Page 212 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

Chapter 2
The Newness of Command

Dagnor Rongad had been chosen to be the Captain of the Endeavour; he
had an Aleutian father and a Buraxin mother. That in itself was not unusual;
though it had caused some difficulties with obtaining certain qualifications. Take
for instance his choice of belief system. It had caused much friction with his
parents, grandparents and some of his friends. He had changed from his parents
Orthodox Pravda to Hinerian Logislux. It was an informed choice and was his right
when reaching the age of Consentus. He had made the choice as he wanted to get into the Thule
Academy for Martial Studies. That was something his Uncle Halibrad had seen fit to have issue with
“Why can’t you follow in the Family business?” he’d said disgustedly. Dagnor wanted to explore and
discover; not be a trader all his adult life. Begrudgingly they had finally approved; more so when his
Uncle Halibrad and his Mother got approved trading rights with the Academy Logistics department.
It was the kind of trade off that Buraxin couldn’t resist.

Most of his crew were already allocated when he’d been selected; by committee no less.
Thankfully he’d been given right to select his Bridge Crew himself. Nearly everyone he’d chosen was
available and he’d interviewed them personally; that had proved easier than he’d expected. All of
them had been eager to “come aboard”. Two positions had still to be filled. He needed a Science
Officer who could double up as a Ships Councillor. The regulations required a Councillor be present
on board in case of a slip in Morale etc. on long distance missions. He had someone in mind; but she
was undergoing a Hibernation cycle. There was a second choice but she had not answered any of his
requests so far. The other position he’d left till last so his first choice for the mission could become
free of their current obligations; but so far they had been “unavailable for comment” Norvian speak
for “Can’t you see I’m Busy”. Again there was a second alternative; and it was that person who he
was waiting to see now.

The Chronometer on the Ready room wall had been fitted with a “Tick” synthesis system
and someone had adjusted it to have a periodic uneven pattern to prevent people getting drowsy.
At present it was having the effect of causing pure annoyance. He’d tried adjusting it; but all
attempts had made the pattern more annoying. It also had a strange discordant chime that caught
everyone by surprise. You just couldn’t predict if it would be Flat of Sharp; or for that matter if the
chimes would be even. It had just struck ten and the last chime had come slightly late and was half
an octave higher than the rest. He remembered his Grandfather had a Johnson* too. It was a floor
standing model that was so loud it almost vibrated the floorboards when it chimed.
* Authors note: Johnson Dumont had been the most eccentric of the family line and had introduced
some pretty bizarre ranges to their catalogue. Including a Whirlpool bath that periodically vibrated
so violently patrons thought they’d experienced a quake. It did have some benefit to the company
profit line as the Untharans found it “Pleasurable”*.
Midas was late for his interview. That was unlike him as he’d always been prompt even when he
malfunctioned during an Ion storm. Dagnor and he had served together on Mithras; a world in the
Delbian sector. He was just about to put out a call for him when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in!” Dagnor said. A tall wiry man wearing a silver robe under a raincoat entered. It was
Undersecretary Leeson Vimes. Dagnor had completely forgotten that he’d be calling to go over the
schedules for departure.
“Have I come at an inopportune time?” Leeson asked
“My visitor is late so be prepared for our discussion to be interrupted” Dagnor replied and bid
Leeson sit. “I take it this is more “Official” than social” he added
“Relax; I finished all my “Official” visits last week. I’m actually here to ask if I could be part of the
Crew Manifest” Leeson said to Dagnor’s surprise.
“I’m honoured and ashamed also. I should have thought of you when I was looking to complete my
bridge crew. In what capacity would you want to serve?” He asked