Prosperous: Chutes & Ladders
Chapter 23

TRU LOOKED UP WHEN THE LIFT DOORS OPENED. Q’AL GLANCED UPFROM THE doc-slip in his hand, but didn’t say anything. He had a medical caseslung over his shoulder, probably headed off to check on a crewman’s injury.Tru stepped on, turning to face the door. The lift descended. It stopped andthe two walked off. Two turns later, Tru began to wonder if they were headed tothe same locations.

“Going to check Gracie’s injury?” Tru asked.

“Yes.”

Tru looked away, not seeing Q’al glance at him.

“Is that where you’re headed, Captain?”

“Yes. The engineering crew are a little nervous around herand she says they won’t do their work because they’re afraid of hurting her.”

“This is a new experience for everyone, Captain, includingme.”

Tru smiled. “I know. It’ll take some time for everyone toadjust. Now if I can just convince Gracie of that.”

I know that already, Truman Barnet,Gracie argued.

“If you say so, Gracie.”

Q’al was amused by their interaction; it reminded him of abrother and sister. “How old is Gracie believed to be?”

“It’s hard to tell,” Tru replied. “Living entities can’t becarbon dated.”

Q’al nodded. “Do you know, Gracie?”

No. I wasn’t aware of time, as you know it, until I came toProsperous. I still don’t really understand it.

“What do you suppose happened to others like her?”

Tru shrugged. “No one knows, but every time we’re withinrange of a new planet, she scans for others.”

I can’t be the only one of my kind, can I, Q’al?

“It’s possible you are, Gracie. Evolution is strange likethat.”

That would be cruel.

Tru smiled. “It’s not so cruel. You got stuck with us. Justimagine how the first Sileriums felt, Gracie. Alone with psychic abilities andparents who didn’t want them. I can’t imagine what it was like for them.”

Q’al looked down at the mention of Sileriums. He was stilluncomfortable with the idea that his captain was half Silerium.

“And they eventually found others like themselves, didn’t they?”Tru continued.

Yes.

Q’al looked at Tru. He was staring down the hall with adistant look. Q’al guessed he had a lot on his mind.

“Are you concerned about what we’ll replace in the Paskiancomputer?”

“Hm?” He looked at Q’al.

“Are you concerned about what the Terallians are up to?”

Tru nodded. “I’d be a fool not to be. The Terallians havenever been very friendly toward the other races, especially humans, but EmperorLixu approached the Merchant Raitor board to request joining. After eightyears, I don’t know why he would risk being banned.”

“Perhaps not all of them feel that way. Perhaps this wasjust a faction.”

“I hope so.”

The two were silent for a few more steps. Q’al suddenly stoppedin front of Tru. It made Tru stumbled to a stop before stepping back.

“I’m not comfortable with Sileriums, Captain, but I trustyou. From the first day we spoke, I felt I could trust you. Perhaps it hassomething to do with how much you’ve contributed to psychology and youroptimistic views, or perhaps it’s how I’ve seen this crew take to you. EvenGa’reicht crewmen trust you and they don’t trust anyone! But… There will alwaysbe that little voice that’s telling me to be wary of your Silerium side,because they are known to be unpredictable and untrustworthy.” Q’al drew a breath.“Perhaps time will eventually shut the voice up.”

“Doctor Equ’Wixal, racism doesn’t work like that. Perhapsyou should consider a transfer whenwe get to spaceport. I can’t afford for you to distrust me because I’m halfSilerium. And these talks we’ve had about my race have not helped me trust you.I don't feel comfortable putting my life in your hands, which is a problem since you’re the senior medical officer, isn't it?”

Q’al didn’t answer. Tru frowned, the first disapproving lookQ’al had seen on his face since he’d met him.

“We need to go check on Gracie and the crew. Come on.” Truwalked around him.

Q’al didn’t move. Truconsidered stopping and asking what was wrong, but he didn’t really care. Therehad been few times in his life he’d felt so insulted by someone, and this wasone of them.