Planetary Life
The morning started crisp and cool, by noon it was pleasant, as the sunset approached a thin layer of high clouds started to form from the southwest. It was the evening of the third celebration of the planets attunement. Plakia, who was four and had enough fingers to show you, was helping Dawn who was almost three up the path towards Seelnay and Nasse’s residence. Right before Dawn was born Seelnay had convinced Nasse and her family to move to Shahrazad. Seelnay’s delivery was anything but normal; Dawn was not willing to enter this new world readily. After thirty hours of non-stop labor she arrived shortly after dawn on the last day of the harvest moon. Seelnay, who had a head full of boy’s names till the minute she saw her, decided if dawn is when she arrived then Dawn is what she’ll be named.
“Look at you two! What a mess you are.” Seelnay said as the girls entered the residence. “We need to get you cleaned up for the ceremony tonight.” Seelnay called to Nasse who took Plakia, then she and Dawn set about the daunting task of getting a three old cleaned up for an important event. Finally, Dawn was presentable; she sat in a pale yellow sundress and waited for Plakia to come down the hall. Seelnay fixed her hair while keeping one eye on Dawn. I’ve got a surprise for you if you’re a good girl.” Seelnay said as she fixed the last bit of her outfit. “Do you have any idea of what it might be?”
Dawn sat in the chair next to her mother, her hands in her lap, her legs kicking back and forth. She got a rye little smile on her face and asked. “Aunt Arisa’s going to be there?” Seelnay nodded and this ear-piercing squeal could be heard throughout the residence. From down the hall Nasse said. “I guess you told her?” Seelnay replied. “It was that obvious eh?” Seelnay heard Plakia running down the hall, she picked up Dawn and left the room. Once outside Dawn said. “Mommy I want to walk this year.” Seelnay placed Dawn on the ground took hold of her hand and they walked the short distance to the square where the celebration would start shortly.
Village life was treating Seelnay well, at first, she tried living with Jinto and Lafiel, but it didn’t work. They were all couples there, she was by herself and very pregnant. It was then she moved to the village and convinced Nasse to come live with her. There was some friction between them, and then Nasse discovered the wealth of opportunities that Shahrazad had to offer. Today she and Seelnay run the Trade Ministry, with help from Arisa and Company. You see when everything blew up politically three years ago. Seelnay sold the company she founded to Arisa and had them come work for Spoor on her fuel depot. This gave Seelnay a hand, quietly, in building the fuel depot. It also gave her the expertise, which led Lafiel to make her head of the Trade Ministry. There were also some other benefits that being in an important position had to offer, but more on that later.
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Samson and Sobbash sat at a table in the square watching the sunset. In a carry sack across Sobbash’s middle laid little Saio. Sixteen months after the attunement, Samson and Sobbash decided to start a family. The first month seemed to go well but in to the second Sobbash began feeling ill. She was left with just enough energy to perform the simplest of tasks. Samson took her to the Village and after a comprehensive examination it was determined that the child would not survive to a time where it could be delivered early. Two days later the pregnancy terminated. It left Sobbash devastated and unable to carry a child ever again. Nasse heard of Sobbash’s plight and took matters into her own hands. Without consulting anyone planet side she made contact with the government on Deltoke. There had been a natural disaster on another planet and Deltoke was the refugee camp for those orphaned children. With help from Ku’s mother, she found an eight-week-old girl, had the papers executed and delivered her to Sobbash at the beginning of the harvest season, one year ago. At first Sobbash was angry but soon Saio became part of Samson and Sobbash’s life. It is a decision that Nasse never regretted. Saio was sleeping as Nasse and Seelnay approached Samson and Sobbash. Seeing this they reined in their girls, who’s only comment was. “Can we see the baby?” Sobbash looked at them and said. “You can but you must be quiet she’s sleeping.” Sobbash leaned forward so Plakia and Dawn could see Saio. There were smiles and giggles from both girls.
“How is she doing?” Nasse asked. “Better.” Sobbash answered. “She’s sleeping through the night and Mia’s happy with the weight she’s gaining.” Sobbash paused then looked at Nasse and said. “I still can’t find the words to thank you for…” Nasse stopped her. “Sobbash, the look on your face and the contentment that child is showing, is thanks enough for me. Are you two doing well with your gardening?” Samson nodded. “We’ll have plenty this year, enough for the entire Village…” Sobbash placed an elbow in his ribs. “You forgot something. We are donating a goodly share to Saio’s home world. It’s befitting their plight and the village elders did give their approval as well.” Samson looked in the sack; Saio was still sleeping, and said. “Sorry Honey. Daddy forgot his promise. I’ll not do that again.” He looked Sobbash in the eyes. “You’ll forgive me I wasn’t thinking.” A kiss on the cheek was his answer.
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“Lafiel! Hurry up! We are going to be late.” Lafiel heard his words but Dai had her attention. It had been six months since their last chat and Lafiel was going to hear everything Dai had to say this time. Jinto poked his head in the room realized who Lafiel was talking to and headed outside. Noel and Risch were waiting in the hover car; this vehicle was an invention of necessity. Samson and Risch with help from Jinto had taken two hover sleds and made a car, of sorts. It had sides and a top with windows that opened and closed it afforded them some comfort against the ever-changing climate of Shahrazad. Soon after the attunement the climate changed. There were now four distinct seasons Cold, Warm, Hot and Warm, followed by Cold again. It was the transitions from warm to cold. This meant sudden shower were likely. After being caught out in the driving rain on a hover sled. It was decided to devise something that offered some protection from the elements, so the hover car was born. Jinto sat next to Risch in the back, leaving the seat next to Noel for Lafiel. Noel gave him a look as he entered, once settled she asked. “Just the three of us?” Jinto shook his head. “We wait. She is on the link with Dai. After the last time if it takes all night then it takes all night. I’ll not have that scene again.” Jinto’s pulling the plug on them, cut the last conversation short. Lafiel was on his case for three weeks after that. They decided anytime Dai called however long it took it took. Jinto sat and stared out the window. “Noel? Are the safeties removed from this car?” She nodded. Jinto checked his creunoc. “She’s got ten minutes to finish. If she shows up after that, go like the wind.” Noel sat facing the control panel she flipped a couple of switches, adjusted her seat belts and said. “I do hope she’s long winded this time, I’ve been wanting to open this up.” She sat rubbing her hands together as Lafiel appeared and got in next to her. Dejected Noel started the car as Lafiel said. “We are going to be late! Go Noel! GO!” With a cloud of dust they headed towards the Village.
Although they were moving right along the inside was quiet enough to have a normal conversation. “Jinto. Duhiel got his promotion. Kotoponi recommended him personally. Dai’s beside herself with joy, it seems they maybe in the neighborhood soon?” Jinto smiled. “Lafiel could you define soon?” Lafiel nodded. “Within the next six months, it depends on how this patrol goes.” Jinto relaxed in the seat, Lafiel still had a time conception problem. To her, now, could be that very second to as long as a week away. Soon could be next week, next month, or next year. Six months before Duhiel’s ship would be close enough for Dai to come planet side that will be a nice visit if it happens.
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When Lafiel last saw Dai it was for two hours and it had to be at Spoor’s fuel depot. That is when Dai told her of the punishment handed out by the Grand Council. Publicly, Lafiel had been stripped of her name and title. Privately not much had changed, with one big exception. She, like myself was banished from her home. At first Lafiel showed no emotion when Dai told her, she returned to Shahrazad as if nothing had happened. One night however it all came to a head and Lafiel could no longer contain her self. Spoor and Kufadis had just left for the fuel depot. Risch and Noel were in orbit working on the planets survey. Samson and Sobbash were somewhere on the island. I never got a good answer from them about that night. Needless to say it was something completely unrelated to what was really bothering Lafiel that set her off. We were sitting at the table outside the kitchen watching the sunset. It had been a fairly warm and humid day. Our clothes were sticking to our bodies and there was barely a breeze. I’ve never liked bugs and Lafiel had never to deal with them until recently. We had the fly problem under control. Samson had seen to that, but we recently had a new pest arrive, the mosquito. They were a product of the experimentation the scientists in the Village were conducting. I’ll put it this way. Their science project got loose one night and multiplied rapidly. Soon after that night we were hip deep in the hungry little monsters. Lafiel was one of the first ones bit; her reaction was unexpected to say the least.
“OUCH!” ‘SMACK!’ “Jinto, what the hell is this?” A flatten mosquito laid on the back of Lafiel’s hand with blood oozing out of it. Rolling my creunoc I brought up the explanation and showed it to Lafiel. It was after reading it that she went ballistic. “A lousy blood-sucking parasite! What did I do to deserve this? First those blood sucking bastards at the Capital screw with my life, and now we got bugs doing the same thing!” Lafiel went on for another fifteen minutes her language getting more colorful by the moment. Finally she faced me and told me what Dai had said. We started to have a good cry when the sun finally set and the buzz of trouble reached our ears. Making our way inside, we relaxed in the shower and continued our conversation. The next morning, “Operation Mosquito” started, little to my knowledge or approval.
I found Lafiel sitting in front of the main computer console. She was in her safari outfit with netting draped across her face. Lying on the table next to her were three empty power packs. She noticed I was in the room and said. “Those bugs aren’t so tough! You should see what happens when a laser pistol is discharged into a swarm of them little beggars.” Lafiel took her hands, made the motion of an explosion, and said. “Poof! The only problem is the smell. They smell real bad when they’ve been fried Jinto. Real bad.”
I looked over Lafiel’s shoulder at the display of the island. She had it sectioned off and parts colored bright red. I inquire as to what I was looking at and she said. “The red parts are where the largest concentration are, err, ah, were. Those areas are now clear. Samson will go in later and destroy any young I missed in my initial sweep of the area.
Lafiel sat there feeling pretty good about her self. In typical Abh fashion she had used overwhelming force against an almost defenseless foe. The result had to be in her favor, had the mosquitoes put up any kind of resistance. I’m sure she would have called in a defensive strike from the orbital platform. Oh yeah that. Well we tried at first to build our own defensive fleet, but that fell flat when the Capital found out about it. Spoor was informed if she helped us in the least little bit. Spoor would find her self at war with the Empire, no questions asked. The orbital platform was a gift from the Iliac Kingdom, much to the Capital’s dismay. Face it. Lafiel’s got friends. She’s managed to keep most of them, even after what has happened. So now we have six ships that are capable of space / plane space travel. None of them carry any firepower. Although the long range research vessel could be armed if we so desired.
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Noel exited the cleared firebreak and slowed as she entered the village. Firebreak? Guess I need to explain that too. Following Samson’s advice the area surround the village and most of the island has had the underlying brush removed from them. In the process we cleared a one hundred meter wide path between the island and the Village. It’s now a straight shot between them. As an added bonus there are places where you can get shelter from any inclement weather encountered along the way. Noel made excellent time I might add.We parked the car and made our way to the square. I’ll have to admit I didn’t see them until it was too late. “Auntie Lafiel!!” Dawn and Plakia about dropped Lafiel to the ground with their charge. “Hi girls. How’s my favorite nieces tonight?” Standing and smiling, they both said. “We are fine. Saio is here too.” Plakia said. “Oh? She is?” Lafiel was surprised when that fact was revealed. Saio’s health was not the best when she arrived at Shahrazad. It had been only recently that she had started responding to treatment. Lafiel spied Sobbash; she took the girls by the hand and headed towards her. ”Sobbash I’m glad to see you.” Lafiel leaned forward and peeked into the carry sack. “Hi Saio.” With the sound of Lafiel’s voice Saio opened those blue eyes and tried very hard to focus on her. A bubbly smile crept across Saio’s face and Lafiel said. ”She is looking good. Is she sleeping well?” Sobbash nodded and said. “Through the night in fact. Mia’s happy with the weight she’s put on and I’m so happy…” Sobbash stopped and wiped the tears from her eyes. “When I lost…” Lafiel placed her hand across Sobbash’s lips and pointed to the girls. “Not now Sobbash. I understand, but not now.”
Sobbash nodded as Samson returned to her side. He took her hand as said. “You were doing fine. Do we need to leave?” Sobbash shook her head. “Saio will decide if we stay or leave. I need to be around people again. I need to accept everything that has happened and move back into society. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself, for both of your sakes. I won’t have Saio or you having a hermit around. So Samson, watch me and guide me, but Saio decides when we leave okay?” Samson took Sobbash and helped her to her feet. “It’s time Sobbash. Scholar’s coming across the square.”
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After the attunement there was a brief power struggle with in the Village. Li and Erin were gathering supporters and were going to divide the Village when Scholar stepped in and brought that “nonsense” to a halt. Erin and Li govern jointly it has worked for almost three years, although there have been those uncomfortable moments. The celebration of the attunement was more like a state of the state address than a celebration. The celebration, that happened afterwards, weather permitting. For the next twenty minutes. Erin and Li took turns highlighting the past years events and their plans for the coming year. This being an odd year, the gong will be sounded as well. Once the speeches were done we made our way to the Council chambers to bear witness to the sounding of the gong. Lafiel had the honor of striking it this time. The gong emitted an eerie sound but there was not the violent reaction that was experienced the first time it was sounded.“That thing gives me the willies.” Noel said. “After knowing what it did to this planet. I’m not sure if it was such a hot idea to sound it again.” Risch placed his hand on her shoulder. “Easy Noel. Take it easy. You’re basing that statement on the preliminary findings. We both know it goes deeper than that.” Noel took a deep breath and relaxed. “Your right Risch there have been changes for the good especially the gas ratios, but some of the other things like the violent storms that never occurred before. I’m just wondering.” Risch kissed her. Moving away from the crowd he said. “Noel you need to be careful of what you say in public. Until the findings are verified an erroneous statement could start another conflict. Remember we are no longer in the Star Forces. We live here and we have to live with these people. Remember that will you Noel.”
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Suddenly fireworks erupted from the south end of the Village. “Aunt Arisa is here!” squealed Dawn. She and Plakia were moving as fast as their short legs could carry them with Seelnay and Nasse in hot pursuit. Arisa saw the girls running towards her. She knelt down and intercepted them one in each arm. “Oh my how you two have grown. Let me have a good look at you.” Plakia and Dawn stood back and up as straight as they could. It was in that time Seelnay and Nasse caught up. “My, my, you two are quite the pair.” She greeted Seelnay with a hug. “It’s been too long, I feel bad I haven’t had the time to visit more often.” Plakia tugged on Arisa’s skirt and said. “More boom, boom please.” Kuhaspia bent over and gave Plakia the magic button. “Push it once and watch what happens.” Plakia pushed the button and a small sky display started. She and Dawn stood staring at the display as Arisa and Seelnay spoke. “Once this is done you and I need to talk. Something is brewing and I need to bounce it off you before I do anything about it.” Seelnay frowned. “Imperial entanglements again?” Arisa nodded. Feeling a tug on her skirt she looked down to see Dawn patiently waiting. “What is it Dawn?” Arisa asked. “Plakia got to make boom, boom. It’s my turn.” Arisa set the display control for another sky show and she handed Dawn the button. “You know what to do.” Using both hands Dawn pressed the button and the sky lit up. “It’s just the two of you? Where’s?” Arisa pointed skyward. “I left her aboard the ship. Like I said, something is a foot and leaving a ship in orbit on auto does not bring peace to my soul.”
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Jinto, Lafiel, Noel and Risch stood at a distance watching Seelnay and Arisa speaking. Sobbash and Samson stood off to one side protecting Saio from the noise of the fireworks. “I wish I knew what they were talking about?” Lafiel said. Before she could say another word a hand with a scanner in passed across her face. “Humph! My shadow is back.” Lafiel said. Mia looked at the scan placed the scanner in her pocket and said. “If you would make office visits when I asked I wouldn’t have to do this in public. Although I’m getting use to keeping a scanner on me at all times. I never know when you’ll drop in next.” Lafiel wasn’t impressed by Mia’s statement. “Since it’s in you pocket I’m assuming there’s nothing there?”Jinto, seeing an opening, took it, but regretted it later. “You don’t need a scanner to confirm that.” Jinto said as Lafiel caught him in the ribs with an elbow. Jinto was gasping for air as Lafiel said. “You know how I hate those comments Jinto and I warned you last time what I would do if you got that smart again.” Mia scanned Jinto and said. “You need to be careful Lafiel. You’ve bruised a couple of his ribs any harder and you would have broken them.” Lafiel walked over to Jinto who was still gasping and whispered in his ear. “Make fun of me in private all you want. Keep doing it in public and I’ll break them next time.” Jinto nodded he knew he was out of line and did deserve this punishment. He was lucky to be alive.
Sobbash tapped Mia on the shoulder. Mia was surprised when she saw the three of them at this event. “How’s Saio doing?” she said as she peeked in the carry sack. “She seems to be fine but I’m not feeling to well could you check me out?” It was a short walk to the Hospital from where they were standing. Samson and Saio waited in the waiting area. Sobbash and Mia went to the first open exam room. In the room Sobbash asked for Mia’s scanner and took a scan of her midsection. Looking at the scan she handed the device to Mia and said. “I thought, I was pass this, but now?” Mia showed her to the table and had her undress from the waist down. She brought the portable scanning device from across the room and scanned Sobbash again.
Turning the display where they could both see it she said. “You have an abscess, this one is draining. However it’s draining internally not externally. I can drain it now and give you something for the infection. Sobbash if this keeps up, you know what we will have to do.” Sobbash nodded. Mia brought another device over to the table she prepared the area and drained the abscess. Sobbash felt better almost immediately after the procedure was done, then Mia reminded her it was the medication that was making her feel good and as soon as it wore off she’d feel lousy again. “Why don’t you stay the night, I can put Samson and Saio in the same room with you.” Sobbash thought that was an excellent idea. Two nurses wheeled Sobbash to a private room and Mia went to get Samson and Saio.
“How is she doctor?” Samson asked. Mia sat next to Samson and explained everything to him. “I understand Doctor. I’ll keep an eye on her. You know it’ll will depress her to have that done.” Mia nodded. “When the time comes, if we don’t do it, it will surely kill her. Remember that Samson. Depression I can treat, death is a non treatable ailment.” She took Samson and Saio to be with Sobbash then she left the Hospital. On her way out the door she met Doctor Sasoum. “Sobbash is in room six. I drained another abscess. This one was draining internally it was almost to the muscle wall another eight hours and we would have.” Doctor Sasoum placed her face in her left hand, shook her head and said. “That poor woman, after everything she’s been through and now this. You’re right if it ever gets that bad, prep her, I’ll do the procedure. I’d rather have her hating me than you. But at least she’ll be alive to hate.” They parted ways. Mia headed to her quarters and Doctor Sasoum stopped in on Sobbash.
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“Wow Arisa this is…” Seelnay stopped and read the document again. “It’s insane they can’t expect to accomplish that in the time required, unless…” Arisa handed Seelnay another document a technical drawing this time. Seelnay placed it on the table and adjusted the light to view it better. A stirring noise from down the hall brought her to her feet. “One sec Arisa, I think someone’s awake again.” Seelnay made her way to her room. A conversation could be heard between Dawn and her. Leaving the room Seelnay said. “Aunt Arisa will kiss you good night before she leaves I promise.” Seelnay returned to the table, picked up the document and continued to study it. “You know Arisa. She adores you and the rest of the crew.” Arisa smiled and said. “I’m glad, she’s a darling girl. Too bad her daddy is not here…” Arisa claps her hand across her mouth. Seelnay showed no emotion over Arisa’s last statement, she continued to read the document and said. “It’s okay Arisa. Dawn has already explored the subject of daddy with me. Thanks to Count Hyde’s extensive photo collection and his first hand knowledge. Dawn has a pretty good idea of who her father was. Mother Dorin was a big help too. You just missed her. She left on the transport to Deltoke this morning.”
Seelnay placed the document on the table and Arisa got a good look at her face. Slightly flushed and showing two small streaks of tears Seelnay made eye contact with Arisa and said. “Ku’s death was an accident. I blamed myself at first for it, then I found out I was carrying her. If it wasn’t for Scholar and a lot of other people I would have placed her, I wasn’t a fit mother before she was born. I’m happy with the progress I’ve made and I’m sure Ku’s content too. I want you to know, if anything happens to me, you’ll finish raising her for me. Okay?” Arisa sat stunned, the normally abrasive Seelnay had just confessed a lot and asked something that. “We’ll take good care of Dawn if the time ever comes. I promise.”
Seelnay picked up the document and pointed to a section of the device. “Take care. If there is going to be a problem it will be around that area. It’s structurally sound, barely. You’re really going to get involved in this venture?” Arisa stared at the drawing leaned back in her chair and said. “Nope I don’t think so. After careful consultation with the founder of this company, I believe it’s not in the best interest of Arisa and Company to get involved in this disaster about to happen.” Arisa picked up the documents and looked Seelnay in the face. “Thanks Boss. I was going to do this for the credits, but you showed me there are more things than credits in this universe.” She made her way down the hall kissed Dawn good night and left.
Seelnay sat at the table, a cup of coffee in her hand. Nasse entered from the other room and sat next to her, pointing at the cup she said. “Did you make that or did Arisa?” Seelnay pointed at the door and continued to drink her coffee. Nasse got up grabbed a cup and poured her self one then sat next to Seelnay. “Pretty intense conversation. Arisa was about to do something…” Seelnay interrupted her. “Stupid! Probably get her self killed in the process. Damn outer worlds! They steal technology from the more advance worlds and modify it so as not to get commended for stealing it. In the process they so cheapen it they make it dangerous to operate. In this case it was dangerous to build. I don’t get it? They could buy the product cheaper than stealing the plans and producing it themselves. That is, if life has any value to them?”
Nasse sat her cup down and said. “Do you remember the trade agreement with the Soulari? How they waltzed in here and offered to produce the harvesting units that Samson and Risch finally made themselves?” Seelnay nodded. “They were using stolen Midgradian technology and Samson let them give him that line of bull before he sent then packing. Yeah I remember. Why do you bring that up?” Nasse took a drink of her coffee and continued. “Remember what Samson said after they left. He said he could have ruined their day by exposing their deceit. But that poor fellow hadn’t the slightest idea the product he was selling was pirated technology. He was so proud of it. Samson hadn’t the heart to ruin the poor fellows day. Granted Lafiel filed a formal complaint with their government. They paid the Midgradian government a healthy fine, but now, they do produce the unit under a Midgradian license and their pride still shows in the product. Sometimes Seelnay planets do things like that to instill pride in their citizens. Then there are those fast credit artists that we see more and more of each day.”
Nasse glanced at the clock and said. “The representatives from Saio’s home world will be here in twelve hours don’t you think you should get some rest?” Seelnay faced at Nasse. “If you want. I’ll meet with them. You can watch the girls.” Nasse shook her head. “It’s alright Seelnay, the matter concerning Saio is settled. I’m convinced that they had no knowledge of her physical condition when they finalized her adoption. Mia has said there would have been no way of knowing she wasn’t a healthy child when they placed her on the transport coming here. Sobbash has taken to her and I really believe she’s the one that’s made Sobbash turn the corner. I was surprised to find the three of them at the celebration tonight.“ Seelnay rose from the table and placed her cup in the sink. “Wake me when you need me. I’ll watch the girls. Good night.” She headed towards her room. Nasse poured the last bit of coffee in her cup and sat at the table. “This negation should be an easy one unless they send a certain person.” She finished her coffee and went to bed.
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The trip back to the residence was a quiet one. Because it was dark and there was wildlife running loose, Noel set the car to cruise at five meters above the surface. Even at that height she exercised caution because deer had been known to leap that high. Jinto sat next to Risch still nursing his ribs. Lafiel was dozing next to Noel; the girls had worn her out. Traveling at night posed certain problems that daylight travel didn’t, the first, and most annoying was the bug population. Glass installed in the car had proven a must the bugs were impaling themselves upon the front glass as she traveled along. Second and not so annoying was the lack of ambient light. Two small lamps lit the forward progress but at any kind of speed they proved useless. Noel was well past the speed of usefulness when the lamps reflected suddenly.
Her first reaction was the safest direction, UP. In this case it wasn’t the best move. The large hawk bounced off the side of the car and retreated towards the thicket. Everyone else was up with a start it was Lafiel who said. “Mosquito? Was that a mosquito?” Noel chuckled softly and said. “No Lafiel, I do believe you got all of them the last time you did battle with them. I think it was a hawk; it was above us took a dive. Instinctually I pulled up and I think I hit its hunting partner.” Lafiel peered out the front glass it was a maze of splattered bugs. “We need to do something about all these bugs.” From the back Risch said. “Don’t worry, the first cold snap and they’ll be history.” Lafiel shook her head and said. “That’s another thing I don’t like is the cold season. What happened to our mild winters?”
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Normally I would have answered Lafiel’s question. But the question she asked this time, had I told her my opinion without any facts to back them up she’d tossed me out of the car. Risch and I started the planetary survey shortly after the atmosphere settled down. The attunement had altered several things. First, and it will be the most important; it let the planet tilt another two point five two degrees on its axis. That slight adjustment combined with the ionization up the upper layers of the atmosphere has raised the temperature one degree at the equator in the past three years. There is not one wind pattern that has remained the same either. The tropical and sub tropical jet streams have changed drastically and are still changing. I believe they might return to something similar to the pre attunement patterns in another five to seven years but the extra tilt of the planet has caused parts of this planet that never received long-term sunlight to be bathed in sun one quarter of the year. On a brighter side the oxygen level of the planet has risen to twenty three percent from the eighteen point nine five percent it was before. It’s easier to breathe even at higher altitudes. The rest of the gases have changed as well. But to life on this planet the increased oxygen level will be of the most benefit. I long to have the survey completed so I know what our future will hold.*********
“Noel slow down!” The car nimbly moved around the tree. “Sorry Lafiel my mind was else where. I’ll pay more attention from now on.” Lafiel sat for one moment then said. “Was you’re lapse of attention, did it have anything to do with my question about the mild winters?” Noel nodded. “Sorry Lafiel you know how that subject…” She paused. “The survey will be published shortly after it is we can talk about it all you want.” The gentle touch of Risch’s hand on her shoulder told her she had said enough on the subject.The lake appeared and Noel slowed down. Parking the car on the dock they made their way towards the residence. Peering through the trees they saw Samson and Sobbash’s cottage sitting unlit. “Wonder if they stayed in the Village. Sobbash looked really tired tonight.” Lafiel said. Noel tapped her on the shoulder and said. “Remember they left with Mia, I’ll guess they stayed in the Village.” From behind them they heard Jinto saying. “I understand Samson. I’ll check the place before I go to bed. If there is anything else we can do just ask okay?” Samson’s voice radiated from the device but it was at such a low level you had to be next to Jinto to hear it. “Understood Samson. Give Sobbash my best and we’ll see you in a couple of days. Don’t worry everything is fine here.” Jinto ended the transmission and Lafiel asked. “Saio?” Jinto shook his head. “Sobbash, she took ill tonight and Mia admitted her to the Hospital for a couple of days. She is resting comfortably; Samson and Saio are with her. All we have to do is check the cottage and keep an eye on things till they get back.” Jinto proceeded to pat his pockets then said. “Risch you got a light on you?” Lafiel flipped open her bag, produced a light and handed it to Jinto. “Watch out for snakes. We’ll meet you at the house okay?” Jinto nodded and headed towards Samson’s place. The rest of them headed towards the residence.
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It doesn’t matters how many times you’ve seen the place Samson and Sobbash built. You’ll always find something different, something you didn’t notice the last visit. Their cottage was of similar construction to the building Lafiel and I live in. There is a covered walkway leading to their hot house. That hot house replaced the garden I had behind our home, yet Lafiel and I have kept the flower garden going strong. Samson and Sobbash managed single handedly to keep the planet in food our second year. That was the year the cyclone almost destroyed the Village farming fields. Sobbash was recovering from losing the baby. Samson spent three days away from her, trying desperately, to save what they could in the Village. Lafiel and Noel spent every spare moment they had with Sobbash. Risch did yeoman’s work repairing the central power grid.What did I do you asked? I finished assembling the planting trays for the hot house; it wasn’t that big of a deal. Samson returned with what he salvaged, figuring he would have to assemble planting trays and care for Sobbash. Needless to say we surprised him in a very pleasant way. The near disaster was a blessing in disguise. It motivated Sobbash to help Samson. That motivation, I believe, kept her from quietly going insane.
Shining my light around I checked the cottage. Everything looked normal. I approached the hot house and read the displays. It was running along nicely. Turning the light to go I caught sight of a pile of sensors that Sobbash had salvaged from the falls. Sobbash surprised even her self; she managed to make four working devices out of that pile of junk. The balance of the parts sat in a pile between the cottage and the hot house. I wonder if she’ll ever do something with them? I returned to Lafiel. On my way I noticed Noel and Risch had retired for the evening. Their place sat north of our place and east of Samson’s. The bed looked comfortable and I gently lower myself into it. “Note to self. Do not razz Lafiel in public again.”
*********
I sit outside watching the sunrise by myself. This morning I left Jinto sleeping. I could sense his discomfort most of the night. I feel bad about injuring him however I’ve warned him on several occasions to keep those thoughts to him self. Maybe this time he’s learned. Three years have passed since the attunement, since I declared myself a Lynn. Since the day the Empire banned me forever going back to the Capital. Shahrazad has proven more of a challenge that I originally expected. We have had our high and low points. Some of those highs were the arrival of the orbital platform, the first successful trails of the long-range research vessel. We made new friends and have several trade agreements. I’ve found that you can survive without the Empire, however, I find myself at times fighting this genetic programming I carry. Dai’s conversations have kept me apprised of what is going on with in the Empire that coupled with those who visit the planet. I know things are still very volatile, its taken every spare moment that the government has had to keep the ruling families in check. Ramaj and Kenesh have almost gotten a handle on the rebellion. There are those in the Empire who believe I got off easy, they insist I should have been tried in public and disgraced more than I already have. Those are the true victims of the outrage concocted by those who have suffered their final judgment. I guess I wasn’t surprised when I learned several of them had been put to death. It doesn’t matter whether I agree with that decision or not it’s over and done with. It did have the desired effect it silenced those who would have taken the Empire into tyranny. It will years before Duhiel’s ready to govern the Empire. I hope one is there for him to govern.
The sun feels good. I never realized how a glowing ball of uncontrolled energy could give one a feeling like this. I glance over my shoulder, I see Noel’s up. The whirring of her hot tub can be heard; it’s breaking the silence of the dawn. I’m surprised that she and Risch haven’t followed the path Sobbash and Samson did. I guess I should explain that. Once we were declared no longer a part of the Empire, and were stripped of our Star Forces ranks. Samson and Sobbash ventured off to the Hyde system. It was there they made their arrangements to be no longer associated with the Empire or any of its workings. At first Jinto thought Samson and Sobbash were leaving, never to return, however when it became evident what their intentions actually were, he assisted them with there travel plans. They returned six weeks later and started to build the cottage and hothouse. Where as Noel and Risch have spent the last three years doing the research study for the planet. They live in a nice cottage but have done nothing else to improve their lifestyle. I guess I’m amazed on how casual they live.
Oh well its another day and in four hours, we’ll have visitors wanting to immigrate to this world, something that up till now has been impossible to do. “The Council regrets to inform you that immigration to the planet Shahrazad is not possible at this time. Your application has been filed and when an opening occurs you will be notified.” I hate repeating that statement over and over again. But I have to admit we haven’t been getting those desirable residences either. Its not that we have let immigration be a one-way street either, we have admitted about five hundred residences. Those with the technical skills we needed got priority and then there were those I held in special regard, they were admitted to the growing community.
We number about nine thousand now. That includes the twenty children born this year. The Villagers, no longer inhibited by Sol-Eros unruly climate, have started their own population boom. Mia and her staff have had their hands full. I have to admit we’ve had those who were in bad health when they arrived here; they have left us as well. Then there was an unexpected low. Sobbash’s child never got a proper chance to claim the right to walk among us. I’ll remember that day till the day I die. I can’t think of one person on this world the loss of that child didn’t affect. Jinto and I had a long talk about children. I will not rule out the possibility of having at least one, but until this world is settled and I can take the time to be pregnant and nothing else, children will have to wait. There is one project I’d like to see to a conclusion before I settle down too. Scholar has the old star charts and has placed finding our origins on hold once again. It was always understood that project was on a ‘as time was available’ basis. Hopefully some more free time will come available soon.
My thirtieth birthday just passed me by. Jinto didn’t make much of a fuss over it. Well? Would you call breakfast in bed, a long loving soak in the hot tub followed by a rare oil rub down, making a fuss over me? If so, then, there was a fuss made over me and I enjoyed every second of it. There are days where I truly believe I’m growing accustom to living on a surface world, then there are days like today, where being cooped up in a space ship, inside a space time bubble, brings comfort to my soul. By the way, I’ve discovered, I do have a soul. I also have found the voice inside of me I’ve ignored all these years. They give me the strength to face everyday and comfort me at those times where I cannot sleep. Abh’s do not believe in God or Gods, but this Great Spirit the Villagers believe in, I’m still investigating this. I’ll tell you more once I’ve figured it all out.
*********
Those hands on my shoulders and their ever-gentle massage, “Hi Jinto. How long have you been awake?” Jinto kept gently rubbing and said. “Not as long as you have Lafiel. I missed another sunrise.” The noises from the hot tub turn Jinto’s head up the path to see Noel hop out of the tub and make her way back inside her cottage. “She needs to remember just because she can’t see anyone doesn’t mean she can’t be seen.” Jinto remarked. “Face it Jinto. She saw you. She’s just an exhibitionist she enjoys strutting her stuff. What can I say Jinto? She’s an Abh all Abh are very beautiful and she knows it.” Lafiel said as she moved Jinto’s hands to her back. “Right between the shoulder blades if you please, I’ve already tensed up in anticipation of today’s events.” Jinto placed his hands between her shoulder blades and started to rub Lafiel’s back. It was like trying to rub the tabletop Lafiel was stiff as a board. “Wait! Jinto? What do you think you are doing?” Jinto had placed Lafiel over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry and was heading for residence’s back door. “I'm taking you somewhere I can work on your back its too stiff. You need to be laying down.” Jinto said as he opened the door. “Well hurry up I’m getting light headed, the blood is rushing every which way.” Once inside Jinto placed Lafiel on the sofa and attended to her back.*********
“Humph! That’s not what I expected at all.” Noel said, as she stood wrapped in a towel staring out the window. She knew Jinto had seen her and it was her way of starting something. However, this time, instead of starting an argument between Jinto and Lafiel. Jinto hoisted Lafiel over his shoulder and took her inside to do who knows what. “That was a waste of time. Well now what to do today?” She glanced over at Risch who was reading a journal. “Did you hear me?” The paper never wavered but his voice could be heard saying. “Yes Noel I heard you. You went and did it again didn’t you? Took another hot tub soak and failed to remember the towels? Jinto saw you naked; Lafiel was around this time, and instead of starting a feud, you started something different am I correct?” Noel reached for the book and tipped it out of the way her eyes met Risch’s. “You forgot one word didn’t you?” Noel’s eyes were a flame. “You forgot to call me Captain, you always call me that when you’re disgusted with me.” Risch returned her glare. “Get dressed. I’m going by Samson’s to check on the place. When I get back we’ll discuss this in detail. Remember we need to be at Scholar’s office this afternoon too.” Risch headed out the door and Noel headed to her room.*********
I left without saying my peace to Noel. The last three years have been difficult on both of us. Noel has these new abilities, some call them powers, what ever they are she needs to fully examine their potential and then decide what she is or isn’t going to do with them. I noticed something was different when we started the planetary survey. Noel had a new intimacy with the ship like she never had before. It was like they were one in the same being. This intimacy with the ship seemed to slowly push me out of her life. Then when Sobbash lost the baby. She changed again, she became remote and aloof, I don’t know what to do, I love her and I am trying to let her find her self once again. But these lapses I just don’t know. Yes I do. She has seen something in one of the scans that only she and the onboard computer have seen. It’s shaken her to her very core but she refuses to discuss it with me. She’ll sit in the ship tied into the main AI and you can see are the tears running down her face, but she’s not confiding in anyone. I don’t even think Scholar is aware of what Noel’s seen.This place that Samson and Sobbash built is a reflection of what they hoped their life together would be. No one knew what the first years would bring. I remember the afternoon Samson rushed Sobbash to the Village. I watched the hot house while Noel was making sweeps of the surface. I think it was on that mission she encountered what ever is disturbing her. Two days later Sobbash lost the child and two weeks later that storm from hell arrived. It was most certainly the worst storm I’ve ever experienced including some of those in space that were millions of kilometers in distance covered. This one was about three kilometers wide and was on the ground for about two hundred and twenty five kilometers. We were in the middle of the track it caught the edge of the Village leveled the power grid and ripped most of the fields to shreds. It spared the village major damage, had its track been to the south a few kilometers, the Village would have been leveled. Samson arrived with the remnants of the crops and spent the next several days, with Sobbash’s help, making a go of it. Those two insured the Village and this island were in food over the course of the winter.
Strange thing was how Noel acted once Nasse brought Saio to this world. At first she ignored her completely then she started to warm ever so slightly towards her. I remember the conversations Noel and I had after Nasse gave birth to Plakia. She seemed interested in having children, of course, that was well before she found out who she really was. Noel approached me out of the blue one evening and asked me if I still wanted children. My answer wasn’t well thought out. I told here since she was the one carrying the passenger, what I though didn’t make a lot of difference. Not one of my better efforts, however it did open up a new topic. I think it was something Noel had been looking for an excuse to discuss. That’s another thing about her since the attunement, she needs to be prompted, almost like a computer, to get her to tell you what’s really on her mind. After a couple of hours, these things I think I know. If she and I decide to reproduce, she wants all of her abilities screened from the child and the gender must be female. I say that because unlike a computer Noel has this infinity to change her mind in mid sentence sometimes. So, Samson’s place seems to be running along in a normal fashion. I’ll head back and speak with Noel.
*********
I don’t want you to think of me as a bad father, but I took advantage of Sobbash’s illness and gave myself some time to me last night. I left Saio in the nursery she had excellent care and it gave me six hours to think about Sobbash’s health without having to keep Saio happy too. Mia was very blunt last night. Sobbash still refuses to take her medicine on a regular basis and these reoccurring infections if left unchecked will leave Saio and I without her one-day I fear. I remember the day I found out she was carrying our child. We were working in the hot house and Sobbash suddenly grew pale and almost collapsed. I carried her back to our cottage and sent for Doctor Sasoum. The weather was cold and travel wasn’t as nice as it is today. Noel took the shuttle and fetched the Doctor back. After some fluids and an exam, the Doctor announced that we had accomplished our goal. Sobbash was four weeks along, however the placenta wasn’t attached, as the Doctor thought it should be. That’s when we made the first of many trips to the Village. It was confirmed that the placenta wasn’t firmly established. Mia and Doctor Sasoum ran a battery of test and concluded that Sobbash should be able to keep the child until such time it could be delivered and placed in a modified version of an Abh gestation chamber. The embryo was examined and there were no significant abnormalities found.
We were sent home with instructions for Sobbash to take it easy, which lasted forty-eight hours. I found her out back moving a pile of mulch around she looked pale and winded. I took her inside and kept her physically in bed for the next day and a half. Let us say she was not happy about any of this either. The morning of the third day I went to the Village and came back to find her collapsed in the hall. As I was loading her in the hover sled, I noticed the pile of mulch had been moved. Darn you Sobbash! Mia admitted her and confined her to bed for a week. Needless to say she wasn’t happy about that, but her condition continued to improve. She was sent home and instructed not to do anything for another three days. I have to admit, Sobbash followed orders she behaved her self, and it looked as everything was going to be all right.
I remember that morning well it was crisp and cold, I was sitting in the office looking over some notes Paveryua had forwarded to me about expansion of the Hyde fuel depot. I heard Sobbash in the kitchen, and the next thing I heard was her body crashing to the floor. I rushed down the hall to find her lying on her side in a fetal position both of her arms firmly across her middle. She told me she was reaching for a serving plate and lost her balance. She had impacted the floor on her bottom and had rolled on her side trying to get back up. She said when she tried to get back up the pain had her almost losing consciousness. This time I call Risch and Jinto to help me transport Sobbash to the shuttle. As we place her inside she passed out.
Doctor Sasoum had Sobbash in surgery for less than an hour. She came and told me the news none of it was good. Sobbash’s fall and strained the already tenuous connection the baby had to her. There had been more separation to the point Doctor Sasoum had tried to reattach it. She said the child had been without adequate flow from Sobbash. She wasn’t sure of what would happen next. Two days later we lost our son. Sobbash has been blaming her self since. I hold no malice towards Sobbash. Abh women are not taught motherhood. So this was something so new to Sobbash that she figured it would not interfere in her lifestyle. Mia and Doctor Sasoum saved her physically, Nasse has started her on mental recovery, but still there is some rebellious Abh that Sobbash has to deal with or we’ll lose her.
*********
“Good morning Doctor. How is Sobbash this morning?” Mia said as she entered the room. Doctor Sasoum raised her head from the display she was viewing and said. “She’s resting comfortably. I had to go back in last night. I think I got all the damage and scar tissue this time.” Mia’s cup hit the floor, it was empty, another thirty seconds though it would have been full of hot liquid. “Why didn’t you get me?” Mia blurted out. Doctor Sasoum shook her head. “Wasn’t time, her temp started to spike and I initially went to drain the infection, but what I found.” She motioned Mia to the display. “Oh my, is that?” Doctor Sasoum nodded. It’s the same kind of tumor we removed from Lafiel. I’ve asked Noel to come by. I want you to do a complete work up on her. She’s the last Abh female beside myself on this world. I’ve made an exhaustive scan of myself I don’t find anything wrong but Noel we’ve never gave her a complete work up it’s about time she had one don’t you think?” Mia nodded then said. “If she asks why? What do I tell her?” Doctor Sasoum was blunt. “The truth! We have reason to suspect long-term exposure to this world may cause tumors to form in those females of Abh heritage. Pretty simple and seeing Lafiel’s been here the longest followed by Noel and then Sobbash.”
Mia interrupted her. “What about Spoor and Lafiel’s friend Dai? They have both been on the surface of this world too.” Doctor Sasoum leaned back in her chair then faced Mia. “Well said. We can readily get hold of Spoor and have her checked. However that woman Dai she’s off gallivanting in deep space. Guess we’ll have to wait for her next visit.” With that Mia left the room.
Doctor Sasoum returned to the display and thought. “These women were healthy before the arrived on this world. If the planet has not cause this affliction then I wonder if there is something else they’ve face together, something only they have seen or done. Noel will decide whether I follow that investigative path or not.” Doctor Sasoum darkens the display and leaves the room.
*********
I had finished dressing when mother’s call arrived. I placed it on delay and left the cottage. Risch would be back shortly and I didn’t want to finish our conversation. On my way to the dock I picked up her call. She asked me to come to the Village and submit myself for a physical examination. I was looking for an excuse to leave I told her I’d be there shortly. I took the hover scooter and went to the village. The hover scooter is something I though of, the hover sleds were awkward to maneuver and their energy requirements made then an excellent multi-person, freight cargo carrier. The hover scooter was a two place, in line, lightweight and fast mode of transport. I place my helmet and gloves on, adjusted the windscreens and was off to the Village in a flash. As I crossed the lake Risch’s angry call flashed on the screen. I explained where I was going and why, but it didn’t seem to appease him. He reminded me that he’d be in Scholar’s office shortly after noon and if I knew what was good for me I’d be there as well. I ended the call and slowed the scooter to about ten KPH from the almost sixty I was doing. Even though it was daylight I still had wild life to contend with and the hover scooter was nowhere as rugged as the hover car was. It also gave me precious time to think over everything that had happened today. I’m such an ass at times I really wish I could cure myself of my foot in mouth attitude.This had the makings of being a really beautiful day. There was a high thin cloud cover, the temperature was mild, and a slight breeze from the northwest completed the day. I set the scooter to three meters height that should give me plenty of time to avoid anything that should stray into my path. I start to think, and reflect on what has happened to me. The trip to the Village was too short, my mind was still sorting things out when I arrived, so instead of reporting to the hospital I went to the square to sit and finish sorting things out. It was there mother found me.
“Noel? Noel?” I gently shook her. She turned and looked at me. “Sorry mother my mind was sorting things. I made it this far and wanted to finish. How long has it been?” I pointed to the clock in the square, Noel gasped; she had been sitting there for almost an hour. Rising to her feet she said. ”I’m sorry mother. I’ve kept Mia waiting all this time.” I placed my hand on her arm. “Slow down Noel, I’ll give you the exam. I’m sure by now Mia’s elsewhere, she’s gotten use to the schedules Abh’s keep. Well at least the ones you and Lafiel keep.” Noel and Doctor Sasoum head towards the Hospital. After the exam, Noel returns to the square, makes note of the time, then zones back to where she was before Doctor Sasoum found her.
*********
Risch arrived at the Village it was about thirty minutes before their meeting with Scholar. He found Noel sitting in the square. A kiss from her prince brought Noel back to Shahrazad. “Hey. Sorry I blasted out of there this morning but.” Risch’s fingers fell across her lips. “It’s okay Noel I wasn’t in much of a mood to go over it again anyway. How’d the exam go?” Risch’s words triggered a look of concern in Noel’s eyes. “The exam went well, the reason behind it scares me though. I’ll let you know I’ve been scanned from the soles of my feet to tips of hair and everything in-between.” Risch looked at her and said. “Why? I figured it was something routine. Did Mia say what she was looking for?” Noel rolled her eyes. “Mother did the exam. I got here and zoned out. She found me and gave me the thorough once over. It’s the reason she did it that.” She takes Risch’s hands in hers looked him in the eye and said. “They removed a tumor out of Sobbash last night. It was a carbon copy of Lafiel’s. Mother and I have come up negative and they’re tracking down Spoor and Dai. If they scan negative then?” Noel shook her head. “Can you think of anywhere Lafiel and Sobbash have been that the rest of us haven’t?” Risch started to answer and his creunoc chime interrupted him. “I’ll give it some thought Noel. Right now we should be on our way to Scholar’s office.” They rose and headed towards the Science Building.*********
Continued in the next post