Wunder Kind (RoTSA)

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=By monbvol=
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===Classmate Chic-Chat===
Port Orphan School
Port Orphan System
28th August, 3137
After school
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Alice Yeh M5 7775551’s point of view
“So who are you?” Thadeus, despite being not much older than Alice it was pretty clear he was the son of a pair of Aerospace Phenotypes.
“I am Alice.”
“Like the AI?”
“Yes. My parents named me after her. They both professed a great deal of fondness and personal debt to the AI.”
“Freeborn?”
“Aff.”
“Huh. Well if they put you with me in Miss Baldwin’s advanced literature class you must be alright.”
“Hmmm… Well I do like to read. Samatha Booker Roberts saw to that.”
“Yeah she actually taught me to read too. I like her.”
“I suspect Samantha has taught many of the children here how to read.”
“True. And has anyone said you talk weird?”
“It has been mentioned.”
“You are all monotone. Some of the others might pick on you for that.”
“Not you?”
“Nah. It makes you different. I like different.”
“Thanks I guess?”
“So how has your first day been?”
“Informative.”
“Wow. Mister Dobbins didn’t put you to sleep with his ‘welcome to the new school year’ speech?”
“This is my first year in school. It was a new experience.”
“How old are you?”
“Five. You?”
“Six. And here we are both in classes meant to be advanced courses for seven and even eight year olds. Knew I liked you for a reason. Well Alice M5 7775551 I’m guessing by the resemblance that’s your big sis coming to collect you?”
“Yes. You going to make fun of my name?”
“Neg. Mom served under Regina Marbury Raymond. Dad flew with Luther Bedwyr, after his, well death? Not sure how to put it.”
“That would be accurate. He did die and what currently serves with the Privateers is a separate being that just happens to have the same memories and experiences.”
“Hey, Alice. Who’s your friend?” Amanda walked up to the two children.
“Hello, Amanda.” Alice seemed to suddenly brighten up.
“Thadeus.” The young boy answered.
“Waiting for your parents?” Amanda asked.
“Yeah. Dad’s on his way. Mom’s out on deployment. That’s a military prep school uniform. First year?”
“Second.” Amanda corrected by pointing to the two gold bands on her cuffs.
“Ristar.”
“Guess you could say so. Billie? Thadeus’ Dad seems to be taking a while you got a location on him?”
“Wait, you are on a first name basis with the station admin?” Thadeus gawked.
“She is. Locating…Ah. He is here.” Billie answered as another figure came up to them.
“Thadeus. Sorry I’m late. Time to go home. Say bye to your friend.”
“Bye, Alice. See you tomorrow!” Thadeus waved as he walked off with his father.
“Yeah we need to get home too.” Amanda smiled at Thadeus and his dad.
“Indeed.” Alice waved.
“Yes. Get. Before I have to rat on you to your moms.” Billie Hoel announced.
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===Meeting the Evoy===
Miss Brubaker’s Advanced Physics Class
17th September, 3132
Morning
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Alice Yeh M5 7775551’s perspective
Billie Hoel’s remote, Jonah, Alice, Minea, Miss Bryant, and Miss Brubaker were all in the office.
Minea tried to occupy as little space as she could, and was nearly silent while the adults were clearly unhappy.
“Okay you two are not in trouble okay? You two are actually to be commended. Billie maybe you should take these two back to their quarters. Their day has been quite disrupted and they don’t need to be here for what’s about to be discussed.” Miss Bryant tried to reassure the children.
"Book's broke." Minea peeped, "So fix it?" to her, it was an obvious answer, in ship-families, if you see something broken or in need of maintenance, you fix it, or alert someone who can.
“Come along, Minea & Alice.”
"But it's broken." Minea peeped again, as if embarrassed to speak at all. "It's broken, it has to be fixed!" Alice could almost sense the girl's alarm at the idea that something 'broken' wasn't going to be addressed.
“We know and we’re about to get into that but that is not something you need to be here for.” Miss Bryant stated warmly.
Reluctantly Minea and Alice left the office.
"It's just movement." Minea muttered, "Baby stuff."
"Not for everyone, Minea. Not everyone comes from a Ship-Family." Billie Hoel said as her remote walked with them.
“But it is supposed to be an advanced class.” Alice said flatly.
“Yes and we are all quite distressed that something like this could happen. Miss Bryant and Miss Brubaker will have a lot of questions to ask and answer. Hence why Jonah is involved as the Fleet Admiral of the Privateers.”
“You know what we just did right?” Alice looked at Minea.
“Yeah we fixed something!” Minea answered cheerfully.
“We also wasted a perfectly good hour where we could have been in class still learning something else instead.”
"Like bicycles?" Minea asked, "Are we really learning if the book's broke?"
“Hmmm...that is a good question, we have missed chemistry class because of this now but if the physics book was wrong perhaps the chemistry one is too…” Alice contemplated.
"We can go down to station environmental and watch the sludge get processed." Minea suggested, "That's all Chemistry, Mister Alcott told me on the flight here."
“Perhaps we should. It might be the only way to find out. Physics is easy to observe for ourselves here.”
Minea brightened, "Gravy's lighter there, it's almost comfortable!"
“Gravity helps us grow proper though.” Alice countered.
"Mom says that too." Minea's tone dropped. "SHE doesn't get bruises when she forgets what 'down' is!"
“That is why everything is marked so you always know which way is supposed to be up. See along the pillars and hatchways. Supposedly it goes all the way back to the early days of space flight before rotational gravity was practical because the human psyche needs an absolute ‘up’.”
"I keep forgetting, everything is so inefficient when there's a down and it's not a far-away-down like a planet." Minea confided, "it's why I keep having to go to the nurse."
“I will help teach you. You should come over after classes are done.”
"I have to check with mom, and Mister Alcott." Minea said, "We might not be staying long. The Ship is almost done in refit."
“Seems odd that they would bother enrolling you in the school for a temporary stop over. Homeschooling would seem the more logical answer.”
"Not the first time." Minea said, "I got all nauseated and confused and panic attack when they tried to enroll me at the last base-the sky was…open, no roof." her tone reflected a suppressed horror, "no shielding neither."
“Something else I can attempt to help you with. Plus as a station with many decks there are plenty of roofs around in most of the hab areas. This base is actually a bit over shielded according to Star League norms. Something to do with the black hole.”
“Minea, a question. It may be a bit odd but what color is the middle stripe on the deck?” Billie Hoel asked.
“Yellow?” Minea answered uncertainly.
“The left?”
“Green. Definitely green.” Minea answered more certainly.
“You are color blind.” Alice said flatly.
“Wha?” Minea suddenly looked much more nervous.
“It would explain a lot about how you’ve lived on ships your whole life but have trouble with directional markings while able to score so well on your placement tests. Your parents don’t actually know do they?” Billie Hoel kneeled her remote down so she could look Minea in the eye.
“No… It was easy on the ship…” Minea sheepishly admitted.
“Now that we know that is something we can help with for sure.” Billie Hoel smiled.
“I know I should have told but…” Minea said sheepishly.
“It is a lot easier when it is a thing that needs fixing and not you.” Alice said flatly.
“You know, don’t you? What it is like?” Minea said.
"That is not a delicate question, Minea." Billie Hoel said, and then stopped. "Oh. No."
The sound of something…at first Minea thought it was a seal letting go somewhere, screechy and scratchy.
The tall woman who stepped around the corner was holding a fiddle to her chin, and grimmacing.
"Envoy." Billie said with a tone mixed between exasperation and irritation.
"Heya…Oh my, Alice, you've grown!" the Envoy of Kolossus was becoming notorious. She stooped, changing her grip on her instrument, "And you must be…Minea Ruth! Mister Alcott and your mother have such nice things to say about you!"
"You're early." Billie continued, "and what's with the fiddle?"
"It is rather extreme, isn't it? I picked it up on Johnson on the way here, wonderful crafters down there, and cheap? Oh Yes! There's a cargo Kolossus wants delivered, but the delivery ship's in the impound..or it will be, once the report reaches the Outworlds bureau for child protection."
"So…"
"So I'm here on business to hire a different contractor…and have you heard from Erinyes any time…recently?"
"The HPG failure took her off the net."
"Seems strange she hasn't tried to check in, doesn't it? She took two hundred adventurers, scientists and engineers. That's a lot of people. Kolossus is concerned. Murakami has no good answers, and Erin didn't share her itinerary with my boss."
"You could back-trace her jumps prior to '32." Billie said.
"Kolossus did, then Kolossus sent me to make an in-person inquiry here. Something about resources and maybe they might need help-remember, Kolossus has me and not much else to send, and this is an in-person kind of thing, no HPG means no sending remotes or drones."
"You think the ship's broke." Minea announced. "You think they mis-jumped."
"Kolossus doesn't know, but Kolossus sent me to make inquiries." The Envoy explained.
"How did you get on the station without me seeing you, Envoy?"
"I didn't." The Envoy stated, "Check the entry log. I arrived as a passenger on the Wendolyn."
Billie's remote paused, then…"As a Civilian??"
"Easier than trying to navigate the blind labyrinth of Snow Raven foreign services." The Envoy said agreeably, "besides, I'm not carrying anything more dangerous, than this fiddle."
“I know. With the Black Out the scrutiny of a well known station such as this does make the Watch nervous though.” Billie nodded.
"Hence, traveling as Persephone." The Envoy agreed. "Serious time now, can we talk about this…without…" she glanced at the children. "Not a security thing, it's more along the lines of not discussing a possible wreck with a spacer in the corridor."
“Yes. I just need to see them to their quarters. Saya and Phoenix are on deployment and Amanda is still in class for another two hours.”
The envoy straightened, lifted her fiddle, and instead of the cat-scratchy nightmare, flowed into a folksy melody as they walked.
"What's the tune, I don't have it on record? Is it new?"
"Nope. It's very old." The Envoy said, "Minea might recognize it."
"Perdition's Flame!" Minea said with a giggle, "The song Mister Alcott tried to teach me!"
The Envoy smiled at the girl, "Do you remember the words?"
o/~ "Oh…we cycled 'round the star…" o/~ it turns out, Minea's got a beautiful singing voice, even for a child.
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===A fate of a Friend===
Lunch Room, Port Orphan School
7th April, 3138
Morning
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Thadeus sat down across from Alice.
“You look glum.”
“I do?”
“I have the advantage of having known you for a long time, so I know your tells.”
“Mister Tanaka seems to think there is something wrong with me because according to him I do not act like a ‘typical young girl’ and have ‘attitude problems’.”
“Well he is wrong. There is nothing wrong with you. You are you. People just have preconceived notions about how kids our age are supposed to act.”
“Hey, guys.” Minea joined them at the table.
“Minea.” Alice greeted her friend.
“Hey.” Thadeus nodded.
“Mister Cooper is so annoying.” Minea moaned.
“Problem with social studies?” Thadeus asked.
“Mister Cooper is so painfully obviously a member of the Watch.” Minea groaned.
“Not surprising. We are in a school in a fairly important port and the Privateer Service does answer to the Watch. In a way what is surprising is that they tolerate Miss Bryant continuing to be the principal.” Alice added flatly.
“Must be a compromise with the Outworlders and the AIs. Allows them to keep an eye out for talent like use while also making sure the school teaches approved lessons but still have a non-Clanner in charge.” Thadeus nodded.
“Very likely.” Alice agreed.
“Well I still don’t like Mister Cooper.” Minea grumbled.
“I do not blame you. He keeps asking me what I know about my father.” Alice poked at the fried tofu on her plate.
“Now that is unfair.” Thadeus spoke up.
“Yeah. You got two great moms. Seems pretty obvious to me you don’t know anything about your father.” Minea added.
“It is clear they know more about my parentage than they are telling me. But as you say they are my mothers.” Alice admitted.
“Then we should find out.” Minea prodded.
“That is unnecessary. If my mothers wanted me to know who my father was they would have told me and they clearly know as they show no concerns over possible negative genetic trait inheritance.” Alice shook her head.
“Besides I think I know why. An old adage my mom told me, you can’t tell a secret you don’t know.” Thadeus nodded.
“You think there is something unusual about who my father is?” Alice asked.
"I'd bet on it, but that doesn't make it their business…or anyone's. And for sure Mister Cooper does too, but like I said doesn’t make it his business." Thadeus nodded.
“I guess.” Minea moped.
"What's wrong?"
“Guess it’s the spacer in me, we’re really concerned about the genetics that make us up so we don’t wind up with, well y’know. So I guess I’m still really curious but you’re right, Thadeus. I shouldn’t pry.” Minea answered.
"Discretion?" Thadeus cocked his head, "What did you find out, Minea?"
"A captain isn't supposed to…with crew." Minea sulked. "It's wrong."
“I see. I suppose that is true. My mothers do technically serve together…” Alice 
Pondered.
Minea shook her head, "I found out why my eyes don't work right." she said it quietly, "it's a recessive."
“Well… shit…” Thadeus managed.
“That is unfortunate, but does not change how we feel about you.” Alice let some emotion slip.
"It's wrong." Minea insisted. "Lots of rules were broken, big ones. It's why we…why the ship can't leave. It's why…it's why I'm on the Beach."
“Upside, means you get more time with us, your friends.” Thadeus offered.
“Yes. None of this is your fault. I know it seems unfair and you are being punished anyway but it does give you opportunities you might not have had otherwise.” Alice let a faint smile on her face.
"They're going to put Mister Alcott in prison for it." Minea confided, "and momma..because it's abuse, I'm supposed to live with fosters now."
“That does suck.” Thadeus shook his head.
"You're also getting treatment." a voice spoke interrupting them, and Billie Hoel's avatar seemed to materialize from somewhere. "I can't change the Magistrate's order, but you won't have to be taken to a planet, Minea. How did you find out? The judgment was sealed..."
“People still talk, it’s a small ship…” Minea answered.
“Billie, who is going to be her foster?” Alice asked.
"Jonah and Cossack." Billie said, "which surprised the hell out of me. I didn't think Cossack had those kind of urges."
“That is indeed surprising. But they are good people, Minea. They will do everything they can to make sure you can have a normal life.” Alice admitted.
“Cossack is an unusual name…” Minea said quietly.
"Cossack is one of the AI ships…she's coming back to Port Orphan?" Thadeus asked.
"Rotation." Billie asserted, "She's basing here for the next ten years. There is some concern, so the Government has appointed an advocate for you, Minea, in case Cossack's…reputation proves true."
"Like a lawyer?"
"Yes." Billie said, "Exactly like a lawyer…" she inclined her head, and a middle aged man in a simple, well-fitted suit, stepped forward, "This is Jeff Roberts, He's agreed to serve as your legal advocate and Guardian Ad Lidem while you're here at Port Orphan."
“Roberts, like the Great Captain?” Thadeus spoke up.
"My little sister was…'The Great Captain Roberts', I'm not one of those, I'm merely the very good Lawyer Roberts." he said in a self-effacing tone. "My responsibilities include making sure you're not taken advantage of or abused in your new foster family situation."
“I doubt very much Cossack would do anything outright objectionable but there are concerns based on her reputation.” Billie smiled.
Jeff smiled, "Then I can expect this to be very very easy, which will be a bit novel, since even very good parents make mistakes from time to time. My duty will include sorting those out for your benefit, Minea."
“Do I really have to live on the station? I’d much rather stay on the ship…” Minea sulked.
"As I mentioned, 'easy would be novel'." Jeff said, "For the time being, you will be housed in dependents quarters on the Station when Cossack is not in port, we can work on getting your inheritance, the legal precedent states that the ship M.S. Evangeline is yours upon your majority, since you are the closest blood relative NOT implicated in felony crimes, but it is in impound until I can either get it freed to you, or until you turn eighteen, I'm already working on the former, while filing blocking motions against the sale at auction."
“In the meantime I will be looking after you myself until Jonah and Cossack are able to. Jonah will be off shift here in a few hours. You two can help her pack up her things and get her moved.” Billie offered.
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===A visit from a concern citizen===
After the children leave the school
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"Mister Cooper." 
The 'teacher' who was really a plant from an outside agency, looked up.
The Envoy was in his doorway. "We need to talk, Mister Cooper."
“I do not recognize you. Are you the parent of one of the new Students?”
"You might say I have a vested interest in their well-being…of ALL your students, Mister Cooper." she said, stepping in and closing the door behind her. "Including the new ones."
“Who are you?” Mister Cooper asked carefully.
"I am someone who is keenly interested in the welfare of your students, call me a…concerned citizen, one whom has read your reports to your control officer, and I am…disturbed by the contents. We will now correct that impression." from her coat, a flow of small, finger-sized devices flowed, "Kolossus has a strong interest in the safety of the children of Port Orphan, you will inform your control officer that all is well and that intervention is unnecessary, or…you will do so regardless of your intention and will, are we clear?"
“Clearly there has been a misunderstanding, my job here is to gauge talent and ensure proper curriculum is met…”
"Glad we had this talk. If I have to have this talk again, the only thing left of you, will be a skin-suit wrapped around a network of remote drones." the tiny devices flowed back and were no longer visible.
“I understand…” Mister Cooper said nervously.
"That…maybe an overstatement, but I'll accept it, because trust me, you don't want to understand. The children are your charge, you will educate them to the best of your ability and you will refrain from marking them for 'experiments' in the future." she smiled, "We're watching you, even with the HPGs down."
Mister Cooper silently nodded as sweat beaded on his forehead. He found a moment of boldness, "What do I call you?" he asked.
"Perfidy." She told him, "Sister to Persephone, envoy of Kolossus. Cheer up, you've been warned, instead of simply punished."
Miss Bryant’s office a few moments later…
“I just had the most unusual visitor.” Mister Cooper said as he closed the door stepping into the office.
“Perfidy? She’s alright but a bit rough around the edges in places.” Miss Bryant answered.
“You know her?”
“Of course. We had a nice chat before she went to your office. Welcome to the real world.” Miss Bryant answered with a smile.
“How can you sit there so calm?” Mister Cooper asked.
“Easy. I’m not trying to send kids off for experimentation or recruit them for the Watch. But I am running a real school teaching real lessons. So we actually get along great.”
"There's more, isn't there?"
"She told you she's with Kolossus." Miss Bryant said, "Kolossus, during the war, was a critical asset and source for information, plus I know something of a secret about his Envoy."
“What is that?”
"Something you may learn, if you keep to the terms she laid out, let's just say that certain subjects-like the safety of children in schools, have a deep and powerful meaning in her mind and leave it at that…and be glad she likes you well enough, that I don't have to find a replacement."
“It seems my briefing lacked many details… I think I better get back and work on my lesson plans…” Mister Cooper said quietly.
“Good idea.” Miss Bryant smiled.
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