Starbridge

by A. C. Crispin

  Hell, she loves aliens--she'd like nothing better than to be at a school filled with them, he thought. And she'd be a big help. Maybe she could teach--or be my assistant. Mizari mate for life, so they'd be bound to let us stay together.

  He thought about what it would be like to live among aliens. It would mean giving up medicine, I suppose. Could I do that? Of course, I'd still be counseling, and I really liked that . . .

  He thought about a school filled with young people of different species, about what it would be like to counsel them, to guide them, then to watch them go off into positions of power in the galactic community. Young humans, young Mizari, young Simiu ... young Chhhh-kk-tu--hell, even young Rigellians, he supposed. They'll be training to be ambassadors and diplomats. Councillors to the CLS . . . interpreters . . .

  And I'd be a sort of dean, he thought. Hardly the job for a glory hound--who ever notices a dean? An important job, but. . . strictly a backstage one.

  "Where would the school be located?" he asked Ssoriszs.

  "There is a section of space about three of your Terran months' journey from most of the inhabited worlds--including your Earth. It is comparatively free of stars, so it is frequently used for a transition point for ships changing their headings-- they drop out of metaspace into realspace, then activate their S.V. drives again. Captain Lamont says your human ships know it. We Mizari have a station nearby. We call this sector--" and the Mizari used a phrase that took Rob a moment to puzzle out. . The link . . . connection? . . .

  between stars? No, that word means "across"--the bridge across stars?

  Something like that.

  "StarBridge?" Rob asked, in English.

  The Mizari dipped his iridescent head gracefully. "That is a good translation," he said. "We think it would be best if the school were to be located not on any world, or too near any world, but in space, truly between the Twelve Known Worlds. We Mizari have a large asteroid we would be willing to donate. There is a rich vein of the material that powers starships--

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  your Paul Monteleon says you humans call it 'radonium'--that could be used to provide power for the school. This small world could be brought to that location, and placed where it would be out of the paths of space-going vessels, but convenient to the shipping lanes."

  Rob nodded. "I'm extremely flattered by this offer, Esteemed One," he said, in Mizari. "But can I have a little while to think it over? There's someone I want to discuss it with, before I give you my answer."

  "Of course," Ssoriszs said. "If you agree to take the position, I would like you to return to Earth with me, abroad the Dawn Wind, so that we may spend the voyage time planning our strategy. I will also be talking to others whom I would like to enlist--the Chhhh-kk-tu messenger who arrived today, Kkintha ch'aait, for one. I am going to ask her to accompany us to Earth. Kkintha is a most efficient administrator. I also wish to speak with Doctor Blanket before it leaves to return to Avernus. I believe the Avernian would prove a most excellent instructor for telepathic students. You have telepaths on Earth, yes?"

  "We do," Rob agreed. "And I agree with you about Doctor Blanket. It would certainly be a good person for the job." Have to do something about calling Doctor Blanket "it," he thought. That always rubs me the wrong way. It would be too easy for kids to be disrespectful of something that's called an "it."

  He realized then that he was already thinking about ways to organize the school, and shook his head slightly. Whoa, slow down. Talk to Mahree.

  Think this over carefully.

  As though his thought had summoned her, she poked her head into the room. "There you two are! Dhurrrkk' and I have been looking for you. The Council members are gathering."

  Rob got up and went out into the corridor, greeting Dhurrrkk' as he went. The Mizari slithered ahead of them into the meeting chamber, just behind their Simiu friend, but when Mahree would have followed them, Rob stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Wait, honey. I have to tell you something."

  She turned back to him, let him draw her a few paces down the hall. "What is it?"

  "Esteemed Ssoriszs just offered me a job working for the CLS."

  Mahree's face lighted up, then she flung her arms around his

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  neck and kissed him excitedly. "He did! Oh, I knew you'd get it! What kind of job?"

  "Waitaminit--" Rob held her still, staring at her intently. "You knew about this?"

  "Just that you were under consideration for some kind of CLS position. I didn't--don't--know what."

  "They want to start a school for kids of different species to study alien languages and cultures. They've decided that young people are the ticket--at least partly from observing you and Dhurrrkk', apparently. They want me to try and get support for it on Earth, and then to work with the kids after it's founded."

  "That sounds wonderful!" she cried excitedly. "Young people from all the different worlds in one place!"

  "I knew you'd say that," he said. He frowned suddenly. "Hold on, here. If you knew about this, was the possibility of my getting this job the reason you said 'no' to my proposal? Figuring that you'd leave me free so I could take it?"

  Mahree shook her head. "That was one consideration, yes, but that wasn't why I said 'no.' I told you the reason."

  "Okay," he said, relieved. "Although this is the best argument yet for us getting married eventually, honey. If I decide to do this, I'll be going back aboard Dawn Wind, not Desiree, and I'll want you with me. You'd be a lot of help during the planning stages, and, after the school's built, you could help me run it--or maybe you'd rather teach."

  She shrugged thoughtfully. "Maybe. I don't know whether I have any aptitude for teaching. I guess I could manage human students, at least. There will be human students, right?"

  "Of course."

  "Do you think you'll take it?" she asked.

  Rob shook his head. "It's tempting," he said. "Not quite the 'something special' I had in mind, but I must admit I'm really flattered by Ssoriszs' faith in me. I don't know if I'm the person they want, frankly."

  "Of course you are!" Mahree said. "You're smart, and capable, and good with people--all kinds of people. And you like kids."

  He grinned at her. "Some of my best friends are kids," he agreed.

  "I guess we ought to go in," Mahree said, glancing at Raoul, Paul, and Joan as they went past. "Do I look okay?"

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  For the first time since he'd seen her, Rob really looked at her, and his eyes widened in surprise. "Good grief, I didn't even know you owned a dress.

  What are those things down there?" he demanded, in mock disbelief. "Legs?

  Real legs!

  She laughed, smoothing the aqua-colored fabric. "C'mon, you've seen my legs before. And this is my one and only dress. Shirazz dropped a hint that I might want to look my best. My guess is that the Council members are planning to formally thank us for saving Dhurrrkk's and Rhrrrkkeet's lives."

  "That's strange ..." Rob said, frowning. "Nobody gave me any hints." He indicated his own everyday ship's coverall.

  "It's probably just that Shirazz didn't get a chance to tell you in time," she said, and turned a pirouette. "Anyway, how do I look?"

  He shook his head admiringly. "You look great. Good enough to make me want to skip this party . . ."he trailed off suggestively. "C'mon," he said, catching her arm and pretending to drag her off down the corridor. ""The Council can tell Raoul how grateful they are."

  Mahree planted her heels, laughing. "Come on inside, you idiot!"

  Rob shrugged, then ceremoniously crooked his arm at her. "I should've worn my suit."

  Mahree smiled as she took his arm. "I can't picture you in a suit!"

  "Hey ..." he muttered, sotto voce, as they moved toward the door, the sounds of alien and human conversations growing louder, "baby, at home I have a velvet tux. You should see me. I love formal parties."

  Her reply was lost in the noise as they entered the large chamber.

  For Rob,
the following hour went by in a blur of greeting the Council members, of feeling his throat grow raw with the effort of making polite conversation in Simiu, or, occasionally, translating an unfamiliar word for one of Desiree's crew members. From time to time he searched the crowd for a glimpse of aqua and flowing brown hair, and found Mahree chattering effortlessly, bright-eyed and animated among the assorted aliens.

  Rob shook his head slightly as he watched her, thinking that she was as much in her element as a bird in the air.

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  Not only Mizari and Simiu were present, but also the Chhhh-kktu messenger Ssoriszs had spoken of, Kkintha ch'aait, plus a Vardi from the Dawn Wind.

  Even Doctor Blanket was there, covered against the Simiu lighting with something the Mizari engineers had come up with--a light nullifier. Shrouded in protective darkness, the Avernian had spread itself over one of the Simiu loungers, and was "talking" to well-wishers with Dhurrrkk's help.

  The Simiu Council members extended formal thanks to Mahree, Rob, and Raoul Lamont for their help in saving Rhrrrkkeet's life, and the Simiu/Mizari liaison made a brief appearance herself, her ravaged eye socket uncovered and still so newly healed that it looked raw. Simiu never covered or removed scars gained in honorable battle.

  Rhrrrkkeet' made a brief speech, thanking all of them, and concluded her remarks with the wish that humans and Simiu would continue to grow in understanding throughout the long voyage ahead of them. Since the two ships would be traveling comparatively close, radio communication would prove possible for both of them.

  The humans applauded when Rhrrrkkeet' was through, earning themselves startled glances from several of the Simiu Councillors. Then Ssoriszs took Rhrrrkkeet's place at the head of the room.

  "On this occasion of celebration and goodwill," the Mizari Mediator began, "I would like to speak of an extraordinary person. This morning I received a message from Shassiszss that the CLS Councillors have approved an unprecedented honor for a member of a new species."

  Rob felt his cheeks grow warm. Oh, shit, he thought. Am I going to have to go up there?

  "This human," Ssoriszs continued, "has demonstrated such courage, loyalty, and devotion to the cause of peace and good relations between peoples that we would like to honor her today."

  Her? Rob thought blankly, thinking that the Mizari had made a mistake, then blushed again as he realized his error. Oh--of course!

  "Esteemed MahreeBurroughs, will you please join me?" Ssoriszs said.

  Flushed and excited, smiling nervously, Mahree walked forward to stand beside the Mizari.

  "Esteemed Mahree," Ssoriszs said, "if it were not for you, 297

  this day . . . this gathering . . . might never have come about. The CLS

  Councillors were already most impressed with you, and your actions during the crisis in Bay 29 merely added to their admiration. The League values talent for communication, and the courage to be truthful. You have amply demonstrated both those attributes, plus a steadfast devotion to the cause of interstellar peace. You are truly a remarkable individual, and I feel honored to know you."

  Slowly, formally, the old Mizari bowed deeply, then straightened. "The CLS

  Councillors, in a unanimous decision, have chosen to extend CLS

  membership to you, Esteemed MahreeBurroughs. This membership is given to you as an individual, apart from any planetary membership your people may receive. Membership for an individual is something that has never been granted before."

  Ssoriszs looked out across the assembled gathering. "This gesture is being bestowed by the League in the hopes that Esteemed Mahree will stay among us as a CLS Councillor. We always have need of courageous, truthful individuals who are devoted to the cause of peace and good relations among the worlds. It is also our hope that, through her, we may begin to know and understand you humans better.''

  The Mizari turned back to Mahree. "Esteemed Mahree, you will be accorded one vote in our councils, a vote which will be yours alone, and not contingent upon the number of representatives your world is granted, should it apply for membership in the League."

  Mahree stood there speechless as Raoul and the rest ofDesiree's crew began applauding wildly. Rob's breath caught in his throat, and he shut his eyes, even as he, too, clapped. That's it, he was thinking, with a sudden, cold certainty. I've lost her. Dear God, I've lost her. I can't compete with this.

  Finally, the Mizari waved his tentacles for silence, and the humans slowly quieted down. "Esteemed Mahree, I have for you a gift," he said. "One created for you by an individual who belongs to a member species of the CLS. This person made this gift in the hopes that you will consent to visit their world." The Mizari turned to the little Chhhh-kk-tu messenger, and took from her a small package.

  After stripping the outer wrapping off it with his topmost tentacles, Ssoriszs bent and placed the small, opalescent Rigellian

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  sculpture in Mahree's hands. "When the Rigellian Master heard the story of your adventures," the Mizari explained, "it was so touched by your courage that it created this sculpture specifically for you, that you might know that courage--and the appreciation of courage--is just one of many admirable qualities that transcends the boundaries of physical shape and form. Please accept this work of art, from Master--and from all the CLS members."

  Mahree looked down at the beautiful, delicate little shape, and touched it with reverent fingers. Rob saw her eyes glitter, but she blinked back the tears. "Thank you," she said, in Mizari. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I have never been so touched. I will treasure this always." She repeated her words in Simiu, then in English.

  The presentation ceremony over, Raoul and the others rushed forward to congratulate Mahree. Jostled by the crowd, dazed with the realization he'd be going back to Earth alone, Rob hung back, numb with shock and grief.

  She hasn't even realized yet that this means good-bye, he thought, watching her laughing, flushed face. He pictured her taking her place among the Councillors on Shassiszss, wrestling with the problems of trade agreements and keeping the peace between the stars.

  Rob wished he could leave, but he knew he had to stay. He forced himself to smile and act as normal as possible. He'd finished exchanging polite inanities with one of the Simiu Council members when Raoul Lamont touched his arm and whispered, "You okay, son?"

  Rob managed to nod. "Yeah."

  Lamont gave him a doubtful glance. "You sure?"

  "Yeah."

  Raoul glanced at his niece. "Maybe they'd let you stay, too."

  "I haven't been invited," Rob pointed out, bluntly.

  "Maybe, when she realizes what this means, she'll decide against it."

  The doctor just looked at the Captain, then he shook his head.

  Raoul patted the younger man on the shoulder sympathetically before moving away.

  As soon as the initial rush of congratulations had slowed and calmed, Rob moved up until he was only a few paces from Mahree's side, standing half hidden behind Raoul's bulk. He watched as she bowed to Ssoriszs and said, "Please tell Master

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  and the other Rigellians that I would be honored and delighted to visit their world."

  "Not just their world," the Mizari official told her. "Invitations to visit have been extended from each of the Twelve Known Worlds, including my own. If it is acceptable to you, you will first travel to Shassiszss aboard the Twilight Blossom. The ship is scheduled to leave this world about the same time as Dawn Wind and Desiree depart for Earth."

  Mahree blinked. "Oh! I guess I hadn't realized--you mean immediately, almost--"

  Ssoriszs dipped his tentacles in agreement. "I only wish that I could be the one to show you my world. We could converse together among the gardens, and see the patterns the moons make as they cross the night sky . . . but, since I must go on to Earth, Esteemed Shirazz"--the Mizari indicated his assistant-- "will take my place, and accompany you."

  Mahree smiled. "I would be pleased and honored to have her
company."

  Ssoriszs flicked his tentacles at Dhurrrkk', who was sitting quietly on his haunches by Mahree's side. "Your friend, Honored Dhurrrkk', has also asked to accompany you. Since his appointment as First Ambassador to Avernus, he has declared that returning Doctor Blanket to its homeworld and pursuing the Avernian Contact is his first priority. Avernus will be your first stop." The CLS Mediator gestured in the direction of the Avernian, where the being lay beneath the shelter of its light-nullifier.

  "Dhurrrkk'!" Mahree exclaimed. "You'll be going with me?"

  "Yes, FriendMahree," the Simiu said. "Then we can travel on to Shassiszss together, so that I may make my report to Ahkk'eerrr and the other CLS

  Councillors."

  "Oh, I'm so glad!" Hastily handing her sculpture to Shirazz, Mahree stooped down to hug her friend. "It's going to be wonderful!" she exclaimed.

  "Traveling in space, all of us together again--"

  She broke off, and Rob knew that it had finally hit her. He watched her expression, seeing the dismay as the truth slowly sank in. Mahree straightened up, biting her lip. "Where's Rob?" she said, looking around her.

  "Rob?" she called.

  Guess that's my cue, the doctor thought, and stepped around Raoul into view. "Congratulations, sweetheart," he said unsteadily, holding out his hand.

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  Pale and shaken, she clutched his arm. "Rob! Oh ... Rob!"

  "Yeah," he said. "I know."

  Mahree took a deep breath, struggling visibly to control herself, then turned to the Mizari. "Esteemed One, will you excuse me for now? I ... need a little while to assimilate all this."

  The Mizari bowed. "Certainly. We will speak again tomorrow."

  Rob headed out the door, with Mahree beside him. He saw Dhurrrkk' start after them, then hesitate, and he shook his head quickly at the Simiu.

  Outside, in the corridor, he put an arm around Mahree's shoulders and guided her back to Desiree. She walked like an automaton, her expression stricken. He took her straight to his office, displacing Sekhmet from the nearest seat. "You'd better sit down," he said.

  She obeyed him mechanically, then sat with shoulders bowed, twisting her hands in her lap. Rob brought back a cup of coffee for each of them.