by Chris Hechtl
That lasted about as long as it took him to clean their clocks in the “small exercise” he'd put them up against. They'd vowed vengeance and had done well in getting it, but he and Falling Leaf were pretty good at holding their own in single or small engagements.
When they arrived in B102c again, Admiral Sienkov called a meeting. Captain Perth was a bit put out over that act but didn't protest. He joined the other senior officers in the rather tight wardroom. “I see it is rather busy here,” the admiral said, “and crowded. There is a bit more room on one of our ships. I mean the sublight defense force ships,” he said.
“Yes sir, I'd imagine so,” the captain replied.
“I've been thinking it over. I've discussed the situation with the governor and president ahead of time, as well as Miss Sema here,” the admiral said. “I want Caroline to make a minor but vital diversion in her mission.”
“To …?”
“To go to Nuevo,” the red skinned admiral stated. “I believe this is important enough to risk the delay. We need to know, and we can pick up the Nuevo delegates and save time in the long run. I'd classify that under the heading of two stones with one bird,” the admiral said with a disarming smile.
“Aye aye, sir,” Captain Perth said, accepting his provisional authority. He just hoped it wouldn't come back and bite him in the ass later.
* * * *
The jump to Nuevo left Qilaq feeling odd. She'd expected the jump, but when it hadn't occurred and no one had mentioned it, she'd just assumed it was over with and forgotten. It sucked. It was another delay, but she had to accept it.
It wasn't like she had any other choice in the matter.
The lack of any water dwellers in Bek had been alarming and dismaying. She knew Tulimak had hoped a colony of selkie had held out but apparently none had emigrated there.
She had been annoyed when the Bek medics had requested genetic samples. She'd never met a Leaf Bug so she'd gone along with it after her tour of their medical facilities. When she found out they planned to bring her species to Bek's oceans, she wasn't certain what to make of it.
They hadn't thought it through, not all the way. She'd tried to talk to them about the raising of such children, but they'd put the idea off. They had said they'd wait a decade before advancing the project, if none of her people emigrated to Bek. She wasn't certain if that was a threat or promise.
She shook her head. It didn't matter. For the moment all that mattered was the twin worlds they were coming to see.
Already calls had gone out to each of the planets. They'd been received and returned. She wasn't privy to them, but she knew from the ship's scuttlebutt that the people of Nuevo were quite eager to see a return of a starship and especially one from the Federation.
* * * *
“We're expecting you shortly Caroline and definitely looking forward to some new friends to meet,” Governor Tribek said over the radio. Apparently Nuevo had backslid in technology a bit, just like the Federation had. They lacked the tech basis Bek took for granted.
And as they entered the star system, it became obvious to Captain Perth and some of his people that Bek hadn't been in the mood to share much either. Or if they had it hadn't lasted long. He shook such thoughts off with difficulty. That was for someone else to consider he reminded himself. He was on a mission.
“We're carrying a delegation from Bek with us, along with some cargo for your two worlds,” the captain said. “With me is Admiral Sienkov of Bek and Miss Sema. They wish to speak with you once we've made arrangements for orbital parking.”
“Understood,” the governor replied. “Take any old orbit you like, as long as it doesn't damage any of our satellites. We don't have many left, and we need all the ones we've got,” the governor stated.
“Well, sir, perhaps while we're here we can lend a hand with that,” the admiral said smoothly.
“That'd be nice. The communications satellites are giving us fits as you can see. Don't get me started on the weather sats,” the governor growled.
“We will definitely see what we can do,” the captain cut in. He wondered why the Admiral mouthed “Zek” to Miss Sema. He'd ask later he thought. “Are there any biological or other problems we need to be aware of, sir?”
“None. Oh, you're talking about diseases and such. We haven't had any in, oh, a decade. The last one ran its course some time ago. We've got the occasional outbreak of Feluvian Flu every winter, but I don't imagine you'll be going to the southern continent where it's winter there now. And I highly doubt you'll toddle over to Baker for a look-see,” the governor said with what sounded suspiciously like a chuckle.
“I can handle a high grav environment, sir, though I'm not certain about going if you are so dubious about it.”
“It's all aliens there. Big ones, little ones, they won't fit in your shuttles anyway,” the governor replied. “Best get your delegates here,” he said.
“Um … okay?” the captain said, looking at Miss Sema and the admiral. Both looked away. “I'm … that's news to me, sir.”
“I thought that was why you were here of course. To pick up our delegates and save time. We're getting them prepared now,” the governor replied. “Now, I really must get going. We've got a problem with pests in the north crops and a tornado touching down in the Midwest.”
“Certainly, sir. It was a pleasure talking with you,” the captain said smoothly.
“Be like it is on both ends,” the governor replied. “Ta,” he said cutting the channel.
“Delegates?” the captain asked, eying the two Bekians. “Something I missed?”
“I thought it was obvious myself,” Miss Sema said with her nose in the air.
“Weren't you the one complaining about the quarters, ma'am?” the captain asked mildly.
“I'll be fine.”
“And if you have to share some more? Or hot bunk?” the captain asked mildly.
“Hot bunk?” she asked, blinking at him. “I'm not sure I follow,” she said warily.
“Hot bunk. It means you share a bed with someone else,” the admiral explained.
The woman's eyes narrowed then exploded wide in surprise. “Oh, hell no!” she said, shaking her head vehemently no.
“Not at the same time, Moira,” the admiral explained patiently. “You sleep one shift; they get the other. Sometimes people have to split a bunk three ways.”
“Or four,” the captain said, looking away. “Which may very well be the case once we're done loading up with more people. I'm certain our life support is up for it, but I'm not so sure about provisions. I suppose it is all a question of who they send and how many and what species,” he said thoughtfully.
“True, sir. But we can pick up supplies from Nuevo. They are an agro world,” the admiral said patiently.
“Yes, sir,” the captain replied with a nod. His eyes turned to the civilian in their midst. “A problem, ma'am?” he asked in a tone saying there had better not be.
Suddenly Admiral Sienkov was reminded of the adage that the captain of a ship was its master. He was the last authority, outranking even an admiral on board when it came to the crew and safety of the ship. They'd pushed him a bit, and the man was starting to get testy.
“I'm not … happy … I guess you could say that. But …,” Moira's face worked in distress and disgust at the idea of sleeping where someone else had recently vacated.
“Needs must, ma'am. We all apparently make sacrifices to finish the mission,” the captain said, suddenly on board with the idea. The concept of being hoisted on her own petard hadn't occurred to the woman. He was glad she was now experiencing it, and she'd get a locker full of it for the trip home he knew.
He just hoped he'd put up with it the rest of the way there. Hell, there was always the brig, but he'd leave that as a last resort.
No, hang it, the brig was occupied as well. There were a dozen sailors sleeping in shifts there as well. He sighed internally.
“Working out where to put them all?” the ad
miral asked.
“No, I'll leave that to the bosun and XO. Once we get the numbers I mean,” the captain said. “I'll have to insist they keep the numbers down to ten though, sir. And bioforms that are easily compatible with our biosphere and food is a must,” he said.
The admiral nodded.
* * * *
Nuevo didn't go as bonkers as Bek did once their arrival hit the media. Their arrival and delivery of gifts gratified many on the planet, but Captain Perth got the feeling that the people were highly independent and were stubborn enough to make do without them, which they had. But they had been gracious enough to accept the gifts in the spirit they'd been given.
Since Nuevo didn't have a space station, they were forced to stage the departures and arrivals from Caroline's boat bay. That put an additional load on the crew since many had been placed there to sleep and live. There was a bit of grumbling over the eviction. The bosun had settled them down in hammocks in the ship's magazines.
Since they had to go up and down by shuttle, the captain kept their runs limited and therefore didn't extend liberty to the crew. On their second trip down, he was surprised to be met by a group of men and women.
“These are your delegates,” Governor Tribeck said simply. He indicated a tall male in a green camouflage day uniform. “As you know we have a militia here, army of course. Lieutenant Colonel Pasha requested to go to Agnosta since your download stated an army is being formed there. He will be of invaluable assistance setting up the command structure there,” the governor stated.
The captain nodded. “I'll save the welcome aboard for when we're actually on board, Colonel. But I am grateful for you setting aside your life here to travel with us. Be advised you'll be worked to within centimeters of your life to pick your brain and rebuild the army,” he said without mirth.
“Good,” the colonel growled. “Just the way I like it,” he said dubiously, though the human female lieutenant behind him looked a bit nonplussed by the idea.
“Ahem, as we go along, Mister Torq will head the civilian side of the delegation, with Doctor Houser and Mister Ferguson here to keep him honest and on his toes,” the governor said.
“Definitely both,” the Neoorangutan said with a cheeky grin. His long arms reached out to poke at Mister Torq's shoes. The man danced away making the Neoorangutan chuff in amusement.
“Oh do grow up, Dwight,” Mister Torq snarled. “I can't believe you're sicking him on me,” the man said, shooting a moderate glower at the governor.
“Ahem, yes well,” the governor said, “Moving on, since I'm on a short timetable here,” he said, taking Captain Perth by the arm.
“Blizzards in the south knocking out utilities,” Mister Ferguson said softly to Houser.
“Okay,” the Neoorangutan stage whispered back mockingly.
“Ahem, yes well, I really must be going. Mister Torq can help you,” the governor said, taking off as one of his aides motioned to him. The moment he was away a circle of aides surrounded him, and they were off to the air tower.
“He's a busy man or just really self-important and bad at time management. I never did figure out which,” Doctor Houser stated.
“You are going to be a pain in the ass to live with,” Ferguson sighed, shaking his head in resignation.
“Mwha?” the Neoape asked with a hand over his heart. “You wound me, sir,” he said.
“Not deep enough it seems,” Mister Torq muttered. “Can we get this farce moving?” he demanded.
“Why? Got a hot date?” Doctor Houser asked. “Oh wait, I remember,” he said, making a show of snapping his long fingers. “You had a hot date. You pissed certain people off so they are exiling you. Now I get it.”
“At least I'm here to do my job,” the civilian said, storming off to the shuttle.
Captain Perth shook his head. He signaled to the marine sentries to let him aboard, and then waved a hand to the CPO to help the others with the luggage. “Hopefully we can store this all,” he said.
“You should, it's less than what you dropped,” Mister Ferguson stated.
“Yes, but it'll be stored, not necessarily in a room. You do know there are no state rooms? This is a warship,” the captain said.
“Shit,” Mister Ferguson said as they climbed into the shuttle.
“I'll be happy as a clam in the infirmary, don't mind me,” the doctor said. “Give me a tablet with the latest medical digests, and you'll only see me at meals and for the occasional walk to stretch my legs and arms,” he said, making a show of stretching his short legs.
“That'll be the day,” Mister Torq said from ahead of them.
“This suddenly got to be a long flight,” the captain sighed under his breath.
“Sorry,” Admiral Sienkov murmured.
* * * *
Once they were on board, they went through the usual boarding ceremony. Captain Perth handed them over to the XO and the bosun as soon as he could. “Now there goes a man on a mission, much like our governor,” the Neoape doctor observed with a twist of his long supple mouth. His sardonic smile wasn't lost on Angie. “I'm starting to think it's personal. Do I have BO or something?”
“Bo?”
“Body odor.”
“I wasn't going to say anything,” the XO replied with a straight face.
“Oh. And here I thought it was because I forgot to shave my legs again,” the doctor quipped. That earned a polite chuckle from the XO. “Oh, come on! I've got a reputation here! I'm an orangutan, we're class clowns and cutups! Yuck it up at least!”
“Sorry sir,” the bosun said with a straight face. “I had my sense of humor surgically removed,” he said.
The Neochimp's brown eyes studied him. After a moment he held up a long index finger. “Funny. Now show me the scar,” he said.
The bosun opened his mouth, but the XO waved a hand. “As you were gentlemen,” she interceded. “This way,” She said. “We're going to have to crowd you in I'm afraid, this light cruiser wasn't built for a large civilian compliment. Some of our officers have already given up their small staterooms to accommodate other delegates. We'll do our best to settle you in, but I'm afraid some of you will have to hot bunk.”
“Next time send a bigger boat,” Mister Torq said.
“If we had a bigger ship, we would have, sir. Unfortunately, a light cruiser was all we had to spare,” the XO said sternly.
“You just love making friends wherever you go,” the orangutan said to Torq, shaking his head. “Someone show me to the infirmary? I've got a doctor to tickle and patients to annoy,” he said. “They'd better have a lot of patience,” he saw the joke falling flat and then shook his head. “Missed it by that much?” he asked, long finger and thumb a couple centimeters apart.
“Try a lot further than that,” the bosun said. “I'll arrange a guide, sir,” he said. “Ensign Caroline, would you oblige the good doctor?” he said, looking up.
“Of course, Bosun,” the A.I. replied sweetly.
“An A.I.? My, I think we are spoiled,” the doctor said, rubbing his hands together in apparent glee. “What to ask first …”
“Sorry, my sense of humor is also not installed, Doctor Houser. And I have a limited ability to learn one,” the A.I. replied. The doctor opened his mouth for a moment and then slowly closed it. “This way,” the A.I. said, projecting a sprite for him to follow.
“Suddenly this is really going to be a looong trip,” the orangutan was heard to say as he left the group.
* * * *
Protests from Mister Torq came instantly when he saw his quarters. A tour of the ship helped to resolve the issue, though he did protest the middies getting their own berth.
“Well, first off, they are all water dwellers, this compartment has been rigged for their comfort,” the XO stated, trying hard not to grind her teeth or the insufferable man's head into a bulkhead. “Secondly, the safety of this ship is going to rest on them. They need their space and their ability to rest and recover between their times on th
e bridge conning the ship through the rapids.”
The Nuevo delegate paled as he stared at the group of middies. Finally, he nodded. “Sorry,” he muttered. He walked off down the companionway.
The XO shot them a look and then closed the hatch behind her.
“Wonder what that was about?” Tyjon asked.
“I think we dodged a bullet. Be grateful,” Kapueo said.
“Right,” Qilaq sighed.
6
“And here we are again,” Captain Perth said flippantly as they entered the B102c star system again several weeks later. B102c had started to be called Sargasso Space by the crew. He wasn't certain if it would stick or not, quite possibly. If his plan worked out, they'd see a lot more of the star system.
He had written up a proposal to put a space station on either end of the rapids. Since they were so limited by qualified water dweller helmsman and they needed to get ships and people in and out of Bek on a regular basis, especially out, he planned to submit a proposal to have helm teams on hand to handle a ship through the rapids like a wet sailing harbor pilot did in troubled waters. The team could get a ship through the rapids and then dock with the station for repairs, fuel, and to offload the team. They could then go about their business as normal, then pick up a team for the return journey.
It was all nice in theory, but he wasn't sure what the brass would say. And since the mission was classified, he didn't know if someone else had thought of it ahead of him. Hopefully, but if they hadn't and liked the idea he hoped he got credit. It'd go a few extra points when his career faced its next promotion board.
They still had plenty of time on the mission clock before they were considered officially overdue by the navy. He would still like to get back to Pyrax and his wife before that time period expired. “We need to do some housecleaning here, if only to make people a little less jumpy and uneasy about being here,” he said.
