During the week, her wish to relax the tight control she held over her mind had verified her T-4
status. Towards the end of the evening, though, as she realized this was the last night of such a marvellous holiday, she began to brood with such intensity that Rojer very privately told her that the best was yet to come and she’d have to be patient until tomorrow.
Between the unaccustomed wine and reassurance, Asia fell asleep, leaning against Rojer’s shoulder before anyone, even he, noticed.
I’ll take very good care of her for you, Rojer, Flavia said scope of the demonstration had proven the wisdom of when she noticed him sitting unnaturally still, so as not to disturb his sleeping companion.
Am I that obvious? Rojer asked.
Well, not obvious to her, at any rate, Flavia said with a ripple of laughter. Right now you’re good for her – – And when she gets more confidence and finds’ h&sell.
Rojer’s tone held a cynical and sceptical note.
I know it’s trite, but she’ll only be a thought away. You certainly can reinforce your position. if the relationship is to grow, it will. And I personally think it will. She’s already improved a hundred per cent since she came to Aungac.
As far as everyone was concerned, 0800 came earlier than usual to Iota Aurigae the next morning, but all the travellers were fed, packed and gathered at the personnel carriers minutes before the appointed time. And the generators were up to maximum.
Dad says he has something special in mind for you, Thian and Rojer, Damia said as her sons and Flavia made themselves comfortable in the carrier, the boys’ `Dinis secure in their smaller slings.
He loves to have something special for us, Thian said with a resigned groan. if you’re born into this family, you’re likely to tour the galaxy.
You’re only ever a thought away, Afra put in. Ready?
Steady! Go! Rojer couldn’t resist saying, and heard his parents’ laugh as his `go’ was perfectly timed with th& `port.
Thian and Rojer were only allowed to help Flavia out of the capsule before Earth Prime announced they were to be sped to the Washington where it had already passed out of the Sol system. Jeff Raven, bringing them up to date on the so-called Washington riots, said that the all the precautions.
There had been numerous attempts to damage the `hologram’ missiles exploding on target but doing the massive hull no damage `because of its unusual construction and tough design which proved that it was advanced enough to go against even a Hive Sphere.
Adherents, trying to protect that launch, had been as numerous as the protesters and nearly as cunning in their attempts to protect the great state-of-the-art ship.
We managed quite a show for all when the Washington was duly christened by Gktmglnt and Admiral Mekturian, down to the firing of thrusters to disengage from the building gantries and then the inner rockets to begin its majestic voyage of pursuit.
Grandfather, I didn’t know you were poetic!
I’m quoting, Thian, replied Jeff.
who staged the effects? Rojer wanted to know.
Everyone got in the act, Jeff said, slightly smug. Haven’t had that much fun since your grandmother and I took on the Hiver scouts over Deneb more than a quarter of a century ago.
You’ll like the Washington. Once you learn your way around her.
Your first task, however, is to get her the hell out to the poor destroyer the Maine who was left behind by C Squadron to keep on the Hiver’s trail. D Squadron left her behind because the two Hiver ships split up. You’ll have to bring the other ships of Squadron A in one at a time over the next twenty four hours. Even with all the help the Prime merge can give you, that’s going to be an exhausting task.
Flavia, Zara, Asia and every Prime in the family is ready to assist, so don’t hang about. You’ll enjoy your luxury quarters. The Washington’s quite a beauty.
* Grandfather wasn’t kidding, was he? Rojer said to Thian as they climbed out of their carrier into a hangar four times the size of any other one, – including the commodious one on the Refugee.