Tikele already had plans of the `Dini engines but was unable to decipher some of the special terms for a full understanding of the intricacies of the `Dini drive: a system that had some advantages over the type which the humans used. Tikele was hoping to draft some refinements, using the `Dini method, that would improve the Vadim’s drive.
Sedallia was his design assistant.
On a chase assignment like this, as on exploratory vessels, crew and officers were encouraged in off duty studies and occupations, interspersed with emergency drills for any contingency the devious mind of their captain could envisage. As Thian later heard a chief petty officer proudly remark, `Cap’n Ash-i-ant can sure think up some dillies!
Ain’t caught us out yet, neither.’ The wine that was drunk that evening was not part of the supplies which arrived with Thian and his `Dinis. But it was the last of the dry white the mess steward had and he advised all to make the most of it. Thian liked wine, perhaps too well, for he seemed unwilling to refuse a refill of his glass, yet he didn’t think he’d ever been what others might call drunk. This evening, probably due to the cumulative effects of the day’s busyness, he did find himself a little light-headed. That’s when he began to `hear’ the snicking little taunts. As these came through in the form of mental commentary, he couldn’t even identify the sex of the source.
whoever it was did not like Talent, of any degree, though Thian suspected the person was unaware that he or she possessed some: the person was `sending’ on a telepathic level which, to Thian, indicated a latent Talent of some degree. The content of those little barbs was much like the sort his cousin Roddie would verbally throw out. At least with Roddie, you knew who you were fighting.
The time – when Mur would be released from its treatment – saved him from both too much wine and too much stress under the continued barrage of malicious jibes. He excused himself to the captain, thanking him again for the meal, and once again repeating his wish to be of service to the Vadim in any way he could.
`D’you know your way to sickbay?’ Commander Tikele asked as Thian had his hand on the wardroom door release.
`I think so, sir,’ Thian said with a smile at the medics in intense conversation and left. There’d been no over-or undertones to that remark and yet.
Thian had lied. He’d had enough wine so that he didn’t know if he should turn left or right – port or starboard. He’d better get accustomed to thinking all the time in nautical terms. He looked up and down the passageway, closed his eyes and `ported himself into the main corridor outside sickbay. At this hour, as he’d hoped, there was no-one about and he went in.
Mur was out of its bath, colour bright and pelt shining, poll eye sparkling. On the other hand, Dip looked exhausted.
THIAN HAS COME FOR US, Mur said in its clipped staccato fashion and a nurse looked around the curtains separating the cubicles.
`Oh, Prime, you’re very punctual,’ she said and then smiled broadly. `Mur is quite recovered but I don’t think Dip has stood the gaff as well. I offered … you do call them “its”, don’t you ?` When Thian nodded, she went on, `But all it took was some enhanced broth.
Dr Exeter looked up what additives would be sustaining for a `Dini.
He was really frightfully pleased to meet such a distinguished `Dini physician, too.’ Despite his fatigue and the blurring caused by the wine, Thian couldn’t help but note that she regarded him with keen interest, tilting her head and smiling at him. She was pretty, he thought, and certainly gave off a reassuring aura. She’d be a comfort to the sick.
`Thank you, Lieutenant… `All navy nurses were at least lieutenants, weren’t they?’ `Greevy, Alison-Anne Greevy,’ she said.
`Most people call me Gravy, though,’ she added with a rueful grin.
`Oh,’ was all Thian could think to say at first, then he added, `most people call me Thian.’ `But you’re a Prime,’ she said, surprised.