Last Call

The Long Wait

“How are they doing? Can you sense anything?” The contours of Dureena’s brow creased deeply, showing her concern. She was worried about Galen and Gideon, and Matheson shared the sentiment. Her emotions leaked from her less than with most people, but it was still apparent to the telepath even if she hadn’t said anything.

“No, I’m not that strong.” The Lieutenant turned in the command chair to face her as she stood beside him. “I would need a line of sight anyway.”

“I know, I had just hoped…well I suppose it doesn’t matter. Either they’ll make it or they won’t and there’s not much we can do about that.” She forced a weary smile and crossed her arms over her chest, picking at the seams of her rawhide jacket with a fingernail.

“You’re right, but it still doesn’t make the wait any less annoying. And I’m ordered to maintain radio silence, so it’s not like I can call for a status update either.” The young man sighed, looking back down at the comp pad in his lap. He couldn’t read any further than the second sentence; unable to concentrate on the resource usage report he downloaded from the Excalibur’s system earlier. Using the stylus, he closed the document and shut off the small device. Matheson stood and placed it on the chair.

“All right, I’m past due for a break and I’m in the mood for coffee. Care to join me?”

Dureena’s eyes widened at the invitation and she accepted it with a nod, needing something to occupy her as well. The thought of another expedition through the between decks of the Excalibur didn’t have its usual appeal. She thought it would take her several years to crawl through all the unlikely places within the ship’s mile-and-a-quarter limits, but she had been disappointed in the lack of creativity used to design the ship. It had only taken her a few months. Everything was boringly functional and utilized, although her adventures did keep her in practice and in shape.

“Sounds better than just wandering around on my own waiting for word.”

“Helm, contact me if there’s any signal either from the Captain, Galen’s flyer, or if something happens in the Ghayn system. I want to hear about it even if you think it’s insignificant.”

“Aye, sir.”

They stood in companionable silence as they took the lift to the living quarters level and walked the rest of the distance to the commissary. Dureena opted for tea instead of coffee, her hand surrounding the ceramic mug in a way that mirrored Matheson. The room was nearly empty except for a few of Eilerson’s IPX staff discussing the latest archaeological find published in a recent journal.

“Can I ask you a personal question, Lieutenant?” Dureena watched the swirl of steam rise from her mug before she took a small sip.

“How personal is personal?” He smiled and turned the com link microphone away from his mouth before he tasted his own beverage. “If it’s going to be really personal, maybe you should call me John.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, you have a first name?” She smirked widely and he shook his head. “I thought Lieutenant Matheson was your only name. All right, John, what’s it like?”

“What’s what like?” Suddenly he laughed, realizing how obtuse he was being. “Sorry, I’m just not sure what you mean.”

“Being a telepath. Being able to read people’s thoughts and emotions—“

“Regulations prevent me from scanning anyone without consent.” Matheson interrupted a little too harshly. Dureena frowned.

“No need to get defensive, that’s not what I meant. You have an ability I don’t, although I do think I’m a decent judge of character. I’m curious, that’s all.” Matheson’s face softened slightly.

“All right. I’ll answer if I’m allowed to ask a question.”

“Sounds fair enough.”

“Why did you become a thief?” For a moment, John thought he had angered her—Dureena’s gaze returned to her mug and she stroked the curved side of the ceramic with her fingernails.

“I had little choice. My parents sold me when I was young to pay off their debts. The man that happened to purchase me was a member of the Thieve’s Guild and made sure I could make him a profit. Eventually I outgrew my usefulness to him and he gave me my freedom.” Matheson sensed she was hiding something more, but didn’t want to pry. She told him what she was comfortable with him knowing and now he had to return the favor.

“Some days having telepathy is a great asset, on other’s it’s a curse. For the most part, I’m able to shut out the impressions I get from normals, but it’s like having a swarm of insects around your head -- I always pick up something.

“I guess you and I are a lot alike. I was thirteen when my telepathy developed and I had to leave my family for the Psi Corps training center in Geneva. It was…enlightening, but I resented the fact I had to be away from my parents and the people I loved. Twenty years later and I’m still not sure I like any of it. I definitely don’t like being a poster child for the Bureau of Telepath Integration, but I’m glad I finally got the opportunity to do what I’ve always wanted.”

Matheson rested his elbows on the table and crossed his legs at the ankles. Pulling his hands away from the mug, he looked at his bare palms. “I don’t think I answered your question, did I?”

Dureena smiled. “That’s okay. You answered enough of it.”