“And?”
“Aizan’s done!” Fists pumping, he was thoroughly delighted. “We’re finally free from Commissioner Aizan’s two-year reign!”
Entryua grinned. “Looks like cooperating with the occupiers blew up in his face.”
“Aizan’s backers are up in arms. They’re saying that police officers passing damning information about the commissioner violated election law.”
“All I told the press was the truth. They can hold my feet to the fire if I ever lied, but I didn’t. What’re they going to attack me for?”
“Too right, sir,” replied the officer, smiling sweet revenge. “Though they’re saying that you shouldn’t have answered the press to begin with.”
“They must be joking,” said Entryua, cocking an eyebrow. “The people love us. We’re cops the citizens respect! So how could we keep mum when the cameras and mics are on us?”
“Exactly, sir,” said the subordinate, nodding gravely. “Now then, Inspector, allow me to make the rounds telling everybody the good news.”
“I think everybody probably already knows.”
“Probably. But I want to spread the message anyway — because there’s no doubt in mind they’d all like to hear this particular bit of news over and over again.”
Entryua watched as he flew right back out of the office like a whirlwind, and then looked back at the screen, which displayed a letter. A letter from Military Police Lieutenant Kyte, sent from Loneucebhic Siturr (Situr Prison Camp) in the faraway Faicec Üescor (Üesco Monarchy).
At the Countdom of Abliar , in the airlock room of the radéüiac baicœcer (antimatter fuel tank ship) Sélnaïc , sailing via inertial navigation in an astrospace sector located between the sun of Abliar and a point three light-seconds from the imperial capital Lacmhacarh...
“That was quite the close call,” said Seelnay as she shed her pressure suit . “The magnetic flux density had dropped so low. But the computing crystals in the remote surveillance bot have degraded, so instead of the current situation, I was seeing the memory drive ’s—”
“You don’t need to lie to me, too,” frowned Arsa, who helped her take off the pressure suit . “You’ve gone and done it again, haven’t you, Seelnay.”
“Guess you found me out!” Seelnay stuck out her tongue.
“Why on heaven are you pretending to have ‘repaired’ a fuel tank that’s not broken?”
“C’mon, the money from just an inspection’s nothing compared to inspection plus repair.”
“Sure, but we have so much work coming in, there’s no need. We just got word from Greda. The authorities think it’s strange.”
“Huh?” She frowned, a sense of foreboding in the air.
“They’re asking why the fuel tank inspected by Seelnay Ltd. was the only one with an unexpected anomaly spotted, and whether it’s breaking new ground in the field of statistics or stems from some other cause entirely.” Arsa took a breath. “Are you willing to gamble? Because I’d put all of my money on a new discipline of statistics NOT coming to be.”
“Don’t worry. We’ve the Royal House of Crybh backing us,” she said, putting on a daring front.
“You can’t be over-reliant on the good graces of the royal family . They’ve already funded this enterprise. Besides, how can you honestly ask them to be complicit in fraud? You’re not unlikely to incur the wrath of the Abliars that way.”
“But Seelnay Ltd. still has so much room to grow!” she replied, pouting her lips.
“And if you keep at it, that potential will get nipped in the bud.”
“Okay, okay...” Seelnay hung her head. “I won’t do it again.”
“Seelnay, do you have any idea how strange the authorities think this case is?” Arsa sighed.
“They’re that suspicious?”
“It’s worse than that,” said Arsa, thrusting her face toward her. “They’re not suspicious at all! They know what you did. But they’re willing to let past offenses slide, as long as you understand they won’t overlook anymore.”
“So, they’re saying I can pretend this incident never happened, either!?” Seelnay opened her arms.
“That’s right. They’ll forget it ever happened. Only, they’ll be paying you solely for the inspection.”
“But I repaired it, too!” said Seelnay, displeased. “I DID replace the magnetic flux density meter with a new one, and I even refreshed the data on the computing crystals . I didn’t NEED to, but I did.”
“I’m going to tell Greda to dock your cut of the pay,” resolved Arsa.
“But I’m the CEO!” said Seelnay. That said, she had no true intention of wielding her position of authority. If Arsa or Greda abandoned her, it was obvious that the newly formed Seelnay Ltd. would immediately tank, and to confound things further, it seemed the two of them knew that, too.
At the imperial capital Lacmhacarh, in the drawing room of the Garich Arocr Lym Faibdacr (Imperial Capital Manor House of the Baron of Febdash)...
“It’s only been three years since then, eh? You’ve grown into a real man.” The old man extended a hand.
“Thanks. You haven’t changed, Honorable Former Baron .” Jinto gripped his hand. “How are you?”
“I’m holding up all right.” The former baron of Febdash urged Jinto to take a seat before setting himself down. “Seems you’ve inherited the dreuragh (rank of count).”
“Yep.” Jinto nodded and sat down.
According to a UH broadcast, the execution of the former Count of Hyde , Jinto’s father, had been carried out. Jinto was thereupon made count . Though he hadn’t yet gone through the military service that was a prerequisite of peerage, the King of Barce took him under his wardship, so it was no issue.
If the info was accurate, then a new head of government had been elected to lead the Hyde Star System, a man who was a solid member of the UH, and who had declared plans to fight against the Empire .
That new chancellor’s name? Teal Clint...
“I should probably be giving you my condolences, but instead I’ll leave it at: congratulations, Lonh-Dreuc ,” said Sruf.
“Thank you very much,” smiled Jinto, embracing the sentiment. He’d learned of his father’s demise nearly a year prior. He’d seen it coming beforehand, and he’d long since worked out his feelings on the matter. “But don’t call me ‘Honorable Count .’ I’m a count in name only, without a star-fief.”
“You got it, boy .”
“I mean, I’m not really a ‘boy’ anymore, either,” said Jinto, with a wry smile.
“‘S’pose not. You’re 20 years old, eh. A full-grown adult. But what should I call ya, then? ‘Üanch (youth) don’t sound right.”
“‘Jinto’ is fine. But to be honest, it feels pretty ace to be called ‘quartermaster linewing starpilot .’”
“Ah, makes sense. I oughta congratulate ya for your appointment. Congratulations.”
“Thank you very much,” Jinto repeated.
“What would ya like to drink?” The former baron activated his compuwatch . “Or would you rather an early meal?”
“Oh, uh, I’m sorry...” said Jinto, scratching his head. “I actually don’t have a lot of time.”
“I see... Well, thanks for coming out of your way to visit me despite being busy.”
“It’s true, I swear,” insisted Jinto, noticing the melancholy look on Sruf’s face. “I’ve been on holiday since finishing my training voyage, but one way or another...”
Sruf laughed. “I didn’t think you were lying, boy ... wouldn’t ya know it, that’s the name that fits you the most. And I think I’ll be grateful if ya remember this doddering old fool, even if it’s just one last time.”
“One last time? I’d like to think I have to visit this place again, without fail.”
“Thank you. I’ve got a lot of friends from way back in Lacmhacarh, but every time I see their still-young faces, I get on edge.”
“I can’t just let you lie like that.”
Amusement
crept on the former baron ‘s wrinkly visage. “Do ya remember when I told ya the same thing three years ago?”
“You did?” To tell the truth, he didn’t recall.
“Good grief. Don’t tell me your memory’s lagging behind the memory of an old man like me. Do ya remember when I told ya I’d impart my wisdom on the Abh frame of mind?”
“Of course. And I’m looking forward to it; I just can’t right now...”
“It’s okay, I understand. I ain’t gonna take any more time off the hands of a young adult with a future ahead of him. Youngsters finding the ramblings of the elderly boring’s a law of nature.”
“Boring? I’d never...”
“Do ya remember when I told ya? Blatant ego-salving’s only gonna hurt people. You should’ve learned that fact by then, let alone three years later.”
“Yeah, I remember,” said Jinto, red in the face. “But I really mean it. You’re never boring.”
“I find that doubtful, but I’m not gonna keep ya. Best be on your way, if you haven’t got time.”
“I’ve got a little time left.”
Sruf waved a hand. “Don’t strain yourself, boy . I’m looking forward to hearing about your exploits as a quartermaster linewing starpilot . Oh, hold on, there’s something I need to know first. Where’s your new post?”
“I’ve been appointed as a clerk on the assault ship Basrogrh (BAHSROYRR).”
“Haven’t heard of that ship before. Guess it is an assault ship , though.”
“And it’s a new one, too. It’ll become famous soon enough, of course.”
“Cuz you’ll be on it?”
“That won’t hurt,” nodded Jinto, “but also because the commander happens to be named ‘Abliar.’”
“Ho ho!” Sruf was thrilled. “You really did come pay me a visit at a busy time, boy . You have my gratitude. Now get your butt over to Fïac Bœrh Parhynr ’s side.”
“Got it.” Jinto stood up, albeit reluctantly. “I’m really sorry about the hurry.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just feel free to come here when you have got the time. I’ll bore ya to tears.”
“Of course. I’ll be coming back. Please remain in good health, Lonh-Lym Raica .” Jinto saluted.
“Oh, I will, boy ,” smiled Sruf mischievously.
In Lacmhacarh, on a bridge of the assault ship Basrogrh (presently in harbor)...
Everything was brand new. That wasn’t surprising, considering it had just come fresh from its construction at the Locrh Lespor (Lespo Warship Construction site). It hadn’t even yet been taken for a whirl for some on-the-job training.
Lafier touched the brand-new equipment, and filled her lungs with the new-ship odor. Looking up at the crest banner of the Basrogrh , patterned after a rogrh (red-banded sand wasp), her heart welled with pride and joy.
This was the very first ship she’d ever received. Over the past three years, the Star Forces had not been waging full-blown war. They couldn’t afford to. Nor, it seemed, could the enemy. There had been no engagements apart from a handful of small skirmishes.
What was surprising were the developments in the Hania Federation. When Lafier brought back the navigation log of the patrol ship Goslauth and the Empire went public with the evidence that the UH had attacked first, the Hania Federation condemned the UH for falsifying the reason they declared war, and opted for neutrality. Hania was a single nation among the Four Nations Alliance , and they hadn’t joined in the assault on the imperial capital , so they lacked any incentive to aggravate the situation with regard to the Empire.
Of course, as the general public viewed it, the Hania Federation wouldn’t place a premium on rendering justice. There was no doubt in their minds that if Lacmhacarh lay fallen, they’d instantly be there, pecking at its remains as a loyal member of the FNA . In short, they were waiting, observing from the sidelines. The other three nations of the FNA rebuked the federation for its perfidy, but many Abhs also expressed consternation. They’d thought they could finally participate in the true war to end all wars.
Lafier felt likewise. That said, she knew they had to take care of the enemies before them. The front of battle was at a stalemate. Two thirds of the Ilich Monarchy (which was partitioned by two walls) had been annexed by the enemy and had yet to be retaken.
But this dreary, irritating reality would soon fall by the wayside. The empire was showing its warlike face, and an unprecedentedly large fleet, several times the size of that before the war, was emerging. The Lespo Warship Construction Site was pumping out one Logrh Wasp class assault ship every ten minutes. Meanwhile, other construction sites were producing warships of all classes and varieties. The Baitur Warship Construction Site was phasing out Lauth (Dragon) class patrol ships, now in the process of completing the leading-edge Cau patrol ships. The Locrh Bhobinauter (Bhobinautec Warship Construction Site) was producing Saumh class battleline warships , the Locrh Syrer (Syrec Warship Construction Site) was building Gammh class assault ships and Paigh class escort ships , not to mention the Locrh Gocrocr (Gocroch Warship Construction Site)...
The vast majority of lodaïrh cisaïna (reserve starpilots) had been reconvened, with each academy swamped with the work of putting them through training once again. The numbers of new applicants had reached record highs. Across large numbers of terrestrial worlds , employment quotas for NCCs had greatly increased. Every warship needed to come with passengers to ride them, and so the fleet had to gather lives as the contents to their tins. The war proper would commence in the blink of an eye. Lafier and the ship she commanded would face the heat of battle.
She took a deep breath, attempting to quell the excitement bubbling inside.
There was nobody else aboard. The NCCs were busy getting ready for departure, while the starpilots were busy supervising them. Excluding Lafier, the capacity of starpilots was four. They were a pair of flight staff starpilots , a lodaïrh scœmr (engineer starpilot) who served as Supervisor , and a certain quartermaster starpilot who served as Clerk .
“Commander ,” reported the clerk who had entered, “we have finished loading the food and supplies.”
Seeing his stuffy, ceremonious salute, she stifled a laugh. Was he holding a grudge for being called “quartermaster linewing starpilot ”?
“You and I are the only ones here, Jinto.”
Jinto beamed. “Ah, yeah, you’re right. I missed you, you know.”
“Listen, for I have a secret of great import to share: I missed you, too.”
“Your secret’s safe with me.” Jinto narrowed his eyes. “Man, though, you really haven’t aged a day. You look exactly the same as three years ago.”
“I’d hate to have visibly aged in just three years. You, on the other hand, you do look a little older.”
“Aren’t you gonna say I look more mature?”
“Feh.”
“Did you just scoff at that, Commander .”
“I told you, we’re alone here,” said Lafier pointedly.
“It’s just, I can hardly seem too chummy when there are others around, right?”
“Right. It’d affect morale.”
“What if I make an honest mistake? It might be smarter to start calling you Commander or Deca-commander Abliar , you know, to make a habit of it.”
“Is that what you WANT to do?” A mix of anxiety and rage welled up within her.
“Do you THINK that’s what I want to do?” Jinto smiled with his eyes.
“In that case...” Lafier threw out her chest. Her bluish-black hair swayed, as did the functionality crystals at the ends of her access cables , not unlike a set of eccentric earrings.
“You will call me Lafier!”
Appendix: Summary of the Formation of Baronh
Proto-Baronh had every mark of being a constructed language, as it was an “ancient language” reconstituted by dogmatic nationalists. For its vocabulary, they made a point of excising all historically “recent” loanwords originating from the various tongues of Europe, as well as
those of Chinese origin that entered the language alongside the writing system.
Of course, such radical restructuring was bound to come with its fair share of problems. They may have pruned the language, but they had no intention of abandoning civilization. As such, they faced the need to rely on the vocabulary of ancestors who lived during the dawn of the age of metals to express the fruits of the science and technology that had made space travel a reality (though that technology was still in its infancy in the eyes of their descendants).
Similarly, when the nation of Israel was founded, ancient Hebrew was revived by Jews; an arduous labor, but the nationalists were forced to expend even more effort. Many of the twists and concessions they made were more than a stretch. They expanded the meanings of archaic, long-forgotten words, coined neologisms based on mimetic words, and employed many other means besides to resurrect an ancient language as a tongue capable of expressing concepts in a scientific world.
Due to the strained, arbitrary nature of this venture, Proto-Baronh yielded a handful of weak points. At the outset, this language was riddled with large numbers of syllables. The raft of Chinese-origin loanwords had tipped the actual historical language toward fewer syllables, but since those words were also abolished, syllable counts became more and more unwieldy.
That was the ungainly language that the first generation of Abhs lived using. It was only natural for Baronh vocabulary undergo a rapid and drastic phenomenon of abbreviation. Another reason for this is the fact that the original Abhs didn’t have writing. The Abhs’ creators never wanted them to develop a civilization of their own. They were to simply carry out the repetitive tasks they were taught, and make easy, uncomplicated decisions if ever an emergency arose. That was all that was desired of the Abh.
In accordance with the idea that the written word was not just unnecessary but an active hindrance, the first generation of Abhs were instructed without text or letters of any kind. The only forms of information storage bestowed to them were video and audio. They were not permitted the method of information transmission with a deeper pedigree. Letters, glyphs, text: all were banned.
The Return to Strange Skies (JNC Edition) Page 20
