Growing Pains
“Noel you know why I’m here.” The doctor stood before Ekuryua. “Yes Mother you’re to help me baby-sit the Count and the Princess.” Dr Sasoum got a scowl to her face. “Noel just what are your orders?” Ekuryua leaned back from the console.” I can’t tell you a mere civilian my orders. It matters not whether you’re my mother. No briefing this time.” Dr Sasoum reached into her folder. She produced a data crystal. “Look at this Noel.” Ekuryua took the crystal and placed it in the console reader. “I see you’ve managed to pull another fast one on me. Mother. So you’re Atosuryua attaché and I’m to share all I know with you.” Ekuryua looks at her mother. “I wonder whose boots you licked this time to get this appointment?”
“Noel.” Dr Sasoum looks at Ekuryua. “Don’t misunderstand me. I’m looking out for their welfare. I’m as fond as them as you are.” She faced Ekuryua. “Atosuryua would have her back in the Star Forces and encourage her to become Empress. I believe what She and Jinto are going to do. Will be a greater service to the Empire than her becoming Empress ever could do.” Ekuryua sat staring at her console the data from her mother’s crystal still being displayed. She removed the crystal and handed it back to Dr. Sasoum. She sat there expressionless looking at the doctor. Several thoughts kept going through her mind. “What do they have that I do not? Why does she care for them, more than she cares for me? Is she really telling me the truth this time or will it all be a lie like before?”
The doctor now sees the famous poker face from Ekuryua. She realizes that she is not going to be accepted without a fight. “Noel when you’re ready. You will show me your orders.” Ekuryua broke her silence. “When I’m ready mother. I’ll talk with you again.” She pushes a button on the console, a voice answers. “Yes Captain.” Ekuryua says. “Would you please come to my cabin and escort our guest to her quarters.” The voice replies. “Yes Captain right away.” Ekuryua looks at the doctor. She spoke slowly and clearly. “He called me Captain. Remember that mother. I am the Captain of this ship. My orders give me discretion as to how I am to accomplish my mission. I’ve heard your words and have seen the data. Remember this is my ship, my crew and my command. The door chime rang Ekuryua opens the door an Ensign was standing there. He took the doctor’s bag and asked her to follow him. Before she left the doctor spoke. “Very well Captain. I await your call.” She left. The cabin door closed and Ekuryua leaned back into her chair. “What madness has those three gotten me into now? Sobbash was so abrupt. Now my mothers here she can see everything I do. Why me? What did I do to deserve this?”
Ekuryua pressed a button on the console and spoke. “Communications officer?” “Yes Captain.” Ekuryua leans back in the chair. “Open me a secure channel to the planet. I wish to speak with Count Hyde. When you’re done patch it to my cabin.” “Yes Captain it should be no more that fifteen minutes.” Ekuryua switched off the console. She sat back and stared at the ceiling. “Let’s see how Jinto feels about all of this? Since it’s going to interfere with his life. He should know.”
*********
The conference room was empty. The lights were set dim. Kenesh sat in the center seat. One lone display was lit. The door opens and Ramaj enters. She leans over Kenesh’s shoulder. “Still bothered by the extra Sords the Untied Mankind have opened?” Kenesh looks up. “Seventy seven unused discarded Sords scattered throughout the Empire. All of them recently activated. We’ve just begun to explore them. What bothers me is what lies beyond them. What new troubles wait for the Empire? We need to search and close the useless ones. As for the useful ones, we don’t have the resources to explore them all.” Ramaj looks at Kenesh. “You still feel that there is an enemy waiting to attack us on the other side of one of those Sords?” Kenesh quietly nods. Ramaj stares at the display. The known Sords were in blue. The newly open explored Sords were in green with a second color. The second color for the useless Sords was yellow and the unexplored Sords were in red. It was a colorful display. All of fleet movements were displayed as well. It was a maze of corners and dead ends. Kenesh hopes there are no traps set.*********
Jinto had spent most of the morning preparing the training classes for the first group of ambassador candidates that were to arrive within the next ten days. Lafiel had been helping too, but she still liked to catnap now and then. Jinto was finishing in the addition went the proximity alarm went off. He silenced the alarm and noted the time. “Exactly. That’s just like her to be to the second.” The console flashed. It was an in coming communication from Ekuryua. “That’s strange. I wonder what she wants?” Jinto opens the channel and the communications officer appeared. “Count Hyde?” Jinto nods. “I’ll switch you over to the Captain.” The display changes, Ekuryua was sitting in her cabin. She looked relaxed. “Jinto are we alone?” Jinto replied that Lafiel was napping and they were alone. He also inquired about the encrypted channel. “What I have to tell you is for you ears alone. If you wish you may share it with her Highness.”
Jinto pulled the chair close to the display. He was looking directly at Ekuryua. “I’m ready. What is so important?” Ekuryua looks directly at him. “Jinto how much do you know about Dr. Sasoum?” Jinto told her what the doctor had told him at the Capital. He finished and asks. “Is there a problem? Did she not tell me the truth?”
Ekuryua replied. “What she told you was true. She is a brilliant in genetics. She did save your and her Highness lives. She does have a darker side you should know about. Jinto listens intently. You know she has a child?” Jinto shook his head. “Well she does. A daughter. ME!” Jinto about fell out of his chair. She was far from being done. “You realize that she is also Atosuryua’s attaché?” Jinto went pale. “That she is trying to pull rank on me. She want to know my orders concerning you and the Princess?” Jinto, in disbelief, continues to listen. “I will share my orders with you now.” Ekuryua pressed a button. A data file appears on Jinto’s screen. He reads it. Her orders came directly from Ramaj. She had received them while on her way to the planet. They over rode any other orders from any other source. They were very simple. “Protect and assist Count Hyde and the Viscountess at any cost. Supply any and all support.” To that end her orders gave her latitude to do anything necessary. The last line said. “You. Your ship and your crew are expendable.”
“My original orders from Atosuryua were to spy on you and report your progress to her. These orders over ride those orders. Since my mother is now aboard. I either have to believe her that she has your best interest at heart. Then show her those orders. Or I need to put her under house arrest till someone from the Capital can come and get her. You should know mother and I have had a lot of bad blood between us.”
Jinto, still in shock, shook his head. “I understand why you wanted to talk with me. Do you want me to decide what you’re to do with your mother?” Ekuryua leaned back in her chair. She was wondering what Jinto meant. “For now my mother is my problem. There’s one other thing you should know.” Jinto’s face was staring at hers. She knew she needed to tell him this. It would have been better in person. But maybe the distance would help.
“It concerns my appointment to the Basroil. I did not want to serve. But mother enticed me to volunteer. When I realized that you and the Princess were on board. I thought she had done something nice for me. Then when I realized she was interested in the two of you and she wanted me to feed her information. That’s when I exploded. The nice thing was the two of you left the Star Forces and I was no longer bound by her wishes. But now she’s back. Jinto I won’t betray you and Lafiel. I cannot. I care deeply for the two of you.”
Jinto was amazed he had felt that there was more to her just “being” on the Basroil. She had just called Lafiel by her name this was something else to think about. “So did you spy on us while we were on the Basroil?” Ekuryua smiles. “To be honest. Yes I did. But my notes were never delivered. In fact, I still have them to this day. They are a cherished memory of that time of a quiet Terran Noble and a head strong Abh Princess. You know I would have been happy at one time to split you two up. Now that thought is… Sorry Jinto I need to stop now I have other duties to take care of. I’ll be in touch later.” A smile came to her face. “You two take care. Ekuryua out.”
*********
The screen went blank. Jinto shut off the terminal. He went outside to the edge of the path and gazed over the lake. “So Atosuryua wanted to know our every move and Ramaj wants us to be autonomous. Just what in the devil is going on here? Lafiel and I need to discuss this. I guess it’s good I recorded Ekuryua’s transmission.” Jinto stood looking over the lake. He could not relax. He could not reflect. He needed to tell everything he had inside to Lafiel. But was she ready for everything?“Hey Jinto I’ve been looking for you.” Lafiel’s voice was behind him. She had awaken looked for him and seen him standing gazing into nowhere. She walked up beside him. “You’re worried about something. Is it me who you are worried about? If it is you need not worry I’m feeling fine.” Jinto reached for Lafiel’s hand. He found it and held it firmly. He still was looking across the lake. ”I was finishing the outlines for the training course and an highly encrypted message came in from Ekuryua. She… Well I recorded it. You will need to view it. She had a lot to say and a lot of it has a direct bearing on our future.” Lafiel held his hand. She was looking over the lake. “How soon do you want me to view this transmission?” A bird flew by. They both followed it with their eyes. “Lafiel. I thought when we were here. We would be as free as that bird.” He turns Lafiel towards him. “I feel we are going to be prisoners. Where ever we are. We do not have nor will we ever have a life of our own. I feel we are property of the Empire and that they will use as they wish.” Lafiel went wide-eyed. Jinto’s words had portrayed a picture that she did not wish to see. She took his other hand in hers and looked into his eyes. “Prisoners you say? The Empire’s pawns? I want to see that transmission. As soon as you’re ready to be beside me, when I view it.” They turned back to the lake. “Just awhile longer Lafiel. Just a while longer.” They stood watching the lake, arms around each other’s waist.
********
“My dear Spoor what brings you to my humble base?” Atosuryua’s face smiles on the display. Spoor having received a message from Samson had returned to the Hyde spaceport. “This use to be my base of operations. I’ve got some unfinished business with the yardmaster. Unless you’d like to pay the bill.” Spoor replied. “No, it’s fine just notify me when you’re ready to leave Admiral Spoor.” Atosuryua said. The display went blank “You think she bought it?” Kufadis asked. Spoor spun around in her command chair. “If she asks Samson she’s going to know I still owe the Hyde System a lot of money. More than the Baroness has or will likely ever have.” Kufadis just sat there a light on the console and a stream of data grabs his attention. “Admiral the yard master wishes to speak with you.” Spoor turns back to the display. “Put him on Kufadis.” Samson’s face appears on the screen. “I’m sorry to call you back but the matter of this bill.” He paused. “I’d be more comfortable if we discussed it in person. I can be at your ship in let’s say twenty minutes.”
Spoor agreed. The communications were closed she turned back to Kufadis. “It’s got to be important. He used the bill ploy to get me here. I’ll meet him in conference room two when he arrives. You have the bridge. I’m going to my cabin.” Spoor rose and walked past Kufadis. She did not stop this time and the look on her face was all business. “Something is wrong I can feel it I’ve been with her too long all of the signs point to.” Kufadis leaned back from his console he stood and silently walked the bridge. “I guess she’ll tell me when she knows for sure. I really hope she does not leave me in the dark about this.”
*********
Seelnay maneuvered the shuttle into the docking bay. She was to let Samson off and do an inspection of Spoors ship while he and Spoor talked. Samson was greeted by a yeoman and escorted to conference room two. On the bridge Kufadis and Seelnay were discussing the inspection procedure when he was call to the conference room. “Navigator work with the inspection ship. I’m off to conference room two.” The navigator acknowledged his orders and Kufadis made his way to conference room two. Kufadis entered the room. Spoor and Samson were already talking. They stopped at his entrance. “You know my Chief of Staff.” Samson nods. “Kufadis, you’re here for two reasons. One you need to know what is going on and you will make a record of this conversation to deliver to Count Hyde.” Kufadis sat and started the recording. “So Ekuryua is watching the ambassadors and Dr Sasoum is with her. This ought to get very interesting.” Samson and Kufadis look with puzzlement at Admiral Spoor. She had just made a statement, only she understood. Spoor continued. “You’re aware she is the one who modified Count Hyde?” They nodded in agreement. “You also understand it was her alone that used Count Hyde’s notes to figure out the mind attack of the UMK?” Again they both agreed.
“Well if you know that much. You might well know this as well. She went to school with the Princess mother and is Ekuryua’s mother.” Samson and Kufadis, look at each other. “Ekuryua’s Mother?” Samson spoke first. “Let me guess. They are on bad terms too? She was quite unhappy when we dropped her mother off to her.” Spoor nods. “She is lucky. If she were my mother, I’d ejected her into space by now.” Samson took this opportunity to bring Spoor up to date on the happenings of the planet. “So they’re up and functional and the Princess is growing. I’d like to seen the look on her face when that got dropped on her.” Spoor went on. “It’s a shame that woman weaseled command of that part of space from me.”
Samson explained Atosuryua desire to force the Princess back to the Star Forces. Spoor stops him. “You mean that third class Baroness would try to take on the royal family to make her own ends?” Samson nods. “She a bigger fool than I thought. I guess she doesn’t realize that she is being watched as well. Oh this ought to make for a wonderful drama. However I cannot stay for the final curtain.” Spoor stood up and turned towards them. “I’ll give you a word of warning Samson. Tell that Commander of yours to be very careful. There are more players to this drama than she thinks. She a bright and intelligent woman. I’d really hate to see her used as a shield by someone trying to escape the wrath of the royal family. You should maybe get her to work for you at the station. I’m sure the proper strings could be pulled to release her from the Star Forces if you wished.” Samson just stared at Spoor. “Does everybody know about Sobbash and myself. I wonder?”
Spoor went on. “I guess we are about finished here. Kufadis give Samson a copy of everything we have on the Baroness. The ambassadors and the ruling council.” She looks at Samson. “You’ve done well. I will make sure you’re properly rewarded for your efforts. That you are maintaining a open channel to the Count and the Princess for me.” Just then Seelnay piped in. “I’m done with my inspection. I found a small fuel leak and fixed it. Are we ready to leave?” Spoor answered. “Come to the docking bay. He’ll be with you shortly.” Spoor turns to Samson. “I’ll transfer three hundred thousand into the account just in case anybody asks.” Samson thanks Spoor.
Kufadis took him to the docking bay. Once their Kufadis had a question. “The Princess is growing you say in what way is she growing?” Samson’s answer left more questions “Every direction my boy. Like a weed.” He entered the shuttle. The airlock closed. The docking door opens and Seelnay departs. Kufadis was left regretting he ever asked Samson the question. All his mind could picture was Lafiel looking like a weed. It was not a pleasant picture. He shook it off and heads for the bridge. He wondered if Samson had been left as confused as he was by Spoor little bombshells.
Seelnay maneuvered back to the depot. Samson was next to her deep in thought. It could have been a quite trip. ”Samson while you were on board Spoor’s ship. Commander Sobbash left you a message it is marked urgent.” Samson thanked her and played the message. “Samson. Dinner. The usual place, Twenty – thirty and no excuses.” Samson looks at the time. Nineteen – fifty, before he could speak a sudden increase in speed was felt. Seelnay spoke. “We would not want to keep the Commander waiting now would we?” Samson thanked her.
*********
“Kufadis. Inform the Baroness we are departing within the half hour. Plot the fastest course to rendezvous with Admiral Trife and his fleet. Inform the balance of the group to follow us.” She steps over to Kufadis. “Just before we enter the Sord. Use the noise to blank a transmission to Debeusec. Send him everything we have. This little drama is getting out of hand. Somebody is going to get hurt.” Kufadis nods. As they entered the Sord, Kufadis sent the transmission. It would not be intercepted.*********
Debeusec sat quietly in his room at the Capital. On his desk before him were the most important things in his life. There were images of Lafiel, Duhiel, Lady Plakia and Ramaj. The newest addition was of Jinto and Lafiel taken at the Ambassadors ceremony. Ramaj and Kenesh had given Debeusec the daunting task of keeping track of personnel within the Empire. It was time consuming and rather boring at times. Today all of that was going to change. The message lamp flashed on his display. A large highly encrypted message file downloaded to his terminal. He knew whom it was from, by the way it was sent. “I wonder what Spoor has found this time. Whatever it is, it’s a lot of data.” Using the encryption key he decoded and started reading the file. His facial expression changed several times from shock, disbelief, dismay, to finally anger. He opened his COM link. “When is the first group of candidates to the ambassadors school leaving?” The personnel officer was getting use to sudden communications from Debeusec. So she just answered with little formality. “In eight hours.” Debeusec looks around his office. There was little outstanding work to be done and this new information had to be confirmed. “Is there room for one more on the shuttle?” The officer checked the list. There were two cancellations. ”Yes there is room.” Debeusec answered. ”Good. I’m going to be on that shuttle take care of things till I get back.” *********
Not wanting to attract much attention Sobbash was dressed in civilian attire, slacks, shirt and jacket. The place where she met Samson was a small pub on the depot. She was through her second drink when Samson arrived. “You’re late.” Samson pulled the chair out and sat in it. “Sorry I was delayed.” The waitress asked for his order. He said he’d take whatever Sobbash was drinking. She left to get his drink. “That was a pretty gutsy move Samson. You just waltz Spoor in here and tell me nothing. Atosuryua was stunned as well. Why did you not inform me of…?” Samson looks her in the eye. “Sometimes too much knowledge is a bad thing. Had you known you would not have been surprised? The Baroness would have figured out what you’ve been up to. That cannot happen. In fact Spoor told me, to warn you, that there are many more players to this drama, as she called it, than any of us would know. I would like for you and I to keep some distance for awhile.” He took Sobbash’s hand and looked her in the eye. “I would like for you to consider an offer, to leave the Star Forces and come work with me Sobbash. We make a good team you and I.” Samson took a long sip from his drink. Sobbash ordered another one. It arrived she took a healthy belt from it and replied to Samson. “Leave the Star Forces and work for you? I’ve though about it.” She took a long look at Samson. “You think I’m in that much danger to take me to safety? I guess you and Spoor could pull all the strings to get me released.”
She took another drink. “Let’s leave the offer on the table and open. I won’t refuse you. Just now is not the time. I started this and I’m going to see it through. When this is all done the Empire will be better off and then I could consider running a fuel depot. Or maybe even a farm with you.” Samson smiles. He then proceeded to tell Sobbash most of what he and Spoor talked about. He finished with an eye opening statement. “You know Dr. Sasoum correct?” Sobbash nods her head. “You know she’s Ekuryua mother?” She went blank. Then started to turn red. It took a minuet or two but she finally answered his question. “No. I was unaware of the fact.” She looks very concerned. “Poor Noel. What have I done to her? Will she ever forgive me?” They had dinner, a couple of drinks and departed. It was a long walk back to the shuttle for Sobbash she had time to think. She was still comfortable with her decision. She felt she was not in over her head as of yet.
*********
It took Jinto another three days till he was ready for Lafiel to watch Ekuryua’s transmission. When the time came they sat in the main room of the addition. Lafiel watched it twice, pausing about thirty minutes between viewings. When she finished. She opened an encrypted channel to Ekuryua. Initially her transmission was refused. Then later that evening the proximity alarm went off and Ekuryua was waiting for them. Jinto established communications and called to Lafiel. She was there in minutes. Lafiel sat down in front of the display. Ekuryua started the transmission. She stated she was surprised to see an Imperial family code on the first transmission. Lafiel cut in. “Ekuryua I’ll admit my call to you was sudden. But your waiting four hours to return it is unforgivable. What if we had trouble down here? In four hours we could have both been dead. My grandmother gave you orders to watch over us is this not correct?” Ekuryua looked panicked. She realized she has made a terrible mistake. “I hope you will accept my apologies. You are correct those are my orders.” Lafiel looks at the display. “What have you done with your mother? She was the reason you took your time to return my call was it not?” Ekuryua was in her cabin. She had finally put her mother in restricted quarters. It was taking too long to figure out whose side she was on. “Yes. You are correct. I had to confine her to a restricted area. She says she has your best interest at heart. She’s not convinced me of that. I can not let her interfere with my orders.”
Jinto had been sitting along side Lafiel. This time he spoke. “Noel. The candidates will be here in six days. I ah we would like to have the matter of your mother settled before they arrive. You can either bring her down here and we’ll discuss it or we will come to you. If you are going to be our support, we will need your undivided attention. This matter with the doctor is distracting you too much. It endangers our mission. It’s not acceptable.” Jinto sat back. Lafiel looked at him. “Pretty informal greeting there Jinto.” Jinto just smiled. “Later.” He said. She just nods. Ekuryua was still thinking about whether to come to the planet or have them come to her. She decided it was less of a danger for the shuttle to come to the planet. “Tomorrow after sunrise. Would that be acceptable?” Lafiel said that was acceptable and she would see them tomorrow.
*********
The channel was closed. Ekuryua push back from the display, she stood left her cabin and went down the hallway. Approaching a cabin door she pushed the bell. The door opened and she stepped inside. “Risch. You have to stop opening your door for just anyone.” Risch looks at her. “You’re the only one who rings the bell. Everyone else knocks. So it’s really simple. Bell rings, it’s you, open door.” Ekuryua smiles, his simple logic was child like that was one of the things she loved about him. “I’ve got something for you to do before zero eight hundred hours. Ready the shuttle for departure. Go over it carefully.” Risch looks at her. “That’s not much time. You want me to do this by myself, correct?” She nods. “The less people who know the better and I do trust you with my life.” He put his shirt back on as they left his cabin. She went towards her cabin and he heads for the hold.*********
Lafiel had closed the channel. Then she got real close to Jinto. “Noel? You casually called her Noel. Are you two up to something?” Jinto went pale. He stuttered and was looking for words. Lafiel started to chuckle and gave him a big hug. “Jinto. I love you. I know there is nothing between you and Ekuryua. I just wanted to see how you would respond being questioned about it. We got to work on this. If your ever get questioned by a fellow ambassador and he hits a subject like this. You are going to be compromised.” All Jinto could do was hug Lafiel back. But his mind was elsewhere. “They are going to be here in the morning. We will resolve this tomorrow. Can I keep the three of them from doing each other in?” He thought seriously on going to the shuttle and getting a laser pistol. Lafiel released her hug. She took Jinto back to their quarters they prepared for bed. It was going to be a long day ahead of them.*********
Sleep did not come easy. She wrestled with her decisions, and finally she drifted off. The flashing lamp and a familiar voice awoke her. “Noel it’s zero seven thirty you’re going to leave in thirty minutes.” She sat on the edge of her bunk reached for the Com button and pressed it. “Is the shuttle ready?” Risch assured her that everything was fine. She thanked him then she dressed. She drew a laser pistol from the arsenal and picked up the doctor. The door to the doctor’s cabin opened. Dr. Sasoum was not happy. “So this is how I’m to be treated the time I’m here?” Ekuryua spoke. “Mother get your things together. Your presence is requested on the planet. We leave as soon as you are ready.” The doctor looks shocked. “Was there and accident? Is someone ill?” Then she notices the laser pistol strapped firmly to Ekuryua’s side. “You’re armed. Then I guess it’s I that they wish to see. I’ll go quietly there will be no fuss.” Risch was waiting at the docking bay when they approached. “Captain the shuttle is ready.” Ekuryua walks over to him. “You should get some sleep. I kept you up all night. Thank you.” She kissed him on the cheek. Then she and the doctor boarded the shuttle. Risch stood behind the air lock door as the outer doors opened and the shuttle slowly rose thru the door and off to space. Ekuryua took the command seat her mother sat alongside her. With the checklist completed. They departed the ship. It would take about forty-five minutes to arrive at the planet. Ekuryua was scanning the planet and the doctor spoke. “You kissed him. He must be someone of importance to you.” Ekuryua ignored her. She kept scanning. “So you’re no longer the cold fish? I knew someday that hard heart of yours would thaw.” Ekuryua looks over to the doctor. She spoke. “Cold and heartless? I guess you would be describing yourself as well. Where do you think I learned to be that way?” Ekuryua returned to the console. The doctor just sat there. Silence, prevailed the rest of the trip. As they approached the planet Ekuryua announced her arrival.
*********
Jinto acknowledged the transmission. He turns to Lafiel. “You’re ready to do this? They’ll be here in twenty minutes. You’re not carrying a laser pistol are you?” Lafiel smiles. The outfit she was wearing had nowhere to hide a laser pistol and there was not one strapped to her hip. “Jinto your are being overly cautious. Nothing bad is going to happen. We are just going to have a little talk with the doctor and Ekuryua.” She paused and looks at Jinto. “However if she is going to be a problem, then we may have to...” The sound of the shuttle breaking the sound barrier stops her. Lafiel glanced skyward. She picked up the vapor trail of the ship. She turned to Jinto and said. “I’m ready. Let’s go greet them.” They headed down the path towards the lagoon. Jinto had only one thought he wondered what Lafiel was going to do if the doctor became a problem. He grabs her hand as they walked. She felt perfectly relaxed. In fact she seemed too calm. The shuttle was making the overhead turn to land on the lake. Jinto and Lafiel were waiting at the dock for its arrival.*********
Ekuryua applied the breaking thrusters after the transmission was completed. This would be her first time to a surface world. The maneuver completed. She aligned the shuttle to land on the surface of the lake. The lake was so smooth, jade green in color and calm. Everything around her looks so very peaceful. She looks at the doctor and hopes this would be an uneventful visit. She was not willing to go through a big ordeal. But then again she wanted to know the truth. *********
“Admiral Trife. Communications coming in from Admiral Spoor.” Trife was in his cabin. The next system to explore displayed on the view screen. He reached for the Com link. “Very well. Send it here and have the Major come to my cabin as well.” Trife sat back in his chair. A knock on the door, the Major came in and Trife put Spoor on the display. “Trife where are you in reference to Sord 568?” Spoor did not look happy. “We are exactly four point two–five hours out.” The Major answered. “Very good. Hold you position. I’m about seven hours behind you. We will investigate the Sord and the system together. Spoor out!” The display went blank. Trife looks at his Chief of Staff. ”Well give the order to stop us. Let me know when Spoor arrives. I’ll be here.” With that the Major leaves Admiral Trife’s quarters. Trife leaned back in his chair. “Why in the world is she coming to join with me? Is there some danger that I don’t see? Well I guess I’ll find out when she gets here.” With that the Admiral dims his cabin lights and drifts off to sleep.
“Stop the fleet. Here?” The communications officer looked at the Major. “Those are the Admirals orders. We stop here and await Admiral Spoor’s arrival. You do understand?” The officer nods and transmits the orders. The Major had been with the Admiral for many years. He had rejected several promotions to stay as his Chief of Staff. Now he wondered if he had done the right thing.
*********
The landing was flawless. Ekuryua docked beside the smaller shuttle. She opened the hatch. There were so many different smells. The air felt damp and fresh. It was not like the constantly recycled air aboard the ship. Jinto and Lafiel were waiting for them on the pier. Ekuryua steps on to the pier the doctor follows her. Jinto nudged Lafiel. He points to Ekuryua’s open jacket. The handle of the laser pistol was in plain sight. Jinto steps towards her. “You won’t have need for a pistol here.” Jinto reached for the weapon and Ekuryua pushed his hand away. “If you don’t mind. I’ll be keeping this on me. I’m more comfortable with it on. You do understand?” Lafiel steps in front of Jinto. “Commander Ekuryua. You will surrender that laser pistol immediately!” Ekuryua answered in one word. “Impossible!” She continued. “I will carry out my orders and right now I feel that this pistol will help me in doing so.” Her hand went to the pistol. Her thumb undid the strap holding the pistol to its holster. She looks at Jinto. “Let’s go talk. I have no plans on using this. But I am responsible for your welfare and I will let nothing happen to you and her Highness.”
The doctor stood there growing pale by the moment. “Noel. You really think I would harm these two?” Ekuryua looks her in the eye. ”You are going to prove it to us. Before I give up this pistol. No more lying and deceit. The truth mother, the whole truth or I might bury you on this planet!” Lafiel looks at the two of them, standing faced off, as in a duel to the death. “You will follow me then.” Lafiel and Jinto turned towards the path that leads to the shelter. The doctor followed them and Ekuryua brought up the rear.
The morning breeze was cool and damp Ekuryua strapped the pistol back in its holster and zipped her jacket half way up. She was admiring the scenery as they walked towards the shelter. She was becoming relaxed. More than she had ever been before. At the fork in the path she gazed towards the flower garden noting she would have to see this before she left. Then up the path to the living quarters she saw the stream, the food garden and finally the buildings. It looked so comfortable and cozy. She wanted to stay. Jinto called to her. “Noel this way if you please.” She realized she was staring at all of this beauty and had lost her sense of mission. She gathered her thoughts and followed Jinto inside the addition.
*********
They sat in the conference room at a round table. A vase of flowers sat in the middle of the table. Seeing those flowers, made seeing the flower gardens, a must in Ekuryua’s mind. Lafiel started the conversation. “Doctor Sasoum. I’d like to hear from you first.” She looks at Jinto he had told her to be tactful. She was going to be that way. The doctor looked very uncomfortable. She would not look Lafiel in the eye. Silence, for five minutes followed. Lafiel spoke again. “Doctor. You seem to have lost your speech faculties. I believe I invited you to tell your side of this first. Since you refuse to speak. Let us take a different approach.” Jinto looks at her. The tips of her ears have turned red. He knew tact was headed out the window. Lafiel positioned herself where she had eye contact with the doctor. “Doctor just what in the hell are you doing here? Why the sudden interest in Jinto and myself and what is you ties to Atosuryua?” Jinto looks at her and thought. “Tactful. My dear Lafiel, asking an Ablïarsec to be tactful that was too much to ask.” Ekuryua was on the edge of her seat. Jinto looks across at her he’d never seen Ekuryua so intent before. The doctor cleared her throat and started. “I’m here to preserve the last natural couple left in the Empire. I’m here to help protect and watch you. The final part of my research will be. When you produce a child. To make sure it remains genetically natural.” She leans back in her chair. “For the past one hundred years. There has been a movement to return to the surface worlds. Some of the clans tire of space and wanted to return to their roots. A big part of the movement was to produce an advance Abh. One who could bear children without the help of technology. We had been experimenting with the children of landers and Abh’s. The Baron and Baroness Febdash were one experiment. It seems male children go insane without gene manipulation. The Baroness shows a very aggressive tendency. However she has no interest in males. The experiment was terminated when Your Highness killed the Baron Febdash. I still keep an eye on Atosuryua hoping she will change. But she has a power trip going on and off spring is the furthest thing from her mind. Plus she has a great dislike for men. Combining altered Abh and lander genes proved to be a failure.” She looks at Lafiel. “This is where you come in. Your mother and I had many conversations when we were young. She always liked the idea of a “Natural Abh”. When you were born. I knew you had not been altered, that you were a Natural Abh. Watching you grow. It was determined that you need a natural partner.” She looks at Jinto. “You my dear Count were a bonus. You met became friends and fell in love with the Princess. With no intervention from anyone.” She sat back. “Well that’s not true. Plakia and Debeusec managed to get you two together. But still, you found love on your own. No one push you into it.”
Lafiel was quietly fuming. Jinto was curious as to what the doctor would say next and Ekuryua was shocked that the Empire would openly allow experimentation on a scale such as her mother was presenting. The doctor continued. “Now we jump forward to your transformation Count Hyde. You were carefully altered to be compatible with any Abh female. Your are most compatible with the Princess. She looks at Ekuryua. “Noel. He’s compatible with you. If you ever want a “Natural Abh” child, he’s the one you need to mate with.” With that statement Lafiel stood up and slammed her fist on the table. “That’s enough. You have data to back up your story? For now I need to review your data. Then we can continue this conversation.” The doctor produced a data crystal and supporting documents. Lafiel took them and looked at Jinto. “Show Ekuryua around our home. The doctor is staying with me.” Jinto and Ekuryua stood up. They started to leave but Lafiel had one last thought. “I trust you two will behave yourselves.” Jinto turns towards her. Lafiel sat there with a small smile on her face, a smile he’d seen before. “Yes Lafiel we will behave.” Jinto and Noel left the room.
*********
Once outside Noel exploded. “What are they thinking? Are we just playthings for the Empire to experiment on? I’m so ashamed of my mother’s actions. Jinto how do you feel about all of this?” Jinto looks at her. “Let’s walk towards the flower garden. I think better when I’m walking.” They started towards the flower garden. Once their Noel looks at the flowers and Jinto expressed his thoughts. “I hold the Empire responsible for many things. The conquest of my planet and the death of my father.” He looks at her and smiles. “The opportunity to join the Star Forces, the education, finally meeting Lafiel and the rest of you.” Noel looked confused. “But they altered you. They tinkered with your very being. Does that not upset you?” Jinto held her hand. “They did not force me to do any of that. I accepted the treatment. I was unaware that I am now compatible with any Abh female. I belong to Lafiel and she feels that I am hers as well.” Noel looks again with puzzlement. “So you two have given up the freedom to mate anyway you wish and chose to be.” Jinto stops her. “You misunderstood me. Have you heard of the lander concept of marriage?” She looks again. “Marriage. The union of two people to produce offspring, am I correct?” Jinto smiles. “That’s the definition but being married is so much more. I have a book. I’ll give you on the subject. It should answer all of your questions. If you’re done here, there is more I wish to show you.” She said she was ready. Jinto took her to the high area that over looked the lake. Noel stood there the wind blowing gently thru her hair, the lake shining and the smells of the planet overwhelming her senses. From there they went to the lagoon. Jinto mentioned that this was their favorite place. The water was clear and cool. Perfect for swimming. The beach was flat and soft, perfect for moonlight walks. Noel was being convinced that planet living had advantages. Finally they returned to the private quarters. Jinto showed her the vegetable garden and Seelnay’s addition to their comfort. “A hot tub! You have your own hot tub. Well she is royalty. It looks so comfortable you think I can use it before I leave?” Jinto said that could be arranged.
*********
They walked back towards the addition. As they approached Lafiel’s voice could be heard plainly. She was not happy. “So you were in league with my parents. You were the one who suggested that my father not mess with my genes?” Doctor Sasoum countered her statement by saying. “No. Read the file again Princess. We knew nothing of your parent’s attempt at a “Natural” child till after you were born. We could not interfere with your upbringing because you are a member of the royal family. Had we planned a test subject it would have been from one of the lessor know clans. So we could have controlled the situation. Then the war started your mother died and you wound up in combat. There was a fear we would lose you. Then after Lobnas II you left combat and stayed in the exploration division. We all breathed a sigh of relief. However the UMK launched their mind attack and we almost lost you again. Now you’ve joined the ambassador ranks and made this planet your base of operations. We felt you were safe again till your little run in with Poison Ivy.” Jinto and Ekuryua entered the room. Lafiel looks at him. “How much have you heard?” Jinto and Ekuryua sat down. He related what they had heard. She looks at him and says. “Fine, you’ve heard the important part.” She looks to the doctor. “So I’m the only Natural born Abh? What about my brother? You’re telling me father tinkered with his make up but left me alone?” The doctor looks at her. “We know nothing about your brother. Your father has kept him a top secret since his conception. Sorry. Your Highness, you’ll have to discuss that with your father.” Lafiel sat down she was still fuming. The doctor turns towards Ekuryua. “Noel you wanted to know the truth the whole truth. I have something I need to tell you. You are a Natural Abh as well. I figured that I would be the best test subject. The only intervention was to make sure you would be female. I could not risk producing a child who might go insane. You are a Daughter of Love. Carried by me to term, and born naturally. It’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for years. You grew up without my love and I’m sorry that was the way it went.” Ekuryua was in shock. Her mother’s words had hit her like rifle rounds. “You carried me to term you felt me wiggle and kick inside you and you still treated me like you have. Why? What turned you into a cold hearted bitch?” The doctor wipes a tear from her eye. “It was my failure to conceive you a brother, a natural male. It seems carrying you to term left my body unable to support any more children. Your brother aborted six weeks after he was conceived. I dove into my work and blamed you for my failure to retain a child. That’s why I treated you as I have. I doubt you can forgive me. But that is the whole truth Noel.”
The doctor slumped in her chair and wept quietly. Lafiel was weeping as well. The doctor’s words had brought memories of her upbringing. Jinto was quietly showing emotion as well. His father had left him with Teel and Lina after his mother died. He had been a victim of work replacing grief and leaving him alone. Noel Ekuryua had heard the truth and it had set her free. She stood and walks towards her mother. She bent over the chair took her in her arms. The tears flowed freely. “Yes mother. I forgive you. I wish you had told me this sooner. Now I understand.” She pushed the hair from her face and kissed her on the cheek. “Mother. I love you.”
Jinto and Lafiel left the room. As they were leaving Noel handed Jinto the laser pistol. “You hang on to this. I’ll get it back before I leave.” Jinto took the pistol tucked it in his belt. He and Lafiel went to the cliff overlooking the lake and reflected. “Lafiel are you all right?” Lafiel had a tight grip on Jinto’s hand the tears glistened on her face. “Yes Jinto. I’m fine. Jinto, have I ever been cold around you?” Jinto turns her towards him. “At first you were cool towards me. But to be mean and cold, you have never been that way. Its taken time for your warm loving side to come through. But I always knew it was there. Lafiel I love you no matter how we may change externally. I love you. You are you and will always be my love and my friend.” She kisses him. He notices he does not have to bend over as far and Lafiel was not up on her tiptoes to reach him. She was growing. Changing on the outside, but as long as the inside remained the same he did not care.
They returned to the meeting room to find Ekuryua and the doctor gone. A note from Ekuryua said they had gone to the flower garden. Lafiel headed for their personal quarters she was going to take a nap before dinner and Jinto headed for the vegetable garden to pick some fresh beans for dinner.
Continued in the next post..
