When the Dust Settled

by Jeannie Meekins

“Message coming through,” Tan acknowledged. “They’re ready for immediate pickup.”

  “I’m getting thirteen… fourteen of them, sir,” Gillespie advised.

  “That’s going to make numbers tight.” John hit the intercom. “Mister North.”

  “Ready to transport, sir,” North answered.

  “Scanners still clear?”

  “Yes, sir,” Gillespie answered.

  “Giacomo, go get them.”

  Bismarck pulled away from the planet and headed to the moon. The co-ordinates were locked into the helm and Giacomo set a light orbit above them.

  “Transport, Mister North.”

  “Transporting, sir.” A few seconds later, North confirmed, “Manadosians on board, sir.”

  “Thank you, Mister North.” John switched the intercom off. “Giacomo, move us away. McReidy, I suppose we better go greet them.”

  “So,” McReidy ventured as they headed to the transporter room. “Do you think Powers sent someone else to pick them up because of you and Cush?”

  “It had crossed my mind.”

  “Hmm… I suppose we should be grateful that some people can’t stand you.”

  He hesitated a step. “Hang on a –”

  “You dumped me with the rest of them,” she grinned.

  “Yeah, guess I asked for that,” he conceded. “How did you go with them yesterday?”

  “Are you sure I can’t tranquilise them?”

  His soft laugh filtered through the transporter room doorway before his mood changed with his presence.

  “Governor.”

  “Commander.” Cush’s gaze met McReidy’s and he softened. “Lieutenant Commander.”

  “Governor Cush,” she greeted him politely, her genuine warmth permeating the chill.

  “You were lucky to escape,” John looked to the Manadosians bunching together in the small room. They had nothing but the clothes on their backs. “If there is anything you need. Medical –”

  “We are adequate.”

  John nodded. “I must apologise, but we are out of accommodation and you will be in the cargo bay with some of our other guests.”

  Cush’s gaze flitted between the two of them before he acknowledged. “Of course.”

  “Lieutenant Commander McReidy will take care of you during your stay.”

  “A pleasure indeed.”

  Cush placed his fingers around McReidy’s and lifted her hand to his lips. His blue eyes pierced through hers and she reddened slightly. His gaze moved from her to John as he released her hand.

  “I do not have to read your mind to know what you are thinking.”

  John was quite confident that Cush had no idea what he was thinking.

  “Rest assured, Commander, my companions and I will not be scanning any of your crew.”

  “And the other ambassadors?”

  “This is neither the time nor the place.”

  John was mildly satisfied. The ship was overcrowded as it was and there was no need to make things any more unpleasant. He excused himself, leaving the Manadosians to McReidy’s care.

  The Manadosians were interested in seeing around the ship. It was always easier to show their guests where they were and weren’t allowed than to tell them, though most had shown more interest in the areas they weren’t allowed. McReidy was more than prepared for the onslaught of questions on their restrictions as well as the “Why have they got proper accommodation and we’re in the cargo bay?”

  As she showed them out of the transporter room, Cush grabbed her arm just above the elbow. “I need to speak with you.”

  She turned and caught his eyes. There was something in them that piqued her curiosity.

  “Will you join me for dinner tonight?” he asked.

  “Yes.” She didn’t know if she had already made arrangements. She answered before she had time to think about it.

  Some of the other ambassadors were put out by the arrival of the Manadosians. Telepaths – how dare they? How could they be trusted not to invade minds? How would anyone know if they did? They should be confined to sick bay or the brig. Sealed off from everyone for everyone’s protection…

  McReidy’s mind was in two places at once.

  She left them in the bar – most of them anyway. The chance to avail themselves of Dunlop’s facilities was enough for the medically inclined. Dunlop was just as pleased to renew acquaintances.

  Bela was attracted by Cush’s rugged good looks the moment he set foot in the bar. He was equally fascinated by her charms. His brilliant blue eyes mirrored her green for a moment. McReidy felt uneasy about leaving them together. She would have denied any sense of jealousy had anyone suggested it.

  * * *

  McReidy was late for dinner. She didn’t know why she paid extra attention to her appearance. As she looked at her watch when she went off duty, she realised she was already late. What difference would a few more minutes make?

  She was glad to see that Bela wasn’t with Cush. At this hour, she was probably out hunting. With any luck, she wouldn’t get him either.

  McReidy picked on a pasta while Cush devoured what could have passed for as a steak. Accompanying his meal with a red wine, she had a lemon squash. She preferred something stronger and the wine looked tempting, but she knew better than to let her defences down and relax.

  “Fell free to relax. I am not interested in your mind.”

  McReidy must have given Cush a curious look because he laughed to himself.

  “It is possible to shut out completely. Highly desirable at times. My companions and I have shut off our telepathic abilities. I will know if any of them break it.”

  McReidy looked a little doubtful. They both silently agreed that she had good reason to be. McReidy waited for Cush to continue. After all, he was the one who wished to speak to her.

  “I had a very interesting afternoon with Ambassador Bela.”

  “Did you now?” McReidy couldn’t keep the slight antagonism out of her voice.

  Cush picked up on it immediately. “I find her most charming. Do you not agree?” His eyes twinkled.

  “That is not exactly the word I would use to describe her. Her intentions are not honourable.”

  “Oh, I know that. She is as open as a book. The best defence is real love.”

  “Or complete avoidance.” McReidy thought of John. When she brought her attention back to Cush, he was watching her intently. His eyes penetrated through her.

  “Tell me,” his voice was low. “What abilities do you use when you are after something…? Your negotiation skills are excellent and you fight for what you believe in. But I’m talking about something you want.”

  McReidy had no answer. She rotated her fork, coiling the long strands of pasta.

  “Is there nothing you desire for yourself?”

  “Not that I can think of,” she answered honestly.

  “If there were, how far would you go to attain it?”

  “That would depend on what it was,” she countered, chewing a mouthful of food.

  “Indeed,” he agreed smiling, and turned his attention to slicing and consuming a slab of steak.

  The conversation was becoming dangerous. From their previous encounter, he already knew more about her than she would have wished.

  “You did not invite me to dinner to discuss Ambassador Bela,” she smiled sweetly.

  “No, I did not.” He saw through her diversionary tactics. “You may be surprised to know that I have a wife, to whom I am extremely faithful, and more children than I care to count.”

  “Why would I want to know that?” She couldn’t hide the slight disappointment in her voice.

  “To put your mind at ease.”

  “Where are they?” McReidy immediately regretted the question. Since they had not picked up any women or children, the answer was obvious.

  All emotion disappeared from Cush’s face. “On Manados.” He lowered his eyes and stared down at the table. “That is what I wish to speak to you about. Not
my family,” he added quickly.

  McReidy waited for him to continue. When he looked up, he was his usual self. His eyes didn’t have quite the same sparkle, but it was returning, his voice was serious.

  “I would like to apologise for the encumbrances I put upon you. The invasion… it was too fresh on my mind… I couldn’t keep it out.”

  “That’s not important.”

  “Isn’t it?”

  He doubted her answer. One look at her face was enough to tell him she didn’t want to remember.

  “I can erase the memories for you.” His voice softened.

  “Really?” she asked half surprised.

  “I put them there. I can erase them.”

  McReidy didn’t know if that was such a good idea. “Why target me?”

  “We were told a ship would be arriving to collect our ambassador. It was destroyed and we lost contact with your world. If more ships were sent… You are more receptive than anyone else.”

  He was explaining in pieces and she wanted complete answers. He seemed to be struggling and she had mixed feelings about seeing him on the back foot as he’d put her when it was such a serious matter. She sipped her drink and dived into her pasta, waiting for him to continue.

  “When our world was invaded,” he chose to start at the beginning, “there was little time to do anything. I chose to stay. My companions thought otherwise, deciding I was too important and must be saved at all costs. I disagreed. My family… Someone saw fit to knock me unconscious before I could leave the Capitol Building. I detect guilt in all of them when I scan them.”

  “So you don’t know –”

  “Oh, I know who inflicted the blow,” he raised one hand to the back of his head. “I still disagree, but I understand. Our defence forces were destroyed before they could leave the ground.”

  “You said, ‘our ambassador’,” she queried.

  “He was killed in the attack. As was half the government. The only thing that prevented complete annihilation was unconditional surrender. On my order, it was given. By then, we were off the planet and out of contact. Our ship suffered damage and we were lucky to get where we did. If you had reached Manados, you would have been destroyed. There was no other way to communicate with anyone.”

  “Interstellar telepathy?” McReidy continued.

  “Is a technique that has not been used for centuries. It is more myth than reality.”

  “All myths have their basis in reality.”

  “I am forever grateful that you believe in such. To most Manadosians, it is impossible. To put it in terms you are familiar with: it takes the correct receiver tuned into the correct frequency at the correct time.”

  “I feel like a piece of equipment.”

  “You are much more,” he smiled. He could be appreciative and flattering at the same time. “One can admire the beauty of a flower, become intoxicated by its sweet perfume, and walk away leaving it untouched on the plant where it grows.”

  Not the men she knew. She respected his honesty, and liked the comparison.

  “How did you know it would be us?” she wondered.

  “I didn’t. I gambled on finding a stray thought to warn your people. Only when you came closer – when you answered, the signal was stronger – did I know it was your ship coming.”

  The rest of the evening was comfortable. McReidy didn’t feel threatened. Her mind was her own and she allowed herself the luxury of enjoying Cush’s company. The conversation was purely social; there wasn’t the slightest hint of anything else.

  It was late when McReidy finally went to bed. Much too late to get any decent sleep. She half expected Giacomo to be asleep on the lounge. His quarters were much too crowded for his own liking. He liked the peace and quiet of her quarters – and much preferred the company. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d kicked him out. A quick glance in the direction of the lounge told her he wasn’t there.

  If getting to bed was too late, being woken was too early. McReidy pried open one eye and glanced at her clock before pulling the pillow over her head to try to block out Lorraine’s voice. “Go away,” she groaned.

  Lorraine was not going to give up. She took the pillow from McReidy’s grasp. The struggle that ensued as McReidy tried to keep the pillow was in vain, and Lorraine sat down on the bed beside her.

  Bounced, jumped, trampolined! Anything but sat, McReidy groaned. When you sit, you don’t keep wriggling.

  “Late night last night?” Lorraine teased.

  “Shut up,” McReidy snapped, trying to cover her ears with her arms.

  “You know you’re due on the bridge in ten minutes.”

  “No, I’m not –” Both eyes shot open as McReidy stared at the clock and tried to remember what day it was. “Yes, I am.” She flew out of bed, almost knocking Lorraine off in the process.

  McReidy was late to the bridge. A fact that didn’t go unnoticed by John.

  “Good afternoon, Lieutenant Commander. So good of you to join us.”

  She was only a few minutes late. Her sharp glare only seemed to bring a smile to his face. She took her place beside Giacomo. Ignoring John was the best thing to do. She had no intention of giving him the satisfaction of rattling her.

  The first complaint about the ambassadors had McReidy leaving the bridge. It might be doing John the world of good not having to worry about them, but it wasn’t doing her stress levels any good. She was going to make him pay for this. It was only that thought that kept her reply civil when he sent her to sort out the problem.

  * * *

  The ship ran relatively normal – relative to the fact that there was near chaos every day. Gillespie finally gave in and taught Cush to play poker, although John refused point blank to allow him into their games. Cush then taught his fellow Manadosians, which was a complete disaster. They couldn’t resist the temptation of delving into each other’s minds, completely defeating the purpose of the game.

  The Arans discovered basketball and alcohol. Not necessarily in that order. They had ‘adopted’ Humphries and were quite agreeable to try anything he suggested.

  Antal and Buron rarely left the cargo bay, preferring to keep to themselves. When they did come out, it was usually to spend time in sick bay. Their interests were biological and botanical. Dunlop didn’t mind as long as they kept out of his way. Persistent annoying did exasperate him.

  Kerrod’s chauvinism was getting to McReidy. His outright contempt for Bela and her women sent sparks flying, but it didn’t stop him from making a pass at her. Bela was furious – even more than she had been with Finook’s failed attempts. McReidy could not talk sense into her. The only thing that consoled her was the promise that the commander would attend to it personally as soon as he got off duty.

  Serve him right, McReidy smirked. A few hours with Bela in return for dumping the ambassadors on her would do nicely.

  Delma and Ersog tried to behave. By the look of it, they weren’t trying too hard. After the incident when they arrived, John didn’t trust either one of them. Neither did anyone else. A few minor scuffles had been broken up before they could escalate. Away from each other, there were no problems. In the same room – it was better if they weren’t in the same room.

  Even accommodated at opposite ends of the cargo bay, the visual taunts shot back and forth. At one point, Delma’s vice council was caught trying to put a listening device into Ersog’s area. McReidy threatened to accommodate the Druins in the brig if the behaviour continued. At Ersog’s grin, she promised him an equally uncomfortable cell.

  They both backed down; the ensuing silence full of heat before they returned to their own areas. As she pocketed the listening device and turned to leave, she glimpsed the smile from Cush.

  McReidy was glad to get to bed of a night time. She was missing out on a lot of gossip. Kat and Lorraine kept her informed, but it wasn’t the same. Helen had a unique way of making the most trivial speck of gossip sound like an earth shattering experience.

  One night
she managed to sneak back to her quarters early. She sighed heavily and collapsed onto the lounge. Propping a cushion against one arm, she used it as a pillow, laying on her back and closing her eyes.

  “Staying in tonight?” Lorraine asked curiously.

  “Why?” McReidy growled.

  “Oh, no reason.”

  Lorraine moved out of eyesight. McReidy half pulled herself up. That was as far as she got; she was too tired to move any further. “This is my place,” she called back. “You and Giacomo –”

  Lorraine popped her head over the back of the lounge. “Giacomo is on night shift.”

  “Bye, girls. See you in the morning.” Kat made a subtle break for the door.

  “Where are you going?” Lorraine asked casually.

  “Out,” came the innocent reply.

  Something in Lorraine’s expression triggered an automatic response in McReidy. “Hold it right there.”

  Kat froze as McReidy pulled herself upright. The nurse was looking particularly attractive tonight. Nothing noticeably different, but definitely well finished off.

  “Rodgers is working tonight.” Lorraine was immediately suspicious.

  “Is he?” Kat avoided all eye contact.

  “Who is he?” McReidy wanted to know.

  “Why should either of you care? You’ve got Giacomo,” she told Lorraine. “And a certain gorgeous hunk has got his eye on you,” she told McReidy.

  “He’s married,” McReidy explained, although she didn’t know why she automatically assumed Kat was referring to Cush.

  “When did that ever stop them?” Kat stated.

  McReidy was taken aback slightly as Kat raised sudden doubts.

  “If you must know.” Kat’s eyes shone. It was obvious that she wanted to tell them. “I’m after the commander.”

  “Don’t do it, Kat,” McReidy warned seriously.

  “He’ll break your heart,” Lorraine added.

  “Not if I get his first.” Kat refused to be intimidated by their fears. She was supremely confident in her ability to do so.

  “He doesn’t have one.” McReidy was unaware that they heard her comment.

  “Don’t wait up for me.” Kat skipped to the door, happy and lighthearted.