by Laura Kaighn
“Yes. We’ll dispense with the pleasantries,” the Tloni agreed skooching further into his chair. “I’ve had the chance to review some of your historian’s transmitted notes on Mytok culture and Orthop ancestry. It worries me to think the Orthops somehow knew of the Arch, then were able to operate it. They may possess some ancient Mytoki text, one which might lead them to another Mytoki world, another time machine.” Tlenck shifted in his seat as if suddenly finding it uncomfortable. His vibrant gaze pivoted to consider the seated warrior. “I understand, Vesarius, that you captained the ship that made first discovery of the Arch.”
Vesarius planted his boots firmly against the floor. “Yes, Sir. Ten years ago I was in command of the Pvokx, a Vesar trade vessel. We reported the city ruins to Alliance Central.” Eyes shifting to his dour captain for a moment, the Vesar massaged his knuckles. “The Pvokx remained as long as our mission allowed. We were there surveying mineral resources. Mytok is a border world and was left unmonitored for a lengthy period after our departure.” Vesarius tilted forward to clasp his knees. “The crystal tablet I retrieved sat gathering dust in an Alliance archive for years. I am told it was the subject of a recent thesis paper. Some young linguist decoded it – determined the Arch’s purpose – over a month ago.”
Ambassador Tlenck rubbed his stubby digits together, foxy ears swiveling. “Yes. The archeological team sent to Mytok had but a short span to decipher other crystal tablets left by the Mytoki before the Orthops arrived to murder everyone. I’m concerned, Gentlemen. Only the highest ranking Alliance officials were to know of the Arch’s secret. We must determine just when the Orthops knew. How they knew.”
Coty leaned forward to place a palm atop the ambassador’s desk. “You believe someone leaked the information … to the Orthops?”
Tlenck patted his paws and considered his audience with violet orbs of sobriety. “I do. But for that to happen, Captain, there must first be communication. Impossible until your ship’s linguist completed deciphering the Orthop written language just a week ago. I understand the oral translation is still beyond our grasp for lack of samples.” Tlenck shifted his gaze between the two officers. “Who then could converse with those monsters, tell them about the Arch?”
Vesarius stiffened his spine but did not raise smoldering eyes from his lap. The warrior’s voice was deep and gravelly when he answered, “One who has known the Orthops all his life.”
“A Vesar?” Tlenck’s nasally voice jumped. The Tloni launched himself to his padded feet. “Why would a Vesar warrior help the Orthops to change history?” The ambassador began to pace behind his desk on slender yet muscular legs. “Vesar would gain nothing from the subsequent isolation.”
“Perhaps not isolation, Ambassador,” Coty speculated steepling his fingers in front of him, elbows resting on his chair arms. “Allegiance ... to a fellow race of warriors. Vesar history would revert to bloodier times, something a few families might honor above the knowledge, resources and technology the Alliance has provided.”
Tlenck stopped pacing. “But we Tloni and humans welcomed the Vesar into the Galactic Alliance.” He punctuated his defense with a toss of his furry arms. His diplomatic sash hissed for silence against the Tloni’s fawn pelt. “We have forgiven them their earlier feuds. We have accepted – even with gratitude – their battle strategies and warrior codes. The Vesar are an asset.” Tlenck jammed his paws against the desktop and leaned at the two men. “Why ruin all the good that has come from the sharing?”
“Ambassador,” Coty reasoned. “If it is a Vesar collaborator, you must realize the reason. Not all Alliance colony worlds welcome Vesar citizens. Not all Alliance citizens trust Vesar warriors or their codes. History’s not been forgotten. Tales of Vesar invasion are still told. With relish in some cases.” Coty glanced over at his brooding companion. “The commander here can personally vouch for acts of hatred against his person.” While Vesarius glowered, his captain stood and began to pace as well. “Vesar might indeed benefit without an Alliance if it’s comprised of bigots and suspicious ignorants.”
“You condone this act?” Tlenck’s triangular ears twitched in disbelief.
Coty spread his hands. “Of course not, Ambassador. I was raised to acknowledge the differences in people, to appreciate their gifts. But if a turncoat exists, I can understand the ‘why’. I just wish the politicians could have anticipated this. Prevented it. In the long run, a thwarted Alliance would be self-destructive, even for the Vesar.”
“Coty, we must find this traitor, make him an example-”
“To what?” Coty demanded hotly. “You want public protests outlawed? Or do you want to ask the Vesar how we can eliminate the persecution in the first place?”
Vesarius launched himself to his feet. “Kihtan!” he growled. “I will not remain while you discuss my people as if I do not exist.”
Michael Bear Coty gathered a calming breath then clasped his friend’s solid shoulder. “I’m sorry, Commander. I keep defending you when you’re quite capable yourself.” The captain regarded the still agitated Tloni. “Perhaps, Ambassador Tlenck, mediation should begin with the Vesar, not the Orthops. Heal our own wounds first?”
“If indeed the Vesar are that provoked as to prevent Alliance history, then yes. The Alliance has a deep-rooted flaw.” The diplomat stroked his feathery tail. “Forgive me. We Tloni are usually a very composed peoples. We treasure the wisdom of the Alliance and its diversity. That is why we left our homeworld and sought to befriend Earth’s humans.” Tlenck sank once more into his chair. After another thoughtful moment, he smiled his buckteeth gleaming under long whiskers. “Please sit, Gentlemen. We were discussing the Orthop’s intent, the possibility of another Mytoki Arch in existence. Might there be more Mytoki worlds? Could the Orthops have an historical text?”
Coty sank into his chair then leaned forward. “If so, then perhaps your hypothesis is incorrect. It may have been simple coincidence that the Orthops attacked the research team so soon after their arrival. No one need have leaked the information.”
Vesarius, still standing crossed-armed behind his chair, shook his raven-haired head. “If the Orthops have a record of Mytoki worlds, they would have already visited and used another time machine. I maintain the first view.”
Coty smiled crookedly. “I know better than to argue with a Vesar whose mind is made up.” The captain addressed the Tloni emissary once more. “What’s next then, Sir? What’re our orders?”
Tlenck bowed his furry chin. “A man of action. I like that. I will be directing the Pompeii back to Mytok to evaluate the damage and any surviving evidence. Your acting archeologist and I have much to discuss.”
“Very well, Ambassador.” Coty rose to extend a handshake with the Tloni’s paw. “I will make our ship available to you. If you’ll excuse us, we have provisions and new crewmembers to inspect.”
“Good day, Gentlemen,” Tlenck chimed jovially.
The two men nodded their goodbyes to the smaller Glon then exited into the hallway. Vesarius leaned in toward his captain and ventured, “The ambassador is withholding something. His aide was far too agitated. Perhaps they are worried the Orthops will want to eat first and accept peace later.”
Coty smirked with a wry chuckle. “You’ve got to admit. As mediator, Tlenck will be the main course if things get tight.” Coty and Vesarius descended the stairs together. “Let’s get the team and get back to the ship. I want an update from Alliance Central and Maj. Gen. Chan. I won’t wait for Tlenck to tell me where my ass is headed.”
“A second opinion is advisable,” Vesarius agreed. “Returning to Mytok would not be my first choice of shore leave destinations.”
Once onboard the Pompeii, Vesarius stood by in the ship’s lower storage bay as his captain stoically inspected the newly acquired supply invoices. There was an obvious omission to their requisition list. “No transports?”
Grimly Coty shook his head over his datapad. “We’ll have to wait for a colonial stopover before we c
an put in for replacement shuttles.” Coty sighed checking the rest of the list. Nodding satisfactorily that all equipment, food, and medical stores had been replenished, the captain paused at an unexpected citation. “Jonas, what’s this?” he asked his engineer. “Four custom, diamond-cut zircontian crystal plates? I thought I told you-”
“Just in case you change your mind, Cap’n,” the Italian inventor interrupted. Jonas reached for the remote to a hover sled atop which sat two tall, padded boxes. “I had them special ordered. Used my own credit account for payment. I can have these installed on the dual drives in a couple of hours ... if you give me the word.” With that Jonas shuffled away, remotely guiding the sled before him.
Coty grimaced and exhaled. “All right, Sarius,” he interjected pulling his friend’s eyes from the retreating Botrocelli. “Let’s go meet our new crew.”
As the two left the storage bay, Vesarius asked, “Were we able to hire a SAR specialist from the outpost?”
Coty nodded. “Jonas said he’s young, but he’s qualified. The outpost instructor said Tlant’d be the best bet to team up with Noah. Too late now. That woman of yours grabbed him first.”
Vesarius clutched his captain’s arm, stalling their trek to the lift. “She is not my woman, Bear.” He paused searching for words. “She is ... a victim of circumstance, a mistake. That is all.”
“Okay, Sarius,” Coty soothed with a pat to the Vesar’s tensed grip. “A mistake.”
Vesarius cringed at his captain’s echo and released his friend’s appendage. The Vesar hadn’t meant to be negative. “Mistake,” he mumbled to himself and followed Coty through the lift doors. It whisked them to the Pompeii’s first level and the main conference room.
Moxland Darby met them in the corridor. “Jonas is down in engineering. He’s forwarded your request for additional security, but it looks like there were slim pickings on Fronznee. I hope you approve of our available choices.” Moxie handed her captain another datapad. “They understand they’re on probation until we reach a better-equipped Alliance base.”
“I’m sure they’ll do fine.” Coty checked the encoded resumes of his new crew. “Who do we have here?” Coty asked as he strode through the door into the conference room. Two Tloni and one human woman stood at attention along the far wall. “Bnenz, Lieutenant Tlant, and Corporal Roshana Zlenko. Welcome aboard the Pompeii. I’m Capt. Coty. This is my first officer, Cmdr. Tankawankanyi. I’m sorry I wasn’t present earlier, but I had other business to attend to.
“I’m sure you’re aware of the Pompeii’s commission status,” Coty continued. “We’re basically a jack-of-all-trades vessel. Our crewmembers are specialists in various fields. And we handle assignments ranging from transporting passengers and cargo, to surveying and assisting new colony worlds, to rescuing lost ships and their crews. Your service with us will not be dull. Any questions?” The shorter of the Tloni stepped forward. “You are?”
“Tlant, Sir. Search and rescue apprentice. I was told my Kin Companion was no longer available. Will I be getting another, Sir?” The Tloni’s clawed toes fidgeted upon the deck plating.
Coty nodded. “As soon as we reach a colony or base that has the facilities, yes, Tlant.” Vesarius watched his captain smile slightly. “I understand your eagerness. A Kin is not only an asset to your profession, but a status symbol to any Alliance citizen. Until you have one of your own, you will be working with the commander here and his Kin, Tundra. Any other questions?”
“Yes, Sir,” the big boned, sienna-haired human replied. “As security officer, will I at any time be working closely with the Vesar commander?”
Coty blinked. “As security officer, Cpl. Zlenko, it’s your job to work with everyone. Is there a problem?” Coty’s voice was tinged in agitation.
“I have worked with Vesar instructors during my training, Sir. I found them to be ... very particular about others’ performances. I am good at what I do, Capt. Coty. I don’t need a Vesar critiquing my every move.”
“I expect one hundred ten percent from myself, Corporal,” Vesarius offered eyeing the shorter woman from beneath hooded brows. With reserved displeasure he added, “Why would I accept less from another?”
“All right,” Coty broke in. “If there are no further questions, Ms. Darby will show you to your quarters. Your duty schedules and belongings will arrive there shortly. Dismissed.”
Vesarius stood by his captain as the new crewmembers filed out. When the door shut behind them, Coty admitted his reservations. “No, my friend. I don’t condone Vesar treason, but I can certainly understand the motives. I’m glad you’re aboard to wean these people off their misconceptions.” Then Coty chuckled mirthfully. “Wait until Zlenko finds out who’s the Pompeii’s defense instructor. She’ll fall for you as surely as any Earth woman aboard. A grudging admiration mixed with awe, I believe you say?”
Vesarius chuckled as well in his own deep timbre. “You have me sound conceited.”
“Just Vesar pride, Sarius. Enough to get you into trouble, that’s all,” Coty joked. He set down the roster atop the conference table and elbowed his first officer. “Come on. Let’s go mind the store.”
Once again on the bridge, Vesarius sat at his station: a combination star chart and navigation center. There, the warrior plotted a tentative route that would take the Pompeii from Mytok through an area of space where they could pick up the rest of the ship’s needed replacement crew. The Tloni ambassador had not indicated when the Pompeii would be free to do so, however; and it irritated Vesarius to know that his captain was suddenly not in control.
When he had finished his research, the Vesar spun his chair toward Coty. “Gromman Tigris is the closest colony world with a sizable spaceport, Captain. But Rhani Station, near Bartok, is within regular traffic lanes. We could forward your request for an archeologist and additional security, and they could be ready when we arrive ... Whenever that may be,” the Vesar added dryly.
Coty’s chin bobbed from his center seat. “Very good, Commander. Prepare the transmission to Rhani Station and make sure to add the request for four more transports.” The captain swiveled to the communication station at his right shoulder. “Moxland, send the request through priority channels.”
“Aye, Sir,” the two Pompeii officers echoed.
Vesarius got to work on Coty’s orders aware that Ambassador Tlenck had just entered the bridge via the portside lift. The Vesar ignored the Tloni’s critical glance as Tlenck surveyed the bridge crew before stepping forward to address the captain. With mild suspicion Vesarius monitored from his post.
“You run a tight ship, Capt. Coty. I approve. Your overall complement is small, but your staff are all top quality.”
“Which makes it all the more critical that I have immediate replacements when I lose any,” Coty reiterated leaning back in his chair and toying with his lower lip.
“Yes,” Tlenck conceded. “Well, as soon as we’re done on Mytok, I will reconsider your request. It is unfortunate that you did not choose more Tloni from Fronznee Outpost.”
Coty exhaled and regarded the shorter alien. “As you stated, Ambassador, my staff are all top quality. I’m rather picky about who works together. It could be a matter of life or death.”
“I understand, Captain. However a good Alliance commander is adaptable and can make an appropriate reshuffling of the deck to cover all vacancies.” Tlenck’s tail twirled in challenge.
Coty nodded once grudgingly. “When necessary,” the captain added with apparent displeasure. “Now, Ambassador. Please fill us in on your reason for returning us to Mytok. All we’ll find there are charred ruins. I know you’ve another motive.”
The Tloni frowned, his furry lips drooping over his elongated incisors. “I’m afraid any further disclosure will have to wait for a private briefing. I have specific orders from Maj. Gen. Chan to make use of the Pompeii and her crew. You will be enlightened at twenty-hundred hours.”
Vesarius watched his captain’s eyes narrow and knew th
e Tloni was treading in alien territory. The Pompeii was Coty’s ship. Tlenck would not be allowed to command it into a critical encounter. “Why twenty-hundred? Why not now?”
Tlenck’s narrow shoulders jerked in a Tloni version of a human shrug. “I’m waiting for a transmission from Gen. Chan, of course. I’ve requested certain liberties and information.” The Tloni’s tail twitched, a sign of measured anxiety. “I’m not prepared to elaborate at this time. You’ll have to wait.” The entire bridge crew watched the ambassador leave. The resultant stillness about the Pompeii’s nerve center echoed of uncertainty and distrust. Everyone awaited their captain’s reaction.
Vesarius witnessed Coty take a slow deep breath, hold it briefly, then heave himself from his seat. “Commander, the bridge is yours,” was all the captain growled as he leaped to the exit and was gone.
Vesarius paused a moment before rising from his post and silently walking to his captain’s chair. When he had released his own held breath, the station keepers around him followed suit. Soon sotto voices of speculation whispered about the room. Frowning Vesarius considered his dislike of conjecture. “If anyone would care to offer a valid hypothesis, my ears would be grateful,” he finally grumbled from the center seat.
Clearing her throat, Zaneta Talyabo spoke up first. “Well, Commander, word has gotten around that the Orthops may have been on Mytok before. They may have had time to study the Arch.”
Blinking Vesarius swiveled the command seat to face Zaneta. “Why was I not briefed about this? Who believes the Orthops had opportunity?”
“Dr. Toh, Sir. Sam Waters has been studying the doctor’s notes since Toh was killed.” Zaneta flicked back a stray braid from her brown eyes. “Waters believes Jun-So may have discovered the remains of an Orthop campsite just outside the city. It would be years old, mostly buried in sand. I can’t say any more. Not if the captain hasn’t told you.”
