeaking.
Isa was reminded of an automaton with a busted circuit, stuck in a behavior loop.
Erin was biting her lip, trying not to laugh. After an awkward moment during which no one spoke, she suddenly lost control and collapsed, guffawing. She doubled over, and for a while she couldn’t speak.
Finally, between chuckles, she said, “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t help myself. I’m a bad person. Major Usef, please, I’m not your CO. I’m just an engineer. You don’t need to act all professional around me.”
Usef shifted on his stool and shot Erin a wary glance. His tension didn’t seem to dissipate at all.
“I have an idea,” Erin said. “What if I call you ‘Usef’ while we’re on vacation and ‘Major’ if we happen to work together again? How does that sound?”
Usef took a sip of his drink as he considered
Erin’s proposal. His shoulders relaxed a hair while a small smile broke over his face.
“It’s a deal.” He drained his glass and said to Mikkel, “Same again.”
* * * * *
The suite at the hotel on Athens was in darkness when they opened the door. Reflexively, Isa searched the room controls on the Link to activate the lights before she remembered she couldn’t do that in a ‘fully traditional’ room.
“There should be a switch somewhere,” she said. “We can’t take too long in here. If we don’t catch the tsunami today, there won’t be another one for almost a week.”
Martin was already feeling around the inside wall near the door. “It has to be somewhere around here. Ah.”
There was a click, and then the room was illuminated.
Exclamations of surprise came from all three of them. At the center of the room stood a magnificent bed. A pole rose from each corner, supporting a canopy, and cloth was draped over the canopy and hung down the sides of the poles.
“Oh, I know what that’s called,” Erin said. “It’s a four-poster. I’ve seen a few in old vids.”
While Erin and Isa remained at the door, taking in the sight of the room, Martin was already sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling off his shoes. He lay back and stretched out, spreading his hands over the bedding. He sat up and felt the cloth more carefully.
“I wonder what this stuff is,” he mused. “Feels strange. Nice, but different.”
He lay down again. Erin and Isa walked in, and Isa closed the door. Erin went to the bathroom. There was a click and the light came on.
“Wow, really?” Martin said. “Isa, come and feel this cloth. I just looked up what it is.”
She sat on the bed and ran a hand over the bedding material. It was smooth, but also had a slight roughness to it. It shone with a subtle sheen.
