Omnia (The Silver Ships Book 9)
Page 5
The models ran the gamut from carriers to sting ship variations. A large, multi-hulled model caught Svetlana’s attention.
“Are these to scale? “Svetlana asked.
“Absolutely,” Mickey replied.
“I like this one,” Svetlana cooed, eyeing the large, three-hulled model.
“A woman after my own heart,” Deirdre chuckled.
“What’s the advantage of this design, Mickey?” Alex asked.
“It’s the SADEs’ idea,” Mickey replied. “The center hull is a little larger than a sting ship’s and would carry both engine types, gravity and interstellar. It would house every operation, including crew and travelers, that a sting ship’s hull contains, except for the primary weapon. The two, oversized, outrigger hulls are 50 percent longer than the central unit and possess several times more volume. These two hulls would house enormous beams.”
Tatia and the commanders exchanged lupine grins.
Edmas’ eyes widened, when he witnessed the expressions, and he glanced toward Mickey, but the engineer was grinning. Mickey was thrilled that the design pleased the expedition’s most experienced commanders.
“Will all three hulls contribute to charging the power cells?” Alex asked.
“The hulls’ interconnectors will downgrade the design’s optimal collection efficiency, but the SADEs assure us that the huge surface area of all three units will supply full power to the ship and the beams for several hours,” Mickey replied.
“Only several hours?” Lucia asked, confused as to the limitation.
“The SADEs tell us,” Edmas added, “that the ship can operate in system with gravity engines indefinitely. Mickey was referring to the ship maneuvering under gravity power and simultaneously using its dual beams … as if —”
“As if we were in the fight of our lives,” Darius declared, completing Edmas’ thought. “I believe, Admiral, that a warship like this would best be served by an individual who had considerable experience commanding a squadron of travelers.”
“Why thank you for the recommendation, Darius,” Svetlana said sweetly. “I appreciate your generosity in placing my name at the top of the list.”
“Stand down, commanders,” Tatia ordered, “we’re only in the design phase at this time.”
Svetlana nodded and signaled the holo-vid to cancel the other designs beside the multi-hulled ship so she could concentrate on it. She enlarged the image and slowly rotated it. “Have you named these designs, Mickey?”
“No, not yet,” Mickey replied.
“Then this is your Trident class, Mickey,” Svetlana whispered, bending to peer closely at the model.
“Isn’t everyone forgetting something?” Ellie asked. “These ships are years away from delivery. I mean: How long would it take the Swei Swee to lay up hulls of these sizes?”
“That’s the real surprise, Commanders,” Alex said, and Mickey and Edmas couldn’t control their chuckles. “We won’t be using Swei Swee. Our brilliant team, led by Emile, has invented a means of spraying a shell in such a manner so it retains the harmonics necessary to capture gravitational waves. In essence, we’ll be building ships in the traditional manner at an orbital station.”
The commanders stared open-mouthed at Emile, and the unassuming biochemist merely smiled in the face of their astonishment.
“Credit needs to be offered to Edmas,” Emile said. “It was his idea to see if we could duplicate the Swei Swee spit.”
When all eyes turned to Edmas, the young man blushed. Jodlyne watched the female commanders appraise the tall, youthful engineer in a new light, and she took Edmas’ arm possessively and declared, “Mine,” which broke the group into laughter.
“So, we’re not talking a decade to see these ships. We’re talking what, Mickey?” Ellie asked.
Mickey nodded toward Alex, who said, “We have a city-ship full of equipment, 18,000-plus Independents, 300-plus SADEs, and a great group of engineers … a lot is possible.”
“It’s a good start,” Tatia agreed.
“And who knows, I might be able to recruit a couple of thousand Dischnya,” Alex added, and left the group to consider the new designs. But what everyone was thinking about was how they would work with the Dischnya’s fierce warriors.
* * *
Renée and Ophelia, who became fast friends, organized the fête. The occasion took place in the city-ship’s grand park, located in the heart of the vessel. Subtle lighting accented the tall trees, blossoming shrubs, winding pathways, and gentle waterways.
On Daelon, the only place the Independents could gather was the landing bay, and it hardly presented a festive atmosphere — not that the confined Méridiens had much to celebrate.
Cordelia played music over the park’s hidden speakers. At first, she kept the selections soft to allow people to mingle, chat, and laugh. The Independents had much to celebrate and were making the most of the occasion. Gay, festive clothing was unpacked, and Méridien fashions were displayed everywhere.
Alex was reminded of an occasion, twenty years ago, aboard this same ship and in the same location. Except that time, they were paying homage to those they lost while escaping Libre and the Nua’ll.
Alex signaled Perrin and Ophelia to join him. He almost failed to recognize Ophelia. Gone were the heavy jacket, work trousers, and thick boots worn against the chill of the dead moon. She wore a diaphanous wrap that displayed her attractive figure. Perrin held Ophelia’s hand, and he beamed with pride.
“Greetings, Ser Racine,” Perrin said, and Ophelia smiled, touching Alex’s arm. “We never dreamed of enjoying a fête again and in such wonderful surroundings.”
“The park is extraordinary, Ser,” Ophelia added, gazing overhead at the drape of tree limbs.
“The Librans intended to live on this ship for up to sixty years, while they searched out a new home outside Confederation space,” Alex replied. “They wanted the interior environment to be as hospitable as possible.”
“And, today, the Librans are Harakens,” Perrin said.
“What will we be tomorrow, Ser?” Ophelia asked.
“Whatever you’ll call yourselves,” Alex replied, “you’ll be free.”
Perrin and Ophelia nodded their heads in acceptance of Alex’s point. For now, it was more than enough for them.
“On another subject, do either of you play an instrument?” Alex asked.
“Perrin does,” Ophelia exclaimed, grasping her partner’s arm with both hands and shaking it gently. “He’s a virtuoso of many instruments and quite the singer.”
“Is that so?” Alex commented, a gleam in his eye, which made Perrin nervous. “Then I have just the job for you, Ser. I need you to organize the ship’s venues … restaurants, entertainment, fêtes, and anything else that you can think of to support the mental health of this ship’s passengers.
“I don’t believe I have the qualifications for the job, Ser,” Perrin replied with trepidation.
“That’s what I keep saying about my responsibilities,” Alex replied with a chuckle. Then he slapped Perrin on the arm and said, “But you’ll learn. Good leaders often do.”
Perrin and Ophelia watched Alex walk away. “Nothing you hear about the man prepares you for meeting him in person,” Perrin said, shaking his head in amazement.
“Reminds me of an ocean swell,” Ophelia commented. “The foolish swim against it; the smart swim with it.”
Alex wandered the park and watched the people before he contacted his next individual. The Independents were celebrating, and the Harakens were joining in the fun. He spotted Alain and Tatia, who appeared relaxed and happy. Their casual clothes were such a dramatic change from their usual manner of ship dress.
Guilt niggled at Alex. His thoughts were dark, wondering which of his people he might lose in the future.
Alex’s app focused on Renée
’s implant, and he swiveled to locate her. She was chatting with a family of Independents and had a view of him over the woman’s shoulder. He planted a fake smile on his face for her and signaled Maynard Scullers, who navigated through the grand park to come to Alex’s side.
“Greetings, Ser Scullers, have you met with Mickey and Tatia yet?” Alex asked.
“Yes, Ser Racine, I’ve been told I’ll be assisting them in the construction of ships.”
“Excellent, but let me make you aware that you’ll have three people to please. Mickey and Tatia are only two of them.”
“I believe Mickey and I will get along exceedingly well … two engineers, you know. However, the admiral is a formidable woman.”
“Look over there, Ser Scullers,” Alex directed.
Maynard focused on whom Alex had indicated and saw the admiral dressed for the evening in a red gown. Her blonde, curly hair was piled high on her head. She was relaxing on the arm of one of Alex’s formidable escorts.
“Keep that image in your mind, Ser Scullers, when you speak to her. It will help.”
Maynard savored the view and stored a few images. He was certain he would need them in the future. “You spoke of three people who I would serve, Ser Racine. Who’s the third?”
“Me,” Alex said, with a quick grin.
“Is it too late to go back to Daelon?” Maynard replied, half joking and half serious.
“It’s actually quite simple. Mickey drives the engineering, and Tatia gets her mix of ships.”
“It’s the admiral who will choose which ships we build?” Maynard asked.
“Yes, Ser Scullers. We’ll be building warships, but that’s not approved for dissemination yet.”
“And what will be your part in this, Ser?”
“That’s where it’s simple, Ser Scullers. You keep the two of them happy, and I’ll have no part.”
“Ah, understood, Ser. Content subordinates make a happy leader.”
“Just so, Ser Scullers.”
“It appears that I’m to be part of your inner circle, Ser. If so, then I’d like to be addressed as Maynard.”
“Then I’m Alex.”
“That you might be, Ser, but never to me.” Maynard extended his hand in the New Terran tradition, and the slender Méridien did his best to pump Alex’s hand in appreciation.
Maynard excused himself and walked away with a newly found, confident stride, which gave Alex a moment of pleasure before other thoughts intruded.
Alex turned to look for Renée, who was saying goodbye to the family she’d been entertaining.
When Renée saw Alex alone, she glided sinuously toward him, a playful smile on her face. Her wrap was in the true Méridien style — a meld of subtle colors, nearly sheer, and extremely short.
Renée languidly wrapped her arms around Alex’s neck and kissed him warmly.
“Is it too early to retire?” Alex whispered into Renée’s ear, which made her laugh.
“Yes, my love, especially when you’ve been in the park for less than a half hour. The Independents want to see you, Alex, to celebrate with you. You mustn’t disappoint them. Wait until Cordelia changes the music. In the meantime, we’ll circulate, and I’ll entertain you with thoughts of what I’ll do to you this evening.” When Alex grinned at her, she took his arm and guided him down a pathway, leading him toward a group of hopeful faces.
* * *
Before the event was handed over to the young, Vivian sought out Cordelia and was able to locate her because the SADE was dressed in her captain’s uniform and stood out among the fête’s participants.
“Captain,” the little girl said in a worried voice, “I can’t find my plaid man. Is he in the park?”
The Confederation SADEs did attend the event and were scattered around the grounds. Most stood fixed in place and monitored the humans, fascinated by the free-minded Independents.
Cordelia located Killian across the park. “Come with me, young Ser,” Cordelia said, and sent a quick message to Vivian’s parents to let them know of their daughter’s request.
When Vivian saw Killian, she released Cordelia’s hand and ran to him, crying out, “Plaid man!”
Killian caught Vivian when she jumped at him. Repeating what he’d learned, he positioned her on his arm, and Vivian threw an arm around the SADE’s neck.
“Dance with me,” Vivian pleaded.
Killian implored Cordelia for assistance, and the captain responded with a vid of two people dancing to ancient music performed on stringed instruments. Killian studied the motions, programmed the steps into his kernel, and noted that his movements must coincide with the music presently playing.
“I would be honored to dance with you, little Ser,” Killian replied gallantly. He switched Vivian to his right arm, settled her firmly, and took her right hand in his left hand. Then he initiated the newly created application to guide his steps, coordinating his movements with the abstract layout of the park.
The dance program quickly became routine, and Killian found he enjoyed the movements. He augmented them, adding a twirl or a quick leap over an obstacle. The more he danced, the more Vivian laughed.
At one point, the pair swirled past Vivian’s parents, and she yelled out, “Look, Mommy, Daddy, we’re dancing.”
The images of the dancing pair quickly circulated through the park. The fun the two were enjoying was infectious. SADEs linked to Killian to study the program, intrigued by his ad hoc interpretations. And more than one SADE was invited to dance by an Independent.
Glenn, the bay control manager, who was known to be a loner, despite his Méridien culture, saw Miriam swaying gently to the music, the SADE absorbed in the entrancing stringed instruments. Gathering his courage, he approached Miriam, saying, “Excuse me, Ser, I haven’t any idea how to dance in this manner, but I would love to learn.”
“And I would love a partner to teach,” Miriam replied, smiling graciously.
Glenn proved to be an atrocious student, but there could be no more patient instructor than a SADE. At one point, Glenn, frustrated with his lack of progress, was close to calling a halt to his embarrassing performance.
“Ser, your efforts are focused on your feet,” Miriam said. “Perhaps, if you let me lead, while you relax and enjoy the music, you’ll be pleased with the result.”
Glenn nodded, settled his mind, and concentrated on the music. He felt the power of Miriam’s avatar, as she moved him in gentle steps around the deck. Soon, Glenn was lost in the music and following Miriam’s lead. It had been a long time since the fears that governed much of his life had taken a back seat to the pleasure of the moment.
Miriam had observed Glenn’s furtive eyes when he first spoke to her. The human exhibited none of the confidence of most of the Independents, and she wondered why he was exiled on Daelon. That he wanted to learn to dance and had asked a SADE rather than a woman spoke volumes to her, but she was unprepared to extrapolate on what that meant.
In addition, that Glenn had struggled to overcome his concerns about how dismally he acquired the steps made Miriam wonder even more about the human’s unsettled mind. Miriam recalled something Alex Racine once said, and it seemed most applicable here. He had spoken of SADEs wishing to join a world of independent-minded humans, but noted that, like the SADEs who had endured incarceration, not all humans were prepared to face the world head-on. The thought made Miriam more determined to help Glenn succeed, and when Glenn chose to stop struggling and gave in to her lead, she witnessed his success. There came a moment when Glenn closed his eyes, as they whirled around the floor, and Miriam smiled. We have more to give humans than technological prowess, she thought.
Renée glanced at Alex, as he watched humans and SADEs engage in what they knew was one of Mutter’s ancient waltzes. He wore one of the most
contented expressions she’d seen in a while. A child’s innocence contains such great power, Renée thought.
An hour later, Cordelia signaled the controller to shift the music, increasing the tempo and the volume. Parents and children retired for the evening, and the youthful sought partners or groups to dance to songs supplied by Christie Racine, Alex’s younger sister.
The following morning, it was noticeable that nearly everyone was humming the waltz that had accompanied Killian and Vivian’s dance.
-5-
Z
Soon after Alex left Celus-5 aboard the Rêveur to return to Haraken and procure the needed resources for the planet, the SADEs, Z, Miranda, and Rosette, who stayed behind, held a virtual conference.
* * *
Two days later, Z and Miranda stood at the edge of the forest, north of the Tawas Soma nest, which was ruled by the Dischnya queen, Nyslara. They held hands and regarded the dark interior of the thick forest. The dry plains where the Dischnya dug their tunnels gave way over the course of several hundred meters to ever-taller grasses and shrubs until small trees were more common. Beyond that, huge trees of red, browns, and greens towered high into the sky.