Now, Flavia, I would like you to undertake the Thadership of Talents in the Exploration Squadron. I know you have been in several Towers so you might know the specialists you `d like to have with you.
I’ll do my best to reassign them to you for this mission – ri they’re willing. Tower experience would be helpful, but Talents in biology, engineering and sociological fields would augment the specialists already slated to join that expedition.
I’d like Zara, Asia and You’d like Zara and Asia?
Thian and Rojer managed to suppress their glee that Flavia had totally surprised their grandsire.
Yes, Earth Prime. Zara has first-level therapy qualifications which would be invaluable on a long cruise. She can undertake further medical education with whatever medical personnel is aboard. Asia took honours, you know, in mechanical engineering, just two points below Rojer. Travel would be invaluable to personal development and selftconfidence. She would be the responsibility of both Zara and myself I would also like Rhodri Eagles whose talents as a liaison officer are wasted on a queen who’s going nowhere, and Morgelle of Betelgeuse because she’s got archaeological credits.
I didn’t know that, and there was still a slightly bemused tone to Jeff Raven’s voice.
That doesn’t surprise me, considering her situation, and Flavia’s tone was terse.
Your selections are excellent, well thought out, Flavia, and I don’t think those appointments will cause much trouble. His mental tone held more than a tinge of amusement and satisfaction. The newly appointed captain of the Vadim which is Squadron B’s flagship, is one Vestapia Soligen and, while her crew is as usual mixed, she requested a female Prime ri that was possible.
There are also two men of my acquaintance who would be most helpful, a T-3 and a T-6, Flavia said in a bland tone.
But her eyes sparkled at Thian and Rojer who were grinning broad encouragement at her.
Their names?
The T-3 is my brother, Mallen, and the T-6 is my cousin, Jesper Ornigo, who has `Dinis and is keenly interested in alien civilizations, though it has been more hobby than practice Understandably ů Both are Altairians, and currently in positions which could be filled by anyone of the same Talent rating.
Never let it be said, Flavia, that I stood in the way of someone else’s nepotism.
I beg your pardon, sir?
`Family joke, Thian and Rojer chorused while Jeff repeated it telepathically. That set them all laughing.
There is a serious aspect of this initial briefing, my young friends. I have laid down certain conditions on your assignments that must be upheld no matter what the circumstances: your duties are strictly outlined in the FT&T Charter and you are definitely aboard as civilian specialists and noncombatants.
With the possible exception of launching the sort of surveillance probes Rojer used on Xh-33, you may give no more assistance than that to any explorations or contact, no matter what the provocation, up to and including the saving of lives. Any `projects’ beyond the ordinary despatch of your duties must be discussed with me and I will answer the commanders involved.
You may not like it, but you will preserve your own skins first, although, as Thian was once instructed, you will do your best to rescue whichever other essential personnel are designated by the captains.
The navy is supposed to be able to fend for itself.
Flavia, all you Talents are to be escorted at all times while on a planetary suce. Special suiting has been developed for Talents that might reduce the stinggpzzt of proximity to Hiver artefacts and I hope the material proves effective.
A final caution – the launch of the Washington has already taken place and she is well outside our system at this moment.
They were afraid of demonstrations, sir? Thian asked.
Around the best holograph ever attempted, and Jeff’s voice was both amused but with a grim edge. So common sense prevailed over ceremony and, should you hear that the Washington was blown up by isolationists, ignore it. You are, however, not to discuss your assignments with anyone, even your parents. Orders are being cut for the additional personnel requested. Rhodri and Clarence will receive ordinary Tower-hour communications as will Zara and Asia. And the others will be contacted through proper channels. You three will report for transport to your respective postings at 0800 Aungaeon time tomorrow. Enjoy your last day dirtside.