All That Glitters Ch. 31

They waited the requisite time and then looked at the device. It clearly showed what the Cats had already indicated, Hanalei was pregnant...

Liramor-30 Mining Platform, HD-114153 Star System, 132 Light Years from Terra

Work had begun almost immediately on the derelict mining platform with the outer shell and most of the support structure being removed, taking the structure back to its core. From there, the existing core was thoroughly inspected before additional structure was added to it, expanding the core in order to expand the platform. It had taken a week to get to this point.

Annette Liramor was back in the system to check on the condition of their new acquisition. She was pleased with the work so far.

Pascal Dejeu was at his best, directing all the work being done from the supply ship being used as a transport/working base while the new structure was being constructed.

"Good-day, Ms. Liramor," Pascal greeted Annette. "It is good to see you're taking such an interest in this platform."

"Considering how much importance the TGA and the Navy have placed on this system, we need to keep as close an eye as possible on things, M. Dejeu."

"You may call me Pascal, Ms. Liramor," Pascal told her. "Everyone else does and it makes things so much simpler.

"Taking the old platform apart was surprisingly easy, which should not have been the case. It was not really put together all that well. An accident of any kind would have been disastrous to the platform. It was a wise decision on your part to take it back to the core," Pascal informed her.

"How about the core structure? Was it as tight as we had first thought?" Annette asked.

"Yes, there were some minor issues, however, for the most part the core was well constructed. We have cleaned up the small points that we have discovered and are now in the process of including the additional structure needed to bring the expected larger platform up to code to hold 12,000.

"We have already begun to add to the core portion of the platform to cover the intended size of the platform. We have the core ready to start adding the support structure outwards from the ore deck. We should have floor units to support some of the ore ovens down in two weeks. You can ship your first oven to us a week after that. For the foreseeable future, I would send one a week until we say otherwise.

"Working at that pace, we can have all the ore ovens in place twenty-one weeks from now, the first of them should be operational approximately three weeks after it is installed, say seven weeks from now.

"Once we get the additional people you have promised us, we can start constructing the rock cages. It will take a month for one hundred builders to complete each one. Do you know the final number of workers you will receive for the cages?" Pascal asked.

"We will have four hundred miners available at the end of the month," Annette said. "We are stripping extra miners from all of our current platforms in order to support the build. However, we simply don't have the enough bodies to give you 400 workers at the moment. We are now on a recruitment drive to hire new personnel.

"The first of the 400 should be arriving next week. For the moment, we do not have a place for them to stay as all accommodation on the shipyard station is now in use. We may have to pause bringing the others in."

"The sooner they get here, the sooner I can start the exterior cage," Pascal stated. "You may have to provide another supply ship or a dedicated personal transport ship in support.

"You can check with François as our Fast Ship program is having a rather serious effect on the bigger personnel transport companies with vessels that are not suitable to be used as cruise vessels. Pallanders was thinking of taking on several of the vessels being sold off to refit them for the cruise market. With how busy we are on our current shipbuilding stations; we may have one or two of those vessels sitting idle at the moment that we could lease to you until the platform can start accommodating its workforce, somewhere around six months from now," Pascal noted.

"Is the core long enough to accommodate the larger structure that we want?" Annette demanded, changing the subject back to the task at hand.

"No, but we are also increasing the length of the core to accommodate the expected size change for the platform," Pascal said, showing on the plans what he was discussing.

"What is you next priority then?" Annette asked.

"We have two priorities ongoing at the moment. I want the core extended so that we can have the upper and lower control centers in place and have one designated as Central Control in three weeks," Pascal explained. "Then we can install the comms antennae so that we can start to control our local area of space. The biggest issue there will be stringing the cabling for power and data. I suggest we use nodes to do that. That will allow us to tap in at any point along the way without having to splice cables.

"Included in that will be the structure above and below the control centers, to receive the new weapons that the Navy wants to install.

"As we do not know when we are to receive Navy ships in support, it is important to be able to defend ourselves. In a month, six weeks max, we can have the main and secondary control centers operational and we can begin to control our space and defend the platform.

"The second priority has already been started, building the support structure for the ore deck which will house the ore ovens," Pascal advised.

"Thank-you, Pascal," Annette replied. "Your ability to co-ordinate the work is beyond compare. Only you could make such short work of this construction job.

"Our mining recruitment program should start showing results soon. We will send the newest recruits to the existing platforms and transfer more experienced workers here. That will allow you to continue building at this pace.

"Once the cages are in place and we have ovens up and operational, I want to start mining rocks. Can you keep up this pace of construction while we are mining?" Annette asked him.

"Only if the Control Center is operational. We need to have close control of the space around the platform in order to attempt that," Pascal advised.

Annette took her leave, heading first to the local shipyard before retuning to Liramor Prime. She had to see about those idle transport ships...

Ur Family Quarters, India Deck, Liramor-23, Piscium System

Prof. Xavier Kuaté was working with the new members of the Ur family to see where they fit in the Malton University system. She was quite impressed with their level of skills, training, and education.

The door chimed and Mind-Ur went to see who it was, opening the door on Fiona, Heyya, and Prof. Zilina Smeldt.

"Hello, my friends," Mind-Ur said with a Pod-Drran smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence in our home?"

Before they could answer the door chimed again. Already there, Mind-Ur opened it to find Raymond, Liea, Gillaya, and Kim, who she immediately invited in.

Fiona greeted them then addressed the entire family.

"Mind-Ur, the Prof. and Dr. Heyya have been discussing our Kayl-Ur and Hend-Ur," Fiona began. "We have decided that their current training is sufficient that they be classified as a medical doctor and a nurse for which they are already recognized in the Pod-Drran system. To that effect, Heyya would like to hire them at the hospital as Pod-Drran specialists.

"I will agree to allow this on two conditions, that the two continue their studies on human physiology and earn second degrees from the human system, Hend-Ur as a Bachelor of Nursing, and Kayl-Ur as a Medical Doctor in the human system and that they in turn continue to teach their fellow human nurses and doctors about Pod-Drran physiology.

"In this regard, two days a week, they will provide instruction at the Campus of Malton University in Pod-Drran physiology, which will be recorded and used at the Malton University on Terr. Both of them will be paid by the university. They will, of course, have to provide their own instruction material.

"What that means is that, so long as there are no Pod-Drran patients at the hospital, those two will spend half the day in the hospital receiving hands on training in our system and half the day at the Malton University Campus, working toward their respective second degrees except on the two days that they are at the Campus as instructors.

"You, Mind-Ur, as the senior representative of the House of Ur, must agree to this process, as that will mean your two house members will be working for Liramor-23.

"What say you, Mind-Ur, Kayl-Ur, and Hend-Ur?" Fiona asked.

"I have no objections to this plan, Ms. Marsh," Mind-Ur stated formally. "Kayl-Ur, Hend-Ur, is this acceptable to you?"

"It is Phrat-Mahi (First Female)," Kayl-Ur answered immediately. "It will be good to receive a salary again."

"Good, then I expect the two of you to report to the hospital tomorrow morning," Heyya stated.

"Unfortunately, that will not be possible," Raymond interjected. "We have received a notice from Terra, specifically from President Holloway himself. Thanks to the recent interview by Cynthia Stewart, the President of the Union would like to meet our newest Union Citizens, Mind-Ur and Matildis Elizabeth Qan-Arl Roust-Polit.

"We are going to Terra, and I am taking the entire House of Ur with me," Raymond stated. "You are of course welcome to join us, Fiona."

"Wait, why wasn't I informed of that?" Fiona asked. "As the platform director, I should have received that notice."

Fiona's comp pinged. It was Fayad.

"Yes, Fayad?" Fiona opened her comp.

"Fiona, there is a priority message from the Office of the President of the Union, eyes only to you, ma'am." Fayad stated.

"That would likely be your invitation," Raymond said with a smile.

"I'm on my way," Fiona growled.

Office of the Director, Central Control, Liramor-23, Piscium system

Fiona marched into her office and took up the dispatch directed to her eyes. The first thing she noted was, though it came from the Office of the President, it was coded for Commodore Marsh. That was an anomaly.

She opened the link and passed her military code over it, activating the message. She read it through quickly, then read it again, a smile forming on her face. Next she opened her comp.

"Liana, its Fiona, are you on the platform?" she asked as soon as Liana opened the link.

"I am, Fiona, is there a problem?" Liana returned.

"Yes and no, Liana," Fiona replied. "Best you come to my office in Central Control immediately."

Liana arrived five minutes later. "What's up, Fiona?" she asked.

"I just received this message from the Office of the President," Fiona told her friend. "Requesting my presence at a meet and greet for our new House of Ur and the new baby girl.

"I have been ordered to bring you as -- By order in Council of the Office of the Armed Forces of the Terran Union, and approved by Office of the President, Wilford J. Holloway, J-111335-554 Captain (Navy), Liana Dostier, is to be promoted Commodore.

"Congratulations, Liana," Fiona said, hugging her friend.

Koh-Tan Se-Lam Roe ot Shem, Interstellar Space

The Wanderer came into existence 300km from the Koh-Tan. They immediately opened a comms link.

Good-day, Sha-Ret Jurte and Kur-Han Jurte," Raymond said over the link. "We have come to retrieve our warriors."

"Good-Day to you Raymond Ro, your warriors are waiting for you. I hope you have returned ALL of our personnel this time?" Sha-Ret answered with amusement.

"There was an issue when my head doctor wanted to keep one of them, but I dissuaded her of that," Raymond returned. "I advised her that your personnel were just on loan."

"We saw how much 'on loan' they were, it looks to me like you were trying to entice them to stay with you, Raymond," Sha-Ret said, with a Pod-Drran laugh to let Raymond know she was joking.

"We will be sending out the shuttle shortly, Sha-Ret," Raymond replied, letting his amusement show.

The shuttle landed in the indicated bay as instructed. However, the welcoming committee was somewhat different this time.

Several Pod-Drran of the Warrior Class were waiting in double rows facing each other, leaving a walkway between them. Raymond recognized some of the faces as being in Kit-Zur's entourage when he fought her his last time on the Koh-Tan.

Raymond, Junelliya, her Cat Juneya, Ayesha, Jennifer Roust, Daniel Polit, their baby girl Matildis, Kim, and Gillaya stepped out of the shuttle with Arl-Hal Sin-Dae and Qan-Hur Sin-Dan and approached the start of the open end when the Rai on the right nearest to the Jurte Pair snapped "Sheen!"

Immediately, all the warriors drew their Kaldar, bringing them straight up in front of them. The lead Rai then snapped "Hiid!"

The honour guard, for now it was apparent that it was, snapped their Kaldar around, pointing them at the deck and knelt on one knee.

At the end of the lane, the Jurte Pair, their respective Jurte-Rai and Jurte-Ro, the Empire's negotiation team, and Raymond's two missing warriors stood waiting.

Raymond walked up the space between the warriors and stopped before the Jurte Pair, however, Juneya reacted to the deference being paid to the group and moved up on Junelliya's head, her cape open in a stance of domination as they moved up the aisle. When the Pod-Drran saw this they all reacted, showing surprise.

As the group came to the end of the aisle, the lead Rai snapped "Heen" and the honour guard stood, their Kaldars still pointed at the deck.

The lead Rai, who Raymond recognized from the challenge as being a very vocal supporter of Kit-Zur, stood at his right.

"This is a change from last time we met," Raymond spoke to the Rai. "Then, you would not have given me the time of day if the sun was over your head for me to read it."

"Times have changed, mighty Ro," the Rai returned, unashamedly. "Then, you were an upstart human of the Union being challenged by a Rai who had the potential to become a Jurte. Now, you are a Ro of distinction who has treated our people better than some of us would treat each other."

"I understand now," Raymond replied. "It is good to note that my actions have been well received by the Pod-Drran."

Raymond bowed to the Rai who returned the curtesy, he then turned to face the Jurte Pair.

"Good-day, Sha-Ret Jurte, Kur-Han Jurte, Kome-Nar Ro, senior delegates, Jurte-Rai and Jurte-Ro, and my warriors, Tin-Ur and Kord-Ur," Raymond addressed them. "I hope I find you all in good form?"

"In excellent form, Raymond of the Union," Kome-Nar spoke for the group. "We are pleased to see that you have returned for your people."

"Any good leader should always do what he can for his people, Kome-Nar," Raymond replied.

"That is so, Raymond Clark of the Union," Sha-Ret said. "However, that is not always something that all Pod-Drran are noted for, as you regretfully have been witness to. Will we have time for negotiations this day, Raymond?"

"Unfortunately no, Sha-Ret Jurte," Raymond said. "Because of our previous challenge, we have been summoned by our leader to Terra. He wishes to meet with our new House of Ur.

"I regret to inform you, Sha-Ret Jurte, Kur-Han Jurte, Kome-Nar Ro, that the actions of your people in challenging me may have consequences. I will attempt to mitigate those consequences; however, the images of the challenge has been seen by my superiors.

"We hope that the actions of your doctors with the birth of the female Qan-Arl, will help me in this mitigation," Raymond explained, pointing out the baby to the Pod-Drran group.

"Such an unusual name, though one that we are pleased with," Sha-Ret stated. "To the Marti and the Palla, your brood will be accepted as one of the Pod-Drran. If you let us know, in future, what Sirsh this female will attain, the Pod-Drran will be pleased to provide a Pol-Mar specific to her, if our two people are still on friendly terms."

"On Qan-Arl's behalf, we thank you for this offer, Sha-Ret Jurte, Kur-Han Jurte," Jennifer stated formally. "We will let her know of the Pod-Drran's consideration as she grows older."

Kome-Nar bowed to Raymond. "Very well then, Raymond, we will not keep you further."

"I return your doctors to you, Sha-Ret Jurte," Raymond confirmed turning to the pair. "I thank-you for all your assistance Arl-Hal Sin-Dae and Qan-Har Sin-Don. I hope your experience with us was enjoyable."

"Immensely so, Raymond Ro," Arl-Hal replied. "I and my mate have never enjoyed working in our field as much. I hope that we can exchange further knowledge in the future and we thank-you for the items you have left us as gifts, especially these stethoscopes."

"I'm sure they will become a valuable trade item amongst the Medical Class," Raymond said with a smile.

"Tin-Ur, Kord-Ur, are you ready to meet the remainder of the House of Ur?" Raymond asked.

"We are, Raymond Ro," Tin-Ur spoke for the pair.

Raymond bowed to the Jurte Pair and then to Kome-Nar and the negotiation team. He then turned and led his people between the honour guards, who once again had taken a knee. Raymond nodded to the warriors he recognized as he led his people to the shuttle. A few minutes later, the shuttle was lifting off the deck and returning to The Wanderer.

"That was the ugliest brood I have ever seen," Kur-Han Jurte said as the shuttle lifted from the deck.

"I'm sure that the humans think the same of our brood," Arl-Hal Sin-Dae spoke up in defence of her new kin.

"It was exceptionally large," Nal-Hut Sin-Dae remarked.

"Our broods number from three to six infants, they humans will usually have only one, sometimes two," Arl-Hal informed the group. "Thus, they will have larger infants, but those infants do not grow as swiftly as ours. They remain mostly helpless until around their fifth year. Even then, they are small. They do not attain their full height until the reach puberty around fourteen or fifteen years and are not considered adult until they reach at least eighteen years."

"So, similar to our Kisory who reach puberty around age ten, but are not considered adult until they finish their studies?" Sha-Ret Jurte asked of Arl-Hal.

"That is so, my Jurte," Arl-Hal confirmed. "Our races age differently and end their education differently as well. They are considered adult at age eighteen but may still attend higher education for many years after. They respect education and require it for many forms of their chosen work.

"One thing that is different with humans is that they are not bound to one Sirsh. They may choose to attain a different Sirsh from what they started in, even many years into their lives. It is not unusual to find humans who have had four and even five Sirsh in their lifetime," Arl-Hal informed them.

"How is this possible?" Kome-Nar asked.

"They do not have a Class system, Kome-Nar," Qan-Har Sin-Dan informed them.

"As such, they may strive to be whatever they wish. As they live longer than most Pod-Drran, up to 200 of their years, and are active well into their century, a change to their Sirsh is not uncommon," he finished.

"Such a different way of life," Sha-Ret Jurte remarked.

"Did you notice the Chlaerge, my Jurte, one of her Jurte-Rai asked.

"I do not think that creature was a Chlaerge," Sha-Ret answered immediately. "Though there are similarities."

"Yes, my Jurte," the Jurte-Rai replied in deference. "However, there are no Chlaerge left, my Jurte. We have only the images of the Goddess and her messengers."

"Do you think the humans noticed?" Kur-Han asked of his mate.

"If so, Raymond is wise enough to say nothing. The casual way the beast rode Junelliya is frightening," Kome-Nar answered for all.