Fountable II

By Terry Wayne Martin

Tervan and his math-wizard companions find that though they have escaped exile, they are far from being free and the future of their transport technology is in jeopardy.

They decide to return to Polaxar and petition the new Emperor to rescind their exile and allow them the freedom to return to their normal lives. Only thing, the Emperor appears to have gone into seclusion and whoever is running the Empire seems to have their own agenda.

People are living in fear but it is whispered on the streets that the strange guy who eloped with the Princess was going to return and right the ship of state again. Tervan wonders where such a strange idea started because he has absolutely no interest in politics.

And if he could just locate the Emperor and get his petition signed, he could vacate the place and let the Empire get along without him. But he is not about to be that lucky.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Martian Publishing
• Release date: May 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476392172

Terry Wayne Martin

Born in Texas many, many moons ago, I had a very diverse upbringing. Dad was an agnostic metaphysicist that worked for NASA during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs and Mom was a Baptist preacher's kid.No wonder I was raised so crazy/diverse (choose whichever answer fits best).Raised on the science fiction of Heinlein and that generation, that is the sort of thing I generally gravitate toward in my own sci-fi writing. For my other stuff, I cannot place the blame anywhere, yet.I do not have a blog at present but projects I am working on can be found at verbotham.com.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Polaxar!

Tervan's jaw dropped. Merlok, are you mad? Why in Gorthar's halfness would we want to go back there for? We've already been exiled… twice!

Merlok grinned. Yeah, and don't you want to get Glandring off the throne he stole from Doni?

His jaw set, Tervan tried counting to ten. Four was all he managed. I know what happened was not a very good thing but you know how I feel about politics. He shook his head. I have no interest in deciding who should be on the throne.

But Aravikar…

That was personal and you know it. I had to get rid of him so I could be with Furzana. I have no such reason to get rid of Glandring. He shrugged. Who knows? He may be the right guy for the job.

Merlok's response was interrupted.

Lerinthis growled. Derter! Stop being dense!

Hey, I'm not being dense! Just asked a simple question.

She rolled her eyes and glared at Tervan as if to say 'You're in charge – DO something!'

Lerinthis, you need to relax. His thought was directed to her alone. Take the Bokaidi calming breaths for a moment and smile at your student.

How 'bout if I just punch him real hard?

He tried to hide his smirk. Derter was not amused.

Saying something mean about me?

No, Derter, I was trying to help her through her problem. I can't say if there's anything wrong with you.

But he won't get it!

Lerinthis! His tone was stern. Get a grip. You do not badger or berate your student. How can he possibly learn under such duress?

Lerinthis, you're closing down. Do the calming techniques now!

Yes, Boss.

Now, Derter, perhaps you should try a few moments of the Bokaidi calming technique as well. You're getting too emotionally charged over the subject. He shrugged. It's just data and concepts. If you don't get them right away, don't worry. You won't have to forge ahead until you get the basics.

Anguish. But it's so hard!

Tervan chuckled and shook his head. It was hard to imagine that this surly lot were students at the Imperial Math Academy until three months ago. He had been one himself until a few months before that – before he ran off to elope with a fellow student, who just happened to be the Emperor's daughter.

Two quick overthrows of the Galactic Throne and two short exiles later, the hearty group was on the run again. This time in their very own, shiny, almost-new spaceship, which they were still learning all about.

And still learning to use telepathy. And still cross-training on everyone else's positions – where possible. And trying to brain-storm over the creation of a radically new brand of science.

He was amazed all their brains were not scrambled; amazed any of them could function at all. Thank goodness for the Bokaidi techniques of meditation and exercise to calm the body and the mind. Otherwise, even he would have gone nuts by now.

Lerinthis and Derter had finished calming themselves and returned to the topic under discussion.

Let's try it again, Derter. I'll go through it step-by-step and you can tell me where the confusion arises.

He nodded. Good so far.

Merlok interrupted as he headed for the exit, Tervan, we'll continue our discussion later. But think about it, huh?

Sure, Merlok. He turned his attention back to Lerinthis.

She looked intently at her student. Science has recognized the mechanical processes called 'life' and can trace the sequence, even on the sub-cellular level, from initiation to growth of the mature structure.

I understand that part, completely.

All right. But you need to understand that this is just the physical – mechanical – process of what science calls 'life'.

Got it.

Now, there is a parallel process, one that cannot be seen by science or measured or quantified…

Isn't that the same thing? Measuring and quantifying?

Don't quibble about the words, Derter. Just try and get the concept.

All right! Frustration was evident.

This parallel process is of a non-material nature. Some call it spiritual. Some call it…

Now this is where you always lose me. How can you know it exists if you can't see it?

She gritted her teeth and turned to Tervan. Boss, DO something!

Tervan grinned. Derter, can you hear me all right?

Yeah, Boss, as clear as always.

Where are my words coming from?

Huh? From your mind to mine, of course.

And do you happen to see them coming?

A chuckle. No, of course not!

So you can't see them… Can you measure them?

Hesitant. Well, no.

So how do you know they exist?

Well, I can hear them…

But isn't 'hearing' a function of the mechanical construct you call your ears?

I suppose the mechanics start there but the sound vibrations are actually assimilated in the brain and that's where the process of assimilation occurs that we call 'hearing'.

Very good, Derter, you've got the mechanical process down fairly pat.

Thanks. Smugness.

Only you're forgetting one small thing.

Huh? Wariness. What's that?

Where are the vibrations from my communication?

Confusion. Vibrations? Well, your thoughts bypass my ears, so the vibrations go straight into the hearing center of my brain.

Vibrations, huh?

Yeah, the vibrations of your thought waves… He stopped and screwed up his face in thought. No, that can't be right, can it? If your thoughts were vibrations, then we could measure them. But we can't.

And it would darn sure take more than a moment or two to travel from here to Polaxar, no?

Chagrined. No, then it can't be waves. But it has to be something else.

That's right, Derter, something ELSE. He paused to let the thought sink in. Something other than physical. Can you understand it so far?

Derter spoke, That's where I keep getting lost. If I can't see it, how can it exist? I can't comprehend such a thing.

You see, Derter, that's the point we are trying to get at here. It is something we cannot see, cannot measure, cannot even completely describe. We are not trying to tell you what it is; we … don't… know. We are trying to find out what it is ourselves. He grabbed his friend's shoulder and shook it gently. There isn't going to be an exam on this stuff and there are no right and wrong answers. We are just trying to make some sense of this… ability or whatever.

So where does this spiritual stuff she keeps talking about fit in?

Derter, I suggest you stop trying to dissect every aspect of this thing – even in your own mind – but listen to the concepts and let them stew in your mind for awhile. Nothing is concrete about this yet and we would like to get everyone on board with trying to figure it out. But you've got to receive the concepts first, all right?

He nodded. I'll try, Boss. I really will.

Dear?

Yes, hon?

Have you considered that perhaps his personality clashes too much with Lerinthis? Maybe he just needs another instructor.

Yeah, maybe. But who else is trained-up in this stuff yet? I mean, enough to try and teach it?

Gratt might be a good candidate. They are brothers, you know. It could help.

Good thinking. I'll see if he's is up to the challenge.

Lerinthis continued. Biologically speaking, mechanically speaking, life begins as a chain of mechanical events. But you can build an engine to work all by itself – call it an apparency of life…

Just like robots, right?

Exactly. But they are not really alive. The chemistry of biological structures works the same way. It’s a mechanical process that produces what we call 'life'. Now, the spiritual aspect…

Tervan could see Derter nodding but his color was rising and the muscles at the base of his neck were tensing. It wouldn't be long until the top of his head blew off.

Gratt, are you busy?

Nah, Boss. Just fitting the extra fuel cells up to the power grid.

Alarm. Are we running short already?

A chuckle. No, the cells are fine. And should last a good many years before needing replacement. But I had some time to kill and thought 'why wait til the last minute?' So… you know.

Good thinking.

So what's up?

Well, Derter is having a bit of a problem wrapping his mind around the more metaphysical aspects of this project. Lerinthis is trying…

You don't need to tell me!

A chuckle. Gratt! Don't tell me you have issues with her as well.

Not really. She just gets frustrated too quickly. She's good enough in her style that most people can get the concepts quickly. She is really very good. But, well, when someone comes along that doesn't get it right away. A mental shrug. She doesn't seem to be able to change her tack at all. Just comes back with the same thing and tries pounding it in harder.

You think you could have any better luck? I mean, just with Derter. I don't mean for you to run the class or anything.

No problem. Send him down and I'll put him to work. He seems to think better when he's elbow deep in grease anyway. Something to do with the activity, I guess. Moving things around with his hands seems to allow his mind to move around a bit more. A shrug. Something like that.

Sounds good. I'll send him right down. Thanks, Gratt.

Then to his wife. Good thinking, hon. Gratt seems to know the right approach for him.

Anytime, dear. When are you coming down? I think little Kinzi misses his daddy.

Be right there. He turned to the verbally dueling pair – at the moment, both glaring at each other with lips reduced to slivers – and cut through the tension. Lerinthis, thanks for your help with Derter today, but I think he's needed down in Engineering. He smiled. Come on, Derter, get going.

They both looked relieved. Derter hopped up and was gone in a flash. Lerinthis sat down, exhausted.

Take a break, kiddo. I believe you've earned it. A nap probably sounds good about now, huh?

Yeah. First a snack, and then a nap.

Yeah, that does sound good. I'll join you. They left the training area and turned right in the corridor to the galley a couple of doors down. Tervan was still astonished at their good fortune in acquiring a vessel in such good shape, and for such a steal: free. The previous owners had all perished when their planetary base was radiated by their sun. They would not be needing it again. Still the research organization who actually owned the vessel might be a bit peeved to hear that it had been appropriated by the ex-exiles.

So are you enjoying teaching the classes?

Lerinthis grinned. All but for problem cases like Derter. I just wish there was some way I can get through to him.

Hm. Probably just the wrong wavelength between you two.

Yeah, something. I think I'll get over to the library and see if they have some programs on training. Maybe I could pick up some different techniques.

Excellent idea. He looked over the food laid out on the tables. What does Derter have for us today? With the crew and passengers on their own schedules, the head of the kitchen kept a variety of foods ready at all hours.

At the mention of Derter's name, Lerinthis got embarrassed. He worked so hard to provide them with all this and she was berating him just a moment ago for his… well, his stupidity.

Tervan hugged her shoulders. Don't let it get to you, kid. We all have our trials to go through. Derter's a good kid and so are you. We're all here just trying to do our jobs and get along.

Yes, I know. I just sometimes take the job too seriously.

I know. He reached for a pastry. This looks good. Hey, why don't you join us down in the funtha? A little Bokaidi exercise and meditation would do you a world of good.

She shrugged and took a pastry as well. I don't know. I'm not really that much into that sort of thing. Maybe later.

You mean it would be as much a stretch for you to come down as it would be for Derter to grasp a new concept?

Her jaw went slack for a moment. Then she laughed. Ain't that the darnedest thing? I wonder if everyone makes the same mistakes they ride other people about? Sure. Sure, Tervan, I'll be there this afternoon. She looked around. Unless this is evening. Anyway, I'll come down later and give it a try. Might be nice to try something new.

Good girl. We'll see you later. He shoved the pastry into his mouth and headed back out into the corridor. The ship was so large and their crew so small only the sections closest to the bridge were being used at present. The twenty core personnel were supplemented by over a hundred 'passengers' – former exiles who have come along to look for a better world – who worked around the ship in various functions or taught some specialty.

He did not have to contact his wife to know where she was. Having taken some business courses at the Academy, she was going to be the business manager for the transport gateway enterprise as soon as Iranjo's crew got enough gates made to spread over half the galaxy. Well, maybe not that long before they started.

But her business acumen was flexing already in an endeavor closer to her heart: clothing. Her mother was an artist with needle and thread as much as with any other medium. Together they were creating a new line of clothing. And their clothing concern – as yet unnamed – was adjacent to his Bokaidi funtha.

Hello, girls, he grinned as he entered their domain, how's the fashion industry this morning?

I think it's afternoon, Furzana said.

It's evening, dears. Mother knows. She nodded sagely and laughed. Why hasn't anyone established a good chronometer on this bucket yet? It's not like we can be open for business all hours of the day and night like the other departments.

Whatever, Furzana laughed, I think I rather prefer not being dictated to action by something as impersonal as a clock. I'd rather do something when I feel like it.

Tervan smirked. Ah, artists and their need to wait for the muse to kick them into action.

Don't belittle the muse, kiddo. You might need it someday.

Furzana grinned. That's right, mom. Ask him where he thinks all his wonderful little hunches come from.

Oops! Tervan laughed. Well, let me get my overlarge feet out of my mouth…

Yes, son, you look so much better without them there.

Thanks, mom. He sat on a small bench by the door. So, what are you girls up to?

Furzana looked at her mother. Mom's already starting to make some things while I'm still stuck in the design stage.

Vernithia smiled at him and returned her attention to the fabrics in her lap.

I'm so glad you decided to set up the funtha right next door, Furzana beamed, that means we'll be working almost side-by-side, everyday.

Yes, he grinned, just like every other day before now.

She pouted and stuck her tongue out. I don't know why I married you. You're so mean!

Does this mean the honeymoon's off?

Wait! When does it start?

Kids, please. You'll wake the baby.

Furzana scooped up the infant from his makeshift cradle. Come on, Kinzi, let's go see the funtha!

See you later, mom.

You two have fun.

As he got to the door, his son was given to his charge and he carried the sleeping infant down the short distance to the next doorway.

Not much to look at yet, he warned, I've still got to get the rest of the mechanic's tools moved out…

She looked in the room. And the place washed down properly and, she sniffed, properly deodorized.

Yeah, well, it needs some work. He nuzzled the baby while she poked around the room.

You sure this is large enough?

Not for everybody at once. He shrugged. But I don't imagine we'll have more than about twenty at one time, do you?

Never can tell, hon. But one thing you really need?

What's that?

Some of those cute little outfits you wear.

You mean the tji? Damn, I wish I knew someone who could make those kind of outfits. Sure would be nice.

She punched his gut. Silly!

Yeah, and hey! Do you think you could make all the color belts we need?

She laughed. Right now we have a utilitarian uniform gray. But maybe we can find some sort of dyes.

He looked around the room. Yeah, that'd be great.

~~~~

CHAPTER TWO

Danthris escorted the workers out of the funtha with the last of the machine parts. The couple stood alone in the bare room, only the four gray walls staring back at them. That and the random bit of dirt or smear of oil.

Furzana grinned at her husband. Okay, you now have your blank canvas. Create your funtha.

He grinned back at her. Okay, Merlok. We're ready.

The noise from the corridor was immediate. Puzzled, Furzana turned as Merlok and a small group of helpers brought in armfuls of equipment: mats, bars, sticks, banners, bags and other paraphernalia.

She turned to Tervan, eyes widening. Oh, you little sneak! She lightly punched his shoulder. Acting like you had so much to do before you could get this place setup. Why, did you need some sympathy?

He winked at Merlok. No, hon, just having a little fun. Merlok thought it might be a nice gesture…

Gesture?! She laughed dryly. Is that what you're calling pranks these days?

Of course! Iranjo giggled. It's part of our restructuring the math program. First we have to change the definitions of various terms…

Furzana shot back, So why not start with the mathematical terms?

Oh that would take all the fun out of it.

Gratt poked Iranjo. What Jo-jo means is that some of us are having a hard enough time grasping the mathematical implications that we decided to launch it in another direction.

Yes, Iranjo grinned, and most of us have very little concern with the meaning of words as opposed to math concepts.

Furzana stared. Gratt, you're a poet, how can you let them start by manipulating the language?

He shrugged. Poetic license, perhaps? Besides by trying to stretch the meaning of semantic constructs, it is possible that parallel mathematical corollaries will present themselves. Sort of a mirror of reality, so to speak, that we can wrap our mind around.

Filitha looked smug. Well said, Gratt. Then she winked at Evie, who looked even more smug.

Merlok raised his hands. Okay, everyone, congrats, points well made and all that, but let's get down to business, shall we? He sat on a mat.

As if on cue, the remainder sat down, arranged in a rough semi-circle facing Tervan. A little puzzled, he also sat on the mat near his wife.

Furzana patted the floor covering. Merlok, where did you rustle up these mats? You're not thinking of setting up an opposing clothing manufacturing firm are you? Her look bordered on the severe.

No, his head shook firmly, nothing like that, I can assure you. I have my hands full keeping the engineering section running in top form. These mats were taken from the warehouse area.

Derter added, Yeah, Berabra noticed these things hanging on the walls of the freight elevators and asked Tervan if this was the sort of mat he was needing. Now it was Berabra and Merlok's turn to look smug. She and Merlok found a storeroom full of them.

She looked at the faces. That is so creative… and so thoughtful.

Merlok continued quickly. Now, don't get all choked up over it, we have to get to business.

And it was Tervan's turn to survey the faces, some intent, most curious. Ah, so this wasn't just a 'launch the funtha' party, huh? Okay, guys what's on your minds?

Glances were exchanged. Fralik broke the silence, Boss, we've been quietly doing our thing, patiently waiting, but we need some direction.

Yeah, Derter added, not that the training in this new science isn't interesting and all, but… He shrugged. When are we gonna do something?

Don't look so stupefied, dear. They think you're their leader and they're waiting for you to lead.

Me? What am I…

No, you're not going to go through that self-pity thing again! You are the natural leader in a crisis situation…

And this is no crisis!

Let me finish. Sure you can lead in a crisis but the true test of leadership is being able to hold them together, focused, without the crisis to solidify your position.

But what if I don't want…

Too bad! That's tough, isn't it? But it's time to take your parenting role a little more seriously. Do you want little Kinzi to be even a little confused about who's in charge?

Tervan thought a moment, biting his lip. He nodded to the group. Okay, guys, let's open up the floor to discussion. What do you think we should be doing now? He looked around. I am open to suggestions. Talk to me.

We ought to go back to Polaxar and get rid of Glandring! Merlok shook a fist. Give him what he deserves. There were a few murmured assents in the group.

Tervan nodded. I thought this might be about that, Merlok. He raised a hand. No, no apology needed. He continued over Merlok's confusion and abortive response. We discussed this the other day and I was opposed to the idea. I still am and I will tell you why. He looked around. "I do not now nor have I ever had an interest in politics.

Sure, some people will think I ousted Aravikar as a political move but you all know better. It was not politics. From the short audience we had with Glandring, I got the opinion that it was not politics he was concerned with either. Some of his advisors thought we might present a danger and we were removed. It was a question of securing his throne, not some political maneuver.

There's a difference? Gratt asked.

Tervan shrugged. To me there seems to be one. And if I removed Glandring, who knows if the next Emperor will be as bad as him, or Aravikar, or maybe even worse. To me that's dabbling in politics. As long as we are not in danger from Polaxar, I see no reason in returning.

Merlok looked thoughtful a moment, then nodded. I can see your point. If we removed him, we might have to do it over and over again.

Yes, Tervan smirked, once you start assuming that sort of leadership, people begin to expect you should bail them out of every problem from now on. We should let them handle their own problems. But, if they become our problems… He shrugged. So, I think a visit to Polaxar should be removed from consideration, no matter how angry we may personally be at the Emperor.

Agreed. Merlok, Derter, and several others responded together.

And now, he grinned at the group, we have decided we are not doing that chore, but that still leaves us with the question about what do we do? Mass-producing gates is a great enterprise but it is a bit boring…

You know it! Beriann shouted, perhaps a bit too loudly.

Iranjo nodded sadly. As exciting as the technology is, the business of making more of the darned things is mind-numbing to everyone it seems.

Okay, Tervan continued, and the new mathematics is slow coming. Just ask Lerinthis.

Or Derter! shouted Derter. Everyone laughed.

That's not a surprise to anyone, Lerinthis agreed. And it's not just Derter. Others are having their own problems with it as well. It's hard to wrap our minds around the concepts…

Evie added, Especially as it runs contrary to all our mathematical training.

Tervan laughed. If I didn't know better, it sounds like this is really nothing more than everyone needing a vacation. All the time spent in intense scholastic arenas to be followed by creating and pulling off several political coups…

Several? Filitha asked. I thought there was only the one.

Rijiri counted off on his fingers. One, the kidnapping of the princess… two, ousting Aravikar… three, getting rid of Destiny… four, commandeering a spaceship… He looked at her. Anything I missed?

Filitha blinked. Oh, for political coup I meant the over throw of a government. And you're right, there were two: Aravikar and Destiny.

Regardless, Tervan returned the conversation onto target, it sounds like we need a break before people start having meltdowns. Any ideas? He looked around.

Well… Lerinthis started.

Yes, you have an idea?

She nodded, blinking rapidly. I thought maybe… I mean, when school broke we were supposed to get a chance to go home. And I really miss seeing my family, my friends… I mean, other than you guys. She halted abruptly.

There was silence, each caught up in their own thoughts.

Vernithia stood. I agree with Lerinthis. Not that I have that problem. My family is here. She smiled at Furzana, holding the baby, Tervan, and her husband, Krinzel. And the family I left behind before I came to Polaxar are long gone. But each of these young people have been exiled not only from the Academy they worked so hard to reach but from any contact with their families as well. I think we should remedy that. Let's reunite the families.

She sat in the silence. Slowly, all heads turned again to Tervan, waiting for his response. He had earlier wondered about finding a way to get home and show off his wife and child, but had buried the desire.

Now his feelings were torn. Not just about his reunion with his own family but what of the others? Would they decide to cancel their part in the adventure to stay with their friends and relatives?

Why should it matter to him if they did choose family and their old life over this journey he was on? And this so recently after he had tried denying his leadership role? He felt a little worried but more embarrassed at his feelings manifesting in such a way.

How about a show of hands? How many would like to go home for a visit? About half the group raised their hands immediately, more hands went up after a moment. Tervan nodded. Okay, that's what we'll do. First, we need to figure out whose home world is closest to where we are at present. It won't help anything to race helter-skelter across the galaxy like a head with its chicken chopped off. He looked for the people. Derter, you and Feranda can compile the list of the planets we'll need to visit and give us the most efficient itinerary for the journey. Some, like little kids, were bouncing up and down a little. Tervan grinned. "I realize it's