TKC 230 and 231
I do not want to discuss Horin and his orb, not when I am
trying to wrap my mind around this new knowledge. Heir? Ruler of a world? What
does that make Lyra? Is she his sister everywhere or only on Massin due to an
accident of birth?
Kay murmurs about needing that shower and thankfully Ross
takes the hint. We enter the shuttle behind him. The guards give us the
once-over, but ignore us when Ross shakes his head.
It is huge. There is the cockpit area, all chrome and white,
filled with gadgets and blinking buttons, along with four ergonomic chairs. A
large and empty space with loops embedded into the ceiling is the main space.
It is a military transport, Ross tells us. The soldiers hold onto the loops and
really pack it in. He grumbles under his breath about nearly being squashed in
the press. I like him more and more; he is a boy trying to be a man.
There is an ablution facility, a stores chamber, an armoury
and a galley as well, and everything is spotless and sterile. It is so impersonal,
I dislike it, but I am also admittedly agog. This is technology and nothing
like it exists on Massin.
Ross introduces us to Corporal Allin. The man is a
taskmaster; it is instantly obvious. He barks orders at us as if we too are
soldiers. Being somewhat older than Ross, he takes his duties serious. Ross winks
at us behind his back and leaves us in the corporal’s care.
Within minutes we are in the showers, a mixture of high
pressure steam and a few drops of water. A minute after that we are commanded to
dress. Kay lifts an eyebrow, but says not a word. Hal, however, tells Corporal
Allin to mind his manners, that he must remember he is the stranger here. The soldier does not react; he simply
departs. Marian splutters into laughter on seeing Hal’s expression.
The uniforms are dark charcoal, almost black, in hue and of
a tough material abrasive on my skin. The moment I pull the breeches on is also
the moment I desire to take them off again. How do they stand wearing this?
Then, to my surprise, it is as if the material reads my body form and
temperature, for the cloth over my thighs expands slightly, while the extra
space at my shoulders contracts to fit snugly. Now it feels as if I am wearing
something lightweight, something created specifically for me. I am neither hot
nor cold; I am at optimum operating status.
“Now this is something different,” Marian murmurs. “I’m not
naked, am I? Certainly feels like it.”
This time I burst into laughter, having just had the same
thought.
The boots likewise are perfect for every foot. “One can
really kick butt with these,” Kay states.
Corporal Allin is back. “Commander Gennerin will be with
your shortly. Please follow me; I have your meals prepared.”
We follow to the large space where there is now a metal
table and chairs that seem to have sprung up from the floor. Metal plates await
us filled with a mixture of vegetables. We sit and eat. We eat everything, yes,
being beyond hunger, but never has anything tasted as bland.
“Your choice of drink,” Allin states as boot steps sound on
the ramp outside.
“Coffee,” I say. “Please tell me you have coffee.”
“We do. Our commander refuses to travel anywhere unless
there is coffee aboard.” Finally the corporal unbends a little to crack a
smile. It is wiped off when the commander under discussion stomps in.
“Allin, tell me you have a fresh brew,” he states, and takes
a seat at the table with us.
“Yes, sir. One minute, sir.” Allin vanishes with alacrity.
Commander Gennerin stares at us. “Tell me about the orb.”
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