Chapter Three: Straight to the Top

Chapter Three: Straight to the Top1

The chime of the viewer awoke Jane. Hastily throwing on a robe she found a rather nervous Esphan Grog, a sweps third on line.2

“Sorry to wake you Captain but I have a code one sub-e, from Base One; ‘Your eyes only’.”3

Jane cleared her throat. “Right, put them through.” 4

That a message should be for her eyes only was very rare, that it was from outside their sector catapulted it right into the unprecedented category.5

A very sharp looking security officer appeared on the screen. “Captain Jane Ismina Peers?”6

Jane nodded.7

“Hold please, ma’am.”8

His image was replaced by an elderly man; his strong face and rather long white hair so distinctive that Jane felt quite weak at the knees for a moment.9

“Captain Jane Peers?” he asked, as if she was not at all what he had expected.10

“Sir, yes sir!” Jane almost saluted at the screen. The man was Marshal Tupalef, Commander in Chief of the Spacefleet.11

“At ease Captain. It seems that you have been given a unique invitation to visit the fhurquil home world of Ptarn.” The Marshal’s eyes narrowed questioningly.12

“Sir, yes sir.” Jane’s mind was in a whirl, she had been so pleased she was to meet Harn’s family, she hadn’t even considered any of the ramifications of the invitation.13

“I spoke with Admiral Santana before you - she tells me you haven’t requested leave yet?”14

“Sir, I got the invitation only last night, I…”15

The Marshal waved a hand. “We would like to place the ‘De-Vladin’ at your disposal for the trip.”16

Jane was momentarily stunned. The ‘De-Vladin’ was the flagship of the Spacefleet. “The ‘De-Vladin’ might seem a little aggressive, sir. I hadn’t considered, I thought I would be travelling in a fhurquil ship, sir?”17

The Marshal spoke for a moment to someone out of camera. “Negative that Captain. That could make it look like the Spacefleet was distancing its-self from you because of this invitation, and that is not our position at all!” The Marshal thought for a moment. “Your point about the ‘De-Vladin’ is well made though, I hadn’t considered that. How would you feel about taking the Fairlane?”18

“I would have thought that was the ideal solution, sir.”19

The Marshal nodded. “Very well Captain, I’ll see a replacement ship and crew be despatched to Byron. You return here to Base One a-sap, I look forward to our meeting.” The Marshal’s eyes sparkled and he had a smile on his face as the image disappeared from the screen.20

Jane poked Harn in the side. “Commander Forgenty – Just who did you tell about the invitation?”21

Harn, as always, was immediately awake and annoyingly alert. “Tell? Well no-one, but I did just mention to the Fhurquil Ambassador that it would be a good idea to inform the Federation President that it had been issued.”22

Jane was chuckling. “So that’s it! You know that was the Marshal calling me - he offered us the De-Vladin to take us to Ptarn.”23

“Wow, congratulations Admiral!” Harn sat up in bed and gave Jane a mock bow. “They didn’t waste much time.”24

“I turned it down.”25

“But why Jane? They would not have demoted you again and only a fleetline Admiral can command a battleship, is that not right?”26

“It’s true, but I need not have been the Captain, maybe we would have been reduced to just passengers.” Jane shrugged. “Besides, I didn’t fancy the idea of more than a thousand crew watching our every move.”27

“Yes, that is true.” Harn sounded like he had mixed feelings about Jane’s decision.28

“Anyway, talking of quick, how did The Great Council decide so quickly? I asked you last night but you never did explain.”29

Harn’s face became serious. “There are things perhaps I should have spoken to you about before, but now I must.” Harn stopped, seemingly unable to voice his thoughts.30

“Is it because you are T’Pert?”31

Harn’s eyes were wide for a long moment, then he shook his head. “I do not know how you could know that. How do you know of the T’Pert at all?”32

“In the legend of Eop Nardolat – Equi lopen tar narg defoliiont They speak of ‘The Chosen’ – T’Pert - it’s not a big stretch.”33

“We have taught you so well, you know our legends better than most fhurquil but there is more. I am Drin oyim T’Pert, you understand?”34

“Under first of the chosen, like a prince?”35

“Maybe, there are four selected candidates for the next Chairman of the Council but I am prime.”36

Jane was quiet for a moment. “When would you be expected to become President then?”37

Harn smiled. “Not for many years, the current President is quite young and fit so she may not step down for years.” Harn cleared his throat. “But twice I have been asked to return – there is much I should learn about before I am ready to take my place.”38

“So why haven’t you gone?’39

There was an extended pause before Harn began. “I felt I was still learning here and… I could not take you with me so…” Harn lurched awkwardly to a halt.40

Jane nodded but did not speak – she knew there was more but didn’t want to press Harn; she knew they had already run roughshod over many fhurquil traditions in speaking of the T’Pert at all.41

Harn came over to Jane and pressed his lips to her forehead. “There are other things we must speak of before we reach Ptarn but I need time to consider how best to explain Do you mind if we leave it at that for now?”42

“Of course not. Eotim tapoim ewand, corf to ty im.”43

“And I love you – I have to contact the fhurquil representative.”44

“Oh yes, I didn’t tell you – The Marshal ordered us back to Base One, we can take the ‘Fairlane’ to Ptarn.”45

“Ohy! I was in hope they might do that. How soon do we leave?”46

“He said a-sap, so very soon – how long do you need?” 47

Harn held up his hand. “Minutes only, I will be back before you have dock clearance.”48

“It will take us a bit longer than that.” Jane laughed, “Half the crew aren’t aboard and I haven’t even told Jon and Tyron yet.”49

Harn smiled but dressed swiftly and left.50

Jane called the bridge and had them issue a recall for the rest of the crew.51

Tyron was not asleep but with one of his seconds. “Captain, this is an unexpected pleasure. What brings you to the humble navigation quarters?”52

“We need a speed course to Base One - how long?”53

The navigator second, Tasherina, smiled broadly at Jane’s words. “This could be our chance, sir!”54

Tyron stroked his chin. “Can I speak freely Jane?”55

“Always.”56

“You know that Tasherina and I have been working on something new – an update of T.i.n.t.h. – we haven’t got it totally sorted yet and it might take us two or three hours to work out the course but we will much more than save that in flight time.”57

Jane shrugged. “We are ordered back by the Marshal himself, a-sap, his word, so go for it! Show us what this old bag of bolts can do.”58

Tyron beamed down at Jane. They had been close since he had taught her navigation at the Academy. Then he suddenly lost his smile.59

“Did you really speak to the Marshal?”60

“Yep. And guess where we are off to after Base One?”61

“The Ball Nebular!” Tasherina gasped.62

“Nope – want to try another guess?”63

Tyron shrugged his huge shoulders. “If it’s not the Ball. I haven’t a clue or even why we would be leaving the sector.”64

“Ptarn.” Jane told them, just about keeping her face straight.65

“Ptarn! –  Fhurquil, Ptarn?” Tyron gasped.66

Jane nodded, a broad smile on her face.67

Tyron stared at Jane then began to chuckle.68

“What?” Jane asked.69

“I swear you do it deliberately, you know all the basic navigation exams use Base One, I bet they have a course to just about anywhere worked out, but Ptarn! No-one would bother – who’s going there?”70

“We are.” Jane smiled back and left them to get on with their work.71

The next few hours were a whirl of activity as the remaining crew came back aboard and there was a buzz of excitement at the recall. The only person who had not returned was Logan Iliana, as he had gone to attend an esper’s conference on Byron Two; as an auxiliary crew member and not Spacefleet personnel, he was free to make that choice.72

“Have we got dock clearance Jon?”73

The tall, slim, blonde First Officer and First of Picams (from, piloting, communications, scanners.)  met eyes with Jane for a moment. He could remember their first meeting as if it had been the day before. ~~~~74

Since college Jon had known where he wanted his career to go, each step carefully calculated. Prior to the ‘Fairlane’ he had been First Officer on a science vessel and had been offered a Captain’s ticket, which was what he wanted but not then. He wanted another year as a First Officer on a higher profile ship. Any longer and he knew he would look like a perennial second in line but another year would give him much more choice of ships to become Captain of. 75

Ser had been friends with Jon for several years, having worked on the same ship when Ser had been placed from the Academy. Ser, knowing Jon’s plans, had called him and suggested he put in for First Officer on the ‘Fairlane’. It was the right sort of ship and Jon knew Ser was highly rated.  Then when he learned that Juan Poperwell was the Engineering First, he realised that a rather special crew was coming together and he had been very interested. 76

Jon had applied and met Jane. As they had shaken hands, Ser in the background grinning like a Cheshire cat, Jon had half expected Jane to go into a dance routine and start stripping and Ser and the others start cheering. After a moment’s awkward pause Jon had realised that in fact this was the new Captain of the ‘Fairlane’ and not a practical joke on Ser’s part. He had managed to recover quickly and thought he had covered his slip but Ser had teased him for weeks about it.77

As he had got to know Jane he had realised she was quite capable but had thought she was rather over-confidant and perhaps a little lax, until their third mission together.78

Their first two missions on the ‘Fairlane’ had been pretty routine, a small cruise ship in trouble and a rust bucket, leviathan, cargo ship, with engine trouble. The third had been of a quite different calibre. 79

Iona the largest moon of Byron six, had been a lure for miners from all over the federation. It was almost earth size and had an atmosphere but was one of the most inhospitable planetoids. Orbiting the gas giant it was subject to intense gravitational forces, that caused violent eruptions and quakes but had produced some of the rarest and most sought after minerals so far discovered. A group of unlicensed miners had got into trouble and the ‘Fairlane’ had been despatched with a specialist team. The most difficult part though was the shuttle flight down. The atmosphere was heavily laden with dust and vapour, giving very little visibility, and making the controls sluggish. Instrumentation landings were normally straightforward, but not on Iona, the electrical storms that perpetually ravaged the atmosphere made even the best pilots quail. 80

Jon, as First of Picams had been the shuttle pilot. It was a flight he would never forget. Not just because of the difficulty but all through the decent and ascent Jane had been in contact. Had their roles been reversed he was sure he would have tried to talk his pilot through each step. Jane had not done that but had just been there - like a friendly hand on the shoulder; never enough to break his concentration, but just reassurance to bring out the best in him. 81

It had been like a revelation to Jon. Of course, as he later confessed to Ser, it might have been just facing death head on, several times it had been much too close for comfort, but he didn’t think so. He had suddenly realised what people had meant by the term ‘less is more’, nor had it been just him. Before the rescue at Iona the crew had been a good average Spacefleet team but after they had come together in some subtle way, like a new engine that had just run in, each cog smoothly meshed into each other.82

Jon had never been in such a group before, nor even considered the possibility that a crew could reach such an understanding. Then like the final piece of a jigsaw slipping into place, Tyron had joined the crew.83

‘Yes Captain.” 84

“Okay, take us out a few megs while we wait for Tyron.”85

“Complying, Captain.”86

“Incoming from Admiral Santana, Captain.”87

“On my screen, Opal.”- “Good morning, ma’am.”88

“It seems that congratulations are in order, Jane.”89

“I turned the De-Vladin down, ma’am.”90

“Really,” The sparkle was back in Admiral Santana’s eyes. “That must have given them food for thought, so you’re taking the ‘Fairlane’… all the way?” Admiral Santana was avoiding mentioning Ptarn.91

“Yes ma’am, the Marshal said he would arrange replacements for us to be despatched.”92

“Good, but you will still be missed Jane, stable stars. I look forward to your return.”93

Jane turned in time to see a breathless Tyron enter the bridge with Tasherina.94

“All logged in Captain. Might I ask that Tasherina instigates the jump?”95

“Your station Tyron.”96

“Thank you Captain.”97

“Sir, we need full impulse at three megs.” Tasherina told Jon, and added the course figures.98

Jane raised her eyebrows but didn’t comment.99

“Complying, Nav.” was all that Jon said.100

“Sound hypospace jump warning.” Tasherina’s voice sounded very nervous.101

“Coming up on three megs –  three, two. One – Mark!”102

Jane felt the strange gut wrenching sensation as the ship entered hypospace.103

There was a moment as Tasherina watched the screen, then Tyron nodded to her.104

“In the tube – Base One, thirteen days, twelve hours, ten minutes.”105

“Say again!” Jane ordered.106

Tasherina swallowed and repeated the figures under the gaze of the whole bridge.107

Jane whistled through her teeth. “Jumping Jehosaphat, that’s going to put a few eyebrows up at Base One. Good work you two!”108

Tyron bowed low to the scattered applause from the bridge crew but Tasherina turned very red and seemed to be trying to shrink into her seat.109

“Captain, if you are free now I think we should go to see Teolin.” Harn said from the doorway.110

Jane nodded. “You have the bridge Jon – ship rules.”111

“Complying, Captain.” Jon smiled back.112

Jane grimaced as she and Harn made their way to the security section.113

“She cannot stay as she is Jane, she must be released.” Harn’s voice was soft but firm.114

“But she might try to end her life again.”115

“That is for her – this is for you.”116

It had only been a day since Jane had seen Teolin but the change in her was marked. Her face was pale and her eyes sunken. She looked as if she’d been very ill.117

“What’s happened to her Harn?”118

Harn hissed, the fhurquil equivalent of a sigh. “She is dying – she cannot sleep properly or eat and drink enough, her life drains away while she is Orat ta ma.”119

“Oh my stars, that’s why you set the limit.” Jane was appalled by the thought of how Teolin would look in thirty days if this was how much she had deteriorated in a single day. “I’m sorry Harn, I just didn’t realise.”120

“How could you? The Great Council never considered that any but a fhurquil could do what you did, but it has not been without gain so I do not think any would criticise you now, especially since it has not been too long.”121

“What do you think are her chances?”122

Harn gestured with his hands. “Not good. I am not so sure now that she was unmade though, there are so many unexplained things about the ‘Sally Forth’ that it may well be she has indeed crossed the great divide, but I cannot guess how she will feel and that is all that counts here.”123

Jane nodded and they entered the room.124

“Teolin Fe Ba Guin I have come to innarg the ora ta ma, but before that I urge you to think – the ship you were in has many inexplicable events surrounding it. Not least how it came to be where it was. As well as this you were disguised as a human, this was not then fanarg tewiolinasg., but just more than you anticipated.” 125

Jane felt Harn stiffen by her side, clearly she had trampled on some other fhurquil tradition but even knowing how strictly they adhered to them, a life was at stake here.126

“You will consider these things?”127

Teolin nodded.128

Jane put her hand on Teolin’s head. “Teolin Fe Ba Guin ey onarg ora to ma.”129

Teolin’s head fell forward.130

“Shit! All that for nothing!” Jane turned away tears rising in her eyes.131

“She is not dead Jane, only asleep.”132

Jane turned sharply. “Does that mean that she…”133

“I don’t know; she will have time to consider once she wakes.”134

Ser Cidal was standing by the door. “How is she Captain?”135

Jane gestured with a shrug and open palms - then suddenly stopped. “Harn, her terhanogitima was to learn about the base-side wasn’t it?”136

“Yes.” Harn looked puzzled.137

“Ser, didn’t Desh come to us through rehab?”138

“Yes, Jane. He’s a good kid but he was a rebel as a teenager and got into quite a few scrapes before he sorted himself out.”139

“Would you call him here – do you think he would mind talking to Teolin about his troubled years?”140

Ser shrugged. “He might be a bit embarrassed but it wouldn’t kill him, why Jane?”141

Harn’s eyes suddenly lit up. “That’s brilliant Jane, just what she would need to restore her … agwornana.”142

“Self esteem - that was what I was thinking.”143

“Here’s Desh now, perhaps it would be best if you explained to him, Captain.” Ser suggested with a wry smile.144

Jane nodded her thanks to Ser. “Desh, we need someone to stay with Teolin until she wakes. She’s not out of the woods yet; she may be very down when she wakes.” Jane took a deep breath. “We chose you because of your record…”145

“Captain I…” Desh was blushing slightly.146

“I don’t hold anything against you but Teolin’s… I suppose you’d call it master thesis, was to be about what the fhurquil call the base-side, the criminal or chaotic element in the human race. If you could explain to her, even if it’s only personal experiences, it could… well frankly, save her life.”147

Desh’s eyebrows were raised as he looked down at the prone form of the fhurquil on the bed. “Well of course - if it’s that important…”148

“Good, we’ll leave her in your hands then. Call us and Donal if you have the slightest doubt when she wakes. Okay?”149

“Yes, ma’am.”150

Harn took Jane’s hand as they walked away. “I think that you have just saved her life, before I had little hope she would stay, now I think there is a good chance for her.” Harn paused for a moment. “Have you time now Jane, there are other things I would speak of?”151

“Of course.”152

“Harn didn’t speak again until they were in their cabin.153

“What do you know of the T’Pert?” he asked in fhurquil.154

“Very little, only that you are chosen in some way.”155

Harn nodded. “Between the ages of six and seven, all fhurquil children are tested for the three things…”156

“Of course! – T’Pert, I’Parna sa Vaal!” Jane said excitedly.157

“Sometimes it is as if you read my mind; you should not know this.”158

“A long time ago, I was told an odd story of Tagashii and her suitors…”159

“That is the story that is used to explain to children about the testing.”160

“Yes, I understand that now, but many times I’ve puzzled over it. I asked a close friend, Satian, about it and she became very embarrassed, yet we used to talk about almost anything.”161

Harn nodded. “It is considered very unseemly to talk about the T’Pert or I’Parna, before those that are not – even here and now under these exceptional circumstances, I still feel very uncomfortable.”162

Jane took Harn’s hand. “Now we’ve started you should tell me the rest and get it over. What is the purpose of the selection?”163

Harn paused for a moment before speaking. “The T’Pert form The Great Council, well those that wish to, the I’Parna are a little like your esper guild and more, for they are also our doctors of medicine.”164

Jane could feel Harn’s reluctance to continue but despite all her fhurquil knowledge this was all new to her. “So after testing, a child that was not T’Pert could never be on The Great Council?”165

Harn shuddered and shook his head. After a moment he asked. “Does this seem… alien, to you?”166

Jane’s eyes narrowed in thought. “It seems a little unfair, because in theory anyone could become the President of the Federation or Marshal of the Spacefleet. Of course not many would have the talent or the opportunity, but it feels very wrong to exclude a child of seven.”167

Harn was nodding his head.168

“What is it Harn?”169

“I was just thinking how wise The Great Council was in deciding that this should be kept secret, for if even you find it odd, how would other humans view it?”170

Jane nodded. “I think some would find it repugnant, maybe more... Harn. When you said even me, what did you mean?” Jane added, after a moment’s thought.171

“Just that you have more knowledge of us than any other human – even your father has not been told many of the things you have.”172

Jane’s eyes were narrowed in thought. “So why did you decided to tell me so much?”173

“The Great Council wanted to give just one human all our knowledge to see if they would be able to understand and except our ways. You were chosen because of your father. He was in constant contact with us and so it was easy to arrange fhurquil baby sitters.” Harn chuckled. “I doubt if you realised but many of your ‘baby sitters’ are considered our best minds, no other child has had such a list of teachers I think.”174

“So I was like a laboratory animal to you?” Jane asked slightly nettled.175

“I suppose there is a similarity, does that annoy you? We did you no harm, only gave you knowledge.”176

Jane nodded then shrugged. “I just never realised, I should have. It’s obvious now, and you? Did you come to me because I was part of the experiment?”177

“I was interested to meet you of course, this has been a long term scheme even for us, but if you are asking if I became your lover because of the experiment, then of course not! No-one could tell me to do that.” Harn seemed rather ruffled, significantly so for a fhurquil.178

Jane realised it was another expression of Vaal she had not considered; would any other fhurquil telling Harn to take such a course of action question his Vaal? She couldn’t be sure, but suspect it might be so.179

While Jane was still thinking, Ser’s voice came over the communicator. “Captain, Teolin is awake, Desh is talking with her and she seems to be back to normal.” 180

“Thank you Ser, that’s excellent news. We’ll look in on them shortly.”181