Nova (25 page)

In short, nothing was visibly out of place, and yet a
persistent tickle in her mind insisted otherwise.

Damned Synergy Enhancement! What use was it half the
time, anyway?

Avara wasn’t certain how K’llan and other Vosaia did it,
having to constantly be subjected to a much greater barrage of ever shifting
and mutating emotions bleeding off from those that surrounded them. And then, sifting
through the deluge to interpret all those psychic readings on an hourly basis. Well,
either way, Diana and she would get to enjoy a relaxing mid–day meal together
this afternoon, and perhaps then Avara could figure out what was bothering her.

“There’s our destination, the Citizen’s Palace.” Adeline announced
a moment later, her lower–toned voice exuding satisfaction.

Serros shifted her gaze. “Grand.”

And it was.

The Palace was comprised of multiple domed, muted gold structures
flanked by elegant minarets, all set in the exact center of a large, open
forum. The Forum’s wide plaza was a mix of native goldstone and also of cobalt,
sea–green, and maroon tiles placed in elegant patterns and floor mosaics. It
was a theme that Avara found to be echoed within the Palace itself, not just
its outer grounds. The prime difference was that inside the structure, gold–shot
white marble also seemed to be a common decorative motif, along with tall, bronze
statuary featuring the greatest thinkers, philosophers, and philanthropists of
all the known races from the last few millennia or so of Quorum history.

The two crewmates were shuffled through several bustling
long hallways and chambers to the administrative center of the civic building.
Almost without delay, they were shown into a suite of well–appointed office
rooms to the polite and, at least by Zirgesh standards, warm reception from
Representative I’sha On’yay Ahas.

Ahas was an older Zirgesh male with an especially milky
chitin casing, yet his sextant of crimson eyes was still keen. His two lowest
three–fingered hands gripped twin, pleasingly carved whale–bone walking canes on
either side of his spare body. His upper four arms were folded towards his
chest with laced digits as he performed a low bow to Avara and Diana in salutation.

“Greetings, Captain Serros. It is a rare pleasure to meet in
person so well–respected and known a Quorum Shield Operative.” The Zirgesh’s
body appeared almost stick–thin, yet despite his advanced years, at least forty
if Avara was any judge, Ahas still moved with surety.

“Greetings to you, Representative Ahas, and my thanks for
your courtesy.” The Captain responded in turn. “Let me make known to you my
Senior Operations and Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Commander Diana Adeline.”

“Lieutenant Commander Adeline, it is my honor.”

“Thank you, Representative.”

“Come, let us sit.” Ahas invited, gesturing to two Human–styled
low chairs crafted of polished teak set before a tall, Zirgesh sitting–stool. A
pre–arranged courtesy, Avara was sure.

The only other person in the room, a second Zirgesh female
with plating the color of orange sorbet, moved with alacrity to place
refreshments before the two Humans. The aid then quietly left the room through
swishing double doors. Inside the reception area, a low fountain gurgled in
counterpoint to the softly humming sound of two obviously domesticated, long–billed
trilling birds that alighted to and fro between the branches of a large, potted
sokath tree.

“I hope you enjoy the tea. It is a hot beverage of Human
origin that I discovered in my youth.” Ahas proclaimed as he gently moved the
trailing hem of his maroon colored open–robe to take his seat.

“Most thoughtful, Representative. Chrysanthemum tea. It is a
variety that is cultivated on my own homeworld.” Avara answered.

With a nod of his smallish, double–heart shaped round head,
the Representative responded “It is the very least that I can do.” For just a
moment, his ink colored mouth– protuberance flicked out, tasting the steaming
beverage as Ahas savored the fruit–and flower flavoring, almost as if enacting
a ritual.

Somewhat familiar with Zirgesh ways, as a race they
were
primarily nectar consumers after all, Avara took a gentle swallow of the spicy–sweet
tea and deliberately paused before letting the hot liquid filter down her
throat. Next to her, Adeline did the same, her movements consciously languid.

“Of course, your actions in apprehending Iak Risha have been
most beneficial to the Quorum Systems.” Ahas pronounced with a deferential nod
some minutes later. “However, I must tell you, as a Zirgesh who loves his
homeland and people very much, you have not only my own, but also the Zirgesh
Collective’s deepest gratitude.” Ahas's emotions played in perfect concert with
the sincere tone in his reedy voice. “Iak Risha is a disgrace to the I’sha
Caste as well as to all Castes and Zirgesh peoples.”

“It was both my honor and duty to end so pervasive a threat
to the many peoples that inhabit worlds within the Quorum Systems. And as for
dishonor,” Avara said, choosing her words with care and hoping that she was
accurately reading the sentiment she felt flowing from the Zirgesh
Representative, “No shame is carried by the Zirgesh people; only the person of
Risha himself, who made such mockery of their honor.”

To her relief, I’sha On’yay Ahas let loose a pitched laugh
at her remark, a rich sound despite its high timbre. “I see you have a diplomat’s
soul, Shield Operative Serros. Again, I thank you for the respect you have
shown to me and my people.”

“The honor is mine, Representative.”

“I have reviewed your reports, and in all honesty, I feel
that your findings are straight forward and refreshingly well evidenced. In
actuality, I have no questions for you, but merely wished to express
appreciation in person, as is proper.”

“I am pleased, Representative Ahas. Much of the credit for
the report’s thoroughness and organization is due to Lieutenant Commander Adeline.”
The Captain responded, nodding towards Diana.

With a pulling of his almost non–existent lip–crevice that
represented the Zirgesh version of a smile, Ahas commented, “It is good so many
capable young people are proving their value. It makes one feel that all is in
hand for a productive future as my Spirit is readied for its journey to the
Great Soul.”

“Hopefully not for a long while yet, Representative.”
Adeline stated with a deferential nod of her curly head.

“Ah, my dear. I am approaching my forty–eighth year and
though I regret it not, I wasn’t biologically born a candidate for an Arca
Longevity Enhancement.”

Turning slightly to watch the two brightly–jeweled birds fly
once more within the silvery branches of the sokath, Ahas added “For my people,
I have lived a very long life indeed, and I am well satisfied.”

Finding that she rather liked this elderly statesman and knowing
a bit of the Representative’s history and culture, Avara declared “Yours is a
Legacy to be proud of, I’sha On’yay Ahas. May the Great Soul Greet You with
Eternal Welcome.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Captain Avara Serros. May Your
Own Legacy Burn Bright.”

“Thank you, Representative.”

“And you as well, Lieutenant Commander Adeline; May Your Own
Legacy Burn Bright.”

“Thank you, Representative.” The Human woman replied,
echoing her Captain’s example.

“Now,” Ahas said, stepping off his flat–cupped, high backed
stool, “Though I am very pleased to have the honor of greeting and expressing
thankfulness, I’m afraid that I tire easily these days and must return to my
duties while still able.”

As if summoned by magic, the Zirgesh assistant reappeared to
the side of the office’s carved wooden doorways, her posture of one who was
standing at attention.

Slipping to her feet, Avara replied, “Of course,
Representative Ahas,” and with an inclination of her head, added “Our meeting
was my pleasure, and I wish you much continued productivity.”

“The delight was all mine, I assure you, Captain Serros and
Lieutenant Commander Adeline. Pleasant day and continued productivity to you
both.”

Filing out of the elegantly appointed accommodations and
retracing their steps behind the leading assistant to the building’s exit–way,
Avara commented by way of a compliment to her sometimes more socially awkward
friend, “A very pleasant meeting.”

Smiling in response, Diana replied “Yes, quite.”         

 “Now,” Avara stated with a grin that she knew was more than
a little gleeful in nature, “Let’s eat! I’ve heard great things about a local
taberna’s sandwiches in Hyacinth Rock Park.”

Issuing a laugh, her joy clearly radiating with the sound,
Diana responded “You’re on!”

 * * * * *

Reveling in the feeling of delightful satiation, Avara lay
back on the cool, pleasantly soft yet springy pale green unja grass and found
her gaze lost in the blue Avex afternoon. She could see multi–toned summer–birds
wing their way towards some secret destination known only to themselves, and
her ears captured their melodic cries as they sang to one another in either
encouragement or rebuke. Without effort, Serros was able to isolate the gentle
hum of fat bees as they quested for their next ambrosial meal. Twenty or so
paces away, her Arca attuned ears picked up the sound of two Vosaia women speaking
of their workday in their lilting sopranos. Even further away, the good–humored
sounds of a family of Gorath at play stalking through leaf, branch, and stem in
a timeless game of hide–and–seek rolled through the verge. Front forward, the
Shield Operative was also able to identify the gentle lap of a fresh–water
turtle plopping from his sun–soaked rocky post into the clean–smelling pond–water
below.

“I haven’t felt this utterly relaxed in weeks.” Avara finally
commented a moment later, shifting her gaze to Diana, who sat a close span away
watching the meanderings of the other park–goers.

Turning her profile towards Serros, her friend responded “I know
what you mean. Though rewarding, ‘tis been a heady two months.”

“The break will be good for the crew.” Avara agreed, hearing
the sound of a Human male’s humming voice and the
swish–tick
of his
son’s determined goal of grass–slashing a path with a water–reed through the
taller patches of unja.

“Rotation’s already begun.”

“Good.”

“Hey,” The Captain began a few minutes later after the two
had fallen into a companionable silence, rolling over on her stomach and
resting her chin on her crossed arms. “What would you say to ice–cream?”

“Um, Avara, you just consumed two bacon, cucumber, and
avocado sandwiches, a large grape and arugula salad, cashew pasta, and a Mymren
pear. How can you possibly still be hungry?”

Avara laughed at her friend’s frankly surprised note that
was clearly audible, despite Diana’s attempt to be polite. “Yes, that’s true…
and I think ice–cream would be the
perfect
finisher.”

Groaning, Adeline pronounced, “Okay, Arca VII; I was
finished a sandwich and a half ago. How about a bit later?”

“Alright, but I’ll hold you to that promise.”

“I have nary a doubt.”

“Hey, how’s your brother doing, by the way?” Avara asked
several minutes later, standing up with an inviting nod and walking eight or so
paces towards the pond which was surrounded by an elegant pattern of various
natural rocks. A small train of tope and green water–fowl were busily
complaining to a large silvery fish chasing afflies across the water’s surface.

Finding her own feet and joining Avara by the pond a moment
later, Diana answered “Surrey just made First Cadet for his Class at the
Academy.” Adeline’s full lips were set in a wide grin, an enthusiastic and
proud cast lighting her features.

“That’s great!” Avara avowed. “Does he still have Colonel Amherst
as his Primary Training Officer and Advisor?” She asked a moment later with
interest, a lazy twitch of her foot punctuating the question as they stood
shoulder to shoulder.

“Sure does!” A responded. “And let me tell you, my baby–brother
has quite a bit to say regarding the matter.”

“Ha; I bet! That woman was a terror when I was at Academy.
Always felt like she was trying to strip away my skin in search of the most minute
error or misstep.”

With a snort, Diana remarked, “The same for me. I developed
an occasional stuttering problem! Took me years to get over it.”

Chuckling, Serros couldn’t help but add, “Once at lecture,
Marcus rigged a portable data–screen to project a rotating image of a bull frog
and Colonel Amherst, complete with large green lettering that read: ‘
Amherst
snogg’s frogs
!’”

“
Nooo
!” Diana responded with a shocked gasp, then a
moment later giggled. “Is ‘snogging’ even in Perez’s vocabulary?”

“Not at all, but ‘snogg’ was the only word he could come up
with that he felt comfortable rhyming with ‘frog,’ and he was quite attached to
the amphibian comparison. He
was
only sixteen, after all, so what can
you expect?”

Pretending offense, Adeline proclaimed “Oh my God; an insult
to any well–mannered, Old–Terran, Brit–bred Jamaican!”

Avara offered an impish smile. “Say that three times in a
row, I dare you. Anyway, I suggest writing a sternly worded protest letter.”

“Maybe I shall. What happened, anyway?”

 “Well, let’s just say, Marcus spent the next six weeks
scrubbing every communal cadet latrine on premises.”

“
Holy shite
.”

“Exactly.”

“How about your nephews?” Adeline asked after they’d stopped
their practically bone–shattering fit of laughter at the rather… untidy image.

“They’re well, thanks. My sister says that the
responsibilities involved in taking care of a husband and three boys still under
the age of twelve
by far
outweigh her workload as a surgeon.” Avara answered
with a new–born chuckle. “Mad, of course. I’m glad she’s the eldest sibling.”