CHAPTER 3

RICHARD’S RIDGE

For the first few seconds Richard moved in a haze of wonderment. Computer screens and monitors circled a larger part of the walls. Small whispering voices echoed from every direction. He realized the voices belonged to the young people who were now carrying the boxes he had brought for them. They appeared fit and strong for their ages, some working in pairs to manage the loads.
“They are all children.” Richard managed to say after a moment.
Two were sitting in front of a huge set of panels pushing buttons and touching the lighted panel tops. It became intriguing to see how quickly they responded to the light and each other at the same time.
There were windows on the inside of the craft looking out, though he had seen none from the outside.
“Under water?” Richard asked the man with total surprise. He Hadn’t felt the ship move or submerge.
“well Richard Morgan, your education has begun, you might want to take note of everything from now on.. You might need it later, most of all, enjoy the ride.” The older Pedian said taking Richards suitcase and handing it to a young girl.
“Store it.” he instructed.
“Yes, Sir.” She said taking the case but her eyes remained on Richard with curiosity.
Richard winked and she ran, disappearing into a nearby hall. He could feel their eyes on him even when they weren’t. it was an odd feeling to be surrounded and watched like a new pet.
The Pedian took his arm and guided him toward a large front panels he had been looking at to begin with.
“The controls seem to have caught your attention, so I will explain a bit.. For now.” He said.
They stood side by side for several minutes on the bridge of the craft. The Pedian pointed toward a group of even panels.
“That’s life support . It connects directly into the safety dome shield on the outside as well.
Hitting a vertical panel with a touch of his hand the entire wall in front of Richard became a giant window. Richard gasped at the magnified view of outside. Many rays of light had formed a sizeable dome over the parts of the craft he could see.
“It holds with the pressure and everything down here?” Richard asked with more than causal interest.
“Pressure, aggressive life forms, even volcanic eruptions if your out of the main flow.”
Richard heard the pride in the Pedians voice , he knew it had to be his craft, or at least special to him in some way. He spoke of the craft like Richard often spoke of his reading chair at home.
“Not many volcanoes in a lake, is there?” Richard grinned knowing there weren’t. “And, you are not their baby sitter, are you?””
The Pedian took a step back ward from Richard.
“Meria!” He called just above a normal tone.
The girl entered from another part of the ship. She smiled at Richard in greeting and stood before the man.
“Yes, Sir” she asked standing at what seemed like attention.
“Show Mr. Morgan around, answer his questions, explain my function here as well, then bring him to dinner.” The Pedian told her.
“At once sir,” she said and he left.
“Hi, again… I’m Meria… not Richard.” she giggled like she had in his kitchen, that summer morning.
“I was wondering on that.” Richard said evenly,
“What Sir.. I mean Richard?” her hair swung as she turned looking for what he had a question about.
“Your name.. doe he have one too?” Richard shifted his head in the direction of the other Pedian.
“Everyone has a name. He’s our Master.. You call them teachers most of the time. He’s a guardian too since we are here and not home yet. I wanted to thank you and ask so many things, like why those beast attacked me?” Meria’s eyes waited patiently.
“The dogs? They were protecting the place, you weren’t suppose to be in there.” Richard found he question strangely odd, even for a child. “You’ve never owned a dog?’
“No but I thought they were friendly toward people.” she explained.
“Normally, but that was a working dog doing its job, nearly too well. They did a beautiful job of alerting me you were there.” Richard added.
“Beautiful! Now that, out there is beautiful.” Meria pointed out the front screen. The water reflected off the many fish in various colors as it bent the light.
Silently Richard agreed , he had a question too and wasn’t sure how to ask Meria.
“I had a bit too much coffee today,,, is there a bathroom on board?” Richard whispered.
She giggled again child like. “In that room, everything is pictured for use… try all if you like.” Richard turned red, he’d been wondering how to ask on such things.
“You embarrassed him Meria!” a voice said.
“Come on Mr. Morgan, I’ll show you the need to know of it, I was on my way there too. I hate when she does that.” the boy said and went through the door she had indicated and down a short hall.
Richard followed the boy’s instructions and smiled as the child hit the wash panel for him.
“That is always coming unmarked.” he said with flushed cheeks.
Richard smiled. “Thanks, didn’t meant to embarrass you but when a guy’s got to go…”
“ a guy’s got to go..” the boy finished the sentence for Richard.
“Richard?” the boy stopped before opening the door.
“Mmmmm?’ Richard asked as he turned toward the door.
“Thanks for the wire,, I well come, I’ll show you what I needed it for. I have a minute or two.”
Richard hurried after the boy aware of how self-assured he seemed to be for being so young.
“I’m eleven , not ten if your still wondering.” The boy commented as he pulled a panel from a corner of the wall with a strange tool he had removed from his belt. He pointed inside the wall.
“See the wire? It runs beneath four…SIR!” the boy stood up suddenly leaving Richard stooping steadily gazing at the thin copper wire and a black pair of silky shoes.
“Where is she? The Pedian they referred to as Master or teacher demanded to know.
“Bridge sir,,, Mr. Morgan needed..”
“Get her!” he said in a voice that made even Richard shiver.
“I needed the bathroom, the boy was kind…: Richard was trying to explain as he got off the floor.
Viewing celtic wires behind panels is not bathroom need to know, and that kind boy is away from his station!” the Pedian said severely.
Meria entered the hall nervously a few seconds after the boy had disappeared. Seeing Richard rising from the floor she hesitated and came closer, she looked furious at the Master Pedian.
“He’s a guest sir.” She said offering her hand to Richard.
“That was his choosing. Again my orders are disobeyed! Office now.”
“Maste, I .. on my way sir.” Meria hurried out of sight, the Master only seconds behind.
Richard found his own way back to the bridge. The boy and his companion, were at the bridge. Richard saw them pushing panels and wondered if they were allowed to do such a thing when the older Pedian wasn’t there to supervise.
“Meria’s ticked him off again.” the boy commented.
“You’ve done it often enough this week for his…” the second boy jumped to his feet seeing Richard.
“I did not see you sir.” the taller boy said while he continued to look at Richards face with apparent interest.
“Don’t be rude.” Meria’s friend said shoving the second boy to stop his staring .
“He’s never seen blue eyes before or so rich color in skin… tanned you call it. I burn red mostly.” the boy admitted.
“It’s ok, others have examined me as if I were a pet already, and I find you all so interesting especially because your all so ….. Bright.”
“Dova” the tall boy said and his partner laughed and nodded.
“Excuse me? Richard questioned not understand what was just said..
“He just said , nice save from using the word young. They would not be offended Richard, they are young.” The Master Pedian said from behind Richard.
Turning is surprise as hearing a voice at all, Richard nearly fell on the boys. A firm strong hand caught him.
“You need better balance. Time to eat boys, auto it before food is cold.” he instructed.
They touched a light here and there and hurried toward the dining area where Richard could smell food of some sort, and realized he had not eaten in some time.
“They don’t mean to be rude Richard, they are just curious” the Pedian said .
“I guess I’m just as curious, I stare too, and their parents will look at me closely too , I suppose, no big deal. I’ve noticed your all similar in appearance as well.”
He shook his head. “The children here are unique even with their own peers Richard. They are my elite teams, I’ve choose them with great care for their individual skills and ability to show leadership, but they are still children and must earn the right to stay as one of the elite, I don’t put up with childish nonsense. Care to join us for dinner?” he asked.
“Sounds good to me.” Richard agreed still looking at the controls.
They Pedian already half way to the dinning area called back over his shoulder.
“It will run a set course Morgan, come eat or it will be cold , or worse eaten, those children can eat everything in reach!”
Richard laughed following quickly.
In truth the dining area was little more than many chairs connected to a very long and secured table. The children had waited for their Master and Richard and stood as they entered. The food had not been touched. A word for good life and good food was spoken, and eating began.
Crisp golden fish glazed with a thin sweet but tart flavor melted in Richard’s mouth. Greens tossed with seasonings he didn’t recognize were as tasty as the juice he gladly drank.
“We do not serve coffee here, I wouldn’t permit them to drink it anyway.” The Master was not apologizing in anyway, just stating a fact.
Richard swallowed hard, aware that he had somehow just been scolded for drinking coffee.
Meria stood at the other side of the table. Richard noticed that the Master didn’t glance her way.
“You may speak Meria.” the Master said.
“I drank coffee Master.” she said and seem to wait for his reply nervously.’
“I was aware of that fact Miss. Introduce your friends, since you failed to do so before this. Mr. Morgan has refrained from asking” he indicated the others sitting around the table with a wave of his fork.
It was true, Richard had refrained from asking names unless they were freely given. He listened eagerly.
“This is Serrack, she said pointing to the boy on her right. Richard had spoken to him often, and never had a clue to his name. His dark hair had a slight shine to it coming just above the collar of his nearly unwrinkled uniform. His dark eyes were deep set and held a knowledge beyond his eleven years.. Still Richard saw a hint of boyish charm as he poked the girl next to him.
“Hi, this is Naverine, she’s usually shy, we call her Navery.“ Serrack said.
The girl pinked around the edges of her face.
Richard recognized Navery as the second girl that had been with them many nights ago. Her bright eyes beneath a set of thick bangs held in place by a silver blue band of cloth.
As she smiled, dimples nestled in the curve of her cheeks and brightened her seriously shy expression.
“Hello, Mr. Morgan. Meria and Serrack are my best friends,, thank you for helping them.” She said.
“I found more on flowers and animals too, your teacher has the books here abouts somewhere.” Richard said with a smile.
They began chatting with each other. The boy who had stared at Richard touched his hand lightly.
“I’m Loo, Serrack’s co-pilot, we work together a lot. the boy was still looking at Richards blond hair closely.
“Loo? Name’s Richard, guess you know that, nice to meet you. Food is really tasty.” Richard added eating a spoon of a pudding mixture that had been given for desert.
“Shiny hair, like gold. Nice. I never met an earther before.:” He said suddenly.
“A what?” Richard asked.
“Loo!” Serracks voice was so sharp the Master looked up toward them. Richard didn’t miss the look directed at Loo from this Pedian either.
“Serrack both you and Loo have second shift finish your meal, report and go to quarters” He ordered.
“Yes, Sir,” Serrack said wiping his mouth and he was gone.
Loo followed shortly behind Serrack. Meria was angry, Ricahrd could tell by her eyes, she was angry at Loo.
“We will have no more of that behavior at this table from anyone, do I make it clear? Our guests name is Mr. Morgan, Richard or if you are shy about it a simple sir, will do!” The Master said.
“Clear, sir.”: came a unified reply.
“I will not have disrespect.” He said and left the table. Meria left shortly after with Navery.
Richard was stunned as several of the children talked softly together. He heard their comments in pieces.
“We’re lucky we haven’t lost Eon break, because of them, and now this” One said. My father’d kill me…”
“What was Loo thinking ?” another asked shaking her head. “Meria lost rank already.. S..
“Shhh.. Berette is handling that … I pity them all, especially her. Hope Shawn stands for her somewhat.”
Richard picked up his dessert and left the table . Was it because of him they were all in trouble with this man called Berette? And who was this Shawn that might stand for little Meria” If he could talk to him maybe it wouldn’t go so hard on her. Richard felt uneasy in his stomach. He hadn’t meant to cause problems.
Richard had been following their progress on a wall map that looked like it had seen many fingers. They had entered the Atlantic ocean. Everyone seemed to have something to keep them busy, Richard wasn’t even sure where they were going. He began to watch the chart with growing interest, hoping to get an idea of where they might be headed.
After evening meal he noted they had entered the mid Atlantic going toward the rough area called the Atlantic Ridge, it would have a tight squeeze if they didn’t go above it or surface and go over it.
Richard already figured since he hadn’t seen or heard any radio or communication from the surface they were either trying to avoid it or no one knew they were even there. They were going at a good rate of speed, still he thought someone would be able to catch a blip of the craft as it cruised by. Richard was beginning to enjoy his little guessing game , he wondered what would happen if they surfaced and another ship saw them. He smiled. The Master Pedian wouldn’t be able to just explain this ship away to everybody.
“Richard,” the Master Pedian called him into a small room.
“Want something to do? Are you board already?” the man asked.
“I’d feel more useful if I did something, to be honest.” Richard looked at the machine that the man was standing beside.
He seemed to be adjusting the machine his fingers tapped a small panel and it opened to a keyboard and he quickly typed several lines of strange words into it and closed the panel again,.
“Sit here, “ he instructed. Now, using any tactics you can with this panel, maneuver, the little craft in and through this little maze over here. No crashing, hitting bottom , or sides..”
Richard looked at the screen and smiled.
“Looks like Richard’s Ridge…”
“What?” the Pedian asked .
“Been playing a private game all day with the chart outside.
How many lives do I get?” Richard inquired looking at the game the man had set up for him.
“One, in time perhaps many so don’t waste this one. I’ll be back soon, I have to go, Meria has the bridge and I have several reports to finish, enjoy your self.” the Pedian left Richard with the machine.
Richard experimented with the panels a few times and could find no mouse of joystick to control the image. By accident he touched a smaller panel and it moved the craft. He found the speed and break as well. At times the screen was dark and then light.
Observing the panels a little closer, Richard realized it resembled the panels he ‘d seen on the bridge. He pushed one and scraped bottom but the craft survived the bump.
He discovered it wasn’t as simple as the boy had made it look. He worked a while at it avoiding animals when the screen said do not kill. He enjoyed destroying the rocks and out growths that got in his way and finally made it through the maze.
Richard took a breath and glanced at his watch.
“Three hours?” he couldn’t believe it had taken one ship and three hours to survive the entire maze but it had.
He pushed back from the Machine and a bell sounded and a paper came from the side of the machine. Picking up the paper he looked at it for his score. There were numbers on it that could have had value or maybe they were where he had crashed and scrapped. He recognized the number of boulders he had to destroy and figured the other number might be the animals he had avoided destroying.
“Maybe Meria can tell me what the rest of these mean. he said she was on the Bridge.” Richard said to himself and went out the door to find her.
When Richard got to the Bridge, Meria, wasn’t at the controls. The new girl smiled.
“Meria’s in the break room. Reading is my guess, she usually is after her shift.” the girl kept her eyes on the screen.
“Where is the break room?” Richard asked.
The girl held up her hand, her attention on a certain screen.
“Wait a minute…… there”
She said and shifted a panel avoiding something large dark and looming in the water that reflected on her screen.
“It’s down across from the washroom sir,” she said not taking her eyes off the screens.
“thanks I’ll find it” Richard headed in that direction.
There were two rooms across from the washrooms. Meria was in the second one he tried. She was intently reading a book he had given the children. The reading level he knew was above that of an ave4rage ten year old but she was having no difficulty that he could see. He sat quietly no wanting to disturb her just in case.
After a few seconds he doubted she even realized he had sat down. Richard’s thoughts were confirmed as the Master Pedian entered and spoke to her.
“Attention cadet Meria! He said going toward her. “Meria!”
Richard heard the command, the book flew from her hand and hit the wall with tremendous force. She jumped to her feet at attention. He had not touched the book and she hadn’t thrown it either and yet there it laid on the floor across the room. Richard got up slowly himself more in astonishment than anything else. He was trying not to stare.”
“The Machine gave you a paper where is it? Give it to me.” the Pedian said holding out his hand.
“I came to ask her what my score was but she was really intently reading and…”
“Your sleeping area is two doors down on the right Mr. Morgan. You are tired its been a long day and I have not been a very hospitable host, tomorrow will be more eventful.” he said taking the paper from Richard and turned toward Meria.
“Get out!” he said pointing at her and then the door. The man left the room before Richard could say yes or no on the questions about the paper.
In his room he found his suitcase secured to a chamber by a strap. He supposed it was in case there was rough weather or something of that nature. His thought more on what had just happened with the book. The Pedian had called to Meria, yet Richard was sure the Pedian had not opened his mouth to speak the second time. He hadn’t been close enough to touch that book and yet he knew Meria wouldn’t have thrown it either, her surprise had been genuine too. He wondered he would ever know his score on Richard’s Ridge.

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