Starship Amrita

Chapter IX - Blueprints & Battleplans

Chapter IX – Blueprints and Battleplans

"Alright," said Ostara, "Launch we will. Nova, you get to finding those schematics Kal wants. Kal, I'll leave the operational planning to you. Until Nova gets those schematics for you, why don't you do a bit of an inventory. Make sure we've got all the equipment we might need. Once you've got a bit of an idea of what's going to be necessary to crack this nut, we can reconvene here and work out what everyone's individual roles will be. Until then, everyone should relax, rest up, do what you need to be ready. This isn't going to be easy."

"I'm on it, boss," said Nova and half speed walked, half skipped out of the room. Kal just nodded and strode out behind her.

Mu was turning to head out as well when she heard Ostara calling her name. She turned and walked back. Apollo had already left, so Ostara was alone now, sitting in the armchair, the very picture of serene elegance with one leg folder over the other and her hands resting on her knee.

"Yes?" said Mu. For all of Ostara's warmth and kindness, she still didn't feel like she had a good handle on the woman. There were depths there – depths she didn't yet fathom.

"I just wanted to tell you that I think what you're doing is very brave," said Ostara.

"Everyone else is going in with me, I'm hardly alone or unique," said Mu.

"But despite everything – despite the pressure I know you're under, you still argued to do this at great personal risk. You didn't have to do that, but you did. I think that speaks volumes about the quality of your character. And I know Apollo, and I am sure he saw that in you from the very beginning, that's why he set everything in motion to bring you aboard," said Ostara.

Mu shook her head slowly. "Everyone has done so much—"

"No, you don't need to feel guilty. Apollo brought you here because he wants you here. He brought you here because at some point he will need you. You don't need to feel guilty. And you've just shown that you're no self-interested freeloader."

"But I've now gone and put everyone on the ship at even greater risk," said Mu.

"No. You can't think like that. No one on the Amrita does anything by compulsion. Everyone is free here. They are helping because they want to, because they saw from your passion that it was the right thing to do. Now, come with me," said Ostara, rising to her feet.

"Oh... sure," said Mu. She followed Ostara as she strode from the common room towards the aft-facing door. Beyond they ascended a stairway Mu had not yet been up. At the top was a small room with a door flanked by two pot plants. Ostara opened the door and ushered Mu inside.

Mu was immediately astounded. A great domed expanse of glass covered the immense room beyond. Outside, a glittering profusion of stars shone brightly in the depths of space. And all around them were lush plants: fruit trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, flowers in every shape and colour. There was a fountain, featuring a woman carved of white marble, draped in robes, pouring an amphora of water. Along each side of the room were cloisters lined with ornate marble columns, each one wrapped in vines. Amongst the overflowing, verdant abundance wound cobbled paths, small lights offering soft illumination.

"Welcome to my gardens," said Ostara.

"They're beautiful," said Mu, her eyes slowly taking in the sight – not something she ever would have imagined finding on a starship.

"I believe that in the quiet places, among the flowers, you can hear the song of the Cosmos, if you know how to listen. I come here when something weighs heavily upon me. There is something just so therapeutic about tending to living, growing things."