Frost caught it and couldn't help but look at her wide eyed for a moment before turning his attention back to his menu.
“Like I was saying,” Liam continued; “The war never happened, and from what I understand the Sol System has enough firepower to send several fleets towards the core and take whatever they like while defending themselves more than adequately. They dedicate a great deal of that force to exploration, but I'm sure they're kept ready for a fight just the same.”
“I've never heard of anyone running across a Sol ship before,” Alice said as she accepted a glass of wine from the Chief Engineer, hers was the second last to be filled. “Thank you.”
“You've seen the cloaking systems on this ship. There are constant redundancies and even if we shut everything down the outer hull would hide us from older sensor suites.”
“You have a point.”
“Anyway, as we are I doubt that Sol Defence would send anything after us, we're on the fringe, after all. If we ran across a Sol Fleet we'd have to surrender the ship or trade for her, I'd imagine.”
“Trade for her? That's a very open minded solution,” Price commented.
“Well, as a rule the Sol System is a peaceful region. That comes from deep philosophy and a dedication to pacifism. It's one of the main reasons why they're so far ahead scientifically, technologically. Anyone not in the military is pretty free to pursue their interests, and their social climate doesn't just encourage one to be useful, it inspires people to be great, no matter what their calling is. There's art, entertainment, architecture and food that no one outside the Sol System could imagine, and that's outside of the Athenian Enclave where most of the artisans study. The attitudes on Earth are largely bent towards wanting that which is useful for the long term, and a conflict that might cost them for a ship that would require a massive overhaul to put back into proper service isn't very practical. We might want to keep our eyes open for something of equal value.”
“Something of equal value? For a whole Combat Carrier?” asked Grace in disbelief.
“Yes, like information, a discovery, maybe even a relic from Earth if we're lucky enough to run across one. Anything we can propose as a fair trade. If we manage to form a good relationship with a government or organization out here we might even be able to make an introduction.”
“But the Sol System doesn't look for alliances,” Grace countered.
“Not true, you might know something about that Agameg,” Liam gestured to the thin issyrian, who was busy studying his menu, he had found several varieties of cabbage rolls and was testing them by smell.
He nodded and smiled. “Our central government has relations with the Sol System, no one knows much about it, but there is a system in place for my people to apply for study on Earth or Mars.”
“I had no idea,” Alice said quietly. “Is it easy for your people to visit the home system?”
“No, it is very rare, but possible.”
“The Sol System is very selective in who it trusts, but they're not xenophobic. I think that even if they caught sight of this ship from a distance we'd be left alone as long as we mark the ship as being completely separate from the Sol System. If we were to represent them in some way, to try and pass ourselves off as a Sol Defence ship then they'd have to send a task force after us.”
“Don't worry about that. I'd rather stay clear of anything that would bring Sol System Forces down on us,” Captain Valance reassured.
“Sorry if I pulled things a little off course, Captain,” Ashley apologized quietly.
“Don't worry, if there was a schedule for tonight we'd be in a briefing room somewhere.”
“Besides, big dinners like this are made for open discussions and big questions,” Liam added as he took his seat. Just listening to him and the Captain at the table made it seem like they had served together for a long time. “The best meals on a ship are at the Captain's table, where you can sit with the senior officers and hear old war stories and learn about places you've never been. Long held tradition tells us it's supposed to be a high privilege to have a seat at his table,” Liam raised his glass to the Captain before taking a sip.
“Well, I don't know how interesting I'll be, but I don't think we'll sit in silence as long as you're around,” Captain Valance smiled, raising his glass to Liam.
“Thank you Captain, I'll try no to monopolize conversation. I'm wondering, are you planning on moving in? I'm sure everyone likes having you in the ready quarters, right next to the bridge, but I'd think you'd be more comfortable here.”
Captain Valance shook his head as he finished swallowing a sip of wine. “I don't think so. It would be a waste, all this space just for me. Besides, I'd feel strange eating alone at this table,” Captain Valance said with a smile that was uncharacteristically uneasy.
“I'd eat here every night,” Grace said, beaming.
Stephanie rolled her eyes.
“I'd throw a dinner party for my friends every chance I got.”
Frost was trying not to laugh at Stephanie's reaction, she didn't realize she was noticed.
“Wouldn't you?” Grace asked her.
“I'd get rid of the table and turn it into a gym. There's enough length to this room to do a double back flip. Or maybe I'd turn it into a shooting range. I could think of a few holographic targets to put up,” Stephanie said before taking a long sip of her wine. “That's really good,” she commented to her glass.
“Well, I feel special just being here Captain,” Ashley declared reassuringly, selecting vegetarian lasagne and a Caesar salad. She had no idea what to expect when she pressed the script writing that said 'Select' but went ahead and did it anyway.
Nothing happened. She looked across the table at Grace and shrugged.
“Oh, you have to move your hand sweetie,” Grace said condescendingly.
Ashley took her hand off the table and her request materialized in the space of half a second. It was a steaming helping of lasagne complete with three bread sticks, napkin, knife, and a fork, with steaming cheese on top and a glass of water on the side. To the side was a smaller deep plate with a light Caesar salad. Everyone was watching her except for Grace, who had casually turned her attention back to her menu. “You've eaten at a place that served this way before?” Ashley asked.
“Oh, I just guessed.”
Ashley straightened in her seat, unfolded her napkin and drew it across her lap before even looking at her food. They were habits from the polite society she worked in as a girl. Her table manners were perfect, even the servants were forced to practice them and for the first time she could remember she was glad for it. She didn't take her first bite until everyone else had food in front of them.
“I haven't had this in such a long time,” Agameg said as he eyed his spaghetti. He had foregone the fragrant cabbage rolls in favour of one of his family favourites.
The group ate fairly quietly, except for the retelling of Stephanie's crack up in the lift on the way to dinner. A little more than half way though, Agameg realized he was the only one there without a position of importance. Stephanie was Chief of Security, Alice was the First Officer and Night Captain, Angelo was the Deck Chief, Frost was the Gunnery Chief, Grace was the standing Chief of Medical, Liam was the Chief of Engineering and Ashley was the Master of the Helm, or Lead Pilot. He glanced to Liam nervously. The man was a wonder to work with in Engineering. He was knowledgeable, kind, clear about what needed to be done, delegated fairly and fairly personable. “Pardon sir,” Price whispered. “But why am I here? Do you know?”
Liam finished a bite of synthetic roasted apple and wiped his mouth. “You're the only one requested by three departments,” he replied quietly.
Ashley bumped him gently with her shoulder. “Wow, you're popular. They just sat me at the helm and said; 'make the ship go, try not to hit anything,'” she teased in a whisper.