The TML PBeM

1992, Turn 3 - Part 3 (of 11)

Alcyon Engineering

Bhyarrvouf and the others file out of the Shuttle Hangar on the lower deck, Deck 2A. As the mass exodus heads for the grav lift down to the main decks, the pile of rubble is a shocking new addition to the floor of the J-deck.

Bhyarrvouf stares at it is disbelief and then howls, "WHERE THE FTAKHN DID *THIS* COME FROM?!"

Slide, working over at the J-Drive monitor station, shrugs. "You'd NEVER believe me. Sir."

'Vouf turns to him--

> On intercom: "Subcommander Bhyarrvouf to the forward dorsal mount point. > Greet Aslan delegation now docking, time frame nine minutes minus."

--and does a neat pirouette, heading for the elevator. "I'll ask LATER."

Down two levels to Deck 1B, where the crew are stationed. A brisk 125-meter walk past Fuel Processing, Environmental Control, and the upper Power Plant deck, to the Crew Quarters. Into the cabin. Sounds of zipping, unzipping, buckling, unbuckling, a brief sonic/hot-water/fluff, more zipping and buckling, and the door to 'Vouf's double cabin flies open and 'Vouf comes out in a clean uniform, still wearing his cybergloves but minus his Gauss pistols. Instead, he has only one gun in a hip holster, an ancient- looking "pepperbox" revolver. He pauses for a moment in the hallway, looking in the direction of Sickbay. Then, with a muttered "No time," he scoots over to the Amidships Lift, and shoots up to Deck 2A.

Almost exactly nine minutes after the call, 'Vouf is standing in the Forward Dorsal Rider-Mount Lock. He opens the doorway leading to the long tube leading upward to the Trakh, and keys in a security code to unlock the docking hatch high above him.

And he waits....

....but not for long. Almost to the second, the hatch of the Trakh opens with a slight metallic clang. Admiral Akhouw's imposing form is first out of the hatch, followed by Executive Officer Aiwi. Quickly sizing up the situation, Akhouw grasps a rung in each hand and begins to rapidly make his way down the tube towards 'Vouf. Akhouw's easy rate of progess indicates that he is quite fit and is comfortable in a zero-G environment.

Having made short work of the tube, Akhouw enters the gravity field of the Alcyon and lightly drops to the deck in front of 'Vouf, followed several seconds later by Aiwi. He is much as 'Vouf saw him in the last holo, except that he is wearing a formal wide-shouldered vest (emblazoned with clan colors) over his shipboard tunic.

He formally bows to 'Vouf. "Greetings, SubCommander." is his polite opening. "Permission to come aboard?"

"Permission granted, Admiral." Bhyarrvouf inclines his head sharply forward in a formal nod of greeting, then dips lightly to one haunch and opens both armored hands, palms up, in a brief imitation of an Aslan salute. He follows this with a gracious nod to Aiwi. The Aslan returns the recognition with a polite nod of her own.

"If you'll come with me, m'lord," he then says, motioning toward the grav-lift. "The Commander is waiting for you in the Conference Room."

He then guides the two Aslan into the lift, and takes them down to Deck 2B and into the Conference Room, where Count Ger is waiting for them.

'Vouf opens the door to the conference room and finds it empty...

"HNH?" 'Vouf's smooth composure rattles for a moment as he finds himself facing an empty room. He raises his left hand, and makes a motion with his fingers, as he shrugs a blood-red data monocular over one eye. For a bare instant, he is still, then he flips the monocular back with a barked laugh. "Harf! KNEW I had something backwards! With my apologies, Admiral, Lieutenant-- the Commander has asked to receive you in his office, not here. Follow me, please...."

As he leads them back up to Deck 0, he continues, "My life for the past few hours has been a torment from an administrative standpoint. Besides yourselves, we have no fewer than FOUR other craft in the system, all of which have crews or partial crews with no prior loyalites or legal connections to us, and who seem to have no understanding of discipline or common sense. Unraveling the technical difficulties will be a nightmare."

He leads them down the long corridor toward Count Ger's office/quarters and the Bridge, past a large, sealed iris valve, on which someone has tacked up a small scrap of paper. It reads, in a hasty scrawl: "Step softly, Father is asleep."

Bhyarrvouf stops at the entrance to the Bridge, and barks, "M'Lord, may I present the Commanding and Executive Officers of the KCR Trakh?"

"Trudge, trudge, somebody should fix up a good internal physical mail system or perhaps some valet-bots, or some taxis." Johann complains as he walks the quarter kilometer to his cabin to put his luggage. After tossing everything in a pile on the bed he changes to normal shipboard clothes.

"Phew" he holds his nose as he stuffs the spacesuit in a locker, "Some laundry and shoe-shine bots woudn't hurt either."

The three green boxes on the bed captures his eye, and after a short check to make sure to make sure everything is OK in his cabin, Johann decides to take them to Security anyway, to keep them out of the way.

Lazer wheels into the security station at the armory. "PATER, set the terminal up for me to standard security layout. Set up some alarms to me personally: buzz me when the hatches to any ships docked to the Alcyon are opened, and when the 'Talisman docks. Hmm. And if anyone goes back to the Kingfisher."

He sets down the vacc-suit helmet, and lays his pistol beside it. Sliding into the console chair, he keys in his ID and instructs, "Replay for me the events in the J-drive following the transition to this space, triple speed."

Lazer watches the miniature events with half an eye, while collecting his thoughts. "Give me Bridge audio, half volume."

Rigo enters to find Lazer pensively watching the security console. Slide and Aaron are scurrying about its surface like hyperkinetic mice. Mahlel arrives moments later, with Schmud huffing along behind him.

Rigo silently places his rifle on a counter and puts the ammunition next to it. He then draws his gauss pistol, removes the magazine and puts it in his pocket, and puts the pistol and holster in his carry-all. "I'll lock this away in my cabin asap," he remarks to no-one in particular. "In the meantime it'll be safe here in the armory."

"This is the J-Drive right when the Ring tossed us out," Lazer comments.

When the sparks start arcing in the J-drive deck, Lazer's attention snaps back. The arcs crack faster, and then stabilise, and the sphere flashes. Something brownish crumbles, accompanied by a sharp SPANG-NG.

"Stop holo. Rewind 30 seconds. Replay half speed."

This time the static in the holo is apparent, but the events are clear. The bluish flash, and the spherical chuck of--hallway? A gush of water tumbles slowly to the ground, and the walls start to buckle outward. The figure in the centre stumbles, drawing his weapon. The deck shakes with the CLUNG of impacting stone.

The figure spins and yells. "You're in a restricted area, scum!" He fires three times CRACK-CRACK-CRACK into the drive. Then he slowly faints.

"Stop holo, PATER.

"Hmm. Mahlel, open the armory, put that rifle and my pistol away. Get out a couple snubs, load one with shotshells, the other with whatever you like.

"Aw, shit-fire, Major," O'Shi complains as he does what he's told. "You can't shoot flyshit off a cow's tailbone with one'a those little damn popguns. Waal, yer the CO. Here ya go, Major: One with a six-pack of birdshot, and one with a Raider's Mix: Tranq, tear gas, HEAP, tranq, tear gas, HEAP. Zat okay?"

"Fine." Lazer tosses the second back. "The mix is yours until 'Vouf takes us off best behaviour."

"Rigo, how much to you know about the Aslan?"

"There were a rather big enclave on Albe. I didn't have much to do with them professionally. None of them were Welfare Clients, of course, but I met a few both in the Army and in the Service. And I had to work closely with an Envoy once."

"Whoop!" Mahlel frowns. "Better reload my snubby. If'n we're gonna be ventilating Furbags, we're gonna need A-type tranqs. I seen what a Type H/V does to an Aslan, ONCE, and it ain't purty."

"Oh, you won't need anything for these Aslans." Rigo remarks absently.

Rigo continues, "Major, if you're short of men I wouldn't mind doubling up on a permanent basis. In fact, I'd welcome it. I'm only assigned to the Generalists at the moment, and the most satisfying work I've had so far was fetching the people who were doing real work the stimulant of their choice. I'm both a qualified security man and a good administrator, and frankly I was a bit miffed when all Turnskaad offered me was a spot as a handyman. But you know how it is. By that time I had heard about the Ringworld and would've taken on as Cook's Louse if that had been what it took to come along. Nevertheless I'd welcome some real work."

"You is WEIRD, Edm'nsen," Mahlel offers. "A dream ticket and you're looking fer MORE work?" He snorts.

"Lazing around and swabbing floors I can do anywhere." Rigo retorts.

Ignoring the peanut gallery, Lazer replies, "Done. I'll see about getting you cross-appointed at the staff meeting.

"Now, you're the closest I have to an Aslan expert, so I want you to kick me if I start tromping on any of their honour codes or personal manners or whatever. Just a sec, I have another announcement to make.

"PATER, give me ALLCALL again.

<< NOW HEAR THIS. This is Farouk speaking. Your ten minutes are up, so every one of you had better have your weapons stored. Our guests are boarding momentarily. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED. Farouk out. >>

A moment later, Mac Witfield signals in. << Lazer, I have a gauss pistol with tranq rounds. Do I have to lock that one up too or do I get to keep it? >>

There is a brief pause, and then Lazer replies, << Fine, Mac. Just beware Aslan biochemistry. >>

>"Mister Farouk, you could check with Judge Jett. I believe he knows >some Aslan. We don't have an Aslan specialist aboard, to my >knowledge. Right now, I've got my own problem. Know anyone who >speaks dolphin?"

<< Sorry, can't help. And the judge has gone where that dolphin came from. Farouk out. >>

"PATER, recognise Farouk, clearance Beta. Begin pattern-matching against securecams from all public ship areas. Alarm this station if anyone is carrying any weapons but standard-issue snub pistols, or if there is a 50% or higher chance of an unknown weapon type or concealed weapon. Exempt this armory. End program."

_Of course, Major Farouk._ replies PATER evenly. _Beginning sweep._

After several seconds pass, PATER delivers an initial report.

_Major, I have so far detected two unauthorized weapons still in crew possession. SubCommander Bhyarrvouf is carrying a small chemically propelled slug-thrower, of a design unknown to me. He is currently located in Axis-0 corridor outside of Communications and is headed forward._

As if to confirm this event, voices can faintly be heard passing outside the closed Armory hatch. PATER continues.

_Dr. Yorblin is carrying a standard IISS-issue gauss pistol. He is currently located in Sickbay._

_ Confirming possession of gauss pistol by Mister Witfield. Continuing sweep...Mister Azani is approaching the armory at high speed, carrying an autoshotgun and a laser pistol. Continuing sweep...._

Azani finally get's to the armory, slightly out of breathe. "Where are the Aslans, they're aboard the ships, where's Lazer, what are we going to do!"

Mahlel slaps a hand to his forehead. "They're our GUESTS, buckethead! Stop wavin' that shotgun around before you hurt somebody!"

"WHAT! Even still, better keep an eye on them..." Azani's adrenalin starts to subside and he begins to calm down. Mahlel gives him a dirty look. Lazer doesn't comment.

"Abdul, take the station. Warn anyone PATER catches that I've threatened to see they're the last to touch foot on the Ringworld if they don't behave. Don't bug 'Vouf about his weapon, and as for the others, try politeness first--you're Good Cop, I'm Bad Cop."

"Aye, sir." Abdul looks longingly at the link to Physical Sciences....

Lazer nods. "Now, Rigo. That ok with you?"

Rigo has been looking worried during the allcall, and suddenly he realizes what has been bothering him.

"One thing Major, We're not switching to snubs because of the Aslans, but if they hear about it we could nevertheless be giving them a most unfortunate message. Aslans don't disarm for treaty talks. And they don't ask honourable opponents to disarm either. One party will be the guest of the other, and to suggest either that a guest would attack his host or a host attack his guest would be an insult. In effect we'll be telling them that we're so notoriously dishonourable that we don't expect them to trust us near them with more serious weaponry. And I wouldn't recommend explaining to them that the crew is on "best behaviour". Anything they see us with here had better be what we want them to regard as our personal weapons. For of course taking extra weapons on a visit is an insult too. Maybe you'd better inform Commander Ger and Mr. Bhyarrvouf. I expect the Admiral knows already, but perhaps he forgot to take it into account."

Lazer is thoughtful for a moment. "I see your point. PATER, record a message for 'Vouf, and notify him as soon as he's out of conference with the Aslan.

"Farouk to 'Vouf. Rigo has pointed out that disarming our crew may send a questionable message to the Aslan, suggesting that we do are so dishonourable we cannot be trusted with weapons. Please advise. Farouk out.

"End message, PATER."

Lazer leans back against a bulkhead as Johann arrives to deposit several green boxes for safekeeping. The security console chimes softly. PATER announces, "The Korondor Talisman is now docking, Major."

"Good, finally. PATER, relay this message to Thul, Andon and J.J. as soon as the connections are made."

Straightening his uniform, Ger steps forward.

"Greetings Admiral Akhouw, Officer Aiwi, I don't believe I know your rank. I am honoured to have you on board as my guests. Please accompany me to my office"

Ger walks the 2-3 steps to his office door, opens it, and steps just into the room. Gesturing to the seats Ger continues.

"Please make yourself comfortable."

Akhouw politely bows, and does so, motioning Aiwi to sit directly beside him.

Ger then goes behind his desk and sits down.

"So it seems that we are trapped in some sort of field *for our safety*. You are welcome to remain docked to my ship for as long as you wish. I would be grateful if we could spend the time comparing notes, and endeavouring to work together as long as our goals coincide."

"Precisely so, Admiral Nanadth. Quite the pity that we do not know where we are, not where we might end up. Planning for the unknown always is a stress upon one's command."

Akhouw deeply bows in his seat. "Your hospitality is indeed worthy of a Darrian. I likewise intended this meeting to consider how to best use our respective resources to assist in a common effort. Exchanges between our scientists, or between our crews in general. Considering some common, as you say, ground rules would seem prudent, to permit efficient interaction and attempt to avoid problems. But first..."

Akhouw sits up, ramrod straight in his chair, exceedingly formal in his pose and expression. 'Vouf can sense a change in breathing and a very slight tensing of his facial muscles. "Admiral Nanadth, Executive Officer Awiw and I must inquire of you as to the identity of the individual who, while aboard the Talisman, a ship under your command authority, entered into the computer network of the _Trakh_ and implanted false sensor readings there." Akhouw's words are chosen and enunciated with great care; his voice is level and calm. He looks directly at Ger, then Bhyarrvouf. "It is a matter of honor."

As Ger frames a response, PATER's voice suddenly sounds, preceded by a sharp warning tone.

_Commander Ger, Mr. Abuko, psionic trip-sensors have just detected an unauthorized intrusion attempt into the Alcyon's secure network. I have traced the attempt to the console in Dr. Van Der Merwe's cabin. All terminals at that location have been disabled and the compartment is now sealed. I am advising Mr. Farouk of the situation. Do you have any instructions?_

Ger frowns. "Sealing it probably won't do any good, but..."

Yellow lights begin flashing on all decks. Ger's voice comes over the Security com channel.

"Security to medical, possible intruder alert."

"Ger to sickbay. Possible intruder detected in CMO quarters. Prepare for possible security types."

Abuko comes in and hands over the three green boxes in his possession for storage. As he is doing so, the call from PATER comes in.

_Mr. Farouk, I have just prevented an unauthorized psionic intrusion into the ships computer network. The attempt originated in Dr. Van Der Merwe's cabin. The doctor is not currently in the cabin. I have disabled all computer terminals in that compartment and sealed the hatch. Commander Ger is on the bridge and has been appraised of the situation._

"PSIONIC access?! What the heck is PSIONIC access to a computer network?! And how can the computer detect that? Has Pater grown psionic all out of a sudden?!"

"Ya don't access it with psionics, Doc," Mahlel snarls. "Ya WRECK it with psionics. Every ship in the Navy has sensors and shielding ta keep Zho spies from muckin' things up-- I guess Pater has 'em too." He frowns grimly. "If'n I'd'a known that that little bird was a psi, I might not'a wasted effort savin' his ugly carcass!"

He seems about to begin dictation when he is interrupted by PATER.

Lazer's reaction is less vocal than Abuko's, but equally expressive. His face snaps into a mask of intensity, and his voice becomes urgent. "Rigo, get us out psi-shields all around." He looms over Abdul sitting at the terminal, and commands, "PATER, on my authority, Lester Farouk, clearance Beta, place securecam of CMO's quarters on main screen. All records of intrusion attempt on secondary."

Rigo silently dons a psi-shield himself then starts handing them out to the others.

The image of the CMO's cabin flashes into place. The camera is obcured by a wall of metal. Pater comments, _Forcing refocus of imaging system._

The image shrinks and distorts badly, but at the edges one can make out details, albeit dimly: the appendages of an OSF-4 Scout warbot.

Lazer yells, "CHRIST ON A CRUTCH! Where did a WARBOT come from?! PATER, open the Security line, now--

<< FAROUK TO SECURITY. RED ALERT. Prepare to repel boarding. Repeat, prepare to repel boarding. Farouk out. >>

Christian stabs at his commdot with a lightning quick motion.

Christian pauses to take a breath.

His eyes narrow and his voice hardens.

"Azani, stay in your Combat Armor. Mahlel, start donning battledress. PATER, get me Christian."

<< Christian, Lazer. >> He's speaking quickly, urgently. << The Ael Yael in your cabin has triggered PATER's psionic intrusion alarms. Is that Treweerel, and DO YOU TRUST HIM? >>

The reply is immediate. << Affirmative, Lazer. I trust him with my life. >>

Lazer leans forward over the console, gripping his temples with his right hand. Possible hostile on board, with warbot. Gas may not subdue him before he can croak an order to the warbot, and the 'bot may have sensors. Christian trusts him....OK. He gets a chance.

"PATER, open a line into the CMO's cabin--"

The shipwide intercom comes alive briefly: "Chrrristian? 'Vouf? I sighted something interrresting herrre in rrregaurrd to sssome of the matterrrsss we dissscussed earrrlierrr. Verrry interrresting indeed. I alssso may be rrequirring yourrr asssistance herrre in a moment..."

Ger sighs, "Excuse me for a moment, it seems sometimes that there is no end to problems on this mission."

Akhouw waits patiently and calmly, though he does closely listen to the events within his hearing.

'Vouf had listened to the intruder alarms from Pater, and Ger's response, and Christian's plea for mercy, with a growing sense of annoyance. Finally, he gets up and keys in an intercom channel linking himself, the CMO's cabin, Lazer, and Christian. Before turning on the link, he says to Count Ger, "With your permission, sir, I think I can handle this with a minimum of disruption."

He then flicks on the link. "Excuse me for one moment, gentlemen," he says in a voice that promises murder or worse. "Allow me to make a few command decisions here...."

"DOCTOR Trrreweeerrrlll, welcome aboard the Alcyon. I can understand your impatience to assist the scientists aboard the Alcyon with their work. I also understand that compliance with disciplinary directives is contrary to your nature, and that it requires a GREAT deal of effort on your part to submit to the wishes of an authority figure when those wishes go against your own."

A low angry hissing boiler, is heard coming over the intercom, "Ssssehaarr...."

"I must ALSO point out, however, that illegal intrusion into a vital and sophisticated computer system is NOT a suitable means for expressing one's boredom, and does NOTHING to improve one's chances of eventually winning enough trust to be allowed to interact with the computer systems in a standard fashion. In other words, DOCTOR, you're a trained IISS scientist and a credit to the Ael Yael-- so PLEASE start ACTING like one!"

"SSssssehaarrr..."

"I'll pull Security off, and try to intercede on your behalf with the Commander-- but only if you refrain from making my job more difficult than it is already! I want you to take it easy and recuperate, NOT pull out your sutures AGAIN, keep yourself and your robots OUT of our fur until you've been approved to DO so, and NOT provoke the people to whom you are currently beholden for your LIFE!"

"SSSsssehaarrr... Oscar Sierra Foxtrot Four, rrre-engage t-t-terrrtiary sssaftiesss."

"DOCTOR van der Merwe-- I appreciate your need to keep armed men out of Sickbay, and to reduce the possibility of a violent conflict around your patients to a minimum. I also, however, have a commitment to maintain security and discipline on this ship! You seem to have a strong concern for the life and welfare of this particular patient...."

Christian seems nervous, harried, irritated, and exasperated all at once. "Indeed, SubCommander, I have two crash victims with minor injury, one crash victim recovering from major internal surgery, an Ael Yael who has been acting oddly due to the intoxicating after-effects of his medication, a thawing Adrian Bishop, and an Imperial Marine who appears to have come forward into the future from many, many decades ago with massive Lanth Fever antibodies...."

(When "discipline" is mentioned by 'Vouf, Christian inaudibly mutters about starting with Mahlel...)

When the general discussion between Van Der Merve and Farouk is over, Johann, who heard Lazers end of it, has already arrived outside sickbay. He takes one look inside observing the frantic activity from humans and medibots and quickly decides that he probably isn't needed after all. After a quick visit at the Armoury to leave the final green box he takes the shortest route to the Engineering compartment, if indeed several gigantic spaces spanning nine floors and two hundred meters can be decribed as a 'compartment'.

Looking at the pieces of geography strewn over the floor and the damage to the controls, he wonders why everybody has to try out their weapons in Engineering, when there are four 150m long corridors to use as shooting gallerys.

On the one of the consols he enters a mail to Dan and Ralf about the sensor recordings, asking them to contect him after the staff meeting or when they arrive on the Alcyon, respectively. After checking with his watch to see that there is still time left before the meeting he leans back into the chair.

"Ok, Pater, summary highlights of the recorded data."

If there ever was a flurry of activity this is it. Two women trying to get ready and sharing the same shower, closet, dressing room and make-up station, all in a half hour time period. They weren't this active when they had all the problems with the misjump!

The computer chimes softly alerting the crew of an incoming message.

>Gemini Arbiter this is Talisman requesting a copy of your sensor logs >from 03:98 to 04:15 for engineering purposes. Thank you."

"Great right in the middle of my shower! You answer it Nikki you're farther along than I am."

"Me! I'm still trying to figure out what to wear!"

"Go ahead and tell them we're too busy at the moment."

"Okay." turning to the wall comm "Arby, open a channel to the Talisman."

Among the various sounds heard of people getting cleaned and dressed is the vigorous rustling of clothes in the background.

"Talisman, we're currently occupied and are unable to comply with your request. Suggest we delay until we meet, shortly, when we will have ample time to exchange information. Gemini Arbiter, out."

"Now to get back to the important things!"

Ralf looks up from his calculations in annoyance when the message is lasered over from the Gemini Arbiter. "Bridge, please relay:

Gemini Arbiter this is Talisman requesting compliance soonest, before or upon docking please."

A thoughtful, but brief pause, followed by a pained look.

"Simply instruct your computer to provide access to the sensor logs for the specified time period. If you had time to tell me that, you had time to instruct your computer appropriately."

Ralf goes back to planning, adding a backup plan using the Gemini Arbiter to cushion the impact of the Bernoulli.

'Vouf ignores Christian's chiding and continues, "I am therefore holding YOU personally responsible for ALL of his conduct from now on. When the Command Team meeting is over, we will discuss bringing him before the Commander for a formal apology--"

"SSSSSSehaarrr..."

"-- and a discussion of future duties as a member of the Physical Sciences and Engineering Teams. However, he will STILL remain your responsibility, and if future actions on his or your part make it necessary, I will assign an appropriate member of the Security Team to assist you in your duties regarding him. I believe O'Shi Mahlel would LOVE the opportunity...."

"MAJOR Farouk, I want a 24-hour watch kept via remote securecam on Doctor Trrweerrrrl. He is NOT to leave the CMO's cabin except in the company of Doctor van der Merwe or myself. For NOW, you are to refrain from armed confrontation with him. Later on, we will bring his warbot to the Armory, where it will be powered down into idle mode until called for."

"SSSSSSEhaarrr...Ssskeeeruk..."

Bhyarrvouf's voice drops to the snarl of a wolf standing over its prey.

"Have I made myself clearly understoo

<< Perfectly, sir. Farouk out. >>

The boiler sounds as if it is about to explode. "SSSSSSEHAARRR... I... do... not... think... sssso..."

"Then I will leave you to meditate on my words until you achieve enlightenment," Vouf says with deceptive mildness. He cuts off the circuit.

Out in sickbay, still audible over the soundblock destructive interference around the CMO's cabin, a faint screeching noise is heard.

Unseen by 'Vouf, Christian closes his eyes in weary frustration, which carries over to his voice. "Clear, SubCommander, but if I may make a suggestion? I would recommend that you assign a willing member of the Physical Sciences team to supervise and work with Doctor Tweel, as I cannot assume that responsibility at the present time. That way Doctor Tweel can make a useful contribution and be properly supervised during his medical confinement." The irony in his next statement is evident. "I quite agree, SubCommander, Mister Mahlel's racial sensitivity is most exemplary..."

"Precisely why I'm assigning him to watch Doctor Tweel if this happens again," 'Vouf snarls. "Thank you for your suggestion, Doctor, I'll take it under advisement." And he breaks the connection.

"Pater," 'Vouf says, switching channels, "Limit intercom broadcasts from the Chief Medical Officer's Cabin to Dr. van der Merwe's personal commdot. If he wants to stick up for that ranting maniac, he can do so without interrupting ME." He switches off, and says to no one in particular, "Anyone who thinks Vargr are hard to deal with ought to try getting an Ael to toe the line once in a double eclipse...."

Ger places the intercom of himeself, 'Vouf, and the office on "In Conference" and the recorders under a beta - level lock.

"Sorry about that." Ger says to Akhouw.

"What have we decided to wear?" say Aurelia stepping out of the shower and looking at Nikki, who has laid out several outfits.

"I don't know! We need more time! Getting dressed appropriately isn't like running this ship, you know!"

"Well, we don't have more time! And yes I DO know how important it is to look good!" says Aurelia picking up a couple of outfits. Then pauses to think a bit. "How a about this one?" holding up an outfit.

"Oh, I don't know. Looks a little too formal don't you think?" as Nichole picks up an outfit. "This one?"

"Oh, come now! We're not going to a party! This is serious, well sort of anyway." searching through the closet again. "Here this one."

"Not that one again! We just wore that!"

"That was over a month ago! And besides these people here haven't seen it!"

"Oh, all right!"

A few minutes later...

"Well I think we look pretty good." says Aurelia while viewing herself in the mirror.

"Pretty pompous if you ask me!" replies Nikki. "Well, let's go then!"

"Wait. Have you forgotten docking procedures already!"

"Humpf! Always worrying about something!"

Motioning to Nichole and heading for the bridge "Arby, initiate standard berthing security measures." Punching up the holodisplay and reviewing the docking checklist. "Nikki, would you go over the engineering section? Especially the outer airlock seal."

Walking into the bridge. "Ok. This is pretty boring you know. There are people to meet!"

"We still have to get permission from the Alcyon before they let us aboard. Besides, we still have to find that contract."

"Oh that. It's back in the conference room." says Nikki and pointing towards the rear of the ship. "I think we should bring a copy of ours along too. Might allay some of their reservations."

"Good idea." shutting down the display. "Well, that's taken care of."

"Engineering and related systems check out okay. We might have someone check out our jump drive if we get a chance. That misjump could have caused some problems. Other than that everything checks out ok." And with a flare shuts down the display.

"Let's get our stuff together. Then we'll call the Alcyon."

"PATER, give me Security, please." Lazer's voice is calm again.

<< Farouk to Security. False alarm. At ease, repeat at ease. You can ask me about it later. Farouk out. >>

"Jordan, Mahlel, as you were. Please keep a couple of rifles in easy reach, and wear the psi-shields. Rigo, toss me one of those shields please." Lazer appears vaguely embarrassed this request. He slides the shield into place.

"Abdul, keep Dr. Treweerel under observation. Bhyarrvouf and Dr. van der Merwe both apparently trust him, but I want to know if he does anything suspicious. PATER, please translate anything Treweerel says not in Galanglic.

<< Farouk to Jonson, Shrike, Horne. Please report on the situation on the 'Talisman. Is the visitor friendly? Will you be able to unseal the doors? Farouk over. >>

"J.J. here, I think the visitor is very friendly. and in my opinion, we can open the doors."

"Abdul, do you think you could help PhysSci any with sorting out just what's happened to us?"

"Yes!" For the first time in quite a while Abdul's eyes light up with interest and he even shows a modicum of excitement at the prospect.

"You're relieved, then. I'm pretty sure figuring out where we are is just about our first priority right now. Rigo, please take the watch."

"Hau, Major." Rigo acknowledges.

"Yes sir, I start investigations immediately!" With that, Abdul cleans up his personal mess in the armory and departs to try to locate the rest of the physical sciences team. Anybody who passes him in the corridors will hear him mutter to himself about the greatest scientific breakthrough since gravitics.

At about 04.40, Lazer will leave the armory to get ready for the meeting, with a last instruction to Azani and Mahlel to stay ready until the Treweerel situation is sorted out.

After Lazer leaves, Rigo spends a few minutes checking all public areas to make sure that nothing untowards is happening. He then rummages through the spare parts until he finds a set of non-slip grips that fits his Snub Pistol. After having loaded a spare Snub Pistol with H/V tranqs and made sure that it's within easy reach, he sits down in front of the monitors, and, after carefully unloading it, fits his pistol with the new grips. He then reloads his own gun and unloads and puts away the spare.

'Vouf has composed himself from his slow burn by now. He relaxes somewhat in his chair, interlacing metal fingers and never taking his eyes off the Aslan.

"As to your request I apologize as I have not had time to follow up on that incident. I expect that I will be able to give you a report detailing the circumstances by this evening."

Akhouw listens impassively to this statement. "Understandable, Admiral Nanadth, given the fast pace of events. I will await your report with considerable interest. If I may suggest that we meet later this ship-day for the evening meal? I extend to you and to SubCommander Bhyarrvouf an invitation to dine aboard the _Trakh_ this night." He looks over to Vouf. "I am sure that the Subcommander will appreciate some of the selections, as properly prepared, unsynthesized fresh meat can be a rare commodity."

'Vouf makes no motion and gives no sign of having heard, until Ger says:

"I'm sure we would both be delighted to be your guests this evening."

THEN, he nods and says, "While my diet is somewhat closer to a human's than that of most Vargr, Admiral, I do welcome the chance to dine among those of hunter's blood when I get it. I gratefully accept your invitation."

"Excellent, Admiral Nanadth, I shall make the arrangements." Akhouw rumbles with pleasure. "SubCommander. I can promise you a most memorable experience."

"However," 'Vouf notes, "We have all been through a great deal over the past several hours. It would be remiss of me not to at least offer that the date be postponed until after some or all of us have gotten some rest...."

Akhouw nods. "Admiral Nanadth, your SubCommander's devotion to duty honors your command." He turns back to Vouf. "Your suggestion is noted, SubCommander. If you desire, I see no problem if we are to dine next ship-evening." He glances at Ger. "In that case, you may contact me directly when you have completed your report on the incident."

"Fine, then. Tommorow evening." Ger brings the topic back to the subject at hand. "In the same vein I would ask you, Admiral, why your ship performed active sensor scans on my shuttle while we were on route to the ringword? Not that it would enter into my mind that you would ever do anything offensive with that information while we were under a truce."

'Vouf doesn't even flinch. He just turns his gaze (no arlaeaha has blue eyes....) on Akhouw, and cocks one ear politely forward. One gets the impression that this is one exchange he does NOT want to miss.

Akhouw is somewhat surprised. "Only in response to the activation of the shuttle missile turret, Admiral. No possible threat was in range, so I ordered prudent steps to safeguard my command."

"Exactly how was it that you were paying such close attention to the ship during a training drill that you were able to detect the activation of our turrets? Do you not trust us, that you have to pay close attention to everything that we do?"

Bhyarrvouf keeps a carefully neutral face through this exchange, though one ear does fold back a notch....

Akhouw's ears bend towards his head. "Your indignation, Admiral Nanadth, is an ill-fitting suit of clothing. Our computer system had been compromised by an individual under your command, a most unfriendly action. Merely keeping watch over nearby ships is no more than standard operating procedure. It is not a matter of trust, Admiral Nanadth, but of my duty. If I did not trust you, I would not have limited my actions as I did. To have done any less would dishonor the trust that Khaukheairlko placed in me." Akhouw fixes Ger with an intent stare. "What would you have me do? Choose between duty and dishonor?"

"Yes," Ger replies smoothly. "An interesting delemma on your part, just remember we consider an active scan on our ships a hostile act. It is fortunate that my ship was sensor blind at the time or a gross misunderstanding could have occured."

Akhouw's left ear folds closer to his head. "Hardly an interesting dilemma, Admiral Nanadth. A choice between duty and dishonor is no choice at all for any true ftierle. It is often a disappointment to find that such is not the case for some hisol'i." His ears relax back, slightly. "I anticipated a response, which is precisely the reason I attemped to localize and limit my actions."

Akhouw folds his arms, concealing his dewclaw from view, with his palms resting against his torso. "I make no apologies, Admiral Nanadth. Informing me of such a training drill, with a high potential for engendering misunderstanding, as indeed it has, would have been most useful." His self-restraint allows only a hint of displeasure to modulate his inflection.

"Well, in the normal course of events I would have informed any non-allied vessels of such a drill, however it was a surprise to my crew, and an attempt to verify eradication of our computer problems..."

Akhouw listens with some interest. "I see... I trust the drill was at least instructive."

"Oh, I daresay it was...." Bhyarrvouf's ears twitch for a moment.

Akhouw leans back into his chair. "Admiral Nanadth, as I stated when this meeting began, we need to discuss interaction between our respective crews. No doubt that our scientists will desire to collaborate, between what data we have on the ringworld and in their investigations of this strange space we are now inside." Akhouw smiles in the Aslan fashion. "Engineers will want to exchange such strange scribbles and diagrams that as they often do. Medical crew may wish to consult with each other, broadening their xenomedical experience. Certainly Doctor Aolrkhea' is interested in learning more about hisol'i medicine."

"I am interested in your views on this subject."

"I have no problems whatsoever with our crews mixing to whatever extent that you feel comfortable with," Ger replies. "My crew has no secrets that I am aware of that cannot be shared with our friends the Aslan. 'Vouf, I'm sure you have some funnny diagrams that you would like to exchange, no?"

"No, sir." 'Vouf doesn't smile. "Engineering is my love, but Command is my duty. The Engineering staff are quite capable of answering any queries our guests may have, and I have seen enough Aslan Engine Rooms to have no curiosity of my own...."

A tiny smile twitches at the corner of his mouth. "...but if any of your crew, Admiral, has a musical bent, I could be persuaded to haul out my shivangha for a song or three."

Akhouw looks at Vouf with renewed interest. "That is a most alluring invitation, SubCommander. Be forewarned that I may ask of your musical talents when we have such time to spare." Akhouw happily rumbles, quietly.

'Vouf notes the Aslan's interest with a nod and a smile, but says no more.

"I have only one objection to mixing the crews, sir," 'Vouf goes on. "Admiral, our crew was selected for scientific and technical expertise, not always for diplomatic prowess. While there ARE those among us who have dealt with the," he pauses, screws up his face like he wants to sneeze, and manages to spit out, "FFff-teerlay, and who at least understand their tongue and some of their customs, I must express some doubt that ALL of them will disport themselves in a manner your crew will not find displeasing. Admiral, if I may ask-- how much experience does your crew have in dealing with other races in social and technical situations?"

Akhouw is thoughtful as he answers. "My crew was selected with border duty in mind, SubCommander. My officers are generally acquainted with xenosocial contacts, although usually with hisol'i of the Solomani Confederation." Akhouw makes an unusual expression of disgust. "I believe that if we both caution our subordinates, we can avoid serious misunderstanding. Perhaps my security troops are least familiar with your ways, and shall remain aboard the Trakh."

"That choice is in your hands, Admiral," 'Vouf says. "I hope you will find our crew more--openminded-- than the Solomani tend to be...."

Akhouw says, "Admiral Nanadth. If you have no objection, I will permit those members of my crew as are willing to interact. If I may make two suggestions to facilitate this process? I would be honored if you would present myself and Executive Lieutenant Aiwi to your officers, so that exchanges can be arranged without impinging on your time. Also..." Akhouw glances over to 'Vouf. "If I may ask the favor of a tour of your grand vessel, perhaps by SubCommander Bhyarrvouf?"

Ger nods. "We have a meeting to attend in 10 minutes, It would be my honour to present you to my officers at the start of the meeting, but unfortunately Bhyarrvouf must remain present after you leave. I could either get another crew member to give you a tour, or perhaps you would like to do it at a slightly later time?"

Akhouw politely makes a gesture of acceptance. "I understand, Admiral Nanadth. I will be honored to meet your officers." He gazes upon Vouf. "If the Subcommander is not otherwise engaged, perhaps he would do me the honor of informing me when he is free after your meeeting?" Akhouw has the expression of carefully concealed eagerness.

Bhyarrvouf inclines an eyebrow at Akhouw. "Certainly, Admiral. I shall contact you at once, when my schedule permits."

"As to the wreck," Ger says, "I understand that you were able to rescue a life pod. We have several members of the crew on board my ship. It would probably be proper to reunite them."

"This assumes," Bhyarrvouf follows, "That there WERE survivors...?" He cocks both ears forward and raises an eyebrow, letting his question hang in the air.

Akhouw blinks, then taps the table as he remembers. "Ah! Yes, Admiral Nanadth, quite so, we did recover two survivors, one female hisol'i and one large male arlaeaha. When they are medically certified, I will permit them to join their comrades, if you have no objection."

"None whatsoever. However, perhaps we have more experience with Human and Vargr medicine, if they have any serious injuries...."

Akhouw shakes his mane decisively. "Hardly ANY injuries, in fact. Their mental disorientation is understandable..."

At the mention of an arlaeaha (the Trokh word for a Vargr), Bhyarrvouf betrays his first real sign of emotion since the meeting began. His ears fold back slightly, and his eyes narrow. His tail makes a single, whiplike movement, impossible to decipher. But he says nothing.

At the end of the meeting Ger stands up.

"Admiral I believe that this has been as very productive meeting, may all our meetings end on such terms."

"If you would like, 'Vouf will take you to our conference room now. I will follow momentarily as I have some documents to gather for the meeting."

Akhouw bows in reply. "Ka'tai, Admiral Nanadth."

Bhyarrvouf stands, nods to the Count, and ushers Akhouw and Aiwi down to the Conference Room. On the way there, he pauses the lift at Deck 1B, and steps out to a nearby doorway. "Please excuse me for just a moment," he says to the Aslan, and opens the door with a bark. He is inside for only a few seconds, and when he comes out, his heavy gauntlets are gone, revealing a pair of lined and scarred hands with the fur and clawlike nails clipped very short. "My thanks for your indulgence," he says, resuming the trip to the Conference Room, one floor down. As the lift travels, both Aslan can see him slowly and methodically flexing his fingers and making fists. While they are not experts on arlaeaha, the very act seems to be amusing or pleasurable to him....

At 0442, they enter the conference room, the first to arrive.

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