Then how is it that Callisto can do without its Prime?
Damia had demanded caustically. He’s my son!
And my grandson and I carry more clout. Ca llis to 5 in occlusion or we’d’ve had to sendjeran.
I’d rather you went, Damia said, subsiding.
We will find Rqier, dear girl. We will. You know lie’s alive.
Yes, I know he’s alive and Damia’s tone dwindled off while leaving her mother with the full fmpact of her shock and despair.
Now `port your husband and your `Dinis. We’ll need them almost as much as we’ll need me.
The Rowan had almost baulked at waiting for the cluster of supply pods destined for Squadron B but the handlers at Callisto had the pods attached with such alacrity that she didn’t have time enough to voice an objection.
I’d hazard that the supplies are needed for the morale value if nothing else, Jeff said soothingly. Rojer seems to have been very well liked and Captain Osullivan is genuinely and deeply upset by his disappearance.
And so he should be. A good lad. Not too cocky either.
The Rowan did not, however, wait until the encircling pods were removed by the Genessee cargo handlers but `ported herself and her companions directly to the bridge. She heard Captain Osullivan’s apologies and a reiteration of the circumstances. Then she and Afra `ported with their `Dinis to the KTTS where they were met by the next in command, another grey `Dini of good size but one who instantly made deep obeisance to Mrtgrts.
THE PRESENCE OF PRTGLM IS REQUIRED,’ Mrtgrts said, its tone coming from deep inside its strong large body.
The poll eye of every `Dini on the bridge was turned respectfully in its direction.
I, PRIME OF CALLISTO, REQUIRE THE PRESENCE OF PRTGLM NOW!’ the Rowan said, drawing herself up to her full height. Despite being dwarfed by almost all the `Dini bridge staff, she was so imperious in manner that she received equal respect and attention.
I, FR, SIRE OF RJR LN, REQUIRE THE PRESENCE OF PRTGLM,’ Afra said and he towered above everyone.
Though he knew the `Dini were not empathic, he allowed himself the luxury of radiating the anger and indignation that consumed him despite all his attempts to suppress such un-methody emotions.
Trp and Flk, the `Dinis who had lived with Damia and Afra for the past eighteen years, suddenly began to swell.
WE KNOW. WE GO,’ said Trp, and with no further explanation it and Flk ran, as nearly as their body shapes allowed them, to a bridge exit and disappeared. That precipitous departure caused some of the lower crew members to moan and prostrate themselves.
Mrtgrts took charge, flicking one set of digits in a warning to the two humans. The Rowan bridled, incensed to be ignored.
Don’t, Rowan. Let Mrtgrts handle this. I’ve never seen such behaviour from `Dinis before and we must be patient Patient? when we don’t know We know that Rojer lives. if we can find out what caused him to run like that A Gwyn-Raven doesn’t run, the Rowan began, her mental tone a vivid purple-red she was so incensed.
`There has been a command failure,’ Mrtgrts told them suddenly and now it, too, made a humble inclination of its upper body to the Talents.
`A what?’ `Prtglm has attempted unilateral action that would not be approved by Admiral Mktrn or Gktmglnt.’ Mrtgrts bowed again, its colour paling to exhibit a degree of embarrassment that Afra had seen only in very young `Dini miscreants.
`What sort of action?’ the Rowan demanded imperiously.
`The Talent offspring of Afra Lyon became so deft at sending unseen probes that Prtglin saw the opportunity to destroy the flinction of this world for ever.
Damn! The word exploded with ferocity in the Rowan’s livid mind and included the actions which she desired to inflict on Prtglm’s person.
`How dared it!’ Afra’s fliry matched the Rowan’s and Mrtgrts swayed back from them as if it felt the impact as a personal blow.
`That was not the assignment my son accepted and that I, as his parent, approved, Mrtgrts. I do not know what punishment can be meted out to a personage of Prtglm’s rank and colour but this is an unacceptable perversion of FT&T services and a gross affront to the pacific nature of FT&T personnel.’ `All FT&T services will be withdrawn from the Rowan began, suddenly white and trembling with reaction.