Read Online Nimisha's Ship by Anne McCaffrey - Free Book Online Page B

forced a smile as she dropped into old Terran language that Cuiva ought not yet understand. “Let us
not
descend to competition for her preference. I apologize if I neglected to inform you that I was taking her with me today and for your disappointment. Perhaps you can exchange the tickets.”
    Lady Rezalla confined her response to a curt nod and, pivoting on one heel, walked stiffly to where her driver awaited her at her skimmer’s door.
    Nimisha never told her dam that today she, Caleb, and Jeska were taking Cuiva on her first space walk. Nimisha had had a special suit constructed, and Cuiva was going to be able to go over the exterior of the now petralloy-clad Mark 5. Nimisha had promised the child that treat for her scholastic achievements. Cuiva was a better mathematician than Nimisha, Jeska, or Caleb. She was therefore also a better programmer. Nimisha wondered how long she would have to wait until Cuiva was old enough to work on the artificial intelligence programs that would manage the elusive ideal she was herself chasing.
    The four of them had a marvelous time and Cuiva showed no problem at all with inner ear dysfunction in the vacuum of space. She obeyed every order explicitly and the naval EVA trainer who attended the sessions remarked that some of his novices did not show as much confidence as the child did.
    “We must see that she doesn’t become overconfident,” Nimisha said.
    “Oh, next time she’s up, we’ll give her a little problem to solve,” Caleb suggested. “Nothing to frighten her, Nimi, but certainly something to remind her of the dangers inherent in an EVA.”
    “Cuiva’s sensible,” Nimisha said firmly.
    “Of course she is,” Caleb agreed, wondering if perhaps he had been out of line. But he was as fond of Cuiva as if she’d been his own offspring, and she, in turn, was certainly at ease in his company. “She’s your body-heir, and Lord Rhidian is a fine hunter but not a chance-taker like Lord Vestrin is.”
    Lord Tionel’s body-heir had had a shattering accident in a hunt stampede. Body sculpting would be needed, and even with the recent strides in the replication of body organs and bone replacements, he would not be active for a while. Meanwhile he lived in seclusion with his dam, Lady Vescuya, who attempted to amuse him during the process of revision.
    “By the way, Nimi,” Caleb said, as much to change the subject as to seize an opportunity to remind Nimisha that she’d promised to think the matter over, “have you decided on rejuv?”
    Nimisha glanced at him out of the corner of her eye so that he could not see her expression. “Rejuv would not have saved Vestrin when he insisted on being a carpet for a whole herd of Altairian antelopes,” she remarked. “But I’ve made the appointment. One reason why I’ve spent the day with Cuiva.” Then she gave an exaggerated sigh. “All these delays in getting what I want make me think in the long-term.”
    Caleb laughed. “I don’t think it’s going to take
that
long for you to get the long-journey yacht you’re aiming for. Design’s estimate is proving accurate from the work-reviews Jeska keeps filing.” He paused and then grinned roguishly. “Of course, I did rejuv long ago.”
    “You never told me.”
    “Admiral Gollanch required it. That’s where I spent my last leave.”
    “What? You weren’t dancing and dallying with tropical beauties as I so fondly thought?”
    Caleb appeared to think. “Well, there was one . . .”
    Cuiva approached them just then, waiting like the well-bred youngster she was until there was a pause in adult conversation.
    “Yes, Cuiva?” he said, seizing her presence to leave the fuller answer dangling.
    “Is ballet fun, Mother?” Cuiva asked.
    “Ah, I see your grandmother will keep you from missing me,” Nimisha said, giving her daughter a hug and a kiss.
    “And,” Cuiva went on, clinging shyly to Caleb’s hand, “would it be possible for you to take Belac and me out