by Musser, Dale
“Would either of you care for something to drink?” I asked.
“Yes, I believe I would like a glass of Morrev wine, if you have any,” replied Cantolla. I saw Piebar glance at a small portable vid screen and then nod to me.
“How about you, Kala?” I asked.
“I think I’ll have a Maldarian Moon Glow,” she answered. I looked at Piebar to see his fingers rapidly flying over his vid screen for a moment before he looked up and again nodded.
Personally I wanted a beer; however, since leaving Earth, I’d not found anything like beer in a Federation beverage dispenser. Of course, that thing could produce thousands of drinks and I had tried only about a dozen or so. I called Piebar to the table.
“Piebar, on Earth we had a drink that was very popular. It was an alcoholic beverage made from brewed grains and yeast. The mixture was allowed to ferment into a golden colored liquid that had a slightly bitter taste. Do you know of anything like that here?”
Piebar, Cantolla and Kala all gave me the same incredulous look. “Surely you don’t mean afex,” Kala exclaimed.
“I don’t know if that’s what I mean or not, given that I have never tasted it.”
“Afex is a very common drink on all the Federation planets,” Kala explained, “except on those that ban alcoholic beverages. It’s considered to be the drink of the working class, although everyone does drink it. People of higher standing in the Federation never do so in public and definitely not at special events.”
“So then, since I am in my own home, and this is not a public or social event,” I stated, slightly red-faced, “I can drink it if I want to?”
I could see Cantolla smirking as Kala answered, “Uh, yes, I guess, if that’s what you want.”
“I really won’t know until I try it. Piebar, one ice-cold glass of afex, if you please!” Behind Piebar I could see one of the house staff members grinning; and I thought Cantolla was going to break out laughing, but she resisted. Piebar, looking somewhat distressed, turned and nodded to the waiter, who promptly headed off for our drinks.
“This really is quite lovely here,” Cantolla said as she looked around at the surroundings. “I really didn’t have much time before now to actually look over the estate.”
“I apologize for that,” I said, “but as you now realize, the urgency of the situation demanded it. What you accomplished in the short time that you had available is impressive. Without your efforts the Brotherhood would have won and the people of Megelleon would now be at their mercy. I hope that you’re satisfied with the compensation you’ve received.”
“Oh, definitely. Your generosity has given me more than I would have earned in a lifetime at the university. I feel like I have accomplished in a week what would have taken me years there, which brings me to my reason for meeting with you this evening.”
Kala cast a glance at me over a sip of Maldarian Moon Glow, knowing that I had already anticipated what Cantolla was about to say.
“Tibby, I would like to work for you… or, at the very least, I would like you to fund my projects. You would have all rights to anything I develop or discover, of course, if I can have the credit of the discovery or invention. I see you as an individual of vision and I think you, like Galetils, have both the ideas and the money to bring them to fruition. I’ve always felt that, given the opportunity, I could accomplish a great deal; but I never really had the chance until you put me in charge of developing the learning device. Now that I’ve had a taste of what I can do, I want more.
Both Cantolla and Kala stared at me. Cantolla was waiting with anticipation to hear what I would say. Kala knew that I had already thought this through, but she didn’t exactly know what I was going to say in reply.
“Before I answer, let me ask you a few questions. How extensive is your scientific knowledge? Are you restricted to the learning headband technology or are you versed in other areas as well?”
“I was at the top of my class in all the sciences, but didn’t really know which field to pursue. Basically, the choice was made for me when I was contacted by an old instructor of mine who had begun teaching at University on Essen She asked me to come there as an assistant and to work on improvements to the learning headband technology. Recently my instructor died and I was asked to take over the program. I still have not given them my answer. Right now I’m holding off, because I think my opportunities will be better with you.”
While Cantolla spoke, the servant had returned with my afex in a crystal glass. The color and frothy head on the drink certainly reminded me of beer. When I took my first sip, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was indeed beer – and very good beer at that.
“I actually do need someone to head up several projects that I have in mind,” I began. “If I hire you, I don’t expect you to do all the work yourself. You will, however, be expected to hire teams of experts that will advance the projects under your guidance and input. The level to which you personally get involved with each project will be up to you. From time to time, I may dictate the priority of a particular project based on my needs. When I do, I will expect your full compliance and attention to that project until it is completed successfully. Can you work under those conditions?”
Cantolla’s eyes glistened as she sat forward in her chair. “That’s exactly what I want, and yes, I can live with that.”
“Okay then. If you’re willing to work for ten times what the university paid you and receive bonuses for jobs well done, and if you’re willing to travel – because there will be many times I will want you working on projects as we travel on the NEW ORLEANS – you’re hired.” I looked at Kala to see her grinning. By this point she was used to seeing me negotiate with job candidates and had come to enjoy seeing their jaws drop at the offers I made.
Cantolla’s green eyes sparkled as she flipped away a strand of long chestnut-colored hair that drifted across her face. “Tibby, that’s exactly the kind of job I want.”
I turned to the ever-present Piebar. “Piebar, please get with Cantolla after dinner and allow her to select a suite suitable for her tastes from the available accommodations here.”
Just as we concluded this order of business, our meal was served.
When Kala and I first met Cantolla, her behavior and gestures toward Kala were of a rather obvious flirtatious nature. Later Kala informed me that Cantolla taught at a university on the planet Essen, which was strictly for lesbians. Since that time, however, Cantolla had not made any overtures toward Kala – at least not to my knowledge.
“I don’t suppose there are any other offices on the estate with a large fish aquarium wall similar to yours, Tibby?” asked Cantolla.
“To be honest, I have no idea. This place is so vast that I will most likely never see all of it myself. Why do you ask?”
“I really liked that office and thought I would like something similar for myself, if there is one available.”
“Well, if there isn’t we can certainly have one made for you. Piebar, would you check into that for us?” Piebar assured me he would do so immediately, as he entered a request on his vid pad.
As we dined, Cantolla surprised me with a very candid admission. “Kalana and Tibby, I want to apologize to you both. When I was first introduced to you, I was a bit brazen in my flirtation with Kalana. At the time I was not aware of the relationship between the two of you and, well frankly, I found Kala highly attractive. Likewise, I had no idea of the nature of the offer you were about to make us and I didn’t anticipate being around here very long. Had I known what I know now, I never would have behaved as I did; so please accept my apology. It won’t happen again, I promise you that. I have only the highest respect for the two of you; and I feel somewhat embarrassed about my foolish behavior of that day.”
I had to grin as Kala’s cheeks redden just a bit. “You needn’t worry. I probably would have been insulted if you had not found Kala attractive; but it’s nice to know that you won’t be pursuing her in the future.”
�
�Oh, well for that matter, Tibby, if I were inclined to pursue a man, you would be at the very top of my list. I’m attracted to intelligent, fast thinkers; and you’re no slouch physically either. But, in the end, I admire and respect what you and Kalana have together and I would never do anything to jeopardize that.”
“Now I’m starting to wonder whether I need to worry about you and Tib,” Kala said teasingly.
I have to confess that sitting with these two highly attractive women really was giving me a bit of a buzz – either that or the afex was a bit stronger than the beer back on Earth. Whatever it was, I was feeling very good at that moment.
“Cantolla, I do have a project I want you to get started on right away. The Federation planets that will be receiving solbidyum will also need reactors. My understanding is that, over the past 500 years, the original plan for those reactors was lost and only the existing reactor units are installed in the TRITYTE and the NEW ORLEANS. The one in the NEW ORLEANS was developed by Lunnie from old plans she found in the computer archives on the TRITYTE. I need you to recover those plans and see what you can do to improve upon them for use with planetary power distribution systems. I’m not certain how much work it will require; perhaps you’ll conclude that the original design or Lunnie’s design will be sufficient as is. I need you to make this a priority and I suggest that you go up to the NEW ORLEANS to look into it as soon as possible. The TRITYTE has been moved back into the hangar on the NEW ORLEANS. It’s basically without power, unless the fusion battery Lunnie installed is still connected. Do what you must to get the information from the TRITYTE’s computer. In fact, I would like you to create two complete backups of the TRITYTE’s databases and operating systems and then have the computer completely replaced with an installation of only the standard operating programs. Who knows what other information may be in there; and with the TRITYTE about to become a traveling museum, I don’t want any information falling into the wrong hands. While you’re up there, get Piesew to assist you in finding a permanent suite and a space you can develop into a laboratory. Notify Captain Stonbersa of any required modifications. He will approve and direct any structural changes and sign off orders for special materials as needed.
In fact, before you talk to Piesew, seek out the captain and let him know that I suggested Piesew might help you. I may own the ship, but Stonbersa is the captain; and on the ship his word is law. I don’t want to appear to be bypassing him.” Kala smiled and nodded in agreement at this comment. “Kala, can you think of anything more?”
“Yes. I have a few questions, too, Cantolla. Since you’re going to be part of this big happy family, I’d like to know a little more about you.”
“What specifically would you like to know?” Cantolla reclined comfortably against the back of her chair.
“Oh the usual things, like where you’re from, your family background, your interests and hobbies, and anything else you might like us to know.”
“I was born on Puryces, where both my father and mother were scientists. Dad was a physicist and mother was a botanist. I had two brothers, both older; and I grew up thinking for the longest time that I was a boy, I guess. At least, I had no interest in feminine things until I hit my teens; and then I saw girls not as sisterly companions, but as romantic attractions. When I was young, I could always be found tinkering about with dad in his laboratory or helping mother cultivate something in her greenhouse; so science has always been a huge part of my life. My eldest brother lives on Nigarreah. My younger brother was killed by the solar flare on Astamagota.”
“Astamagota?” I interjected. “Where Galetils founded and operated his industries?”
“Yes. My brother was working for him at the time of the solar flare. Kind of ironic, isn’t it, that here I am living and working at the estate and on the ship built by Galetils?”
“Maybe,” I said, “and then just maybe you’re meant to finish something your brother started.”
“Like what?” Cantolla asked curiously.
“Only time will answer that question,” I said.
Cantolla went on to talk about the awards she had won in school while participating in projects as a member of various research teams. She also told us of the death of her mother. Her father was injured during an accidental exposure to radiation; and the resulting damage his brain left him in a vegetative state until he eventually died from other complications.
We remained on the patio until the chill of the evening became uncomfortable, and then we said our goodnights.
As Kala and I walked arm in arm back to our suite, she said to me, “Well, it looks like you were right. So tell me what’s going to happen next?”
“We’ll be getting a visit from Admiral Regeny, I suspect – most likely tomorrow.”
“Oh, and what makes you think so?” Kala asked.
“Because we still have the solbidyum on the NEW ORLEANS, for one thing. Beyond that, there is most certainly a leak in the Federation Office of Investigation; and if he and the rest of the High Command can’t trust the FOI, they have no reliable way to identify Brotherhood infiltrators that are known to still be present throughout the Federation military. Also, since the main headquarters and offices were destroyed in the attempt to kill the High Command, their operations are momentarily displaced. The admiral is going to want our help. I have no doubt.”
Kala looked at me and laughed. “Are you sure you didn’t come here from the future? You seem to know an awful lot about things that are going to happen.”
The next morning we were awakened by a message from Kala’s assistant, who told us that Admiral Regeny was requesting to meet with me on the NEW ORLEANS later in the day.
I wasn’t surprised that the admiral asked specifically to meet on the NEW ORLEANS. It was without a doubt the safest and most secure location in the galaxy, if not the entire universe. First, my crew had been thoroughly tested and every one of them was known to be completely loyal to the Federation, unadulterated by the Brotherhood or any other subversive group. The recent coup attempt on the capital planet of Megelleon revealed that the BROTHERHOOD OF LIGHT had been operating quietly within nearly every level of Federation military authority for an unknown period of time – at least for decades. During the assault on Federation High Command headquarters, the rebels also took control of the space frigate TASSAGORA and the star ship DUSTEN, along with several hundred patrol ships. Fortunately, the High Command had already left the premises at my suggestion and were all harbored safely with me on the NEW ORLEANS at the time of the revolt. Since then, the DUSTEN had been recovered and the remaining stolen ships of the rebel fleet destroyed. The Brotherhood had been defeated, but certainly not eliminated.
The second reason the admiral wanted to meet there was that the NEW ORLEANS was the only ship in the galaxy equipped with a working Reverse Magnetic Force Field (RMFF) as well as a unique cloaking device. The RMFF made the ship safe from attack and the cloaking made it impossible to locate. There were too many opportunities for someone to spy on a classified meeting held anywhere on the planet – or on any other ship, for that matter. The admiral couldn’t take the risk of speaking in any environment that potentially allowed Brotherhood operatives to infiltrate or bug the meeting. Only on the NEW ORLEANS could meetings take place without the fear of information leaks or threats of attack.
It was shortly before noon when Cantolla, Lieutenant Marranalis (my security chief), Lieutenant Commander Kalana and I took the shuttle from our estate to the orbiting NEW ORLEANS. The early departure allowed us a bit of time to get settled in and eat before the admiral and his staff were scheduled to arrive.
The NEW ORLEANS was a huge space yacht, large enough to house over 1,000 people in luxury accommodations. There were multiple dining halls, meeting rooms, gyms and pools onboard, not to mention shops and entertainment centers. The yacht had been built for a rich industrialist named Galetils, who apparently committed suicide when his industrial complex and his home planet were destroyed by a giant solar flar
e. At the time of his death, the yacht was still under construction at the shipyard located on the moon of the planet Nibaria. After my accidental journey from Earth brought me to the Federation territories, I was able to purchase Galetils’ nearly completed yacht and his estate on Megelleon near the capital city using the vast wealth I had been given as reward for finding and returning the TRITYTE and its solbidyum cargo.
Before we left the estate, I contacted Piesew on the NEW ORLEANS and advised him that we would require a meal to be served in my personal dining room. There we met with Captain Stonbersa and Kerabac to briefly discuss everything of importance that had taken place in the past few days. Captain Stonbersa was informed that Cantolla was now a permanent staff member and that she would require accommodations and space for a laboratory. Neither of these were a problem, because this enormous ship was filled with available accommodations and workspaces. It wasn’t exactly clear what Galetils’ intentions were when he had the yacht built; but from the number of luxury guest accommodations, dining rooms, ball rooms and associated support facilities included in the design, he clearly intended to do some very high-class entertaining. In addition to these areas were numerous offices and conference rooms, as well as smaller, but still luxurious, personal quarters for crew and staff.
Perhaps the most amazing aspects of the ship were its armaments, as the yacht was fully armed with the latest defense technologies and weapons, like a military warship. It was also equipped with the only functioning RMFF system, which also supported a cloaking device, as we learned somewhat by accident.
These last two items were not functioning when I acquired the NEW ORLEANS, as the amount of energy required to power the RMFF was greater than the capacity of the fusion reactor that powered the yacht. It was the solbidyum reactor of the TRITYTE that offered the answer to rendering the RMFF system functional. Lunnie had managed to construct a small working reactor for the NEW ORLEANS in a hidden location and disguised it to look like a common pump, so the actual source of power for the RMFF system would remain a mystery. Only a few of my closest and trusted associated knew of its existence.
