“He has a Mess.”
Agameg's big green eyes just stared and blinked at her for an extended moment of silence. “He wants us to clean it up?”
Stephanie burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. The doors opened to admit Ashley and Alice.
Agameg looked at them both with a little guilt and a lot of confusion, patting Stephanie on the back as she suffered through her comedic hysterics. “I think she's broken,” he said. It was something he had taken to saying on the Samson when someone couldn't stop laughing.
“What's so funny Steph?” asked Ashley.
“I said; 'Captain has a Mess,'” she managed through a renewed onslaught of laughter.
“And he said; 'why doesn't he clean it up?'” Alice filled in.
Stephanie laughed and fought to breathe, shaking her head.
“I said; 'he wants us to clean it up?'” Agameg informed with a shrug, his eyes wide.
Ashley laughed along, but not nearly as hard as Stephanie. “It's not that funny.”
Alice giggled and looked to Price. “A Captain's Mess is the old sea name for a Captain's private dining room.”
“Stephanie, you should try to breathe. Really. We might have to stop at medical,” Ashley teased.
It only encouraged her, and she just sat down as it started to subside, catching her breath.
“I hear laughter can be a coping mechanism for humans,” Agameg stated plainly.
Stephanie burst anew, shrieking a peal of new guffaws.
“Yup, she's got giggles,” Alice said with a wide grin. “Does she do this often?”
“Only after a really hard day,” Ashley confirmed.
The doors to the lift opened. There were several maintenance workers standing there. The one at the front took the scene in and stepped back. “We'll take the next one.”
The doors closed and after a moment everyone was sucked into Stephanie's spiral of mirth. After a moment the lift stopped again, and they stepped outside.
“Here we go,” Ashley said as she helped Stephanie up. “No drinkie drinkie for you tonight.”
Stephanie nodded as she finally started catching her breath, wiping tears away. They rounded the corner and she sobered instantly as they caught sight of Frost and Grace entering the double doors leading into the Captain's quarters.
The Captain's proper living space, not his ready quarters, were quite different from Ashley's. She tried not to look like she was amazed, but when she caught sight of Price she realized she didn't have to worry. His eyes were as round as plates as he took the space in.
The large room was protected by a forty centimetre thick hatch and all signs of technology were neatly hidden. Soft light came from everywhere and nowhere, there was no visible source. The carpet wasn't a constant colour but set in a line drawn mosaic of gold that depicted a sun over two hooded figures facing away from each other.
There were four chairs across from the door and two to either side. To the left and right there were sliding doors, and a staircase right in the middle wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
Frost and Grace walked into the left door. “Some place, huh?” said Grace with a wink and a smile towards Ashley.
“I guess they didn't assign me to the wrong quarters,” Ashley supposed quietly.
“Funny, I thought the same thing when I saw the night Captain's quarters.” Alice replied.
“There are night Captain's quarters?” Stephanie asked.
“Aye, but it's just three big rooms and a bathroom.”
“I thought the shower was trying to drown me. It was set to use water.” Agameg put in.
Stephanie suppressed a giggle.
Ashley pinched her arm. “Don't start or I'll start.”
The Captain's Mess was actually down a short hallway that had doors leading to a bathroom on one side and another room that was closed off to the other. The dining room itself featured a solid oak table for fourteen, six on either side and one at each end. Captain Valance already sat at one end and the chair had been removed from the other.
Ashley smiled at the Captain who smiled back. “I'm starting to see why millions apply for immigration to Earth every year.”
Liam Grady came out of an attached room with two bottles of red wine. “More like every week my dear. Earth is a dream few people can afford.”
“I thought they didn't take bribes.”
“I'm speaking more spiritually. The level of purity, intelligence and advanced thinking you have to demonstrate is so high I'm still amazed they let me near the home world. They're snobs and unashamed of it.”
“That they are, an' they can have their mossy rock fer all I care. This ship is more'n enough.” Frost looked to the Captain, who was in his regular black vacsuit and corrected himself. “Serving on this ship, I mean.”
“Here here,” Agreed Deck Chief Angelo Vercelli, raising his already full wine glass. “I spent enough time diggin' through dirt after being born on Allidus.” He looked around the table to see if anyone recognized the name and went on. “It's an agricultural colony. Nothing but farmers and people who govern them and their crops.”
Everyone took a seat then. Liam and Agameg were furthest from the Captain sitting across from each other, Ashley sat across from Grace, Stephanie was across from Frost — a fact she didn't realize until she was already in her chair — Alice faced Angelo and was at the Captain's right side.
“Speaking of digging, I figured the materializers out for this room.” Captain Valance said as he pressed a button under the table.
A menu appeared in front of each seat. It felt like real paper when they picked it up, a rarity, most paper was actually textured plastic or some other imitation material, but when they touched the menu they could scroll between thousands of dishes. When they pressed on one dish in particular a video of it on a rotating plate appeared and a focused puff of air sent a matching fragrance to the users nose. The smell completely dissipated after a few seconds, as to not interfere with whoever was sitting next to them.
“Um, I've seen this kind of thing in restaurants I couldn't afford to breathe in,” Alice said as she looked at her menu.
“This ship was made to be away from home for a century or more. I took a tour of an observation vessel that was a little like this, but less cramped. They design everything to make life easier, more enjoyable since most of the jobs aboard can be repetitive, dangerous, or very high stress, like the position of Captain, for example.” Liam explained.
“I've been wondering something,” Ashley started as she accepted a full wine glass from Liam. “What would the Earthers do if they found us?” she asked the question lightly, but the room fell utterly silent as all attention shifted to Liam.
The Chief Engineer was the only one standing, filling everyone's wine glasses in turn. He smiled a little at Ashley, who was a little surprised at the weight of her query. “You're not the first to ask,” he said, handing a full glass to Stephanie. “With the Captain's permission, I'd like to air my thoughts on this.”
“I've been meaning to ask myself, so you may as well answer while we're all here,” Captain Valance invited with seemingly mild interest.
Liam nodded; “Well, to be honest I think the Triton has been written off for twenty years. The attitude in the Sol System has changed since this ship was built about fifty years ago, and from what I understand they don't have many close combat carriers left. Those ships were built for a war they predicted a long time ago, but it never came.”
“Aye, I heard about that. Some coreward outfit lookin' ta take the Sol system back,” Frost nodded. When he realized he was the center of attention he shrugged. “What? I went ta school like everyone else.”
“Primary school,” Stephanie teased.
“Rest o' my school came from military, boots, bullets an' ball bustin'. A lot like your degree, only without the bullets,” he muttered back.
To his surprise Stephanie only quietly chuckled and shook her head. “You have no idea,” s
he said under her breath.
Frost caught it and couldn't help but look at her wide eyed for a moment before turning his attention back to his menu.
“Like I was saying,” Liam continued; “The war never happened, and from what I understand the Sol System has enough firepower to send several fleets towards the core and take whatever they like while defending themselves more than adequately. They dedicate a great deal of that force to exploration, but I'm sure they're kept ready for a fight just the same.”
“I've never heard of anyone running across a Sol ship before,” Alice said as she accepted a glass of wine from the Chief Engineer, hers was the second last to be filled. “Thank you.”
“You've seen the cloaking systems on this ship. There are constant redundancies and even if we shut everything down the outer hull would hide us from older sensor suites.”
“You have a point.”
“Anyway, as we are I doubt that Sol Defence would send anything after us, we're on the fringe, after all. If we ran across a Sol Fleet we'd have to surrender the ship or trade for her, I'd imagine.”
“Trade for her? That's a very open minded solution,” Price commented.
“Well, as a rule the Sol System is a peaceful region. That comes from deep philosophy and a dedication to pacifism. It's one of the main reasons why they're so far ahead scientifically, technologically. Anyone not in the military is pretty free to pursue their interests, and their social climate doesn't just encourage one to be useful, it inspires people to be great, no matter what their calling is. There's art, entertainment, architecture and food that no one outside the Sol System could imagine, and that's outside of the Athenian Enclave where most of the artisans study. The attitudes on Earth are largely bent towards wanting that which is useful for the long term, and a conflict that might cost them for a ship that would require a massive overhaul to put back into proper service isn't very practical. We might want to keep our eyes open for something of equal value.”
“Something of equal value? For a whole Combat Carrier?” asked Grace in disbelief.
“Yes, like information, a discovery, maybe even a relic from Earth if we're lucky enough to run across one. Anything we can propose as a fair trade. If we manage to form a good relationship with a government or organization out here we might even be able to make an introduction.”
“But the Sol System doesn't look for alliances,” Grace countered.
“Not true, you might know something about that Agameg,” Liam gestured to the thin issyrian, who was busy studying his menu, he had found several varieties of cabbage rolls and was testing them by smell.
He nodded and smiled. “Our central government has relations with the Sol System, no one knows much about it, but there is a system in place for my people to apply for study on Earth or Mars.”
“I had no idea,” Alice said quietly. “Is it easy for your people to visit the home system?”
“No, it is very rare, but possible.”
“The Sol System is very selective in who it trusts, but they're not xenophobic. I think that even if they caught sight of this ship from a distance we'd be left alone as long as we mark the ship as being completely separate from the Sol System. If we were to represent them in some way, to try and pass ourselves off as a Sol Defence ship then they'd have to send a task force after us.”
“Don't worry about that. I'd rather stay clear of anything that would bring Sol System Forces down on us,” Captain Valance reassured.
“Sorry if I pulled things a little off course, Captain,” Ashley apologized quietly.
“Don't worry, if there was a schedule for tonight we'd be in a briefing room somewhere.”
“Besides, big dinners like this are made for open discussions and big questions,” Liam added as he took his seat. Just listening to him and the Captain at the table made it seem like they had served together for a long time. “The best meals on a ship are at the Captain's table, where you can sit with the senior officers and hear old war stories and learn about places you've never been. Long held tradition tells us it's supposed to be a high privilege to have a seat at his table,” Liam raised his glass to the Captain before taking a sip.
“Well, I don't know how interesting I'll be, but I don't think we'll sit in silence as long as you're around,” Captain Valance smiled, raising his glass to Liam.
“Thank you Captain, I'll try no to monopolize conversation. I'm wondering, are you planning on moving in? I'm sure everyone likes having you in the ready quarters, right next to the bridge, but I'd think you'd be more comfortable here.”
Captain Valance shook his head as he finished swallowing a sip of wine. “I don't think so. It would be a waste, all this space just for me. Besides, I'd feel strange eating alone at this table,” Captain Valance said with a smile that was uncharacteristically uneasy.
“I'd eat here every night,” Grace said, beaming.
Stephanie rolled her eyes.
“I'd throw a dinner party for my friends every chance I got.”
Frost was trying not to laugh at Stephanie's reaction, she didn't realize she was noticed.
“Wouldn't you?” Grace asked her.
“I'd get rid of the table and turn it into a gym. There's enough length to this room to do a double back flip. Or maybe I'd turn it into a shooting range. I could think of a few holographic targets to put up,” Stephanie said before taking a long sip of her wine. “That's really good,” she commented to her glass.
“Well, I feel special just being here Captain,” Ashley declared reassuringly, selecting vegetarian lasagne and a Caesar salad. She had no idea what to expect when she pressed the script writing that said 'Select' but went ahead and did it anyway.
Nothing happened. She looked across the table at Grace and shrugged.
“Oh, you have to move your hand sweetie,” Grace said condescendingly.
Ashley took her hand off the table and her request materialized in the space of half a second. It was a steaming helping of lasagne complete with three bread sticks, napkin, knife, and a fork, with steaming cheese on top and a glass of water on the side. To the side was a smaller deep plate with a light Caesar salad. Everyone was watching her except for Grace, who had casually turned her attention back to her menu. “You've eaten at a place that served this way before?” Ashley asked.
“Oh, I just guessed.”
Ashley straightened in her seat, unfolded her napkin and drew it across her lap before even looking at her food. They were habits from the polite society she worked in as a girl. Her table manners were perfect, even the servants were forced to practice them and for the first time she could remember she was glad for it. She didn't take her first bite until everyone else had food in front of them.
“I haven't had this in such a long time,” Agameg said as he eyed his spaghetti. He had foregone the fragrant cabbage rolls in favour of one of his family favourites.
The group ate fairly quietly, except for the retelling of Stephanie's crack up in the lift on the way to dinner. A little more than half way though, Agameg realized he was the only one there without a position of importance. Stephanie was Chief of Security, Alice was the First Officer and Night Captain, Angelo was the Deck Chief, Frost was the Gunnery Chief, Grace was the standing Chief of Medical, Liam was the Chief of Engineering and Ashley was the Master of the Helm, or Lead Pilot. He glanced to Liam nervously. The man was a wonder to work with in Engineering. He was knowledgeable, kind, clear about what needed to be done, delegated fairly and fairly personable. “Pardon sir,” Price whispered. “But why am I here? Do you know?”
Liam finished a bite of synthetic roasted apple and wiped his mouth. “You're the only one requested by three departments,” he replied quietly.
Ashley bumped him gently with her shoulder. “Wow, you're popular. They just sat me at the helm and said; 'make the ship go, try not to hit anything,'” she teased in a whisper.
Agameg's eyes went wide and he looked around the table.
“I'd like you in main
tenance on the Deck.” Angelo said with a humble smile.
“I liked working with you in Engineering,” Liam commented.
“And I would love your help in Security,” Stephanie put in.
“Now that they mention it, you'd be a great gunnery mechanic,” Frost added.
Stephanie shot him a look that could murder.
“But I see you've got your hands full,” he concluded.
Agameg looked to the Captain who just smiled back at him. “Any advice sir?” he asked.
Captain Valance pushed his empty bowl away, it was a thick seafood stew. “I'd say do a rotation. A shift in each for nine days then make up your mind. Just make sure you assign yourself to only one emergency and combat station so we know where you're supposed to be if the ship comes under fire. Unless you have an idea for where you want to be.”
He thought for a minute, looking down at his nearly finished plate of spaghetti. He couldn't eat the entire helping. He made his mind up and looked to Captain Valance. “Is there any room for me on the bridge? I would like to do my rotation there between security and engineering stations.”
“Good choice. I might just use you as the Officer of the Deck a few times while you're there.”
“Oh, no, I was too nervous sitting in the middle of the bridge. Too much to watch, too many decisions to make for the whole crew,” he said, putting a hand up.
“Okay, we'll see how it goes,” Captain Valance relented.
“Congratulations,” Ashley toasted, everyone else raised a glass as well.
Liam went into the next room and came out with another pair of bottles.
“Well, I'd like to say I brought you all here just to celebrate being on this ship, but there's more to it,” Captain Valance announced in a more serious tone. “When I was commanding the Samson I could just pick our destination and purpose. If anyone disagreed it was their problem.”
“Unless they made it your problem, which would lead them to an even bigger problem,” Stephanie added. “Then out the airlock.”
Most of the table chuckled at her quip. The Captain went on. “We've received a transmission from a ship called the Silkstream IV. It's a Freeground prototype carrying important passengers who knew Jonas Valent very well.”
Triton – 01 sf-3 Page 22
