Frontierzone
Author, poet, playwright.
Note. Lay off of the style. Just grammar, please. I can't please all of you where style is concerned, so I'm not going to try.
(Chris is ONE exception to the above, since he has a way of critiquing both style and grammar that doesn't leave the author feeling like an idiot. In other words, suggestions are okay, but completely devastating someone's style simply because it's not yours is unwelcome.)
Chapter Two.
Renewing Acquaintances.
Captain Amstutz tugged at the collar of his dress uniform, before stepping down the ramp.
Note to self; remind the ship’s laundry to use less starch in all dress uniforms.
He then stepped down the ramp, accompanied by two Marine Color Guards, one on either side of him, and just slightly behind. Waiting for him at the foot of the ramp were Commander Li, and four of her own personal color guards, acting as side boys, and her ship’s Boatswain, who played the traditional Shardon war drum, to welcome the Captain.
Okay, he thought. I’m impressed.
Captain Amstutz approached Commander Li, stopped, and crossed his fist over his chest, in the traditional Shardon salute.
“Permission to come aboard, Commander?”
Commander Li returned the salute. “Permission granted, Captain. Welcome aboard, sir.”
“Thank you, Commander,” replied the Captain. “It’s been a while.”
Commander Li nodded. “Yes, it has, Captain. If you and your Marines would accompany me, the Conference Room is this way.”
Captain Amstutz and his entourage joined her, moving in lockstep. “So, Commander. To what do I owe this honor of not only your protection, but of being your guest?”
“We will discuss that once we reach the Conference Room, Captain,” said Commander Li.
Upon reaching the Conference Room, Captain Amstutz ordered the Marines to remain outside. He then gestured for To’ying’li to enter first.
“As always, Captain Amstutz, you are truly a gentleman.”
The Captain smiled. “Being ‘an Officer and a gentleman or lady’ is a principle which is drilled into us at Annapolis. Not every Cadet takes it to heart, however.”
To’ying purred. “Well, you must have, Jacob. That’s what I like about you. Please, sit.”
Jacob remained standing, and pulled out her chair. “After you, Commander.”
“Again, ever the gentleman,” came the reply, as she sat down. “And, you are my guest, Jacob. This is not a formal visit. Please, call me ‘To’ying’.”
Jacob took a seat directly across from her, and looked at her from his side of the table. “So, why this invitation?”
“Simply to let you know that you are among friends, Jacob. We may technically only have an Armistice, but the Emperor does not trust the Mordum any longer, since it was revealed that they have death planets, where prisoners are made into food.”
“I see,” said Jacob. “And this being neutral space, it’s good to have friends. I hope that a more formal treaty between our two governments comes about soon. I think we would make better allies than we did enemies. We obviously have a common foe.”
“Indeed,” replied To’ying. “Unfortunately, Emperor Hur’ee’heedo is stubborn and prideful. He does not easily admit to being wrong. In fact, there is a matter that is an obstacle to ratifying a treaty which I cannot talk about, due to the fact that this would dishonor the Emperor.”
“Then I won’t ask,” said Jacob. “Some secrets are best kept that way.”
“Yet one more reason that I like you, Jacob. You are a most honorable man. There is certainly some Shardon in you.”
“Are you sure there’s no Human in you?” retorted Jacob. With that, they both laughed.
“I have taken the liberty of ordering dinner for both of us, Jacob. It is over here, in the warmer. Please, do me the honor of eating with me.” With that, To’ying rose to get the meal. (Of course, when she stood, Jacob did likewise.)
“Of course, I’ll join you. It would be impolite for me not to.” Jacob went over with her to the warmer. “Allow me to carry the tray.”
To’ying nodded. “Thank you, Jacob. It is very kind of you.”
As he was taking the tray, their hands accidentally brushed together. To’ying turned crouched and away very quickly, having felt the rush of excitement flow though her.
Damn, she thought. I must not allow myself to…
Jacob’s words interrupted her thoughts. “Are you okay?”
To’ying straightened up and turned toward him. “Y-yes… I am fine.”
He could see the lie in her eyes. “You’re not fine, To’ying. Tell me, what is it?”
“I do not know what you are talking about, Jacob,” she replied, in a defensive tone. “Please, do not dishonor me with any further questions.”
Jacob was confused. “How would asking any more questions dishonor you?”
To’ying sighed. “Oh, Jacob. Please, just let it go for now. There is much for me to ponder. Let us just eat, and catch each other up on things so far.”
“Very well, if you insist,” said Jacob, smiling. He carried the tray over to the table, and the two of them began their meal.
******************************************
The dinner conversation was polite, but there was an air of discomfort between the two Officers. Jacob couldn’t help but wonder about To’ying’s apparent nervousness. He tried to look her in the eyes while they talked, but every time he did so, she looked away, as if embarrassed about something. By the time they came to the dessert, Jacob was having his doubts.
Is it my imagination, or is her face growing darker? Is that a blush? Can her species even do that?
“Um, To’ying…” Jacob hesitated, clearing his throat.
To‘ying looked at him, inquisitively. “Yes, Jacob?”
Jacob’s look was one of concern. “Are you… upset about something?”
To’ying screwed up her face in a puzzled expression. “No, Jacob. I am not upset. I am just… not sure if I wish to discuss the matter further.”
“It would help me to understand better…”
To’ying waved her right arm in a dismissive gesture, interrupting him. “I am fine, Jacob. Honestly.”
“If you say so,” said Jacob. “We’ll drop the subject, at least for now. You can tell me about it when you’re ready.”
To’ying nodded. “That is fair enough, Jacob. For now, I have other things to discuss with you.”
“Okay,” replied Jacob. “I’m listening.”
“Well, for one, we have a mutual adversary in the region, Jacob. We stand to gain much in the way of diplomacy if the two of us agree to work together. We are in unclaimed space, which means everything out here is up for clawing.”
Jacob laughed. “You mean ‘up for grabs’. You really need to work on your Interstellar English idioms.”
To’ying raised her right eyebrow. “I was not using an Interstellar English idiom. It just so happens that that was a Shardon expression.”
Jacob got a very sheepish expression. “Oh…”
“At any rate, Jacob, this area of space is open for all three governments to both explore and exploit. My proposal is simple. You and I can cooperate, thus keeping the Mordum from gaining a presence here.
“They may do as they please, of course, so long as they show no hostile intent. This is neutral space, after all. But if we work together, we can thwart any plans that they have in regard to this area of neutral space.”
Jacob got a thoughtful look on his face. “In other words, we explore and patrol this new territory together, and share any data on our findings, is that correct?”
“Yes, Jacob. And we let the Mordum know that we are working together. That way, they are less inclined to take hostile actions. They may continue to shadow us, but the key word in that sentence is ‘us’.”
“Okay,” said Jacob, nodding. “I’ll go along with that. But you said that there were other matters to discuss. What else do you want to talk about?”
“I was curious, as is my government, about the Meea’zians,” said To’ying, nonchalantly.
Jacob leaned forward. “What about them?”
To’ying sighed. “I want to know why all four of the Meea’zian criminals were given full pardons by your government.”
Jacob frowned. “I’m sorry, To’ying. I’m not allowed to give the details, at least, not regarding their actions…”
“But…” To’ying started to object.
“However,” continued Jacob, “I can tell you this. Charges were dropped against both Sindor Miklik and his cousin, Grinda Maki-lo, due to their minimal involvement in the theft of your uncle’s yacht. Also ---in Grinda’s case--- there was an extenuating circumstance.”
“What sort of ‘extenuating circumstance’?” enquired To’ying.
Jacob smiled. “She was pregnant. In fact, we just got word from her husband, Hando. They had twin girls.”
“Indeed,” purred To’ying. “And what about Miss Akira-jade and the other?”
“Miki Akira-jade and Nivda Turo both helped our government out in a manner which must remain classified. All that I can tell you is the following. One: Miki and Nivda are now enrolled at Annapolis. Two: they’re engaged to be married.”
To’ying raised both eyebrows. “Your government allowed those two criminals into your Naval Academy? Jacob! What could they have possibly done to earn such trust?”
Jacob shrugged. “I’m sorry. But as I’ve said, that’s classified.”
To’ying shook her head. “So those two rodents… Pardon me. I forgot my promise to Miss Akira-jade not to refer to her species as ‘rodents’. Those two Meea’zian criminals will soon be Officers in your Navy? I hope your government knows what they are doing.”
Jacob laughed. “Oh, they do. Actually, our Navy will be getting two of the best Tech Officers in space from the deal. They’ve both already proven that they are the two best people at making repairs that my Chief of Engineering has ever worked with. And Mister Turo is the best computer programmer this side of Yajeeb III.”
“Well, in that case, Jacob,” laughed To’ying, “then my blessings to your Navy. At any rate, I was not truly dishonored by this. I have been merely ‘inconvenienced’ by being posted in this… desolate area of space. But I shall persevere, and bring greater honor out of this.”
“That’s a good way to look at this,” remarked Jacob. “After all, you are a valuable asset to your Navy. I still can’t help but marvel at how many U.S. Marines you killed single handedly at the Battle of New Guadalcanal. One hundred and seven is not an easy number to overlook.”
To’ying frowned. “You sound as though you are glad of that fact. Jacob, I killed United Systems Marines! Have you no loyalty? I am proud of my war record, but you should not be.”
“Don’t get me wrong, To’ying. I’m not saying that the incident makes me happy. But I am impressed. We humans are always fascinated with war stories, no matter who’s telling them.”
To’ying looked him in the eyes. “Jacob. I did not ask you over to exchange war stories. I simply wanted to let you know in person that you are among friends, in light of the Mordum ship’s presence.”
“You could have transmitted that fact to us,” said Jacob.
“Yes, but then, we would not have been able to renew our friendship,” retorted To’ying.
Jacob looked dubious. “Why do I get the feeling there’s more to this than that?”
“I do not know…” hesitated To’ying. She then looked away, as though ashamed of something. She then steeled herself up again, and looked Jacob in the eyes. “Very well, Jacob. This is the truth…”
She then leaned forward, and before he could react, she kissed him sweetly on the lips.
Jacob blinked several times before he could speak. “Oh… wow…” was all he could muster.
“Yes, Jacob…” said To’ying. “I… love you
(Chris is ONE exception to the above, since he has a way of critiquing both style and grammar that doesn't leave the author feeling like an idiot. In other words, suggestions are okay, but completely devastating someone's style simply because it's not yours is unwelcome.)
Chapter Two.
Renewing Acquaintances.
Captain Amstutz tugged at the collar of his dress uniform, before stepping down the ramp.
Note to self; remind the ship’s laundry to use less starch in all dress uniforms.
He then stepped down the ramp, accompanied by two Marine Color Guards, one on either side of him, and just slightly behind. Waiting for him at the foot of the ramp were Commander Li, and four of her own personal color guards, acting as side boys, and her ship’s Boatswain, who played the traditional Shardon war drum, to welcome the Captain.
Okay, he thought. I’m impressed.
Captain Amstutz approached Commander Li, stopped, and crossed his fist over his chest, in the traditional Shardon salute.
“Permission to come aboard, Commander?”
Commander Li returned the salute. “Permission granted, Captain. Welcome aboard, sir.”
“Thank you, Commander,” replied the Captain. “It’s been a while.”
Commander Li nodded. “Yes, it has, Captain. If you and your Marines would accompany me, the Conference Room is this way.”
Captain Amstutz and his entourage joined her, moving in lockstep. “So, Commander. To what do I owe this honor of not only your protection, but of being your guest?”
“We will discuss that once we reach the Conference Room, Captain,” said Commander Li.
Upon reaching the Conference Room, Captain Amstutz ordered the Marines to remain outside. He then gestured for To’ying’li to enter first.
“As always, Captain Amstutz, you are truly a gentleman.”
The Captain smiled. “Being ‘an Officer and a gentleman or lady’ is a principle which is drilled into us at Annapolis. Not every Cadet takes it to heart, however.”
To’ying purred. “Well, you must have, Jacob. That’s what I like about you. Please, sit.”
Jacob remained standing, and pulled out her chair. “After you, Commander.”
“Again, ever the gentleman,” came the reply, as she sat down. “And, you are my guest, Jacob. This is not a formal visit. Please, call me ‘To’ying’.”
Jacob took a seat directly across from her, and looked at her from his side of the table. “So, why this invitation?”
“Simply to let you know that you are among friends, Jacob. We may technically only have an Armistice, but the Emperor does not trust the Mordum any longer, since it was revealed that they have death planets, where prisoners are made into food.”
“I see,” said Jacob. “And this being neutral space, it’s good to have friends. I hope that a more formal treaty between our two governments comes about soon. I think we would make better allies than we did enemies. We obviously have a common foe.”
“Indeed,” replied To’ying. “Unfortunately, Emperor Hur’ee’heedo is stubborn and prideful. He does not easily admit to being wrong. In fact, there is a matter that is an obstacle to ratifying a treaty which I cannot talk about, due to the fact that this would dishonor the Emperor.”
“Then I won’t ask,” said Jacob. “Some secrets are best kept that way.”
“Yet one more reason that I like you, Jacob. You are a most honorable man. There is certainly some Shardon in you.”
“Are you sure there’s no Human in you?” retorted Jacob. With that, they both laughed.
“I have taken the liberty of ordering dinner for both of us, Jacob. It is over here, in the warmer. Please, do me the honor of eating with me.” With that, To’ying rose to get the meal. (Of course, when she stood, Jacob did likewise.)
“Of course, I’ll join you. It would be impolite for me not to.” Jacob went over with her to the warmer. “Allow me to carry the tray.”
To’ying nodded. “Thank you, Jacob. It is very kind of you.”
As he was taking the tray, their hands accidentally brushed together. To’ying turned crouched and away very quickly, having felt the rush of excitement flow though her.
Damn, she thought. I must not allow myself to…
Jacob’s words interrupted her thoughts. “Are you okay?”
To’ying straightened up and turned toward him. “Y-yes… I am fine.”
He could see the lie in her eyes. “You’re not fine, To’ying. Tell me, what is it?”
“I do not know what you are talking about, Jacob,” she replied, in a defensive tone. “Please, do not dishonor me with any further questions.”
Jacob was confused. “How would asking any more questions dishonor you?”
To’ying sighed. “Oh, Jacob. Please, just let it go for now. There is much for me to ponder. Let us just eat, and catch each other up on things so far.”
“Very well, if you insist,” said Jacob, smiling. He carried the tray over to the table, and the two of them began their meal.
******************************************
The dinner conversation was polite, but there was an air of discomfort between the two Officers. Jacob couldn’t help but wonder about To’ying’s apparent nervousness. He tried to look her in the eyes while they talked, but every time he did so, she looked away, as if embarrassed about something. By the time they came to the dessert, Jacob was having his doubts.
Is it my imagination, or is her face growing darker? Is that a blush? Can her species even do that?
“Um, To’ying…” Jacob hesitated, clearing his throat.
To‘ying looked at him, inquisitively. “Yes, Jacob?”
Jacob’s look was one of concern. “Are you… upset about something?”
To’ying screwed up her face in a puzzled expression. “No, Jacob. I am not upset. I am just… not sure if I wish to discuss the matter further.”
“It would help me to understand better…”
To’ying waved her right arm in a dismissive gesture, interrupting him. “I am fine, Jacob. Honestly.”
“If you say so,” said Jacob. “We’ll drop the subject, at least for now. You can tell me about it when you’re ready.”
To’ying nodded. “That is fair enough, Jacob. For now, I have other things to discuss with you.”
“Okay,” replied Jacob. “I’m listening.”
“Well, for one, we have a mutual adversary in the region, Jacob. We stand to gain much in the way of diplomacy if the two of us agree to work together. We are in unclaimed space, which means everything out here is up for clawing.”
Jacob laughed. “You mean ‘up for grabs’. You really need to work on your Interstellar English idioms.”
To’ying raised her right eyebrow. “I was not using an Interstellar English idiom. It just so happens that that was a Shardon expression.”
Jacob got a very sheepish expression. “Oh…”
“At any rate, Jacob, this area of space is open for all three governments to both explore and exploit. My proposal is simple. You and I can cooperate, thus keeping the Mordum from gaining a presence here.
“They may do as they please, of course, so long as they show no hostile intent. This is neutral space, after all. But if we work together, we can thwart any plans that they have in regard to this area of neutral space.”
Jacob got a thoughtful look on his face. “In other words, we explore and patrol this new territory together, and share any data on our findings, is that correct?”
“Yes, Jacob. And we let the Mordum know that we are working together. That way, they are less inclined to take hostile actions. They may continue to shadow us, but the key word in that sentence is ‘us’.”
“Okay,” said Jacob, nodding. “I’ll go along with that. But you said that there were other matters to discuss. What else do you want to talk about?”
“I was curious, as is my government, about the Meea’zians,” said To’ying, nonchalantly.
Jacob leaned forward. “What about them?”
To’ying sighed. “I want to know why all four of the Meea’zian criminals were given full pardons by your government.”
Jacob frowned. “I’m sorry, To’ying. I’m not allowed to give the details, at least, not regarding their actions…”
“But…” To’ying started to object.
“However,” continued Jacob, “I can tell you this. Charges were dropped against both Sindor Miklik and his cousin, Grinda Maki-lo, due to their minimal involvement in the theft of your uncle’s yacht. Also ---in Grinda’s case--- there was an extenuating circumstance.”
“What sort of ‘extenuating circumstance’?” enquired To’ying.
Jacob smiled. “She was pregnant. In fact, we just got word from her husband, Hando. They had twin girls.”
“Indeed,” purred To’ying. “And what about Miss Akira-jade and the other?”
“Miki Akira-jade and Nivda Turo both helped our government out in a manner which must remain classified. All that I can tell you is the following. One: Miki and Nivda are now enrolled at Annapolis. Two: they’re engaged to be married.”
To’ying raised both eyebrows. “Your government allowed those two criminals into your Naval Academy? Jacob! What could they have possibly done to earn such trust?”
Jacob shrugged. “I’m sorry. But as I’ve said, that’s classified.”
To’ying shook her head. “So those two rodents… Pardon me. I forgot my promise to Miss Akira-jade not to refer to her species as ‘rodents’. Those two Meea’zian criminals will soon be Officers in your Navy? I hope your government knows what they are doing.”
Jacob laughed. “Oh, they do. Actually, our Navy will be getting two of the best Tech Officers in space from the deal. They’ve both already proven that they are the two best people at making repairs that my Chief of Engineering has ever worked with. And Mister Turo is the best computer programmer this side of Yajeeb III.”
“Well, in that case, Jacob,” laughed To’ying, “then my blessings to your Navy. At any rate, I was not truly dishonored by this. I have been merely ‘inconvenienced’ by being posted in this… desolate area of space. But I shall persevere, and bring greater honor out of this.”
“That’s a good way to look at this,” remarked Jacob. “After all, you are a valuable asset to your Navy. I still can’t help but marvel at how many U.S. Marines you killed single handedly at the Battle of New Guadalcanal. One hundred and seven is not an easy number to overlook.”
To’ying frowned. “You sound as though you are glad of that fact. Jacob, I killed United Systems Marines! Have you no loyalty? I am proud of my war record, but you should not be.”
“Don’t get me wrong, To’ying. I’m not saying that the incident makes me happy. But I am impressed. We humans are always fascinated with war stories, no matter who’s telling them.”
To’ying looked him in the eyes. “Jacob. I did not ask you over to exchange war stories. I simply wanted to let you know in person that you are among friends, in light of the Mordum ship’s presence.”
“You could have transmitted that fact to us,” said Jacob.
“Yes, but then, we would not have been able to renew our friendship,” retorted To’ying.
Jacob looked dubious. “Why do I get the feeling there’s more to this than that?”
“I do not know…” hesitated To’ying. She then looked away, as though ashamed of something. She then steeled herself up again, and looked Jacob in the eyes. “Very well, Jacob. This is the truth…”
She then leaned forward, and before he could react, she kissed him sweetly on the lips.
Jacob blinked several times before he could speak. “Oh… wow…” was all he could muster.
“Yes, Jacob…” said To’ying. “I… love you
