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Syfar, Sarai Spaceport
Landing on Syfar made her skin itch. Val hadn't expected that. If it was affecting the rest of the crew in the same way, they'd need to keep this side trip short. "Tamar, do you feel that?"
"I am feeling it," the navigator said. "Like leapers in my fur. How long are we having to stay here, Captain?"
"Long enough to pick up the twins, and not a minute more," Alex said. "Right?" He looked at Val and she couldn't disagree. The sensation wasn't painful, but she could see where it would quickly become a major distraction.
"I can see why it was impossible for them to find a ride off planet," Rakan said. He scrubbed a paw behind his ear for a second, then shook himself. "If this happens to every visitor, it's a wonder they have a spaceport at all."
The comm-link crackled to life and Alex opened the channel. After the usual preliminaries, the person said, "Welcome to Syfar. May your visit here be brief. How may we assist in making it so?"
Alex glanced at Val with raised eyebrows, but answered the question. "We are here to pick up two passengers," he said. "Pan and Dora, erm, Syfe?"
"We understand." The voice was genderless, and slightly mechanical. "A message has been sent to the Syfe in question and you will be contacted when they respond. Your ship has been scanned and found to contain no bio-threats. We will cease scanning now."
The skin crawling sensation stopped abruptly. Everyone on the bridge sagged in relief.
"Wait." Val shot to her feet. "You did that to us on purpose? Without permission?"
Tamar's eyes widened, and she shook her head at Val. "Is not being wise to object to Syfe methods..." she said.
"We reserve the right to scan all incoming vessels, both for our protection and for yours." The mechanical voice offered neither apology nor anger. "This is widely known. Do you wish to lodge a complaint?"
Tamar shook her head harder.
Taking a breath, Val brought her temper under control. "Not at this time."
"Very well. Your message has been delivered. Pan and Dora will join you within the hour. For your own safety, please do not leave your ship."
"Is that a threat?" Val asked.
Tamar shook her head so hard, Val thought it might fall off, but it was too late to call the question back.
"No, Captain Demyanov. Merely a statement of fact. The concentration of Syfe on our planet is known to present a threat to the health and mental stability of foreign species. It is unintentional, and perhaps unfortunate, but nonetheless true. Do you wish to lodge a complaint?"
Tamar stared at Val with huge, pleading eyes.
"Uh, no. That won't be necessary. Thank you for the clarification," Val said after a moment. "We'll wait here for the twins, as requested."
"An excellent choice. Thank you." A click signaled the end of the communication.
Taking a moment to settle herself, Val turned to Alex. "You got that report sent to Gaia, right?"
"This morning," he replied. "Do you think she'll want an in person briefing?"
"I don't see why she would. 'No, thank you' is pretty much the same mud pie, no matter how you slice it. And the tests were conclusive. Even if some part of HiveZ survived Jordan's bout of target practice, they don't pose a sizable threat to Galina."
"And those who might be endangered have been vaccinated." Alex rubbed a hand along his jawline. "Which I guess closes that episode."
The comm-link buzzed again, and Alex checked it. "Well, that's a surprise," he said.
"What? Is there a problem with Pan and Dora?" Val asked.
"Nope. But Magnus and Tessa are waiting in orbit around Syfar's moon. Magnus is suggesting we meet up at the Red Crater."
"That is a surprise." Val's brows pitched upward. "Though, his familiarity with drinking establishments on Syfar's moon makes perfect sense. Tell them we'll meet them there as soon as we pick up the twins."
"Of course," Tamar grumbled. "No need for Tessa and Magnus to be getting itchy."
Val snorted. "No need for the Syfe to wonder why Tessa doesn't get itchy," she said. "You know as well as anyone that a curious Syfe is a dangerous Syfe."
Tamar frowned, then nodded. "You are having point, Skipper. Is best we are meeting them there."
Val glanced at Alex. "Yeah, I think so. We have a lot of information to share with... them."
Alex looked up, understanding and a measure of relief in his expression. "You sure, Val?" he asked quietly.
"Yeah," she said after a moment. "It's time."
"Attention on board the Venture. Pan and Dora request permission to board." The message came unbidden through the all call, and Alex scowled.
"These people are rude," he said in an undertone.
"I am thinking it is best if you are not mentioning this to them," Tamar muttered.
The OPT whooshed open; Pan and Dora bounced in, stubby tails twitching happily. The cat-like telepaths frisked their way across the bridge. Foster-Val! It is so good to see you!
"Good to see you too, kids. How was your visit home?"
Dora jumped up in Alex's lap and rubbed her cheek along his. I am happy you are still here, Foster Alex.
"Where else would I be?" he asked.
Mates do not always stay. She spoke to him mind to mind, as all Syfe did. Psychic ability was particularly helpful when one lacked both vocal chords and flexible digits.
Alex shot a covert glance at Val before replying. "Yeah, I don't think you have to worry there. I'll stick."
Pan seated himself neatly in front of Val. The trip was good, he thought to her. Now, we are ready to set out again. Syfe try to go home at the end of each life circle, but the rest is for adventuring. We are ready for more adventures with you, Foster Val.
"I hope you won't be disappointed, Pan."
