Exiled to the Stars (47 page)

Roberto's recognition of a commonality with the Planetborns was the most hopeful sign he'd seen in months. He suddenly realized that the recent activity was providing a chance to pull the colony back together, if he could manage it. He called Kerry to alert her to the development, and suggest that she might want to interview Roberto for the newsie. Then he called Vlad and Susan Renko, and after a few moments' thought, called Lee Jenson and FrankWong, inviting them to meet with him.

"As most of you know," he began once they'd assembled, "I've been very concerned about the division of our people into Planetborn and Earthborn. The gulf between them has been widening, and attitudes are hardening on both sides. But we're starting to gain momentum, now, and I hope we can work together to unify us again.

"Frank, how soon can you complete your analysis, and find us exploitable mineral resources?"

Frank's eyes widened, and he shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, sire, surely you know that ours was only a preliminary scouting mission. I've , uh, found some indications that warrant additional exploration, but I can't just point a finger and say, 'There's a copper mine there, break out the mining machinery'."

Ken smiled. "I understand. I'm asking about those 'indications' you mentioned. Are there any that seem to indicate possible exploitable deposits?"

Frank frowned. "I've just about finished examining my cores," he said, "and yes, I've found several locations that warrant further examination. Iron seems plentiful, and copper. There
may
be zinc, as well. But I can't promise any productive mines at this point." An excited grin broke through his nervous reserve. "Once we get the R65C operational, though, I think you'll see some real progress, really quickly."

Ken nodded. "Okay, how soon can you get back out there with some of the new exploration tools and get us some firm information? I know the, uh, R65C has to wait for its fuel, but we need to know whether we have metals nearby enough to be exploited. If not, we may have to go farther afield, which would mean that any mines would have to be outlying camps."

His manner softened. "I'm sorry to put this kind of pressure on you, Frank, but the sooner we can get people working together on projects, the better our chances of holding the colony together."

Frank's frown deepened. "I think I understand, sire. I'd like to have another week or so for a complete analysis, but…" He shrugged. "I have four likely sites, sire. I guess I have to admit that if I haven't found traces by now, the amounts found are not likely to be exploitable. Using an airship, we should be able to check them out in a week or so."

Suddenly he brightened. "Of course, once we get the R65C operational, we'll be able to do general mineral surveys for klicks around. But there is some other equipment that can be used from an airship that would be very useful in the meantime, if you can authorize use of the medium airship."

Ken grinned. "I think I can do that without needing the Council's OK. I didn't really mean to put you on the spot like this, Frank," he continued. "But the more exploration we can do, the more people we can involve in it, and the more of them will be Earthborns. For instance, I think your exploration team should definitely include people with mining experience, don't you?"

Frank straightened and beamed. "Yes, sire, I certainly do. I'm an experimental scientist, not a mining expert. I think I understand."

Ken nodded approvingly. "I thought you would. You might want to work with Vlad, here, on selecting your team members. He has access to more information on the computer." He turned to Susan. "Doctor Renko, how soon can you tell us anything about our neighbors?"

Susan frowned. She'd seemed distracted since the meeting convened, and now she seemed impatient, almost irritated. "Well, like any scientist, I'd like more time, but we're already about 80% certain that the creatures are not intelligent. They are most likely aquatic or amphibious animals."

Ken nodded. "Everyone from Roberto Gomez to you is almost positive they're only animals. I almost hate to have to send Explorers all the way down there."

Lee shrugged. "Don't send a whole team. Just send a couple of them, like we did before. This time, though, we can drop them off by airship a few klicks upstream, they'll know what they're looking for, and they'll be prepared. You're going to need the rest of the Explorers to cover Frank and his mining team."

Ken chuckled. "We'll probably need Chun's Scouts, too, to cover that big a team." He turned to Vlad. "Your daughter's one of the Explorers, and you've been around them more than most, Vlad. Who would you say should be appointed their leader? So far, the Explorers have been more like a club than a serious organization. But their training is over, now, and things are moving fast. I need a contact with the authority to deal with me."

Vlad frowned. "I'd say Ron Creding. He's smart, level-headed, and the others listen when he talks, even Elaine." He paused and chuckled. "Maybe
especially
Elaine."

Ken's eyebrows rose. "Ah? So it's like that?

Vlad nodded. "About time, too." He grinned. "Those kids should have gotten married three years ago."

Ken nodded and turned to Lee. "Lee, Do you agree that Ron Creding is a good candidate to lead the Explorers?"

Lee nodded. "Ron or Tran Vanh. But Tran is a bit too extroverted, I think. Too much the clown to be taken seriously. Yes, I think Ron is a good choice."

"Good. Okay, one of you please nominate him at the Council meeting tomorrow. We need someone in place before we send off the prospecting team."

As the others filed out, Ken signaled Lee to stay. "I just wanted to thank you, Lee. That was good thinking with Roberto Gomez. I think we may even have a convert."

Lee nodded. "I hope so. We're getting close to a majority on the Council." He paused. "You know, Ken, he affected me, too. It's really easy to begin thinking that people who don't agree with you are some kind of villains, plotting against you. But they're not. Gomez was as bothered by the split as we are. He just sees it from another perspective."

Ken nodded. "That's what happens when people begin talking over each other, and past each other, and talking and thinking in slogans. The higher the emotional level and the volume, the less the chance that anyone will be convinced, or convinceable. I suspect that most of our job will be to lower the volume and the emotional content. If we can actually get people to
talk
instead of shouting at each other, I suspect we'll solve the problem in short order."

He paused. "I'm sorry, Lee. I didn't mean to lecture you, especially about things you already know.

Lee waved dismissively. "Forget it. I consider it training in effective politics from an expert. I've learned a lot from watching Cesar and you. Such differing styles, but both effective. It's fascinating."

They chatted for a few more minutes before Lee left. Ken nodded.
That young man is going to have my job some day
, he told himself, a
nd I suspect he'll do it well.

He dragged his thoughts back to the long list of reports on his tablet. He was able to get several hours' work done before his tablet signaled a call. It was Kerry Alves. Ken sighed as he keyed the 'accept' button.

"Good day, Kerry."

Her image showed a bright smile. "Good day, sire," she replied in a tone that was too bright, too enthusiastic.
Uh oh,
he thought, fighting an overwhelming urge to put a hand on a nonexistent wallet.

He suppressed a sigh. "And what can I do for you today?" he asked, responding to her smile with a professional one of his own.

Her bright smile slipped slightly. "I want to go on the metals survey trip."

He frowned. "Why? They're not going to be doing anything that would need coverage by a newsie or a blogger. Besides, the Explorers and Scouts will be quite busy just herding all the specialists that are already scheduled. I'm afraid this isn't a tourist jaunt."

Her smile disappeared. "And I'm not a tourist." She retorted, anger flaring. She pushed it down quickly. "I don't expect them to find much that will be newsworthy, but that's not why I want to go.

"I have completed all the academic requirements for an 'Explorer' certification. This kind of expedition will be perfect for me to complete the field experience requirement and get that designation."

Ken was surprised. "An 'Explorer' designation? Why would you want that? The Council only authorized six positions in the Explorer Corps."

She waved dismissively. "I don't want to be an Explorer. But now that we're actually
doing
something, there are going to be explorations that I
should
cover, and with the designation, it won't be as easy for the Council to tell me I can't go along."

He paused. "Did you really complete all the comp classes and things?"

Her smile showed pride this time. "I certainly did. And with top marks."

Ken frowned. "I don't know, Kerry. You're obviously a very determined young woman, But I'm afraid you're not a person I would have selected for Explorer training, had you volunteered."

She nodded. "I know. I wouldn't select me, either." A wide grin lit her face. "I believe the technical phrase is 'pain in the butt'. But, as I said, I don't want to be a real Explorer; I just want the Explorers and the Council to know that I wouldn't have to be babysat if I went along on an exploration. As a trainee, I do have the self-discipline to accept the authority of the Explorers and obey the orders they give me." She hesitated, and then continued in a serious tone, "I want them to know they can count on me, and can trust me not to shoot myself in the foot. Or them, either. By the way, I'm pretty good with a laser, now. I've been practicing."

Ken frowned. "This isn't something I have the authority to do, Kerry. It will require Council approval, and to be honest, I wouldn't recommend they approve it without the approval of the Explorers."

She nodded soberly. "I understand." Suddenly, the grin was back. "Maybe it's time for a girlfriendly call on Elaine Renko."

Ken smiled. "I don't know that I'd recommend trying to run a game on Elaine. She's pretty sharp."

The grin didn't fade. "Are you kidding? I wouldn't try to game Elaine. I've known her since before we discovered boys. Well, except for Ronnie Creding. He was
always
underfoot."

"From what I've heard, he still is. Or is again." He straightened. "All right, Kerry. I'll check with the Explorers, and if they agree, I'll recommend it to the Council. But I'd expect a scene from Messer Peters."

She rolled her eyes. "I think this is a good place for a 'No Comment'."

Ken's smile was genuine, this time. "I thought that was
my
line."

She nodded. "Handy, isn't it?"

At the Council meeting the next day, Ron Creding was appointed Commander of the Explorer Corps. "But, since this metals trip will be a joint operation of the Explorers and the Scouts," Ken cautioned Ron, "And since Chun has much more experience, the Council is appointing him to lead the expedition. We will expect you to accept and support his leadership."

Ron nodded, smiling. "Of course, sire. There will be no problem."

"Good. Now, before we let you go, Commander Creding, I take it you've heard of Kerry Alves' request."

Ron's smile faded. "Yes, sire. She approached all of us yesterday."

"And what is your recommendation?"

Ron sighed. "I've known Kerry since we were children, of course. She's stubborn, opinionated, irritating, has no respect for authority, and is a general pain in the backside. But she's also strong, mentally tough, honest, and her word is good. She says she'll obey orders and behave." He shrugged. "I'm sure she'll
try
. We've talked it over, and the Explorers are willing to give her a chance."

Ken shook his head. "You are the Commander. What is
your
recommendation?"

Ron shrugged again. "The decision was unanimous, sire." A sudden smile appeared. "I think it's going to be fun to watch her try to restrain her indignation and obey orders." He straightened. "As Commander of the Explorer Corps, I recommend that the Council approve her request to accompany the Explorers on the metals scouting expedition." He said in a formal tone.

Ken nodded. "Thank you, Commander. And now, I'm sure you have much to do…"

Ron nodded at the obvious dismissal, and left the Council chamber.

Ken turned to the table. "Well, there it is, ladies and gentlemen. Kerry Alves has requested permission to accompany the metals scouting expedition, as a trainee Explorer. The Comp tells me that she has completed all academic requirements with honors, and that her marksmanship scores are acceptable with all weapons."

James Peters jumped to his feet. "Nonsense! There's no place for a
tourist
on something like this. Besides, if she becomes certified, she'll be demanding to go on trips where she has no business going. This Council has approved six Explorers, and we have all six. Send her back to her vocoder. She's nothing but a troublemaker, anyway!"

"I don't know," Helen Montero said. "I'm actually rather impressed. She realized that exploration means news, and that we would be reluctant to allow what Messer James calls a 'tourist'. So, she pursued the entire Explorer curriculum, and completed it with honors. She knows that we will realize that we will be gaining the presence of an additional qualified Explorer, for no additional investment on our part.

"I agree with Messer Creding. She is stubborn, opinionated, and irritating. But she's also intelligent, articulate, and the editor of our only newsie. She can have a powerful effect on public opinion, for good or ill."

"Hmph!" Peters grunted. "Don't forget that…that
propaganda
rag she posts."

"Ah, yes," said Ken. "Her blog. I find it quite useful in gaining the Planetborn viewpoint on happenings. She's been keeping her word; she's maintained a strict separation between the newsie and the blog."

Peters shook his head. "She's a liar and an agitator, and she, her newsie,
and
her so-called 'blog' should be banned from the 'net! She's always twisting things, and I see no reason why she should be given access to any more ammunition with which to attack good people!"