TO THE SHORES OF TRIPLE, LEE! - Ray Gun Revival

“Young Ones”, by Selena Thomason
despite any bravado they might display about
his capabilities, or theirs. Verid knew she had
to try something else, but it was risky.
“Most Exalted One, if I may request one
additional favor...”
The Bahiri turned back to the viewscreen.
Annoyance was evident around his eyes once
again. Verid hoped her gambit would not
fail. “You are demanding today, shifter.”
“I know. And I plead for your leniency. If
you would be gracious enough to allow me to
make one more request, I will trouble you no
further.”
“Alright. I am feeling generous. You may
proceed.”
“Thank you, Your Excellency. You are most
gracious. Would you relay a message to Chancellor
Drovin?”
The Bahiri clearly recognized the name.
“What message would you wish to send to
our chancellor?”
“Please tell him that the Kedru grieve for
his recent loss, but that we are confident
he will continue the honorable tradition of
service begun by his father, the former Chancellor
Zelith of the Vorath province. Will you
relay this message to Chancellor Drovin?”
He hesitated a moment. Verid realized
she was holding her breath. “I will relay your
message. You and your friends have my permission
to traverse the sacred space of the
Bahiri.”
“Thank you. You are indeed most gracious.”
“Good travels to you, shifter.”
“And to you as well.”
The channel was closed and the view again
showed starfield and ships. The Bahiri ships
moved away, much to everyone’s relief.
Verid turned to Merrimore. “They won’t
give you any further trouble, Captain.”
“Thanks for your help.”
“It’s a small thing in return for your hospitality.
The Bahiri don’t really mind people
traveling through their space. They just want
you to petition them for it so they can feel as
if they’re bestowing a great honor. It’s ridiculous,
I know, but it’s their way.”
“Why didn’t you ask them about Brody?
Maybe they can help.”
Ray Gun Revival – August 1, 2006 Issue 03
Pg.
“They could, but they won’t. And we
mustn’t trouble the great Bahiri with our petty
little problems.” Verid rolled her eyes at that,
an expression she had recently learned from
Cdr. Michaelson. She didn’t get it quite right,
but Merrimore seemed to understand her
meaning. Verid heard Michaelson chuckle
from her station. “Do you remember when
I said that the Maridians had a protected
status?”
“Yes.”
“Well, it’s the Bahiri who protect them.
The Bahiri consider the Maridians their children—a
younger, less experienced version of
themselves. Both have evolved in this region;
they are very similar genetically. The Bahiri
are just ages ahead of the Maridians in their
development. Actually, to hear the Bahiri tell
it, they are ages ahead of everybody.”
“Anyway, to make matters worse, the Maridians
are in their adolescence at this point, so
the Bahiri have resolved to give them more
freedom, leave them alone as much as possible,
not interfere. In my experience, adolescence
is a difficult time in any species, but
when a whole species is at that stage—well
that’s a dangerous time for everyone around
them. Especially if their parents are trying to
stay out of it. Frankly, I think the Bahiri cut
their children loose too soon for their own
good. Certainly it’s too soon for the welfare
of everyone else in the sector.”
“So, the Bahiri won’t help at all?”
“No. And they won’t listen to any criticism
of their children either. In the Bahiri’s eyes,
the Maridians can do no wrong. Even their
faults are endearing. If you start complaining
to them about the Maridians, you’re likely to
find yourself escorted out of Bahiri territory
at gunpoint.”
“Great.”
“We’ll get Brody back, Captain. Don’t worry.
Adolescents are trouble, but they also tend
to not be very experienced. Between us, I’m
sure we have more than enough knowledge
to outsmart them.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know when we approach
the sporting complex.”
“Thanks.”
#
Verid was in the dining hall—watching as
usual, instead of dining. She didn’t need to