Two students were walking together on the hallways of Cambridge University. The girl, wearing a green dress, probably bought from Rheinland or maybe imported from there, asked the boy:
- So, do you have any idea for the license project?
- Yes. I will write an article about gravitation and its benefits.
- That's not really interesting, she said.
- Oh, it will be. I heard something, about a guy from Sol, that tried to describe a way to use the gravitic force fields as propulsion for objects. I don't know why there aren't any ships based on that. Maybe the project was lost on the way, or something.
- Or maybe it was impossible and he canceled the project.
- I strongly feel it is possible. Maybe back then, they didn't have the technology we have now. Maybe now it's possible.
- Maybe, but are you sure you want to risk your University License and exams on that?
- Well, why not? I mean, I really think this is possible. All I need are some articles about it. I hope I'll find them at the University Library. Actually, I'm heading that way right now. Want to come?
- Euh... no, I got a course in ten minutes.
- Well, you'll probably find me there when you finish. I guess I got a lot to read about the project.
- OK! Have fun, said the girl and smiled.
She, then went away towards her course room. The boy watched her going until she was out of sight. He was wearing a white shirt with blue, horizontal stripes. The Library was in another building, across the University park. He took a minicab to get there fast. He used his Neural credit card to pay for the ride and entered the building. In the great hall, he presented his student ID card to the security guard that asked him and then entered one of the smaller halls. The sector was filled with ancient articles, all in digital format, sign that they were from the era when people stopped using paper for official acts. All he knew about his researcher was his name, and the title of the article that he needed. The search found only five results. "This should be a good sign", he thought. At a careful look, all those results were just dates of publications, none of them about the article he needed.
Panic could be read on his face. Discouraged, he sat on a chair next to a table. A few books were opened on the neural console. He looked at them, hoping in a miracle. He used one of the consoles to search again for his article and author but no success. He was thinking of possible new projects for his license. None came to mind. His thoughs were disturbed by the crystalline voice of another girl:
- Are you Trevize?
- Yes, yes I am.
- Hello, my name is Kate and I'm working here. I saw you're a bit disappointed. What happened? You didn't find what you were looking for?
- Nope. I thought this Library has a huge database of ancient history but I didn't find anything. Have you tried to activate the function that allows us to search in every Library of the great Universities, all around Sirius?
- I think it's active. Here, check it, he said while giving her space to control the console.
- It is active. What were you searching for?
- It's an article written by a guy, Michael Henry Anderton.
- Aha, what's the name of the article, asked the girl while typing the name of the author in the terminal.
- It's something about... let me check.
Trevize took from his pocket a small datapad and searched for his notes, then answered the girl:
- It's called "Theory for Gravitic Propulsion".
- Well, said the girl after a few seconds, I sent the message to a friend of mine, a zoner. Looks like they got it.
- Zoners? How could Zoners have something that we, as a house don't?
- Ah, politics. Who cares?! Want me to set a meeting between you two?
- Ah, only if he comes on Cambridge. I can't afford to leave the planet till the end of the year.
- Well, Trevize, this is your lucky day for three reasons. One, he's on the planet. Two, you're going to meet him this evening.
- What's the third reason?
- You're gonna take me out to dinner, said the girl while leaving the room. My neural number is on the table. Call me in three hours.
- Done! Thanks, Kate! Oh and, call me Golan.
The Saint was a restaurant located five streets away from the Campus. Golan, in his white car, was looking for a parking spot. The restaurant was crowded, too crowded for his taste. He found a spot, parked his car and headed towards the entrance when he realized he forgot to lock it. He took out his datapad from one of the pockets and activated the locks and the voice recognition program. "That should be enough", he thought. His car was an old model of a very popular sport designer. He received it as a birthday present from his grandfather, so the vehicle had some sentimental meaning for him, apart from the great looks and performances.
It was unexpected how easy he found Kate's table. It was the closest one to the entrance and she was already waiting, alone.
- Ah, you're prompt. I wasn't expecting that from a student.
- It's one of my... good parts.
- So, you came alone?
- Well, I was meeting you so I don't think that bringing someone with me would have been, eh, diplomatic.
- Good point. I'm sure you wonder where's Pelorat, right?
- Yea, I was thinking you two will come together, but I see...
- There's nothing between us, just so you know.
- Good... I mean, good to know.
- Ha ha, gotcha, Golan! You like me! There he is.
A short man, around 50 years old, or maybe more, wearing a grey coat and a black hat approached them.
- Good evening, kids. You must be Trevize, or should I call you Golan? How do you prefer?
- Golan is fine, said the student while shaking hands with the older man.
- Good, good. How's it going, my young cherry? he asked the girl while taking off his coat and dragging a chair and taking a sit.
- It's great. Working at the Library really gave me new opportunities.
- Like? Meeting this guy?
- Yep...
- I see. She likes you. Make sure you like her back or you'll have a hard life.
Trevize tried to answer but Kate rushed with another idea, hoping to change the subject.
- I already know he likes me. Anyway, I guess you two have something to discuss. Go ahead, Trev, ask him.
- Right, I need to find some articles written by Michael Henry Anderton. He lived on Sol, long before the Wars.
- Knowing the title of his work will also help. Any ideas?
- Yes, sure. The article was about the "Theory for Gravitic Propulsion".
- That sounds weird. Anyway... I don't have what you need. I don't hold such things. All I can do is point you in the right direction.
- I'm listening.
- Well, Golan, there's a big ship in Baffin, or at least that's the last location I know. This ship is filled with ancient documents, older than anything they have in state archives, in any of the houses. You should contact the Librarian. He's some old guy, wearing God knows what type of life support system. It is said that he's 800 years old and lived the last part of the Sol War. Of course, that's garbage but he might have what you need. Just be careful when you talk to him... he doesn't really enjoys talking to other people, especially Bretonians.
- So, how should he contact this guy? Kate asked.
- It's not that simple. Best idea would be to broadcast a transmission all over Baffin but that would probably be too expensive if you send it from here. You should go to Baffin and send the message for free. Of course, you could contact the TAZ but they might not know. That guy is using some stealthy systems and stays away from traffic. He's a strange guy but he's your only chance.
- So, it seams I have to leave the planet after all, Trevize said.
- Why is that a problem?
- I'm kinda broke. I used my last funds to...
A waiter came to the table and asked if they're ready to order. Pelorat requested some weird food, something that Trevize never heard of. Kate ordered some rheinland specialty Trevize requested a steak in blood. Tha was the only traditional food that was gonna be served at that table. And also, it was the cheapest.
- A steak, eh? asked Kate.
- Alright, Mr. Golan Trevize, I get it you're broke. Now, what would I get if I take you to Baffin?
- You'd get his gratitude, Pel, joked Kate.
- Ha ha, I guess I'm good with that.
- Really, will you take me there? asked Trevize, visibly excited.
- Yes, you'll have to find a way to come back tho, my trip ends in Omicron Theta, hardly a place for a bretonian student, unless you want to become one of us.
- I guess I'll try the bretonian way of life, first. Especially if I will get rich by selling the projects of this engine.
The ordered foods arrived and the waiter brought some drinks, beers he said, but without alcohol. Pelorat finished his meal first:
- Boys and girls, I'll have to leave you, now. Trevize, I will got your contact details and you got mine. We will discuss on th neural net the exat departing time and all that. Most probably, my transport will be ready in two days.
- Got it. Thanks for everything.
- Whatever... Kate, see you soon!
Before leaving, Pelorat talked to the waiter and gave him more money that should cover the consummation of his "kids".
- Now that he's gone and you're all set, how about we two have some fun, Trev?
- Fun? Like what? I'm not the type that visits night clubs or other places like that...
- No, silly, I meant you come with me, at my place, and we continue the dinner there. answered the girl and winked.
- Tempting... let me just pay the dinner and we can go, alright?
- Sure, if you think you have the money to cover my specialty, go ahead...
- How expensive could it be? I mean, come on, it's just food.
Trevize called the waiter and asked for the note but he was told the dinner is "from the house".
- That's... good, I guess. Or the food was expired.
The girl started laughing and took his arm and headed towards the exit.
- Which one is yours? Kate asked when they got to the parking lot.
- That one, the white Cupra.
- Wow! OZ-129? That's one of the best cars made by Cupra! Let's go! Show me what she can.
- Alright, please...
Trevize opened the door so that Kate could sit in the passenger's seat and then he deactivated the voice recognision lock. When the engine started, a fine tremor went through their bodies. Trevize never had the chance to move the vehicle. Kate came over his seat and started kissing him with passion. They arrived at her house, three hours after that. The route should have taken a little over fourty minutes.
The two days of waiting passed very fast for Trevize. Usually waiting days go slow but he was excited, not about the long trip he was going to make but about meeting Kate everyday until the departure. He liked her a lot, maybe more than that but wasn't showing it. The feeling was mutual, or at least that's what he thought.
After talking to Pelorat via NeuralNet, Trevize went to the space port with two hours before the departure. There he saw a freighter of Border Worlds design. Pelorat met him right after he parked his car.
- Good day, Golan. How's it going, kid?
- Going great, now that we're leaving.
- Good to hear. What do you think of that? asked Pelorat while pointing at his ship.
- Series YX "Dromedary" Border Worlds Freighter, custom lights, modified engines, additional armor mounted around the cargo compartment and extended living area.
- I must say, I'm impressed. It has two rooms and 630 cargo space.
- Also, good name.
- Bright Star? Yes, I picked it. Glad you like it. This will be your home for four days.
- I expected a longer trip to be honest.
- I calculated the exact times for jumps and all that. We should be able to arrive exactly when the jump holes are phased and the jump gates are clear. I personally hate the traffic in the houses. But enough talking, get in and make yourself comfortable in one of the cabins.
Pelorat showed Trevize the entrance but didn't enter in the ship with him. He still had some papers to sign. Inside, the student found the two cabins but both of them were occupied. He analyzed them a bit. One of them had a one person bed and a small bath with shower. He recognized the models and he remembered their particularities. The bed could be deactivated so that a big drawer appeared in its place. Also, the shower could had two more levels. One with a microwaves cooker and a fridge. "Great use of those items for space economy", he thought. He moved to the other room where he saw the exact same systems. The only difference was the double bed that looked new. "Guess this is the captain's room. I'll leave my thing in the other one and go see him." Outside, Pelorat was discussing with Kate and an employee of the space port. When she saw Golan, she excused from the conversation and came to him, giving a big kiss.
- You came to say good bye?
- Nope.
- No? Why are you here, then?
- I'm coming with you.
- That's... nice, actually, it's perfect. I guess this trip will be amazing.
- Naughty, I know what you're thinking of.
Pelorat came to them with a bunch of papers and electronic cards in his right hand. He looked content.
- The guy didn't believe me when I told him this is an unarmed vehicle. He wanted me to pay a bigger rent. I had to show him all the IDs to convince him we're unarmed.
- We're unarmed? What if someone attacks us? asked Trevize.
- If someone attacks us, we run. I'm good at that. Also, we're not unarmed. I'll show you, once we're out of Bretonia.
- Interesting. You got them masked somewhere around or what?
- You'll see, kid, you'll see. All aboard!
Inside, Pelorat found Trevize's luggage in his room and called him from the piloting room.
- Hey, Golan! Come to my room, said Pelorat via Inter-Com.
- Yes?
- Your stuff, take them to the other room. You will be sitting there, with Kate. I'm sure you two can work something out, said Pelorat and started smiling.
Trevize took his luggage and started to arrange the clothes and all his personal things inside the drawer, next to Kate's. He finished just in time to be witness to the take off. In the cockpit, Kate was controlling the ship.
- You can fly this? he asked.
- I sure can. You should be able to fly it as well. it's really simple.
- I don't have a flight license.
- I'll let you control it in Baffin. That system shouldn't be a problem for you. Alright, Kate, take us up.
- Aye, captain.
- Docking ring, this is Bright Star, requesting permission to exit the atmosphere. - Permission granted. The gate is open, Bright Star.
The ship started ascending in circles, guided by a laser beam. To avoid friction, the trajectory couldn't be straight up. At the final part of the ascension, the speed increased and the ship move through the middle of the docking ring.
- We're out, said Kate.
- Indeed. Let me set the path and then we start the autopilot, so we can talk.
- Right.
- Done! Let's see, I guess we should know more about each other. Trevize, care to share with us details of your life?
- Sure, there's not much to talk about, anyway. My name is Golan Trevize. I'm from Leeds and I'm studying physics at the Cambridge University. I'm passioned by spaceships and... that's about it.
- What about your relatives, your friends, girlfriend, maybe? Pelorat asked.
- I had a few friends back on Leeds, most of them are gone to different locations around Bretonia because of the war and all. My family is still living on Leeds. Girlfriend... I'm single.
- Nice! said Kate.
- Ha ha ha, I guess the situation with the girlfriend will soon change. Alright, alright, my turn. My full name is Ian Pelorat, I'm also bretonian by birth but when I was really young, my family died in an accident and I was given to another couple. They were zoners and so, I became one as well. I'm 47 years old and I love traveling. I've study ancient myths and legends and I'm willing to get back to Sol to see what's there. That's more like a dream if anything. I know it's impossible.
- Nothing is impossible, said Trevize.
- Oh, the drama! My turn. My name is Kate Seldon. I was born in Liberty but I moved to Bretonia three years ago. I started with small, part time jobs and ended, if I can say that, in the library of Cambridge Uni. I'm 21 years old, and I know I look and act younger than that...
- Yeah, something around 15, added Pelorat.
- Oh, shush!
- I like reading but I never attended a college or anything.
The ship was entering the trade lane between planet Cambridge to New London jump gate. It was a long lane but all they could do was hoping no pirates would have disrupt any of the rings.
The 12 hours of their "day" were nearly over and the first pilot was Kate. Pelorat was going to take her place in four hours. Trevize was already sleeping in his room, dreaming of great ideas, maybe...
Kate's voice woke Trevize up. He was sleeping for over ten hours now.
- Good morning sunshine! You sleep too much...
- Sorry, said Trevize while streching his arms and back. Where are we?
- New London. We completed the jump one hour ago and now, we're heading to capital planet.
- To New London? Why? The lane to Kensington was...
- I know, I know but Pel has to meet someone on the planet. It shouldn't take long. He said that this evening we're gonna be in Manchester.
- Heh, nice. I guess you're tired after flying this thing all night, right?
- Just a little. Well then, the bed is yours. I'm gonna stick around Pel and won't disturb you.
- You're not running from me, are you?
- What? Why would I do that?
- I'm just playing with you, Golan. Come here, she said and dragged him next to her.
The two melted in a passionate kiss and Trevize was convinced to spend some more time in bed.
When he got to the cockpit, he saw Pelorat leaned over the computer and focused on some red dot on the map.
- What's that?
- That's an unknown object in the vicinity of a trade lane ring, close to the planet. Might be pirates or some damaged ship. Either way, I think we'll just wait here until the Armed Forces or the Police show up.
- Can't we...
He was interrupted by a flashing blue light that started blinking on the main screen. An incoming transmission was waiting to be received. Pelorat typed something on the ship's terminal and the screen flickered for a second. The face of a woman appeared on the screen after that.
- Bright Star, this is BPA traffic control of New London. We noticed you exiting the trade lane unannounced. Is there something wrong?
- Good to hear from you. There's an unidentified object near the TLR-3. - Bright Star, the object is a maintenance vessel. Carry on with your approach.
- Why is it shown as unknown object? - It's an independent contractor that was called for an emergency. We didn't have time to register his IFF, yet.
- I see. Thank you for the info. We'll resume our trip. - Traffic control, over and out.
- Well, seems like there's nothing to worry about. Let's continue.
When the ship passed the unknown object they managed to scan it and it was indeed a repair ship. The landing on New London went well, without any problems. While Pelorat took a cab to the meeting point, Trevize and Kate visited the surrounding of the space port. Of course, they were wearing their rain coats.
- I don't think I'd support living on this planet. How could they make it capital with this climate? asked Trevize, a rather rhetorical question.
- Yeah, you're right. Gaia or Cambridge would be more suited.
- Gaia? If the gaians would hear you, we'd end up with a plasma bomb in the cargo hold.
- I kinda hate those guys. They have no idea what they're doing. That planet has a huge economical potential. If they'd be smart enough, they'd find ways to get rich and not damage the environment, while respecting the laws and all that.
- How would you exploit the riches of Gaia?
- I'd build a station in the orbit. Something big to be able to hold over 3000 souls in lux and harmony. Water and oxygen would be imported from the planet and everyone could go to a small colony base on the surface. That base would represent a starting point for trips and excursions; limited hunting areas and periods; no houses or anything on the surface and huge taxes for all the services on the planet. Imagine that only rich people would come here and give their money to the state. This means over 300 new jobs for bretonians and a huge annual profit. The damages made to the environment would be little to none.
- I see... have you informed them of your idea? Who knows, maybe your sweet voice will convince them.
- Don't be silly. I'd rather remain unnoticed.
Kate's datapad started ringing and blinking. She had a new message from Pelorat saying that in 10 minutes Bright Start was about to take off.
- We go in 10 minutes. We should get back to the Star.
- After you.
Back on the ship, all three members of the crew were on board, getting ready for take off. Pelorat was checking the systems, Kate was in the cargo hold, sorting the food supplies and Trevize was playing with his camera.
- What are you doing there, Golan? asked Pelorat.
- I'm taking pictures of places where I went. I want to have an album filled with places.
- Nice, nice but cut it out and get here. I have something for you.
Pelorat gave him a flight license. The license was only available for light fighters, heavy fighters, very heavy fighters, bombers and freighters.
- How did you get this? asked Trevize.
- I know some people.
- Without exam, without courses?
- You don't need them. Besides, if there's something that you don't know already, I'm here to teach you.
- Thank you, sir!
- Pel, not sir or anything. We're friends and we're equal, no matter the age. Now, come here and take us to orbit.
- Sure thing, Trevize said while taking the pilot's seat.
- I already checked the systems. Just contact the docking ring and let's go.
- Aye! Docking ring, this is Bright Star, requesting permission to exit the atmosphere. - Bright Star, you're clear to proceed.
Trevize powered up the vertical thrusters and the ship took off. He managed to take the freighter to space without problems and then he flew it towards Manchester. When Kate came to take the command, Golan remained in the cockpit to observe different styles for piloting the craft. However, he was tired and felt asleep. Kate made the jump to Manchester late in the night and then let Pelorat take her seat, right after they took Trevize to his room and let him sleep on the bed. Kate nestled beside him and slept
Another day on board Bright Star and Trevize is spending more and more time in the cockpit. Kate was preparing an instant meal for the crew and Pelorat was reading one of his holobooks when the sound of a fire alarm started. In seconds, everyone was in the cockpit, checking the main computer.
- Show me a damage report, Pelorat asked.
- Did we hit something, Golan?
- No. There are no asteroids or anything. I was just getting ready to re-enter a lane.
- Lane was disrupted?
- Yes, but no sign of pirates or anything.
- Looks like there's a problem with engine 3. It's burning, said Kate while looking on the window.
- Trevize, shut down the ventilation for engine 3. If we don't give it oxygen, there will be no fire.
- Right. Done. The problem is with an electric circuit. Look! he said and pointed to the screen.
- I see. Kate, take command and take us out of here using the remaining engines but don't push them! Golan, you come with me. It's time that you learn something about engines.
The two men headed to the lowest level of the cargo bay. Trevize was carrying a tool box while Pelorat was reading a scheme of the electric installation.
- The bad part is that we will have to get out in space to repair it and we can't do it while we're on the lane. All we can do is shut it down completely to avoid more problems.
- So we don't need this, Golan said and pointed at the tool box.
- No, not really. The command panel is here. I'll do it this time. You watch and learn the procedure.
After a couple of minutes, the engine was shut down and sealed so it was only a piece of metal. Kate managed to take the ship to Birmingham Station where they requested emergency reparations. Fortunately, the needed parts were on the station so they didn't have to wait until the parts were shipped there. The repairs lasted almost all day and in the evening, Pelorat took the ship to Cortez. He and Trevize flew all night to catch up with the program and in the morning they were near Planet Curacao.
- Now we will go to very hostile territory so keep your eyes open, said Pelorat.
- The coordinates for the jump hole are set. Estimated time to arrival, 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- You should take a pic with the planet. It's one of OSC's heavens.
- Hmm, you're right, he answered and took his camera.
He prepared it and then he used it to surprise the dark side of Curacao.
Bright Star jumped to Coronado through a jump hole. It was the first jump hole used by Trevize. He had seen them in documentaries and photos but never used them to travel between systems. Pelorat was the pilot, this time. He said he is the most experienced and he should be able to get out of hostile situations if they appear. Luckly for them, nothing was waiting on the other side and the route to Barrier Gate Station seemed clear.
- Now, I think it's better if you two wait on the ship while we're on that station. All kinds of people come here and I wouldn't one of you to say something and... who knows what happens?
- That bad, eh? said Trevize.
- Pretty much. Kate will be a nice company while I'm gone, I'm sure. I'll try to secure a channel to Baffin to make sure the Librarian is there, then we can go.
- Alright, Pel, you go and we'll wait here, said Kate.
- Ah, there's the base. Looks amazing, doesn't it?
- It really does, considering it was built without the support of a huge corporation or a government.
- Very true. Let's dock.
- Barrier Gate, this is zoner freighter Bright Star, requesting permission to dock. - Bright Star, deactivate your weapons systems before docking.
- We're not equipped with weapons. - You're some kind of suicidal sect or what? Proceed to docking bay 3.
Pelorat set the ship moving with constant speed. The landing procedure was all automatic on Bright Star.
- By the way, you said you'll show me those hidden weapons once we're out of Bretonia.
- I didn't had the occasion. You'll see them if we will be under attack. There, we docked. All systems green, not a scratch. I'll go and bring some supplies after I talk to the man so you'll have to wait about an hour or so.
- Fine, both of the younger crew members said.
With Pelorat gone and the whole ship at their disposal, Kate and Golan decided that one hour was enough for a little love affair.
One hour passed and Pelorat didn't come back but the two never seem to realize that. After two hours, someone was calling them on the ship's comm device. Trevize answered.
- This is Bright Star. What is it?
- You paid the docking rights for two hours, amigo. You got five minutes to get your crew and your stuff inside before I flush you out of the station.
- Two hours passed already? But the captain is...
- We understand. We're ready to take off. Sorry for the inconvenience. said Pelorat and stopped for some seconds to gather his breath. Never, NEVER tell them that the captain is not on the ship unless you want to be killed and without a ship.
- Sorry, didn't know.
- I know you didn't know. You know now.
- Oh, come on... what supplies did you get? Cookies? Kate asked.
- They only have cardi cookies here so, no.
- Damn. I'm going to eat some cheese or whatever this is.
- Yeah yeah, go. Now, Trevize, I found your man. Some guy told me his ship is still in Baffin. So, after I undock, send a message to Baffin. Maybe he'll get it.
The ship started the undocking procedure. This time, Pelorat was doing it manually because he was in a hurry. After setting the coordinates of the Baffin jump hole, he let Trevize take command and send the transmission. Golan opened a channel and introduced some numbers and then he started recording.
![[Image: ZZ0gBOD.png]](https://i.imgur.com/ZZ0gBOD.png)
![[Image: dromedary2engdamagebmb4.gif]](http://www.abload.de/img/dromedary2engdamagebmb4.gif)