Hidden Secrets

By Sophia DeLuna

It isn't a particularly bright day for Tashana, the Shawana or High Priestess of Shakaran, as she is not looking forward to the dreaded council meeting. Political discussions aren't exactly her forte, especially not with Vareljo, the Regent of Shakaran, known as the Kavarin, who has a blazing hatred for the clerics. However, soon after the council meeting, her best friend, Kitanjo just barely avoids a collision with an alien ship as it crash-lands on Shakaran. Tashana’s immediate worries are forgotten as the two of them set out to investigate the crashed spaceship.

Laris, Captain of the Traveller, is not having a great day either. While dealing with the ongoing complaints of her passengers, her ship is hit by an ion storm and is flung into unknown space. As they are sent hurtling towards an alien planet with no means of avoiding a crash-landing, Laris fears that this will be the end, and she begins to pray to all the gods who may listen.

The survivors of the ship are offered temporary refuge by the Shakari.
The society on Shakaran, with their money-free democratic system, functions quite differently than that which the Sarvians are used to. While they await their fate to be determined, the Sarvians and Shakari are forced into each other's company. This becomes a time of discovery and learning experience for both. Their resilience and courage are tested to the limits.

Will the Shakari help building a new ship for the Sarvians? How will the Sarvians cope with the cultural differences they are confronted with?

The novel includes quite a few images of characters and surroundings. For those who only have black & white devices and would like to see the images in colour: I will upload most of them to RedBubble (see link in my Smashwords profile).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sophia DeLuna
• Release date: May 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476318691

Sophia DeLuna

I live on the outskirts of Nuremberg, and I love walking with my dog in the forest, which starts just across the road. My greatest passions are the English language, writing, reading, and my aquariums. I also love photographing, digital painting and creating digital art, crocheting, singing, travelling, learning languages, watching documentaries, etc. In short, I love being creative and I'm interested in a vast variety of subjects. Some of my photos and digital paintings can be viewed here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/sophiadeluna

Book preview

Prologue

Tashana

It was already early afternoon when Tashana, Shawana of Shakaran, sat alone at a table in the frater of the main temple, picking at the leftovers on her plate. It wasn't unusual for her to eat late. Preferring silence and solitude, she rarely took her meals with the other inhabitants of the temple.

Usually, she loved everything Maranja, the temple cook, prepared, but today she had no appetite at all. She had already skipped breakfast, and as for lunch, she was two hours late. She really needed to eat. With an effort she willed herself to take another bite. While chewing listlessly, she stared at the delicate floral patterns on her plate, contemplating how it was possible that one day those patterns could seem so beautiful and lovely, whereas today, they just appeared annoyingly cheerful. In her brooding she didn't notice the person entering the frater.

Nanjara entered with a happy grin on her face.

Nanjara

Nanjara, the former Shawana, had stepped back voluntarily when her former scholar, Tashana, had surpassed all previously known standards for Sha'ntavhéra. After her resignation, Nanjara had decided to stay in the temple to guide Tashana, and help her grow into her new role. She had followed Tashana's development from the very beginning when she had come to the temple at the age of 12, the same age Nanjara herself had started to live here as an acolyte, and she loved her like a daughter.

Now, she had just been on the hunt for a nice afternoon treat, knowing that Maranja almost always prepared some kind of cookies, cakes or tartlets for the sweet tooths among the inhabitants. And she hadn't been disappointed. When she entered the kitchen, she immediately spotted the large tray with ... mmmh ... bingaberry tartlets. She instantly took two of the tartlets, hesitated ... for about a split second ... and put a third one on her plate, grinning happily.

In her joyful mood, she decided to have a look into the frater to see if there was anyone with whom she could socialise. Delighted, she saw that Tashana was sitting at the table in the middle, and she started walking towards her. As she came closer, her smile left her face. Instead, sorrow deepened the wrinkles on her forehead. As she neared the table, she realised that Tashana still hadn't noticed her presence.

Hey, sweetie! ... No reaction. She put her plate with the tartlets on the table next to Tashana's place, and sat down on the chair that barely fitted her rounded figure. She put her arm around Tashana's shoulders and asked, What's wrong?

Tashana only made a grumbling noise. Nobody was allowed to touch her, just as she never touched anybody. Nanjara was one of very few people who simply ignored this idiosyncrasy of hers, and if she was to be honest ... sometimes it felt really good. Today however, it was simply irritating. She just wanted to be left alone before she had to leave for 'The Torture'.

Suddenly Nanjara realised the date, or more specifically, what was going to be on the agenda today. Uh, oh, today is the council meeting, right? Tashana only made an acknowledging groan. Nanjara squeezed her shoulder. My condolences! and she retrieved her arm and started munching her bingaberry tartlets. Tashana only sighed wearily.

Nanjara closed her eyes and took her first bite of the tartlet, and when it reached her taste buds, she couldn't help the ecstatic loud moan that escaped her. She wouldn't even have wanted to if she could have. She had a special, loving relationship with food, and although it amused others to no end, and she had been teased about it all her life, she didn't care. Life was just too precious to withhold her affection when something delicious pleasured her taste buds. And this bingaberry tartlet was downright making love to them. In her blissful pleasure, she sensed Tashana staring at her, and when she cast a sideward glance at her, she did a double take when she saw a huge grin on the face of the Shawana.

I was just remembering ..., said Tashana and chuckled.

Huh? ... Ohhh! and Nanjara started chuckling too. That was some wicked prank you pulled!

Oh, I don't know. Your payback was quite vicious too. And they broke into laughter.

22 years ago, Tashana had been 16, and an acolyte in the main temple. Nanjara 43 back then, had been on her way to becoming the Shawana.

Tashana and two of her comrades had secretly taken recordings of Nanjara's vocal eating habits, and fitted them in at certain parts of an erotic audio play they had made for that purpose. They had intentionally acted conspicuously, sharing their work with their comrades, exchanging the data stick holding it. It didn't take long for the conspirators to see that they had gained Nanjara's attention and piqued her curiosity. It was time for their next move, so one of them had 'accidentally' lost the data stick. Nanjara had found it on the stone floor of the arcades outside the auditorium.

At first, she had been impressed by the quality of the audio play, but when she got to the part where the two protagonists made passionate love and she recognised her own voice at the moaning parts, her eyebrows just about crawled off her forehead, and shortly after, she broke into roaring laughter. Those kids were just priceless. While this was the best prank she had ever been the victim of, it also demanded revenge. Oh, was she going to give them payback! Gleefully, she had invented a nicely vicious plan.

Before the evening meal, she had summoned all her scholars to the auditorium. When all of them were gathered, she stood in front of them, deathly serious, letting her gaze wander over each single face, while slapping the offensive data stick against her palm. Every one of her scholars had blanched.

She addressed them, It has come to my attention that some of you have committed an infringement by secretly recording a person's voice without them knowing, and on top of that, taking it out of context in a rather compromising way, and then she had paused dramatically. She almost lost her composure when she saw the hilarious colour play on the faces of her scholars, ranging from deathly white to beet-red. But she managed to suppress grinning, and instead raised her eyebrow threateningly, Who is responsible for this? Step forward!

After some shuffling and eying each other, Tashana, her girlfriend Sarinja and their buddy Kitanjo stepped forward. Nanjara had already recognised their voices on the audio play, but she hadn't been sure if there might be more scholars involved, so she asked, You three are the only ones involved in this?

All three nodded, their eyes fixed on the floor.

All right. Well, we cannot have acolytes of the main temple committing crimes, so ..., she paused again as the three culprits cast fearful glances at her. I will give my permission for the use of my voice retroactively.

Surprised, the culprits looked at her and relaxed visibly, grins forming on their faces, while the other scholars started whispering among each other in astonishment.

And ... , she continued, waiting for the scholars to listen, I will put in a recommendation for creative work for each of you ... Pity I cannot give myself one for that, she added, chuckling. Her scholars burst into laughter with her. When the laughter abated, she said, But I will keep this one! waving the data stick, and Kitanjo retorted, No problem, we've got copies, causing another roar of laughter.

***

Both women were laughing at this recollection, when there was a tumultuous noise. Two Vankinas dashing into the frater caused Tashana's laughter to die abruptly.

Rolling her eyes, she sighed and got up. Well, I must go.

Nanjara chuckled and said, Fleeing the hordes again? winking at her. Tashana only stared at her and humphed. Then she picked up her plate, and strode towards the kitchen as several acolytes stormed into the frater.

Back in her quarters, Tashana took off her clothes, and went to her walk-in closet to choose appropriate attire for the dreaded council meeting, opting for a cream-white robe with golden ornamental patterns at the hems, long sleeved as all her public attire was. When she finished dressing and was in the process of brushing her long, dark brown, wavy hair, the door chime rang.

Punctual as always, she said to herself smiling, and called out, Come in.

Manira, her personal Servant and self-proclaimed body guard, though she hardly needed one, entered and strode towards her. She stopped in front of her and greeted her with a respectful nod.

Shawana. May I be of assistance?

Sighing, Tashana shook her head. I wish you would stop calling me that.

Manira smiled ruefully, Bear with me, Shawana. It is my way to show my deep respect and devotion to you.

Sighing again, Tashana said, I guess I will never be able to convince you that I am aware of this, even without you calling me Shawana. Manira only shook her head, smiling, and Tashana continued, All right. To answer your question, yes, you may help me with the braid.

With pleasure, said Manira, and she took the brush from Tashana and started braiding part of the hair into a long, slim plait.

It was common for Shavarin to wear their hair off their faces in public so as to make their distinctive tattoos visible to all.

***

Half an hour later, Tashana landed her aircraft on the parking area of the Palace. Next to her, the Representative of the Vintiavar - the underwater towns - had just disembarked from his bulky aircraft. When Tashana stepped out of hers, he nodded curtly, greeting her.

Shawana.

Kalenjo, she responded in kind. Neither of them trying to fake affection, and both started walking towards the entrance.

As usual, the council meeting was rather painful for Tashana, people arguing about the most simple and irrelevant issues. The Kavarin, Vareljo, making snide remarks about the Shavarin, and at times about Tashana personally, trying her patience to the limit.

Vareljo

From the beginning of his regency, some five years ago, he had made it clear that he held no affection for the Shavarin whatsoever. He was not the only one with a dislike for the Shavarin, but they clearly were a miniscule minority, a fact that caused him even more irritation.

Tashana had already started wool-gathering when Vareljo announced that he was coming to the last issue on his list. She pricked up her ears so she would at least know what the following argument would be about. What she heard then made her instantly alert.

Vareljo declared, I want a proposal to be put on the opinions board to change the name of our planet and our people. Shakara is only of historic value, anyway, and in my opinion modern people should not be forced to be named after a relic.

All of the council members, with the exception of Kalenjo, were shocked and outraged at the blasphemous audacity, and started to heatedly voice their opinion all at once, until Tashana rose from her seat with a deathly slowness.

How dare you! she stated with a low, threatening voice, looking down at the Kavarin seated across from her. Shakara is your Goddess as well. And even if you choose to ignore Her, She would never ignore you.

Vareljo leaned back in his chair. Crossing his arms over his chest, he declared smugly, Unlike you, he started, looking around at the council members before fixing his glance on Tashana again, I do not crave her attention. I do not need her attention at all. I am perfectly capable of caring for myself.

With an effort Tashana willed herself not to rise to his baiting offense, though not altogether succeeding.

It is your prerogative to refuse Her help. It is not, however, within your right to offend your people by implying that they are incapable and needy.

Vareljo grinned. Funny how you try to put the blame on me for the things of which you are guilty.

Turning serious, he straightened in his chair and put his hands on the table. "You shavarin are the ones who continuously induce helplessness into people’s minds by forcing them to rely on you and your goddess and whine their prayers instead of simply helping themselves."

Tashana's barely controlled fury was giving her an appearance of threatening danger. This caused the people sitting next to her to move away from her, their chairs scraping on the floor achingly loudly in the sudden deathly silence.

For a split second, fear flashed across Vareljo's face. But it vanished immediately, when the satisfaction filled him that finally he got to her. Now she would finally show her true face, and even if he died in the process, he would accomplish his goal of making all Shakari see in what kind of people they were placing their trust. Once again a smug grin appeared on his face.

Tashana, noticing the reaction of the council members and the flash of fear on Vareljo's face, made a quick decision, You know what? Put your proposal on the opinions board.

People gasped, but when some started to voice their opinion, Tashana silenced them with a gesture of her arm. Her gaze still fixed on Vareljo, she continued, There is no shame in accepting help. I trust Shakari people to know that. And I trust the Shakari people's faith in Shakara, and their pride in being Her people on Her planet. So, go on and put your proposal on the board. Shakari people are free to decide for themselves. And I trust they will make the right decision.

That being said, she paused and looked around. The other council members were nodding in agreement. She sat down, folded her hands on the table, and calmly looked at Vareljo, waiting for his response.

The Kavarin cleared his throat, having been utterly surprised by Tashana's decision, Well, now that this is settled ... does any of you have anything to add?

The council members shook their heads. In that case, I herewith close this meeting. Thank you all for your attendance. And as he rose from his seat the others followed, chatting agitatedly in hushed voices while they filed out of the room.

***

Relieved that the meeting was finally over, Tashana entered her aircraft. Looking forward to a long relaxing bath to wash away the unpleasantness of the encounter with Vareljo, she sighed in anticipation and headed for the temple.

Little did she know that she wouldn't get the chance for the relaxing bath this day, and that her whole life as she knew it was about to change...

Chapter 1

Kitanjo

Kitanjo, Sha'ntazhéra of the temple of Kareen, was happily on his way to the main temple, having just picked up some special herbs for Tashana's Shavukas in a small village in the mountains.

He had also brought some quite rare herbs from Nejantera, the northern continent of Shakaran. They were a special surprise from Trevaro to Nanjara. Trevaro, the former Shawana, now in his 90s, shared a special friendship with his former scholar. The two were known for their rather bizarre habit of stuffing the most adventurous mixtures of herbs in their Kashinjas.

Trevaro

Kitanjo rarely smoked. But as a scholar of both Trevaro and Nanjara, he had become their partner in crime, as Katira, Trevaro’s wife used to call him. Katira was not fond of the smoking habits of her husband. She loved him dearly, but she simply couldn't help scolding him whenever he indulged in his passion.

Now Kitanjo was flying in his tiny aircraft over the Grasslands in the direction of Askaria, when suddenly a huge object appeared in his peripheral view ... Whoa! he cried out, and with a reckless evasive manoeuvre, he just barely managed to save his aircraft from being smashed.

When he had stopped his ship and was hovering in the air, an enormous crash, followed by the sound of screeching and cracking of metal filled the air, and he turned his ship to see what had happened.

Holy shit! was the only thing that escaped him, when he stared in surprised amazement at the object that had almost sent him to Shakara's realm.

When he regained his senses, he punched the keys on his communication console.

Tashana's face appeared on the little view screen. What's up?

You won't be able to guess what just happened, Kitanjo said, pausing dramatically.

Tashana rolled her eyes impatiently. Come on, just tell me. I had a really bad day and I am not up to guessing.

Kitanjo relented, Okay. I almost got run over by a huge alien ship.

Tashana only raised one eyebrow, questioningly.

He sighed outrageously and declared, I know what you are thinking and YES, I got your herbs and NO I have not smoked any of them! I was just happily crossing the Grasslands, when a huge ship came down and almost smashed me to pieces. It has crashed, and is now partly buried in the ground. I'm not sure if anyone survived. So far I haven't seen any aliens.

Tanjo, I swear, if you are yanking my chain ...

Tasha, I swear to Shakara, I'm telling you the truth. May She strike me dead immediately, if I wasn't.

"Wow. You are serious, aren't you?"

You can bet your hallowed ass, I am. What do we do now? Is there any protocol on how to deal with a situation like this?

Tashana thought for a moment, and shook her head. Not that I know of.

Well, I'm going down to see if there's anyone in there.

Wait! I'm coming with you. You shouldn't be doing this alone. Wait a minute.

And before he could answer she cut the connection, leaving him muttering to himself, Shouldn't be doing this alone? What the fuck ... as if I'm not perfectly capable to meet a few ... uh ... aliens ... unknown aliens ... maybe malicious aliens ... um ... okay, maybe having Tasha at my side won't be such a bad idea after all ...

Tashana cut the connection, and reached out with her mind to contact Nanjara.

Since telepathy was mostly used in urgent cases, Nanjara was surprised to hear Tashana's voice calling her mentally. It didn't take long for her to understand the urgency of the call.

Tashana continued, "I am going to teleport to Kitanjo. I will leave the link open, so you will know what is happening."

Alarmed, Nanjara asked, "Wouldn't it be better to wait for assistance and take your aircraft?"

"There is no time for that. Danara is just checking my aircraft. There is something wrong with the helm control, so I cannot take my aircraft before she is done. Any other private ship will take at least an hour to reach the location, and I don't want to involve public transport, yet. First, I want to see what we will have to deal with, and I don't want Kitanjo to get himself into trouble. And I am the only one who can reach him instantly."

"All right. But leave the link open. I am going to get help and send them your way."

"Thank you, Nana," Tashana ended the conversation, and gathered her concentration to teleport ...

When she appeared in the seat next to Kitanjo, he jumped.

Yikes! Don't you think one shock per day is enough? Can't you knock or something before you scare an old man to death?

As Tashana's look was fixed on the crashed alien ship, she didn't listen to his ramblings.

Holy shit!

My words exactly, he stated, still slightly annoyed with her sudden appearance.

"By Shakara!" Nanjara breathed through the link when the image of the crashed ship formed in her head.

Well, what are you waiting for, get down there! Tashana urged.

Rolling his eyes he countered exasperatedly, Aye, aye, oh Shawana, and tapped on his control panel to move the ship downward.

Tashana shot him a surprised look, and then smirked, her golden eyes twinkling. Playfully, she slapped him on the arm. Stinker!

Kitanjo looked at her, and grinning he countered, Bitch!

They chuckled, and Nanjara who had witnessed their banter chuckled also.

When they got closer, the dimension of the foreign ship became clearer, and Kitanjo stated admiringly, Wow, that sure is one large pile of junk.

Well, it is definitely roomier than your nutshell.

The size of his aircraft was often the subject of teasing. He had especially wanted it to be designed like this, as it was the most practical for him. Despite its compact size, it was very quick, and remarkably manoeuvrable.

Hey! Stop offending my whizzer. This 'nutshell', as you put it, just saved my ass. With your whopper I would be greeting Shakara by now, and you could collect my pieces from all over the Grasslands. Pfft!

Imagining the scene he created, Tashana looked at him gravely. Touché. Gosh! I guess I won't be able to tease you about this ever again with that image you just put in my head.

Good! he countered contentedly.

"Good gracious! Your imagination is disgustingly vivid!" cursed Nanjara, who had been assaulted with Tashana's images.

"Tell me about it!" Tashana responded.

Kitanjo started circling the alien ship. Do you see an entrance or something?

Not yet. Let's have a look at the other side.

There. That looks like it could be one, he pointed his finger to the lower middle of the ship.

Yes, you are right.

He landed his ship about 30 paces from the entrance, and turned off the engine.

What now?

Let's have a look, said Tashana, and stepped out.

Chapter 2

Laris

The Traveller was a long-range-transport ship, designed to comfortably carry up to 200 passengers.

Laris had put in an application before the ship was even finished. She had served on battleships for 15 years, the last three as a captain. She loved her job as a captain, but she was tired of fighting. No more battles. Heck, they hadn't even been her battles. All of them had been to help one or the other of their allies. And the Empire of Sarvis had gathered quite a large number of allies over the past centuries. She had wanted to follow a more peaceful path. A passenger transport ship was just the thing she desired.

She had captained the Traveller for more than five years now, and she had never regretted her decision. She loved this ship. The beautiful interior, the hydroponics garden, the gyms, the various lounges and the huge quarters, all specifically designed to make crew and passengers comfortable on their long journeys.

As usual, their last journey had started at Space Station 01, which was located near her home planet, Sarvis. This time they had three stops on route, and were on their way to their last destination, Greenhaven, a planet that had been colonised by Escapees about ten years ago.

They had been dissatisfied with the highly technological way of life that was common on most of the worlds of the Sarvian Empire. Over the years they had formed a rather large group, and had finally been able to negotiate the colonisation of a medium sized planet, named 40564, on the outskirts of the Empire of Sarvis. They had renamed the planet Greenhaven, because of its appearance. They were still in communication with the Empire, and since the planet was still sparsely populated, they welcomed anyone who wanted to escape the high tech worlds.

The Traveller had travelled for almost a year now, and had just two more days to go to reach their destination.

It was only midday, yet Laris was exhausted. This really wasn't her day. It had started in the morning when she had found that her sonic shower was not functioning.

Fuck! she cursed, stepped out of the shower and padded back into her bedroom. She tapped her communication device, Captain Laris to Tica.

"Yes, Captain?" responded the chief engineer.

What's going on with the sonic showers?

"What do you mean?"

They aren't working.

"Well, take a hydro shower; I have a more crucial issue to fix right now."

Tica ... I'm already late. A hydro shower takes ages. What could be any more crucial?

"How about an increase in the warp-core temperature?"

What?! Fuck!

"Exactly. So, take a hydro shower and let me fix this. I'll see to your sonic shower as soon as I'm done."

Laris sighed heavily, All right. Laris out.

She showered and dressed as quickly as possible, though drying her long hair couldn't be done speedily.

When she finally entered her ready room, she stopped in her tracks when she saw the huge pile of data pads sitting on her desk. This is not my day, she groaned. She walked over to the assembler and barked, Coffee. Black, and the assembler obligingly produced a mug of coffee. She took a first sip, sighing appreciatively, and walked over to her desk.

Before placing the mug on the desk, she took another sip, closing her eyes. She loved this brew ever since she had first tasted it. The real thing was a luxury, since its origin was in another quadrant of the universe. It was brought to them via one of their allies. One day the Sarvian Empire would send ships to this quadrant themselves. Maybe she would volunteer for such a mission. Then, she might be able to get the real thing for a more affordable price. But right now, there were other things she needed to take care of...

Reluctantly she came out of her reverie, and started perusing the first pad of the pile. God almighty! 45 complaints about malfunctioning sonic showers? she cursed in disbelief. And most of them from passengers? Hot damn, what are those colonists doing at this early hour? And why, for heaven's sake, are they using sonic showers anyway, if they find high technology so unbearable that they move to the middle of nowhere to flee it? ... Well, just two more days ...

She put the pad aside and took a sip of her coffee. Sighing, she reached for the next pad.

Around midday Tica contacted her, "Tica to Laris."

Laris here. How's the warp core doing?

"It's doing fine now, but I want to keep an eye on it. You'll get the report later. I'm gonna set Leeta on those sonic showers now."

God bless you, Tica. This is the best news I've heard all day! the captain commented relieved.

"That bad, eh?"

You have no idea. The stewards keep harassing me every half hour or so. And I can't blame them, the colonists are driving them nuts. Seems like they want to enjoy everything high tech to the fullest before they give it up forever, said Laris, confiding her hardships to her chief engineer and trusted friend.

Tica chuckled, "I'm sure I'd go crazy, too, if I was to spend the rest of my life on Greenhaven. But then again, I'd never voluntarily live on a planet like that. As much as I love hydro showers, a life without engines and computers ... she shuddered, What a horrible image!"

Indeed! Laris agreed wholeheartedly. Hey, want to share lunch as soon as you're sure that the 'baby' is all right?

"Sure! Gimme another hour okay?"

Sounds fine. Officers lounge at 13:00?

"I'll be there. Provided everything stays stable."

Okay. See you then. Laris out.

Laris smiled. Allowing herself a moment of retrospection, she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

On her first day as the captain of the Traveller, she had been introduced to her new chief of engineering. She chuckled as she recalled the introduction.

The Admiral had guided her into the engineering room where they were greeted by the view of the rather huge backside of a person kneeling under a panel. When the Admiral had announced himself, they heard a clonk followed by a rather colourful string of curses. The person got up, rubbing the back of her head, and turned around to face them. Her face flushed, she grinned at them and apologised Sorry, Admiral!

Laris had recognised her instantly from the images in the crew manifest. Well, with those abundantly decorated ears, it would have been pretty hard not to recognise her. But Laris also recalled that she had been quite impressed with the long list of recommendations in the engineer's file. The woman knew her job, and Laris was glad she had such a skilled engineer on her ship.

Laris' engineering skills didn't go much further than the necessary basics. Her forte lay more in using the technology the engineers developed and cared for. She could pilot any vessel, and knew how to use and read any controls on the bridge. She had great tactical skills and she was a good captain. However, when it came to anything mechanical, she was pretty much at a loss.

Laris was known for her unusually personal relationships with her crew. Even if some regarded this as a flaw, she wouldn't have changed it for anything. She needed to rely on her crew, and for her, it was difficult to trust a person she barely knew. So she made sure she got to know at least the senior staff members personally.

She had done so on the Traveller as well, by inviting each of her senior staff members to share dinner with her in the officers' lounge on the first evening. And when the evening was over, she knew she would get along with all of them.

Zira, the tall and gorgeous looking pilot, seemed to be somewhat reserved at first, but over the years she adapted to the unusual intimate atmosphere, and they became great friends.

Rovin, the tactical officer was also rather silent. His calm and logical nature had a wonderfully soothing effect on Laris, as it did on most others.

Rovin

It had taken her some time, though, to get used to her security officer, Angos, who wouldn't alter his manner between off and on duty. As much as she valued personal contact with her crew, it was another matter to hear a crewman answer to you as the captain, like he would to a buddy. Now she understood that he didn't mean any disrespect by doing so. It was just his way. For him, all beings deserved the same kind of respect, so he treated them alike. Besides this idiosyncrasy, it was oddly cute to see this big man follow his partner, Kiran, like a puppy dog whenever they were not on duty.

Angos

Kiran, the short, fair-haired operations officer was much more outgoing than his partner, and much more respectful in his manner.

Doctor Sirka was in a class of her own. She could be even more disrespectful than Angos, and she meant it. She was a competent doctor, but her harsh manner, and her rather stern and often grumpy nature needed some getting used to. Below the surface, however, she was a warm-hearted and compassionate woman, though she hardly ever let this show. She loved to bet and gamble, and spent a lot of her off-duty time in one of the casinos, gambling, smoking and enjoying a drink.

Sirka

Tica, who was also a smoker, and Zira, who had a very competitive nature, quite often joined the doctor for a game or two. On occasion it became far more than that, resulting in them staying up until the wee hours, much to the amusement of their comrades, who enjoyed teasing them when they came on duty the next morning.

Laris only joined them on occasion. She didn't participate in the gaming, but she liked being in their company.

She spent a lot of her free time with just Tica.

Tica

They had come to be really special friends. During their first year together, they had rather a tough time of it when Tica developed a crush on Laris. Laris loved her dearly, but she didn't want an intimate relationship with anyone. She preferred her solitude, and it had taken her considerable effort to get Tica to understand that it had nothing to do with her personally. Eventually she had understood, and they had been great friends ever since.

Slowly Laris emerged from her fond memories. She stretched, groaned and reached for her coffee. She was just in the process of sipping, when she was startled by the sound of alarm klaxons going off Captain to the bridge!

Cursing about the coffee she had spilled all over her uniform, she rushed out onto the bridge.

Report!

Kiran responded, Ion storm fast approaching. Estimated impact, 30 seconds.

Evasive manoeuvre!

Too late, Captain, Zira shouted, That one came too suddenly and is too large to evade.

All hands! Brace for impact! yelled the captain.

And then the storm hit them. Hard.

They were tossed around, metal screeching, conduits breaking, and all they could do was to hold on for dear life.

When they finally got out, Laris shouted over the alarm sirens and the screeching of broken metal.

Report!

Rovin announced, Weapons off-line, shields down to 35 per cent.

All engines off-line, shouted Zira from the helm, her long hair in utter disarray.

Kiran added, Life support stable, hull breaches on deck seven and eight, several casualties, no fatalities so far.

Captain! shouted Zira agitatedly, There's another ship that obviously got dragged through the ion storm.

And their warp core is overloading! added Kiran alarmed.

Captain to engineering.

"Tica here, Captain."

We need the engines. Now!

"I'm sorry, Captain, but it'll take at least half an hour to get the impulse back. Warp drive will take a lot longer, I don't have an estimate, yet."

Tica, we don't have half an hour.

She looked over to Kiran.

Not more than ten minutes, till it blows, he responded.

You heard him, Tica. If we don't manage to get away from here fast, we will get blown to pieces.

"I'll do my best, Captain."

I know. Laris out. She cut the connection and asked Zira, Do we have thrusters?

Yes, Captain. But ...

I know, Zira, it won't be enough. But anything we can do to increase the distance is better than just sitting here waiting to get blown up.

Aye, Captain, agreed Zira and started punching her console.

Eight dreadful minutes later, Tica was heard over the com-system, "Tica to the Captain. Impulse is back now."

God bless you, Tica! Well done! Laris out. Zira, get us out of here.

Aye Captain, responded Zira, already hitting the keys on her console.

Kiran? Laris questioned.

A minute at the most, he estimated.

That won't be enough. We will have to ride the wave as best we can, Zira, the Captain declared.

I'll do my best, answered Zira, her fingers flying over her console.

All hands! Brace for impact! Laris announced.

When the shock wave hit, Zira did her best to hold the ship stable, and ride it out. But the strain on the ship caused further damage. And even as the wave had debated, they were still hurtled forward by the momentum.

Captain! Kiran shouted, when he realised, they were racing directly towards a planet.

I see it, Kiran. Zira? asked the captain, having already seen the problem on the view screen.

I'm trying, Captain, I'm trying, she responded irritably.

When it became clear that they couldn't prevent a crash landing, Laris announced again, All hands! Brace for impact!

And this time it would be the last, Laris thought, and leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes, she sent a prayer to all the gods who might listen.

When she came back to consciousness she was met by an eerie silence. Only the slight hissing of damaged conduits, and then some moans could be heard. Smoke filled the air on the bridge. She coughed and unfastened the safety belt that had cut into her and left her sore. She moaned in relief as the pressure eased, and looked around.

Zira had just come to. Kiran also seemed to move. Rovin groaned.

Laris breathed a sigh of relief. At least they had survived. How the others had fared, she had yet to find out. Captain to engineering.

Nothing. Damn! she cursed. No communication. Looking at her console she saw that it wasn't functioning either.

Carefully she got up and went over to Zira, touching her shoulder. Hey, are you all right?

Zira groaned and reached for her forehead. Pulling her hand back, she saw it was covered in blood. She turned around to face Laris. Except that my head feels like it got hit by a planet ... I guess I'll live. She tried to grin but failed. Instead, she winced from the pain that shot through her head, and pressing her arm against the wound, she moaned.

Laris squeezed her shoulder compassionately. Com-system is off-line. I'm going to have a look at the others on the bridge, and then we will have to have a look at the rest, Laris said and turned to walk over to Kiran.

Yeah. Okay. And I guess I'd better head for sickbay, this isn't ceasing to bleed, said Zira, annoyed, and disgustedly wiped her hand on her uniform.

Laris, just now realising the severity of the head wound, looked back in concern, Of course!

Zira, seeing Laris' concerned face, tried to ease her worries Hey! It's all right. Don't worry. Told ya I'll live.

Laris closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. Okay.

When Zira called the lift, she was almost surprised when the doors hissed open. Cool! Something's still workin'. She walked into the lift to get to sickbay.

Laris stared after her until the lift doors shut.

Kiran had already unfastened his safety belts. Wow! That's been some ride, huh? he said to the captain, trying to lighten the mood.

Laris smirked half-heartedly. Indeed! You okay?

Yeah, I'm okay, though I guess I will be sore for quite some time, he mused.

Now she did have to grin. I'm sure Angos is going to take care of that, she said and winked.

Kiran grinned at her, Uh huh. Then his face turned serious. I hope he is all right.

Let's go and have a look, said Laris, who had noticed Rovin getting up from his chair.

Nodding at her, Rovin said, I'm all right, Captain. Let's see how the rest is doing.

They all walked towards the lift, and stepped in when the doors slid open. They decided to split up and meet in the officers' lounge in an hour.

Laris went to engineering first. Walking through the wrecked corridors she glanced out the windows, when she suddenly caught sight of a spacecraft hovering in the air. Shit! she cursed. She hadn't expected the planet to be inhabited. Now she had to deal with aliens on top of all this mess. She groaned.

When she got to engineering she was extraordinarily relieved to see that Tica was well, although looking rather worse for wear. The engine room was a mess. Laris told her about the alien ship she sighted, and that she would have to see to it.

Yeah. You go meet those aliens, I'm gonna see which systems I can get to work again, said Tica.

Put the com-system on your priority list.

I will.

All right. Get back to me as soon as you have more information about the extent of the damage. And when you see any of the officers, tell them I will be in the officers' lounge as soon as I can.

Understood.

When Laris turned towards the doors, Tica held her back. Be careful. I don't wanna lose you to some freaking aliens after surviving all this mess.

Laris squeezed her shoulder. I will be careful, I promise.

Good, said Tica, releasing her hold.

They nodded at each other, and Laris went searching for her security officer.

On her way, she checked into sickbay. There were not as many people there as Laris anticipated. She wasn't sure yet, if this was a good or a bad sign. She wouldn't have missed the doctor, even in a crowded room, though. The doctor's voice in her typical bedside manner could not be missed.

Hold still or you will scar.

Laris shook her head and walked over to Sirka. Doctor.

The doctor didn't look up. While she finished sealing the wound on the arm of a patient, she just replied, Pretty bloody mess you created, Captain.

Laris wasn't in the mood for bantering or sarcastic wordplays, so she commanded, Report, Doctor!

Having just finished with her patient, the doctor looked up. Seeing Laris' strained face she relented, 87 fatalities as far as I can tell so far. Leeta is in one of the maintenance shafts, her life signs are weak. I sent Sheela there. The people in here will all survive.

Oh God! breathed the captain in horror. Who survived?

Look for yourself, Captain, I have to take care of my patients, retorted the doctor.

Laris stared at her angrily, but went over to the computer to bring up the list of the living people on board. She sucked in her breath when she went over the names on the list. Only 12 of the officers, including herself, were listed, the others were two nurses, two stewards, one of the maintenance crew and only seven of the passengers.

One of the stewards approached her. Captain.

Yes, Borik? Laris acknowledged him wearily.

Captain, we've brought all the survivors here. We're now bringing the dead to the Blue Lagoon Lounge. There are too many for the morgue, he explained with some difficulty.

Thank you, Borik, said Laris and gave his shoulder a quick squeeze. Unfortunately, I will have to take care of something else now.

She gestured him to follow her over to the doctor.

Doctor, Borik, there's an alien ship outside, and I want to check what we will have to deal with. If you see any of the officers, tell them to stay here.

The doctor nodded.

Understood, responded the steward.

With a short nod, Laris turned and left the sickbay.

In the lift she met two of the junior officers.

Captain! both addressed her simultaneously.

Cedra

Cedra. Kovik. Are you on your way to the officers' lounge? Laris asked.

No Ma'am, said Kovik We were on the way to the bridge to look for you. Marek and Thara are on the way to the officers' lounge, though. We have split up, and we will meet in the officers' lounge in an hour.

Well done. There's no one on the bridge anymore, and there are no other survivors to be found either. All the injured have been brought to sickbay already. So please go to sickbay now, I will have everyone gather there.

Yes Ma'am, responded both junior officers and exited.

Laris proceeded to deck two, where the quarters of the senior officers were located. She stopped at her own quarters, and almost burst into tears when she saw the chaos that greeted her. The once so beautifully decorated room was completely wrecked. All the little things she had gathered on her journeys were spread on the floor, shattered and broken. The furniture that wasn't attached to the deck had been flung about and was haphazardly scattered about the room. With an effort she pulled herself together and started for the bedroom.

She quickly undressed and threw her uniform in the assembler to replace it. Unfortunately, the assemblers didn't work either, so she went to her closet and pulled out a spare uniform. She hastily put it on, and went into the bathroom to give her hair a cursory brush. This done, she rushed out of her quarters.

She rang at the door of Kiran and Angos' quarters, and as no one opened, she overrode the code, just to make sure. Their quarters were deserted and looked just as bad as hers. She hastened back to the lift and called for deck three, where the officers' lounge was located.

To her great relief she found Angos, Kiran, Rovin, Zira and the two other junior officers were already waiting for her in the lounge. She told them about the fatalities, and after pausing while they digested this, she told them about the alien ship she had seen. Zira acknowledged she had seen it also. Laris told them to gather in sickbay, since there wasn't much sense in dividing the few people who had survived. Then Laris asked Angos to accompany her to the hatch.

Chapter 3

Together Tashana and Kitanjo approached the wreck, and as they neared they were even more amazed at the enormous size of the ship.

When they were about 15 paces from the entrance, Kitanjo jumped as the doors suddenly swished open. Both stopped in their tracks.

Two aliens appeared at the entrance. They held objects that seemed to be weapons.

Kitanjo and Tashana immediately raised their hands, palms towards the aliens, ready to defend themselves.

"Help is on the way. Be careful!" Nanjara remarked.

To their surprise the aliens instantly lowered their weapons, and with a quick glance at each other and a nod from Tashana, they lowered their hands also.

The next surprise was when one of the aliens introduced herself.

Hello. I'm Captain Laris of the Traveller of the Empire of Sarvis. And this is my security officer Angos, she referred to the tall and very bulky man with shoulder-length auburn, curly hair. We mean you no harm.

Not believing his ears, Kitanjo looked at Tashana. Did you just hear what I heard, or am I imagining things?

Ignoring his comment, Tashana returned the introduction, speaking in Nejanallan, the northern language of Shakaran, which surprisingly was the language the alien had used.

Welcome to Shakaran. I am Tashana, Shawana of Shakaran and this is Kitanjo, Sha'ntazhéra of the Temple of Kareen. We mean you no harm, either. And with a warm smile she went closer to the entrance. Kitanjo followed her.

Looking up at the captain, Tashana asked, Are you the only ... survivors?

No, but we had a lot of fatalities. Our doctor is taking care of the injured.

She wouldn't tell them right away just how few of them had survived. So she tried to distract them from asking, and looking alongside her ship, she sighed. The ship, however, will take a little longer to repair.

Tashana didn't know, what a 'doctor' was, but assumed them to be some kind of healer. If you need any assistance, we would be glad to help.

The captain, a tall and lean woman with sparkling blue eyes, smiled at her. Thank you for the offer. I will let you know if there's something you could help with. I hope there will be no problems with us staying here for a while?

Tashana looked quizzically at her. What kind of problems are you referring to?

I mean with your government or your people. Is there anything we should be prepared for?

Tashana thought about this and said, I don't know. As far as I know, there has never been a situation like this. But I cannot think of any major problems it might possibly cause. Grinning she added, You might want to prepare to meet a lot of Shakari and answer a lot of questions, though. I am fairly certain that your 'visit' here will cause no end of curiosity.

Captain Laris smiled. That, I believe, I will be able to handle. I would invite you into the ship, but at the moment, I guess, there is not one room which is halfway presentable. So I guess I had better come down there.

Captain, a heavy rounded woman of medium height appeared behind the captain. She had short, dark brown hair and brown eyes. Her ears were sparkling from all the little silver hoops and dangling earrings that adorned them. Her face was smudgy, and her uniform was torn and covered in dirt.

The captain turned around. Yes, Tica? What's the status?

Tica responded gravely, Bad news, Captain, the Traveller is beyond repair and even if we could magically repair her ... our dilithium crystals didn't survive the crash. Not even those we had in storage.

Captain Laris sucked in a deep breath and cursed, Shit!

She closed her eyes to digest the news. With an effort she gathered herself together and turned around to face Tashana. Well, seems like there is something you could help with, if you can. But first, I will come down to your level and give your necks some rest! she smiled.

Since the gangway was not functioning either, she lowered herself down to the deck, and jumped gracefully onto the grass. She gestured her crewmembers to follow her. Tica and Angos humphed, but followed their captain, though not as gracefully.

As everybody was standing in front of the Shakari, the captain said, We will need dilithium crystals.

She refused to accept defeat, yet. It would just take somewhat longer, than she had hoped. She continued, I hope we will be able to negotiate a fair price. By the way, this is my chief engineer, Tica. Tica, this is Tashana, Shawana of Shakaran and Kitanjo ... Sha ... uh ...

Sha'ntazhéra of the Temple of Kareen, Kitanjo filled in. Nice to meet you, he said to Tica.

Hi, uh, yeah, ditto, stammered Tica, whose glance was focused on the Shawana.

Tashana smiled. Hello, Tica. Nice earrings.

Tica blushed. Uh, thanks. Yours are pretty cool, too, she complimented Tashana's delicate golden ear wraps.

Tashana's smile widened. Thank you. Then she turned her look back to the captain. "About your request, I do not know what you mean by dilithium. And what is a price?"

The captain tried to explain, Dilithium is what we need for our engines. And with price I meant a payment or trade of some kind.

Neither Tashana, Nanjara nor Kitanjo had any idea what she was talking about. So Tashana answered, "In regards to your engines I am sure we can help, even though I do not know what dilithium is. We will also be able to help you with your other repairs. But what you mean by payment I am also unclear."

The captain was relieved to hear they could help with the engines and repairs, but for the rest she looked questioningly at her crewmembers.

Angos only shrugged.

Tica tried to explain, You do have some kind of currency, don't you?

When both Shakari just looked puzzled at each other, she tried again, Money? Coins? Any kind of tradable item?

She was just met by shrugging shoulders and confused stares. Good gracious! How did you get those earrings?

Tashana, still confused, smiled about the change in subject and answered relieved, I had them made by the goldsmith of the temple.

Tica groaned. All right. And where do you get stuff that you can't get in your temple?

That depends on what kind of 'stuff' it would be, Tashana responded.

Kitanjo helped out, I just got herbs from the herbalists in Zarakan.

Good! exclaimed Tica. Now, what did you give them for their herbs?

Again Tashana and Kitanjo looked at each other in confusion.

Kitanjo said, They hadn't asked me to bring anything, so what would I give them?

All three aliens stared blankly at them and the captain asked, They gave you herbs for nothing in exchange?

Uh ... yes.

The captain pinched the bridge of her nose and asked, So, tell me ... what would you want us to give you for your help?

Both looked at each other, shrugging their shoulders looked back to the captain and said simultaneously, Nothing.

Now, that will take some getting used to, said the captain.

I think that's mighty cool, remarked Angos in his humming bass voice.

It sure is, said Tica in wonderment.

Then Nanjara suddenly thought of something, "With all the damage, maybe they will need quarters?"

Tashana responded, "Good thinking. I will ask her."

"Oh and Tasha, Danara is done with your aircraft. I have asked her to stand by," Nanjara informed her.

"Ah, that is good to know. But wait with sending her until we have more information," said Tashana.

"Of course," responded Nanjara.

To Laris, Tashana said aloud, Captain, you said your rooms are not 'presentable', do you need quarters for you and your people?

The captain pondered this. I don't think we can ask you for that. We have 24 survivors on board. I guess we better see to repairing the quarters as soon as possible.

Tashana quickly calculated. At the moment they had 15 free quarters in the temple complex. Some of them were made for couples. But even if