All The Weyrs of Pern Page 17

  Another silence hung on the room.

  "There's only one dragon in fact," F'lar said slowly and thoughtfully, breaking the pause, "who's ever been off the planet."

  "Canth!" Lessa exclaimed.

  "F'nor's brown Canth is too large," Aivas said.

  "It wasn't his size I was thinking of," Lessa replied. "It's his experience in going above this planet. He's done it, so perhaps he can explain to Farli so that she'll understand what's wanted of her." Her eyes lost their focus as she sought for Canth.

  Yes, we can come immediately, Canth replied to Lessa's request.

  There was a stir of anticipation among those waiting in Aivas's room. Piemur kept stroking Farli, who had returned to her position on his arm. He murmured softly that she was a marvelous fire-lizard, the best in the world, but that the toggles she was to pull and the buttons she was to press were really not the ones in the next room but, rather, identical ones up on the Yokohama, far above their heads in the dark sky. She kept cocking her head this way and that, her throat pulsing as she tried her very best to understand what was wanted of her.

  "Ah, they're here," Lessa said. "F'nor's on his way in."

  Looking as if he had dressed in a hurry, F'nor came running into the room. "Canth said it was important," he said. After a puzzled glance around the room, he regarded Lessa expectantly.

  "Aivas needs Farli to get to the bridge on the Yokohama," she explained. "Farli doesn't understand her directions. You and Canth are the only two on Pern who have left the planet. We thought Canth might be able to clarify the instructions so Farli will know what she is expected to do."

  As she spoke, F'nor pulled off his flight cap and shucked off his heavy riding gear. When she had finished, his expression turned humorously quizzical.

  "Well, now, Lessa, that's a problem. I've never been exactly sure how Canth and I managed that abortive flight in the first place-"

  "Do you remember what you were thinking?" F'lar asked.

  F'nor chuckled. "I was thinking I had to do something to keep you from trying to get to the Red Star." Then he frowned. "Come to think of it, Meron was there, and he tried to make his fire-lizard go. She disappeared in a flash, and I don't know if she ever returned to him."

  "Farli's not afraid," Piemur said staunchly. "She just doesn't understand where she's supposed to perform what she's been trained to do."

  F'nor spread his hands in a gesture of appeal. "If Farli can't get the hang of it, I don't think any of them could."

  "But could Canth explain to her that he went off the planet? Into space?" Lessa asked.

  Could you, Canth? F'nor asked the brown dragon. Canth was in the process of draping himself on the ridge above Landing where the rising sun would warm him.

  You showed me where you wanted me to go. I went.

  F'nor repeated Canth's answer. "A planet is a bigger target than a spaceship we can't see."

  Farli does not understand, Canth added. She has done the things she was asked to do in the place where she has always done them:

  Canth, Lessa asked the dragon directly, do you understand what we're asking Farli to do?

  Yes, you want her to go up to the ship and do the things she has been trained to do there! She doesn't understand where she is to go. She's never been there.

  Jaxom squirmed a little on the chair. Considering how hard Piemur had worked with Farli, it was a crying shame that the little creature couldn't grasp the essential point.

  Ruth, do you understand? he asked the white dragon. Sometimes fire-lizards listened to Ruth when they ignored everyone else.

  Yes, but it is a cold, long way for a fire-lizard to go if she hasn't been there before. She's trying very hard to understand.

  A lot of thoughts crowded Jaxom's mind just then. But the main one was that Ruth was not too big to fit on the bridge-if his wings were folded back and he landed precisely on the floor just in front of the lift door. He would also have to remain very still, for Aivas had said there was no gravity on the bridge. Ruth would be in free-fall. Aivas did not see that as a problem for a dragon or a fire-lizard, accustomed as they were to being airborne. Jaxom had known that that was one reason Aivas had grilled him so long and so hard on the layout of the bridge and lectured him on null-gravity conditions. But until Farli had done her exercise on board the Yokohama, turning on the bridge's life-support system, Ruth and Jaxom could not go.

  Aivas had had crews searching the Catherine Caves assiduously for "space suits." They had found two-or, rather, the perished scraps of fabric and the bright plastic shapes that had once serviced it. Oxygen cylinders had been manufactured, being not dissimilar to agenothree tanks. HNO3, Jaxom reminded himself, now that he knew the precise chemical constituents of the flame-producing mixture. But there was no protection for a frail human body in the absolute cold and airless vacuum of the Yokohama's bridge in its present state.

  Jaxom thought that manufacturing proper equipment would prove to be Aivas's alternative. He had already had several long discussions with Masterweaver Zurg. But alternatives would take time, not to mention more experimentation on the part of both Zurg and Harman's innovative crew-more time in which the disenchanted Lord Holders could steadily withdraw their support from Landing.

  If only Farli could understand, Jaxom thought, searching his own mind for any clues that he, or Ruth, might be able to give her. Ruth had perceived the difference, but he was much smarter than Farli. He understood so much-as much as I do, Jaxom thought with great pride.

  As you understand, so do I. Ruth's tone was almost accusatory. It is not really a very long way between but it is up far.

  Although Jaxom leaped to his feet, shouting "No, Ruth, no!" he was too late. For Ruth had already gone between.

  "Jaxom!" Lessa exclaimed, her face white. "You didn't send him? "

  "I most certainly did not. He just went." Jaxom was aghast, and Farli began shrieking protests, her wings extended, her eyes whirling with startled, angry red.

  Outside, Ramoth and Mnementh bugled their own warnings.

  Don't, Ramoth! Mnementh! Lessa cried. "We'll rouse everyone in Landing and they'll know something's gone wrong." Then she turned into F'lar, clutching at him in her fear for Ruthand for Jaxom.

  ' Jaxom? " F'lar bellowed seeing the shock on Jaxom's race. Mirrim, her tanned cheeks bleached white, had leaped to Jaxom's side, as had the other green riders, their expressions anxious, ready to support him. Robinton and F'nor were too stunned to react, so there was only Jancis to watch the screen and count.

  "He's all right," Jaxom managed to say, though his mouth had gone terribly dry. The strong link with Ruth had attenuated to just a faint touch. "He's still with me."

  "Did you tell him to go?" F'lar demanded, his expression so fierce that even Lessa recoiled.

  Jaxom gave the Benden Weyrleader an inscrutable glare. "He bloody just went and did it! Ruth's got a mind of his own!"

  Then Jancis leaped to her feet, gesticulating at the screen. "There! There! He's there! On the count of ten."

  There, undeniably on the bridge, wings tucked tight, his whole body flattened, was Ruth. Before their eyes, he drifted upward, peering about him with an expression of astonishment, until his head touched the ceiling.

  "Ah! Well done, Ruth! Jaxom!" Aivas's bellow of triumph cut across the racket of astonishment and surprise that reverberated around the room. "Jaxom, tell Ruth not to be surprised to float. He is, in free-fall, with no gravity for up and down. Warn him not to make any energetic movements. Does he understand, Jaxom?"

  "I am, I did. He understands," Jaxom said, staring in fascination at the screen.

  "See, Farli!" Piemur pointed excitedly. "Ruth's led the way for you." But Farli was so confused by the sudden cheering and shouting in the room that Piemur had to grab her by the cheeks and turn her head toward the screen and Ruth! "Go to Ruth!"

  The little queen gave a squawk and, launching herself from Piemur's arm, disappeared.

  "Jaxom, you tell Ruth to get back here
right now!" Lessa shouted, recovering from her shock. "Mind of his own, indeed! I'll give him a mind to obey!"

  "Restore yourselves to calm observation! " Aivas's voice once again cut through the furor. "Ruth is unharmed. And... Farli has found her way."

  Piemur let out a yelp of surprise, plainly audible in a room suddenly gone very quiet. For Farli had indeed found her way to the bridge of Yokohama and, with one talon firmly hooked on the edge of the console, was diligently pulling toggles and pressing buttons. Lights appeared on the board.

  "Mission accomplished," Aivas said. "They may return."

  Farli came and has done her job, Ruth said, not realizing that Jaxom could see him. I'm floating. Let go, Farli. It's not at all like being between. A most unusual sensation. Not like swimming, either.

  It was also a most unusual sight for those observing Ruth as he drifted gently across the bridge, a handspan above the arc of consoles, ducking his head to keep from scraping the ceiling.

  As Farli released her grip, she, too, began to float. Startled, she extended her wings and gently revolved end over end, colliding with Ruth. He reached out to steady her, and both were propelled farther away from their original locations, toward the great plasglas window on the bow of the bridge complex. Suddenly Jancis began to giggle, and the tension in the room evaporated.

  I think that's quite enough clowning about now, Ruth, Jaxom said, trying to sound stern. But he couldn't help grinning along with everyone else over the antics of the two creatures. You scared the life out of me! Now get back down here.

  I knew exactly where to go. I showed Farli. I had no problem at all doing it, and this is fun. With a negligent shove of one wing, Ruth executed a complete turn in the air and began floating back toward the lift. Will we get to come back again?

  Only if you and Farli get your bodies back on Pern this instant!

  Oh, all right. If you say so.

  Laughing with a mixture of amusement, sheer relief, and fury, Jaxom dashed down the corridor and outside. The others were close on his heels, full of triumph and the laughter of relief. Lessa, however, was raging at the risk Ruth had taken, and she knew from the set expression on F'lar's face that he felt the same.

  Halfway down the corridor, F'lar caught Lessa by the arm. "You may be furious, Lessa, but we can't intervene in this. And I probably lost as many seconds of my life as you did over Ruth's leap."

  "Ruth cannot be allowed to be so irresponsible," she said, fuming. "Jaxom isn't. I don't understand how Ruth gets away with such disobedience. Ramoth wouldn't."

  "Ruth and Jaxom were not Weyr-trained. But don't think Ruth's going to get off easily for this escapade." He managed a droll grin. "Judging by the look on Jaxom's face, he's had a fright he won't forget. That will inhibit Ruth far more surely than threats from you and me." He gave her one of his little shakes. "More important, the less furor there is right now, the fewer rumors will abound."

  Lessa let out a heavy sigh, glared at him, and then gave herself a shake, releasing herself from his grasp.

  "Yes, we don't want this bruited about-at least, not quite yet. But I tell you, and I'll tell Jaxom, too, I don't want to live through another few seconds like that again. All I could think about was how under the heavens would we explain to Lytol."

  F'lar grinned wryly. "As it's turned out, Lytol can print this up as a turning point in the modern history of Pern."

  "And just won't he!"

  Discretion muted the congratulations for the brave venturers, but everyone patted Ruth and scrubbed at his eyeridges until his eyes were whirling with delight. When Farli finally settled down again on Piemur's shoulder, she also received extravagant caresses. False dawn was just lightening the eastern horizon, so there was a good chance that few were awake to wonder at the fuss being made of Ruth.

  "I think," Robinton began when the elation abated, "that we'd better return to Aivas. I, for one, would like to know what's next."

  "Well, that depends on what Aivas learns from the instrumentation that Farli just turned on," Jaxom replied. "If the bridge is intact, warms up, and there's enough oxygen left in the tanks that supply that area, Ruth and I go up-together." He grinned. "That's when we initiate the telescopic sequences that will reaffirm the position of the system's planets-most particularly, our old enemy, the Red Star."

  That was, however, not quite all that Aivas had in mind when, late the next day, the bridge atmospheric conditions were found to be satisfactory.

  "Piemur, I would like you to accompany Jaxom," Aivas said when the group reassembled.

  "I'm not supposed to go with him this trip," Piemur exclaimed.

  "Originally, no. Two men will be needed for what should now be the first project. To demonstrate proper respect for Sallah Telgar, it is fitting that her mortal remains be brought back to Pern and properly interred. No doubt, Lord Larad would like to attend to whatever burial rituals are currently practiced."

  A profound silence prevailed until Robinton cleared his throat.

  "Yes, that would be not only respectful and appropriate, but a long-overdue honor for such a valiant lady. I'll inform Lord Larad immediately."

  "Would her space suit be usable after all this time?" Piemur asked, curious. When he saw the shocked expression on Jancis's face, he belatedly realized how callous that sounded and, groaning, hid his face against his arm. Farli curled her tail consolingly around his throat.

  "With some minor repairs, it is to be hoped that the space suit is usable," Aivas replied so calmly that Robinton was certain that recovery of both body and suit had been planned from the start. "You are both to dress as warmly as possible, as the bridge temperature currently reads ten degrees below zero."

  Jaxom was unmoved by that information, since he was used to the absolute cold of between, but Piemur gave a dramatic shudder and hunched his shoulders as if already warding off the chill.

  "Can Farli come, too?" he asked.

  "That would be advisable," Aivas said. "If Jancis's Trig will accompany Farli, there would then be two fire-lizards who understand this sort of between transfer."

  Despite an obvious reluctance, Jancis instructed her young bronze Trig to settle himself on Piemur's right shoulder. Jaxom and Piemur left the buildings by themselves so as not to suggest to anyone outside their small group that this journey was anything unusual. The bulky tanks of oxygen, which Aivas had insisted they bring in case of emergency, had already been secured to Ruth's back, but Jaxom checked the ropes before he and Piemur mounted.

  "Ready, Piemur?" Jaxom asked over his shoulder.

  "As ready as I'll ever be," the harper replied, resettling his grip on Jaxom's wide belt. "But I'm awfully glad Ruth's already been there."

  Tell Piemur not to worry. It's fun to float! Ruth remarked as he launched himself.

  As Jaxom passed on that encouraging message, he felt Piemur's spasmodic tug on his belt and knew that the harper was also nervous. Not that he didn't trust Ruth to get them there. It was just such a long way!

  Between never seemed so cold nor the transfer so long, yet Jaxom, counting silently, reached ten seconds just as they emerged onto the bridge deck of the Yokohama.

  "Are we there yet?" Piemur asked. His hands were rigid on Jaxom's belt. As Jaxom looked over his shoulder to reassure the harper, he realized that Piemur had his eyes squeezed shut.

  Rather than laugh at his friend, he cleared his throat and turned his head forward-and began to slide sideways off Ruth's neck.

  "Shards! What's happening?" Piemur exclaimed, opening his eyes as he and Jaxom continued to slide to their right until they came up against the cold wall.

  Don't make sudden moves, Ruth warned both of them.

  "I heard you, I heard you," Piemur replied. The freezing wall seemed to burn through the leather of his helmet and his jacket. "It is cold up here!"

  Jaxom only nodded. "I'm going to pull us back up on Ruth, Piemur," he said. Carefully grabbing a neck ridge, he slowly righted them. Farli unwrapped her tail and peered up a
t Jaxom, chirping encouragingly.

  "That's all I need," Piemur said wryly. "My fire-lizard telling me how to handle free-fall! " Farli pushed off from his shoulder and floated upward. Trig squeaked; when Farli answered him in an encouraging tone, he let go of his perch and, following her example, also drifted away. The two came to rest on the ceiling, chittering animatedly.

  "That's enough, the pair of you," Piemur said, disgusted.

  "They're not coming to any harm," Jaxom said, "and Ruth says if we move slowly enough, we'll be all right. We've got a lot to do. Look, Piemur, I'll dismount-carefully-and then you can untie the oxygen tanks. Ruth says the tanks are bulky and he doesn't move until we've untied them. He wants to look out the window."

  "He would!"

  Jaxom heard the note of self-disparagement in Piemur's voice and grinned. "They did have some practice, you know."

  "Hmmmm! The air here smells peculiar, sort of dead."

  "It'll probably improve with the fresh tanks," Piemur said cheerfuly.

  Cautiously, Jaxom dismounted on the right-hand side of the white dragon. Keeping between Ruth and the wall might prevent him from floating about.

  Your placement is perfect, Ruth, he told his weyrmate approvingly, hanging on to a neck ridge as he judiciously lowered himself.

  It's the only place I'd fit, Ruth remarked, slowly turning his head to his right to observe the margin. I'll hook my tail so I won't drift when you unload me.

  Now I know why dragons have tails! Jaxom replied, giving a nervous chuckle.

  "Don't laugh," Piemur warned. He had just swung his leg over and had to clutch at Ruth's wing joint to keep from floating upward.

  "I wasn't laughing at you, Piemur. Ruth's just found out how to anchor himself. Watch his tail. And dismount to the right, not the left. Don't grab that wing joint so hard. Wings are fragile."

  "I know, I know. Sorry, Ruth." But as Jaxom watched anxiously, he could see that Piemur had to make a considerable effort to relax his grip. "I've done some crazy things in my life, stealing fire-lizard eggs, crawling into carry-sacks, scrambling along shorelines-but this is undoubtedly the craziest," Piemur muttered to himself as he eased off Ruth's back, following Jaxom's example. At last his feet touched the deck. "Made it!" he exclaimed.