A Time For Ryda
THERE WAS A GENTLE bump as the great interstellar ship nudged up against the outer docking ring. Breathing a sigh of relief, the captain engaged the mooring beams while commencing a controlled shut down of the engines. His work now complete, the ship’s commander gazed eagerly at the gigantic space station and the planet down below, only now realizing just how much he was anticipating his two-week vacation in the Rydian system.
Three decks below the cockpit, a young woman stared out at the same vista. However, for her it evoked a completely diametrical response. Indeed, it was all she could do to retain her composure, forcibly willing the swirling, violent cacophony of emotions down to a manageable level.
For unlike the captain, the young woman’s mission was just beginning.
Tall and attractive, with a white, button down shirt and short blue skirt, Eve Scott appeared an average graduate student traveling to one of Ryda’s many universities. Attracting a number of appreciative stares while leaving her seat, she briefly flirted with a man offering to help with her two small bags. Politely turning down an invitation for dinner later that night, Eve then quickly made her way out through the forward passenger hatchway, where she was immediately faced by a long line of people waiting to be cleared by Border and Immigration Control.
Posing as a provocative Rydian coed was an unusual cover, yet made a great deal of sense. In the two years since the Gandian Coalition had reopened Ryda’s borders, students had once again begun streaming in and out of the capital planet. The undergrad persona also gave Eve more room to maneuver, as curious, excited students often violated minor rules, or came up with the wrong answers when questioned by Gandian authorities.
A classic example of “hiding in the open,” as her Terran Alliance Intelligence Network instructors would say. If nothing else, it was far more comfortable than stowing away in a luggage compartment and then sneaking around town.
But unlike many covers, which were learned entirely by rote, Eve had closely observed the role she was to assume. As a teenager, in fact, before the Gandian invasion, she could remember wistfully watching the beautiful, confident young women laughing gaily as they bustled around town. They seemed so mature and confident, reveling in their own energy and boundless youth.
Now, she would at least have the chance to mimic the independent, carefree Rydian lifestyle, though with far graver responsibilities than any student would ever assume. Life, as Eve had already come to realize, wasn’t always fair.
But fair or not, the role must be played to perfection. If anything, reports out of occupied Ryda showed the population’s libidinous tastes had become even more inflamed by the events of the past eight years. Without question, an otherwise fit woman of twenty-four who failed to conform with the natural dictates of her position might draw attention for all the wrong reasons.
Thus, after an hour of standing around, it was with a fair amount of bravado that she flourished her passport and other documents to the Gandian officer seated behind the desk.
“Heather Duprie,” she announced. “I’m going to be studying at Venter University.”
“Indeed,” the lieutenant drawled, flicking the passport cover open to Eve’s smiling face. “Place of birth?”
“Kentara, Roberts System,” she promptly replied.
“Date of birth?”
“March 10th, 2204.” The lieutenant, she knew, was testing to see if she would hesitate. Many a cover had been blown over such minor matters.
“Really?” Now the official looked up, with just the barest hint of amusement. “Happy birthday, Heather.”
“Oh. Thank you!” she blushed. “But not for another two weeks.”
“Well, let me be the first to congratulate you.” Leaning back, he now studied her with greater interest, letting the passport drop to the desk. “Is this
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