© 2001-2009 Joules Taylor
To Kazestrel's surprise, Lasqendeamyl hadn't immediately dismissed the idea of Meaghan as Tsrynth Librarian on Heart. The Caelixiin had regarded the Mediator for a long moment, then frowned.
"I will need to discuss this."
Kazestrel inclined his head, concurring. Of course Lasqendeamyl would have to discuss it - with his fellow sector heads, with the Prime Council, and with the Tsrynth liaison. The corps did not give authority for a non-member species, and a primitive one at that, to have access, no matter how limited, to the Archyve without first considering all the ramifications.
"I understand. May I point out that, in the event of Alliance incursion, access to a heartling point of view would be most useful."
The Caelixiin grimaced.
"I will certainly put this forward as an argument in your favour." He leaned forwards slightly, petalled pupils widening. "Personally, I now think it is a good idea, and believe that my colleagues will also. The problem lies with the Prime Council, who are, as you are aware, extremely cautious."
Which was something of an understatement. Kazestrel nodded resignedly.
"Very well. In the meantime, I may speak to her again."
"Certainly. Be sure you do not reveal too much, in case the Council's response is negative."
"Indeed."
The knock on the door of the inner room had him instantly awake and alert - then he relaxed. It could only be one of four people, all of whom were welcome. Pulling himself from the pool, he palmed the intercom.
"Yes?"
Meren's warm voice sounded from the other side of the door.
"It's me."
"One moment."
He reached for the control beside the intercom, swiftly adjusting the room's gravity to something approaching Heart-normal: while the vourdaki were certainly strong enough to endure his homeworld's gravity, it was extremely uncomfortable for them. He paused for a moment to allow his own body to adapt, blinking against the dizziness the procedure always caused, then pressed the access key.
"Please, enter."
Meren stepped through from the antechamber, gazing around the room with interest. She didn't come here often - it was Kazestrel's home-away-from-home, after all, and both personal and private - but she always enjoyed the visit. It was domed, with no sharp angles anywhere, and by rights should have felt like a cave. But the walls were coloured in shades of blue and turquoise and seemed to recede to some far-off horizon, while the soft, dim blue light made judging distances a questionable affair... And it was warm, and humid, and smelt... it smelt alien, of cool water, rain and some indefinable spice. Filling up most of the room was the Fohmatraan's sleeping pool, roughly elliptical in shape, shallow at the near side, several times Kazestrel's height at the other, bubbling slightly as the filtration units kept the water clean and warm and well-oxygenated. Underfoot the bank felt mossy, delightfully soft and cool.
Meren liked it here, despite feeling waterlogged each time she left. She seated herself on the ground and smiled up at him, forcing herself to ignore the fact of his nakedness while she winced inside at the broad silver scars latticing his golden skin.
"I'm sorry to disturb you. Please, return to the pool if you need..."
He inclined his head and stepped back into the water, floating on his front, resting his forearms on the mossy edge and regarding her sombrely.
"Meaghan?"
The vourdaka nodded.
"I've been scanning her, as you requested..." She shrugged. "Kaz, there's no change. Meaghan's as trustworthy a heartling as you could hope to meet, and a damn sight more dependable than some vourdaki I've known. She's consumed with curiosity about you, but she won't let it interfere with her duties - and she wouldn't dream of telling anyone else. I don't think she'd tell them even if it was authorised, in fact. In my considered opinion, she'd be ideal for the post. Though I still don't think Simaeon will be pleased."
"You have spoken to Peridien?"
"Yes. I reported to him before coming here."
"Very well. I will speak with Simaeon, and with my administrator. I believe Meaghan has downtime in the near future."
"Yes. She and Tahnia and Jhon are going fishing." Meren grinned. "Well, that's what they've called the trip, anyway, though I doubt there'll be much fishing done."
Kazestrel nodded.
"Then I will put the suggestion to her on her return."
"Good idea. If you did it before, she'd cancel the trip!"
"This is probably true." He inclined his head. "I suspect she sometimes works too hard."
Meren chuckled.
"Look who's talking!" She grinned at his slightly puzzled expression. "So do you, Jyoteesh. You should take a break sometimes, you know."
"I do. Rest, that is. I could not perform my duties if I did not."
The vourdaka sighed.
"It's not what I'd call resting."
"It is sufficient."
She regarded him for a moment or two, then smiled.
"We're having a concert later, in the auditorium. Valtren has finished his latest musical composition and is going to perform it for the first time. I know you might not be able to hear all of it, but we'd be honoured if you'd come."
Kazestrel considered the matter for a second, then nodded.
"His music is pleasant to my hearing. I will be pleased to attend. You understand that I must leave immediately should anything occur that requires my attention."
"Of course. But Jimain will be on duty. I'm sure he can cope." She pulled herself to her feet. "I ought to get some sleep - it's been a long night."
"Then I will see you later." He rose from the pool, accompanying her through the door and pausing in the antechamber to dress as she waved a farewell and headed back to Underhill.
Kelendris smiled from the screen, the shifting opalescence of his eyes undimmed despite the distance between the two Fohmatraans. Kazestrel frowned slightly.
"Greetings, sheya... Is all well with Kafraxis?"
Subtle colours shifted in the long pale mane as Kelendris nodded. His voice was soft and warm.
"He has been recalled to C'Prime for a short while - you know what he's like, he has to be ordered to rest. Though in this case the Prime Council intimated that they have a small mission for him."
Kazestrel nodded slowly. He'd be prepared to wager it had something to do with Jezindra: Kafraxis and the chialint had been close in the past.
"But why are you deputising? Communication is not your area of expertise."
Kelendris shook his head: he was unusual amongst Fohmatraans in having a fascination for plants, especially exotic flowering vegetation, and had trained as a xenobotanist on leaving the homeworld. His instinctive rapport with alien flora had led to several valuable new food and pharmaceutical plants becoming well-established in the Collective.
"There was no-one else available. And I don't mind. Thaann's plant life is interesting - when I can make the time to explore." he added dryly. Kazestrel smiled.
"Why do you not make it a condition of your service that you be granted the opportunity? You are entitled to do so."
Kelendris nodded.
"And usually I do. But you know how busy comms duty can be..."
"Indeed." Kazestrel relaxed into his seat. "So let us make the best use of our time. What news from Haadri?"
Kelendris was so easy to talk with, Kazestrel thought later, after the young botanist had closed the connection. He had a gentle, innate sense of fun, too, something very rare amongst Fohmatraans, who while understanding the concept, had no native experience of humour. He would enjoy the richness of the flora on Heart. Perhaps one day he'd be able to visit, to explore...
The smaller auditorium was almost full when Kazestrel arrived: Meren and Jadrel had saved a space between them for him to sit. The Fohmatraan gazed with some curiosity at the performance dais as he settled himself comfortably - as well as Valtren's treasured hirpe, nestled in its case beside the padded seat the songmaker used when playing, and Vachiel's own instruments, there was an unfamiliar triple-keyboard at the back of the dais. Most unusual. Generally speaking Valtren preferred what he called 'pure music', hirpe and voice unaccompanied and un-enhanced by anything other than the acoustics of the performance space...
The songmaker glided out onto the dais then gestured Vachiel forwards. Father and daughter inclined their heads to the audience, then Valtren whirled and walked to the keyboard. A muted stir filled the air - the songmaker played keyboard as well as strings? Since when? - but died down as Quadi, Jillain, Darli and Visel stepped onto the dais. Quadi raised her arms, her smile as warm as her voice.
"Greetings to you all, friends, and welcome to this first airing of Songmaker Valtren's latest composition, SnowFire..."
Meren's startled gaze flickered to Kazestrel: Jimain had shared the name, the distillation of the alien's mentity, with her soon after Kaz had joined them, but she hadn't been aware that anyone else knew it...
Then again, it could be a coincidence...
"... in honour of our friend Kazestrel."
Then again, maybe not. Meren glanced uneasily at the Fohmatraan, but Kazestrel didn't seem disturbed. Reassured she settled down to listen as Quadi stepped back to join her fellow performers behind Vachiel. There was a moment's expectant silence, then Valtren's fingers drifted over the keyboards...
A single tone at first, rousing and fading quietly, a slow regular wave rising and falling, low-toned and persistent: soon joined by another, slightly higher-pitched, its waves a little slower, the two peaks in syncopation. Meren frowned at Jadrel: this wasn't like anything Valtren had ever made before... Little by little more tones joined the tide, swelling and ebbing in weirdly erotic, oddly stirring combinations... quietly at first then gaining power, Visel's pure sweet soprano soared wordlessly above the music, just within the range of Fohmatraan hearing, dipping and ascending, somehow reminiscent of a bird in flight, soon joined by Jillain's dark bass, a deep tide underscoring the fluidity of the polytonal counterpoint...
Valtren discreetly set the keyboard to continue automatically then slipped into his seat, strumming the hirpe, its sweet alien sound sparkling against the main themes, Vachiel shadowing her father on her own hirpe as Darli's rich tenor and Quadi's warm alto voices slid into the music...
Meren and Jadrel gasped audibly and hurriedly placed a hand each on the Fohmatraan's shoulders - and Kazestrel closed his eyes as the full *effect* of the music flowed over and into him and he understood what Valtren was trying to do.
Bright *strands* of sound and colour and thought, feeling and touch, light and warmth and coolness, the richness of living... It was Fohmatraa's web, condensed down into the finite, limited but breathing limitlessness into a single experience. The songmaker's realisation of all the alien had lost, a gift to him, an elegy, a little piece of home in musical form, music that his world had never known... It soared and sparkled and dived deep into the cool green waters of perception, ebbing and flowing, a heartbreaking tide of loss and redemption. It hurt - and healed. Within himself Kazestrel wept, in pain, and in appreciation for Valtren's attempt to make him feel at home...
The vourdak bowed, then eyed the alien uneasily. Kazestrel smiled, extending a hand: Valtren touched his fingers to long webbed digits.
*I thank you, Songmaker.*
Valtren frowned.
*It was not right. It did not have the result I desired. It caused you distress.*
Kazestrel shook his head.
*Songmaker, it was beautiful. It reminded me of what I have lost, but that is not to be discouraged: it is a fact and nothing can change it. The composition was an accurate representation of the web - though necessarily limited.*
*But of course.* Valtren nodded gravely, taking no offence in the truth. *I do not have the experience to do more. I am glad you found it... worthy.*
*It was... comforting.*
Valtren relaxed fractionally.
*That pleases me.*
*And honours me. You have a rare gift.*
The vourdak smiled sadly.
*It is never enough.*
*No. But there is time enough.*
Soft grey eyes bright with understanding, the songmaker bowed, pulled back his hand, and made his way back to his chamber. Meren touched Kazestrel's wrist anxiously.
*You felt... I don't know how to describe it. But it wasn't happy. Are you all right?*
He nodded, dragging himself back to the mundane.
*Yes. Thank you. I am glad that I was here to experience the performance.*
*Oh.* She smiled uncertainly. *Good...*
He took a step back, distancing himself.
"I am happy that you thought to invite me. It is a complex, powerful and very beautiful work, and I am honoured to be the recipient."
The vourdaka grinned.
"You deserve it." She hesitated, then inclined her head. "Jadrel and I are going hunting now - would you like to join us?"
He shook his head.
"I trust you will excuse me, but I wish to rest for a while."
"Gods yes! You never get enough sleep. Go, rest!" She frowned thoughtfully. "Shall we bring you back something?"
His opportunities to hunt on land were very limited, and freshly-caught animal meat was a treat these days. He nodded, smiling.
"Thank you - that would be appreciated."
Meren grinned.
"We'll have something tasty for you when you wake!"
He watched them leave the auditorium, then made his way back to his suite, nodding briefly in greeting to Jimain and sliding into his pool.
Sleep was a long time in coming...
A naked Meaghan lay comfortably sprawled on her stomach, chin propped in her hands as she stared out of the open tent flap. Directly in front of the camp site was a vista of clear, sparkling-blue water, and if she turned her head a little she could catch a glimpse of the craggy red cliffs on either side. The librarian smiled to herself: she'd be scaling one of those before long.
Not yet midday and the temperature here on the Eastern coast of Vojant was already climbing too high for comfort. Inside the shade of the tent though it was lovely and cool. Meaghan wriggled her thighs apart, sighing happily as the light sea-breeze flowed in through the tied-back window flaps to brush over her skin. Beside her on the thin but springy roll-out mattress, Tahnia chuckled low in her throat.
"You're such a hedonist."
Meaghan grinned, leaning over to kiss her friend's shoulder.
"You taught me everything I know."
"Oh, I don't think so, honey," the dark-skinned woman rolled over on to her back, stretching in a shameless display of sensuality. "It was already there, I'm just helpin' shape it, is all."
Tahnia's cheeky smirk disappeared as Meaghan's tongue gently laved an erect nipple. The chef gusted a satisfied breath, lifting her hand to stroke her friend's thick hair.
"Mmmm, 's nice."
"Thank you." Meaghan's grey eyes twinkled.
"Jhon and I are thinkin' 'bout sharing a room."
The librarian lifted her head and smiled, delighted.
"Yeah? That's great!" That was as close to a declaration of intent for a permanent pairing you could get without actually sending out invitations to the ceremony.
"Thanks…"
Meaghan waited - it looked like Tahnia had something else on her mind.
"We were wonderin'… if maybe you'd like to move in with us?"
The librarian shifted to lie alongside the woman, draping an arm over her waist as she nuzzled Tahnia's neck.
"You know I love you both to bits…"
"Well that's the sweetest 'no' I've ever heard." The chef's chuckle was wry.
"And I'm incredibly flattered, and touched, and overjoyed to be asked…"
"But…?"
Meaghan gazed lovingly into her friend's dark eyes.
"It's not been that long since Aaren and I separated. I… like having my own room, my own space, but - " She dropped her head, brushing a kiss between Tahnia's breasts. "Can I come and visit?"
The chef growled.
"We'll come lookin' for you if you don't!"
The women laughed then Tahnia stroked Meaghan's cheek.
"'sides, we figured you'd say 'thanks, but no thanks' right up." she smirked again. "We can hardly expect your full attention while you're still hankerin' after Jimain."
Meaghan groaned, burying her face in Tahnia's cleavage.
"Oh, don't remind me!"
The chef's chuckle was wicked.
"Just ask him, honey."
"I'm too embarrassed." Meaghan's words were muffled.
The chef burst out laughing.
"You still squirmin' over that? It was more'n a month ago." She kissed the top of the librarian's head. "I'm sure he's forgiven you for draggin' him out in the rain to go rescue you!"
Meaghan mumbled something indistinct and Tahnia grinned.
"You gotta work him outta your system, honey. I know." she insinuated a finger beneath the librarian's chin and forced Meaghan's head up off her chest. "Tell you what. When we get back, you go talk to Jimain straightaway - or Ah'll do it for you."
Tahnia laughed out loud at her friend's outraged yet panicked squeak.
"Ah'm serious!"
"Oh, I'm sure you are…" Meaghan growled, readying herself to launch a tickle assault on the chef. Tahnia smirked, tensing to meet the attack… both were distracted by the sound of Jhon's cheerful whistling as he ambled back towards the camp. Shoulder to shoulder the women peered out of the tent.
"Looks like we're having fish for lunch." Meaghan mused.
"And dinner," Tahnia ran an appraising eye over her partner's catch and sighed. "And breakfast…"
The chef shaded her eyes with her hand as she gazed up and up the - to her - disturbingly smooth cliff face.
"You seriously gonna climb that? Without ropes?"
Meaghan grinned and tightened the shoulder straps on her backpack.
"Yep, easy. There's plenty of finger and toe-holds."
"You're insane! That's a long way down if y' fall."
"Don't worry." The librarian dropped a lingering kiss on Tahnia's full lips. "I'm very careful."
"Have y' ever fallen?" The chef's expression was serious.
"Twice. But not from any great height."
"That's meant t' be reassuring?"
"First time I fractured my wrist, second time I broke my leg." Meaghan grinned. "It just made me even more cautious."
"You're insane." Tahnia muttered again then hugged the brunette close. "Take care, honey. We don't want t' have t' drag Jimain out here to rescue you."
Meaghan laughed.
"Go and keep Jhon occupied." She gave the cliff a speculative look. "I estimate I'll be back mid-afternoon."
Tahnia shook her head.
"If you don' mind I won't watch you climb. Don't think my nerves could stand the strain. See you later…" The chef turned on her heel and waving back over her shoulder began the short trek back towards camp.
It wasn't a hard climb at all - mildly exerting but still satisfying. Meaghan rated it a five on her personal scale; the upper edge of the caldera on Verbank had been a six. Mind you - the librarian peered over the rounded lip of red stone - this was a five coming up, going back down could be a whole different matter. She stepped back from the edge and pivoted to look inland, over an expanse of flat red soil scattered with scrubby grey-green vegetation. The difference between this near desert at the top of the cliffs and the lush plant-life at the bottom along the beach line was intriguing. Meaghan pulled her camera out of her backpack, checked the charge on the battery and snapped a series of comparison shots. She liked this camera, it was a nifty little thing, a present from her mother. Meaghan reviewed the images using the small screen on the back then satisfied with the overall quality, set the camera aside in favour of a snack. And a long drink of water. She wasn't going to be able to spend much time up here, the sun was fierce. Good thing she'd remembered the sunblock lotion…
It was always peaceful on top of a rock, after a climb. Meaghan breathed in deeply, imagining the peace flowing through her body, settling along her limbs. Wonderful… She sometimes thought it was a pity she'd never had a partner who climbed, it would be lovely to share this with someone. Predictably her thoughts turned to Mr Monk's security chief. Tahnia was right, she was still powerfully attracted to Jimain, still 'hankerin' after him, and still heartily embarrassed over her rescue. Well, actually, no, it wasn't purely embarrassment. No matter what she intimated to Tahnia there was also a goodly dollop of apprehension in the mix. Jimain had scared her that night in the rain. He'd been so angry - Meaghan shivered despite the heat - coldly angry because she'd threatened the Ambassador's safety. It was not an expression she ever wanted to see again on anyone's face.
Jimain had been friendlier recently but he wasn't as… easy around her as he'd first been. Meaghan felt as if she was under observation when he was nearby. He was watching her, still guarding the Ambassador against her intrusion.
And yet regardless of her lingering apprehension the mere thought of him was enough to send a delicious thrill coursing through her body. She wanted him in a primal way that was completely unlike the loving, friendly wanting she experienced with Tahnia and Jhon. Jimain was dangerous, but then perhaps that was part of the attraction?
Meaghan took another deep drink from her water bottle, then stowed it and once again shouldered her backpack. She paused for a moment on the cliff's edge, clearing her mind of everything except the task at hand. She couldn't afford to be distracted while she was climbing…
Meaghan was back earlier than she'd planned. She frowned; had her companions gone off somewhere? The camp was quiet. No, the boat was still anchored there in the shallows and Jhon's fishing gear was still where he'd left it. Meaghan peeked inside the tent, not all that surprised to see her friends wrapped around each other, fast asleep in post-coital repose. She grinned; Tahnia had obviously taken her at her word to 'keep Jhon occupied'. Meaghan briefly debated joining them but the ocean was beckoning seductively. She was hot and tired and sweaty - a swim would be perfect just now. Moving as quietly as she could Meaghan wriggled out of her backpack and clothes, snagged a towel from the drying line and wandered down to the water.
Some time later she was dozing on her towel in the shade, relaxed and refreshed after the swim. It was lovely here, they'd have to come back sometime. Meaghan lifted her head at the sound of someone scuffling through the sand and grinned sleepily up at Jhon. She was amused to see him wearing a pair of loose shorts. Not being as decadent as Tahnia and herself, Jhon wasn't comfortable wandering around completely naked outside in full daylight.
"Hiya."
"Hi. Good climb?" he dropped to the sand beside her.
"Mmm, yes, wonderful."
The blond smirked.
"Tahnia was fretting - I had to take her mind off it."
Meaghan laughed.
"Is she still asleep?"
Jhon nodded, trailing broad fingertips down her spine to the crest of her buttocks. Meaghan sighed happily and eased her legs apart.
"Just so you know," Jhon chuckled, "I'm going to be useless from the waist down for a while." He dipped his hand between her thighs, gently stroking her labia. "But I hate to leave a lady in need."
Meaghan eased over on to her back.
"A good fisherman and so polite, too."
"My mum brung me up proper." Jhon smirked, playing on his regional accent. Meaghan laughed, rather breathlessly as he knelt between her ankles. One work-roughened finger slid just between folds of sensitive flesh and Meaghan's breath hitched in anticipation. She reached up to tangle her fingers in his hair as he lowered his face to her groin. Jhon was so good at this…
The trip back from Vojant had been trouble free but as they'd left later than scheduled it was full dark by the time they returned to the Castle. The trio trudged up the broad steps and into reception to be welcomed home by Sanjariel. The chatelaine raised an eyebrow at Jhon and Meaghan's obvious sunburn.
"Did you forget the sunblock?"
"They had it," Tahnia smirked, "they just kept forgettin' to use it."
"Only on the last day, when it was overcast and a little cooler." Meaghan grinned at the porcelain-skinned woman behind the reception desk. "You'd be prone to sunburn too, wouldn't you?"
'jariel's smile was blinding.
"I make a point of avoiding sun damage."
Which must be true, Meaghan thought, realising she'd never seen the chatelaine outside the Castle.
"I'll give you a hand with your luggage." Sanjariel stepped out from behind the desk. "Did you have fun? You all look exhausted so I suppose you did?"
"Oh yes," Tahnia smirked. "But ah'm sick of fish now."
"Which is a shame," Jhon chuckled, "because we've still got a cooler full." He leant down to kiss Tahnia's cheek. "Speaking of which, I'll stow the fish in the kitchen. Meet you upstairs, honey? Your room?"
"Sure." The chef gave him a dreamy smile then they both turned to look expectantly at Meaghan. The librarian giggled; it was uncanny the way they sometimes acted in tandem.
"What? You're not tired of me yet?"
"Ah'm not goin' to dignify that with a response," Tahnia huffed. "Just get your pretty arse upstairs."
Sanjariel had watched the exchange with amusement but she now commandeered a couple of the heavier bags and began herding the women to the lift, leaving Jhon free to take the leftover food to the kitchen.
"I think it's bed time for all of you." She flashed a smile over her shoulder at Meaghan. "There's a new shipment in the library to be unpacked."
"Really?" the librarian's eyes lit up.
"Tomorrow." Tahnia was firm.
"Oh, all right," Meaghan gave an exaggerated sigh then addressed the chatelaine. "Anything much happen while we were away?"
"Not really," 'jariel shook her head. "Business as usual."
Tahnia yawned.
"Good to hear. And any imminent calamities are gonna have to wait 'til I've had a full night's sleep, ah'm just too tired."
Meaghan could only nod agreement. Now that they were home all she wanted to do was lie down and close her eyes. It was good to be back, though, and knowing there was work waiting for her…
Kazestrel closed the connection to his Administrator and leaned back in his seat, allowing himself a brief smile of satisfaction. Lasqendeamyl's words had been most welcome.
"The Prime Council has agreed. You are hereby authorised to offer the heartling Meaghan the post of onworld native Librarian - subject to the usual protocols."
The usual protocols. An amusing phrase under the circumstances, given how little was 'usual' in this situation. He sat for a moment, considering, then began to devise a rough training guide for the librarian - one that Simaeon could manage. The young vourdak would enjoy acting as tutor, he thought...
Peridien smiled.
"She is going to be very happy about this."
The Fohmatraan inclined his head.
"I believe so. I also believe she will be an invaluable asset, both to Verbank and to the Tsrynth." He glanced at Simaeon, who was looking perplexed. "You are willing to assist?"
"Oh... yes, of course." The young vourdak nodded, a little reluctantly. "But I'm still the Librarian for the vourdaki, aren’t I?"
"Of that there can be no doubt."
"I s'pose that's all right then..."
"How would you like to do this?" Peridien drummed his fingers silently on his desk. "Shall I have her come here?"
"That might be best, initially. Once I have established her willingness - or otherwise - to assume the role, I wish to introduce her to the Archyve terminal. It will be necessary to close the library for a few hours."
"That will be arranged. It's late in any case, and we have already instituted down-time for the library consoles to run the full set of security scans and protocol upgrades. We will simply bring the next one forward by a few days." The Elder smiled. "Do you want to do this now?"
"I see no benefit in waiting."
Meren slid off the desk and grinned.
"I'll go collect her."
"You do know what time it is."
Meaghan glanced up from the scrap of fragile document she was studying.
"Meren, hello." The librarian blinked. "Did I miss dinner again?"
"Only by a couple of hours."
Meaghan winced.
"Tahnia will be mad at me."
Meren chuckled.
"Can you leave that?" she indicated the encased fragment, "Mr Monk would like to speak with you."
"Of course," Meaghan rubbed her eyes, "Give me a moment to tidy up…"
Knowing perfectly well Meaghan's work practises, Meren waited patiently while the document was filed away and the archive made secure.
"Right, all done." The librarian smiled brightly, doing a good job - she thought - of hiding her curiosity. "After you…"
Meren smiled to herself: the librarian was positively simmering with anticipation - so much so she hadn't noticed how hungry she was...
*'jariel, she's missed dinner again. Can you have someone whip up something to eat and deliver it to Peridien's office? It's likely to be a long night, if I know Meaghan.*
Sanjariel *chuckled*.
*Typical. Leave it to me.*
Simaeon was fidgeting. Peridien chuckled and ruffled his hair.
"Don't worry. She won't take your place, young one."
"I know... It's just..."
"It will feel strange, sharing the terminal."
Simaeon lowered his eyes.
*...yes...*
The Elder smiled.
"You will still have priority. She has other tasks to perform." And I will be very happy to see you spending some time away from the library while she's using the terminal...
"She will not take your place." Kazestrel regarded the child calmly. "She will rely on you for assistance to a large degree."
Simaeon nodded uncertainly, then twitched at the quiet knock on the door. Peridien settled back in his chair, hands resting on the desk.
"Enter, please."
While Meaghan had been privately hoping to see Kaz again, the sight of the shimmering alien in Mr Monk's office still stopped her in her tracks. Momentarily dazzled she was dimly aware of Meren closing the door behind them.
"Greetings, Librarian."
Meaghan mentally shook herself.
"Good to see you again - " she hesitated; how should she address him? Mr Monk had referred to him as an… " - Ambassador. Hello, Simaeon," her smile widened as she took in the youngster sitting beside his father. "Mr Monk." Still smiling she inclined her head politely to her employer.
Peridien gestured to a chair before his desk.
"Please, Ms Govern, be seated."
"Thank you, sir." The Librarian sat, folded her hands neatly in her lap and focused her attention on the golden-eyed man. Peridien regarded her for a moment or two, then inclined his head.
"We have a proposition to put to you. Rather, Kazestrel has." He noted her suddenly tensed body with an amused smile. "Before we discuss that, however, I must stress that your main work here will remain unchanged." He glanced towards the door as it slid silently open: Sanjariel grinned as she entered bearing a tray piled with cold snacks and a jug of fruit juice. The Elder nodded as she placed it on the side of the desk. "Thank you, chatelaine."
The vourdaka brushed her hair back over her shoulder and waved a hand languidly as she left the room.
"Enjoy..."
Peridien motioned to the tray.
"Please help yourself, Ms Govern."
Meaghan glanced at the tempting array of food, but was too on-edge to feel like eating. Peridien chuckled quietly.
"Perhaps later... Very well." He paused for a moment, considering the best way to approach the subject, then folded his hands together. "You have no doubt wondered about Simaeon's terminal?"
She nodded: she'd spent several spare moments puzzling over the unfamiliar keypad, with its too-many pressure sensitive pads in strange configurations covered with wholly alien glyphs... wait a minute... wholly alien? Instinctively she held her breath as Peridien continued.
"It is, as you have most likely surmised, not constructed by or with Heart technology..." He glanced at the Fohmatraan. "At this point I should hand over to Kazestrel."
Meaghan's attention swung to the alien as he inclined his head.
"The terminal is linked to what would translate as the Archyve. This is a vast repository containing the sum of the knowledge of the Known Worlds, designed and controlled by a species called the Tsrynth." He paused for a moment, but Meaghan was silent, wide-eyed and watching him intently. "It is usual to train native inhabitants of each of the worlds on which a terminal is constructed in its use - as I have done with Simaeon."
The boy grinned happily.
"It's lots of fun."
Kazestrel eyed him indulgently, then turned back to the librarian.
"It is, however, unusual to only have one Librarian. I have now been authorised to offer you the post of secondary Librarian, initially on a temporary basis and subject to your proving capable of operating the terminal."
The first rule of job hunting - Meaghan knew - was not to eagerly say 'yes' when offered a job you really wanted, but to take the time to ask a thoughtful question or two. It demonstrated discernment, intelligence and the ability to think rationally under pressure.
Bugger that.
"When can I start, please?"
Simaeon sniggered, his father chuckled, and even Kazestrel smiled.
"I am aware of how... whole-heartedly you approach your work. I will introduce the terminal to you shortly, after you have eaten." The alien quirked a fine, slanted brow. "You will need to focus for an extended period of time, and as I understand your species, this will require you to ensure that certain chemicals in your bloodstream maintain a certain level - which is done by eating at regular intervals."
Meaghan stared at the alien for a moment or two then laughed.
"That argument certainly beats any thing Tahnia's threatened me with." Grinning, she reached for a slice of cold roast meat. Kazestrel nodded then rose to his feet, one hand outstretched to Simaeon.
"We will ensure all is prepared." He paused at the entrance to the inner office and glanced at Peridien. "Simaeon will *call* when we are ready."
The Elder nodded.
"Meren will conduct Meaghan down when she has eaten."
The librarian hastily chewed and swallowed a mouthful of barely tasted meat, pausing to offer the plate to Mr Monk, continuing on with a small smile when he refused.
"Sir," she paused again, "Would I have been offered this opportunity if I hadn't discovered the ambassador?"
Peridien pursed his lips, then half-smiled wryly.
"I can't answer that, Meaghan. I have no authority over offworld affairs - that is solely Kazestrel's province. You would need to ask him."
She nodded, acknowledging his point while admitting ruefully to herself that she wasn't quite game enough for that yet. Quizzing her familiarly human employer was one thing, quizzing a scintillating alien something else entirely...
She ate quickly, not wanting to waste a second of her time in the library. Mr Monk was silent, his attention flicking between his monitor and herself, and after a minute or two she realised something that she'd so far not had the opportunity to notice - his odd stillness. Anyone else would be shifting in their seat, frowning, fidgeting, coughing or sighing, sub-vocalising, but her employer moved only when necessary, and was as silent as she'd come to expect. At first it was disconcerting, but after a little while she began to appreciate how strangely restful it could be. Meren, she thought, had the same quality. So did Jimain. And to a lesser extent, so did Simaeon.
She wondered, briefly, why.
But right now she had more important things to think about.
After fifteen minutes or so Peridien's eyes brightened momentarily, and he smiled at Meren.
"I believe the library is now ready. Please would you accompany Meaghan?"
Meren grinned and beckoned to the librarian.
"Are you ready?"
Meaghan didn't quite leap to her feet but the intent was there.
"Yes, please!"
As eager as she was to begin, Meaghan managed to hang on to her dignity by a thread and not scurry off to the library. She was certain though that Meren was in no doubt about her enthusiasm.
But - a worrying niggle pushed through her excitement - what if she couldn't cope with the alien technology? What if it was beyond her capacity to understand? What if it was all too overwhelming? No, no. Simaeon was a child and he was apparently using the terminal without any trouble. But then again, Simaeon was an exceptional child…
"Do you always chew your nails when you're nervous?"
"Sorry, what?" Meaghan snatched her hand away from her mouth then grimaced ruefully. "Only in extreme circumstances."
Meren smirked.
"This is an extreme circumstance?"
"You may deal with this - " Meaghan lowered her voice " - sort of thing every day, but I don't, I'm just a humble librarian."
"Are you worried you won't be able to handle it?" Meren's amber eyes were compelling and bright: Meaghan considered again that the petite woman was far too observant for comfort.
"I am, yes," the librarian confessed, "but I won't know unless I try and I'd loathe myself forever if I shied away from this opportunity because I was scared of failing."
Meren quirked an eyebrow.
"Why would you be less scared of falling off a mountain than failing in your job?"
Meaghan laughed.
"You know, that's a very good point." she grinned down at her companion. "Thank you for putting things in perspective."
Meren paused for a moment, tilting her head - it made her look absurdly kittenish, Meaghan thought - then sighed.
"Kaz is an excellent teacher, although if you tell him that he won't understand why you say it, so best not to mention it. And he's patient as a mountain. If you aren't clear about anything, ask and keep asking until you are: you're going to be getting a look at something this planet isn’t even supposed to have yet. And Kaz probably had to nag his boss to get permission for you to use the thing - though don’t let that bother you," Meren added quickly as Meaghan's hand went back to her mouth, teeth worrying at another nail. "If he didn't think you could do the job, he wouldn't have asked you." She grinned, eyes twinkling mischievously. "The only problem is likely to be dragging yourself away..."
Meaghan chuckled.
"Just one more reason for Tahnia to come and chase me out of the library…"
Meren paused at the entrance to the library stairwell, saluting the... guard?... there - someone Meaghan hadn't yet seen: he bore a slight resemblance to Jimain with his bronzy skin and thick black hair, though he wasn't as big and lacked the security chief's presence. Meren gestured to her companion.
"Sensain, this is Meaghan, Peridien's librarian. Kazestrel is giving her some tuition tonight: depending on the results, she may be accorded special status."
Sensain regarded Meaghan closely, then inclined his head courteously.
"Greetings, Meaghan. May good fortune go with you."
"Thank you, Sensain." The librarian was almost certain she hadn't consciously licked her lips when she'd set eyes on the man but Meren's knowing, lop-sided smirk wasn't comforting. There was no denying it, however, Sensain was very attractive, and not simply because of the surface similarities to Jimain. Did they come from the same area? Meaghan pondered the question briefly as she followed Meren into the library - and then promptly forgot all about it as Simaeon, grinning hugely, beckoned her over to his terminal.
The device was tucked into a far corner of the library, facing outwards. At the moment Kazestrel sat behind it, silver eyes fixed on the screen: he looked up as Simaeon gestured to the librarian, then stood and moved to one side as Meaghan hesitantly seated herself at the console and gazed down at the keypad, looking at it now from a wholly different perspective.
It was big - much bigger than a normal keyboard. So was the monitor, which seemed to curve slightly, a large concave screen that pretty much filled her vision. She settled back onto the seat and frowned down at the glyphs on the pad: there seemed to be hundreds of the things. How was she ever supposed to learn these?
But Kaz was speaking. She dragged her attention back to listen to him.
"I must introduce you to the terminal."
She frowned. What did that mean? Remembering Meren's words, she glanced enquiringly up at the alien. He eyed her sombrely.
"The Archyve has its own security. You will only be able to use it when it knows you - when your..." he paused, hunting for the right term "... personality is on record."
Meaghan nodded a little timidly, hoping it wouldn't hurt. Meren tried unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh and grinned at the librarian over the monitor.
"No, it won't hurt. I promise."
Meaghan knew how perceptive Meren was, but this was really a bit much. Could she read minds or something? She'd ask the young woman later - for the moment this was altogether too exciting.
"What do I have to do?"
Kazestrel indicated a flat space to the top right edge of the keypad.
"Place your hand here."
Meaghan complied, irrationally disappointed when nothing appeared to happen, no buzzing or clicking sounds, no scrolling lights, no warmth on her skin. After a couple of seconds Kazestrel gestured to her to lift her hand, then stood behind her, reaching forwards to indicate a key with a simple, stylised cat-eye glyph.
"Touch this, then watch the screen and speak to me."
She did as ordered, watching as pretty colours and patterns flickered and faded before her, unlike anything she'd seen before. Without taking her eyes from the monitor she asked the ambassador what was happening.
"You are being scanned."
She was silent for a moment, then asked hesitantly,
"Scanned?"
"Yes. Your physical appearance, your vocal patterns, simple identification features, are being registered. Archyve Prime is learning to recognise you. Without this, you would be unable to use the terminal."
She was itching to ask how it worked - was there some sort of integral camera? Microphone? Was the seat part of it, weighing her and taking her blood pressure? - but for now didn’t dare...
"Then what?"
"You will need to choose a phrase, one that will identify you."
"Like a password?"
"Yes. But you will speak it rather than type it."
She frowned.
"But then anyone nearby can hear it."
"That is not important. It is your voice that will finalise access."
"So I could say something different every time?"
"It is possible. However, there would be a slight delay while the system oriented to the new phrase."
And she didn't want that! She thought for a moment, then said, clearly but quietly,
"Verbank Archive"
And the screen faded to a clear pure blue. After a second a low mellow voice sounded. Meaghan couldn't understand a word of what it said, and glanced at Kazestrel worriedly. He smiled briefly - then turned his attention to the screen and replied in the same tongue, a series of long, liquid syllables spoken in his low, resonant voice, alien and distracting. A brief pause, then the screen flickered to a soft golden colour and the voice sounded again, this time in carefully precise, unaccented Verdish.
"Greetings, Librarian."
Meaghan beamed: she'd been accepted!
As she was to find out, however, that was only the first step...
Two hours later her head was aching and her sight blurry, and she was almost wondering if this really was worth it. But Kazestrel was as patient as Meren had said, and Simaeon enthusiastically helpful, and she would make the damned glyphs make sense if it killed her! Simaeon patted her shoulder as she rubbed her eyes then her forehead.
"Are you thirsty? Do you want a break?"
"I think I'd better," Meaghan was rueful, "or nothing else will sink in." She smiled at Kazestrel. "This would have to be one of the most challenging things I've attempted. Thank you for the opportunity, Ambassador."
Kazestrel nodded gravely.
"It is useful, from our perspective, to have native input, and your methods of employing the terminal will add to the knowledge already amassed. To sign out, touch here -" he indicated a pad with what looked like a wavy cross on it " - and repeat your passphrase."
The screen faded to blue as she followed the instructions, then Kazestrel gestured her to stand - which she did, stretching stiffly and kneading her neck - while Simaeon slid back onto the seat, quickly signed himself in and began keying at a fast rate, talking over his shoulder.
"There are some things we're not allowed to see, but they don't matter..." with familiar ease he navigated through splitscreens full of tightly packed information to an almost restfully simple screen, and one that bore a reassuring similarity to those she was used to in the archive. "This is my favourite place. From here you can look up all the alien species in the galaxy!"
Kazestrel smiled slightly.
"Not all, Simaeon."
Unabashed, the youngster grinned.
"'right, maybe not all. But hundreds and hundreds of them."
"One thousand six hundred and seventy three sentient races at the present time."
"Ooh, really?" Fatigue forgotten Meaghan leaned down to peer over the boy's shoulder. "Can you show me? What's your favourite?"
Simaeon nodded, fingers drifting over the pads. The view changed to show a delicate slender creature with long, attenuated limbs that seemed to have too many joints, its skin golden, its head covered with what could be soft down. It gazed solemnly out from the screen from eyes that looked like bright golden flowers.
Meaghan uttered a soft sound of awe.
"We've speculated for years about the possibility of other types of life forms, and now I'm looking at the proof. It's… almost incomprehensible." She continued to stare at the monitor. "Astonishing…"
"They're Caelixiin. They started the Collective thousands and thousands of years ago." Simaeon's hands moved again: a different image appeared on the screen, a massive, four-armed, red-skinned being with a ferocious expression. "That's a Plarith. They do all the military stuff."
Meaghan grinned.
"They look it, too. How big are they? Can you compare their sizes relative to us?"
Simaeon glanced at Kazestrel, who nodded.
"The smallest Plarith is half again as tall as I am. The largest on record is three times my height. Rather larger than the average heartling."
The librarian's eyes opened wide.
"Big." She agreed. "What about the - " she picked her way through the unfamiliar syllables. "Caelixiin?"
"About the same height as Jimain, although considerably slighter. Their worlds are lower gravity than Heart."
She absently nodded understanding; the effect of gravity on an alien species' evolution was a much-debated theory in some circles. Meaghan glanced at Verbank's resident alien.
"What's your home world like, Ambassador?"
He paused for a moment, looking inwards, and although his expression didn't change she was aware of something, an aura of sadness perhaps.
"Cloudy - we cannot see our suns from the surface. It is a water world, very ancient, with no land masses larger than Verbank, and none so high above the sea level."
Meaghan wanted to ask if he missed his home but that was - she speculated - possibly too personal.
"Is Heart… comfortable for you?"
He inclined his head, frowning pensively as though he'd never considered the matter before.
"Your gravity is lighter than on my homeworld, and your sun very bright, both of which can be uncomfortable. But your world is young, and full of interest, which ameliorates the discomfort to a considerable extent."
At that point Meaghan was distracted by the arrival of Jadrel carrying a flask in one hand and a plate of snacks in the other.
"Having fun?" Without waiting for an answer Jadrel unceremoniously shoved the provisions into Meaghan's hands and draped herself over Simaeon's shoulders. "Ah, you're playing! That's a good idea." She stood and grinned at the librarian. "I have access too, but only limited and under supervision. Simaeon's the expert. Well, the expert native anyway. Has he shown you Voraea yet?"
"Voraea?" Meaghan queried. "Is that a species or a planet?"
"A planet." Jadrel nudged Simaeon's shoulder, and the boy grinned brightly.
"It's beautiful. A gas giant much further in towards the centre." His hands moved again, and the image of... of... Meaghan wasn't entirely sure what she was looking at, although it was certainly beautiful. A weirdly angular structure hung motionless amongst drifting filmy veils of iridescent cloud. "That's a manufactory. The Mazc process rare gases there. But further down..." Meaghan gripped the plate and flask tightly, for a moment disorientated as the view seemed to dive vertically down through shifting cloud layers, then pause, "... there are these..."
The librarian stared as... something... drifted into view, a partially transparent streamlined... creature?... trailing long filaments that flashed and glittered in the shifting light. Simaeon's voice was hushed.
"They've never been properly researched - no-one knows much about them. But they sing..."
He pressed a glyph and the most delicate, shimmering sound issued from the terminal, silvery and intensely alien.
Meaghan's mouth dropped open.
"That's…"
Simaeon twisted to smile tremulously at her.
"Yes." He sniffed. "Makes me want to cry."
The librarian squeezed Simaeon's shoulder.
"There's so much to learn, so much to know." She said softly. "I can see myself being happily occupied for the rest of my life."
Jadrel chuckled.
"In between your real work and using the terminal, are you ever going to get any sleep?"
Meaghan flashed her a mischievous grin.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll squeeze it in somewhere."
She took a long pull from the flask and put the plate on a shelf behind her, absent-mindedly picking up a savoury and swallowing it half-chewed. Kazestrel nodded approvingly then touched Simaeon's shoulder: the child obediently signed himself out of the terminal and relinquished the seat to Meaghan.
"Sign in again."
Holding her breath, Meaghan placed her hand briefly on the panel at the top of the screen and touched the eye glyph, then, her voice shaking, spoke her chosen passphrase. The screen instantly became gold and those wonderful words - "Welcome, Librarian" - had her sighing with relief and delight. Simaeon laughed at her expression.
"Told you it was fun!"
Meaghan grinned, making a show of flexing her fingers like a virtuoso musician.
"Right, where do I start…?"
"By learning the most important keys." Simaeon glanced at Kazestrel. "Shall I do that bit?"
The Fohmatraan nodded.
"No longer than one more hour, however. The Librarian must rest."
"'course."
Meaghan stifled a sigh, but the ambassador was right. She was tired and her concentration was beginning to waver. There'd be other opportunities, though.
"How often will I be able to use the terminal, Ambassador?"
"That has yet to be established." He paused in thought. "While you are exploring the system, and as long as Simaeon is not engaged in research and can give you his attention, let us say, no more than two hours a day after you have completed your usual work. Later that will probably be extended: the Archyve currently lacks a comprehensive record of the history of Heart as revealed through its literature, which is, of course, your area of expertise."
The librarian nodded.
"I can certainly help there. As well as Mr Monk's collection I should be able to access materials from other libraries and archives." She twisted to glance up at the alien. "How comprehensive a history are we contemplating? And who will, ultimately, have access to the record?"
"As complete as possible. It will be accessible to any world possessing a terminal." He hesitated for a moment, then folded long arms across his chest. "Most of the Known Worlds possess a Library, with a number of limited-access terminals, which the populace may use at will. This terminal is of the complete-access variety, although you will not be authorised for such use."
Meaghan grinned.
"As most of the information will probably be incomprehensible to me - to start with at least - I can't complain." She paused. "Is there more to the terminal than data storage and retrieval?"
He eyed her with what looked like bemusement. "You are perceiving it as similar to the data-handling devices on Heart. It is not. It is primarily a communications console: data is not stored on and retrieved from the terminal, but in real time on and from the Archyve, fifty thousand light years away. The terminal also allows for vocal and visual communication between select individuals, where permitted."
"Fifty thousand…?" Meaghan blinked. "Instantaneous communication over fifty thousand light years…" She shook her head ruefully. "Our communications companies could stand to learn a thing or two!"
"Indeed."
Simaeon grinned, eyes sparkling.
"I've been talking to Heeli. She's the trainee Librarian at the Cool Waters commune on Dothnach."
Kazestrel quirked an eyebrow.
"In which language are you communicating?"
"Well, we're trying to learn each other's. Dothnachdin's quite hard. Though she says the same about Verdish, so I guess we're equal."
The Fohmatraan nodded approvingly.
"Good." He swung his attention back to Meaghan. "There will doubtless be other historians on the system. Perhaps later it may be possible for you to speak to them."
Grinning hugely and barely able to repress the happy wriggle, Meaghan turned her attention back to the terminal.
"This is the best job ever."
"I am gratified that you think so..."
Jadrel interrupted apologetically.
"Kaz - sorry, but Jimain wants you."
"Thank you." He inclined his head to Meaghan, who was wondering how Jadrel knew; she hadn't heard or noticed any sort of communication... "You must excuse me. Simaeon will now guide you through the basic use of the terminal, and continue the tutorial tomorrow evening."
Meaghan nodded absently, her attention already on the keypad, willing the glyphs to give up their secrets, and didn't see him depart with Jadrel. Simaeon grinned and brushed a finger over a glyph that looked like a creature with tentacles.
"You might find it easier to remember them if you know what they represent. This one is a Mazcili hand, and it's one of the most important. Touch it."
She did so, and the screen smoothly changed to something that looked reassuringly like a series of lists. She couldn't read the text, but could see that there were a number of different scripts represented. Simaeon sighed ruefully.
"Heart's not important enough to have any language on these main screens. But the CalCol's easy enough once you get used to it." He handed her a thin stylus that had been sitting in a depression at the side of the keypad. "You touch the screen to access the data. The first three entries take you to different images of the galaxy: the first one is an overview of its structure and appearance, the second shows the different... um... empires and kingdoms and things. That's quite interesting. The third one shows all the Known Worlds: you can touch the different systems to get the details." He grinned. "Try it!"
She touched the stylus to the topmost entry and gazed intently at the image revealed.
"I have little concept of scale." She confessed with a smile. "Let me see if I can find Heart. Um…" Meaghan laughed. "No concept of scale or direction. Where do I start?"
"'right - see that ball-thing?" Simaeon pointed to a smooth hemisphere embedded in the keypad. "That rotates the image. Roll it to get a view from above."
She complied, impressed by the smoothness of the action: on the screen the beautiful spiral galaxy turned from side-on to top-view (or possibly bottom-view, she reminded herself. In this situation best not to take anything for granted...) Simaeon pointed to an area towards the bottom of the screen, on the far edge of the spiral arm second in from the outermost edge of the galaxy.
"Kaz says that most children learn the galaxy almost before they can talk - well, the region where they live, at least - so this view doesn't give you any indication of what everything is. But Heart is here. If you press the screen the view zooms in."
"We're so far away from everything." Meaghan pondered. "How did the Collective find us?"
"They *heard* us."
The librarian frowned.
"'Heard' us? How? Our communications? Electronic noise?"
Simaeon looked suddenly guilty, as if he'd said something he shouldn't.
"Um, I 'spect so." He hurriedly pointed at the stylus. "If you turn it round and press the screen with the other end, it zooms out."
Wondering what that had been about but unwilling to push for more information, Meaghan did so, and watched as Simaeon pointed at the screen again, at the central part of the galaxy where the stars were so thickly clustered.
"The Caelixiin worlds are all in this area. And Kaz comes from here."
'Here' was far out on the very edge, almost outside the galaxy, and almost directly opposite Heart. A long, long way...
"Amazing." Meaghan shook her head: the distances really were incomprehensible, but knowledge was the start of understanding. And speaking of which… "Simaeon, could you teach me, what was it? Calcol?"
"It's the official language of the Collective, and yes - you'll need to know a bit in order to use the terminal. But you're pretty good with languages, you should be fine. Go back to the main screen - the one we were looking at before." He pointed to another rounded thing sitting above the orientation ball: this one was slightly concave and had little glyphs like half-arrows pointing outwards all around the edge. "That's the... pager. It sort of rocks when you touch it and takes you back or forwards or up or down a screen, depending on what function you're using or what you're looking at."
Meaghan peered at it: there were other half-arrows between the cardinal points. Simaeon grinned.
"You won't be using those for a while."
She gently pressed the pager downwards to the left - startled when instead of switching back to the screen with the list an entirely different screen flashed up, filled with panels of rapidly scrolling information. Simaeon quickly pointed to a glyph that looked vaguely like a stylised sun with a lopsided trident inside it.
"Press that."
Meaghan did, and the screen froze. Simaeon looked embarrassed.
"Sorry 'bout that. Forgot to say that CalCol reads from the bottom up, and right to left. To page back you have to hit the downward arrow."
"That's going to take a little getting used to!" Meaghan chuckled. "Let's try that again…"
Well, that had been a novel way to spend an evening…
Meaghan downed the remaining 'feine in her cup, then fighting back a jaw-cracking yawn, undressed quickly, dimmed the lights and crawled into bed. She snuggled down under the lightweight bedclothes and pulled the coverlet up to her chin with a happy sigh. There was so much to think about but it was doubtful she'd be awake for much longer. As fascinating as her introduction to the terminal had been, having to think in such a completely different way was wearying. She'd get used to it though - Meaghan's eyes drifted closed - oh yes, nothing as paltry as fatigue would stop her making the most of this turn of events.
*How went it?*
Simaeon yawned and cuddled into his father's arms, resting his head on Peridien's shoulder.
*Good. She remembers things fast. And she's already learned a few words of CalCol.*
Peridien kissed the top of the boy's head.
*And you are happy to teach her? If not, I'll ask Kazestrel.*
*No, it's all right. It's quite fun.*
*I will end it if you find it too tiring.*
*I know, papa, and I will say, I promise. But Kaz has too much to do anyway, it wouldn't be fair to ask him. And he mustn't be seen.*
Peridien chuckled.
*You are very thoughtful. Or is it just that you are jealous of your position?*
Simaeon smiled sleepily.
*Maybe just a bit...*
The Elder stood, the child still in his arms.
*It's nearly dawn, young one. Time for you to sleep. You can continue tutoring Meaghan tomorrow...*
© 2006 June 30th Joules and Lutra
© 2001-2009 Joules Taylor