4 Alien Life Form

The Flight of the Armada

Book 4: Alien Life Form

Jay Michael Jones

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 by Jay Michael Jones

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Dedicated to the staff at dear old Depew High.

The story so far:

The planet Thuringa has been ecologically destroyed by their enemy the Shargassi. The 35,000 survivors flee the dying planet in a hastily built Armada protected by the last of their warships. As they journey, many of the worlds they formerly knew as allies are forced to deny aid or must appear to be forced to give them aid. Thuringi king Lycasis Phillipi must rule his armada kingdom despite continued enemy attacks, natural phenomenon and malcontents who want to dismantle the monarchy. The populace slowly acclimates itself to the nomadic existence. The spirit of former Warrior General Maranta Shanaugh silently watches over his people. His mechanic, engineering genius Gareth Duncan, successfully wins a duel of honor against colonel Tomas Hellick in defense of Maranta’s widow, the princess royal of Thuringa.

Crown Prince Stuart Phillipi, Warrior Prince Darien Phillipi and Princess Carroll Shanaugh de Phillipi travel to an unexplored planet on the way to the target world of Farcourt where the Thuringi hope to settle. On the unexplored planet they hope to set up an outpost so the fleet can rebuild, recharge and repair before going on to Farcourt. With them go royal guard Glendon Garin, Aquatic Sea Commander Brent Ardenne, and Gareth Duncan. The six scouts make friends with Earthian teacher Michael Sheldon, who loans the use of his ranch in Oklahoma, America. They learn about this new world by trial and error, and they learn to speak and read English. For security’s sake they set up a permanent outpost on a Pacific island.

When the outpost is settled five of the scouts return to the Armada. Brent stays behind, knowing he would not survive a return trip to the Armada. The scouts reach the Armada and ignite both hope and concern for such a strange, unruly new world. Stuart returns to an unhappy marriage, his troublemaking teenaged son Erich and unexpected toddler Yjarnnah, born during his absence. The Armada is scandalized that Carrol and Gareth have fallen in love during the mission but Carrol will no longer allow outsiders to influence her private life. Glendon’s pretty daughter Echo catches Darien’s eye but Glendon and wife Janis fail to realize it. Lycasis keeps Darien and Gareth with the Armada and sends the other three back to Earth along with Vicar Spence Beace. Spence is to investigate Earth’s many religions and report the findings to the worried clergy of Thuringa.

Back on Earth, Brent’s lonely existence is alleviated by work, adventures with Michael Sheldon and the amusing island goats. Brent creates jewelry from shipwreck treasures he discovers and sells it to wealthy Earthians. By the time the scouts return, Brent has a tidy sum built up. Though Thuringi society does not use money, it needs to trade for supplies with other societies. Darien assumes the duties of Warrior Prince and helps guide the Armada, while also carrying on a secret love affair with Echo. Gareth builds a new transportal using the original in the throne room of the Quantid as a template. Because the Armada transportal is located in the throne room, only small ships that fit through it and wheeled supply crates can be used. The new transportal is taken to Earth. Threatened by Spence’s popularity and potential, the Bishop of the Armada removes him from the viceroy, thinking to lessen Spence’s public profile and to intimidate the rest of the clergy. Lycasis ‘drafts’ Spence into the Air Command and sends him back to Earth, as the Bishop and Elders object to exposing more Thuringi to unseemly Earth.

Lycasis also sends Stuart and Carrol to Michael Sheldon’s private school in Texas so Thuringa can make friends with future leaders. Reluctant at first, Stuart quickly warms to the assignment but Carrol remains reticent. America is a different place in 1969 than it was in 1961 but valuable allies are made.

Contents

Chapter 29. The Revelation

Chapter 30. Cultural Heritage

Chapter 31.How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Chapter 32. Bounty of the Sea

Chapter 33. The Educational Process

Chapter 34. Alien Life Form

Chapter 35. The Spring of Our Contentment

Chapter 36. Cold Heart, Warm Heart

Chapter 37. The Political Arena

Chapter 38. Royal Welcome

Chapter 39. The Artistic Touch

Characters

Ships of the Armada

Stellar Council

Glossary

Other Books by this author

Excerpt

About the author

Chapter 29: The Revelation

They sure aren’t from around here, are they? Curtis Garrison asked Michael Sheldon Wednesday afternoon. It was Thanksgiving break at Sheldon School, and most of the students went home for the four-day weekend. The Phillipis were picked up in a Cadillac and whisked away, the car tires screeching around a turn.

Brent’s driving, Michael thought in dismay. Aloud he replied, No, they are from Thuringa.

Yeah, that’s what the Moon says too. He says parts of it looked like New Mexico.

Michael gave Curtis a startled glance. The sandy-haired boy chewed calmly on a piece of gum, his placid expression unreadable and his demeanor as calm as a satisfied goat. Michael chased the notion from his mind. In what way, Curtis?

The middle section is flat and dry, and where most of the crops were raised.

Were raised?

Yeah. It ain’t there no more. There’s my mom! See you Sunday, Doc!

Michael knew Curtis claimed the Moon spoke to him ever since he was a boy, but this was the first time Michael heard the Moon acknowledging Thuringa. While the island did have a small space in the center of its land mass cleared for a bran patch, the way Curtis used past tense and said it no longer existed sounded as if he knew of the real Thuringa.

Stuart and Carrol returned to the island and helped gather and send food through the transportal. Spence spent a good deal of time making goat cheese, a commodity met with enthusiasm among the Thuringi. He also traded fish for fruit and vegetables with Mexico and islands of the Pacific. Glendon tamed acres of the island flatlands and planted crops, but the goats kept him busy with fence repair. He had better luck with his vineyard on the slopes of the mountainside, but only because I built stone walls and sacrificed the other crops to the goats. Lycasis directed the dining halls on the three General Population Quarters to prepare and preserve the raw food and store it on the Gallina One and Three.

"One and Three? Stuart was astonished. Were we that depleted?"

"Not really; the Insa still produces staples like friaks and bran and such, Spence explained. But the bounty of fresh vegetables from actual soil rather than a grow-pod is tastier and healthier. They can reuse all the Thelan canisters; those were sitting idle after use and your father was reluctant to incinerate them."

Stuart made a quick trip to the Armada with samples of goat cheese for the medicals to test. Do you plan to send Aquatics to harvest fish on Earth?

"We will have overpopulation of sea life on the Freen without harvesting it first, Lycasis explained as they stood on the bridge together and looked out at the approaching starfields. Perhaps Brent might send some Earthian specialties such as lobster and crab for consumption but our own stock is preferred by the populace and medicals alike."

When will we send people to the island? Stuart asked in a low voice. It would be so much healthier for them.

In the fullness of time, son.

Ergh! Is the council still whining about imagined troubles? We are no longer a quarter million strong; do you really need that team of scolds to – Lycasis shook his head emphatically. This motion was not picked up on the voice recorder. Well, perhaps scolding keeps trouble in check, Stuart amended despite did not mention the subject again until the shift change. Lycasis turned the bridge over to Darien, who hugged Stuart briefly in greeting before taking the command chair. Lycasis and Stuart walked to the royal quarters, the Naradi Famede accompanying them.

It is true that at one time our numbers were so great I welcomed the king’s council to help keep me apprised of topics among the people, and it is true that the council is technically no longer as needed, Lycasis explained quietly to his son. However, there are members of my council I deem troublesome and in need of observation, themselves. In the public spotlight of the council allow them to advise me. It keeps most of them placated and out of mischief. At any rate, the Naradi Famede are on hand and as a result, only a modicum of unruliness occurs at Royal Court. Ruling during war is ghastly, Stuart, and ruling friendless nomads is a task no Phillipi has ever been trained to direct. The original Armada plan was to design ships that could interconnect. That presented too great a target for enemies and the occasional space debris, so we built the ships independent of each other. Along with the Naradi, I use the input of the king’s council to learn of the state of the kingdom. I hear relatively little on the bridge concerning the daily concerns of the citizenry and often nothing but the troubles at Royal Court. Once we get to the outpost I will be able to move freely among the people and can put aside the advisory council.

What sort of mischief do they make?

One in particular likes to stir up discord by complaining about the royal temporary edict. You know who he is; he would stir up trouble over a child’s skip in a park.

The Temporary Task Edict was put in place for the duration of the exodus. On Thuringa people performed their gifted task as a career. If a person was determined to be talented in the kitchen for instance, he might decide to open an inn or a restaurant. Others might be a talented mechanic or gifted in medicine or a gakki breeder, and could pursue those careers on his or her own. But there was no way every task could generate hours to trade for goods during the exodus. In order to make all things equitable and accessible during these years, the crown assumed all responsibility for obtaining and distributing food and water supplies and supported the many dining halls and cantinas. All chefs worked in the dining halls and innkeepers took on the laundry detail as their gifted, or main, tasks.

People were assigned tasks as close to their gifted abilities as possible, but those whose gifted training was no longer applicable were assigned in whatever there was because they needed to earn hours somehow. What little manufacturing remained was now found on the Yiantee and produced items specifically to benefit the exodus – wiring or piping or cloth from fiber plants on the Insa. There were far too few gakkis on the Tarque for all the able ranchers and veterinarians and trainers to take part. Some tasks had a woeful lack of natural talent due to the severe loss of life during the destruction of Old Thuringa. There were no more bootsmiths since the last craftsman perished in a Shargassi raid high in the Sendenar Mountains. New bootsmiths had to learn the craft from texts, filmed pieces and by trial and error. The Fennel clan who specialized in personal roadcraft had to re-train in order to work on sea or spaceworthy crafts instead.

This temporary edict was soundly criticized by Asa Mennar, Hamil Deering and a few others, but most Thuringi were relieved that the crown assumed the burden of their race’s survival.

He’s a good king, for a young one, Elder Barton Moran said one day during a casual social among the Elders on an observation deck. He’s been able to adapt to our new situation admirably and still respects the fact that our ways must still be honored as much as possible. Lycasis has figured out a way to make the most of what remains.

Yes, he has certainly made the most of it, Hamil said. He also allows that smart-mouthed youngest son of his do whatever strikes his fancy.

Oh, Darien is just a gust of air. He only alarms people for the amusement value it presents him. Pay him no mind, Para Renaugh scoffed. Lycasis knows how to handle him; he was just like Darien in his day. Now he is just like Stuart.

But will he return our tasks to us when we reach Farcourt? That is what I would like to know, Asa said. Perhaps he will exercise control over our lives even past this crisis.

He will return our tasks to us, Tulin Moran, master of the Academy, replied. He did not usually sit in on casual socials but he did this day, and was horrified by what he heard. Although I do not know if I want you to return to boasting of cures that do not work. This bold statement astonished everyone within hearing range. What? Surely each of you thought the same thing.

How dare you! Asa roared.

It’s true. You lied about finding the cure for Bran Fitt.

Still, it’s rather rude, a woman nearby said.

I do not care if it is rude or not, Gion. I will not have Hamil and Asa questioning our king’s intentions when Lycasis has saved our collective lives. Perhaps that point is lost on you but it is not lost to me. We could all be among the ashes of Old Thuringa alongside Maranta Shanaugh but for the ability of the Phillipi. I think King Auguste would have been proud of his son. He is doing his best despite second-guessing scolds.

Asa leaped to his feet. I will not be insulted!

Oh, very well, I shall take my leave, Tulin said as he slowly got to his feet. It is just as well that I do not attend these things often! Your young sass makes me want to strike you where you stand. He shook a bony finger at the entire assembly. We have never faced such circumstance as fleeing our own planet before, but Lycasis acted with a firm sure hand. Young Stuart will follow in his footsteps because he knows our future depends on his wise decisions. Even Prince Darien will bring honor to the Phillipi despite Elder naysaying and tongue wagging! It is the forged sword that fights hardest. He gestured to Argo Garin. Here now lad, lend me your arm. I must return to the Academy lest they call a holiday at my absence.

Asa sat down in a huff, his arms folded across his chest. He did not want to admit Tulin was right but he could not afford accusations of treason. Tinte Fern patted his arm in sympathy. Even away from a podium the Master of the Academy always loves to lecture, she whispered. Asa recognized her attempt to cheer him, so he gave her a smile of appreciation. It did not occur to him that she did not come to his defense.

In the lift to the Academy, Tulin squeezed Argo’s arm. Guard the king’s back, Argo. Such bold talk from those fellows worries me.

Asa has complained for years, Lord Tulin, and Hamil admires Asa’s scientific mind.

Yes, but uncertain times can strike fear in men, and fearful men lash out heedless of the stakes. As they turned a corner, they almost ran into Darien as the impatient prince slapped at an unresponsive flatscreen and muttered a juicy insult. It is when inanimate objects curse back that you will worry, young princeling, Tulin said.

Darien’s face flushed with embarrassment even as he smiled. Then it will doubtless scream at me, my lord! I should make certain to recharge batteries and engines soon.

Yes, indeed. Tulin paused to take Darien’s hand and peer keenly into his eyes. There are many tasks I would have assigned to you, boy, if you had only been more cooperative. Well, perhaps on Farcourt we will see. You are not simply a power charger, you know.

Darien bowed to the aged scholar. I learned long ago not to argue with you, Lord Tulin. On Farcourt we will all have new things to do and I am not beyond the capacity to learn.

You see, Tulin said to Argo, I told those scolds there is honor in his future! He patted Darien’s shoulder. Go along then, there’s a good fellow. As he continued down the hallway with Argo Tulin said, He is just like Lycasis, and Auguste too I think.

In what way?

You wouldn’t know such a confident man was such a modest one inside, but Auguste was. He had a wealth of abilities that he only allowed peek through on occasion. When called upon, however, he was magnificent.

Darien remained where he was, letting Tulin’s comments roll in his head. He never knew his grandfather Auguste personally. During Academy history studies he learned Auguste Phillipi was a fearless, innovative or exasperating man, depending on who taught the lesson at the time. No one ever said Auguste was modest about his accomplishments but if anyone would know, it was Tulin. Darien respected Tulin Moran almost as much as he did Lycasis, and it pleased the prince to know such a learned man thought he could handle multiple tasks. Perhaps when they reached Farcourt, Darien would try to live up to Tulin’s regard.

As soon as Curtis returned to Sheldon School, Michael took him aside. Curtis, before you left you said the Moon talked about how Thuringa used to look. What did you mean?

Curtis fidgeted. I don’t know, that’s just what he said. It used to have big fields where all the crops grew, and then it just stopped. He said they grow their crops in the air – hydroponics, man. I’d like to visit there some time, I bet it looks cool and outer-spacey.

It sounds like a good biology project. You might ask Stuart or Carrol about it.

That’s what I’m thinking! But don’t tell nobody, okay? If I said I was going to make growing plants just with air and water, these kids would tease me about the Moon and that pisses me off. Nobody believes me.

I believe you, Curtis.

Why? the boy asked suspiciously.

I’ve been to the island of Thuringa and they have some pretty amazing inventions there. A lot of things are hard to accept or explain unless you have seen or heard them for yourself.

Yeah well, every time I say anything about the Moon people just laugh at me or play along to mock me. One of these days, though, they’ll see I’m right.

It told you about Thuringa, didn’t it? And that was right. Yes, I believe you, Curtis, and I imagine Stuart and Carrol would appreciate your confidence.

"But then folks might treat them the same way those folks treat me, and that ain’t right. I’m the only one who hears the Moon so people think I’m crazy. Okay, I’m used to that. But the Moon thinks I ought to let Stuart or Carrol tell about Thuringa. I can talk about anything else but I don’t want anyone to associate Thuringa with crazy shit Curtis says." He said it with finality, and Michael agreed with him. Curtis was functioning better at Sheldon School than any other school he ever attended, largely because Michael’s leniency and acceptance caused the student body to regard Curtis’s behavior as eccentricity. But the Moon was right: now was not the time to expose the Phillipis to possible ridicule.

Freddie Douglas was a puzzle to Carrol. She had never heard of cystic fibrosis until she met Freddie and learned about the disease. It sounded like Bran Fitt in many regards. Freddie was determined to live as normal a life as the next fellow and his case was mild in his youth. He came to Sheldon to escape the smothering care his parents tended to envelope around him at home. They accepted his desire for independence provided he was monitored by the medical staff serving Sheldon School. Before the end of his freshman year, Freddie Douglas began struggling as his disease made a turn for the worse and now in his sophomore year, it was hard to hide the strain.

To see this mild-mannered, well-spoken boy deal so valiantly with his illness was an inspiration to the princess of Thuringa. He was typically underweight and physical activity often brought on shortness of breath that left him wheezing. After class in early December, Freddie entered the empty dormitory library and suddenly gasped for air. Carrol walked in just as he grabbed the back of a chair for support. Alarmed, Carrol pressed one hand against his chest and the other against his back and concentrated. Freddie could feel his lungs expand and he took in a deep breath of air, and then exhaled. He was able to do this several times and it was an exhilarating experience for him.

Carrol suddenly put her hand to her mouth and rushed from the room. She ran to the bathroom and spat a large distressing ball of flem from her mouth. As her Arda healing power drew the mucus from his lungs, it formed in her mouth instead of her lungs and it was repulsive. She threw up in the toilet, sinking to her knees. When she emerged from the bathroom at last she found a worried Freddie waiting for her. He looked much better than he had before; his complexion had a pink glow instead of his usual pale look and his wheezing was gone.

Are you all right? he asked.

Yes, I’m all right. It’s just a virus, she told him. Are you well?

I feel great, he said. I don’t think I’ve felt so good in my life. What did you do?

Nothing, she insisted firmly.

For nearly five days, Freddie was active and healthy. The school physician and Freddie's nurse were baffled. At the end of the fifth day Freddie’s affliction crept back. Carrol managed to surreptitiously test him with a hand-held monitor. His lungs were re-filling with the sticky glue-like mucus. Just like Bran Fitt, she had not been able to stop it completely. All she could offer was a brief respite.

Freddie’s father was the publisher of tabloid newspaper sold in grocery stores across the country. Freddie grew up among skeptical reporters and cynical editors and knew bunkum when he saw it. He also knew the real thing when he felt it. Somehow when Carrol Phillipi pressed her hands against his chest, his lungs cleared and he could take a deep breath.

Are you one of those faith healers? he asked.

In a manner of speaking, but please do not speak of it to anyone. It is not easy to explain and I do not like to draw attention to it.

I’ve heard of people like you before; my dad’s reporters are always coming across people who claim they can heal others. I always thought it was just a scam but I was wrong, at least about you.

If you mention it, I will forever be defending myself against people who doubt. Please say nothing.

Okay. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. But how do you do it?

I… I just do. I cannot explain how.

That is incredible. And… thanks.

Please know, you are not cured. For cases like yours I can only do so much. For her part Carrol was gratified to know that her Arda power could fight against an Earthian affliction similar to Bran Fitt. Fighting it was all she could manage. Carrol could heal wounds but genetic diseases like fibrosis and similar abnormalities like Bran Fitt were beyond her ability to completely cure.

She got into the habit of dropping by the dorm library once a week to clear Freddie’s lungs. Freddie was deeply grateful and confessed to his family that he had a touch of the ‘Florence Nightingale Syndrome’ for his kind friend Carrol. All he would tell them was that Carrol was always on hand to help him clear his lungs. They assumed he meant in the traditional way of postural drainage and chest percussion to loosen the accumulation in his lungs. They thought it extremely thoughtful of her to be so generous. They did not know the half of it.

Aura did not want to go with her friends Paten Rebaum and Miris Gordon to the music program on the Moze Ginty; it sounded perfectly boring and a needless flight through space. But Paten insisted; a numbered kinsman had a cooton solo that was not to be missed. Miris rolled her eyes and told Aura, Oh, let’s do go. If we don’t, Paten will slip something into our friaks just to get even. Aura found that amusing.

The program was scheduled at a time when Erich would be in Academy and Yjarnnah with Oriel, so the queen encouraged her daughter-in-law to go. I understand the music programs are wonderful! Ellis tells me that you have been under a great deal of stress lately and this might be a nice way for you to relax.

Despite their earlier problems or perhaps because of them, Aura was glad that Oriel did not hold a grudge and wanted to help ease the journey for her. Well, it does sound like a pleasant time, she admitted, and to be certain, Paten is quite insistent that I attend with her and Miris.

Then by all means go, Oriel encouraged. I will be happy to look after little Yjar.

As Aura finished getting ready to go in her apartment, the door alert sounded. She thought it would be Darien to call for Yjarnnah, so she did not expect Oriel’s Naradi Thurman Garin at the door. He bowed to her and his elegant spiral curls dangled merrily. The Naradi Famede to the king and queen wore their complete uniform while on duty; space flight was no excuse to slack. The classic black hats with the wide sweeping brim and spray of rheamor feathers topped the starched black tunic, sharply creased trousers, brilliant white gloves and polished side arms in an elegant tradition that spanned centuries. Some wore their hair in a single braid but others, like Thurman, wore his thigh-length hair in fat spirals that reached down to his elbows when freshly curled.

"Your Highness, Her Majesty asked that I collect Prince Yjarnnah so you may catch the shuttle to the Moze Ginty on time, he explained. She has been detained by a clutch of Elders."

A clutch of Elders! His solemn tone coupled with these words amused her, and despite herself Aura giggled as she said, That is very thoughtful of you both. Do come in while I get him. He smiled and the admiration in his eyes was very flattering.

Thurman entered at her request and remained at attention by the door. Aura turned toward the bedroom hallway just as Yjarnnah rushed in, dressed except for his boots which he carried under one arm. He clutched fresh stockings in the other hand, paying no mind to his bare toes. I am almost ready!

Aura knelt, slipped the stockings on his feet, and then tried to put the boots on him. The boots were more difficult to put on than she thought. Goodness, Yjarnnah; you are outgrowing these things.

Let me step in them, the boy suggested, and struggled to stand upright and force his foot into the boot. Thurman quickly moved to kneel beside Aura and held the boot as he directed Yjarnnah hold onto his shoulder. The boot slid on, and then the other.

You are going to be the very image of your notable father, Thurman said cheerfully. You have the same large feet as he.

And I will fly ships, too!

Ships, yes; and ride gakkis and race hovercraft and anything else that moves, I imagine.

Yjar threw a friendly little arm around the much larger man’s neck. Do you have children, Lord Thurman?

No, I have not been blessed with child or wife, Thurman admitted. My father thinks it is high time I was.

The first thing that flashed through Aura’s mind was her single friend Miris Gordon. Oh, what a nice pairing that would be! There is no reason for such a sweet gentleman as you to not be blessed so, she said. Perhaps you should be the one attending this music program instead of me. There will be several ladies who would welcome your presence, I am certain.

Thurman’s face flushed as he chuckled self-consciously. You are beginning to sound like Her Majesty!

I am not surprised. She is quite fond of her favorite Naradi, Aura said.

And I appreciate her consideration. Ah! What is it about a ringless hand on a man that gets the nobility up in arms, Thurman murmured as he stood to take Yjarnnah’s hand.

I am not in arms! Aura protested.

Not you, Your Highness, he explained easily. I was thinking of my late mother; she was adamant! It is well that she and Queen Oriel never became close; my bachelorhood would have never survived such a concentration of matchmaking at hand. He threw her a final smile and led a dancing Yjarnnah out.

Aura reflected that it was not often that any of the royal family heard from Thurman. He was always so quiet, loyally standing by in case his queen had need of him. The more the princess thought about it, the more she liked the idea of her friend Miris matched up with the attractive and well-mannered Garin guard.

Miris liked the idea too, even though the name ‘Garin’ was daunting because of that particular clan, and she already had a pair of men vying for her attention. I’ve often admired him at Royal Court, only I assumed he already had someone of interest. Why hasn’t he?

He’s a Garin, Paten surmised. You know how particular they are.

Aura saw Thurman outside the throne room when she arrived to get Yjarnnah. If you don’t mind my saying so, Major Garin, there are a number of ladies to whom I could introduce you.

That is very considerate of you Princess Aura, but wholly unnecessary. I am acquainted with a number of ladies, myself.

Then why – I mean what – I do not understand, Aura said, flabbergasted.

I never said I do not know anyone. I have simply decided to put off seeking a wife until we reach Farcourt.

Why?

His Majesty has such a burden to bear already. I decided I could best serve Thuringa by dedicating myself to the care and protection of Her Majesty so the king would have one less matter of worry. There will be plenty of time once we have settled on a peaceful world all our own again, and I will be able to seek out and court someone without the discord of war all about us.

I never heard anything so valiant! she marveled.

Oh, valiantry! If it pleases you to think of it that way then very well, but it is only a practical matter to me. I cannot properly court anyone the way I would like, among a fleet of ships. I would do disservice to a fair companion if I am required to suddenly leave her side if the queen should need me. And if the queen should have need of me then I will be there no matter who petitioned me elsewhere, for I enjoy my duty and it is my first concern. I look forward to future courtship walks at sundown and addressing my patience with courting chairs, not to mention testing the Elders’ keen powers of observation. His voice was so calm and sure, this last phrase almost slipped past her. When it registered and Aura eyed him, he winked at her in a most unGarinlike way. Word, as if Garins have no sense of humor, Your Highness.

She rapped on his arm with her hand fan, delighted at his gentle teasing but unable to put it into words. He pursed his lips together to hold back a laugh, but amusement brought a sparkle to his eyes. His com beeped twice, and he turned and opened the throne room door. Yjarnnah skipped out and saluted the Naradi before he took his mother’s hand. Thurman went on in to Oriel and helped her into a wheeled chair.

Would you mind taking us to the children’s library, Thurman? Yjar has finished his book already.

Has he! What a bright lad!

I am as shiny as a Scodan’s forehead! Yjarnnah chirped up.

Shh! Where did you hear that horrible phrase? Aura exclaimed. Did Uncle Darien say that to you?

No! Grandfather Searl did! Yjarnnah said cheerfully. And Grandmother Ellis said ‘shh’ just like you!

I shouldn’t wonder!

Yjarnnah, it is most inadvisable for a prince of Thuringa to say such an insulting phrase about an ally in the Stellar Council, Oriel told him.

Yes’m, Yjarnnah muttered. He stole a glance up at Thurman who nodded briefly, thus giving the silent inference that even though what Yjarnnah said might be accurate; he agreed that it was most improper. Yjar sighed and trudged beside his stately mother. I’ll wager regular folks can say it, he mumbled.

You are not regular folks, Thurman said in a low voice. "You are Yjarnnah Phillipi de Ardenne, prince of the Twenty-fifth Rule of Lycasis Phillipi, the last king of Arne. Noble regard lives within you and requires a worthy housing. And no, young prince, regular folks would not say it. ‘It belittles you to belittle others’."

Oh.

You will make a good father someday, Thurman, Oriel said fondly.

Thurman sighed. Why is there suddenly so much interest in that subject?

"We are Thuringi, Aura told him lightly. You know perfectly well Thuringi nature abhors a bachelor without the proportional zeal of public matchmaking."

I am doomed, Thurman said, and the exaggerated dread in his voice made Aura laugh aloud. Oriel turned her head to gaze up at Aura in surprise. Aura almost never joked with anyone. He wheeled Oriel into the children’s library and took up his place at the doorway.

Oriel spoke to her daughter-in-law. I have never seen you tease anyone that way before.

"I know; it does not happen often! He does not make me feel uneasy. I suppose it is because