02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
He could see that Hammadi was glad that he had someone to hold his hand.
His son had a tendency to rise three feet in the air every time something happened. A
flow of lights led them to an illuminated panel, which opened at their approach. They
entered, Kane tried to explain what was happening as they soared upward at a gut
disturbing pace.
"These things always make me queasy."
They came to an abrupt halt and Hammadi looked decidedly green. It was the
first time Kane had seen that colour since coming to Jubal. He hurriedly asked
Computer Control.
"The nearest washroom - quickly!"
A panel illuminated close to the elevator entrance. Kane had a moment to
reflect that they always seemed to site toilets near elevator shafts - it had to be
something to do with the plumbing. They made the washroom just in time.
"Wait till I get you home to your mother! Can't take the kids anywhere! You
stuff your face with hardtack, get over excited and then want to spew all over the
floor!"
Hammadi glowered, the other 'kid' hadn't said a word since it had received the
brush off from Computer Control. They emerged from the washroom and headed for
the next illuminated panel. Hammadi looked decidedly the worse for wear. The Bole
was silent, Kane issued a challenge.
"And what have you to say for yourself?"
"I am conducting full sensory scans and assimilating data."
Kane felt marvellous! For the first time in many earth months, he was back in
his own environment. There was no doubt that he was best fitted to do what he had
always done and that included living on spaceships and making journeys between
planets and asteroids. He wondered if he dared take the opportunity to do it again. To
take this wonderful Ship up for the first time in twenty thousand years! Prudence
screamed at him that it would be a reckless action, but the inner man was stirring, his
interest was finally aroused and Kane knew that the risks would be ignored and if the
Ship proved to be viable for such a trip, it would happen!
They walked through a final lighted panel and found themselves in the vast
area of the main control cabin. The roof was unsupported and towered in a great
concave dome over their heads. The walls were bland and smooth, with no banks of
consoles with their attendant dials. There was nothing, a great, magnificent, empty
room, whose main feature was nothingness. Right in the centre of the floor space,
were two chairs - nothing else. It was the throne room of the king who was the
commander of the Ship. Kane glanced at Hammadi. His colour had returned and his
eyes were darting everywhere.
"Hammadi - this is where Tursac, your grandfather sat when he directed the
Ship between the stars. It was from here that he gave the instruction to land on Jubal.
This is what Obeid was prevented from showing you!"
He breathed.
"It is beyond my wildest imagination! How did he make it work?"
"Obeid told you."
"He told me many things, but he could never show me how it worked."
The inner man was coming to the surface at last, Kane knew the futility of
fighting him.
"I have in mind to make a flight with the Ship! You will see how it works."
Kane Ashford squeaked a final protest which was ignored by Quetzal. Kane
Ashford didn't know how the Ship functioned, but Quetzal had been there before. He
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