Across the Great Rift by Washburn Scott;

Author:Washburn, Scott;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
Publisher: Winged Hussar Publishing, LLC
Published: 2017-05-11T16:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

“And here is to the hero of the hour: Tadsen Farsvar!” His uncle’s words brought on a loud cheer and Tad lowered his eyes and tried to turn his silly grin into an expression of adult dignity. He failed miserably. Dozens of people crowded around to slap him on the back or shake his hand or, in the case of the women and girls, kiss him on the cheek. Under this assault, the silly grin quickly gained full control.

The grin froze on his face when he realized that hands were grabbing him and propelling him toward the front of the gathering where Grandfather was sitting. Oh Life, he’s not going to make a bigger fuss about this, is he? He was. The old, old man, the ancient patriarch of the Farsvar family, waited for him with a disturbing twinkle in his eye. He seemed more alive and more animated than Tad had seen him in years. Even the half-G he was sitting in instead of his usual free fall did not seem to be troubling him. The whole family and a great many relations from the sept had all met for a grand celebration in one of the finest eating establishments in Panmunaptra. It was located on a terrace overlooking one of the four grand parks in the asteroid. Trees and flowering plants were all around and a waterfall splashed down nearby. Swarms of waiters bustled about, providing an endless stream of food and drink. A live group of players provided the music. Normally, they never would have been able to afford anything like this, but the world had changed for the Farsvars.

And a lot of people seemed to think he was the one who had changed it.

“Well, Grandson,” said Grandfather in a surprisingly strong voice, “I always thought you would make good, but I wasn’t expecting you to make quite this good, quite this soon!” Everyone around laughed and Tad bobbed his head like an idiot.

“I was just lucky enough to be the one on watch, Grandfather.”

“Of course you were! And if someone else had been on watch we’d be having this celebration for him—so don’t let this go to your head, boy!” More laughter and Tad joined in. “But you were the one on watch and so this celebration is for you. And for the whole family.” Grandfather paused and swept his gaze over the assembled crowd. “We are beginning a new era of hope and prosperity for the Farsvars. Our debts have been paid off and our ship is being refitted and enlarged. The family will go on! Let us all give thanks—and celebrate!” Everyone cheered and Tad was mercifully released from the Old Man’s attention. He went back to his table and sat down. There was a glass of wine waiting and he took a gulp.

“I’m proud of you, Son,” said his mother from across the table. “Your father would have been proud, too.”

“Thanks, Mother. That means a lot.” His glanced strayed to one of the restaurant’s busboys who was clearing a nearby table.

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