Damia. Part 6

Of course! Reidinger said rea.s.suringly. By way of parting, he shot, And Afra, I'll want you to retest when all this is over. You can't be merely T4 with all the shenanigans you've enacted lately. T-3 at the least so I'm upgrading you. And paying you accordingly, starting today. He chuckled. We'll argue over back pay later.

Afra started to protest the unexpected, and possibly undeserved promotion. But to argue with Earth Prime?

Reidinger's laugh cut through that thought.

Please! Argue! You need the practice! Then, including Ackerman back in his conversation, Reidinger added, I think it best that we all pretend I don't know where the Rowan is. Afra was perplexed by that.

Let's just say that I've got games of my own to play, young Lyon.

Until I tell you, the Rowan is not to know we talked. If she contacts you, behave accordingly. And then he was gone.

Brian and Afra exchanged surprised looks. 'Well, you know he likes to play his games, Afra,' Brian said first.

Afra nodded, brows furrowed. 'We will tell the others that he doesn't know and we'll continue as we did when they had their day off.' Two days later the Rowan contacted him late at night.

Afra was surprised that he could receive her, even with the gestalt of her generators over that distance. Maybe he was legitimately a T-3. He didn't mention that as he carefully made a note of the supplies she requested.

I may have to break them into smaller parcels than usual, Rowan, he said when he examined the complete list.

That's all right. The generator here can't handle too much, the Rowan replied forgivingly, then added, How are you holding up? I don't know how long I'll have to stay here on Deneb to be sure Jeff s going to recover completely from his shrapnel wounds.

Bet he'll watch where he steps from now on.

Does Reidinger know where I am?

Afra chuckled. We're doing well enough. Generator three has magically developed a glitch which has reduced 'your' ability to handle heavy traffic.

Oh, Afra! Thank you! Across the light-years, Afra felt the gentle caress of a grateful friend. He thanked Reidinger's G.o.d for deliverance from a less appealing role.

In another few days, Afra heard from Reidinger; the contact announced by a deep chuckle echoing in his mind.

I singed her ears off, Afra! But she gave as good as she got and begged me to send you a couple of T-2s. Reidinger's 'voice' took on a different tone. Who do you want?

Afra shrugged. If it's all the same with you, we're doing well enough just now. Just keep our loads like this and we'll manage.

Reidinger snorted. I just finished telling her I wouldn't have her burnt out catching cargo unaided, do you think I'm fool enough to burn out her best man?

Afra was not aware that Reidinger was broadcasting until Brian Ackerman turned to him with a grin of agreement.

Sadly, Reidinger added, I myself am too busy to handle the increased load of Callisto so I'm sending you a pair of T-2s.

I'm sure you'll treat them well.

How's the Rowan, Reidinger? Brian asked, boosting himself off Afra.

Don't you ever tell her, Reidinger returned with that incredible tenderness that so surprised the two stationers, but I think she's doing just fine! He paused. Oh, and by the way, do you want to switch brands of whisky this year?

Brian Ackerman's eyes widened in amazement; it was well-known that when he used to threaten to resign from Callisto Station on a yearly basis, he was bribed to remain with a case of his favorite tipple but it never once occurred to him that Earth Prime knew that!

Uk, no, I've gotten rather used to the Paddy's now, Brian managed to respond. Beside him, Afra doubled over in a laughing fit.

Torshan and Saggoner duly arrived and the Tower staff, worked just slightly ragged in keeping with a cunning plan laid down by Brian and carried through by Afra, were more than pleased to have their aid.

Although there were several teething troubles, the calm togetherness of the loving pair of T-2s and Afra's demanding performance standards soon had the station operating at nearly peak efficiency within the week.

The routine was set in the next week and by the third week the station personnel had nearly forgotten life under the Rowan. It was shattered when a personal capsule arrived unheralded in a cradle.

Belay that! Afra called to a cargo handler who nearly crushed it with the capsule scheduled for that cradle. Afra was hot with anger at the near catastrophe. Who the h.e.l.l put that capsule- he began and then touched the mind inside it. ROWAN!

Pandemonium broke out as the rest of the station heard his mental shout. Suddenly everyone 'ported in around her, patting her, talking to her, hugging her. The Rowan turned bright red in the face of such open affection. Afra sent a personal message on a tight beam to Torshan and Saggoner to explain the sudden disruption of his usually orderly station. They accepted his explanation calmly, saying that they would work around the celebration.

The next day's work, due to the Rowan's return, progressed with an incredible ease. Afra had forgotten how effortlessly she handled even the heaviest loads.

Once the work was finished, Afra was contacted by the Rowan.

I need to talk to Reidinger, she told him, almost daring him to challenge her.

Is that wise? Afra replied, fretting that, somehow, she had discovered Reidinger's duplicity.

He can't be that bad! she responded, adding that Reidinger had no call to be angry over her absence.

Afra responded diplomatically but somewhat defensively on behalf of Reidinger.

He gained a lot more than I risked, she told him.

Afra examined her carefully, noting the faint augmentation to her aura. His eyes narrowed. Was she putting on weight? No, at least not without good cause. I know, he responded warmly. Did the Rowan know her condition?

Probably not since she'd had other concerns to divert her from noticing a physiological change.

I'd like to surprise the old geezer, she continued.

Geezer? Afra spluttered, thinking that she was due for a few surprises herself, especially as she'd never been able to meet Reidinger face to face.

You've contacts at Earth Prime Headquarters. Can one of them sneak me in without having to announce my arrival?

The question startled him so he continued to banter with her while thinking furiously under tight s.h.i.+elds. First he'd have to warn Reidinger, and then Gollee, but he did a.s.sure the Rowan that he knew someone who might do him a favour. He begged a few minutes to arrange matters.

Reidinger? Afra called in the tightest telepathic shaft he could manage.

Who'? was the gruff response. This better be good.

Hurriedly, Afra explained.

And it was good enough for he could 'hear' Reidinger's grin quite plainly. Excellent! I have to talk to her anyway and it'll be better if she thinks she's got me at a disadvantage.

Here's what we do Afra absorbed the instructions with a growing sense of betrayal. Reidinger perceived that and broke off. Afra, you know that I want the best for her. She needs a father figure, someone to rebel against. And I need her spirited, rebellious. We all do.

Privately, Afra remained unconvinced but he couldn't quarrel with Reidinger. And it might just have a beneficial effect on the Rowan's growing recklessness. Now that she could travel without ill effect, who knew to what lengths she might take her new freedom?

Thank you, Reidinger said, I'll tell Gren.

Afra turned his attention back to the Rowan. Well, Gollee's agreed to my especial request to escort my anonymous young friend as far as he's able but security has to be placated.

He'll meet you at the landing field entrance.

Reidinger must have been listening discreetly to Afra's answer, for Afra caught him swearing. Keerist! Security!

I'll have to warn them or my security beams'll fry her when she jumps in!

Afra turned hastily to call out to the Rowan but she was already gone. Angrily, he growled, Reidinger!

Like gold dust, lad, Earth's Prime Talent called back gently.

I'll treat her like she was my own blood. Uh-oh!

She's here! Reidinger faded out, and came back with: I meant to tell you - will tell you later Afra did not hear from Reidinger until the next morning as he was finis.h.i.+ng his usual skimpy breakfast.

'Altair?' Afra shouted aloud when Reidinger told him of his a.s.signment for the Rowan. HOW COULD YOU?

I had to! Reidinger retorted sharply. Afra, who had spent years learning to read emotion, caught an undertone of pain in Earth Prime's voice. It was the pain of command, the malaise that comes from having made too many disagreeable decisions; also, very deep, was the pain of a person who was just plain old. Afra hastily accessed his data console's readout on Reidinger - he was approaching his one hundred and tenth birthday.

Afra considered telling Reidinger of the real reason for his anger at the Rowan's rea.s.signment but decided against it: the Rowan and Jeff Raven had the right of making that disclosure. Besides, Afra chided himself, he was not sure that the Rowan was pregnant. Nor that the child would be a boy and very talented.

Besides, Reidinger added in a very small tone, I had to free you and Ackerman to perform a very special mission.

Don't you think Callisto's been disrupted enough without removing us? Afra returned tartly. He frowned at himself, both annoyed and amazed that he could react to the man who was, for all intents and purposes, Federal Telepath and Teleport.

I wouldn't dream of moving either of you! Reidinger responded.

However, I have to think of the future beyond me and, frankly, while Jeff Raven's a good man, he does not have the skills required to run a Prime station. I want youAfra was ahead of him. Me? To teach the Rowan's husband? Has it occurred to you that the man might not even want me around his wife? Let alone himself and his children?

It has, Reidinger responded sadly. And I think it would be the greatest of catastrophes.

Afra spluttered, spreading his hands in dismay. While he would be deeply saddened, he could not see how his personal feelings would amount to a catastrophe.

Reidinger made it clear to him. What good are they to me if they can only work together? Do you honestly think that the Rowan would choose a man so petty? Come, you know she almost chose Stop! Afra called, eyes closed painfully. The Rowan is my friend and more. I love her like a sister. If her happiness requires that I step out of her life, then not you, nor theFT&T nor anyone will stop me!

So you'll run away at the slightest possible excuse, will you?

Reidinger hurled in response. Green by colour, green by nature, is that it, Capellan? Are you afraid to look upon their love? Do you love her so little that you cannot welcome her husband with open arms?

I never said that! Afra returned heatedly, yellow eyes flaring.

I will gladly work with Jeff Raven. He's a remarkable man and he well suits the Rowan. But you must understand, there are secrets, things the Rowan and I have shared that that may make it very difficult for him to work with me.

Give it a try, then, Reidinger said. If it doesn't work out, we'll try something else. But don't prejudge the man already have, Afra returned with a grin. She's chosen him which makes him special.

Besides which, the man has such a way with him, he can charm anyone.

Reidinger's response was laughter. As he charmed even Earth Prime? Afra was astonished that Reidinger grasped that hidden qualification. I have always thought that you were a wise perceptive lion. Just think of this a.s.signment as another way in which you help the Rowan - as well as FT&T The interview was over, Reidinger's mind faded out but not without a final warmth and an ill-concealed ache.

The interview left Afra mentally drained and emotionally confused.

He had liked what he saw of Jeff Raven and could not but rejoice that the Rowan had finally met her mate. It gave him hopes that perhaps someday he too could be so happy. But he had not lied to Reidinger when he fretted that his brotherly intimacy with the Rowan could prove a source of friction between himself and Jeff Raven.

Brian Ackerman buzzed his commlink. 'Afra, where's the Rowan?' In response, Afra downed his breakfast, tossed the container towards the dishwasher and jumped to the Control Room. Brian started irritably with Afra's arrival.

'Her replacement's due in soon, Brian. Better let everyone know.' 'Replacement?' Ackerman echoed in his confusion.

A newly painted personal capsule appeared in the nearest cradle.

Afra?

Here, Afra responded, sending a mental image. And Jeff Raven appeared in the room.

'I'm sorry we didn't have time to talk the last time I was here,' Jeff Raven said to him, extending a hand, his wide smile as charismatic as ever. His face still bore the marks of his recent near-fatal accident, but the vigour of the man was restored. 'But I guess we'll have plenty of time now to correct that.' Bracing himself, Afra took the hand and returned the firm grip with one of his own. Feeling the generous surge of grat.i.tude and respect before the clasp was broken, Afra could reply with complete honesty. 'I look forward to it.' Jeff turned around the room nodding at those he knew and smiling at those he did not.

'If you haven't guessed yet,' Afra said to the Tower at large, 'this is Jeff Raven who's here to replace the Rowan.

She's been upgraded to a whole planet, her native Altair.' He did not have to tell them that Siglen was no more.

'Afra,' Jeff called politely, 'a word with you.' Afra approached and Jeff looked around the room critically.

'Let's talk in the Tower.

When they entered, Jeff looked around it. 'At least there are two couches,' he remarked cryptically. Then he looked at the Capellan.

'If we're going to work together, there's something we must clear u' Afra raised a hand, forestalling him, having already prepared for the worst. 'I can leave. Reidinger'll get you a replacement easily.

There's a very good T-4 at Blundell, Gollee Gren: you may even have met him. You two'd probably work quite well together-' Hold on!

Jeff Raven broke through his apologetic dissembling. He regarded Afra searchingly for several moments. Then he grabbed him, hugged him tightly, thumping him on the back with st.u.r.dy fists. Thank you! Afra was confused. Thank you for her sanity, for her happiness, for everything! I couldn't exactly convey all of that downstairs when we shook hands --- not with everyone wide open for input -'Wh-what?' 'I think she would have gone insane if not for you, Afra Lyon,' Jeff said aloud. 'You weathered her rantings and 9' ravings, her tantrums, her fears and always you were there to give her the support she needed.' He paused, drew another breath, 'While I was convalescing on Deneb, she was forever talking of family - even if mine is a bit overwhelming in the close quarters we had to share - but, whenever she thinks of family, your face comes to her mind.' Jeff grabbed Afra's forearm, reinforcing what he was saying. Then he shook his head, giving one of his lopsided grins. 'Look, Afra, you are her family, but when we make our union formal, would you do me the honour of standing to my right as my best man?' Afra took an involuntary step backwards as the words sank in. He slipped out of Raven's grasp. He swallowed, found words.

'I guess I've been over-reacting but I've been afraid that you might resent my relations.h.i.+p with the Rowan.' He bowed deeply. 'I see that I was unutterably at fault.' He straightened, nodding to Jeff Raven's tight smile.

'You must understand that... over the years here well, we've become attached... not really involved, but emotionally attached in a special way. I know she regarded me as the brother she never had.' Hesitantly he licked his lips. 'To be perfectly honest, Raven, had you not appeared, I was perfectly willing-' Jeff held up a hand. 'I know,' he said softly, 'and I thank you.' Seeing Afra's puzzled look, his expression turned rueful. 'Your hesitation only confirms what we both know now - she was never the right person for you. I don't know how I got so lucky. I devoutly hope that one day you will know the intensity of the bond we share.' His smile altered to one of sadness.

'Unfortunately, not many of my relations survived and all my remaining sisters and older cousins are already committed so you can't marry into my family.' Jeff s.h.i.+fted his position and drew a breath.

'Sometimes I babble too much, or so my mother tells me. I'll give you a chance to answer me: are you willing, as brother by bond, to stand with me when I exchange vows with the Rowan?' A slight grin played across Afra's face but he bowed again, deeply. 'The greatest honour that you - both could bestow on me.' 'Then why the grin?' 'Well, you are planning on uniting soon, aren't you?' Jells answer was preempted by Ackerman's call.

Afra!

We've got cargo to move or we'll be backlogged for a week!

'That was really why I asked you up here,' Jeff said. Afra was confused until Jeff added, 'I've never run a station before. I want you to know that whatever you say, I'll do.

I consider myself your pupil.' With a wink, he added, 'I'm under orders from herself to trust you completely.