Page 66 of Advance and Retreat
“TheQuest?”Rorix’s brows furrowed.
“The name of the flagship.You told me to choose one.I feel it’s appropriate, given our mission.”
“We don’t name our ships,” Signis barked.“It’s a human conceit.”
“I wasn’t serious when I said you could do so,” Rorix added.
“I was.As for it being a conceit, Weapons Commander, I’ve already informed the captain how we Earthers view our vessels.Eventually, all the ships containing my species will end up being named.You’ll wish you’d dubbed some of them first, because humans can be irreverent on such matters.For instance, I suggest a communique barring any ship being called ‘Lollipop.’”
The Nobek stared at her, speechless for a change.
“You’ll also hear us refer to each vessel as ‘she.’”Laughter shrugged.“Welcome to your first cultural lesson.I look forward to learning more about your customs as well.”
“TheQuestsounds like a good name.I like it,” the thus-far silently watching Negal said.When Signis and Rorix glanced at him in unspoken admonition, he shrugged and offered an impish grin.“I do like it.Besides, it’s just a name.It isn’t as if it’ll affect how it operates.”
Rorix drew a breath before looking at Laughter.“I’m impressed by your incentive where readying the com stations and their eventual deployment in advance are regarded.If you’re up for it, we can put your belongings in your quarters, then I’ll take you to the bays the stations could potentially be stored for your consideration.”
“Thank you, Captain.I’d appreciate it.”Her smile was genuine, and the Dramok blinked, as if surprised by something.
“I have better things to do than babysit,” Signis muttered.He turned his back on them and stalked off...again, silently.It somehow added to his menace.
Negal, still grinning, grabbed the handles of her travel bin.“Hey, the lady travels light.I’d believed I’d be doing you a favor by lugging your luggage.”
“It’s a polite gesture, nonetheless.Thank you.”Laughter didn’t bother to tell him she was in the habit of owning the bare necessities in anticipation of going on an extended journey.The difference was, she’d anticipated it would have happened in the tight confines of a sailboat cabin.
No matter.The goal had been to explore places she’d never been.The locations had always been up for grabs.
You would have jumped at the chance to do this, Dad.Only you would have tried to take the boat along to explore coastlines we have yet to hear of.She glanced at the bin Negal carried for her as she followed Rorix onto theQuest.
After a slight throb of loss, joy burst through her once more.She believed her father was somehow with her, eagerly anticipating the coming journey as she did.
She fairly skipped onto the ship, earning a quizzical look from her companions.She didn’t care.Her heart hadn’t been so light in years.
* * * *
Kalquorian Empire Space
Mereta sat on his sleeping mat in his quarters aboard the destroyer.He contemplated the shadowy entity in containment box before him.
He pondered how alone he was in his head absent its presence.He could appreciate the loss the Dark must feel to be separated from first the All, then the Universal Spirit where Mereta had often submerged it.
“You have an advantage over most,” he told it.“The rest of us have to bumble our way to experiencing true peace.I was able to send you there.I doubt any other entity has had as easy an introduction.”
Its tentacles waved gently in response.
His door announce went off.“Enter.”
Admiral Piras came in.He bowed to Mereta.“We’ve reached empire space.It was a running fight all the way, but you’re home.”
“My compliments and gratitude to Captain Zemos and the members of the fleet who made it possible.And especially to you and your clan, Admiral.If you hadn’t come for me, I have no doubt I’d have been killed by the All.Congratulations on a job well done.If I can ever be of any service to you, tell me.”
Piras looked haggard despite the good news.His mood was far from celebratory.“We’re a long way from finished, I’m afraid.”
Mereta chuckled.“Actually, we never are, no matter how it looks.There will always be problems to solve, disruption to calm, and fights to be fought.The only serenity comes from within.”
Piras managed a weary smile, no doubt to humor him.His gaze slid to the containment shimmering on the mat.“Sir, I wish you’d let me put that somewhere safe.”
“It’s quite secure, I assure you.”
