The Man Who Found Birds among the Stars, Part Three: Bird of Prey

By Lorinda J Taylor

Wounded physically and mentally by the disaster aboard the Darter, Capt. Nikalishin struggles in Part Two of this biography to overcome the aftereffects and find fulfillment in a life where his dream of flying to the stars has been lost. With the help of many friends, he achieves success as the Captain of a Mars ship, but still he remains lonely and dissatisfied, unable to cope with the secret phobias and misunderstandings that haunt his existence. When the woman of his dreams abruptly re-enters his life, he woos and weds her, in sequences that are filled with both comedy and pathos. The Captain was hoping to find a soul mate to assuage his loneliness. Will this radical alteration in his life really be the answer to his difficulties? Or will the marriage turn out to be a disastrous and even tragic mistake?
Meanwhile, unknown to Robbin Nikalishin, a movement is afoot to resurrect the interstellar program ...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lorinda J Taylor
• Release date: Oct 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370536900

Lorinda J Taylor

A former catalogue librarian, Lorinda J. Taylor was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and worked in several different academic libraries before returning to the place of her birth, where she now lives. She has written fantasy and science fiction for years but has only recently begun to publish. Her main goal is to write entertaining and compelling fiction that leaves her readers with something to think about at the end of each story.

Book preview

THE MAN WHO FOUND BIRDS AMONG THE STARS

A Biographical Novel

Part Three

BIRD OF PREY

By

Lorinda J. Taylor

This is a work of fiction. All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. However, the person presenting this book does not guarantee that such characters and events will not come into existence at some time in the future.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Cover illustration by Lorinda J. Taylor

Copyright © 2017 by Lorinda J. Taylor

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Synopsis

Part One: Eagle Ascendant

Part Two: Wounded Eagle

Born in 2729, Robbin Nikalishin spends the first 31 years of his life obsessed with flying to the stars. After he is recruited for the nascent interstellar program, he attains the rank of Captain and is given command of his own ship, backed up by his childhood friend Kolm MaGilligoody as his Chief Engineer. His dreams are on the brink of being fulfilled when a new Commanding Officer changes the agenda and forces the crew to risk their lives in a meaningless experiment. The result is a catastrophe; the ship becomes interdimensionally fused with an asteroid and Kolm dies pinned in the wreckage.

Wounded physically and mentally, Capt. Nikalishin struggles to overcome the aftereffects of the Darter Disaster and to find fulfillment in a life where his dream of flying to the stars has been lost. With the help of many friends, he returns to interplanetary flight and achieves success as the Captain of a Mars ship, even winning additional medals in the process.

Capt. Nikalishin remains lonely and dissatisfied, however, and unable to cope with certain secret phobias and misunderstandings that haunt his existence. Then, at the end of Part Two, the woman of his dreams abruptly reappears. Hoping to find a soul mate to assuage his loneliness, he woos and weds her. Will this radical alteration in his life really be the answer to his difficulties, or will the marriage turn out to be a disastrous and even tragic mistake?

Table of Contents

Synopsis, Parts One and Two

Facsimile of the 29th-Century Title Page

Robbin Nikalishin in Love

Chapter 1: Renewing an Old Acquaintance

Chapter 2: Nikalishin and High Feather, Again

Chapter 3: Love’s Hangover

Chapter 4: Arranging a Big Date

Chapter 5: Hamsted Heath

Chapter 6: A Second Love Hangover

Chapter 7: The 34th Birthday of Robbin Nikalishin

Chapter 8: His First Love

Chapter 9: Buying a Ring

Chapter 10: A Change of Command at Old Heathero

Chapter 11: Merging Squadrons

Chapter 12: Mars Prime

Chapter 13: Dinner with a Humartian Admiral

Chapter 14: A Romantic Proposal at

the Marinera Valley

Becoming a Husband

Chapter 15: Why Must Love Be So Complicated?

Chapter 16: Of Beards and Birders

Chapter 17: Adm. Soemady Foments a Plot

Chapter 18: Wedding Plans

Chapter 19: Fedaylia Meets the MaGilligoodys

Chapter 20: Fedaylia and Prayst Mikel

Chapter 21: Jealousy

Chapter 22: Fedaylia High Feather and Sterling Nikalishin

Chapter 23: Never Part without Saying Goodbye

Chapter 24: Whiplash

Chapter 25: Lance High Feather

Chapter 26: Renewing Comfortable Old Friendships

Chapter 27: Robbie Meets the Female Side

Chapter 28: A Double-Cross Ring Ceremony

Chapter 29: Losing the Thread

Chapter 30: The Wedding

Chapter 31: The Reception

Chapter 32: The Banquet and Ball

Chapter 33: Honeymoon Trap

Eagle and Rabbit

Chapter 34: Preparing to Fly

Chapter 35: Surgery Aboard the Solar Wind

Chapter 36: Teeter Makes a Move

Chapter 37: The Board of Command

Chapter 38: The Humartian Beefeaters Travel to Earth

Chapter 39: A Dinner and a Dream

Chapter 40: Robbie Learns of Teeter’s Challenge

Chapter 41: A Surprise for Adm. Malakoff

Chapter 42: Another Psych Exam and Its Aftermath

Chapter 43: Robbie Seeks Solace in Eira

Chapter 44: A Turbulent Reunion

Chapter 45: Predator and Prey

Unraveling the Threads

Chapter 46: Robbie and Wilda Renewed

Chapter 47: Loosening the Bonds

Chapter 48: Peace Never Lasts

Chapter 49: Dull Civility

Chapter 50: The Weaving of Capt. Nikalishin’s Future

Chapter 51: A Major Quarrel

Chapter 52: A Major Shock

Appendix: The Mythmaker Precepts

Facsimile

of 29th Century Title Page

THE MAN WHO FOUND BIRDS

AMONG THE STARS

A Biographical Fiction

Issued in the year 2849 as

Part of the Commemoration

of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Death of

Capt. Robbin Haysus Nikalishin

(10 May 2799)

Part Three

BIRD OF PREY

by Tania Barden

Fellow, Brassnose/Queens’ College

Oxkam University

Published by

The Midammeriken Publishing Link

New Washinten, 2849

Robbin Nikalishin in Love

Chapter 1

Renewing an Old Acquaintance

17 October, 2763

After the medal ceremony, the audience dispersed and Robbie was swept off to the reception. Adm. Soemady collared Robbie near the punch bowl and started ragging him about pulling tricks on a superior officer. Then she hesitated. What’s up with you, Captain? That tease about me sticking you doesn’t warrant such – well, giddy behavior – that’s all you can call it!

I apologize abjectly, sir. It’s just that while I was speaking, I, uh – recognized somebody in the crowd – the last person in the world I would have expected to see.

An old friend? How nice!

Actually, somebody I met when I was on a holiday. I spent only a few hours with her, but she’s somebody you don’t forget easily.

Ah. A woman.

You got it. Now I’m chafing to get away from here and look up her service record. I want to know what she’s doing here, sitting in the audience at this medal ceremony at Old Heathero.

And I surmise you want to ferret out her link number.

Could be, said Robbie, grinning from ear to ear.

Well, Captain, all I can say is, I wish you the best of luck! What’s her name? Maybe I know something about her.

High Feather. That’s the last name. Fedaylia High Feather.

Huh. If I’d seen a name like that, you’d think I’d recall it. But then so many lists come across my desk, and lately we’ve had a number of assignment transfers – mostly junior officers. Would this High Feather person be a junior officer?

Oh, undoubtedly. When I met her, she was about to start her Prov-En year at Castle Bluff Flight Academy, and that was three years ago – June of 2760. So she must have been on active duty for a couple of years … But it’s odd to get assigned to Britan when you trained in Midammerik.

But not unheard of. Adm. Soemady bestowed a knowing smile upon him. I tell you what – if you want to nip off, I think I can make excuses for you. And I can only say again, Capt. Nikalishin – good luck!

*****

Robbie went straight back to his quarters and scrambled the roster of flight officers. And there she was, her picture staring out at him – the cheekbones, and the smoky-gold eyes beneath a side-sweep of dark-brown hair, and the mysterious little smile on closed lips – Ens. Fedaylia High Feather, 25 years old, born 30 April 2738; commissioned June, 2761, at Castle Bluff Flight Academy, Pikes Precinct, as a Specialist in Communications Technology. Served June-September, 2761, in Ground Command in Castle Bluffs Flight Control; October 2761-August 2762, on Service Class cargo vessels in the Lunar Wing out of Indipol Space Port; and, since August of 2762, in the Union Class fleet, out of Herinen Memorial Space Port. Requested a transfer in July, 2763, assigned to the Union Class fleet out of Old Heathero, 1 September 2763 …

Robbie found himself beginning to sweat. She was transferred to Herinen right after I left for Britan, he thought, and she arrived here while I was off-world. At the moment she was probably engaged in a training review, since every space port had slightly different protocols. That meant that, although she was billeted on Earth now, she could be flying at any time. And her quarters assignment and link ID were right there on the port screen, daring him to make contact with her.

If he didn’t do that promptly, she would be on a ship halfway across the Inner System and he would be aboard his own ship, and they might never get together.

But then Robbie jumped up and paced around the room, trying to calm down. He had enough sense to realize that his reaction was not necessarily rational – that he was far too excited and that his impulsive streak might be getting the better of him. Come on, Robbie boy, he thought, his mental voice instinctively lapsing into Kolm’s dialect, sit down – calm yeself. Maybe it’s thinkin’ things through ye ought to be doin’.

And he smiled a little mistily and went to the cabinet beneath the space plane and checked to see if the bottle of vodka was still there. It was, of course, but he let it be. He shut the cabinet door, went into the kitchen, and poured himself some apple juice instead. He brought it out to the table and sat down, wrapping his hands around the glass.

Why was he so excited? It had been well over three years since he spoke to this woman and he didn’t really know her at all. She could be a feather-brain – ha, that was amusing, that High Feather should be a feather-brain! But, seriously, for as much as he knew, she could be a total incompetent, just getting by on personality. There were no commendations or citations mentioned in her record, only the non-committal service rating of in good standing.

But of course she probably hadn’t encountered any situation that presented an opportunity to earn a commendation. And what did that have to do with the kind of relationship he envisioned having with her, anyway? Besides, an assessment of incompetence didn’t jibe with what he remembered of her. She had seemed like a very cool customer, capable of handling any eventuality, and she had a great voice, controlled and resonant, perfect for a Com Officer …

Robbie sat scowling down at his full glass. He was having trouble keeping his focus – wrapping his mind around this situation. It flitted through his head that maybe he could get her assigned to the Solar Wind. Suddenly Ens. Oman looked much less proficient. If the young Com Officer should be transferred, there wasn’t much he could do about it …

At that, Robbie caught himself up. You nit, what are you doing? Why in the names of Mairin and Jaysus has this glimpse of a face shaken you up so much? You don’t just go off half-cocked and forget all your responsibilities to your crew because a woman you barely know turns up. You’re some kind of goofball, you know that?

Robbie found himself wondering if Fedaylia still wore the same perfume. You total moron, you always were a sucker for perfume. Remember Sharlina, for god’s sake …

And then he rejected that. You were a callow adolescent then, Nikalishin. You’re hardly that any longer. You should have acquired a little common sense during all these devastating experiences you’ve been through.

But those experiences had had nothing to do with the allure of women – and in any event, they weren’t the sort of happenings that instill horse sense into a man …

Then Robbie sat back and wet his dry throat with a long pull on the glass of juice. Horse sense! What I’m doing is putting the cart before the horse. Why do I think Fedaylia High Feather even remembers me? All the record says is that she requested a transfer – being assigned to Old Heathero was probably a random event. She probably didn’t even know I was here, or care. I definitely should not make a play for her. I’ll either get my ego crushed or get myself in too deep, and I don’t need either one of those things right now …

But she might remember meeting me, just like I remember her … After all, she did come to my medal ceremony today …

… and when she saw me looking at her, she smiled …

At that moment the com beeped and Robbie jumped out of his skin. He stood up, casting an eye around. What the devil had become of the com piece?

Unable to locate it, he headed for the port – and there flashing discreetly on the screen were the words: Incoming, from com ID 71-1919BOH – F. H. Feather.

Robbie stared, feeling such a lurch in his loins that his legs went weak. The decision about making contact with her had been taken out of his hands.

He sank down in the chair, feeling laughter welling in his throat. F. H. Feather … If they got together, they would have that much in common: nobody would ever get either one of their names right.

Then, in a panic that she was going to ring off, he stabbed the switch, his voice cracking. Capt. Nikalishin here.

The voice was incisive, sounding not quite familiar in the distortion of the speaker. Well! Capt. Nikalishin! I had about decided you weren’t home!

Yeah … I … was delayed getting to the … Robbie ran out of air.

I’m Fedaylia High Feather. You probably don’t remember me – you must meet so many people – but we met at the Great Koloredo Canyon ages ago.

Oh, yeah, I remember …

You do? I’m really flattered, Captain!

Uh – I also remember I told you to call me ‘Robbie.’ Is there some reason for me to take that back?

And I told you I preferred ‘Robbin.’

And I said I answered to that, too.

They both laughed, and Fedaylia said, My goodness! You do remember!

Fedaylia – may I still call you that? – I certainly never did forget it.

Well, my goodness.

There was a pause, and then they said simultaneously, I saw you in the audience this morning … I think you were looking at me at the ceremony this morning …

They both laughed again. Robbie took a deep breath, struggling to collect his wits. I recognized you. I couldn’t believe my eyes. You were the last person I would have expected to see.

Is it fortuitous, that I got transferred to Old Heathero?

Is it? I mean, how’d that happen?

All I did was request a transfer outside Northwest Quad. I’ve lived in Midammerik all my life and I wanted to see something different. I put Britan down as a first choice – I didn’t want something too outlandish right away, like Afrik or somewhere – and it turned out they were needing Com Officers at Old Heathero. And when that happened, I thought, I do believe Robbin Nikalishin is based there now. Maybe I ought to stick my neck out and look him up.

Oh, god, I’m glad you did … Robbie boy, don’t sound too eager. She’ll think ye’re a dog droolin’ all over her shoes … He cleared his throat. Actually, I was sitting here just now, trying to get up the nerve to ring you up.

Is that a fact? Well, I really am just too flattered, Robbin.

Uh – I was looking up your ID and I think your record said you’d been here about a month and a half.

"Yes, doing a training upgrade. I’m set to fly on the 3rd of November on the Eclipse."

"The Eclipse. That’s in Delta Squadron. My ship is in Beta."

"Yes, the Solar Wind. Congratulations on your command, by the way."

Robbie was also feeling flattered. She had apparently looked him up, too. He was forgetting how his current status had been spread all over the gossip links.

Thanks. But I was going to say – I guess you’ve been here long enough to get familiar with the place and make some friends, but I’ll bet you haven’t been to the Senior Officer’s Club. That was pretty smooth, he thought.

No. I’m still only junior grade, unfortunately.

Nothing wrong with that. But how’d you like to get acquainted with the perks that lie in your future? Say, tonight, at 1900h?

Hmm. I’d love it, actually. We can take up where we left off in ’60.

What’s that supposed to mean? Suddenly, Robbie could feel the violence of her goodnight kiss against his lip and he went, Uh-h-h.

Shall we meet somewhere, or do you want to come by to walk me over? she was saying.

Oh … I’ll come by. That’s Junior Officers’ Quarters, Block B, No. A16?

You got it right, Capt. Nik.

It’ll probably be raining. You have to get used to carrying a brolly here in Britan. That’s an old Briticism for ‘umbrella’.

I’d already figured that out. I’ll see you tonight, then.

All right. See you at 1900.

The com went dead. Robbie sat paralyzed, staring at the mute letters on the screen.

Fedaylia High Feather. He had just made a date with the mysterious woman from the Great Koloredo Canyon whom not even a space disaster and a mental breakdown had been able to expunge from his memory.

Robbie jumped up and paced around the flat, which suddenly felt too small to contain him. Fedaylia High Feather. Fedaylia High Feather. The name was wonderful. Likely she wouldn’t have made such an impression on him if she had had a more ordinary name.

He had been convinced after their first meeting that he wanted to marry her. What if he still did? What if that was his destiny?

Robbie dropped down at the table again, draining off the last of the apple juice, half-choking on it. Then he sat wiping his mouth, trying to compose himself. A contract … a consort … marriage … a wife …

… an eternal union, like Kolm and Dana … Somebody who would always be there … somebody to love him … somebody he could love – who would comfort him when he was low and fill his void and take away the loneliness …

Robbie buried his face in his hands. That voice within him was saying, Careful, Robbie. Ye’re makin’ this woman what ye want her to be. Keep some objectivity – don’t jump the gun! Ye don’t have any idea that Fedaylia would be any of those things to ye, friend of mine …

But her name sang within him, ethereally filling up the hollows, and the little voice of common sense was too weak to rise above the delicate clamor of that birdsong. He stopped fighting it and began to plan what he needed to do to get ready for what might be the most important evening of his life.

*****

About 1600h he was heading out the door when the com beeped again. Leaping back, he grabbed the unearthed com piece and said, Robbin Nikalishin here. Maybe it’s Fedaylia again – oh, god, I hope she’s not canceling …

But a voice said cheerfully, Hey-ho, Capt. Robbie, it’s Wilda.

Oh.

Just ‘oh’? You were expecting someone else?

No, no … I mean, yeah, I thought it might be someone else.

I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the ceremony. Two of my cooks called in sick and I spent the whole morning at the grill. I smell like a pan of rashers.

Oh. You weren’t there?

No! I thought maybe you would have looked for me and wondered where I was.

Oh. Well …

Will you stop saying, ‘Oh’? What’s the matter? You sound all distracted.

Well, I am, a little.

I really would like to hear about the ceremony and see the new medal. Do you want to meet me at the Old Foxy?

Oh. … Now, I’m sorry – I’ll get that out of my head in a minute. But I can’t – I was just on my way out the door.

"Robbie, what is going on with you?"

He took a deep breath. You remember the woman I met three years ago in Westammerik? She was at the ceremony today. Fedaylia High Feather. How he did love to say that name … She’s a Com Officer now – an Ensign. She’s been transferred to Old Heathero and I’m taking her to the Officers’ Club tonight.

Oh! My goodness.

My goodness. Fedaylia had used that bland exclamation a couple of times, and for some reason it irritated him when Wilda said it. Now you’ve caught the ‘Oh!’ business, he said.

Huh-huh – I did, didn’t I? But wasn’t that pretty fast work?

Well, why not? he said defensively. "We recognized each other at the ceremony – I did look for you, by the way – and I looked up her record, and I was going to ring her up, but she rang me up first."

She did!

Yes, she did. What is with this tone, Wilda?

No tone, Robbie. But you were on your way out, you said. Isn’t 1600h a little early for a dinner date?

He said with martyred patience, I was on my way to the Exchange to pick out a corsage.

Gaw.

Wilda …

I’m sorry. All this seems a little sudden. Just be careful, Robbie.

What’s that supposed to mean? he said irritably. I’m not some little fourteen-year-old boy.

"I know that, duck, but I’m going to say this anyway. Watch your step a bit, will you? I mean, here’s this little Ensign, just starting to make her way in the world, and along comes this big, tragic, world-renowned space hero who’s obviously all snaggle-eyed for her … Intentions, Robbie, intentions! I know where you come from, but this girl … "

Robbie interrupted. Come on, stop that, Wilda. You’re kind of making me sick. I didn’t know you were so cynical. You have no right to be jealous, you know.

Mm. Cynical and jealous. Well, all right, Capt. Robbie. I know your social life is none of my business. Just have a good time and enjoy yourself tonight. I’ll ring off now and you can go get your flower.

Wilda, I didn’t intend that to be as mean as it came out. Don’t be angry, darlin’.

Me, angry at you? … Robbie, remember, if you ever want to make any of this my business, you know where I am.

Yeah, I know. I’d better go, before the corsages get too picked over.

All right. Bye.

He hesitated. Bye … But she was gone.

Chapter 2

Nikalishin and High Feather, Again

17 October, 2763

Robbie left his quarters much too soon and had to spend fifteen minutes pacing the path out of sight of the windows of Block B because he didn’t want to appear too eager. At five minutes before 1900h, he was pressing the door beeper at No. A16.

The door opened and there was Fedaylia. She was wearing pumps with five-centimeter heels and, coupled with the fact that she was naturally taller than Robbie, he found himself looking up at her. When they had dined at the Canyon, she had been wearing flat sandals, and he hadn’t realized how tall she would seem in dressy shoes.

But she was just as breathtaking as Robbie remembered. She was attired in a sleek, tawny-beige frock that reached to mid-calf, with a hem that dipped a bit in the back. A narrow band of bronze sequins adorned the high neckline, the sleeveless arm openings, and the hem. Her smoky-amber eyes were accented by russet eye shadow. In Midammerik she had sported a swirl of bangs, but now her long, straight, dark-brown hair was combed smoothly back to show a perfect hairline with a little downward peak in the middle. Her only jewelry was a pair of dangling gold earrings, a matching bracelet, and a glittery amber ornament that clasped the upper layers of her hair back from her face.

Fedaylia … Robbie breathed.

Hello, Robbin. I don’t believe it’s raining, is it?

What? Oh! No! In fact, the stars are out. But it’s chilly.

She was carrying a russet surrofur jacket over her arm. Would you help me with this?

Oh, of course. Wait – here’s something for you first.

Ooo, a corsage – how nice. How did you know what color I was going to wear?

As a matter of fact, Robbie had gotten a small cluster of bronze mums, which had hardly seemed romantic to him, but the selection at the Exchange had been limited. He had sweated over his meager choice, but now it seemed just right.

Actually, he said, this made me think of your eyes, Fedaylia.

You remembered my eyes? You are so sweet, Robbin. But I think I’ll wait to put this on until we’re in the Club. I’d like to have it on my dress, but if I put it on now, the coat will crush it.

Robbie held her jacket open for her and as she slipped her arms into the sleeves, she said, Could you lift up my hair in the back? I like it on the outside – I hate the feel of a coat pulling on it.

Oh – all right. And his hands were trembling as he drew out the thick skein of her hair and laid it carefully against the furry texture of the coat. His nostrils flared as the scent of her perfume enveloped him. It disappointed him a little, however; it was seductive, but he was pretty sure it wasn’t the same fragrance she had worn at the Canyon.

Shall we get going? she said.

Robbie cleared his throat, coming around to stand beside her again. Definitely! Are you hungry? I checked on the menu and the Club has broiled Scottish salmon tonight.

Yes, I am hungry! But I’m not much of a fish person.

Well, salmon is quite a delicacy these days, but they have lots of good things.

Walking through the starry darkness, Robbie dared to take hold of Fedaylia’s arm, on the pretext that her footwear was not the best for walking. She seemed pretty surefooted, however; in fact it was Robbie who stubbed his toe on a bump in the path and took a few running steps before he caught himself.

She said, Oh, my goodness, did you hurt yourself? and she giggled.

Cursing internally, he slid into his usual self-deprecating humor. I’ll just confess, Fedaylia. I’m a pretty awkward man … And he told the story about how he never could learn to march properly.

"Well, maybe I’d better take hold of your arm," she said, and she did so, pressing it cozily against her side.

He drew a long, shaky breath, and she said, What’s the matter?

I was thinking about your perfume, to be honest. Do you know, sometimes in the middle of the night, I get to remembering that perfume you were wearing at the Canyon?

Well, isn’t that nice? Let me see, what was that fragrance? I think I was wearing a lot of ‘Elusive’ at that time. Yes, that’s definitely what it was. I thought it had a kind of outdoorsy smell and went with the fresh Western air.

It went with something, all right. But that’s not what you’re wearing tonight.

No, this is ‘Etheria.’ Do you like it?

Oh, yeah, but that other … There’s something about it that haunts a man, Fedaylia.

Her laugh rang soft and incisive. I think I may still have some ‘Elusive’ – I’ll have to look. I haven’t worn it for quite a while, so it probably won’t be any good.

Or maybe perfume is like wine and gets more potent with time.

Again, the laugh, canny and confident. You know, I’m pretty sure you’re right, Robbin.

At the Club they deposited their outer wear at the coat station and then Fedaylia said, Now, the flowers … Robbin, would you pin them right here on my left shoulder?

Oh, my god, he thought, but he saw no way to get out of it. In order to work the pin through, he had to thrust his fingers under the neckline of her gown, and for a moment he felt the smooth warmth of her skin against his knuckles.

Your fingers are wobbly, Robbin. Are you cold?

Oh – maybe … but that’s not it … God! Did I stick you?

Uh, I think you scratched me a little, maybe with a fingernail.

Holy grief …

Don’t look so tragic! What’s a little prick, anyway, between friends? There! That looks really elegant! And you know what? I’m glad you didn’t get something like roses or gardenias, with a fragrance. It never blends well with one’s own perfume.

I’ll have to remember that, he said breathlessly.

*****

In the dining room, Capt. Nikalishin and his spectacular lady attracted quite a bit of attention. Robbie had arranged for a table in the upper tier, where trelliswork thwarted the stares of curious eyes while allowing a view of the room. They ordered dinner and a bottle of a rosy-amber Chileyan wine. Robbie had the salmon and Fedaylia ordered braised rabbit; they both had leek soup and herbed rolls and shared a fancy relish tray.

Robbie would have been perfectly happy sitting in total silence, staring and grinning fatuously at his companion, but he knew that would make him seem like a terminal dolt, and so he started things off by asking, Did you know you came to Herinen right after I left? And now you come to Old Heathero while I’m off-world. Amazing, isn’t it?

There was really nothing particularly amazing about it, but it was the best he could think of to say. And Fedaylia simply said, Yes, it really is.

What ship did you serve on while you were at Herinen?

"The Io."

Oh, yeah. Capt. Lindhofer.

That’s right! My goodness. Do you have all the ships and Captains memorized?

Well, hardly. I just happen to know Capt. Lindhofer. I served on a ship with him when we were both first starting out – he was the First Pilot and I was the Second. So – how are you liking it in Britan? Have you been over to Lunden?

No, I haven’t seen much of anything yet. They’ve been keeping us pretty busy. And it’s not much fun by yourself.

And you couldn’t find anybody to go with you?

Her lips curled upward at the corners. I’ll confess something, too. I’ve secretly been hoping it could be you who shows me the sights.

From that point on, Robbie dwelt on a cloud of bliss. And he thought, And here once upon a time I thought this woman wouldn’t want anything to do with a man who was afflicted with bouts of public insanity. She’s got to be the world’s most compassionate person. And this has got to be the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life.

After dinner, a dance ensemble started to play, and Fedaylia sat tapping her foot and staring out through the trellis. Then trepidation seized Robbie. Fedaylia, I bet you like to dance.

I love to dance.

I’d better warn you – I’m the world’s worst dancer. Wilda says it’s takes her feet at least three days to recover.

Really? Who’s Wilda?

Cursing himself, Robbie said, Oh, just somebody I used to date. I guess you might not be surprised to learn I’ve dated one or two women before this.

Well, of course. I may be quite a bit younger than you, Robbin, but I wasn’t born yesterday, either.

There was the slightest of edges in her voice – so slight that it was barely detectable – but it made Robbie squirm. Anyway, my point was, I’m not really a safe dance partner.

Maybe your other partners have been too short for you. It’s easier dancing with a tall woman who doesn’t drag you down.

Really? Well, all right. But don’t say you weren’t warned.

They danced three numbers, and then Fedaylia said, Let’s go back to the table and order dessert, Robbin.

As they sat down, Robbie said, Well, I’m afraid you were wrong, about how tall women make the best dance partners. Did I hurt your feet? I sure didn’t want to.

She grinned slyly at him. I’ll never tell you. And I should amend what I said: tall women make the best dance partners for good dancers. Then she laughed. Don’t look so crestfallen, Robbin! Dancing isn’t everything in a relationship. Now, I want some of that chocolate puff I saw on the menu.

Are we having a relationship? he asked her.

But all she said, with a twinkle, was We don’t know yet, do we?

Tomorrow morning, he said, I have to sit for an official still-vid portrait. I haven’t had one made since I was in my mid twenties, and they seem to think ID and Archives need an update. A total nuisance, what? But I was wondering …

"I can’t. I’m flying to Luna early tomorrow for a five-day training exercise. It will be my first time on board the Eclipse and my first stint as Chief Com Officer, so it’s pretty important."

Robbie must have appeared downcast, because she added coyly, Are you going to miss me that much?

Well, I’d hoped I might see you again – sooner …

Why don’t you call me after I get back? I won’t fly again till the 3rd of November. Maybe we can visit Lunden. There must be a lot of fun things to do over there.

After dessert and a last glass of wine, which Robbie could feel going straight to his head in spite of his full stomach, they prepared to return to quarters. When Robbie once again helped Fedaylia on with her coat, he quickly lifted her hair to the outside, and she smiled at him over her shoulder. Thank you, Robbin! My goodness, you do learn quickly.

Yeah … some things, at least …

They traversed the dimly lighted walkways of Old Heathero, beneath the cold, starry sky. Robbie had been frantically debating whether to ask her up to his quarters, but he had decided that might be pressing things; if things were to go farther on this first date, she ought to be the one to initiate it. So they took a path toward the Junior Officers’ Sector, gazing up at the sky, where the gibbous moon had Mars on its starboard bow, a little lower in the sky.

Just think, we’ll both be flying up there soon, said Fedaylia, hugging Robbie’s arm firmly and pointing with the other hand.

And, said Robbie tremulously, we both know that Luna is weighed down with humanity’s hardware, but that doesn’t keep it from looking romantic, does it? – especially when a man has a beautiful woman to look at it with him.

She stirred a little beside him in a movement that suggested she was pleased, but he couldn’t really see her face in the darkness. Over there, he said, to the southeast, right above those trees – that’s Epsilon Eridani.

She craned her neck. I thought that was Zaurak.

Zaurak is Gamma Eridani. Look a little higher up and off to the right. It’s not very bright.

Isn’t that the one with the planets around it? It’s pretty close to Earth.

Yes. Only 10.5 light years. That’s where I always meant to go one day. His voice had deepened and stretched.

But now you have to settle for Mars.

Yes. Yes, I … He couldn’t finish.

Maybe you can find Venus, too, Robbin.

Oh, god … He had lost his voice completely.

They had arrived at Fedaylia’s housing block and they quickly approached the door of her room. Several other people were passing by and she hastily opened the door and drew Robbie inside, saying, I hate saying good night with a lot of people around.

What does that mean? he thought. Hell, I just keep asking myself that same question.

Inside, she cast off her coat and dropped it on a chair. The room was typical Ensigns’ quarters – a one-room efficiency with a tiny bathroom and a kitchen nook and a day bed. Robbie glanced around and said, This looks a lot like the first quarters I lived in after I stopped having a roommate. Holy grief, they haven’t upgraded anything.

Fedaylia laughed. I suppose starting out spartan makes a person more eager for the future. Of course, your present quarters are much more posh.

Nothing special – just standard for bachelor Captains. Fedaylia …

But she put out a hand. I only asked you in so we could say good night in private. I’m flying to Luna early in the morning, so I have to get my sleep.

Robbie took a deep breath. Oh, yeah. I understand. I always need a good night’s sleep before any big day.

But then she was stretching her arms around his neck, and he said, Is this taking up where we left off, Fedaylia?

She chuckled low in her throat. What’s the matter, Robbin? You seem a little wary.

Well … He touched his lip with an index finger.

You remember that kiss I gave you the first time.

How could I forget it? It stayed with me right along with the perfume.

I really need to apologize, she said in a husky whisper, her mouth near his ear. I got a little carried away back then. I almost gave you what you wanted, you know. You’re such a sexy man, Robbin Nikalishin.

Now, Robbie had always had adequate confidence in his own virility, but he couldn’t remember any woman ever calling him sexy, and he felt a tremendous surge of ego-gratification. And Fedaylia had her hands around his head, pulling his face toward hers.

Maybe you’ll like this kiss better, she said, and their lips came together. He folded his own arms around her, feeling her firm breasts against his chest and the crush of the mums between their shoulders.

By the time their mouths parted, he was gasping for air, although there was no blood on his tongue this time. She was emitting another throaty laugh. Good night, Robbin. Don’t worry – you’ll see me again. Ring me up, will you? And she was pushing him toward the door.

Oh, yeah, I’ll ring you up, Fedaylia. I can’t wait, as a matter of fact. Thanks … for a really wonderful evening …

Good night, Robbin. It’s been more than fun. See you later. And the door shut in Robbie’s face. For a minute he stood dazed. Then some people passed behind him, laughing and jostling against him. And he turned and wandered home, staring at the sky, seeing Venus everywhere, even though on this particular night that celestial body was on the other side of Earth.

Chapter 3

Love’s Hangover

18-22 October, 2763

The next morning Robbie was hung over, more from stress than wine. He had trouble getting himself out of bed; he kept going back to sleep and was finally able to haul himself out only at 1000h. Then he sat groggily at the table, nursing a headache and a cup of coffee. When the com beeped, it was a good thing the com piece lay on the table next to him or he might have ignored it.

It was Adm. Soemady. Captain! Did you have something to do that took precedence over having your portrait made?

This woke him up. Holy grief, what time is it? What time was I supposed to be there? Oh, hell, I overslept! And I did forget about it, Admiral – that’s inexcusable!

"I don’t know if it’s inexcusable, but it has inconvenienced a few people."

I was supposed to be there at 0930, wasn’t I?

Well, at least your memory is still functioning! I was beginning to get a little worried about you, Robbie.

Admiral, sir, I’m sorry. I really apologize.

Soemady hesitated. Are you hung over, Mister?

Robbie could feel his face going red. A little, I have to confess. How did you know?

Something in your voice when you answered the com. Perhaps we should put off your sitting for a couple of days. We wouldn’t want Capt. Nikalishin preserved for posterity with bags under his eyes, now, would we?

No, sir, said Robbie meekly.

What prompted this binge, if I may be so bold as to ask?

It wasn’t a binge, sir – only a bottle of wine – shared with one intoxicating woman …

Ah. So you got hold of your High Feather?

Yes, sir, and – and she was just as wonderful as I remembered.

Well, that’s lovely, but don’t let this renewed friendship interfere with your obligations, Captain.

Oh, Adm. Soemady, I promise. I’m very, very sorry the sitting slipped my mind. But please believe I would never forget anything essential.

Huh. I’ll take you at your word! Check in with Ms. Burlingame this afternoon, will you? – to set up a substitute appointment.

Oh, without fail, sir. Thanks for being so understanding.

*****

In the days surrounding his portrait sitting, Robbie engaged in some strenuous physical training in an attempt to work off excess nervous energy. One day in the gym, he was lying on his back in a leg press machine with his eyes closed when a mischievous voice said, "We saw you in the Club the other night, Nikalishin. Who was that stunning filly you were with?"

Robbie opened his eyes and scowled up at the face that leered above him. It was somebody he and Kolm had known in Flight Academy, a fellow who had been a form ahead and who had never missed an opportunity to get on their case. The man had become a mechanical engineer in Ground Command; he was serving now in Base Maintenance as Assistant Supervisor of Sanitation and Water Distribution (a glorified appellation for the plumbing corps). And he had attained the rank of Major, which technically made him Robbie’s superior. To add to the annoyance, he always pronounced Robbie’s name Nick-collision.

Dammit, Dingman, I was counting. Now I lost track.

Dreadfully sorry, old boy. But who is she? A slew of people who are dying to know.

You’ve already got a consort, Dingman. The man had Robbie at a disadvantage, crooking over his supine form like a vulture.

Maj. Dingman erupted in a squeaky laugh. Since when did that stop a chap from taking an interest in some other stud’s sexy broad?

"If you must know, she is one of the new Com Officers that were recently assigned to Old Heathero."

Ooo! A whole Com Officer! And her name?

You keep working on that, Dingman.

That’s Maj. Dingman to you, Mister.

Maj. Dingman, sir. Yeah. Just like the old days, eh?

With a bitch like that in your pocket, I’d think you’d rather be sweating in bed than here in the gym, Nick-collision.

Robbie sputtered. It was a good thing he was strapped up in this machine, or he would have belted the Major in the teeth. Watch your mouth, Dingbat.

Dingman wandered off, his high-pitched giggle trailing after him.

Cursing, Robbie worked his legs vigorously for a couple of minutes, then, disgusted, he extricated himself and headed for the showers. His back hurt, and he decided he’d been going at this exercise thing a bit too ambitiously. That would be great if the next time I see Fedaylia, I’m hobbling around like an old geezer.

The next time … She was due back late tomorrow. Should he call her tomorrow evening to demonstrate how serious he was, or should he show his consideration by giving her a chance to rest up first? That question had been plaguing him for the last four days.

And he was beginning to feel a little deflated – a little down – and when that happened, he thought of Wilda …

Immediately after the Big Date, he had been strangely reluctant to see Wilda. After all, he hadn’t talked very nice to her the last time, and besides, bedazzled as he was by faerie glamour, she had suddenly seemed a bit plain, drab, and ordinary to him. Hell, the last time he talked to her, she had confessed to smelling like rashers. That was a far cry from Etheria.

But now the fog of glamour had withdrawn a bit, and he thought bacon didn’t sound so bad.

So he called Wilda at work. Darlin’, you want to meet me at the Old Fox’s Head? I’ll bring the new medal.

He could almost see her raising an eyebrow, as if to say, What’s with this? You’re not buying a flower for somebody today? But all she said was, Sure, Robbie. Right after work.

But that gave Robbie an idea, and he went to the Exchange and bought a little nosegay of forget-me-nots and pink rosebuds. He made sure he arrived at the pub before Wilda, and when she came in, the flowers lay on the table before her chair.

Peace offering, said Robbie.

Aw, Capt. Robbie, you didn’t have to, said Wilda, dropping into the chair and snuffling the bouquet. There’s never anything but peace between you and me.

Well, I was a bit rude the other day, and I wanted you to know I was sorry. Here, you want to see the medal?

They talked about that for a while, and then they talked about the portrait session, and then Robbie said, Don’t you want to hear about Fedaylia?

Uh … I told you, love – if you ever wanted to make it my business …

Wilda, she’s absolutely wonderful. You’ve got to believe that. She’s not just some little gold-digger making a play for an officer with a few medals on his chest.

Wilda nodded. Well, I’m relieved to hear that! So how come you’re sitting here with an old flame instead of spending time with your newest one?

She’s training on Luna. She’ll be back late tomorrow. Wilda, she actually remembered everything about our first meeting! Robbie’s face had brightened up like a child presented with a chocolate freeze.

Well, good for her! said Wilda softly.

Should I call her tomorrow evening, or wait until she’s had a night’s sleep?

Wilda chuckled. I don’t think I should be the one to give you advice on how to woo her. I have no idea what she’s like.

This is a pretty serious matter for me and it’s going to take a lot of finesse. I can’t just bumble my way through like I did with you.

And Wilda’s eyebrow did go up at that, although Robbie was looking down and didn’t see it. I used to get advice on women from Kolm, but … His voice faded.

Aw, Robbie.

She wants me to take her to Lunden and show her the sights. I thought we might start with a tour of some of the Westminster Restorations – I haven’t seen, myself, how far they’ve progressed while I was gone. And from there we could take a boat ride on the Temes up to New Queue Gardens. They use covered boats at this season, and we can visit the indoor arboretums and Tropical Butterfly House. And I suppose they still have that nice restaurant. I’d take her to the Bird Pavilion at the Zoo, but I don’t suppose that’s romantic enough, especially for a second date. After all, I don’t even know if she has any interest in birds …

As he rambled along with waxing animation, Wilda smiled and nodded encouragingly, but inside she was thinking, Oh, Robbie, I hope you’re not setting yourself up for a fall …

It was drizzling as Robbie and Wilda walked home, their umbrellas clashing together. Wilda clutched her nosegay in front of her like a bride. And Robbie said, Don’t think that because I’ve found a woman I’m really attracted to, it’s going to make me feel differently about you, darlin’. Because nothing could.

Of course not. That’s not how we love each other. By the way, how does she like being called ‘darlin’?

I don’t call her that.

I thought you called all women ‘darlin’.

His face had tightened a little. Well, I think Fedaylia is entitled to a little more respect than that.

This time he saw the eyebrow go up. And I’m not?

Aw, Wilda – I didn’t mean that …

I know you didn’t. But, Robbin Nikalishin … Wilda stopped and turned to confront her former lover. … how come you can speak ever so eloquent-like in public but you can’t say a word to or about women without putting your foot in your mouth?

Robbie stared down at her, opening and shutting his jaw. Is that what I do?

Well, sometimes, Robbie. You know it’s true.

I don’t see the connection – between speaking in public and speaking to women, I mean. It’s not the same thing at all.

Maybe that’s your trouble.

You’re losing me – darlin’. Don’t make me stop calling you ‘darlin’,’ Wilda. It’s like me calling Dr. Souray ‘Doc’. It’s not disrespectful – it shows affection … And Robbie added plaintively, Besides, you’ve told me before that you like it.

Then Wilda gave him a quick hug, mashing her flowers and almost poking him in the eye with her brolly. "’Course I do, Capt. Robbie. And I understand everything. Forget I said what I did. Now, come on, let’s get hiking. It’s starting to rain harder and I haven’t got my wellies. And don’t think I don’t want you to be happy in this new relationship. All I’ve ever wanted was for