Living Ship Chap 7

[Aragon Speed]

Chapter 7: Acceptance


Blue One opened his eyes and looked around his room. It was the first time in nearly two weeks that he had managed to sleep until his body decided it had had enough, and wanted to wake up again. He had no idea what the time was, and for the first time in years, he didn’t care. He was still signed off from active duty due to his injury, and would be for the next 6 cycles.

Lazily he turned over and swung his legs out from under the covers onto the floor. After standing and having a good long stretch, he headed for the bathroom and had a long, hot, luxuriant soak in the bath. It made a change from the usual rushed showers he had been forced to have since he became a pilot on constant alert.

Finishing his bath, he wandered back across his bedroom and opened the door into the lounge. He stopped dead in surprise. Sitting on the couch, the coffee table pulled close to him, with 3 different data-pads and a mini-computer sat on it, was Laiban.

Laiban looked up from the data-pads that he had obviously been working from, and smiling, said. "Good Morning."

"How did you get in?" Blue One asked, more out of curiosity, than alarm.

"It’s a military base, all doors have an emergency override code so that emergency services can gain access to any room. It’s also useful if you can sneak in on a spy while they are sleeping, of course." Laiban finished with a smile and a conspiratorial wink.

"I see." Blue One said. "I suppose that this code is not universally available?"

"No, it’s not. I have to give credit to your commanding officer; he really didn’t want to tell me the code. I had to get a special order before he would give it to me. Even then, he phoned through to central admin to make sure that the order was real. It’s not often you come across a commander that gives that much of a damn about the men under him." Laiban held up his hand to forestall the protest that Blue One had opened his mouth to give. "Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that a commander doesn’t care about the men under him, but usually when a member of the intelligence service asks for the door override code, it is given. Sometimes you get one that won’t give the code to you until you have a special order, but this is the first time in all my years of service, that a commander has actually phoned central admin for confirmation that the order is real." He finished with a small laugh.

Blue One felt slightly put out. He didn’t mind Laiban being here, but it would have been nice to have let him in, rather than finding he had waltzed in as if he owned the place while he was asleep. He did find the trouble Laiban had in obtaining the code for the door satisfying though. "So what are you doing here?"

"I told you that you would not be left totally alone for a long time to come. I meant it."

"Have you been here all night?"

Laiban smiled and shook his head. "No, I have to sleep as well, you know. There was a guard outside your door though."

"Well that’s one way to get talked about I suppose, have a goon with a gun standing in the corridor outside your door." Blue One said wryly, with a grin.

"I meant your bedroom door, not your front door. Your bedroom and bathroom have only one way in or out. That door." Laiban pointed to the bedroom door Blue One had just recently come through. "In here though, unlike your bedroom and bathroom, there are a number of windows which could allow access to you if a guard was outside. I told you at the Hospital yesterday, you are far too important to leave unprotected. I can see by the look on your face that you’re not happy about that. I understand, I would hate an invasion of privacy like this as well, but before you get angry and start shouting, think on this. What would you rather have? A ‘goon’, as you like to call him, or me here - or a stiletto being pushed into the base of your skull and right up into your brain while you’re dreaming nice things? It’s quick, quiet, and efficient, the victim has no chance to call out... or make any noise actually. It’s a favourite of assassins." Laiban paused for a couple of seconds, while he let that sink in. "I know at the moment you probably feel that this is overkill, but last night after things had calmed down again after your brilliant show, I finally had a full briefing as to why you’re so important, and what it is you will be involved in. I have to say that now I know, I’m not happy about you being here, and not in a more secure location. As soon as word gets out about what you are involved in, and believe me it eventually will, an assassin in the night will be quite a realistic possibility."

Although this was said in a conversational manner, Blue One felt the very real and serious undertones of what Laiban was saying. "So exactly what am I supposed to be doing? I have heard about how important I have suddenly become, but not the reason why?"

Laiban paused before replying. "It’s frustrating for you, but you’ll have to wait a short while longer before you’re told. This location is not secure enough, to discuss this openly."

"We are in the middle of a high security military base, and you think this place isn’t secure enough?"

The serious look that Laiban gave him, said it all.

"I’m sure my commander would be happy to hear that observation." Blue One said with a chuckle. "I have time for breakfast before we go wherever it is we are going, I assume?"

"Yes. In fact, I think that from now on, you will be able to pretty much dictate your own schedule, as long as it’s beneficial to getting the job done. You didn’t hear that from me though." Laiban grinned.

"Hear what from you?" Blue One said, with exaggerated innocence.

Laiban laughed. "I suggest you make it a large breakfast, it’s probably going to be a long day. Oh, and I also suggest you put some clothes on. You have a good body, but I’m really not that way inclined..."



Blue One sat in the same anti-chamber as he had been in the day before. This time however he was called into the meeting room almost straight away. As he passed through the doors that separated the two rooms, he saw that there was a long, broad table with about 20 seats spaced around it. This room was obviously used for what the name implied: meetings.

Near the door, but with his back turned away from it, sat the same male that Blue One had seen the previous day. As Blue One moved around the table towards a chair that Laiban had indicated would be a good place for him to sit, he came into the field of vision of the large male.

The large male glanced up at him, and then back down at what he was writing. After a second his pen paused, and the male looked back up at Blue One with a surprised look on his face. "You?!?"

"Yes, me."

Blue One watched as the male paused, considering this new turn of events. After a few seconds, the male nodded with acceptance of the situation, indicated the chair that Blue One had already been heading for, and said in a matter of fact tone. "If you could sit down please, we have a lot we have to go through, and we lost some time last night without you here."

"Yes, we have lost time, but that was not my doing, was it?" Blue One replied while seating himself in the chair.

Yet again the male paused while considering the situation before speaking. "I would hope that we can put last night to one side in this time and place. However we may feel about each other personally should be left outside of the door behind me. What we are doing here is more important, and while we may not like each other, I hope we can work well together professionally."

Blue One looked sharply at the male. Laiban had indicated that something important was going on, but up until this point, he had not realized how serious it was. If a male like this could swallow his pride and let what had happened, stay outside and not influence what was going on in here, then Blue One was in it up to his neck, without knowing it. "You’re right, we should co-operate with each other, not work against each other. So why am I here?"

The male nodded in acceptance of what Blue One said, and then replied to the question. "What we are about to discuss, does not get spoken of outside of this room and one other place, which I will tell you about shortly. Even when you are in this room you do not speak of this if there is anyone apart from Laiban or myself present. Due to the nature of what we will be doing, if you accept this position you will be placed under maximum security conditions. This basically means that you will have a guard with you at all times for your protection, you will also have to live away from your home in a set of rooms purposely designed with the security and safety of the occupant or occupants in mind. This is necessary for your own safety. Before we proceed any further, do you understand and accept these conditions?"

Blue One didn’t reply straight away. This wasn’t a decision you took quickly or lightly. Laiban and the male also knew this and sat quietly, giving Blue One as much time and space as he needed to decide. This again emphasized to Blue One, how serious this situation was.

He knew that in this type of situation, and with these conditions, he could quite easily be stuck working on this project for the rest of his life. It was never the intention for these projects to last more than a few years, but sometimes this type of project would end up continuing for a very long time, and by accepting these conditions, Blue One would in essence, be signing up as a volunteer prisoner.

The large male watched Blue One running through this in his mind, and then said. "I apologize for the manner in which this must be done. I know you have not been told anything about this, and I have to admit that while I have asked some people to accept these conditions before, they have always known exactly what they are getting into before they have to decide. I wish I could tell you more so that you didn’t have to decide blind, but I am afraid that this time it is not possible."

Blue One looked at the male. He didn’t feel like the male was lying, and he appreciated what had just been said. It didn’t make his decision any easier, but at least everyone knew exactly what they were asking of him. Blue One made his decision. "I will accept your conditions on the acceptance of one of my own."

The male sat back in his chair. He had been through this before; they all tried to get something in return for accepting these conditions. Usually it was something along the lines of a day outside once a month, or a weekly visit from their husband or wife. He had expected this, and he understood it, anyone would try and do the same if they were about to willingly imprison themselves. "I can’t promise anything, but state your condition and I will do what I can."

"I would like Laiban as one of my guards."

The male paused. This request was not what he expected. He turned and looked at Laiban. "What are you assigned to, at the moment?"

Laiban blinked in surprise at the condition as well, before replying. "Well apart from being a consultant on the Reban investigation, the only thing I have, is the protection of this man here." Laiban indicated Blue One.

The male sat back in thought, lightly tapping the pad on the desk in front of him with his pen. "Reban… Reban… Oh yes, I remember. Well that sounds like fun. Exactly how much consulting have you done?"

"Apart from two days of questions in the first week, none at all."

"Hmm, I doubt they will miss you then. You have the advantage in that you already know what you are getting into. Do you accept this condition?"

Laiban thought about the question for a short time, he did know what he was getting himself into and had less reservations about the decision, but it still wasn’t an easy one. He would effectively become a prisoner too. He looked at Blue One and tried to read the man. He knew very little about him, and was puzzled by the request. Like the large male, he had witnessed a few of these decisions, and while he had also expected a condition, this one had caught him off guard and surprised him. From what he had observed of the man, he knew him to be bold, almost confrontational at times, but he was also honest, he said what he thought and didn’t care if it upset someone. This would be an advantage in the task that was ahead of them. Laiban looked up from the desk his eyes drifted down to while musing, and looked at Blue One again. "Why?"

Blue one looked back at him and held his gaze for a couple of moments before replying. "Because you are the only one here that I feel I can trust. You know what you are getting into, if you are willing to accept these conditions, then I will trust your judgment and accept also."

Laiban nodded. While he didn’t like the fact that he now had to make such a defining decision for someone other than just himself, he also had to respect the trust that was being placed in him. This was an intelligent man, he had proven that at the hospital, and would be well suited to the task ahead. "Very well, I accept."

The male looked at Laiban in surprise but said nothing. Then turned to face Blue One. "And you?"

"I accept as well. Now, will someone please tell me why we are here?"

"We have captured the first intact Sohnen."

[Syndrome]

Very good. I enjoy your conversational style. Nice cliffhanger at the end as well.

Keep it up m8.

[parameter]

Nice piece! You had me almost on the edge of my seat at times.
You might BUY something if you could not get BY without that something. That is the only thing I observed that detracted from the story's capability to hold my attention. It is a slight blemish that interferes with the 'enrapture' or 'mental engagement' of the reader.
Other than that 'PLEASE KEEP WRITING'!

[Aragon Speed]

Nice piece! You had me almost on the edge of my seat at times.
You might BUY something if you could not get BY without that something. That is the only thing I observed that detracted from the story's capability to hold my attention. It is a slight blemish that interferes with the 'enrapture' or 'mental engagement' of the reader.
Other than that 'PLEASE KEEP WRITING'!

Hi,

I am still writing this, but other commitments are making it slow going ATM.

This is still basically a first draft document, but I am always willing to improve my writing by taking constructive criticism, unfortunately I must be having a dense moment because I'm not sure what you mean. Could you expand upon what you meant above so this poor prole can understand?

[parameter]

This is still basically a first draft document, but I am always willing to improve my writing by taking constructive criticism, unfortunately I must be having a dense moment because I'm not sure what you mean. Could you expand upon what you meant above so this poor prole can understand?

You understand because there are not many people for whom 'prole' would make sense. So, if you are baiting a hook, it ain't gonna be bit. Apologies to my language Master!). Like you said earlier, you produced a first draft. Most first drafts contain mistakes as it is the product of letting your creative juices flow. You do not want to be stopping every other word or sentence in order to correct grammar etc for obvious reasons. I did not realise it was a first draft, a 'rough' as it were! due to the number of rough's that are published in this Forum as is. My mistake in your case, but easily made taking the above information into account. Like I said, keep on writing, it is an addictive story you tell!

[Aragon Speed]

Ah yes, I understand you now. I was correct, I was having a dense moment.

To paraphrase "Finding Forrester":

"The secret of writing is to write. No don't think, that comes later, write. First you write from the heart, and only when that is done do you return and re-write with your head."

[parameter]

To Aragon Speed!
I am glad you understand where I was coming from!

It is hard to read these Forums at times, especially when surrounded by students trying to get their degree work in 10 minutes before deadline. Lost 2 students to re-submission so far! 'It is a cruel Universe, but then that is what schedules are all about!'... said the confused Teladi.

Please keep on writing! If there are any other creative Forum types reading this please understand I am not a nasty person, I get carried away by a gripping story and, at times, I feel I need to nudge one or two to look at something in a different light. Best wishes to all in their creative endeavours!