Children of Hope (Seafort7) by David Feintuch

Author:David Feintuch
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science Fiction - Adventure, Fiction - Science Fiction, Seafort, Science Fiction - Military, General, Fiction, Science Fiction, Adventure, Nicholas (Fictitious character)
Publisher: Ace Books
Published: 2002-03-25T13:00:00+00:00

In the morning Fath made a point of sitting with Andrew Ghent for breakfast, and when Tad came in, Fath waved him over. Covertly, I watched the two for signs of resentment, saw none. Well, he hadn’t punished Tad, just spoken sharply. And a midshipman was used to demerits.

The morning was my own; I wasn’t on duty ’til after lunch. Fath was on the bridge, but I had the sense I wouldn’t be welcome there; he was preoccupied, staring at an empty screen. I waited out the boredom in a lounge.

A ship’s boy had no watch station; he was supposed to help out as needed. It made for an interesting but uncertain life. Alejandro didn’t seem to mind; after lunch he and I were called to Hydroponics to help reset some tubing. He chattered cheerfully, while I wondered if there’d be any joeys my own age among the passengers. Alec was a bit too young, and the middies too old, and snooty. Except Mik, of course, but he was twenty. And maybe Andy Ghent; since the day in my cell when he’d refused to tell me my fate, I’d seen him in a different light.

Not long before dinner, Mr. Branstead came aboard, on a shuttle full of crewmen. He gave me a preoccupied nod, hurried off to find the Captain.

At dinnertime I was still on duty, but a call came down saying the Captain wanted my assistance. I suppressed a grin. Assistance, my foot. I washed and changed before reporting to the half-filled Dining Hall.

“Sir.” I saluted stiffly. If he wanted to play games, I would too.

Gravely, he returned the salute. “Take your place, Mr. Carr.”

“Aye aye, sir. Good evening, Mr. Branstead.” A simple courtesy, that would please Fath.

Jerence sat at the Captain’s right, Tolliver at his left. To my surprise, Tolliver clapped me on the shoulder as I sat. He must be mellow indeed.

After Reverend Pandeker gave the prayer, Fath stood. “Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, we’ve taken part in extraordinary events. Our old enemy, the fish, have met us without hostility. We’ve even exchanged words. I’d hoped, truly hoped, for more . . .” For a moment, he fell silent. “But perhaps it is not to be. Tomorrow I will issue orders that the remainder of our crew, and those passengers who wish to accompany us, be ferried aloft. Olympiad will resume her scheduled cruise.”

Cheers, from nearly every table. Fath’s face twisted. He sat.

Mr. Branstead touched his knee. “They don’t understand, sir.”

“Do you?”

“I . . . think so.” He met Fath’s eye. “I worried for the ship, and for you. But your aspiration was magnificent.”

“Thank you.” Fath’s tone was stiff. After a moment he said, “You’re sure you’ll be all right?”

“Fairly.” Mr. Branstead’s tone was light. “There’s always risk. After our days in the Rotunda . . .”

“Pray Lord God it won’t come to that.”

I looked mystified. Fath said, “Jerence was held prisoner during the Navy’s attempted coup. He’s lucky to have escaped alive.”

Mr. Branstead snorted. “I’m lucky? What about yourself?”

“My point exactly.

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