“I come as an explorer. Yours is not the first world I visit and it will not be the last I will study.”
“As you can well imagine, when we detected your ship, its size did concern us. Now I can see it needed to be large by our standards. Before, I feared it was a battleship or, worse, a colony ship.”
That didn't sound too promising. “By our standards, my ship is quite small.”
“How many in your crew are there, Captain?”
“Though my mission is great, my crew is small.”
He was quiet long enough for me to know he caught my evasion. “And what is your mission, specifically?”
“Exploration, as I stated.”
“Yes, but exploration for what purpose, to what end?”
He was mistrustful. That made him smart. “I was sent to acquire knowledge for its own sake. My people are a curious species. Nothing more.”
“If I may be forthcoming, what is it your people would like of my world, ideally?”
“Only to be friends. In the fullness of time, some of my kind might come to Reglic. Perhaps some of your kind could visit my world.”
“And which world is that, Captain?”
“I hail from Earth.”
He was silent a spell. “I do appreciate you telling my its name, but its location would be of greater interest.”
Here came the game of dodgeball. “Yes, of course. As it should be. Yours is an excellent question, The Most Perfect and Holy Emperor Tersfeller the Huge. Clearly your subjects have a wise and thoughtful leader. They are fortunate. Actually, that raises a question I had. Are all the beings of Reglic under one rule, your rule?” I pointed to him.
There was that annoying chirping chorus again. He raised his voice and shouted. “Silence! The next Sarcorit to interrupt dies.”
Before he could return to me, I seized the occasion. “A Sarcorit? What is that? I thought you were the Reglic.”
Seeming more than a little annoyed, he replied tersely. “No. The planet is Reglic. My subjects are the Sarcorit.”
“So,” I asked quickly, “there are others native to Reglic who are not Sarcorit? There exists more than one faction?”
That gave him pause. I extrapolated that, based on his son's reactions, he was inclined to have me boiled in oil. Still, he bit his tongue (if he had one, that is). “Yes, there are a few smaller empires. None are as influential as the Sarcorit. None are as technically advanced, either. You saw in orbit Sarcorit satellites alone. It is we who have travelled our star system, not the Ardleify, the Rialadin, not even the hateful Jinicgus. No. We alone know the stars.”
“Ah! You have explored the stars, like my people. Your technology must indeed be wondrous.” I really shouldn't push my luck too much, but, hey, I'm a fighter pilot, right?
“We're yet to venture that distance, I fear. We, I should clarify, as you forced me to, have traveled only in our star system.” His head spun swiftly side to side. “If you will recall, I asked earlier of your planet's location. You were…interrupted before you could answer the question.”
Not on my watch, buddy. “You're one hundred percent correct. My apologies for any indirectness you might interpret.” I put my finger to my ear and looked down, like a reporter on the holo. “I have just been informed of a development on board my ship which will require my immediate attention.” I looked up to him. “I'm certain you'll understand, you being a leader like myself. When duty calls, our kind must answer.”
Before he could respond, Fellulex screamed in interruption. “Father, please! His insults are too great and his subversion too apparent. Please allow me to slaughter the animal. Then we shall feast on his entrails, may it please you. I can't hear anymore of its smoked words.” Chirps erupted like never before. He seemed to strike a chord with the audience. I can have that effect on people, you know? Al tells me so all the time.
Tersfeller didn't keep me in suspense for long. He rose from his cushion and howled at me. “You come to my High Chamber and you mock me openly. I tried with all the might of our gods to tolerate your bestiality and uncivilized ways. But, I shall no longer. My wrath is upon you.”
In for a dollar, in for a dime. “Look, Huge, you just stepped on my last nerve. I've tried to be diplomatic but you are intolerable. I'm going to back out that door and return to my ship. Then, I'll have to begin my search for intelligent life on Reglic again, because I haven't found any yet.”
The only question was how I was going to extricate myself from this pickle. Those ray guns might really hurt. Then it hit me. I had two very good shields readily available. I pointed my left hand at Tersfeller. “Come to me. Fellulex too.” The fibers sprang to life and affixed themselves to my wretched hosts. They sang loudly as they flew toward me. “Take the satchel off Fellulex,” I added in flight.
I positioned one in front of me and one in back, moved them up and down to discourage any sniper shots, and began to run. Man, I could run really fast! I made it to my ship in seconds. “Al, pull up the ramp and hit the ignition.”
“I'm way ahead of you,” he assured. “Preflight complete. Lift off when you're strapped in.” I liked the no-nonsense Al.
I locked the two fuming visitors in the fridge and buckled up at the controls. I probably didn't need to hurry. With their pastry god on board, they never fired a shot. I was into stationary orbit in fifteen minutes. Al said we were receiving threats, pleas, and incantations from the ground, but, so far, there was no pursuit.
“Remember to check all orbiting equipment for signs of a course change,” I said out loud.
“Already on it, boss. I don't want to burn for your inept stab at interstellar diplomacy.”
It became clear the Sarcorit either wouldn't or couldn't send out a posse. I decided it was time to look up some of Huge's enemies. I'm sure they'd be glad to take the little shit off my hands. Fellulex was a different matter. Him, I might be keeping. My mission involved collecting local life forms. He was a LIP—you know, local indigenous population. Yeah. Piss me off royal and you just might end up in a specimen jar.
Al scanned the surface area for signs of cities: lights, radio signals, visible structures, that sort of thing. After he plotted the likely areas, I studied the map, trying to guess where factions opposing the Sarcorit might be positioned. As Tersfeller had suggested, no one else seemed to detect us and certainly no communications were attempted. I decided to bring my prisoners along to a city separated from Sarcorit by a large mountain range and a desert. When informed of their impending journey, they pissed and moaned something awful. The mild mannered Ffffuttoe took a dislike to them. She asked if she could eat the little 'noisemakers.' With some satisfaction, I passed that message on to the pair.
I landed the shuttle in what had to be a park. It was in the center of a dense city, but was completely open. I knew I made an excellent selection when I stepped down the ramp holding my prisoners. If Tersfeller was upset before, he became positively apoplectic upon seeing the location. He squirmed and begged me to return to the ship. He howled that the Jinicgus capitol was a foul blight on his blessed Reglic. Perfect! I'd picked the best place to exchange those intolerable pests for goodwill credits.
Not too surprisingly, no one rushed to greet me. At first they probably figured Ark 1 was an enemy vessel. Once they saw me, they were likely just as frightened as the Sarcorit had been. To entice someone to come forward, I set the captives down. They bolted for the ship. Al noticed and pulled up the ramp. Then they tried to hide behind me, but I walked rapidly toward a large building, leaving them exposed behind me. Man, were they pissed.
Finally, creatures began to emerge cautiously, heading in our direction. The potential of capturing their foes must have sufficiently overcome their misgivings. Then I did have to laugh. Nature had played the cruelest practical joke on the inhabitants of Reglic. If the Sarcorit were donuts with heads on a tube, the Jinicgus were paired chubby kielbasas with heads midway between wieners, also on a pole. I could see some evolutionary similarities
. They looked as improbable as their rivals.
One creature took the vanguard, but stopped several meters away. He spoke in the same language as the Sarcorit. “State your purpose in coming here and make clear why you bring that treacherous filth.” Several tiny arms pointed at Tersfeller as he cowered behind my boots. I liked this new guy already.
“I'm Captain Ryan from a faraway planet. I came to Reglic as a peaceful explorer.” I gestured to Tersfeller. “I encountered the Sarcorit first. They were unfriendly and aggressive. I captured these two. I present them to you as a sign of good faith. I wish only friendship with the Jinicgus.”
With significant venom, he again pointed at Terfeller. “They are little more than animals, the Sarcorit. To see their mouths move is to know they are lying. They make war for pleasure and revel in the misery of others.” He dropped his arms. “What is it that you would have us do with this refuse?”
I stepped clear of them. “Anything you like.”
A mob rushed over, grabbed both, and raised them above their heads. They scurried away with them, everyone screaming, including their prizes. The crowd disappeared into a building. That was the last time I ever saw those mean donuts.
The pontooned sausage turned back to me and spoke matter-of-factly. “I am Zirzjincus, a minor official in this city. Thank you for the gift of our scourge. We can never punish them enough for what they inflicted on my people, but we will certainly try. Any enemy of theirs is a friend to us. Know that, Captain Ryan of Earth. What may we offer you to demonstrate our appreciation?” He turned to a nearby building. “I would ask you to join me in my home for refreshments, but, as you are so large, such a courtesy is not possible. I trust you'll understand.”
I patted the air with my hands. “Perfectly understandable. I'm curious. Is yours the same language as the Sarcorit?”
He peeped briefly, like a chick. “Gods, no! Their tongue pains my mouth as I speak. Since you were with the Sarcorit ruler, it was logical to assume you understood it. We're a practical race.”
“With a few hints, I'm sure I can switch to your language. My computer is pretty good at that sort of thing.”
He hesitated. “We will see if that becomes necessary, based on the length of your visit. How long do you plan on staying as our guest?” Or our newest invader, right?
“Not long. I have a lot to accomplish and time is short. All I'd really ask of you is to allow me to communicate with you in the future, to cement our friendship. You do have radio communications?”
“Of course. The Sarcorit have superior technology, like their missile platforms in space. But we aren't primitives.” He seemed put off by my question. Pissy inhabitants down here on Reglic. “I'll see to it that a link is established between your ship and my superiors. May I serve you, otherwise?”
“Yes, two other requests. Some food to replenish our stocks.” Fffurttoe was eating up all my meager stores rapidly. “Also, some general information on your planet. I want to collect samples and make some maps, then I will be leaving to search for other worlds.”
My host instructed someone to bring supplies. While we waited, he gave me a thumbnail sketch of his home. There were several political groups scattered across the temperate areas. The two body forms I had witnessed were the only sentients. Reglic teamed with life. He promised comprehensive biological information would be sent to me within a few days.
I spent two days collecting specimens and dropping robotic remotes. Then I left Reglic. I did so reluctantly. There was no way around it. My next target was seven years away, Wolf 359. I dreaded the day when Ffffuttoe would die of starvation. I was getting quite attached to the lovable little bear.
FOURTEEN
Indigo hadn't flown for years. She hated flying. There was, by her reckoning, no way around the fact that she would be in an high-speed aluminum can twenty-thousand meters above the ground. Most unsettling. But, on this occasion she had no choice. The boss said she had to be at the meeting in person, end of story. She was chosen as lead on this account in large part due to her supermodel good looks. He wanted those full effects present at the signing so there'd be no last minute second thoughts. At least he agreed to let travel in business class. That eased the pain a little. So, she was boarding a flight from LA to New York.
After she stowed her bag in the compartment, she sat down and began taking deep breaths. She hardly noticed the man in the window seat slip past her and buckle in. “Are you alright?” she heard a voice ask softly.
She snapped out of her fog and looked to find it was the man seated next to her who'd spoken. He was smiling warmly. “Oh, no problem. I'll be okay.”
“Not a frequent flyer?” he teased gently.
That brought a giggle. He was older, perhaps in his early sixties. Still quite handsome. She was struck immediately, however, by his confidence. He exuded it in rivers. “No, I'm not. Does it show that badly?”
He nodded a few times. “Sort of.” He patted the back of her hand. “But, never fear. I'm here. If this plane was going to crash I'd have never booked a seat on it. You're perfectly safe, by default.”
What a cute smile. “That's supposed to make me feel better, is it?”
“I don't see how it wouldn't.”
“So, you see into the future, that sort of thing?”
“When safety is involved, absolutely.” He gave her an even bigger smile. “Seriously, everything will be just fine. I fly for a living. Never had a lick of trouble.”
“You mean you travel a lot for business?” That thought made her stomach recommence its churning.
“No, I'm a pilot.”
She looked more closely at his face. “Do I know you? I mean, have we met before? You look terribly familiar.”
“If I'd ever met you, I would certainly remember. No, we haven't.” He held out his right hand. “Jon Ryan. Nice to finally meet you.”
Numbly she shook his hand. That name. That face. Add a few wrinkles and grey hairs. Yes! “You're the astronaut Jon Ryan!”
“One and the same.”
“Oh my. It's my pleasure,” she gasped as she shook his hand more vigorously. “I'm Indigo Martin.”
“Do you carry a mirror in your purse?”
“Huh? Oh.” She fumbled in her bag, retrieved her compact, and handed it across.
He opened it and turned the mirror toward her face. “In case you hadn't noticed, the pleasure is all mine.” He closed the lid and returned the compact.
“I can tell I'll have to keep a close eye on you for the next five hours.” She pointed at his nose. “You're a sly one.”
Jon shrugged his shoulders in reply. She noted then that he wore no ring. Before she could say anything else, the steward cut in with the routine preflight instructions. They both paid cursory attention, only exchanging an occasional grin. As the plane pushed off and began to taxi, Indigo unconsciously took hold of his hand, firmly. He let her do so, graciously. By the time the plane was well clear of the runway, she was shaking noticeably. Jon put a reassuring arm around her shoulders, which help quiet her. He also could tell her heart was racing like a greyhound.
It wasn't until the first round of drinks was offered that Indigo felt well enough to speak. “There, the hardest part is past. Did I mention I hate flying?”
“You didn't have to state it for me to know that's the case.”
They shared a chuckle. “So, Jon, are you still, you know, an astronaut and all?”
“Till death do us part. I've been up and back from the stations in orbit more times than I can count.” He'd made eighteen trips. He spoke to the crews in an attempt to inspire and motivate them. His longest tour lasted ten days. Forty-seven meet-and-greets in ten fucking days. He felt like a two-bit carny working the countryside for chump change. No, he was taught to be more the medicine-man act than a simple sideshow hack. Jon wished he'd been allowed to go on at least one legitimate ride for all he'd done, for all he'd given. Maybe his turn would come.
“Oh. I bet that's exciting.”
She elbowed him gently. “The stories you could tell!”
“And some aren't just stories.” He wagged his eyebrows. Let's see, he thought. There was the time the holo presentation wouldn't unfreeze. He had to be brave and improvise. Then the time the shuttle to the next station failed a safety check and his party was delayed several hours. Or, hey, when the whore on Station B-81-133 actually insisted he pay her like any other john. Yes, high adventure and high times were his stock-in-trade.
“My, but you're the cheeky one, aren't you?”
She had the cutest British accent, and the cutest set of Bristols. “So, my dear, what powerful force has compelled you to fly to New York? Business or pleasure?”
“Business, most foul. My company is signing a big ad deal and I'm needed to smooth out any wrinkles that might come up.”
“I'm certain those wrinkles stand no chance.”
She grinned hugely. “They never have.”
“Look who's cheeky now.”
“And you, brave astronaut Jon? What important matter diverts you from the stars to earthly New York?”
“I have a meeting at the UN, then I'm off to Spain.”
“My but that sounds epic.” She sighed wistfully. “I only wish my job was half as romantic as yours. And even a tenth as important.” She rested her hand atop his. “Maybe we could have dinner while we're both there. My nights are all free.”
Yeah, he reflected, he had the most exhilarating of careers—with the emphasis on “had.” Sure, forty years ago he was training for the biggest mission ever conceived. The world was his and he had been so alive. But that was all he had done. He trained. He did the grunt work, put in the hard time, and the puppet got the glory. What was his reward? He became the talking-head of a PR dog and pony show. If his shuttle exploded on reentry—a thing he'd wished for on more than one occasion—the world would probably not even notice. It would also be none the worse off for having one less unproductive mouth to feed. Fucking android.
The Forever Life (The Forever Series Book 1) Page 11
