“Start with those who achieved the highest level in Anatoli though, and work your way down through the ranks,” Ember added. “From what Ogun indicated to us in the past, we don't even know if someone who made it to level 21 would be able to transcend. We don't want to lose anyone by being over eager.”
“That makes sense,” Astrid replied, regaining her usual composed demeanor.
“Okay then guys. It’ll be nice to meet face-to-face again when you come over. See you all soon,” I said with a wave. Unfortunately, I didn't know how to turn the damn thing off. We sat there awkwardly for a few seconds longer, waiting while Elyek broke the link.
After the meeting we went to find Acclo and Koparr. It wasn’t hard. They were both on the bridge as usual, Acclo scrolling through a data pad, Koparr on the shooting simulation.
“Acclo, Koparr, a word please!” I shouted over. There was a lot of chatter on the bridge, it reminded me almost of a diner’s atmosphere, and more than a few people had a coffee with them. The Uprising even provided coffee holders at the various workstations. Now there's something you don't see in the sci-fi movies.
“Yes, Captain!” they replied loudly, coming straight over.
“I need you to speak to the other Torax and Veiletians onboard and offer them the opportunity to work on the other ships. We're spreading everyone around a bit, so we’ve got more multi-skilled crews on board all ships.”
“Yes, of course. Leave it to me. I will speak to the Veiletians and I will coordinate with Elyek to arrange the transfers.”
“Acclo, you’re a star,” I patted them on the shoulder with a small bow. They left to continue their tasks. I looked to the still silent Koparr. “Everything okay, dude?”
“This may be difficult. We should find Calparr first. He’s training the men. He’ll be better equipped to deliver the news, or at the very least, keep them all in line should they start complaining.”
“What? You don't think I can keep them in line?”
“Nah, Captain. You're too nice,” he replied, then added, “Except when you're not.”
“I don't even know what that means, Koparr.”
A smile was all I received in answer. We found Calparr training in the gym with four other Torax. “Hey, Cal,” Koparr shouted.
He stopped what he was doing and walked over to us. “What can I do for you two?”
I sighed inside a little, having to go through it again. “I want to spread out the Torax and Veiletians across the three ships, and I also want to bring more humans on to the Uprising. We all have vastly different skill-sets and abilities. I think we’ll work better together if we mix ourselves up a bit. Can you help out by asking anyone if they’re interested?”
“No. I can’t help with that, but I can help with the problem.”
Koparr laughed. “Yeah, Calparr. Whatever you think best.”
“I don't get it?” I said, baffled. “What are we talking about here?”
Calparr explained: “Our people will not choose to leave here, they’ve no reason to go. They’re happy, comfortable and fought in two space battles and survived. However, what you’re proposing is to spread our abilities and expertise among the ships of the Uprising. Therefore, it’s not a matter of if they want it, it is a matter of telling them they will go!”
“Hey Calparr, I don't wanna force people to do things they don't want to do.”
“You are not forcing anyone, Captain Shaun. You’re giving the soldiers of the Uprising an order to go and serve on another vessel for the betterment of us all. If you intend to conquer the galaxy, you must learn to make these decisions.”
I groaned. “I don't actually want to conquer the galaxy. I just want to right the balance a little. Even so, I suppose you're right.”
“Yes, I am,” Calparr said.
“Yes, he is,” agreed Koparr.
“Okay. Fuck it then! Calparr, Koparr, you pair of wankers. Will you pick balanced teams of Torax for each ship please? And I think I'm just gonna delegate this task outright, because I'm sick of you smart-arsed fuckers.”
They both started to laugh at me. “Of course, Captain,” they said almost in unison.
“One more thing, Captain,” Calparr added. “I’ll lead a group on one of the other ships. Koparr is more than capable of taking my place here. We’ll need training and knowledge of the command structure on both the Thoth and the Seshat.”
“Really? But I was just getting to like you, Calparr,” I said, jokingly.
“You can still get to like me, Captain. Give me a call if you ever need advice on leading men again.”
“I’m sure you weren’t this much of a prick when we were on that fucking moon!”
“I’m growing into my role, Captain,” he said with a smug expression.
“I'll be sorry to see you go, Calparr. But I won't lie, I'll be glad to know you're looking out for our crew on whichever ship you go to.”
“Everything will be fine, just as long as we receive the same treatment and respect we have here.”
“Of course. You will. I’ll tell you the same thing I told Acclo: if there’s any discrimination, let me know directly as soon as you can. I’ll make sure I’ve a direct link with you, so any problems that come up can be dealt with quickly.”
“That is enough for me. I have trust in you at least, Captain, and Ember of course. I believe with all my heart that you would protect our best interests. It is an honor to serve under you.” Then he bowed.
I didn’t have a clue what the fuck to do, so I patted him on the back. “It’s an honor to have you with us, Calparr. I feel really blessed. Now, I’m gonna fuck off before this gets weird. I'll see you before you go, Calparr.”
I extracted myself from the gym and went to have a shower. I didn't need one, but I could really do with the stress release before we started shipping
