The sparse lands, p.25
The Sparse Lands, page 25
part #6 of Steven Gordon Series
‘A Human library?’
‘Yes.’
‘I look forward to that.’
‘You also have the freedom of the ship. Problem is you won’t be able to see very much.’
‘I was on a Builder’s ship once before. It was an unpleasant experience.’
‘We will try and make it as comfortable as possible.’
chapter 52
Valachean realised that the Builder ship was probably twice as fast as any of his ships had been. The crew quickly got used to him, he took his meals at their regular breaks and made a point of trying to get to know them. He was amused to discover the diminutive figure behind the counter was actually a Modloch noble woman. He was also impressed by the fare. The hay wasn’t in quite as big a proportion as he was used to, but there were always fruit and vegetables to go with it. He found his energy levels soaring.
The Humans were respectful and called him sir. He found himself drawn to the Sergeant, who had served in numerous wars. He had been captured by the Albany and put in stasis. A lady of nobility, who often joined them, would keep reprimanding the Sergeant on his manners. He was even more fascinated when he discovered just how far out of time she was.
When he asked what they did on board, he was invited through to their office. He recognised Charlie from the video and introduced himself.
Charlie looked him over and offered a chair.
‘Is this the intelligence gathering part of the ship, should I be here?’
Charlie shook his head. ‘This isn’t a military ship. We don’t do military stuff. This is a cultural research unit, to keep our Ambassadors safe.’
‘Ah! I understand now. There are those with rather strange customs out there.’
‘That’s exactly it.’
‘What do you do exactly?’
‘I’m in the Ambassador’s official guard, I’m a Captain, but avail myself to many other duties. We all do, or we would go mad with boredom.’
Just then the Bear walked in. He eyed Admiral Valachean sceptically.
‘Anything for me Charlie?’
Charlie picked up a folder and handed it over. The Bear flicked through it.
‘Standard stuff.’
‘Nothing spectacular. Normal routine.’
‘Still we had better get some practice in.’
‘We have a month to prepare.’
‘Plenty time. You on duty again tonight?’
‘Aye, why? You got an officers’ mess bash on or something.’
He sighed, ‘What officers’ mess? No, we have a card school fixed for tonight. Thought you might like to join in.’
‘Thank you for considering me, unfortunately I’m on extra duties again.’
‘I’m beginning to think you do it on purpose.’ He nodded to Valachean and left.
‘Extra duties?’ Valachean enquired.
‘I pissed off an Admiral.’
‘That could get you shot in my forces. What Admiral.’
‘Baxter.’
‘I know Baxter. He owes me a root beer.’
Charlie flicked a thumb, ‘There is one in the fridge over there.’
Valachean squinted. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t see it.’
Jeb got up and fetched one for him. He opened the bottle in case he didn’t know how to do it.
Valachean took a long draught. ‘Oh that is wonderful.’
Charlies head snapped up, ‘Seriously?’
‘I could drink this by the barrelful. What a wonderful flavour.’
‘It is an acquired taste back on Earth.’
‘May I ask you a question?’
‘Fire away.’
‘They say you were the one who was with Pan when they tried to assassinate his son.’
Charlie gave Valachean his full attention for a few seconds.
‘That’s right.’
‘You stopped him?’
‘Aye.’
‘How?’
‘How does one normally stop an assassin?’
‘I see. I find it unusual that Darrick would allow someone from another race to be so close with a weapon.’
‘He didn’t actually realise I was carrying one.’
‘Do you normally carry a concealed weapon?’
‘It wasn’t concealed, it still isn’t.’ Valachean shook his head, he wasn’t getting it. Charlie slid it out of its holster. The women squealed and jumped out of the way.
‘Don’t you dare Charlie Murison!’ Jane shouted at him.
‘Oh shut up.’ The sabre sprang to life and Admiral Valachean jumped back in surprise. Charlie snapped it off again and replaced it.
‘What is that thing?’
‘It is an emergency escape tool. The Ambatta supply it to their pilots in case they get trapped in their ships. It will literally cut through anything.’
‘You used that!’
‘Didn’t have anything else.’
Valachean was still in shock. ‘Did you decapitate him?’
Charlie fixed him with a flat stare, ‘Really? You can’t get much of a conversation from a head.’
Valachean cocked his head, ‘I suddenly understand how you manage to get so many extra duties.’
‘Aye, I have a certain intolerance for stupid questions.’
‘Let me guess, Baxter asked you an equally stupid question?’
Charlie sighed. ‘He most certainly did.’
Valachean laughed. ‘Forgive me, I was taken a little by surprise. So this Modloch spoke to you?’
‘When he was completely disarmed the madness left his eyes. He thanked me for stopping him. He was able to tell me he had been tortured by a couple of aliens before they triggered some explosive device in his head, killing him instantly.’
‘Did he say who they were?’
‘No. I’m no quite sure what happened after that. I know they investigated it together. I think they found footage of Catataracs entering his building, tracked them down and caught them on the way home. That’s as much as I know.’
‘Did you see if the Modloch had any strange marks on him?’
‘I did. Circular ones on his head. Like small burns.’ Charlie demonstrated where they were.
‘It is so hard to believe.’
‘No it isn’t.’
‘Why not?’
‘I wasn’t talking about me, I was talking about you. You believe it, you just don’t want to.’
Valachean remembered what Pan told him about this Human. ‘You are correct. That is exactly how I feel. Thank you Captain.’
‘My name’s Charlie.’
‘I don’t think that is quite appropriate. Even if we are from different worlds, different armies, I still outrank you.’
‘Right now you are an Admiral of nothing. You have no rank, no station in life, no army, no fleet. My name is Charlie.’
Valachean took a deep breath. ‘Ouch! However, you are once again right. Morach.’
Charlie smiled. ‘Well Morach, what is it the Grand Commander wants of you?’
‘I have no idea.’
Charlie looked him straight in the eye. ‘Seriously?’
It caught Valachean off guard. He took a moment to reply. ‘Can I say I am not prepared to discuss that at the moment?’
Charlie shrugged, ‘It’s your business, none of mine. I was just making conversation.’
‘You have met the Grand Commander?’
‘Oh aye. He isn’t very fond of me at the moment.’
‘Why?’
‘I was partially responsible for that documentary. I supplied the material for it. I think he is still embarrassed about it.’
Valachean laughed. ‘He is still mad about it, though it certainly helped his cause. I enjoyed it, I watched it with my wife, she enjoyed it too. He really seemed to make a connection with that female.’
‘His sincerity came through. That’s what made it so good. I think that is why the Ambatta trusted him so much.’
‘They weren’t pleased about letting me go.’
‘That’s for sure. You’ve never fought them before?’
‘I considered it a waste of time and resources. We have a lot of archive material on clashes with the Ambatta. I think I read all of it. You would have to be a complete idiot to think you could come out ahead of them.’
‘Like your former King.’
He sighed, ‘My former King. I think I like that.’ He nodded subconsciously. ‘I never thought it would come to this though. I have lost everything.’
‘You’ve lost nothing.’
‘You have no idea what you are talking about.’
‘Your family is safe, isn’t it?’
‘For the moment yes.’
‘I imagine the Grand Commander will be wanting to give you a job. If he does, that means you and your family will be safe forevermore. To murder a Federation officer and his family is one of the most serious crimes. It carries severe penalties. I believe it was a law that was introduced to self-serve the Federation. That way, when talented people fall afoul of their respective monarchs, the Federation could grab them and also keep them safe.’
‘Yes but…’
‘Anything else is immaterial.’
‘I don’t think you understand.’
‘I understand, I simply don’t think it’s worth caring about. You have your life and that of your family. Your own enemy saved them for you. You have friends who have gone far beyond what one would consider the bounds of normal friendship. Emperor Darrick hates your King, and has always considered him and you an enemy. Yet he now protects your family. You have the respect of your enemies. The land, the home, the titles, the contents within are mere material wealth. A house lost in a fire can be rebuilt, its contents replaced. I understand there will be things lost that have great sentimental value and that you may feel irreplaceable. However, what would you rather have? The respect and loyalty of friends and enemy alike, and your family safe, or all your material possessions? Take your pick.’
‘That is no choice. My family of course.’
‘Of course it is a choice. You don’t believe so because you care for those you love. You would be surprised by how many throughout history have chosen the latter. You haven’t been blinded by your status in life. For you, the choice was simple.’
‘What you are saying is, keep it simple. Rejoice in what I have, not in what I have lost. Or should I say the material things I have lost.’
‘Pretty much.’
‘That is easy for a commoner to say. We of noble lineage have a hard time letting go of that which we were born with. What we are entitled to. You wouldn’t understand.’
Charlie took his Federation ID from his pocket and tossed it onto the table on front of Valachean. It took him a second, then he swiped it on a small reader.
‘Unbelievable! I thought you a commoner.’
‘I am. I still think like one. I would give that up in a heartbeat if I thought it would save the life of even one of my men. It means nothing to me at all.’ Charlie leaned closer. ‘The most noble thing you have ever done in your life was give up your nobility to save the lives of those under your command. That was the moment you won my respect, the respect of your enemies, and the respect of everyone you saved that day. They know it, their, wives, mothers, fathers and children will also know it. Your sacrifice gave your people a fighting chance. Your King will know it soon enough; even if he never admits to it. You never out fought anyone on that battlefield, but you out thought everyone. You won far more than you have lost, so don’t pine over it.’
The small chair creaked as Valachean sat back. He pondered over Charlie’s words then smiled.
‘Forgive me for calling you a commoner.’
‘There is nothing to forgive. The truth doesn’t hurt.’
Valachean stood. ‘Thank you for your time.’ He eyed Jeb and Jane bickering over something at a table. ‘Are those two married?’
‘No.’
‘They should be.’ With a nod he left.
It was the following night before Charlie saw him again, in the early hours of the morning. He appeared on the bridge shielding his eyes. He saw Charlie and went over.
‘I didn’t expect to see you here.’
‘Extra duties.’
‘Of course. Was this the Ambassador’s shift?’
‘It was.’
‘You are a trained ship’s Captain?’
‘Oh hell no. I just sit here and drink coffee, make sure everything is running smoothly. If anything else happens I drag him out of his pit.’
‘Pit, ah, you mean bed.’
‘Aye. What’s wrong with you, can’t you sleep?’
‘Your hours are quite different to those we keep. I also have little to occupy my mind with.’
‘You need to learn how to relax.’
‘I have been meaning to try that. Haven’t quite found the time to learn it.’
‘Take a seat.’
‘It is a bit bright in here.’
‘It won’t be in a second. Please.’ Now curious, Valachean sat. ‘Push the button on the end of the arm rest there and kick back.’
The seat lowered and Charlie did the same. ‘Ladies, what shall will we listen to tonight?’
Valachean suddenly realised the staff were all young females.
‘The planets.’ One suggested.
‘Nice one Grace. Prepare yourselves.’ They all kicked back and lay horizontal. ‘Babes, night time routine please. The planets with Mars first I think.’
Valachean gasped as the walls shimmered and vanished. He felt like he was floating. Whispers in the darkness caused the scene to change as the crew picked things they wanted to look at. They zoomed in and out at a sedate pace. The music and sensation filled him with wonder.
Charlie looked over twenty minutes later to see him fast asleep.
chapter 53
Ne´ glanced up at the figure before him, then down at the documents laid out before him.
‘You need to sign each tablet.’
Valachean perused them, ‘That is a lot of signing.’
‘They cover everything, from your new rank to your new home. This way I know we aren’t going to skip a page. I wouldn’t want to leave you vulnerable to your King’s revenge.’
Valachean smiled. ‘My King… no, he is no longer my King. I am afraid he has destroyed any right in my mind to call himself my King.’
Valachean signed all of the pads. The last one he lifted.
‘I am to be an Admiral? I thought I would lose some rank.’
‘Why would you? You have passed all the Federation exams during your career.’
‘Only because it is mandatory for all races.’
‘How did you get on with the Humans on your journey here?’
‘I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I haven’t slept so well in years. Have you ever heard what the Humans call classical music?’
‘No I haven’t.’
‘It rivals some of the Federation’s best. You should try and get your hands on some. Extraordinarily relaxing.’
‘The Humans themselves?’
‘I believe I made some friends.’
‘The Ambassador?’
‘I never saw much of him. It was the members of the crew I found friendship with.’
‘The commoners.’
‘I doubt you could call any of them common. The Ambassador has a very talented team behind him.’
Ne´ took a deep breath, there were one or two of the Ambassador’s team he had a few choice words reserved for, but in the end he had to agree with Admiral Valachean.
‘Yes, he does seem to have an extraordinary team behind him.’
‘So you would have no problems working with them?’
‘None at all.’
Ne´ sighed, ‘That’s good. You have a month’s leave to get yourself sorted out. The treaty with the Ambatta will be signed within two weeks and they will become a protected planet. The contingent that is protecting it at the moment will receive two week’s leave then head out to the far reaches. You will be in charge.’
Valachean was speechless for a moment.
‘Isn’t that the Humans?’
‘Humans, Dent and Ortea. You will be getting them all.’
‘Oh!’
‘Problem?’
‘No, just shocked.’
‘You just told me you had no problems making friends with the Humans.’
‘I really don’t mind. Tell me, didn’t anyone else want them?’
‘I think most are terrified of those three races, especially the Ortea, who have eaten people from most species.’
Valachean seemed to sparkle, ‘Idiots!’
‘That’s what I thought.’ Ne´ agreed. ‘You look pleased.’
‘Delighted, what an opportunity. My flagship?’
‘The Burning Wind.’
‘Gairloch’s ship!’
‘That’s her, and she has been refitted, she is one hundred per cent full spec.’
‘This time last week I was at my wit’s end. It was hard giving everything up, or I thought it would be. I have learned a lot since then. Now my children will have the best schooling the Federation has to offer. My family will be safer than it has ever been under Vison’s rule. I will have under me probably the best ship in the Federation, and the opportunity to explore the edges of Federation space.’
‘I am very happy you are taking it this way. I honestly thought you would need a lot of persuasion.’
‘I haven’t look forward to anything so much since the day I got married.’
Ne´ laughed. ‘I’m still thinking you managed to get your hands on the best looking female in the Federation. Anyway, your Post Captain will be the present Captain of the Burning Wind, Douglas McKinnon. He is already a senior Captain from his own world. However, I want to bring him, and his crew in, and put them through their paces. I have someone else in mind for your permanent Post Captain.’
‘A Human?’
‘Yes of course.’
‘I trust your judgment Grand Commander.’
Ne´ smiled very strangely, ‘I have transport booked for the Modloch home world. It leaves in two hours. Go find your family; bring them to your new home, get settled in.’
‘Could I have the details of the Human’s quartermaster?’
‘You could get that when you join them.’
