Chapter 9
To a new home
Yuri and Kai sit in their cabin having a late-night drink.
"Baysan tells me her husband is worthless and causing problems" Kai says. "She says he won't do anything, berates her in front of the crew, and has nothing good to say about anything from food, to his quarters, to the condition of the ship."
"Parcak started to annoy me the minute I met him" Yuri replies. "I tried to warn him about doing stuff like that, you know that. He's the laziest waste of a noble I've ever run into."
"The Lori's ordered the Ginsharians to stay away from him," Kai replies. "They say he sets a bad example and doesn't want them corrupted by his Alien behavior. I suspect that's why he was married off to Baysan. She's not Anubian, and from a backwater world, one that Parcak's family wanted a foot in the door for trade."
Yuri nods. "You're right. They get rid of a family embarrassment and get a trade deal out of it. Baysan doesn't deserve the treatment she's getting. So, what can we do about it?"
Kai shrugs and rubs her eyes. "Kasakabe and I discussed it. Next stop it gets resolved. If a duel doesn't fix things, Murotsu and I will. As Owato Clan Baysan cannot be seen, or treated, as a doormat. We're going to tell her to fix the problem… Which probably involves him dying… Or, we'll take care of her for not doing so."
On Wonday 282, the Ardent arrives in the Ishkuli system.
"Report" Lori Twenty-one orders.
"No ships in system, no active scans" Cali replies.
Eleven minutes later the Orta Laki San arrives.
On the Orta Laki Lass reports, "Ardent bearing two six nine point three five three degrees, range seventeen thousand one hundred six kilometers, stationary."
"The Prince Arshur?" Kai asks.
"Not present Captain."
An hour later the Prince Arshur III arrives. They are over one million kilometers out of position relative to the primary.
"The Prince Arshur is signaling they have a partial life support failure and engineering issues Kapitan" Lass says.
"Understood" Lori (16) replies. "Signal the Prince Arshur to close with us at best speed."
"Understood. Time to station, twenty-two hours seven minutes."
All three ships are finally together.
"Comm, signal the squadron to get underway and make orbit of Okrug" Yuri orders.
Because of the engineering problems on the Prince Arshur, Yuri decides they will land. The ships move through the atmosphere at an altitude of a thousand meters towards the landing site. There is no wind, the sky is full of fluffy pink clouds. The thick atmosphere and a strong magnetic field reduce solar radiation to near zero. They occasionally encounter a light drizzle of rain. It is mid-day through the 54-hour local day. Ishkuli takes up a quarter of the sky like an enormous moon.
The ships set down next to a lake outside a small town. The engineers head to the Prince Arshur. Locals arrive in a couple of battered trucks. They are all over two meters tall.
"Thank you for coming" Yuri says. "If you'd like we can meet on my ship and I'll serve you lunch. We're here to refuel and buy food if it's available. We'll pay cash or trade whatever you prefer."
Kai looks at them. "The black ship is off limits please don't go near it. The guards are armed and will vaporize anyone who does."
The mayor says, "Please don't take any energy or military grade weapons away from your ships. I understand the need for guards but that should be the limit of those weapon's use."
The sheriff adds, "I have no problem with swords, bows, or the like. If some of your crew wants to hunt there are some good guides you can hire."
While they are talking Ikki shows up. Yuri herds the locals out of the wardroom and starts to show them the ship.
Ikki sits down exhaling heavily. "The Prince Arshur's air regeneration system is fried. We are going to have to replace it. The heating and cooling system is in bad shape too. That Shirato drive is way off. It is going to take us at least a week to fix everything right."
"Alright Ikki. You have a week, no more" Kai replies. "Get Captain Temirzhan's ship fixed."
Kai turns to Baysan. "Better we fix things here than you have another problem FTL where we can't help."
Baysan frowns. "Right Captain."
"Is there a problem?"
Baysan shakes her head.
"Everyone dismissed. Kasakabe stay please."
"What's the problem, or do I need to ask?" Kai asks.
"It's my husband. He's acting like a total ass. It's starting to have bad effects on the crew."
Kai leans towards Baysan and looks her in the eyes. "You're a made member of the Owato Clan. That makes you a Ral Rantan. You're also a ship's Captain and a noble. You have a duty to act like it. Muro and I have given you one reprieve, you won't get another. Am I making myself clear?"
Kasakabe takes out a blade and sets it on the table. "Do or die."
"Muro's right" Kai says. "You need to take care of this or we will have to act. You know that. I'll give you to Mirla to straighten it out."
Baysan stands and bows. "I'll do it right now Boss Ladies. As soon as things get settled down I'll demand Parcak duel me."
She turns and bows to Murotsu. "Usted Kasakabe, I would request you be my second. Captain, if you and Sir Yuri could officiate I'd be honored."
"One more thing," Kai adds. "Make sure this is done as publicly as possible. I want you to have most or all of the crews and immigrants present when you make your demand, particularly your crew."
"Yes, Boss Lady." Baysan bows deeply.
It is not until the next day, some fifty hours later, that Baysan has a chance to make her demand.
Ikki has set up a large tarp and Zan and her stewards have provided tables, chairs, and amenities for those off watch or work to relax in style. Yuri and Parcak sit at one of the tables. Water drips from the edges of the canopy as a light drizzle ends. Bell is the stewardess on duty. She sets two drinks and a plate of snacks down.
"You're okay with being outdoors Bell?" Yuri asks.
"Yes Sir Yuri. Petr and I have not had the issues the others do."
"So, Parcak, what's your family's business interests worth exactly?" Yuri asks.
Parcak grins. "I'm not completely sure. I'd guess about twenty or thirty million florins."
"And us?" Yuri asks. "How much do you think is invested in this operation?"
"No idea." Parcak signals Bell for another drink, downing his in one gulp. "I'd say less than that except maybe for the ships."
Yuri does some mental conversions in his head. "Then you're in for a shock young man. We are worth well over a billion Florins and over three billion if you cost in the ships. We, sir, are creating a new world and that is very slim resources to do it on."
"Where's Bell with that drink?" Parcak says, ignoring Yuri.
Yuri looks up. Baysan with Kai and Kasakabe right behind her are heading at full steam towards him. "I think you have a crisis heading this way Parcak."
Parcak shrugs. "Women can be so annoying."
The crews on all three ships are stopping work and turning out.
Baysan marches up to her husband. She stands staring at him.
Parcak looks annoyed. "What?"
Yuri sips his drink.
Baysan pulls a blade out of her jacket and drops it on the table in front of Parcak. "Pick it up. We're settling things between you and me right now by Owato Clan and Anubian rules."
"What? What the hell are you going on about?"
"You and I will duel right here, right now for who's rules get honored on the Prince Arshur. You win and I'll be your obedient and docile Anubian wife. You may continue your life of leisure as you have. I win you'll show me the respect I deserve as a ship's Captain, as Princess, and you'll start being a productive and useful member of the crew. To first blood, you and me, right now."
"I had to second one of these on Starbridge" Kai says. "I know by Anubian law it's legal and if you refuse it's a dishonor you'll never live down. You'll be lower than any Anubian woman. Your treatment of Baysan under Owato Clan rules and Ral Rantan law demands she do this. She has no choice and neither do you. You refuse and I'll make sure you remain here penniless and beaten down when we leave. It'll be that or Kasakabe will kill you. And make no mistake, we will do exactly that and there is nothing you can do to stop us. We have no need for a useless, lazy, coward among our ranks. Everyone's watching, so what's it to be?"
Yuri looks at Parcak. "I warned you. Now you know why I listen to my wife and treat her as an equal. It's your call." He sips his drink.
Parcak looks around. Virtually everyone from all three ships is present. "Fine." He picks up the blade, looking at it. "I win you act as an Anubian wife would. You win I'll respect you as Captain and try to learn how to operate the ship."
They move to a grassy area near the ships. The crew follows gathering in small groups Kasakabe and Kai herding them into position.
Kai steps forward. "As Boss Lady of the Owato Clan and senior Captain present I'll be Mistress of Ceremonies. Baysan, Parcak, take your positions."
They face off just out striking range. Zan with some of the parents and stewards herd the children off where they cannot watch. The Arshurians start to cheer for Baysan.
Kai fires a revolver in the air. The crowd goes silent. "This is a serious and solemn occasion. There will be no cheering, no applause. Anyone who does will be shot or struck down dead. Is that clear?"
Murotsu leans into Yuri. "No contest. Baysan slice like meat slab."
Yuri whispers back, "He has no idea who he's dueling. I've talked to him, and you're right, he's a dead man."
Kai gets them positioned. They are armed with a single long blade like a short sword.
"Ready?" Kai drops her hand. "Begin!"
They initially feel each other out. It is clear that Parcak is working more on defense than offense. Baysan does little more than make some test thrusts.
Kasakabe leans towards Yuri again. "Feint. Draw in. Punji die. Baysan learn good."
Parcak's confidence builds as Baysan does not make a serious attempt to attack. He goes on the offensive. His broad slashing strokes are those of an amateur. Baysan avoids or parries them.
After a minute of this Baysan rushes him to his left side. He turns to follow her move. She goes down to sweep kick his legs pivoting on her right hand. As she does she lets go of her blade tossing it towards her left hand. The blade "flies" unerringly into her left hand, as if magnetized. She extends her left hand, with the blade now in it.
Parcak is focused on her sweep of his feet. He turns and hops to avoid her legs. As he does Baysan makes a broad sweeping stroke catching Parcak in the right forearm slicing him open down to the bone from wrist to elbow. She is so fast Parcak does not have a chance to react. Baysan rolls and comes up on her feet shifting her blade back to her right hand.
Kai sees Parcak's injury. "Halt! Stop the duel."
They stop, still facing each other ready to continue.
Kai points at Parcak. "First blood has been drawn. The duel is ended. Prince Parcak, you have lost."
Parcak only then realizes that he is seriously wounded and looks at his bleeding arm. He drops his blade in shock staggering backwards, falling on his butt.
Parcak sits at a small table. Zan and Meli are treating his injury. "I never expected her to be that good or that fast" he says. "She was…"
"She hasn't told you who she is?" Zan asks.
Parcak winces as Meli places a stint on one of his severed veins. "She's a Princess from a nothing world and merchant ship officer in some Ral Ranta thing. What else is there?"
Zan senses he should be told. "Now don't go around telling people this and you can tell her I told you because I will let her know, she's trained as an armed courier with the Owato Clan. That's a Ral Ranta syndicate. She's a master of sword fighting and hand to hand combat. I think she's killed several men. I know she killed a Vargr. To tell you the truth, I'm really surprised she didn't kill you."
Parcak sits staring at Zan his mouth slightly open.
Zan smiles. "There, all better. Now, take it easy using that arm for a week or so. No heavy lifting or hard use of that hand okay?"
He says nothing.
Zan empathically reads him. "That's right, your wife is a trained killer and you'd be very smart not making her mad. Her father needs the trade agreement you represent. That means Baysan will stay married and faithful to you. She loves her family and will do her duty as a Princess. As part of the Owato Clan she's obligated to keep her promises or die for breaking them. You need to work on helping out and occasionally making Baysan happy. I for one don't want to be patching you up every time she slices or beats you out of annoyance." Zan pats his hand. "Please try and work on things with Baysan. You can always talk to me if you need advice, okay?"
Parcak stiffens. "I said I'd try and help if I lost. So, I will Doctor. Thank you for the nice work on my arm." He flexes his fingers.
"Go easy on it though" Zan replies. "Those stints are only temporary to allow you to heal. You need to let the muscle reattach too. The micro bindings we put in will only take so much abuse."
"Right. I think I need to spend some time with my wife really getting to know her." He gets up to leave.
Meli looks at Zan after Parcak walks off. "Is it normal for you to do that Doctor?"
"Do what?"
"Talk to someone you are repairing. I was listening and could not comprehend why you did that. For me he was in need of repair."
"It's just me being Mische" Zan says. "It's the right thing to do for me. Ginshar is different. You don't need to be modified or anything. Meli, you're an efficient and skilled medic, your style is different than mine. I do Mische, you do Ginshar. Parcak also needed his mind repaired. So, I talked to him."
"Understood! Evgi is right about you. You are easy to work with."
Word quickly spreads that Princess Baysan won the duel. That brings on a bout of the children among the Arshurian immigrants wanting to swordfight. The Garv's and Kasakabe are all too willing to oblige.
One teenaged boy, in particular, wants to prove himself and takes Kasakabe on. She uses a wooden sword against a real one she gives him. Their "duel" consists of her smacking him hard repeatedly with the wooden sword. She disarms him several times as well. The spectators laugh at his inept attempts to take her on and he is humiliated.
Kasakabe bows to him then glares at the spectators who scatter. "No shame not know how. Warrior practice, learn. You learn." She takes him with his parents to Baysan and introduces him to the Arshurian soldiers. Baysan tells one of the NCO's to teach the boy some basic military skills.
The next day Lori comes to Kai's cabin. "Kai I would like to make a personal request."
"Of course, Lori, what is it?"
"You know that Murotsu and I are intimate. Since we left Ginshar our relationship has not been what it was before I was modified for my current assignment. Kai I want the modification team to make me more…" in a tiny voice she finishes, "doll-like."
Kai looks at her mouth open. "You want that after all you've been through as one?"
"Yes" Lori replies. "I knew what the modification team could do at Dug and have been disturbed trying to decide what I should do to fix my relationship with Murotsu. You… Kai, Captain, made it possible for me to make that decision. Ikki has shown me it is possible. I get to choose.
Tyer and Nori need your permission to make any modifications and Zan, you, or others I choose can watch and protect me during the process. I knew I could have some of my doll qualities back. The ones I choose to have.
You have no idea what you did means not just to me but to all of us, all Ginsharians. You gave us our freedom. Please… Kai, please let me have the modifications I want."
Kai smiles at her. "I'll arrange a meeting between the modification team, Zan, myself, and you so you can get the changes you want made."
Lori stiffens to attention. "Thank you Captain. Ikki Ten is right about you. You really are ultra kopa."
Kai gives Lori a quizzical look. "Ultra kopa? Is your little sister rubbing off on you?"
"Rubbing off?"
"Sharing memories and information Ginshar-style."
"She is one of us" Lori replies. "That is a normal thing for us to do."
Kai twists up her lip. "Great. Now all of you are going to be running around saying 'shiny' and 'kopa' while looking for tool stores."
"You can have her modified" Lori says.
Kai waves her hand at Lori. 'Get out of my cabin! Ginsharians! You guys are going to make me insane."
Zan and Reni are performing their daily checks on Ikki. "Anything new Ikki?" Zan asks.
Ikki gets a big smile. "Zan, Reni, it is so kopa. I can sense and feel the data in a perscomm or the engineering panels. It is like so weird but it is like so ultra kopa."
"Models Lass and Lori are designed with this feature" Reni says. "It is not part of the Jaan design. I do not understand why Ikki would be capable of this function."
"I can do it because I want to do it" Ikki replies. "Lori and Lass told me they could do it and I thought it would be kopa if I could too. Now I can."
"I must to report this to the rest of the team" Reni says. "This is an unexpected development. We need to collect data and make sure it does not have a negative effect."
"I agree" Zan replies. "I've also noticed you've stopped using contractions when you speak Ikki."
"I have?"
"Pretty much all the time" Zan replies. "I'm used to the other Ginsharians doing it but you…"
"I did not know that." Ikki eyes get wide and she puts her hands over her mouth. "You are right. I am doing that. I do not think I can control it either."
"You sound a lot more Ginsharian now" Zan says. "You're also looking it too. I like what you did with your hair, and pink kind of suits you."
The Orta Laki San is back in FTL. Yuri and Lori have morning watch on the bridge. He sits bored, she operates the flight controls in silence.
"This is kind of a nice change from Kai's usual craziness" Yuri blurts out. "I hope things can stay that way when we get to Factory Rock, but I somehow doubt it…"
Lori turns and faces him. "Sir Yuri, with all respect, I think you are being unfairly hard on her. She got made to save her crew from the Magnate. She succeeded paying a very high price to do it. She saved me from what we know would have been my destruction. Lori would not exist except for her. You have seen the positive influence she is on Baysan and Ikki, even Kasakabe respects her and not for being Clan. Against that, her position in the Owato Clan means she will have to do horrible and terrible things for them. Her alternative is death."
"She saved us, all of us, from destruction by Ginshar. You were there. I think everyone on this ship owes her more than they can ever repay, you most of all… Yuri. You are fortunate to be her husband."
Yuri chews on his lip. "You're right. I need to tell her that more often. As for you Lori, Ginshar was absolutely correct. They made you brilliantly."
The Prince Arshur arrives late and well off their target location in the Mirla system. Yuri complements Baysan on not needing assistance. The ships headed to Mirla. There is no choice but to land to refuel. Yuri sends the Ardent ahead to scout while the slower merchants move together. In orbit Yuri goes over landing locations with Kai, Baysan, and Lori. They decide to put down on a deserted atoll near Mirla's equator.
Reaching the lower atmosphere and still five hundred kilometers out from the atoll Lass announces, "Captain, detecting an active scan from an armed ship bearing two nine four range seventy-one kilometers." She rattles off the weapons, crew, and other details.
Lori Twenty-one on the Ardent orders quarters and her weapons to lock on the ship. The Ardent calls the other ships.
The Orta Laki San goes to quarters and begins tracking the ship.
"Lori (21) don't fire on them. We're trying to contact them" Yuri says.
"Captain, detecting a fire control signature attempting a lock. Maneuvering to prevent" Lass replies.
"Lass, call them now!" Yuri says. "I don't want to have to blow them out of the water."
In under a minute Lass has the ship on radio. "Contact established."
"This is Captain Drache commanding the Mirlian Navy frigate Kerrsaint. To whom am I speaking?"
"I'm Sir Yuri Shapurin an Imperial merchant. My ships are headed to the atoll about four hundred kilometers ahead of us to land and refuel. We'll be departing this system after that. We have no hostile intent but if you fire on us we will defend ourselves."
The fire control signals cease. "That's fine. I contacted our air forces to intercept you too. They probably still will but they won't fire on you. I'll be calling our government as we normally charge an immigration and fueling fee for ships like yours to refuel."
"We'll expect them then Captain" Yuri replies.
The squadron arrives next in the Abouka system. There is no starport. Instead, there is an orbital platform for docking small craft and similar loading docks and docking arrangements on the planet.
A government representative explains, "This arrangement is designed to prevent workers from taking a vacation while owing their employer money, and it prevents large scale smuggling."
Most of the companies on Abouka are owned by Anubians. The crew finds them arrogant and snobbish. Companies are ruled with an iron fist. Security is omnipresent and obvious. Everyone has to show their identification at security check points and frequently to roaming security teams. The security acts apologetic and grovels to the nobility and senior officers, but is gruff and rude to crew and immigrants. More than once shore parties see workers being brutally beaten or abused by the guards and management.
"Because of the security here, nobody will leave the ship by themselves. You'll stay in groups and an officer or noble has to be with you" Kai orders.
Everybody is issued a government ration card good for the duration of their stay. The cards vary in what the holder can get in terms of food or drink. The senior officers and nobles get cards to dine in privileged facilities reserved for company owners, top politicians, and other important people. The junior officers get one that gets them a meal similar to the military food packs they have on the ship. For the immigrant families and enlisted soldiers a worker grade card is passed out.
The nobility meets with the top businessmen in a luxurious suite. It includes a manicured indoor garden, comfortable furnishings, and servants to tend to everyone.
"I'm Sir Yuri Shapurin. This is my wife, Lady Kai, and this Prince Parcak and Princess Baysan of Arshur. We're headed to the Factory Rock system to reopen operations there."
A female aide whispers something in the head businessman's ear. He looks at Parcak and Baysan then turns to Yuri. "It's too bad that piracy shut down the mining. How do you plan on dealing with that situation, if I might ask?"
"You may not" Kai growls, leaning in towards him. "We have the means to put an end to it, permanently. You're not privy to the details." She turns up one corner of her mouth into the barest of smiles catching a glimpse of Kasakabe standing motionless, and unseen, behind the managers.
"We plan on putting an end to the piracy right off" Yuri replies. "Pirate crews better stay out of that system or get friendly very fast."
"They don't, and they won't be a problem for anyone" Kai sneers.
The aide nods at him. He smiles at Kai and addresses Yuri. "The Lanthanum that came from there was particularly valuable. I'm sure we can give you a good price on any you mine. That was a very lucrative operation."
"We can certainly use the high-grade ores Factory Rock used to supply us" another businessman says.
Abouka is particularly hard on the Ginsharians. Zan wants to try and cheer them up. Those on the Ardent had not left their ship since arriving.
"Lori (16) I think we should have Made Day on Senday three days from now."
"I will be forty-eight correct?" Lori asks.
"About your age…"
Lori looks worried. "I am not?"
"I'm not sure about your age and I don't think you can be either."
"How old do you estimate I am?"
"I've been talking to Tyer and Nori about things. From what they've told me and what I know about how Ginshar makes people my best guess is that you are somewhere between six and something over one hundred years old."
"I could be six years old?" Lori asks.
"Yes. Ginshar might have made you specifically for your mission with Murotsu. Tyer told me it takes two standard years to produce a fully grown Ginsharian. Or, you might have been in use for decades and modified."
"I have memories of combat missions, commanding ships, of friends and people I met on Ginshar and elsewhere…"
"Those could have been implanted from previous Lori's into your memory. Based on the experiments I've done with you and the others, along with what Tyer and Nori have said about the modification process, you can exchange memories and information using your organic electronics and genetically based circuits and not even know you're doing it."
"I'm theorizing, that two of you, two Lori's or two of some other model like two Lasses, or two Jaan's, can swap memories and find the ones you received from your twin are as real to you as if you yourself had actually experienced them. You and Lori Twenty-one could give each other your memories and you would think they were and always had been your own. You couldn't tell the difference and neither could she."
Lori looks upset. "Zan, who am I? What am I?"
Zan smiles. "I thought about that a lot before bring this up with you. You (patting Lori's knee) are Lori. Your sister units like Lori Twenty-one are Lori. That is, you and all of your sisters are part of Lori. Lass and her sisters are all part of Lass. Evgi and his brothers are all part of Evgi. And, all of you are part of Ginshar. Your number shows which part of Lori you are."
Lori is frowning. She looks down, tears starting to form in her eyes. "I am just a component of something called Lori not an individual like you? I am not someone unique, just an organic robot to be used as Ginshar wants?"
Zan smiles gently. "I know how you feel about it." She wiggles her fingers at her. "Empathic, remember? This is just more Ginsharian weirdness. In a way, what Ginshar has done is sheer genius.
You and your sisters form Lori. When you're apart you experience unique and different things as individuals. When you and one or more of your sisters get together you share your memories and get to experience and remember some or all of what both of you and every other Lori has experienced. Whether there are two of you, or two hundred, you all get to experience and share your lives as one while remaining individuals. You are Lori Sixteen and Lori all at once.
You explained this to me once before. As long as there is a Lori you exist as Lori. Lori is immortal even if Lori Sixteen isn't. As part of Lori you contributed to her immortality. Now you know how it works. I don't think you fully knew that when you told me after we escaped Pokhval'nyy."
"I want to hold Made Day on Senday and let all of us celebrate what this is for you and all Ginsharians."
"But Made Day is on three twenty-four by the Imperial calendar…" Lori replies.
"I don't think the date is critical. Besides, there's no knowing what we'll be doing then since that's right after we get to Factory Rock. I thought now would be a good time. Abouka is depressing and I know all of you find it disgusting and hard to take. I think everyone needs cheering up, you especially."
"You are amazing Zan. Will this be like the last Made Day?"
"I've thought about that too. With so many Ginsharians aboard I thought we should make it a combination ceremony and celebration of all that is Ginsharian. That will let the non-Ginsharians participate and learn more about what it is to be Ginsharian. After all, it is very Ginsharian for crew to be family."
"You already have this planned out" Lori says, smiling.
"Guilty as charged." Zan laughs. "I'm so glad to see you happy again. Here's what we'll do. It'll be indoors in as artificial and Ginsharian an environment as we can make it. Everyone will get a Ginsharian desert and beverage ordered Ginshar-style. After all, we do have that Ginsharian food manufacturing center in the cargo bay and I know Ikki and the other engineers can get it running. Otherwise, we'll break out some food packs. The Ginsharians can help the non-Ginsharians order theirs.
With everyone having a desert and something to drink each Ginsharian has to share a unique story with everyone, Ginsharian and non-Ginsharian alike, about themselves as an individual.
Then we pass out a beverage BW. That's the one similar to white wine, and have a special toast. Everyone stands for this." Zan pulls out her perscomm. "I wrote it down."
I am a Ginsharian! she reads. I was made to be an essential and unique part of my model. Because I was made my model has been improved. I am, all of one particular model says together, Lass, or Lori, or Jaan, or Garv.
"We go around the room for that last part with each model identifying themselves as a group. That way you make it clear you are both an individual and part of your model. After everyone has said their model everyone raises their cup and shouts I am Ginshar! You then drink the toast.
After that we have a Ginsharian meal and everyone can talk about their Made Day experiences and get to know one and other. We come together as family."
Lori jumps up and hugs Zan tightly. "You will have to recite a story and join the toast."
"I'm not Ginsharian" Zan replies.
"You invented Made Day for us. That means you are now an honorary Ginsharian. As Kapitan and First Officer Lori Sixteen I can order that."
"Understood Kapitan. I'd be honored. But, I think maybe we should make Yuri, Kai, and Murotsu do it too."
At the Made Day celebration it is the Lass' turn to come forward. "Doctor Zan invented this holiday for us" one says.
"It should be for all of us, Ginsharian and non-Ginsharian alike" the other adds.
"We thought about this together as Lass. Doctor Zan is right. We must never forget where we came from. Ginshar tried to take that from us. Doctor Zan and Captain Shapurin gave it back.
We as a family, as a society, must make sure our past is never hidden away again. We must remember our ancestors and what they did for us. Without that Ginshar cannot grow. We are now going to be Mariposan and Lass wants us to all be Mariposian's together as one family. We, Lass have modified ourselves to believe this and you can too. You must as Mariposian's."
Yuri and his Captains have concerns about their next stop. The squadron is jumping into the Misty Morning system. Data shows a long standing civil war going on. Misty Morning and its moon Bright Beginning are fighting the breakaway colonies on satellite worlds of the gas giant Morning Star. The other gas giant, Evening Star, is supposed to have no occupied satellites.
There is information that both sides operate numerous small warships most of less than one hundred tons. These are scattered throughout the system usually in groups of two to five, sometimes more. It is generally accepted that any ship entering the system is subject to attack by either side.
"I know better than to ask how you got all this information." Yuri looks through the lengthy and detailed data on his perscomm. "It looks like both sides have twenty to thirty small armed ships and space craft somewhere in the system. None of them seem to be larger than about two hundred tons and most are less than one hundred. I think the Lori's are the most competent ship tacticians we have. What would you recommend?"
"I defer to Sixteen who is the senior unit present" Lori Twenty-one says.
Lori Sixteen brings up a holo-display of the system. "The data we have on the fleets indicates individually their ships are not a threat. Massed they could be, but that is unlikely. Complicating the tactical problem is the inexperience of the Prince Arshur's crew and the presence of non-combatant passengers on the Orta Laki San.
Recommend replacing Third Officers Petr and Bell with a Lass and an Evgi from the Orta Laki San. That will give the Prince Arshur a skilled pilot and weapons system operator to compensate. We have more firepower concentrated on the Orta Laki San than any ship in that system. Our ships can take on any small squadron we encounter."
Yuri nods. "I don't think we can do better than that. I'll leave it to the Captains to get things in order for the jump. Let's be ready to get underway by sixteen."
The Arshurian officers, Prince Parcak, and Princess Baysan head back to the Prince Arshur.
"I don't fully understand this" Prince Parcak says. "Maybe you should tell all of us exactly why we're going to this god forsaken system anyway."
"Oh, that's right. You don't know the story behind the Ginsharians do you?" Baysan replies.
"I understand they're why we're here with you, your Highness" Majoor Suupik says.
They are now in an air raft waiting for the hanger bay to open.
"I'll explain completely when we get back to the ship. You deserve that." Baysan says.
"Just do it now" Parcak replies.
Baysan turns away from the air raft's controls and faces them. "Okay… But you can't tell anyone outside the crew on our ship or the other ships about this stuff. It'll get you killed. If it gets out and you're the source you are dead and you'll have put the rest of us in danger."
"Great." Prince Parcak says.
"This is very serious isn't it your Highness?" Lieutenant Jalady asks.
"Yes" Baysan replies.
"That doesn't explain this trip" Prince Parcak says.
"The Ginsharians we have with us have um… Got out of control of Ginshar. Chief Engineer Leppällä got pregnant with a Ginsharian. That's supposed to be impossible. The Lori's? They've done all sorts of stuff they were not supposed to be capable of."
"Captain Shapurin and Doctor Zan know a bunch of stuff about Ginshar they were never supposed to find out about. Doctor Zan knows all about Ginsharian genetics and wasn't supposed to be able to find that stuff out. Ginsharians have this weird DNA that makes them like living computers. I don't understand all that so you'd have to ask Doctor Zan for a better explanation."
"All of that, but particularly what Captain Shapurin and Doctor Zan know, along with Ikki getting pregnant was enough for the leaders of Ginshar to show up in this incredibly huge warship… It was the size of a small moon. They told us that we're being exiled to Factory Rock. They said if all of us go there, stay there, and keep quiet about what we know they'll let us live. We don't and everyone dies. That's why we're going."
"Sir Yuri says we can go on trips off world for trade or a vacation so long as we keep our mouths shut about the Ginshar stuff, so it shouldn't be too bad. We'll be able to visit Arshur at some point too."
"Your Highness, how did you get involved in all of this?" the Lieutenant asks.
Baysan turns red and looks down.
"You don't have to tell us if you don't want to your Highness" the Lieutenant adds.
"No, it's not a secret, just embarrassing for me to look back on it now. My father forced me to join Captain Shapurin's crew over a year ago. Back then I was just out of university and I was… I was a selfish, arrogant, spoiled brat. I thought because I was a Princess I could do whatever I wanted."
"The Captain and my Usted, that's Ral Rantan for teacher, Kasakabe, taught me respect and the meaning of duty. They also taught me to keep my word and give others the respect they earn and deserve regardless of their social rank or importance."
"Usted Kasakabe beat me black and blue so many times in those lessons… I learned though. The Captain started me as an apprentice crewwoman. She said I knew nothing useful so I got the most menial jobs and was everyone's servant. I learned what being a Princess and ship's officer really meant. I learned what it meant to be given responsibility and be a leader. It wasn't easy and most days I hurt a lot from the beatings I took for making mistakes."
"In the end I earned my place on Captain Shapurin's crew and became Kasakabe's assistant." Baysan goes quiet. She looks down at the floor of the air raft.
"I've killed several people." Her voice is barely audible. "I'm not proud of that. That's why I had no problem asking for a duel."
She looks Prince Parcak in the eyes. "I knew I'd win and that I wouldn't have to kill you to do it. There were people there that expected me to do just that."
That surprises Prince Parcak. "Then Yuri wasn't exaggerating about you."
"You see," Baysan tears up. "I was once like you. I'm so sorry I ever was too."
"I'm getting there" Prince Parcak replies. "I think I've got a long way to go though. I'll tell you Baysan, you certainly gave me a lesson in humility with that duel. I never expected you to win and do it so easily."
"Your Highnesses, I think we need to get going." The Majoor points at the control booth for the docking bay where Lori and Ikki are looking sternly at them.
"Right! Let's go home." Baysan says. "I think I'll tell Bell to have a special meal for the whole crew tonight."
"I still want a bigger stateroom" Prince Parcak says.
"I'll work on that your Highness" the Lieutenant replies.
The Ardent arrives minutes ahead of the other ships.
"Scan complete" Cali says. "Two seventy-ton Alien ships bearing zero one zero by eighty-three point two relative. Range three, three, seven mega kilometers. Armament one beam laser each. Crew, three each. Not actively scanning us."
"Understood" Lori replies. "Quarters. Stand by for combat operations."
Silence falls over the Ardent. The crew sits motionless at their stations. Nine minutes later the Orta Laki San arrives.
"Situation report" Kai says.
"Ardent bears zero eight eight by nine one, ten thousand, three hundred five kilometers relative. Reports at quarters and ready for combat with weapons on line." Lass replies.
"Prince Arshur arrived twenty-three seconds ago, bearing zero eight nine by nine two point four, three thousand one hundred and four kilometers relative. No report."
"Signal the Prince Arshur to go to quarters and report when ready for action" Yuri replies.
"Understood."
He leans over towards Kai, sitting beside him. "This'll be my first time in a fight like this."
"It's a lot less scary than my first time." Kai replies.
Lori, sitting at the secondary pilot station turns. "You will do fine Sir Yuri." Lass turns smiles and nods.
Yuri gets a wry smile. "I should've known you two would be listening in."
"We need to get moving" Kai says. "Lori ahead one gee."
"Tell Captain Temirzhan to match our maneuvers" Yuri adds. "Signal the Ardent to maneuver independently and close at best speed with the enemy ships."
The Ardent reaches the position of the two ships in loose orbit of the gas giant Evening Star. The Orta Laki San and Prince Arshur are still too far away to engage.
"Ardent reports engaging Alien vessel one" Lori says.
"Alien ship one disabled by missile hit. Ardent engaging Alien vessel two."
There is a short silence. "Alien vessel two destroyed. Ardent is closing with Alien vessel one to board."
Yuri looks at Kai. "Why'd we bother? I can see why the Ginsharians have the reputation they do."
The Ardent closes to a hundred meters off the disabled ship. The Garv's aboard pour out the rear air lock and air raft bay and EVA rapidly towards it.
Lori Twenty-one calls the little ship. "This is the Mariposan Navy. Surrender. Open your air lock hatches and prepare to be boarded. Any resistance or non-compliance and you will be destroyed."
A static filled reply by an unidentified person comes on the comm. "We surrender! We surrender! The air lock doesn't work! We have no power!"
"Breech their hull and board" Lori says. "Prisoners unless they resist."
It takes the Orta Laki San and Prince Arshur another four hours to close with the Ardent. Kai sends over a prize crew and the barge to bring the captured ship aboard. Two surviving crew are transferred aboard the Orta Laki San.
The prisoners are marched to the wardroom where Yuri and Kai are waiting for them.
"So, which faction are you two with?" Yuri says.
"I'm Lieutenant D'Eyncort with the Morning Star Alliance, who might you be?" says one of the prisoners.
"We don't owe you an explanation" Yuri replies. "You had the misfortune to be in the way of our refueling off the gas giant. Be thankful we decided to take you prisoner."
"Our ship?" the Lieutenant asks.
"Bizim. Scikamät etmäk ölümäk" (Ours. Object and you die painfully) Kai growls.
Yuri looks at a display in front of him. "It's ours. A prize of war. Do you have an objection?"
Kasakabe draws her swords and menaces the prisoners. The Ginsharians point their weapons at them.
The Lieutenant looks sullenly at the deck. "I see. No, we don't have an objection."
"The question is what do I do with the two of you?" Yuri says. "My officers would just space you as they normally don't bother taking prisoners. My security would use you for sword practice."
"So, we're to die?" the Lieutenant asks.
"Not if you behave" Yuri replies. "I'm told two of your ships are headed here from the other gas giant. They won't arrive for about forty hours. It's going to take us twenty-five to thirty to refuel. When we're done, you get dumped in rescue balls. Your friends can pick you up when they get here.
Tell your commanders that in the future when Mariposan, Ral Ranta, or Ginsharian ships enter this system, and they will be with some regularity now, your puny ships need to stay at least one million kilometers away and are not to actively scan them or they will do to them what we did to you. We don't want a fight but we do like our privacy. We have no interest in you or this system."
"You live only to be a warning" Kai growls. "Unless you have hard money you can spend on arms or other items we can provide we won't deal with you. Tell them that too."
"I see. I'll pass that along" the Lieutenant replies.
11
