{"id":989,"date":"2012-05-14T00:01:11","date_gmt":"2012-05-14T05:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jackofharts.com\/?p=989"},"modified":"2013-02-25T00:22:54","modified_gmt":"2013-02-25T06:22:54","slug":"questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/?p=989","title":{"rendered":"Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello, my name is Jack.\u00a0 The Peloran are a strange lot, or at least the ones that I\u2019ve spent time with.\u00a0 Those back on their worlds are content to sit back and let life pass them by.\u00a0 The ones that leave their homes, the ones who serve in their military, tend towards wanderlust.\u00a0 Those who work with Aneerin tend towards intellectual <\/em>wanderlust, always asking and answering questions so they can understand more about the worlds around them.\u00a0 Or helping us<\/em> understand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Questions<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jack looked out onto hyperspace through the transparent hull of the Guardian Light\u2019s<\/em> observation deck.\u00a0 Gravity ripped and twisted around them, a dim red light slamming into the battleship hard enough that a steady thrumming set his teeth on edge.\u00a0 The battleship\u2019s deflection grid plowed through the darkness, a red wake of disturbed gravity fanning out behind them.<\/p>\n

Jack turned to see the rest of the task force, fifty-one destroyers and cruisers, displayed in all their holographic glory on the walls of the observation deck.\u00a0 They followed in the wake of the Guardian Light<\/em>, riding the waves of gravity broken by the battleship\u2019s relentless charge.\u00a0 Man wasn\u2019t meant to fly this deep in hyperspace.\u00a0 Hell, man wasn\u2019t meant to be in hyperspace<\/em> at all, but they were too deep when gravity was viewable only as dim red light mixing with that blackness<\/em> that was darker than he\u2019d ever seen.<\/p>\n

Jack swallowed carefully, not wanting to disrupt any of Hal\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharles, I need the Cowboys ahead of the task force.\u00a0 Jump in, relay what is there, and engage if you need to at your discretion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow in Hell are we supposed to get through that<\/em>?\u201d Jack asked waving a hand at the red bow wave ahead of them.<\/p>\n

Aneerin chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYour fighters are better than you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack gave him a disbelieving look.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we will rise to a more standard<\/em> operating depth before launching,\u201d Aneerin added with a wry smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Jack returned, his voice betraying relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we are going to be the diversion?\u201d Jay rumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 And I believe a test,\u201d Aneerin answered with a pointed look at Jack.<\/p>\n

Charles and Jay followed his gaze and Jack shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cFor all of the new recruits?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Aneerin answered with a nod.<\/p>\n

Jack smiled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd unless we detour to play wack-a-Chinaman along the way, that\u2019ll be it before Hyades?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d Aneerin returned.\u00a0 \u201cDo you believe them ready?\u201d<\/p>\n

He felt their stares again and looked out on hyperspace.\u00a0 \u201cAs individuals, absolutely.\u00a0 They\u2019re all veterans.\u201d\u00a0 Jack sighed looked back at them.\u00a0 \u201cMy only worry is as a group.\u00a0 We\u2019ve trained, but that\u2019s not the same as this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d Aneerin whispered.\u00a0 \u201cA test it is.\u00a0 We should start now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charles stepped forward to get their attention.\u00a0 \u201cWe should return to Cowboy Country now,\u201d he ordered and turned to walk out.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack,\u201d Aneerin said, waving for him to stay.\u00a0 \u201cYou can take the next lift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charles and Jay paused for a moment, until Aneerin waved them on.\u00a0 They looked at Jack and he shrugged, letting them know they were free to go.\u00a0 They answered with smiles and stepped into the lift.<\/p>\n

Aneerin cleared his throat and Jack turned back to him.\u00a0 He scanned the older man, wondering what he was thinking.\u00a0 \u201cYou are looking to do something that we do not do,\u201d Aneerin began in a stern voice.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack looked between Aneerin and Hal.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 I know why the cybers<\/em> decided not to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aneerin smiled, catching Jack\u2019s pointed tone.\u00a0 \u201cGood.\u00a0 But I would like to know why you wish to do this as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack looked back and forth between the two for a few seconds before nodding in acceptance.\u00a0 \u201cOK.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aneerin look at him in approval.\u00a0 \u201cGood.\u00a0 Now can tell me, in one sentence, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to leave Samantha,\u201d he answered without hesitation.<\/p>\n

Aneerin\u2019s expression softened.\u00a0 \u201cWomen.\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThey always make us do things we didn\u2019t think we would.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack turned his head slightly and scanned Aneerin carefully.\u00a0 \u201cYou sound like you\u2019ve had experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d Aneerin whispered with a smile.<\/p>\n

Jack felt a smirk come over his face at the idea.\u00a0 \u201cAnd next you\u2019re going to tell me there are little Aneerins running around?\u201d<\/p>\n

Aneerin sighed and nodded slowly.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 \u201cYes there are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack considered that for a moment and glanced at Betty.\u00a0 She raised an eyebrow at him, wondering what he was thinking.\u00a0 He smiled at her.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t often he did that.\u00a0 He turned back to Aneerin.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but I just don\u2019t how the Peloran do things.\u00a0 Did you love their mother?\u00a0 Or mothers or whatever?\u201d<\/p>\n

Aneerin stared at him for several seconds before answering.\u00a0 \u201cArranged marriages are not our custom,\u201d he finally answered with a sigh.\u00a0 \u201cAnd yes, I always will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack scratched his jaw with a thumb and glanced at Betty again.\u00a0 This time she smiled and inclined her head, recognizing where he was going.\u00a0 He turned back to Aneerin.\u00a0 \u201cWould you do anything in your power to stay with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Aneerin sighed and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWould you<\/em>?\u00a0 Do anything<\/em> to stay with all the girls you\u2019ve loved?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack\u2019s cheek twitched at the hard question.\u00a0 He brought a hand up to touch the rank insignia on his collar.\u00a0 He shook his head, very slowly.\u00a0 \u201cI made an oath,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t break it.\u201d\u00a0 He turned a hard gaze back on Aneerin.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019d do anything else<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aneerin\u2019s expression turned thoughtful, and he and Hal exchanged a conversation of looks.\u00a0 \u201cSome of them are dead.\u00a0 Some are alive.\u00a0 Who would you rather be with?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWhy choose?\u201d he asked with a wink.<\/p>\n

Aneerin sighed and just looked<\/em> at him.<\/p>\n

Jack met the older man\u2019s gaze for almost a second before lowering his eyes.\u00a0 He turned back to Betty and she his look with an understanding one.\u00a0 He nodded and sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve always felt like a piece of me died when Yosemite fell,\u201d Jack whispered.\u00a0 \u201cThat a part of me is with<\/em> them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Betty tilted her head to the side, inviting him to continue.<\/p>\n

Jack frowned, not really wanting to do what she seemed to be suggesting.<\/p>\n

Her eyes flicked towards Aneerin and Jack shook his head.<\/p>\n

She pursed her lips, lowered her chin, and just stared<\/em> at him.<\/p>\n

Jack sighed in defeat and looked back to the older man.\u00a0 \u201cEvery night when I go to sleep, I dream of being with them,\u201d he admitted.\u00a0 \u201cSo I guess I\u2019ve got that covered on my own,\u201d he finished, knowing how crazy it sounded.<\/p>\n

Aneerin smiled in understanding and looked to Hal for a moment.\u00a0 Hal smiled back.\u00a0 \u201cSo why choose?\u201d Aneerin repeated with a smile.<\/p>\n

Jack read the simple acceptance in the man\u2019s face and realized the man really did understand.\u00a0 Jack shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI just don\u2019t want to leave those still alive behind when I go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Aneerin whispered and turned his back on Jack.\u00a0 \u201cI understand.\u00a0 Do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack blinked at the odd question.\u00a0 He thought he had, but Aneerin\u2019s tone suggested something different.\u00a0 And he had the sudden feeling that he really didn\u2019t.\u00a0 \u201cWhat should<\/em> I understand?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Aneerin turned back to him with an approving smile.\u00a0 \u201cThat is a very good question to ask, Jack.\u00a0 Your loved ones.\u00a0 They will grow old, they will fade, and one day they will die.\u00a0 You will watch your children do the same.\u00a0 Your grand children.\u00a0 On and on and on.\u201d\u00a0 Jack realized Aneerin was talking about his own life, his own experiences.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you will remain\u2026twenty-five until the day you die.\u00a0 Are you prepared for that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack swallowed and pulled in a long breath as the question rebounded through him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026\u201d he started, but had to shake his head.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I was,\u201d he finally whispered.<\/p>\n

Aneerin raised a single eyebrow at him, inviting Jack to continue.<\/p>\n

Jack sighed.\u00a0 \u201cYosemite.\u00a0 Mother.\u00a0 Father.\u00a0 A lot of girls I\u2026well\u2026I knew I\u2019d never grow old with them, but I thought I would have centuries with them.\u201d\u00a0 He cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aneerin pursed his lips.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack let out a long breath and aimed a long look at Betty.\u00a0 She cocked her head to the side and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cMe too.\u201d\u00a0 He looked back to Aneerin.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t want to lose any time.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to leave anyone alone.\u00a0 And if there\u2019s a way to keep from doing that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Aneerin glanced at Betty, smiled, and gave a slow nod.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 I believe you.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Hal and Jack caught the edge of the conversation of glances and movements.<\/p>\n

Jack felt the lift open behind him and Aneerin turned back with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe shall speak of this later,\u201d Aneerin announced.\u00a0 \u201cYour lift has arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack swallowed, pulled in a deep breath, and stood up straight.\u00a0 \u201cI would hate to miss my ride to battle,\u201d he returned with a wry smile, tipped his hat to Aneerin, and ambled onto the lift.\u00a0 Betty and Hal followed him onto the lift, the doors closed, and Jack felt it begin accelerating away from the observation deck.<\/p>\n

Jack leaned back against the wall of the lift, watching the two cybers standing side-by-side.\u00a0 Hal wrapped an arm around Betty and Jack smiled as she leaned into the other man.\u00a0 Then he blinked as his mind caught up with what Aneerin had said.\u00a0 About losing loved ones to age.<\/p>\n

\u201cHal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hal\u2019s gaze jumped over to him.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Jack?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeloran don\u2019t age, do they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hal smiled in a knowing way.\u00a0 \u201cThey do not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack nodded slowly, glanced at Betty, and sucked in a breath.\u00a0 \u201cSo\u2026who has<\/em> Aneerin lost to old age?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hal gave Jack a sad smile.\u00a0 \u201cThat would be a question he would have to answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack let out a long breath.\u00a0 \u201cHe spoke as if he\u2019s outlived many<\/em> loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hal shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI can not answer that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack nodded slowly.\u00a0 \u201cI understand.\u00a0 But\u2026if he had non-Peloran children, where are<\/em> they?\u00a0 Where were they born<\/em>?\u00a0 Where did they die<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hal shrugged with the arm not wrapped around Betty.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but I really can\u2019t answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Jack whispered and gave Betty a long look.\u00a0 She smiled and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI guess\u2026I\u2019m just wondering.\u201d\u00a0 Jack shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cAneerin was here before Contact.\u00a0 He had<\/em> to have been to be as good at English as he was when he showed up.\u00a0 The question is, how long<\/em> before?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hal shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI am sorry, Jack, but we cannot answer questions you have about your own past.\u00a0 You have to answer them yourselves,\u201d he finished in an earnest tone.<\/p>\n

Jack frowned at the cyber and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cSo what happens when we finally find<\/em> these answers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you will finally walk through the stars alongside the First Races as equals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Jack said in surprise.\u00a0 He\u2019d never heard that term before.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u00a0 Who?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOpps,\u201d Hal said, covering his mouth with a single repentant hand.\u00a0 The wry amusement in his eyes put the lie to that motion.\u00a0 \u201cI was not supposed to say that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack frowned at Hal and was about to ask what he meant when the lift slowed to a stop and the doors opened into Cowboy Country.\u00a0 He looked back from the doors to see Betty and Hal standing apart, and an expression on Hal\u2019s face that said the time for those questions was over.\u00a0 It was time for battle.\u00a0 Jack nodded but gave Hal a wordless promise that they would speak on the matter again.\u00a0 Hal smiled as if he looked forward to it.<\/p>\n

Jack grunted and stepped out of the lift.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hello, my name is Jack.\u00a0 The Peloran are a strange lot, or at least the ones that I\u2019ve spent time with.\u00a0 Those back on their worlds are content to sit back and let life pass them by.\u00a0 The ones that[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-989","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-2304-forge-of-war-1stdraft","uentry","postonpage-1","odd","post-author-jack"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/989","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=989"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/989\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1855,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/989\/revisions\/1855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=989"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=989"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=989"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}