Chapter Ten

Three days passed, the already unreliable lights in the ship went out. A few other things began working in their place, a few computers with unreadable text and few easily identifiable images. Peter had set himself to trying to translate the writing, and a team of linguists, programmers, magical theorists, and archaeologists had joined them in what the men had come to refer to as 'the Gym'. Most had done nothing but stare in fear and awe at the advanced technology, but a few had been more friendly.

Sharrai had made herself useful in further attempts to explore the ship. Even without magic she had proved to be the best at killing the locals. She'd learned to read the enviroment, spotting every sign of their presence. And she'd even managed to teach the men the most effective ways of engaging an enemy with cover and powerful ranged weapons.
However, she'd been antagonizing every magic user that had come through. Many of the men shared her lingering hatred of the magic-using elites, and her views had gained steam. She never did anything in the base, other than her open beligerance and inflamatory speech. But he'd been hearing rumors that magic users who went out exploring with her weren't dying by the hands of the frail locals.


It was because of this that he'd decided to lead today's expedition. Not on his own of course, Jor and Collin would be accompanying him as always. But it was the three of them, a linguist, a theorist, and a pair of elderly programmers. They'd also be accompanied by the chief archaeologist's young assistant, a perky girl about Jor's age. He wouldn't have even given it a second thought, but Collin had been teasing him about it and the normally calm giant had actually been rather testy over it.

"So where do you have in mind for us today Captain?"
"Collin mentioned that she'd spotted a large computer core and some stairs down this way. It seemed like the sort of thing you sorts would be interested in."
"A fully intact computer core? Were the access points intact?"
"Looked like it, nice big screen too. Door was thick as some of the hull plates, I'd say this was something important."
Hamaf knew that Collin had more than one reason to make that judgement, she'd lost four men securing the room. Jor lost another two holding it against a counter attack, and both of their squads as well as his own were still patrolling the area in case they tried again. No where else on the ship had merited a counter attack, the locals considered it important, and that alone made it important.
"I wonder what sort of secrets they have hidden on it? Maybe the secrets to immortality, or a cosmic dimmer switch, or..."
Collin stifled a laugh. As he glanced back to see who the..excitable lass was he realized just why Collin had been teasing Jor about her. She was bouncy, bubbly, eccentric; if he had only known Collin was a noble, he would have assumed she was like this girl. Her reaction to the loud grinding as Jor opened the door to the computer core made her noble's nature all the more apparent. Not only did she focus in on it, she tensed right up, becoming mercifully silent, and her hands lit up with an azure flame. He'd have to ask about that.

"You can use magic?"
Apparently he wouldn't.
"Huh?"
"Your hands are on fire."
"Oh, yes it's pretty easy and it looks better than just standing there."
"Hmn, why would you want your adversary to know that you were going to be hurling fire and magic at them?"
"I don't understand the question."
"I said.."
"Collin, I told you about this."
"Sorry sir."
"You'll be dealing with these sort of people for the rest of your life, just get used to it and don't question the theatric absurdity of the nobility."
"But sir, it's just ridiculous. Are we all just supposed to sit around and watch this sort of absurd crap go on with the people who are supposed to be ruling us?"
"That's as far as this conversation goes kiddo. I've said my piece and if you have an issue with it then you'll need to talk to someone else about it."
"Like your daughter?"
Jor interrupted just in time, "Sir, can you save this for a latter moment, I can't watch all these civies on my own."
"Yes Jor. We'll be right in. Collin, go check out the stairs and think things over. You're on double shifts until you can figure out what you've done."
"Yes sir." Even through her dismay at the strong punishment rendered her ingrained obedience sent her along her way to attend to her new post. Hamaf took a deep breath before turning to the exit.
"Jor, you're in command. I'm returning to base. If Collin asks, explain exactly what she's done. And thank you for stepping in when you did."
"Of course sir, and if I may say so sir, I'm sure she'll come around one of these days."
"I admire your hopefullness."