Page 172 of Pets in Space 10
Vortex
Adele took a deep breath, enjoying the cinnamon-tarragon scent of the purple heather that filled the plains beyond the Vortex platform and its small control cabin.
The odd blue sky of Bright Star Deuce was dotted with fluffy clouds signaling a beautiful day.
Miguel and Robyn emerged from the far side of the Vortex, their eager signals confirming all was in order.
Inside the cabin, Lynx was performing the final checks.
Two days gone, in a final test before the arrival of the Thirteenth System vistrite seigneur, the Vortex had landed and launched the Serengeti spear.
In a few bells, Seigneur Marco Mercio would land and take charge of the vistrite seam.
In another sevenday, a small freighter would arrive with critical excavation equipment.
In another month, supplies, equipment, and colonists would arrive in a steady stream.
West of the Vortex, in the open grasslands between the launch platform and the vistrite camp, three DOP-Cs and six flyers were discharging their passengers.
Every member of the Nightingale command crew would be on hand for this historic moment.
The communications officer would capture visuals for every media stream in the Thirteen Systems.
The sight of Lochan emerging from a flyer had Adele’s heart lifting.
Changing course to meet him, she smiled as Rogue bolted from her side.
The little terrier was eager to greet the man who was his second favorite of all the planet’s new residents.
A moment later, Captain Raleigh joined them and handed her a small package.
Opening it, she found a child’s necklace, the flexible chain hung with a small scarlet lozenge. Confused, she looked from the ornament to Raleigh. “Captain?”
“It is for Rogue. Scan it.”
Even more confused and curious, she pressed the lozenge to her slate. An alert appeared containing a formal document identifying Adele Cypress as Blooded Dagger’s licensed protector of the Star Bred terrier male known as Rogue. Wonder filled her. “I may keep Rogue?”
“It is more that he gets to keep you,” Raleigh said.
“Monsignor Lucius recognizes that with so many new arrivals, there are likely to be more Star Bred terriers bonding with settlers. He wishes to know when it happens, and to make certain that the terriers are protected. You are responsible for Rogue’s well-being.
If ill befalls the dog, Blooded Dagger will have questions.
” He gestured at the charm. “Proof of a bond is required for the charm. Anyone found with a Star Bred terrier who does not have a license will be treated as severely as if they had stolen vistrite.”
It was a daunting notion. “I took Rogue without a license.”
“You rescued an injured puppy and there is a score of witnesses to attest to it.”
She realized what Raleigh was saying. “Blooded Dagger fears poachers.”
Lochan answered, gesturing toward the Vortex. “Each new advancement will bring new risks as well as opportunity.”
“Speaking of which”—Raleigh started toward the control cabin—“Seigneur Marco is eager to reach Deuce.”
***
Lochan watched with pride as Adele discussed the Vortex with Seigneur Marco.
For all her concerns about her commoner status, Adele had gained the approval of both Leonardo’s Monsignor Angus and Serengeti’s Seigneur Marco, two of the Thirteen Systems’ most demanding warriors.
It helped that she was charming, professional, and appeared particularly lovely in a well-tailored jacket, tunic, and trousers.
In place of work boots, she had sturdy ankle boots.
From Marco’s expression, the important warrior found more to admire in Adele than her engineering skills.
Recalling that Marco had recently been freed from an unpleasant wedlock alliance, Lochan decided to join the conversation.
He reached the couple as Marco was asking about the Zero-Grav.
Eyes bright, Adele greeted Lochan with a smile as she answered Marco. “The platform components are functional. Unfortunately, as I reported this past Sixth Day, we cannot repair the damaged construction equipment.”
The SkyHigh contingent had completed the Vortex’s foundation while Adele and Lochan were escaping the despoilers. With the foundation complete, all Adele’s attention was on the Vortex. It was not until recently that she had been able to return to Prime and complete the inspection.
With a resigned expression, Marco asked, “A month for replacements?”
Lips twitching with repressed excitement, Adele glanced up at Lochan. Shaking his head, he said, “Do not keep the seigneur in suspense. Tomorrow is the Five Warriors Festival, and he should know there is cause for celebration.”
Expression brightening, Marco asked, “Celebration?”
Almost dancing on her toes, Adele nodded.
“With seigneur’s spear to protect the vistrite, the Nightingale will be returning to Prime to finish the surveys.
SkyHigh can have our equipment disassembled and ready for transport by Sixth Day.
Commanders Lochan and Bran have agreed to use the DOP-Cs to transport the equipment to the Nightingale and from the Nightingale to Prime.
With Bright Star’s approval, I propose the SkyHigh team begin construction as soon as possible.
Additional SkyHigh engineers will arrive by the new year with the replacement equipment.
Until then, it will take a bit of juggling—moving team members between the two planets to operate the Vortex and assemble the Zero-Grav—but I believe we can accomplish it by the First Settlement Day after the new year. ”
Marco clapped his hands. “Excellent.”
With a charming smile, she added. “At the agreed upon rates and with a suitable performance bonus, of course.”
***
Lacing his fingers with Adele’s, Lochan strolled through the warm pale gray sand, enjoying the late-day breeze.
Farther down the shore, Rogue and Blue were chasing each other in and out of the shallows.
Rogue had shaken once when the little necklace was slipped over his head, but after that seemed untroubled.
That Blue had a similar ornament seemed to aid in his acceptance.
Ankle-deep in the surf with Adriana and Bran, Marco was chuckling at the little dogs’ antics. From Lochan’s experience with the vistrite seigneur, he was not surprised the warrior was content to rough it in the geologists’ camp until his cabin was constructed.
As if reading his thoughts, Adele said, “Imagine. By year turn, there will be a small town instead of tents.”
Halting at the edge of the water, he pulled her close, her back to his chest. The descending sun sparked patterns of red and gold in the turquoise sea while the local seabirds swooped low seeking an evening meal.
“One of those houses will be SkyHigh’s for the Vortex team. Will you build a second for yourself?”
Laying her hands over his, she shook her head.
“The Vortex housing will have four bedchambers. I will use one when I am here.” She turned her head on his shoulder, glancing at him sideways.
“I am hoping to receive favorable terms for a residence on Prime. I understand there will soon be a bridge over the river.”
His heart swelling, he kissed her temple. “You may count on it.”
Turning in his arms, her smile faded. “Until the Thirteenth System is integrated into the beaconed expanse, I will need to spend at least half the year on Fortuna. It is not possible to run a commerce interest without instantaneous interstellar communications.”
“Worry not. Once the commerce bidding is complete, the Nightingale will return to the Fourth System on a routine basis. We have over a hundred crew with family and commerce concerns in the other twelve systems.”
He dropped a kiss on her lips. “And, I have parents who will be eager to meet the woman who has finally captured my heart.”
“In addition to parents, did I mention I have two brothers? And cousins. Many cousins. All of whom will want to meet a heroic member of the Nightingale command crew.”
Excited barking had them turning back to the sea where the two Star Bred terriers were expressing concern that Adriana, Bran, and Marco had ventured too far into the depths.
Laughing, Lochan grasped Adele’s hand and led her down to the surf. “Your family does not frighten me. I will have Rogue for protection.”