The Archer's Paradox - The Travis Fletcher Chronicles (17 page)

“So,” he began carefully, “you question my honour.” It was a statement, not a question.

Xnuk Ek’ considered her reply carefully. She felt as if she was being handed a very slim chance of a way out of this dilemma. “I question your actions.” she countered. “I have no proof you acted dishonourably.” she deliberately did not pose the obvious direct question.

“If I said that I acted in accordance with the instructions of The Council.” he paused for a moment before continuing. “What are your thoughts?” he probed.

“I question why The Council would instruct you to withhold truths.” she replied evenly, neatly sidestepping the obvious trap.

“Then we are in agreement.” he acknowledged slowly. Xnuk Ek’ locked eyes with him, her mouth open with questions. “The only difference is that I would consider my obedience to The Council and the continuation of our race above the fate of one primitive alien.” he finished forcefully. Xnuk Ek’ made to reply but he held up a hand to forestall her. “We have some choices to make.” he paused for what seemed like a lifetime to Xnuk Ek’ before continuing. “Do you still wish to graduate and become
Nuuktak
?” he finished.

She nodded her head. “Yes.” she affirmed carefully, thinking that this was too easy to come out unscathed.

“This incident notwithstanding,” he continued, “you are still my best student and it would be a shame if you were to throw everything away for one rash act. Do you agree?” Again she nodded agreement. “Then I offer you this.”

Here it comes
, she thought.

“It is true that The Original did question your honour in a heated exchange by calling you a liar, there are two witnesses to that fact. You acted in accordance with our Code of Honour, although your actions were extreme and immediate.” Like Xnuk Ek’, he deliberately avoided asking the obvious questions. “Although, I am at a loss as to why you were carrying a weapon at the time, but it is possible you felt the need for some practice.” he paused for a moment then continued before Xnuk Ek’ felt as if the statement required an explanation. “All that considered, any other motives for your actions are effectively moot. So here is my offer; in return for not bringing you before The Council for your actions, you will have no further contact with The Original, you will not discuss your actions or your motives with anyone and you will not bring your concerns to The Council. Do you understand, Xnuk Ek’?”

The question only had one possible answer. “Yes,
Nuuktak
.” she affirmed. Her mental screens slammed back into place and fortified, but behind them she railed and fumed. So this was her punishment; to be effectively silenced by the Code of Honour that got her into this trouble in the first place. She would also lose any credit for finding and training Travis Fletcher and, she had no doubt, any offer for future off-world expeditions would conveniently vanish.

“I release you from your responsibilities to The Original, with immediate effect. I will assign another for the remainder of the mission.”

“But…..” she began futilely.

“This is not up for negotiation!” he snapped and the mental slap that accompanied the command left her stunned and breathless for a moment. He rose and stood over her for a moment, before spinning on his heel and storming out of the cabin with a look of triumph and distaste on his face.

The cabin suddenly felt very small and claustrophobic. She needed to get out. Maybe a turn in the Gaming Centre would vent some frustrations. After a few false starts she finally plucked up the courage and put in a call to Lak’in. She desperately needed to ask his forgiveness, but how much could she tell him in explanation? She would have to be careful, but Lak’in already knew her predicament and he deserved some sort of explanation. She could feel another Paradox of Honour impinging on her thoughts. Yes, she would have to be very careful. Although she half expected it, she was still disappointed when her lover refused to answer her hail. And so began her downward spiral into despair.

It had been about four days since Xnuk Ek’ had shot him, or more correctly, that is what Fletcher had unconsciously labelled the passage of time, based on the routine that had been struck. He had been introduced to his new ‘minder’ shortly after being released from the White Room. A humourless individual from the same stock as Xnuk Ek’, he was tall and tanned, with dark gold eyes, and long black hair restrained by the same multiband ponytail as Xnuk Ek’. His name was as equally unpronounceable as his erstwhile assassin, and he had a vision of a hard shelled amphibian lumbering through a field of corn for some inexplicable reason every time he heard the man’s name mentioned.

At least Physco-bitch Barbie had held a conversation with him, even if it was in cryptic riddles and snide remarks, and she had made him exercise his mind and body, even if he did end up injured. The thought brought a wry smile to his lips. He had even met a few other people on the ship. This new one would hardly pass the time of day and he had not even been allowed to leave his cabin since. His telepathic ability was returning slowly, as the doctor had told him it would. He found he could summon up meals and amenities in his cabin without assistance and he had even tried searching for Xnuk Ek’ with his mind, but either he was still not strong enough, or she was hiding from him or…no, he could not think that, not even for her. Yes, he missed her: her smile that seemed to light up a room (when she did actually smile), her eyes like two pools of mercury that flashed when she laughed and a body that...
no, stop it! She shot you for fuck’s sake! She tried to KILL you. To satisfy her fucking honour.
Unconsciously he fingered his chest. He could feel the dent through his ship suit where Sundaravāda Ci
ṭṭ
e had left a scar, at his request.
On Earth she’d be certified insane.
He shook the thought from his mind and brought himself back to the present. Yes, about four days; four times the new guy had visited, four times the doctor had examined him and four times he had fallen asleep, bored out of his skull. Well, there was nothing else to do in this cabin, which now felt more like prison. He was sure that if he had asked Xnuk Ek’ for something to read or listen to she would have at least helped him. He had tried conjuring up a book but nothing happened. He was sure she’d mentioned something about helping one of her friends to catalogue Earth music. He might have actually enjoyed that. The thought of possibly teaching these people something appealed to him. This new one just sat there as if it was him that was in a cell.

The door announced a visitor, shaking Fletcher out of his funk. It could not be the new bloke or the doctor, as both entered unannounced and they were the only visitors he’d had since being shot. He found himself checking that he was presentable as the door slid open. Framed in the doorway was a small, very pretty, oriental looking girl. She looked timidly at him, like a bird ready to take flight at the slightest hint of danger. Fletcher beamed at the young
Aantah
and she relaxed a little. He was overjoyed to see her for a number of reasons, not least of which was that she was someone he could actually talk to. He beckoned her in. She stepped over the threshold timidly and the door slid shut behind her. He wanted to leap forward and embrace her but restrained himself. He tried to project happiness at seeing her. She smiled. Success! He got a feeling back that she was ashamed and held herself responsible for what had happened. That did it. He rushed forward and hugged the girl, emotions pouring from him. She was not sure how to react, but eventually put her arms around him, imitating his embrace.

“I’m glad you’re here.” he said finally as he broke their embrace. “How are you?” she did not answer. “You know that nothing was your fault, don’t you?”

She pulled back from the embrace and looked into his eyes. “Sundaravāda Ci
ṭṭ
e told me of Xnuk Ek’’s Paradox of Honour.” she almost whispered.

He nodded. “We were both used.” she cocked her head to one side in query. “She used me to satisfy her honour,” he said the words without really comprehending their meaning, “and she used you as a convenient excuse for her anger.”

The girl nodded sadly. “You have much wisdom.”

Fletcher gave a little snorting laugh. “It’s not wisdom, just an understanding of human nature.” she looked at him with furrowed brows. “It seems that humans are the same all over the galaxy.” he said in explanation to the girl’s incomprehension. “Would you like some wine?” he asked, changing the subject abruptly. “I promise not to get shot this time.”

In spite of herself Niji No Tori giggled but shook her head. “No, thank you. I have something to show you.” she took his hand and urged him towards the door.

“Where are we going? What about…?

“Hoochik ‘Áak? He has been…delayed.” Some of the girl’s natural humour and bounce had returned. Travis laughed and allowed himself to be led out. He did not really care where he was going or what had happened to whatever-his-name-was, he liked this girl, a lot, and he trusted her. He could not believe that she could knowingly lead him into harm.

Niji No Tori led Travis through corridors and bounce tubes until they entered a room that was well over four hundred yards across and about the same in depth. Dozens of people congregated in groups of varying sizes, mostly at the opposite wall from where they had entered, and a feeling of anticipation hung in the air. Travis felt the girl’s excitement growing as she led him to the far wall, which, as far as he could see, was as uninteresting as the rest of the room. Most of the groups were sat at tables while some stood, but all were chatting excitedly. Travis had the feeling he was in some huge pub, although he could see no bar. Groups fell silent as he passed and he could feel dozens of eyes on him but no one approached or hindered their progress. He felt his escort grow a few inches as she puffed herself up. This was
her
moment, although it should have been Xnuk Ek’’s. As they neared the far wall they passed close to a table where a female stood and beckoned to them. Travis recognised her.

“Oh shit, that’s ShunEk’’s friend! I met her in the Gaming Centre.” he whispered to Niji No Tori. “What does she want?”

“Will you join us?” Turix Dayak' asked as they approached. She smiled broadly, which had the same effect on Fletcher’s knees as Xnuk Ek’, her honey coloured eyes projected only friendship but Travis instinctively raised whatever shields he could, as Sundaravāda Ci
ṭṭ
e had shown him. As they approached, two more chairs appeared at their table and the table itself extended to make room for them.

“Niji No Tori.” Niji No Tori announced herself with a low bow to the table. “
Aantah
to Sundaravāda Ci
ṭṭ
e.”

“Travis Fletcher, computer salesman,” Travis imitated her escort, “and Saviour of the Xi Scorpii.” he added with more than a dash of sarcasm.

Turix Dayak' laughed musically. “I believe you are the most recognisable person on this ship. I am Turix Dayak'.” she bowed and sat down. The rest introduced themselves: Tezozomoc, Atototl, Xocoyol and finally Lak’in.

“We’ve met before, in the Gaming Centre.” he nodded to Turix Dayak'. “And I know you,” Travis said warily to Lak’in, “well I know your name; you’re Snukekk’s boyfriend.” he noticed sniggering round the table at his pronunciation but he stoically ignored them.

Lak’in looked at Travis. “I do not understand the reference.” His eyes glazed over for a second and he looked over at the one called Atototl who nodded, smirking. “Ahh I see.” he said out loud to her, turning to Travis. “We enjoy each other’s company, but it is not a relationship as you understand it and we have no concept of…marriage.” he finished, stumbling a little over the English word. Travis refrained from sniggering back at Lak’in’s pronunciation.

“Where is…?”

“Xnuk Ek’?” Lak’in finished for him, saving the ignominy of mispronunciation again. She is being kept busy by Wingu Kanzu, her
Nuuktak
, preparing for our arrival back on Otoch.”

Travis read between the lines and concluded that she was being deliberately kept out of the way, but none of her friends were giving anything away. He was beginning to feel uncomfortable at being surrounded by his erstwhile attacker’s friends and was about to suggest to his escort that they should move on when Turix Dayak' leaned over and put a hand on his arm. Her liquid eyes were full of sympathy. “Please stay.” she asked. “We bear no malice towards you and your presence would honour us.”

Damn this mind reading!
He admonished himself and rechecked his shields noting they had slipped as he lost concentration. Everyone round the table laughed.

“You will learn.” Tezozomoc promised.

“That’s what everyone keeps telling me.” Travis pouted. That elicited more laughter and Travis found himself smiling.

“So, you are here for The Arrival?” Xocoyol asked.

Travis noted that if he and Atototl got any closer to each other they would be inside each other’s suits. He also noticed that Niji No Tori had become very quiet since they had sat down. He tried to send her a mental query, hoping that no-one else would pick it up. She looked up at him in surprise before replying. She considered herself subordinate to all the people round the table and so had no right to join in their conversation without permission. Travis checked his shields again and fumed silently.

“I don’t know.” he said, truthfully. “I’m just following the orders of my Pal Kanash.” he indicated Niji No Tori.

“So, little
Paal Kanik
,” Turix Dayak' laughed, not unkindly, “You have assumed responsibility for the most important person to our people, have you?”

Niji No Tori flushed furiously. “No…I…no…I would never presume...” she stammered.

Turix Dayak' laughed again. “Be calm, young one. “We are all friends here, and friends do not adhere to the hierarchy when they are not on duty.”

Niji No Tori looked up and gave a nervous smile. “Thank you.” she whispered.

“So,
Paal Ka’nsah
,” Tezozomoc carried on the joke, “considering our special guest, what do you suggest an appropriate ritual for this Arrival? I believe the people of Sol 3 enjoy their rituals, and it would be amusing to join in.”

Niji No Tori looked round the table nervously. Everyone leaned forward in anticipation, except Travis, who was still at a loss as to what was going on. “Well,” she started slowly, “as we have someone from Sol 3 with us,” she began to grow more confident, “there is a drink called ‘wine’ that is drunk after declaring a ‘toast’. That would seem appropriate.”

Attention turned from Niji No Tori to Fletcher looking for confirmation. “Can someone tell me what is happening?”

“We are nearly home.” Atototl replied simply. “We have been away for a long time and we have gathered to see our home for the first time.”

“In that case,” Travis thought a moment, “although a good wine will do,” he nodded to Niji No Tori, “may I suggest Champagne instead? It is a special wine used for celebrations.” he finished in explanation. He looked round the table and received nods of agreement. He tried to think of what he needed; Champagne, chilled in an ice bucket, but nothing happened. He tried again but still nothing. He turned to Niji No Tori. “I think I am going to need some help with this one. I don’t think I am strong enough yet.” he sent her a mental picture of the ice and bucket. She nodded and three appeared. He tried to picture the right shape of fluted glass. Again, one each appeared for each of the people round the table. His turn now. Concentrate. Success, three bottles of Champagne materialised which he picked up and screwed into the ice, hoping he had managed to get the contents right. He had managed before being shot almost by instinct, but now it was an effort and he realised that beads of sweat were trickling down his temples. The last thing he wanted was to end up poisoning his hosts.

Travis noticed a hush had fallen over the room. He looked round at the tables and groups of people dotted randomly around him. All seemed to be waiting and he could feel the anticipation building. He started to feel excited himself. He was finally going to see another planet, another sun, another…urrrggghhh! His internal organs suddenly tried to turn inside out in a most unpleasant fashion. The feeling only lasted a moment.

“What was that?” Travis complained, holding his stomach.

“We have just left hyperspace.” Tezozomoc announced. “We should prepare.” he said, looking at Travis.

Travis passed a bottle to Lak’in and Xocoyol. “Copy me.” he ordered. He carefully undid the foil wrapping and removed the wire cage, then waited for the two aliens to catch up. Gently he eased the cork up with his thumbs until it flew out with a loud pop and shower of Champagne bubbles, much to the surprise of everyone around and to the delight of his audience around the table. He had no idea where the cork landed but he quickly caught the flow in a glass and handed it to Niji No Tori, before pouring a glass for himself. Xocoyol caught on and copied Travis and a second later a second cork was flying over the room. He poured for Atototl and himself and was soon followed by Lak’in who poured for Turix Dayak' and Tezozomoc.

Just as Travis was wondering what was supposed to happen next, the whole wall in front of them vanished, revealing a void full of stars and a pale sun over to one side. “Oh my God.” he whispered to himself. “I’m...it’s...there’s…oh fuck I’m really here…
it’s
amazing.” he stammered. Reality had hit him as he stared open mouthed at the field of stars that filled the full width of the ship. He felt a sharp dig in his ribs and caught Niji No Tori looking at him.