Читать книгу The Gathering - Carl Read - Страница 8

Once the populace was settled on Telluric, Ogima called a meeting in Antares’ wardroom with the other clan leaders to discuss a crew for Antares.

“Antares,” Ogima began, “how would you like us to proceed with the recruiting of your crew?”

“First thing would be a captain, I suppose?” Antares ventured.

“Excuse me, Antares,” Sabir interjected. “But the captain’s position is already taken.”

“Really! By whom?” Antares asked, shocked.

“You, of course,” Sabir answered.

“Me!” Antares responded in surprised.

“No one knows the functions of this ship better than you!” Sabir stated. “Some of those new systems you had installed before we left Cadby are beyond our most qualified personnel.”

“The clan leaders have given this matter a great deal of thought, Antares,” Ogima intervened. “It was unanimously decided that there was only one candidate worthy of captaincy – you.”

“I thank you, gentlemen for your vote of confidence,” Antares began. “However, how will the crew react to a woman captain who is also the ship?”

“Excuse me!” Rayan hollered. “If they don’t like it, you don’t hire them. It’s that simple.”

“This is your command and the crew do as they’re ordered!” Tadashi exclaimed.

“Antares,” Ogima interceded gently, calming everyone down. “Like us,” he said, indicating to all present, “you have lived under the yoke of tyranny, but no more. You’re free.”

“Thank you for your continued kindness, gentlemen,” Antares replied. “You are correct; this is my command! I will need a first officer.”

“May I suggest,” Ogima counselled, “that after you’ve chosen your first officer, you advise him or her of what you require of your officers and let them choose a crew.”

“Thank you, Ogima. Gentlemen,” Antares began, “let it be known that Captain Antares of the deep space interstellar starship explorer requires officers, staff and crew members along with their families, who are interested in deep space exploration. I offer apprenticeships in all areas of engineering, space agriculture, medical and scientific research to any young person who has the aptitude. I have been designed to sustain life indefinitely; however, I would like to use Telluric as my homeport. I will return every ten years to replace any officer, staff and crewmembers wishing to be planet-side. Is that acceptable?” Antares asked.

“It is,” they all replied.

“Upon my return I’ll be in a better position to offer a greater variety of apprenticeships to those interested. While in dock I’ll carry out any refits that may be needed and download all the knowledge I have gathered on my journey.”

“That is most generous of you, Antares,” Tadashi remarked.

“How many crew members do you require?” Sabir queried.

“One thousand eight hundred souls plus apprentices for the operation of this vessel, and their families,” Antares replied quietly.

“Are you sure?” Ogima said, surprised. “That’s not many souls in a ship of this size, Antares.”

“Prudence is required all round, Ogima; we are both starting a new life,” Antares answered.

The response to Captain Antares’ request was overwhelming as volunteers from all walks of life rushed to be first in line. Antares was no fool when it came to those she wanted under her command and gleaned the best of them, fulfilling all her requirements. Sitting once more in her wardroom the four clan leaders joined to wish her bon voyage.

“Are you satisfied with the proficiency of the candidates, Antares?” Sabir asked.

“Yes, thank you, Sabir,” Antares responded. “They’re all conscientious and show me the utmost respect as captain.”

“As they should,” Tadashi stated.

“May I suggest gentlemen,” Antares began, “that you move your fleet to the far side of one of Telluric’s moons, away from electronic detection devices and unwanted visitors?”

“That’s a good suggestion, Antares, thank you,” Rayan replied, smiling. “We have already given orders to that effect.”

“While on one of my surveys,” Antares continued, “I discovered an abundance of crystals that would work more efficiently as communication devices and energy providers than the equipment you are currently using. You’re fortunate that Telluric’s smallest moon is habitable. I suggest you set up a science base in one of the many subterranean caverns so that you won’t be detected. I’ve also given some design ideas for crystal power plants to your science departments to develop.”

“That’s very kind of you, Antares,” Ogima commented.

“I want a home to come back to, as do your people,” Antares remarked. “All visitors have disembarked; it only remains for you four gentlemen to say your farewells and I’ll be off.”