The Rise before the Fall
Chapter 12: Time of Recovery
Saysha Taar Taar, the Clan Clan family nanny for seventeen generations, finished arranging a small vase with cuttings from what had been a large bouquet of Tiger's Breath, sprayed water directly on the flowers to enhance their aroma and beauty. When she was finished she wiped off the kitchen counter, tossing the small discarded clippings in the trash and picking up the vase as she headed for the patio door. Outside about 50 meters from the back of the house was a large in-ground pool with a man-made waterfall on one end and a fountain in the middle.
Aisha sat poolside in a large lounge chair, dressed in a tiny two-piece bikini, with a glass of Alterian Water in one hand and her sunglasses in the other. She was staring off in the direction of the fountain but not actually looking at the fountain. Saysha walked up from behind, placing the vase on the patio table.
"These came for you four days ago but I hadn't had time to arrange them properly, what with so many flowered bouquets arriving. But I know Tiger's Breath is your favorite."
"Thank you Nana, they're beautiful." Aisha smiled looking from the flowers to her nanny.
"But wasn't the bouquet much bigger?"
"Yes, I separated them. I put some in the foyer and some in the sitting room, but I put most of them in your bedroom."
Aisha's smile grew. "Thank you Nana. You always know how to make me feel happy."
"I wish that were true child." Saysha sat next to Aisha on her chair. She reached up and stroked Aisha's cheek. Aisha closed her eyes and rubbed her cheek into her nanny's hand enjoying the comforting sensation and the memories of happier times long ago that filled her mind. And though she didn't want to, she knew she had to open her eyes and face the world of today. She smiled at her nanny and whispered,
"Thank you."
Saysha smiled back, lowering her hand from Aisha's cheek. She stood back up and started to walk back to the house when she remembered.
"Oh by the way, Augusta called again. He asked you to call him back. He said anytime would be fine."
Aisha just nodded as she slipped her sunglasses on.
"He seems to truly care for you. You should call him." Saysha gently suggested.
"I will, but not now. It's too soon. I wouldn't be good company right now."
"Very well. Is there anything I can get you dear?"
"No Nana, I'm fine." Aisha grinned.
"Alright, but you call me if you need anything, anything at all."
Aisha nodded and Saysha gave a nod back before heading back to the house.
Aisha took a sip from her glass and went back to staring off in the direction of the water fountain.
'Could I have done things differently? … Could I have prevented the Sabre Hone Hone from falling under attack? … I knew meeting Augusta aboard the ship was a bad idea. Why didn't I order him back to his own ship? Why didn't I take him to my ready room rather than my quarters? And the celebration, … I handled that so badly. But who could have told Governor Jiudus about the announcement of my promotion to commodore? …Vistar you worm, I bet it was you.'
"Oh stop it Aisha! What's done is done. All you can do now is wait for the panel's report." She scolded herself.
She got up from the lounge chair and set her drink on the table along with her sunglasses. She walked over to the edge of the pool, extended her arms out in front of her, and adjusted her position then she raised her arms over her head while staring straight ahead.
"Cannonball!"
She launched herself into the air, rapping her arms around her bent knees and plunged back first into the water. The water sprayed high into the air, splashing far enough to get the chair she had just been laying on all wet. She remained in the tucked position until she hit the bottom then she pushed off and rose back up to the surface with a splash. As she wiped the water from her eyes she thought she heard clapping. She looked up to see Augusta walking towards the pool from the house.
"I give it a ninety-five for originality and a perfect hundred for execution." He said as he applauded.
"Only ninety-five? I must be slipping." Aisha retorted.
Augusta smiled.
"What are you doing here?" Aisha asked.
"When you didn't return my calls, I got worried."
Aisha shook her head. "You worry too much."
"I know, but when it comes to you, I can't help it."
"I just needed some time that's all. Besides we're not supposed to discuss the proceedings until the panel releases their report. And there's no way I would be able to keep from talking about it."
"I know. That's why I came over."
"What do you mean?" Wrinkling her brow in confusion.
"A courier dropped off a letter. It was from the panel. I… persuaded him to give me your letter as well."
Augusta pulled out the sealed letter from his coat pocket.
"Want to read it?" Augusta extended the letter in Aisha's direction.
"You read it."
Augusta's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Aisha raised her hands out of the water. "I'm all wet. Besides I'm swimming," as she started to backstroke to the opposite end of the pool.
Augusta shrugged, opening the letter.
"To Aisha Clan Clan, Captain of the battle destroyer Al Tigaro Tigaro, of the Ctarl Ctarl Space Fleet. This letter is the confirmed opinions of the council review panel. Members present: Chairman blah blah blah…blah blah blah… Okay. It is the finding of this panel that Captain Aisha Clan Clan utilizing all assets at her disposal, acted in the manner consistent with the long-standing tradition of excellence expected from the very best of Space Fleet commanders. Not only did she secure victory by her actions but her quick thinking and aggressive manner undoubtedly saved the lives of both the members of the fleet present with her as well as countless lives here on our home world. Captain Aisha Clan Clan's behavior after the battle was consistent with that expected of an officer of her rank and seniority. It is the recommendation of this panel that a citation be entered in Captain Aisha Clan Clan's permanent record sighting her for bravery, courage and honor above and beyond the call of duty. These are the findings of this panel on the 3th day of the 19th month of the year of our God of Ctarl 41449. Signed, blah blah blah…blah blah blah."
Aisha was back along the side of the pool closest to Augusta with her arms on the edge of the pool, crossed in front of her.
"Here let me see that." She insisted.
Augusta crouched down and held the letter close enough for Aisha to read without touching it. Her eyes scanned the letter as she mouthed what Augusta just read.
"I don't get it. Why put us through that hell during the review only to issue a report like that? What did yours say?"
"Hmm, sort of the same thing. Captain Augusta Claaw Claaw acted properly in following the orders of his senior captain… blah blah blah."
"This makes no sense." A look of confusion crossed Aisha's face.
"Perhaps not, but you know what this means?"
Aisha's ears perked up and her eyes opened wide.
"It means we still have a little over two weeks left to our shore leave. Unfortunately, scaling Mount Tora Vora takes close to three weeks so that's out but I was thinking." A wicked smile crossed Augusta's face.
"Yes?" Aisha grinned.
"Well, I've been told of a place on the western continent, along the northern shores."
"Yeess?" Aisha's grin grew even wider.
"Where the water is so clear you can see underwater for kilometers, and the sand is so soft that most people prefer sleeping on it rather than their own beds."
"Yeesss?" Aisha was positively beaming from ear to ear.
"And they bring the tourists freshly cut tropical fruits for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and at night they roast a wild troeta beast right there on the shore."
"Mmm, sounds wonderful."
"The best part is the private coves. It's said that they are so isolated that even the loudest screams of passion go unheard by the nearest neighbors."
"Mmm…" Aisha purred.
"Sounds like an ideal place for a honeymoon."
Augusta sprang to attention and turned to meet the gaze of Admiral Prowlus Clan Clan.
"Sir." Augusta saluted.
The Admiral returned the salute and turned his attention to his daughter. "Wouldn't you agree Princess?"
"Oh Apa, not you too." Aisha let herself sink to the bottom of the pool.
"So Augusta when ARE you going to make an honest woman of my little girl?"
"I'm trying to sir but I'm sure the Admiral is well aware of how… strong willed Aisha can be."
"Yes, I'm afraid Aisha took most of her personality traits from me rather than from her mother."
"How is Madam Clan Clan these days sir?"
"As well as can be expected, given her… condition."
"Yes sir. Well, I'll be sure to pray to the God of Ctarl for her permanent recovery."
"Thank you Augusta. I do appreciate your kindness."
Aisha finally came up to the surface.
"You know I can hear both of you clear as day under the water. HONEST WOMAN INDEED!" She snapped as she treaded water.
"Aisha, Princess, I'm sorry I haven't been around much these past three days."
"That's alright Apa. I know your work at High Command keeps you busy."
"Yes, well I'm sorry for the way each of you were treated by the panel as well. It was totally unacceptable."
"Admiral, if I may inquire?"
"What is it Augusta?"
"Well, its what you just said, the way we were interrogated by the panel, I would have expected a reprimand if not a demotion for our actions at Alpha 63. Instead we got this."
Augusta handed over Aisha's letter to her father. Prowlus scanned it quickly.
"Yes, unfortunately I cannot fully answer your inquiry simply because I am not entirely sure myself. I am aware that one of the council members present was Commodore Jisco's uncle. I believe he was attempting to exonerate his nephew by placing fault on all of you for the damages and loss of life aboard the Sabre Hone Hone. Additionally, I believe Governor Jiudus was attempting to cover for himself as well since it was his Intelligence Agents that grossly underestimated the size of the enemy fleet. It's unfortunate that the two of you as well as the other captains were made to suffer such harsh and unwarranted examination. But what is done is done and these reports are now a matter of public record."
Holding up Aisha's letter, then setting it down on the table.
"Augusta will you join us for dinner tonight?"
"Well Admiral… I was hoping to take Aisha out tonight, to celebrate."
"I see." He turned towards Aisha who was smiling up at him.
"I was hoping to spend at least one evening with my daughter before I had to leave tomorrow," added the Admiral.
Aisha's brow wrinkled as her smile disappeared. "Where are you going Apa?"
"On a survey mission in the outlying sectors bordering Coalition space. It was decided by the High Council that we need to fortify our perimeter defense system after the Coalition's failed invasion attempt."
"So how long will you be gone?" Aisha asked her father.
"It should take me about four months."
"So I'll be gone before you come back."
"I'm afraid so Princess."
"Well…" Aisha thought for a moment. "We'd love to stay for dinner, wouldn't we Augusta?"
"Yes… yes sir, dinner sound wonderful."
Prowlus smiled, "Very good, I'll inform the cook to set an extra plate."
The admiral turned and started to walk away then turned back suddenly.
"Oh Princess, it seems to me Augusta's brow shows the stress of the past few days. Perhaps you can show him how to relax… either here or somewhere in the western continent."
"Apa!"
"See you both at dinner." He turned and walked away.
"Sooo, Aisha Clan Clan, are you going to help me ease my worried brow?" He teased as he crouched down near her.
She threw him a crooked smile and a cocked eyebrow.
"Sure, but help me out of here first." She extended her hand towards him.
Augusta took her hand but before he could straighten himself up and pull Aisha out of the water, she placed her feet on the side of the pool and pulled him in.
"Ha ha, there! Did that help? Ha Ha Ha!"
Augusta was still gasping from the surprise of being pulled into the pool.
"Oh yeah, that helped alright." He managed to remove his coat and toss it out of the pool.
"Let me show you how much." He began to swim after Aisha.
"Aww!" Aisha turned and swam away.
Like all Ctarl Ctarl, Augusta was a fine swimmer but Aisha was a fish in water and as hard as he tried to catch her, she easily avoided him. After several minutes of avoiding capture, she had had enough of being chased around in the water; Aisha sprang out of the pool and ran towards the towel cart. She grabbed two towels and tossed one of them high into the air. Augusta came out of the pool a moment later and ran after her.
"Dry off and get out of those wet clothes! I'll bring you something to wear!" Aisha's words reached Augusta about the same time that the towel hit him in the face. He came to a stop, pulling the towel from his face, seeing Aisha dash into her house.
"Hmm, ease his worried brow, indeed." He thought out loud. Slowly he began to laugh.
Inside the house Aisha smiled, hearing Augusta's comment to himself and his laughter that followed.
**********
Dinner consisted of seer root soup, ten-bean salad, and steamed western seaspider crustacean with spinak leaves sautéed in sevnut oil and herbs. Dessert consisted of fresh copayha fruit, which had just come in season. After dinner Admiral Prowlus, Aisha and Augusta retired to the sitting room. Augusta had gone home to change even though Aisha insisted it was perfectly acceptable for him to attend dinner in her father's exercise outfit, which she provided him. But Augusta was just a little too uncomfortable with the idea of wearing the Admiral's clothes in his presence, especially during dinner. When he returned less than an hour later, Augusta, who was standing next to the fireplace, was wearing a cream colored, lightweight linen suite with matching shoes and a light brown shirt. In an effort not to look too formal Augusta chose not to wear a tie. It was a good choice. Aisha's father, standing next to the mini-bar cart he had pulled out and positioned next to his favorite chair, wore his customary evening coat with matching silk pants and his house slippers. Aisha was sitting on the leather sofa with her legs across its length. In anticipation of still going out that night, she wore a forest green sleeveless mini-dress; for around the house she had on her old ballad slippers but had her matching high-heels waiting in the foyer closet.
"Now I'd like each of you to try this and tell me what you think."
Prowlus poured three glasses of liqueur and handed one to Aisha and another to Augusta.
"Oh Apa, why do you insist on purchasing Terran goods all the time?" Aisha asked critically.
"Because variety is the spice of life my dearest Aisha." Prowlus smiled and took a sip.
Aisha and Augusta did the same. Augusta coughed a little then cleared his throat. "Burns the back of the throat a little."
"Kind of sweet." Aisha added, "What is it?"
"It is called Cognac. It's made from Terran wine. It's supposed to be over 80 years old, Terran years I believe."
"Maybe that's why it burns the throat, its too old, its gone bad." Aisha assessed.
"I was told the older the Cognac is the better it gets."
"Apa, you can't believe what some Terran told you."
"It wasn't a Terran who told me."
"Is there a reason for these glasses?" Augusta asked, looking at the oddly shaped glass with the short stem.
"Yes, it's called a Cognac Sifter. It's meant to be held this way." Prowlus held the glass with its stem between his two middle fingers, and his palm and fingers gently cupping the bottom of the glass; he swirled the dark amber liquid gently so as not to spill any.
Aisha and Augusta emulated his example.
After a few minutes, Prowlus said, "Now try it again."
They each took another sip.
"Mmm, this time it felt warm going down," Augusta observed.
"Mmm, yes much better," added Aisha.
"I was told it had that type of reaction as it warmed in your hands. Care for some more?"
"Thank you sir" Augusta extended his glass.
"No thank you Apa. Wouldn't want to finish it off on you in just one sitting."
"Little chance of that. I purchased ten cases."
"Apa!" Aisha sat up.
"I wanted something special to celebrate my daughter's wedding." Prowlus smirked and took another sip.
"Now don't you start," Aisha said firmly.
"I didn't say when it would be. I'm just getting prepared, just in case. Besides if this cognac has waited over 80 years to be enjoyed, I'm sure it can wait around a few more years if it has to."
Reassured that her father and Augusta were not going to gang up on her on this whole marriage thing, Aisha relaxed back into the sofa.
"So Admiral, do you know anything about this special mission Governor Jiudus wants Aisha to command?"
The Admiral's face went blank, "Special mission? Where did you hear about a special mission?"
"The Emperor told me that was the reason my promotion to commodore was not announced," answered Aisha.
"Umm, no I can't say that I've heard of any kind of special mission. Than again, Ctarl Intelligence doesn't make a habit of keeping Space Fleet informed about much, not even High Command."
He finished his glass of cognac and set it down.
"Well, my shuttle leaves early tomorrow morning, so I believe I will retire for the evening."
Aisha sprang up from her seat and walked over to her father. Putting her arms around his neck, she kissed him on the cheek.
"Goodnight Apa, sleep well."
"Goodnight Princess. Try and enjoy the rest of your shore leave, alright."
"Okay Apa, I will."
"Be sure to help her, alright Augusta."
"I will do my best sir, goodnight."
"Goodnight, son. Mmm, I like the sound of that." The admiral smiled at his daughter.
She playfully slapped him on the arm. "Goodnight Apa." She said with false annoyance.
"Goodnight Princess." Grinning widely now, Prowlus exited the sitting room and headed upstairs to his bedroom.
Aisha sat back down on the sofa and slowly finished off the rest of her cognac.
"The two of you are going to be the death of me."
She said to the too quiet Augusta.
Augusta smiled. "We both just want to make you happy."
"Well than, more talk about the immediate future and less talk about the distant future would go a long way towards making me happier right now."
"Umm, well we could go meet some of the others at the clubs tonight?"
"That sounds like a good start." Aisha smiled.
"Umm, and I can call the bureau of travel and tourism, and see when is the soonest we could travel to the western continent?"
"That sounds even better." Aisha's smile took a wicked appearance as she rested the side of her head on the sofa's armrest.