Disturbing Implications of Land Rising into the Sky

[robkelk]

"Noah, we're getting a signal from Grover's Corners. They'd like us to wait until the launch from the Inelegant Truth lands, then follow them in."

"Sounds good to me. Let them know we'll follow their flight plan, please, Yayoi, and chat with their radio person for a few minutes. The usual protocols." By which I meant 'no telling any of our secrets, but be neighbourly otherwise'. I switched comm channels to the one I remembered the Truth's launch usually used. "Hello, Gaye, this is Noah Scott aboard the Epsilon Blade. Is your captain available?"

"Captain Helscher's busy dictating an article right now, Mr. Scott. Why didn't you call him on the Truth a couple of minutes ago?"

"I would have, but my chief pilot's standing right beside me, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't want to be in a communications circuit with Callisto."

"Oh, yeah. Callisto and Yayoi don't get along well, do they?"

I grinned. "That's an understatement. At least Yayoi's only ignoring Callisto; Kohran wants to invite Callisto to help with some weapons research ... as a target. Anyway, please let your esteemed leader know that there's a half-dozen ambassadors on my ship, or seven if you count me. The other six are from the Fivers, the Trekkies, ..."

"There's a Trekkie on your ship?"

"Yeah, I know, but he's not saying why he doesn't have his own ship no matter how loudly I ask. As I was saying; the Fivers, the Trekkies, the Dandelions, the Watch, the Barsoomians... and the Senshi."

"Oh. That's going to cause a few fireworks."

"Maybe literally; she's Leda Swansen."

"The electrical scientist? I'll be sure to warn my boss."

"Thanks. You're a smart girl, Gaye."

"Smart enough to not want to change employers... Oh, the Captain's finished his article. Still want to talk to him?"

Yayoi caught my eye, and pointed out the Blade's bridge window. "Thanks, but we've landed too. I'll catch him before we leave the landing bay."

---

Herr Bad Moon, I trust you enough to put words in Noah's mouth. Just remember he's on his best behaviour, but will overreact if he thinks Yayoi, Sora, or (to a lesser extent) Ms. Swansen are being insulted...

Edit: And Bob - I trust you with my characters, too.  (Should have said that earlier...)