Starship Chief

Ray McCarthy

SAMPLE PREVIEW

Books by Ray McCarthy

Talents Universe

The Apprentice’s Talent

The Journeyman’s Talent

The Solar Alliance

Starship Chief

The Master’s Talent

The Legal Talent

The Mission’s Talent

Celtic Otherworld

Under the Stone of Destiny

Carrying the Shining Sword

Seeking the Flaming Spear

Hero Genesis

No Silver Lining

Exiles and Rooks

Fairy Godmothers

Conspiracies and Rooks

The Fay Child

Artists and Rooks

Dwarves and Rooks

Goths and Rooks

Jewels and Rooks

Tom Óg and the Firebirds

The Wooing of Marion

The Ending of Marion

Elaine and Luke

The Ensorcelled Maid

Watching the Watchers

Four Kids, one Foxe

Sigyn has a Plan

Trader’s Isle

The Seven Talismans

The White Fire Stones

The Fall of the Barons

Starship Chief

Talents Universe 4

Ray McCarthy

SAMPLE PREVIEW VERSION

A prequel to the entire Talent Universe series best read any time before The Master’s Talent. It’s set many years before first contact with Earth, perhaps in the 1970s. Three Karnd teenagers are on the way station’s starship to retrieve a valuable hidden artefact on a planet that’s never been contacted. But how many of the crew are really criminals, the next generation from the people that stole the artefact?

Juili was one of the three teenage Karnds. Born on the way station, she has never been on a planet.

This is a stand alone story apart from being back story for ‘The Master’s Talent’.

Copyright conditions: All Rights Reserved, purchases may be archived securely or converted for personal use to other ebook formats. Uploading or sharing copies is violation of copyright even if the file was obtained without cost.

Text Copyright © 2016, 2021 Ray McCarthy, Michael Watterson

Cover © 2017 by Michael Watterson.

All persons are imaginary

Revision 1.23

Title: Starship Chief

Author: Ray McCarthy

Smashwords ISBN: 9781310905582

Amazon ASIN: B01EXLFT5M

Also published by Corvids Press

Corvids Press epub ISBN: 9781801021340

Large Print ISBN: 9781801021067

Hardback ISBN: 9781801020992

Large paperback ISBN: 9781801021135

Medium paperback ISBN: 9781801021203

Pocketbook ISBN: 9781801021272

CC Audiobook ISBN: 9781801021579

BIASC: Fiction / Science Fiction / Adventure

Full version about 32,700 words

About the Talents Universe series

The ‘Talents Universe’ series are all stories connected by characters with the mysterious Talent, of which there are seven kinds, or with some involvement of the Caemorian Empire, a world 80,000 light years away from Earth (Tellus) on the other side of the Milky Way. Apart from Jump Drive for the starships and the psychic like Talent, the Science Fiction attempts to be compatible with known science.

Circle College campus, Caemoria

Mostly involving the activities of the Caemorian Empire, a single planet 80,000 light years from Earth. They are about 5000 years more advanced. Their culture dominates nearly a third of the Milky Way. Anyone developing Talent, always at puberty, must be trained in the Circle College on Caemoria.

Many of the stories involve Maisie Kelly from Ireland. She is the only person from Earth with the special Talent. The time scale is contemporary, and as we didn’t notice any giant starship visiting, it must be an alternate reality? The series was started in 1997 as a contemporary themed First Contact story, though parts were written in 1988.

https://www.corvidspress.com/

Visit the site to make comments, corrections or visit the blogs. The link, text and QR code are all the same location. Use your phone’s QR scanner if reading on paper or an old ereader with no HTTPS support.

Contents

0: Maisie’s Note

1: Villaen Arrives

2: More Visitors

3: Freness and Joelin

4: Pralig’s Visit

5: The Banquet

6: A Bit of EVA Work

7: Starship Pani

8: Arrival

9: Yoni’s Gang

10: Landing

11: Day One

12: Day Two

13: Raemaren

14: Benin

15: Disposal

16: A Rescue

17: Back on the Pani

18: Interrogation

19: The Joelin

20: Back Home

21: Many Years Later

Appendix

Other Books

The Celtic Otherworld Series

The Talent Universe Series

The Traders Isle Series

0: Maisie’s Note

Juili told me this story near the end of my journey from Tellus (Earth) to the Grand Central way station, where she grew up with her brother. I think it started about 25 or 30 years earlier. The only contacts in those days – the time of this story – in the culture were by telepathy, starship or local radio. I’d not remembered most of it by the time I’d completed studying so this account is based on Juili’s notes.

Years and ages are already converted to Tellurian. Dates are tricky as Juili is using Octal (base 8 numbers) and usually Caemorian years, much longer than yours (516 Tellurian days), so nearly fourteen years old is ten Caemorian years, but would use the Karndic digits for 1 and 2! I may or may not have converted C.U. (Caemorian Union) dates to correct elapsed Tellurian years.

Edlings is an English-German word, older is Anglo-Saxon Aethlings, there is a lesser known Irish word too. Tanist is the English for Tánaiste, today a Deputy Prime Minister, but it used to be a Council’s designated successor to a Chief. The Celtic world and others were not Dynastic in the British or Norman sense. The Karndic-English Dictionary doesn’t always use English words if another Tellurian language serves better.

Generally otherwise only place and people names are not English, but often Anglicised for ease of use as the Aliens themselves do when speaking English. They translate their word for Sentient Being as human.

Caemorian (Karndic) Culture and the Big Six are dominant across hundreds of Homeworlds of the 2500+ full members the Galactic Council and over 5000+ involved in Interstellar contact. The Caemorian equivalent to the Victorian age was about 7,000 years ago. There was telepathic interstellar contact long before the Jump drive.

It’s some years since I met Juili, though we keep in touch.

Maisie

1: Villaen Arrives

Omnia-Indica

It’s a little like the Internet. It’s not really called the Omnia-Indica, that is fake Latin I made up as the Karndic name is awkward and it’s not simply an alien version of the Internet

—Princess N’Riada

I was on reception on the virtual day that Villaen arrived. He had a backpack, a traditional Caemorian shoulder bag and a pair of large wheeled cases. Actually I was on reception a lot, which was handy for studying. You need to know everything about the inn and everyone working in inn and sometimes make decisions too. Also you need to be expert at spotting delivery scammers.

He seemed to take an instant liking to me. He was very sorry to hear about my dad’s death, who apparently he knew well. I took one case behind the counter to put into storage for him.

“It’s amazing to see you running reception like a young woman, Juili.”

I smiled at the compliment. “I’m only a teenager.”

“You were just a child when I saw you last.”

“Room 1019,” I said, “do you need a hand with your other case?” I thought that most people didn’t regard me as a young woman and I was a little uncomfortable with the complement. At least I hadn’t blushed. I’m good at controlling my reactions.

“It was awkward with two,” he said. “I’ll be fine now.”

“You didn’t want a more expensive one with a real view port?”

“Not at all,” said Villaen, “the novelty of seeing stars in space instead of from down below wore off forty years or more ago. You been down below yet?”

“No, but I hope to go and study on Caemoria,” I explained. “I’ve been on Flitters and visited starships parked here. I’ve never gone anywhere, not even New Station. But lots of starship spacers never go down below, only Flitter Clans?”

“I was born down below and joined a Flitter Clan, then Captain Fliminat got me accepted to Sept Foudanae. He was a character.”

“I heard that sometimes he did some dubious deals?”

“Oh, I could tell you some tales, no mistake,” he said. “He was a risk taker. If it sounds too good to be true, my dear, it is.”

He shouldered his backpack and trailed his case to the lift.

Much later he was back as Maretti was relieving me.

“Come and have a drink with me,” he suggested.

“You might think I do my work like a young woman,” I warned him, “but I’m a minor.”

“You’re allowed in the bar?”

“Yes, but not alcohol.”

“Well then, keep me company while I have a drink,” he insisted. “It’s bad to drink alone.”

“As long as you understand I’ll scream loudly if you touch me or make improper suggestions.” I didn’t mention that one gemstone on my belt was a panic button to summon security in event of serious problems. I’d had to use it once when fighting broke out. I really should have said no, but I was curious about his claim to be my dad’s friend.

“Just company,” he said, “maybe a tall tale or two of down below, I’ll be as good as if you are my own daughter.”

“All right,” I said. “Perhaps I’ll have a fresh fruit drink if you’re buying then. Murtu won’t slip anything into it either, so you needn’t ask him.” I wasn’t naive, but fresh fruit was expensive and tales of down below sounded good. He looked old enough to be my either of my grandfathers, only one passed on a few years before, the other retired to Caemoria, never mind a father.

I picked a nook facing the bar. There is security video everywhere, or else the station would be a scary place to live in with more than three quarters of the people transient.

He ordered a quite expensive imported beer; we do brew from our own station grown grain too. I ordered a large non-alcoholic fruit drink with real imported fruit pieces in it. He just laughed.

“Most places down below that’s practically a cheap dessert,” he said as I fished out a piece with my spork and chewed it.

“So do you know anything about Caemoria?” he said. “Or would you like a story about the Reservations on Yaram, or a Fastness on Glamis, Homeworld of the Akasurip? The glittering salt deserts and oases on Loth, the Homeworld of the Penthnegin?

“No,” I said.

“What about Espdijan, Ameytrana, Ceonaeria, Upeiscana or Seneusil?”

“Caemoria please,” I said.

“Fair enough,” he said, “as you are a Karnd, it’s technically your homeworld though you have never been there. I was born and grew up there, so I’m not a true Spacer. It’s about the most influential place there is. I won’t insult you by telling you anything on the Omnia-Indica. Perhaps we should eat first? What do you recommend?”

“We do good spiced sauces with the boiled shava grain and mixed vegetables, barely seared, and our own station fish,” I suggested.

“It’s my first night and I’m in a generous mood,” he said, “what about Caemorian red fish with ranjin?”

“I doubt anyone has it,” I said. “I’ve never tasted it nor even seen it. There is some ranjin in our sauce.”

“It’s pretty pricey even on Caemoria I suppose,” he mused.

He attracted the attention of a server.

“Does your mum know you’re here?” said Comrie.

“No,” I responded softly, “but I’m sure she knows Villaen.” It didn’t need an empath to tell that she was concerned about me.

“We’ll both have the boiled shava grain and mixed vegetables,” said Villaen. “Um, with local fish, Juili says you have a good sauce. Nearly like ranjin?”

“Technically it’s a ranjin sauce,” she said. “It will be a little while, we make it fresh, it’s not a frozen or dried bought in product.”

“That’s fine. Two more drinks, same as before.”

“Room?”

“1019.” He proffered her the key wafer and she checked his bar tab.

“That’s fine, sir.” She went off and chatted to Murtu while she poured and mixed.

“Are you in trouble?” he asked.

“Not if you do know mum.”

“Hmm.” He started humming a tune till Comrie returned with more drinks.

“I do know her,” he said. “Of course you might be in less trouble if I didn’t.”

“Likely she won’t say anything,” I said. “Caemoria?”

“After we eat.”

“Have you really been all those places?”

“Mostly,” he said, “not Ameytrana or Ceonaeria, but they sound interesting.”

I laughed. “I never heard of them.”

“They are in the Galactic Council.”

I thought no-one could have memorised who was in the Galactic Council. I said nothing and Villaen seemed lost in thought. He’d only drunk about two thirds of his first beer. But suddenly he knocked it back and took a sip of the second glass.

Comrie arrived with our meal. She whispered in my ear, “Behave yourself.”

All the fish and vegetables were in strips carefully alternated on the bed of cooked grain. The nearly clear bright orange spicy sauce was in a pair of separate small bowls. A dark green sauce was in a pair of very small bowls. I tipped all of it around the grain and a little of the other orange sauce on the fish. The rest on the grain.

Villaen tipped all the orange sauce on top and then all the green.

He took a large spork full and gasped. He took a slug of beer.

“Hotter than I remember!”

“It’s fine mixed with the other sauce and the bland boiled shava.” I took a spork full of grain and the mixed sauces. He watched me curiously.

“I think you must be used to it!” he said.

He mixed up the sauces and pushed them around to the shava. He tried again.

“It’s got a punch,” he remarked, “not bad really.”

We ate quietly.

“Well,” he said after he wiped his hands and face.

“Yes?” I said.

“Caemorian stories,” he said, “of today or before the steam age?”

I thought for a moment. “If you are a good storyteller, the old tales would be nice, but maybe I’m too old, or not old enough. I think I’d prefer your own first hand experiences. The old stories are all on the Omnia-Indica anyway.”

“Maybe.” He took out a pouch, stared at it and put it away again.

“Ralgrin?” I suggested.

“You shouldn’t know about bad habits like that,” he said.

“I live in an inn frequented almost entirely by spacers.”

“I suppose then you may know a thing or two a good Caemorian girl your age wouldn’t know,” he said. “You’re tall for your age, what is it?”

“Fifteen,” I explained, “it’s the low apparent gravity from the spin.”

“Yes, I’d forgotten,” admitted Villaen. “I’ll have to think of a suitable first hand experience on Caemoria. Go get some mixed nuts and dried fruits with another couple of drinks while I put my thoughts in order.” He slid his room key to me.

So I went to Murtu.

“I’ve seen him before some years ago with your dad,” warned Murtu. “He’s not a character you’d forget. Don’t agree to anything he asks you. I mean even something innocent sounding like collecting a parcel or delivering a message. Though he’s maybe not the kind to ask you to do any of the things mothers normally warn daughters about.”

“I think he’s lonely though,” I said.

“Probably his friends died in mysterious circumstances,” he muttered darkly. “Be careful.”

I put the nuts and fruit in my bag and took a drink in each hand. This must be my last, anything more this rich and I’d burst out in pimples for sure, or be running all day to the Personal.

“Ready?” I asked, putting the drinks down and fishing the bowl of nuts and dried fruit out of my bag. “I can’t take any more of these drinks, the fruit is too rich and strong.”

“I can’t imagine why anyone would drink a second in the same day,” he laughed. “I’d think anyone would be sick drinking four in one night.”

“Well it’s a luxury I’d not normally have.”

“Beer is good,” he insisted.

“You know I’m only allowed a little wine with a special banquet or something official like that now and no beer, liqueur, grain or fruit spirits till I’m twenty, an adult.”

“I’ve never understood why everyone on the station, even Akasurip, Penthnegin, Kelfari, Lorm and the others with perfectly good customs of their own go along with Karnd prudery from Caemoria.”

I said nothing, as it puzzled me too. The official explanation was that it was better to have one clear set of rules for a small community. I thought also that it was very rude to call it prudery, even for Lorm culture that would be a bit of an exaggeration.

He got out his pouch of ralgrin again, looked at it and put it back in his bag. He took a few tree nuts.

“I suppose I’ll tell you how I became a spacer,” he said, “it’s rarer for someone from down below than even for someone from a way station.”

“That’s rare too,” I agreed. “Even a relationship with a spacer is bit doomed.”

“Now what would you know about relationships?” he asked. “You have a boyfriend?”

“Aren’t I a bit young?” I said. But I thought of who I’d like as a boyfriend. Not likely though.

“I grew up on a farm. I didn’t study hard enough to get entrance to an academy to join the crew on Government, Mogul, Circle College or Guild starships. But I so wanted to visit other Homeworlds, something only Flitter crews, Government, Guild, the Mogul’s Great Houses and Circle College Talented do. I’ve wondered why Adept Mage Lonat is here when she could be anywhere.”

“One Mage for each way station, so they take turns if no-one wants the job,” I said. “I’ve chatted to her. She was curious because although she has been to other places, she knew she’d meet a greater variety of Off-worlders and species of Spacers here.”

“I expect the novelty will wear off soon,” said Villaen. “So I managed to get a job waiting on tables in a restaurant at the big combo spaceport and airport Terminal outside Capitol.”

“What was your plan?” I asked.

“To stowaway on a Flitter,” he laughed, “yes, a naive plan. You know why?”

I thought for a moment. A few silly fools on the station had tried. “On the ground the Flitter reports the weight and an extra person would show up as the manifest and crew weight is known. Here on the station they have security cameras, movement sensors, face recognition, doors keyed by your Crystal, all sorts of safeguards.”

“You’ve tried?” he asked.

“Me?” I laughed. “I’m not that stupid. Besides I’ve been promised what I want, going to Caemoria to study.”

“Bright girl,” he said.

“So people keep saying!” I said. “So what did you do?”

“I jumped a younger spacer that looked a little like me and took his gear. Tied him up in the Personal. With difficulty I broke both our Crystals and swapped them. I waited for final call and ran. They opened the doors for me, I said I’d broken my Crystal. I got up the ramp as it was starting to close. They couldn’t wait any longer or would miss the starship. We were last off the ground. By the time I was spotted it was too late to turn back. I simply refused to explain who I was or where I was from. I’d been stuck in the serving job in the restaurant nearly a year and had studied up a bit.

“Curiously the Flitter Captain and the Clan leader thought it was humorous. I discovered later the guy I jumped had been a right pain to everyone and they didn’t want him back. So in a sense I was lucky. We did the usual Homeworld hopping that a Flitter Clan does. I discovered the reason the others didn’t like that guy was because he was honest. They liked to get a little extra profit if possible.”

“Smugglers?” I said.

“Not like in old stories of sailing ships and nations, practically myths,” said Villaen, “but the only rules they kept were the ones that suited them. So it wasn’t such good luck after all. Eventually we reached Captain Fliminat’s starship, or he reached us. Unfortunately I’d let slip that I was very knowledgeable about farming. They sold me to Captain Fliminat! Captain Fliminat was far worse. The only rules he had real regard for were his own. He was a blood thirsty murderer. I only had a chance to get away when he died. Fortunately a lot of secrets he used for blackmail died with him. Yoni was his fence eventually. I’m sure his daughter, Captain Amaltina, is as bad. You let me know if her ship, the Joelin, is ever coming in. They’ll book here. You’ll know, with you working on reception. Don’t let any of them know I’m here, excepting Pralig, he’ll have the pass phrase dark light if it’s really him. He’s not on the Joelin though. He used to be. Can you do that?”

“I suppose so,” I agreed doubtfully. “I can’t tell you anything private. I’ll only tell Pralig, if I meet him, that you are here.” Now I understood why he was so keen to talk to me. He wasn’t after my body or mind. The arrival of the Joelin would be public knowledge but it would be a breach of privacy laws to tell a third party when someone booked in. If I asked Pralig first, it was probably legal.

“Right,” he said. “I’ll catch up with some news.”

“You didn’t tell me much about Caemoria,” I said.

“I suppose not,” he said, “another time then.”

He got up and slowly walked away.

He did tell me other stories, though I suspect some made up. Occasionally he’d produce a present. Then insist I check registrations even if I wasn’t on duty. The presents were obviously bric-a-brac he had accumulated over the years as he never left the inn and rarely even left his room. My mum noticed and tackled me at rising meal.

“I thought you and dad knew Villaen?” I said.

“We did,” she agreed, “but it was some sort of business relationship with your dad. I’m not sure it was above board. He might even be a criminal. So if you accept any more presents or have anything more to do with him, you’re grounded. He’s not an appropriate person to be seeing on your own even if he was your great-uncle or something. At least you’ve had the sense to only meet him in public?”

“Yes, Mum,” I said. “I’m not an idiot, he’s lonely, we sat in view in the bar for a few meals and stories is all. I think what it’s really about is that he is anxious to meet someone called Pralig, I’ll not tell Villaen if Pralig doesn’t want it. As Villaen wants to meet Pralig it’s OK to say he’s here?”

“Yes. Let’s see your study progress.”

She reviewed the messages from school to herself – which obviously she’d been ignoring – and reviewed everything on my Slab.

“You’re not making as good progress.”

“I’m doing reception a lot,” I argued.

“I’ll have someone new starting shortly,” she responded, “so you can have a bit of holiday with Raemaren, he’ll be here soon. But behave yourself and you can’t stop studying just because he might not be studying because it will be his holiday period. Also this is likely the last time you’ll see him. Because he’ll be who knows where and then when he’s gone you’ll be going to Caemoria to study. I’ll miss you.”

“I never thought of that, mum, I suppose I’ll be nearly grown up when you see me again, or can you visit?”

“No, it would take too long apart from the expense, which I suppose I couldn’t manage. I don’t suppose you’ve changed your mind?”

“No,” I said, “I want be do something, be someone, here I’ll likely just be Kramonat’s assistant, probably hardly more than a receptionist.”

“Reception here is a very important and skilled job, you meet lots of interesting people too. Much as I don’t approve of Villaen, he is entertaining.”

“I’m absolutely determined,” I said.

“Then do it as well as you can,” said mum. “I know you don’t give up easily. It’s a one way subsidized ticket because it’s your Homeworld and you are going to study. You’ll need to succeed and earn the Credits to be able to visit.”

Villaen had wanted me to visit in his room, which I never agreed to, though I didn’t suspect him of ulterior motives as it was obvious now he just wanted to know about the Joelin and Pralig. Best not to provide temptation, my granny always said, besides mum would have grounded me. So he would call me instead for news.

2: More Visitors

Spacers

There are broadly two kinds of Spacers, people that live on way stations are not counted. The Septs are families that live on and operate starships. They rarely go ‘down below’, what they call planet side. The Clans are families that operate a fleet of Flitters, technically they really live on whichever starship is carrying them. Between flights they are on way stations or down below

—Princess N’Riada

There was going to be a massive banquet. All six starships of the Foudanae Sept ruled by Leinos were coming at once. This also meant six unrelated Flitter freighter Clans. In addition there was a single ship Sept Trader starship with a Flitter freighter Clan visiting at the same time. Also due was a Caemorian Guild owned starship, but not a trading ship, so there was no Flitter Clan.

I was delighted because my old friend Raemaren would be on one the Flitters as his clan was on the Freness, the flagship and the Sept Chief’s starship. Captain Fliminat of the Joelin starship – the third ranked starship of the Foudanae Sept – had died a few years ago and his daughter Amaltina was now the Captain. Villaen was very perturbed when he heard the Joelin was to dock. It seemed he didn’t want to meet any of the Joelin crew. Yet he didn’t want to move to a different inn. He took to his room and ordered deliveries. I was to watch out for Pralig though, but to say nothing to anyone else in the crew, not that I would anyway, as that would be a breach of privacy laws.

I better explain, I was at school till my dad died. Class isn’t for a year like on Tellus. We would be reassigned class each term based on the level you reached, so sometimes different classes levels on different subjects. Not based on age. I already had a reputation for home study on the library and way station Crystal Net, as I wanted to go to a Caemorian college and serve on a Government exploration starship, there are very few, so it was a very ambitious idea. I got leave to study in my own time from home as long as I met minimum standards. Unlike a Homeworld the job mobility is low and anyone that can’t work or can’t get work can get free trip to a Homeworld after a review. So suddenly we were a senior person short. My mum then gave the less important tasks to my elder brother. A staff worker took over most of his work and I filled in on all kinds of odd things. It was tiring fitting in the school work, so I let myself drop back on the subjects I was far ahead on.

The starship Freness, the flagship of Foudanae Sept, had arrived. Raemaren and Kordina checked in. I decided I could let my school work slide a bit more as I’d be going to Caemoria soon anyway.

Reagen was Tanist – the designated heir – and he was also on the Freness. Kordina was at one time ranked second. She was probably eighteen, Raemaren was fifteen, nearly sixteen and I was just turned fifteen not long before. Being the same age at fifteen as a boy though isn’t the same as when you were ten. Oh, Reagen was just turned an adult as he was twenty. He was arrogant too, very rude to me when he checked in.

3: Freness and Joelin

Old English is used for Spacer terms

Tanist – a variation is still used in Irish for the Deputy Prime Minister – is a better word than heir or deputy. The Edlings are the group that the heir or Tanist must be chosen from. Most become the next generation of a council to a chief

—Princess N’Riada

Villaen was nervous and called me in reception when the Freness came in but relaxed after everyone had booked in.

Raemaren was anxious to visit one of the big markets with all kinds of clothes, ornaments and gadgets from over 2,000 Homeworlds. I wasn’t as delighted as last time, as he wanted to bring one of the Edlings, a girl older than both of us, Kordina.

So I wasn’t amused. I guess I was a bit sweet on Raemaren because he was very kind and considerate and usually treated me. It hadn’t occurred to me till then that his courtesy extended to everyone. Actually Kordina proved to be little hindrance to our chatter as she was very quiet, she seemed shy. Later I decided she wasn’t shy at all, but just not into idle chatter. I guess I didn’t really know Raemaren very well either, anyway.

I was delighted to see Raemaren and so by the time the Joelin arrived maybe ten days later, I didn’t resent Kordina, though she was older and prettier. Villaen took to his room the day Joelin’s Flitters docked. To be honest I had almost forgotten about Villaen and Pralig due to running around with Raemaren and Juili any time I was off duty.

On my own with her I found she treated me as an equal, not a kid. But when the three of us were together she tagged along quietly. But she didn’t laugh and rarely smiled. Raemaren explained that there was some sort of tension or disagreement between her and the rest of the Edlings, so he was rescuing her. I was surprised when she confided with me that she was perturbed that the Sept Council had decided to let the old Chief Leinos split the Sept in three. The Tanist would get three ships, Amaltina would get two ships, though only fourth in rank. Kordina would get one, though she had been second in rank of the Edlings. It was decided purely by Leinos and to be announced at the banquet. The Chief might even retire, raising the Tanist to Chief.

“But you stand to get a starship, and found a new Sept of the tribe and originally you were to get nothing!” I protested.

“Well, nothing or everything,” explained Kordina. “Reagen won’t be a fair Chief and the Council knows it. He has become very arrogant. I don’t agree with splitting the Sept into three parts. This hasn’t followed normal Sept Council processes. Six starships isn’t too many for a long established Sept. If I’m deemed too weak, then it should be Mordal getting all six starships, he is third in rank and is maturing well. But I’m just quiet and unemotional, not weak.”

4: Pralig’s Visit

Gestures

The standard gestures used by everyone are actually a very basic subset of language for markets and noisy meetings, thought to be more then 8,000 years old. Some are obvious and universal, like hand over mouth for silence, extended arms open palms upright, showing no weapons, for welcome, or ‘I mean no harm’. Beckoning is obvious, as is a raised arm to get attention with the hand moving

—Princess N’Riada

Kordina and I were sitting drinking Jhai and eating some sweetmeats in reception. In theory I was on duty. Raemaren was off on an errand for his father, the Clan leader of the Flitters, Clan Hernarsit, obviously as Flitter clans take the name of the leader. A new leader will change his name if a clan name is in use.

“That’s Pralig,” muttered Kordina, leaning behind the large plant beside us.

“We have a guest expecting him,” I said, “excuse me.”

I went and met Pralig who was at the counter.

“Hello,” I said, “can I help?”

“Why?” said Pralig.

“I’m the receptionist.”

“You look a bit young.”

“I’m the innkeeper’s daughter.”

“Juili?” he laughed. “You’ve grown. Very much! I need to see your dad.”

“I’m afraid he died recently,” I said, “but an old companion of yours expects you.”

“Sorry to hear it,” he said. “How can you know who I am, you were a babe when I was last here?”

“I was told,” I said. “What’s the sign?”

“Ah,” he said, “dark light.”

“Room 1019 then. He’s in.”

“Thanks,” he said, “perhaps you can show me the way and talk to him? It’s a while since we met and much longer since I was here. I’m not sure he’ll believe it’s me, it’s been a long while. How do you know I’m the right person?”

“Your ID?” Then I gestured, ‘confirm?’ with my hand at my waist which Pralig didn’t see as he was looking at my face, obviously puzzled. Kordina gave the gesture meaning ‘correct’. I thought it unlikely that he’d not be known, especially with a pass phrase. For whatever reason, he wanted me to come.

“Also a friend knows you, but not from Captain Amaltina or Captain Fliminat’s crew. But in the Sept.”

“Take me,” he said.

I gestured ‘back soon’ and led him to the lift. I typed in the room number digits 1 7 7 3 on the lift controller. The lift moved down – rimward, as Reception was hubward – then in several horizontal directions. The corridor had eight doors on each side. I pressed the button at room 1019. There was no answer. But he was likely in. I assumed the intercom was on. The doors are sound-proofed as is common everywhere.

“It’s me, Juili,” I said. “Pralig is here. A friend from the Sept says it’s him.”

“Dark light,” said Pralig.

There was no answer for a moment.

“Come in, you too, Juili,” said Villaen.

The door clicked and opened a crack. We went in. At first the room seemed empty. But Villaen emerged from the Personal pointing a needle gun.

“No need for that,” said Pralig gesturing.

Villaen tucked the gun under his jacket.

“I suppose not.”

“Why Juili?” said Pralig.

“You’d not harm her or compromise her,” insisted Villaen.

“You know me too well, Villaen,” agreed Pralig. “I came to warn you. I heard Yoni wants to talk to you. He’s not likely to be friendly.”

“I know.”

“Somehow he knows you are here. Likely someone is on the way.”

“That’s a problem.”

“It’s your problem, I’m booked out in minutes on a starship he doesn’t know,” said Pralig. “I’ve no wish to meet Yoni or any of his associates. I think your buyer is never coming. I booked in here as a misdirection, I’m not staying, just warning you.”

With that Pralig left.

I sat on the bed.

“You in trouble?” I asked.

“You can’t imagine,” said Villaen. “You refurbishing any time soon?”

“Why?” I asked. “No, not likely for very many years.” I noticed Villaen had quickly glanced at the wall.

“Then I need to catch a starship too. I’d rather not talk to Yoni.”

He grabbed his bag and walked out quickly. I followed quickly. “What about the bill?” I said.

“I’m up to date.”

We rode the lift to reception. There was a man waiting at reception; immediately he and Villaen drew needle guns and fired. I dived for the floor hitting the panic button on my belt to call security and the sirens activated too. Though both had hit each other, the stranger was shaking his head and Villaen was running out the exit to the mall. The stranger jabbed himself with a hypo and staggered out after Villaen. He first looked me straight in the eye and it was frightening somehow, I’d never seen someone with cyber implants rather than cloned replacement eyes.

I went over to Kordina who was hiding behind plants.

“Any idea what is happening Kordina?” I asked. I realised I was shaking and my voice was a bit croaky. I might have got shot!

“That was Yoni’s friend Punat,” said Kordina, “number three on the Joelin, he’s got cyborg eyes. Very disconcerting. Did you mention me or my starship, the Freness?”

“No,” I said, “I just told Villaen that a friend in the Sept had identified Pralig.”

“What did Pralig want?”

“He was warning Villaen that Yoni knows he is here,” I explained.

“Obviously not quite quickly enough!” said Kordina pulling me down on to the seat beside her. “You need something to calm you. You didn’t get hit?”

“No, I’ll be fine in a moment. It was so sudden!” I was amazed how cool and calm Kordina was.

Security quickly arrived with Captain Drince and Sergeant Proggern. I explained what had happened and replayed the reception security camera footage. All six Security copied the images of Punat, Villaen and Pralig to their Crystals. Four rushed off after a quick discussion between Drince and HQ. They’d be on camera. The two security women, who remained, interviewed everyone in reception. Everyone including Kordina claimed to have seen nothing. Which might have been true, I didn’t know if Kordina was lying. It was very quick, the security recording certainly indicated not a lot to see!

One security officer got a call.

“Captain Drince said you should know that they are both dead,” she explained. “Too much exertion for the antidote of the needle gun poison. They couldn’t revive either. The starship that Pralig might have boarded has jumped, we have not enough reason to extradite him back based on your statement, Juili.”

Security left.

“Now you understand why I was lying low,” said Kordina. “I need to get ready for tonight. I’m glad you’re invited. Actually you are probably the only person outside of the Sept at the banquet apart from your serving staff. None of the Flitter Clans will be there, not even Raemaren is invited. It’s my treat, you have been a brilliant hostess this last week, I was very glum. Your mum actually would normally be invited as she owns the inn and is on the station council.”

“Thanks, see you then,” I said. “Take care.” That I was surprised was putting it mildly. I supposed that technically I was representing the inn and my mother. She was on the station council, so that made her, my brother and I nearly nobles.

I got some tools from under the reception counter and went back to Villaen’s room after marking it vacant and his account closed. Back at the room I used the administrator over-ride to open the door. Fortunately security had already checked the room and released it. I put the privacy lock on. I examined the wall that Villaen had glanced at. There wasn’t even a scratch on any panel. I got out the access tool normally used to open wall panels to add fibre or replace a damaged one. There was nothing behind the panel. The lower panels strangely wouldn’t open. I shone a torch into the gap and angled a mirror. Perhaps something was taped to a panel? So I checked the tool kit and found a thin steel rod. I bent a hook and after less than five minutes of fishing I had a small wafer wrapped in cloth that had been taped on a lower panel. I examined it with my Crystal but it made no sense. I slipped it into a belt pouch, changed my mind and hid it in my chest’s little one’s pouch. It was really very uncomfortable as I wasn’t much developed then, I’d never done such a thing before. Obviously not much more secure than my belt.

Then I checked his case. It seemed to be just clothes. I took it all up to the stores – all storage is the most hubward, lowest apparent gravity. There was nothing significant in the other case either. No doubt that was why he hadn’t mentioned them.

Then mum called. She’d been out and was now back and upset. I had no idea why my brother, Kramonat, wasn’t about. It seemed I’d been in charge – well not really as the senior concierge was really in charge of day to day management. I went and explained everything to mum. Then I changed for the banquet.

5: The Banquet

I was far from the dais which had all the senior Sept people. I didn’t eat much as I was still bit shaken by the shooting. I still thought Kordina seemed strangely calm about it. I wondered had she somehow expected it?

After the tables were cleared it was time for the speeches. The most senior Councillor was Deputy Hularin, then next most senior, Asterin who was the personal Assistant and adviser to Chief Leinos of the Sept and Captain of the Freness.

I don’t remember the long speeches. Chief-Captain Leinos explained how he wanted to divide the Sept in three. It was, he claimed, too big for any of the successors. It would be divided three, two and one. So before finalising it, he would ask Reagen, Amaltina and Kordina to speak in turn about their vision for the new Septs.

There was a lot of muttering. I could tell many seemed unhappy.

Reagen and Amaltina both gave long speeches mostly praising Leinos and full of platitudes. People stamped the floor enough for polite applause. Then it was Kordina’s turn.

“In the past I have always admired your leadership of the Sept, Chief Leinos,” said Kordina, “but I don’t agree with this. Six starships isn’t too many for a Sept. I don’t think I should have one just to divide the Sept. But if I do, I would uphold the principles you espoused in the past. I would ensure there is no criminality and we have a reputation for integrity. At the minute there is some criminality.”

“You go too far,” said Leinos. “As you think the Sept shouldn’t be subdivided, I give the sixth to Reagen. What do you think? Or perhaps you think you should have all six?”

“It should be as the Council thinks, not you.” But as to the suggestion of all six, Kordina said nothing, because as she said to me later, she did genuinely believe that she, not Reagen should be Tanist and really indeed have all six!

“If I may speak?” asked Adviser Asterin cautiously.

“Yes, of course,” barked Leinos.

“The Council did agree,” said Asterin, “with two dissenting votes, to give Leinos this power. However, as Kordina was asked to speak, she totally had the right to give her opinion without fear of censure, that is our law. But also she is of the Edlings, so she has a right to give opinion at any meeting, even in council. It was a breach of protocol that the five Edlings were excluded. I think this decision is premature and we should vote again the next time we can gather.”

“So you would cross me too!” raged Leinos. “You’re sacked. I can’t throw you off the Council without a vote, but you are no longer my adviser!”

“I may speak?” said Deputy Hularin.

“I can’t prevent it,” muttered Chief Leinos, “yes, go on.”

“I was the other dissenter,” explained Hularin. “Your treatment of Kordina and Mordal is unfair. She was ranked second and he was ranked third. Do you want to speak, Mordal?”

Mordal gestured no.

“In any case the Sept Council should have been considering the rumours about criminal elements in Captain Amaltina’s starship the Joelin,” added Hularin. “Today in this inn a current crew member and a past member from Amaltina’s crew, dating from her father Captain Fliminat’s time, shot and killed each other. We have to ask why? Deputy Yoni of the Joelin is betrothed to Amaltina. The third Officer of Amaltina’s starship is Corneela. She is betrothed to Reagen. Leinos, you want the Sept to be split between two Edlings that over the past year have shown arrogance and are betrothed to senior members of a starship in the Sept with a shadow over it. Kordina is honest, fair and has always shown good judgement. That’s why she rose to second behind the Tanist. I can’t support any of this. I want an investigation first. Kordina has supported you till now, but the others praising you to your face have undermined you behind your back.”

“This is unsupportable!” said Chief Leinos, “we can’t wait a year, I’ll probably be dead before then. Where is the evidence about Amaltina’s starship, the Joelin? I admit her father did some dubious deals. That’s in the past, He’s dead. I can’t sack you from the council either. But I can terminate your role as Deputy, as second officer. What say you, Kordina, do you support me, and yet have one starship, or support the views of Hularin and Asterin?”

“I support the rule of law, honesty, integrity,” said Kordina, “as you did till this year. If you accept what Hularin and Asterin said, who till this year were your favourites and chosen advisers, then I support you. In any case I will do as the Council wills.”

“Hularin and Asterin are gone,” said Leinos. “As you continue to support them and not I, I will cause the Council to strip your status as Edling and even as citizen of the Sept. You may apply to join another tribe or Homeworld. You are adamant?”

“I’ve given my honest opinion,” said Kordina, “whatever the Council decides I’ll accept. Exile requires a unanimous decision.”

“I want a show of hands from the Council to strip Council membership from Hularin and Asterin,” said Leinos.

Everyone on the council, except Hularin and Asterin, raised their hands.

“I want a show of hands from the Council to exile Kordina forever,” said Leinos.

All the remaining members of the Council raised their hands.

“I think at this point I would ask anyone not a member of the Sept to leave,” said Leinos, “that includes any inn staff, for the moment.”

The serving staff left. Kordina walked down the hall. As she passed me I took her hand and walked with her. I swear there was not a tear. There wasn’t a trace of emotion.

I realised Hularin and Asterin were following us.

“Why are you two leaving?” bellowed Leinos. “You are still Sept citizens!”

I invited them to our suite. Unbelievably Asterin was crying like a child. Hularin looked extremely angry. His face was white. My mum and my elder brother, Kramonat, were in the lounge and I explained as best I could. Asterin was incapable of speech. Kordina said she had nothing to add. But Hularin was voluble. He was convinced that the Council had been variously bribed or blackmailed. As for Leinos’s change in attitude over the last year, he had no explanation. He wondered if someone had drugged him and was using hypnotism, or telepathy.

“No telepath would be involved in such a thing!” insisted Kramonat.

“I have to go talk to some people now that the meeting and drinking will be done,” said Hularin.

My mum took Asterin to one of the spare rooms and he went to bed.

“You all right Kordina?” she asked.

“I’ll be fine,” said Kordina. “I’m just worried about the Sept.”

“I think I’ll meet with Raemaren and tell him,” I said.

“Good idea,” said Kordina.

“Let me know if he wants to take you anywhere,” said mum.

6: A Bit of EVA Work

EVA, Extra Vehicular Activity

More rigid space suits, for extended activities or hazardous situations, need to be custom made for the wearer. Flexible suits with compressing hybrid fabric only need to be the right size in terms of length. The user needs to wear a tight bodysuit or be naked. They are extremely uncomfortable if the compression is activated other than in a vacuum. Most are activated automatically by pressure differential

—Princess N’Riada

I called Raemaren. He was in his family’s Flitter, which seemed odd, and agreed to meet me. He listened to the sorry tale.

“I’m sorry for Kordina,” said Raemaren. “I don’t know what anyone can do. Anyway Dad wants me to check the undercarriage as the robot hull crawler can’t fix it. I was about to go look for someone. I absolutely have to do it now. You have an EVA cert?”

“Yes, I have a suit,” I said. “It’s a strange time to have to do it.”

“I forgot earlier. No need to get it, there is one here that should fit, otherwise you’ll have to just sit here and watch the video!”

“I can’t stay here inside alone with you anyway. I only came to let you know what has happened.”

We suited up and checked each other. Tethered to each other and to the hull separately on separate mounts either side outside of the airlock – the entire engineering room is an air lock with hatches in the roof and floor on all Flitters. We checked the tether spool out release and auto tension rewind and propulsion units. It was obvious that the Flitter had carried off part of a tree during their last take off, which had been during a storm. Not a problem on exit to space, but a lethal issue for re-entry. I noticed movement. A nearby lock was opening. This was extremely unusual, especially on the inn. I told Raemaren and we jetted close. Two bodies were ejected. I grabbed the smaller and Raemaren the larger. We hit emergency rewind and fired our thrusters. In seconds we were inside and flooding engineering with oxygen, I selected medical emergency, Mage level, and hit panic on my Crystal. I didn’t have much hope that we would get a Mage as Lonat was the only Talent on the entire station.

We dragged them to the cargo bay next door and broke out the medical emergency kits. Forced oxygen respirators and heart stimulators. Kordina, for it was her, still had a heart beat so I pressed in time with the lights on the oxygen mask and shortly she seemed to be breathing. A medical team of two arrived, and wonderfully a minute later the Adept Mage Lonat. She didn’t have that unchanging youthful look you often see on those with Talent as she was over 300 years old. She went to Leinos first. The Medic took over from me with Kordina. Very quickly though Lonat came over to Kordina. That seemed bad. Before we could strip our EVA suits or ask any questions we had more arrivals. Count Tribosin, the Count’s Assistant Plones, Captain of Security Drince and Sergeant Proggern. I could hear a siren in the distance.

Leinos was dead. Lonat thought before being spaced, as she detected poison. The sergeant did a blood test and confirmed it.

“You two better change and come with us,” said Captain Drince.

So we changed out of the EVA suits. I was still wearing my posh outfit for the banquet. I called mum and told her what had happened, or as much as I knew. Apparently the inn was crawling with security and was in uproar. Once she understood I was merely a rescuer and partial witness, she calmed down. I told her it was no problem. Count Tribosin would look after me.

A gurney had arrived in the cargo bay. Leinos’s body was already on it. I was amazed to see Kordina was standing.

“Thanks for saving me,” said Kordina.

“You’re OK, eyes, ears, lungs?” I asked.

“Lonat healed me,” said Kordina. “I did have a lot of burst blood vessels in my lungs.”

I thought she was extraordinarily calm.

“You must have been in terrific pain,” added Lonat, “you’ll be sore for another hour probably.”

“It was bad,” said Kordina, “but I was glad as I knew I would live. I’m a little sore still, but I’ve felt worse.”

I was amazed. I couldn’t imagine either what could have been worse.

“I think, Captain Drince, we should go to my apartment,” said Count Tribosin. “Kordina, Raemaren and Juili have had quite a shock especially Kordina. Then we will take statements when they are a bit better recovered.”

“That’s really very generous, sir,” agreed Drince.

At the apartment I went to the Personal and retrieved the wafer that Villaen had hidden and washed it.

One of the Count’s staff was bringing in drinks and snacks into the lounge. Sergeant Proggern was gone, so the company consisted of Captain Drince, Count Tribosin, Assistant Plones, Adept Mage Lonat, Kordina, Raemaren and myself. Actually the only more senior person on the station was Grand Duke Franken. My Mother as one of the innkeepers was de-facto part of the Council, so Raemaren was almost the lowest rank. Kordina was now technically a stateless minor without citizenship so was lowest rank!

“Right,” said Tribosin, “if you are able, Kordina, can you tell us how you came to be flung out of an airlock?”

“Stupidity?” said Kordina. “I went for a walk. I saw four people carrying what looked like Leinos, accompanied by two others. One was opening an airlock. I had some idea they were going to space Leinos and I thought it right to try and rescue him. They bundled me into the airlock too. Six to one is too many even with my training. I suspect I broke someone’s arm. Perhaps Leinos was already dead.”

“Almost certainly,” said Drince. “Earlier Hularin was found dead. The Foudanae Sept Council told us that he and Leinos had exchanged angry words at the banquet?”

“True,” I agreed, interrupting, then felt silly as obviously he was asking Kordina.

“Leinos had become erratic and lacking in judgement,” said Kordina, “but I would think he was framed. Hularin even had a theory he was being drugged and hypnotised.”

“It’s possible,” said Lonat, “as there was something else as well as the poison. There will be a full report later. The hypnotism is unlikely, that would need a rogue telepath.”

“Anyhow,” said Drince, “the Council claimed it was an internal tribal matter and the Sept council would deal with it according to spacer law. They sent my office a transcript. If he was framed, it was well done, Hularin was stabbed, microscopic traces of his blood were found on Leinos’s knife and clothes. The spacer tribes don’t do imprisonment for class one murder with incontrovertible proof.”

“It’s a frame,” insisted Kordina.

“You argue for his innocence even after how he treated you?” I asked.

“That’s got nothing to do with it,” said Kordina. “So we have Reagen and Amaltina ruling two new Septs now?”

“We wondered if you could enlighten us on that,” said Tribosin. “We spoke to Asterin. He can’t. Nor can the council. The Council has voted him back and appointed him as Regent while they think about it. The starship Joelin with Captain Amaltina and Reagen but not all the crew, has jumped. No-one knows where they have gone. So the Council has debated about appointing the Edling Numlaner provisionally as Tanist, but not Chief till he is of age. They can’t agree.”

“But not Mordal or me?” asked Kordina. “Strange as Numlaner was the least of us, he’ll never be Chief. Though he is my only friend in the Edlings. I think he supported Hularin and Asterin. So I bet Yoni and his closest cronies are still here and not on the Joelin?”

“How did you know?” said Captain Drince. “Also can you identify your assailants?”

“They wanted something off Villaen, probably to do with Captain Fliminat,” said Kordina, “and no, I have no idea who assaulted me and I don’t wish to make a complaint. Likely they left on the Joelin. Also I’m nearly two years from majority and only a parent or guardian can make a complaint. I have neither now that I’m no longer an Edling. As I am an orphan and never adopted, Leinos was my legal guardian while I was an Edling.”

“Of course,” said Drince, “I’m being slow. Pralig warns Villaen, then Yoni’s crony Punat and Villaen have a shoot out. Could Pralig have whatever it is?”

“I think I have it, a wafer.” I said. I explained about Villaen’s sudden curiosity to about redecorating and his hurry to leave.

“So he couldn’t have retrieved the wafer quickly,” said Drince. “Give it to Assistant Plones. Was there anything else?”

“A couple of cases. Just clothes. I put them in the inn’s store for now. I think security checked all of that.”

I handed the wafer to Plones, who sniffed it curiously.

“You didn’t?” he stared at me and I blushed.

“I washed it well,” I whispered, “just now, that’s why it smells of soap.”

He set it on his Slab.

“It’s coded, not proper encryption. Just enough to stop someone recycling it as a credit wafer or casually seeing what is on it.”

He held up the Slab.

“A map of an island and galactic stellar co-ordinates. A Homeworld, local name unknown, with no radio or space travel and no Talent, so still under quarantine—”

Just then Kordina’s Crystal chimed. She went to the hall to talk.

“Can we go and find whatever it is?” I asked.

“Why do you think there is something to find?” said Count Tribosin.

“Because Villaen hid it and he and Punat obviously fought about it,” I said.

There was silence for a moment till Kordina came back in.

“That was Asterin,” said Kordina, “he is now my guardian as he is regent. A quorum of the council, actually all of the council apart from those on the Joelin, voted me back into the Sept and the Edlings. Captain Amaltina and Reagen have been exiled from the Sept as have Yoni and his cronies, though they are still in the inn. They wish to interview the rest of the Joelin’s crew before making a decision on each of them. The Flitter Clan that came here on the Joelin are very upset as they are now stuck here till a full sized starship with space for enough Flitters comes, or the Joelin returns.”

“Does Asterin wish to bring charges?” asked Captain Drince.

“I don’t know,” said Kordina, “probably not, also can he, as he wasn’t my guardian when I was assaulted?”

“I have to say,” said Drince, “I’m not entirely convinced that you don’t know who assaulted you. But despite living here, I still don’t fully understand the Clans and Septs of you spacers. I’ll go, your honour? I should take the wafer as evidence.”

“Yes,” said Count Tribosin, “I agree, there is little more you can do. I’ll send Plones with the wafer later.”

They stared at each other.

“I suppose really you are in charge,” Drince replied at last.

We sat drinking and nibbling for a while after Captain Drince was shown out.

“The station does have an idle starship,” said Assistant Plones, “but only a skeleton maintenance group, no crew as such. I’d bet a decent amount of credits that the only available crew on the entire station is this Yoni and his cronies.”

“They’d be keen to go though,” said Kordina, “and create no trouble till we got there. Corneela will be looking out for Reagen’s interests and Yoni for Amaltina’s, so perhaps we can split them.”

“How do you know so much about them?” I asked. “Why did you hide from Villaen, Pralig and Punat?”

Everyone looked at Kordina expectantly.

“My parents were members of Captain Fliminat’s Crew,” she said. “I knew they were involved with the others in criminality. But they wanted out. Then they had an accident, though probably it wasn’t. Captain Fliminat had a lot of Council influence and got me accepted into the Edlings immediately. I was only eleven when they died. I rose by my own efforts to second.”

I began to see why Kordina preferred to say nothing, because if she did start speaking it could end badly. We all sat silently thinking about this amazing unexpected information.

“Likely with Pralig having skipped and Punat dead Yoni will have nine others here including Corneela,” mused Kordina. “Can you raise enough others? I can do as much as any adult to crew a starship. Likely Raemaren and Juili can do almost as much, so that’s thirteen. Yes, I know Juili is very young, but she is obsessed with Flitters and starships. She can probably navigate one.”

I grinned at this unexpected, exaggerated if mostly true praise. Then I realised that Kordina wanted to find what ever it was and somehow turn it all to her advantage.

“I can probably get twelve including myself if Adept Mage Lonat can come,” said Count Tribosin. “Unfortunately Assistant Plones and my two staff and I have little knowledge about crewing a starship, but we can provide security support.”

“Yes,” Kordina explained, “I have a Flitter Pilot and Space Navigation licence. I can certainly help on the starship bridge. So we would have fifteen to Yoni’s ten. We can have Captain Drince’s men search them for weapons.”

“I don’t think so,” said Plones. “I think they can’t be searched without a way station Council warrant, which wouldn’t be forthcoming. Also is it a problem that Juili and Kordina would be known to them?”

“Yoni was always very kind to me,” said Kordina, “like an Uncle. But I would rather be anonymous.”

“If I can make a personal comment,” said Lonat, “you two girls unmistakably smell female, though only to Karnds. Most of Yoni’s people are Karnds?”

“Yes,” agreed Kordina. “Spacer tribes by necessity are usually a single species, the entire Sept are all Karnd.”

“This is even more indelicate,” said Lonat, “but if you are disguised as boys, then I can turn off your scent. I’d have to renew my Magery every couple of days. As personal privacy is even more regarded among spacers, no-one would see you without clothes. Starship and Flitter crew clothing is pretty much tunic top and pants anyway for everyone. I think though it will be more uncomfortable for you, Kordina.”

“Not as much as you think,” muttered Kordina.

“We’ll need permission of Raemaren’s parents, Juili’s mum and Regent Asterin. Perhaps Asterin and Hernarsit, Raemaren’s father and Clan leader, can spare a couple of crew too,” suggested Plones.

“I’ll organise it tomorrow,” said Count Tribosin. “Juili, can Plones look after the wafer?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Good, no need for Captain Drince to have it. Plones can take it to the captain when we come back, if he still needs it as evidence.”

I thought he sounded very pleased.

So we all went to our beds, with Raemaren and Kordina in their original rooms in my mum’s inn. I wondered why the Count was so keen to go and willing to take us teenagers. Why not inform the Caemorian Government or the Galactic Council? Really it was nothing to do with Grand Central.

7: Starship Pani

Humans

The generic Karndic term for any sentient species – creatures using tools and language – is always translated human in English. Most species have no concept of race in the Tellurian sense, tribe would be the closest. No-one elsewhere has any biological connection to Tellurians, This would be true for every species, no common ancestors for more than one Homeworld

—Princess N’Riada

The members of the Flitter Clan marooned by the sudden departure of the Joelin didn’t want to sign up in case the Joelin came back, or less likely, a starship with no Flitters turned up.

8: Arrival

Quarantine

Any world without radio is automatically in quarantine. Most without starships are quarantined even if they have satellites. Any with telepathic Talents only have a very short quarantine

—Princess N’Riada

As soon as we jumped we knew there was a problem. The wafer data was about 18 years old. The quarantine data was over 150 years old, just before the war on Yaram.

9: Yoni’s Gang

The captain thought it was nearly time to launch a Flitter and land. The starship was only on a flyby path, so the Flitter had to decelerate only when near the planet and then have short window of time.

10: Landing

The larger nation states on the opposite sides of the largest ocean with our target island had tracked something to the northern tropics of the trade routes. They were sending warships and airships to investigate. It was time to go.

11: Day One

Omnia-Indica before Sync-sats

Every visiting starship would update our station databases as part of the station use conditions. We in turn let visitors download anything and everything. It was partially due to this Encyclopaedic feature and having a backup that the second station was built over 2500 years ago, simply called New Station. They had a starship that visited once a month with a third complete database. It was only a third of the length of a normal full size ship as it had been chopped to provide structure when building the New Station. This made it fairly useless for passing a Homeworld

—Captain Juili

Serna, Tomait, Alri, and Mage Lonat went down the ramp first with pulse carbines at the ready. Captain Frosent and Balsai would stay with the Flitter.

12: Day Two

East

The direction of sunrise is always called east, no matter which way the planet rotates

—N’Riada Maisie

Suddenly Adept Mage Lonat was shaking me. It was still dark, but perhaps with a faint glow in the east. We ate and drank quietly and packed our bags. Quietly we moved on.

13: Raemaren

“Kordina,” said Raemaren, “you’re really good at noticing stuff, can’t you watch both parties? Juili and I could move closer to get a better view of the Flitter. No-one can creep up on you here, but it wouldn’t be sensible for one of us to go closer alone.”

14: Benin

I went out and re-locked the hatch.

15: Disposal

The captain, Benin and Lonat discussed how to best get the prototypes to the Flitter and what to do about the damaged Flitter.

16: A Rescue

The airship was in trouble. We watched appalled as it crumpled in slow motion into the mountainside.

17: Back on the Pani

It took a delightfully quiet two days to catch the starship, even though it was still decelerating at nearly 2 g. I studiously ignored Raemaren. Kordina was moody and uncommunicative. However I was content to have no immediate danger and time to update my journal.

18: Interrogation

Five months later Kordina took me with her to see Yoni. It wouldn’t be long now till we jumped. The guard let us in.

19: The Joelin

Now that we knew where to look, a camera panned and zoomed and she was on the viewscreen. Her ion drive was off. Yet there was no spin. That seemed very odd. Something was running because there was the characteristic billow of steam turning to ice crystals at both ends.

20: Back Home

…

21: Many Years Later

Maisie and Juili were sitting in a café on the Intergal One starship.

…

THE END

Appendix

Juili explains Grand Central

I resisted the temptation to laugh.

Acknowledgements

Shakespeare based King Lear on earlier less tragic tales. The Nahum Tate version was popular for 150 years and is closer to the sources Shakespeare used. There were almost no plays performed during the Commonwealth and after the Restoration people were not so keen on Tragedies.

…

Next: The Master’s Talent

The Celtic Otherworld

Unlike Greek and Roman myth, there are many Celtic Otherworlds that appear to be magical and often inhabited by the Fair Folk (Fay, Fairy, Sióg) or sometimes the Tuath Dé (later called Tuatha De Danann). They are not realms of the dead. The oldest Norse legends have many similar aspects to the oldest Celtic myths. Apart from Valhalla, Asgard isn’t a place of the dead.

‘Riders of the Sidhe’ by John Duncan (cropped detail)

Manannán Mac Lir led the Tuath Dé away to the Otherworld over 2,500 years ago. Except for them it’s been more like 600 due to the time-slip. Not all the portals (often at Court Graves, Raths and other ancient Irish sites) have been closed. Any Enchanter can open one. Today Tuath Dé culture is a crazy mix of Mediaeval to 19th Century.

Most involve Alice, also called Eilis, who lived in rural Co. Limerick till age thirteen.

The Talents Universe

The Talents Universe series are all stories connected by characters with the mysterious Talent, of which there are seven kinds, or with some involvement of the Caemorian Empire, a world 80,000 light years away from Earth (Tellus) on the other side of the Milky Way. Apart from Jump Drive for the starships and the psychic-like Talent, the Science Fiction attempts to be compatible with known science.

Mostly involving the activities of the Caemorian Empire, a single planet 80,000 light years from Earth. They are about 5000 years more advanced. Their culture dominates nearly a third of the Milky Way. Anyone developing Talent, always at puberty, must be trained in the Circle College on Caemoria.

Many of the stories involve Maisie Kelly from Ireland the only person from Earth with the special Talent. The time scale is contemporary, and as we didn’t notice any giant starship visiting, it must be an alternate reality?

Trader’s Isle

The Trader’s Isle series is set in mediaeval-like world without Black Powder. The massive world wars and loss of much technology a thousand years earlier was bad, but the rise of the Sorcerers called the Silver Wolf Heads using the Arinopean Barons as puppet leaders was a disaster for the Isle of Amrat and the people curiously called Traveller Folk, even though they are not nomadic.

The painting is a detail from Le Jardin de Maubuisson by Camille Pissarro (1830-1903).

Contents

0: Maisie’s Note

1: Villaen Arrives

2: More Visitors

3: Freness and Joelin

4: Pralig’s Visit

5: The Banquet

6: A Bit of EVA Work

7: Starship Pani

8: Arrival

9: Yoni’s Gang

10: Landing

11: Day One

12: Day Two

13: Raemaren

14: Benin

15: Disposal

16: A Rescue

17: Back on the Pani

18: Interrogation

19: The Joelin

20: Back Home

21: Many Years Later

Appendix

The Celtic Otherworld Series

The Talent Universe Series

The Traders Isle Series