"Slib," she said, "We just happen to have enough for a game of two-across. Shall we?"
***
Morris spent the rest of the trip splitting time between mission preparation, engineering and Delroy's spools. Halfway through the second he discovered Racefort diagrams. Fact theorists used them analogously to Techs but there all similarity ended. Where Techs worked with measurable physical quantities fact theory had instead highly subjective quantities and arbitrary metrics. Though he tried to assimilate it Morris' pace slowed to a slog. Give him something tangible!
***
Morris fidgeted outside Lydia's office. They had unlinked in Halcyon space and according to Blakeschiff they'd ground the next day. When he left engineering earlier Lydia sent him an invitation back before dinner.
"Hi," said Lydia, "Punctual as always."
Morris felt a warm smile suffusing him. She wore her civilian clothes with her hair unpinned; gathered but down.
"You are beautiful," he said, "still and again."
"Thank you," she smiled, taking his hand and leading him inside.
Inside the office Morris found her desk completely cleared - unusual! - with a cozy meal for two already set out.
"Wonderful," he said, genuinely.
She smiled and they sat. Later, with the meal a pleasant memory Morris sat on the couch with Lydia cuddled against him. She had soft music and gentle surf-sounds playing in the background.
"Won't you be with us on Helene," asked Morris.
"No. The Navy is sending Halcyon some surplussed Cuttles and we're going to be training their officers on them."
Morris tried not to show his disappointment.
"Me too," she said, "So let's make the most of this."
Whether Morris kissed her or she him he didn't know, only that it lasted forever. Morris drank in every sensation of her, savoring every nuance.
"Still so wonderful," she mumbled, now relaxed against him, "When we finish this mission I'll have some leave coming. Would you like me to spend it with you?"
"Yes." The word slipped out before the surprise of what she asked registered.
"Good, because there are still a lot of things I want to teach you."
Morris felt the warmth in this, even as his mind worked through every implication of it. Finally he sat back and held her. Forever.
Chapter 5. Back To School
Morris stood in an isolated departure lounge and watched the ship taxi away. Blakeschiff landed them with military precision all the way down to timing things so that the local time matched ship time. Once the boarding tube locked the others left for their cabins in a last-minute hustle after forgotten items. Blakeschiff instructed the League Embassy officers on the disposition of the cargo, presumably including his, and Morris tried to snatch a few minutes in engineering. Even now that amused him, even though Lydia was busy and his attempt failed. Now they all waited in a facility not unlike the one on Dracos.
The door beeped and opened to admit three people. The first, a chubby and somewhat short man with a sparse ring of gray hair, trotted briskly to Blakeschiff who snapped to attention and saluted.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the League. Please allow me to extend the warmest greetings of and on behalf of the Halcyon Autonomous Region. Welcome and well met! I'm Johnathan Rackwell and I am most honored to meet you."
Without a pause for breath Rackwell grabbed Blakeschiff's hand and pumped it vigorously.
"Undersecretary to the Minister of Trade Relations George Ialie," said Rackwell, indicating the second man, "and our university president Leona Collins."
When Rackwell finally ran out of words Blakeschiff acknowledged their greetings and made a pat speech of his own. Then he introduced the members of the team and the Halcyon folk made welcoming hand-shake rounds.
"Now that that's done," said Rackwell, eyes twinkling, "I've no doubt you'd like some time to settle in. I don't know if you've eaten but we prepared a banquet at the University."
"We haven't," lied Blakeschiff, "and that would be most welcome."
Rackwell beamed at this and motioned them toward the door.
***
Perhaps it was just the starport, perhaps Morris, but his first impression of Helenton was of a vibrant, exciting world pulsating with life. Rackwell escorted them to a large hover with the university logo on the side. Morris ended up seated next to Ialie but Jackson on the man's other side spared Morris the need for conversation. That suited Morris; he concentrated on taking in the scenery.
This was unlike any League world Morris knew. Here he saw no giant buildings, no familiar companies or Guild markings. League architects worked to utilize space efficiently but here buildings seemed to pop up wherever they wanted. He liked the planet already.
When the hover entered the university campus Morris felt a wave of nostalgia. This part of Helene was well into summer and the students' activities reflected it. They strolled the grounds, studied beneath trees and played many games of outdoor something. The hover finally stopped in front of a small building nestled among several others and bearing the name 'Ballard Hall.'
"This is yours for your stay here," explained Rackwell, "If you need a hover just notify the vehicle pool. After the banquet we'll register you for meals and events. Ballard has all the amenities but we would love you to participate with the students, too."
Rackwell left them to freshen up with a promise to return an hour later. They found their luggage there already. Morris spent fifteen minutes unpacking before changing into his formal attire. His boots were slightly fancier versions of standard work boots and his gray cloak and trousers interwoven with shiny threads. His simple white shirt sported the League crest on the left and the Tech Guild's on the right. He slipped his penlaser and minikit into their pockets.
"Polar to orbit," said Lace, running her fingers across Morris' cloak and shirt, "Stud blood no blather! You look nice, Morris."
Lace dressed simply though formally, as did the others. Jackson wore a Survey uniform with medic tabs and Blakeschiff changed to full-formal. Morris got the impression he wanted to be back at the ship prepping for the mission.
***
Morris picked at his food, nibbling as his stomach permitted. What Rackwell touted as a simple meal was nothing of the sort. Why Helene made such an ordeal out of a simple visit from League professionals escaped Morris. Since the League mission most directly involved the University they had the largest number of people there but plenty of others sat in attendance as well: local and planetary government, businesses and media. The full magnitude of the event hit Morris when a smiling student handed him an official program. Then, to his horror, he spied himself scheduled to speak as the official representative of the Technical Guild.
"Are you going to be all right," asked Lace, seated to his left.
"I... Yes." The quaver in his voice shamed Morris.
"Platitudes," said Jackson, who sat to Morris' right, "Tell them what an honor it is to be here, how you're looking forward to the mission and how much you like the planet."
Jackson's words didn't interrupt the movement of food from his plate to his mouth.
"I'd take it for you if I could, Mo," said Jackson, "but I'm not official anything."
That amazed Morris. Jackson was both serious and sincere. As Morris thought on it Lace and Jackson both maneuvered to seat him between them, insulating him from some of the crowd. He felt ashamed that he needed it, embarrassed that they knew it but grateful that they did it. As if telepathic Jackson nudged Morris with his elbow.
"Just think of the temperatures we can take here, spiker."
Feeble though it was Jackson's joke relaxed Morris enough to eat a few more bites.
The speeches started after dessert, a nauseatingly rich construction of sweetness Morris didn't even think to finish. First came Ialie, then several others, then Collins. The speeches were long and boring and only the cold knot of fear in his gut kept Morris awake for them. Anticipation, or dread, dried his mou
th several times and even taking small sips he drained his water glass three times. Then his bladder made its contribution to his overall mood. Then Rackwell introduced Blakeschiff who gave a very pat and professional speech and summary of the missions. Then it was Morris' turn. Lace reached under the table and squeezed his hand. Morris heard his name announced and a brief spate of applause.
***
"Ladies and gentlemen." The microphone picked up his voice perfectly.
He took the required communication courses at the Academy. One of them included a section on public speaking. This wasn't Morris' first speech but all the others happened in front of fourteen other Tech trainees.
"It gives me great pleasure to be here today."
That teacher was a nightmare. How well did he know how people, especially Techs, dreaded the thought of speaking before crowds. Knowing, perhaps, that his students might one day face such a catastrophe he left them a legacy. "Keep it simple," he frequently said, "Say what you must, sum it up and sit down. If you want to make flowery speeches join the Senate."
"I am a member of the League Technical Guild. Our official motto is 'Will do!' Before it can be done, however, it must be learned. On behalf of my Guild and myself I am honored to have the opportunity to teach. Thank you!"
Morris walked halfway back to his seat before the applause started. Lulled to apathy by fine food and long speeches it took the crowd a moment to appreciate the brevity of Morris'. When they did they reacted with boisterous loud approval. Before he sat Lace made him take a short bow. Then his legs collapsed and, safely seated, he started shaking. She took his hand and held it tightly until he calmed down.
"I don't know how to follow that," said the next speaker, a lady whose name Morris missed, "You set a high mark, Technician. I'm glad I'm not in your class."
Some laughter. Morris felt a surreal sense of detachment through the rest of the speeches. Finally, blessedly they all ended and he could find a 'fresher.
***
Morris found a surprise waiting in the common room at Ballard Hall. Lydia stood there waiting for them. She warmed him with a long hug.
"You did a good job speaking," she said, not releasing his hand.
"You... saw that?"
"Of course. It was broadcast over the University channels. Some of the locals probably picked it up too."
Exactly what he didn't need to hear!
"Chief Engineer," said Blakeschiff.
Lydia came to attention and saluted.
"I assume you have a reason for being here?"
"Aye sir. The ship is secure, all personnel are aboard and we're ready for launch. Lt. Harper sent me to report."
"Very well." Blakeschiff glanced at Morris. "Our Tech did do a fine job, yes?"
The two of them departed not long afterward and the others changed into more casual attire. Morris knew he'd never again don formals without remembering this.
"I tell you the lad's a natural," said Jackson, out of formals and back to his old self.
"Truth," said Lace, "I don't know about the rest of you but I'm ready for a nice game of Imperium."
"An island of normalcy," said Morris, "among turbulence and chaos."
Lace set up the board and dealt the cards when Morris felt someone behind him. When he turned he saw Delroy.
"When you have time, Technician, I need some help setting up my holocad."
"Heaven's flames and hell's frost, Crystal," said Lace, "Can't that wait? We've barely arrived. Is your research that critical?"
Delroy stiffened imperceptibly. Had Morris not looked closely he'd have missed it.
"Wait," said Morris. Then, to Lace, "This won't take long."
Lace sighed and took out a drugstick. Morris grabbed his toolbelt and followed Delroy. Fixing the holocad didn't take long; several connection fibers had broken and the trip dislodged a circuit strip.
"I'm sorry about that," said Morris, nodding toward the other room.
"You needn't apologize, Technician," she replied, lighting a 'stick of her own.
"We're done, Specialist," he said.
"Thank you."
Morris almost thought he detected a note of warmth in her voice.
***
The Imperium just entered its fourth turn when the door beeped. Lace sighed in exasperation as Harkin answered the door. Rackwell strode in, less formal now but not a whit slower.
"I hope your accommodations are suitable," said Rackwell, shaking Harkin's hand for good measure, "The faculty planned a small get-together. We would be most honored if you all would attend. I understand this may seem a bit rushed but, well, to us this is a major accomplishment."
"Of course we'll attend," smiled Lace, "Morris, you or Jared need to get Crystal."
Jackson manifested a sudden obsession with replacing the Imperium cards exactly right so Morris walked for Delroy's rooms.
"Specialist," said Morris after a polite knock.
She looked up from her holocad.
"Doctor Rackwell invited us to an informal faculty reception."
She started to say something, hesitated then nodded. She didn't vent sarcasm all over Morris, which surprised him. She powered down her 'cad and started for her 'fresher.
This gathering was much less formal, which suited Morris immediately. While the University people did have a great interest in their guests they also had matters to discuss among themselves. Tables against one wall held an impressive array of hors d'oeuvre, tea and chog, all local, which Morris enjoyed immensely. Before long he found himself in a detailed discussion of circuit flows and efficiency theory with two engineering instructors. After a while Rackwell, currently making rounds of the League team, joined Morris' group.
"I must say, Technician, I was impressed by your speech. Short, concise and to the point. Just right after the long hydrogen-emitters before you. Inspired!"
Morris shrugged. Easy to do now that it was behind him.
"I was nervous," he said, "that was pure communication training."
Rackwell chuckled.
"Since I have you here, sir, I have a question." Morris took a moment to compose it. "I was and am surprised at our reception here so far. Do you treat all your guests that way or are we that special?"
Rackwell considered this quite a while. "Tell me, Technician, what exactly was the nature of your briefings?"
"We were told we'd be teaching elements of League science and society. The Commander didn't release particulars until we crossed into Halcyon space."
Again Rackwell took his time before answering.
"I see, then," he said finally, "That does shift the spectrum." His smile returned. "Our request to the League was for a pilot program here. We'd like to begin incorporating your practices into our curricula and establish a regular transfer program. We have strong trade and good ties to your Merchant's Guild. If we can produce our own League-trained personnel that will both strengthen our ties and grant us a degree of independence. The best of all worlds, if you will. Your team is here to determine feasibility."
That surprised Morris. It would have been nice to know but it changed his plans not at all.
"Is there a problem?"
"Not at all, sir," said Morris, "I've traveled to a few out-League postings and I've never received a welcome like this. My briefing spools contained little more than what you want me to teach and I didn't ask for more."
"The hallmark of laser-focused excellence," grinned Rackwell, "Please be welcome and enjoy it, then! We really are glad to have you here."
Rackwell left with this and several others wandered up. Soon they were all immersed in technology again.
***
Morris walked into his classroom. Though Ballard Hall had a nice and well-stocked kitchen Morris elected, along with most of the others, to eat at the student cafeterias. Morris' guide, a vivacious theater major named Patricia Kelley, talked nonstop when she found Morris would listen. She chatted about campus life, her classes and all the activities available on the
campus, all the while pointing out the various buildings. She finished by giving Morris her 'comm combo and that of several friends who would, she assured him, gladly help any of the League team with anything related to the campus or the town adjoining it.
Five sets of eyes fastened on Morris when he walked to the podium and jacked in his datapad. He felt a cold lump in his stomach, not as bad as the banquet but there nonetheless.
"Good morning. I'm Morris Taylor, I'm a Guild certified Technician and I'll be teaching you the fundamentals of League technology. I know you've all had basic calculus, statistics and stochastic process theory so that's where we'll start. I'll do my best to build on what you know but if you don't understand please stop me and ask."
With that Morris launched into his lesson. Before long he relaxed. Technology was an absorbing subject and he warmed to it easily. His research enabled him to give both League- and Halcyon-specific examples as well as similarities between them. By the time they stopped for lunch he'd learned everyone's name and technological preferences. He knew he'd lose the three graduate students after lunch and he prepared accordingly.
"If there are no questions," he said, "We'll stop here for now."
There were none. His three grads, Tina Eisley, Ron Garrett and Greg Polov left, leaving Ted Jones and Vicki Teek behind.
"Fascinating," said Jones, looking no little overwhelmed, "Are we working through lunch?" He appeared apprehensive at this.
"No," said Morris, starting to relax now, "I'm hungry. After lunch you two can help me set up my labs for next time. We'll go over your specialties while we do."
"That's... cryo," said Teek, "but mechanics and electronics are pretty disparate areas, Dr. Taylor."
"Not really. That's what the unification principles are all about. You should be able to handle that after what we did today. Incidentally I'm not 'Dr. Taylor.' 'Technician' or 'Morris' will do fine. And speaking of lunch, where's the best place to eat it?"
Teek suggested the second-closest cafeteria and Jones agreed eagerly.
***
Over lunch Morris found both Jones and Teek interested in Imperium technology. Not a surprise since the Imperium attained a technological pinnacle before the Collapse, a pinnacle it took many centuries to equal or surpass. More than a few systems today still struggled with technology inferior to that; only by virtue of necessity and size did the League outstrip the Imperium. As they ate Morris discussed both early and late Imperium tech and the ties between them. Morris also studied his students carefully.