4.
Nisa Bay, Florida
The sun reflected over the silvery wings of the Gulfstream G550 sporting the Gottschalk-Milton-Foster Company logo, as the vehicle passed over a vast dome structure that covered the bay –except for the opening, from which a corridor of piers would stretch into the sea to form a network 10 miles long and as much wide.
The whole place, even from up there, was a beehive teeming with ships of all sizes, from commercial to cruisers.
“Dear passengers, this is your Captain speaking. We are approaching our final destination, Nisa Bay, headquarters of Seven Stars maritime company.
“Nisa Bay has been a property of the Spencers family since 1740, when Sir William Spencer-Strathmore bought it to turn into the commercial base for his trading company on the route America-Brasil-United Kingdom.
“During World War I and World War II, the US Government rented Nisa Bay to turn it into a temporary base. The Spencers family made enough profits to start the Project Citadel, which consisted in turning the whole bay in what you are seeing today.
“In 1980, Richard Spencers turned part of his business to pet-friendly tourism. He launched what, as of today, remains world’s unsurpassed largest ship, the Sea Dragon, the first part of Seven Stars’ project to realize the first floating citadel,
Independence Horizon. If you will look at your left, you can see the work in progress.”
It was true. As the jet circled over the bay to align itself with the landing strip, pets and humans aboard could clearly see the titanic shapes being assembled at the center of the dome. The
Horizon was being built in sections, and each one was already large and tall enough to rival with a building! Drones kept moving like swarms of flies around the sections, humans were like tiny ants, nearly invisible if it weren’t for their colorful safety jackets and suits as they swarmed all over the tile-white hull, sending almost continuous spark storms.
“I thought that
Project Freedom had been scrapped for good,” Martin said, relaxing back in his chair.
Sitting in front of him, while Martin’s dogs sat by the two humans’ side, Maud nodded. “It was. Its creators had severely underestimated a series of measures that come with handling a floating city. That made in turn their estimated budget grow, and grow, and grow, until it was clear that they didn’t even have a precise idea of how their own ship worked.
Martin took a rusk and dipped it into strawberry jam. “And does Spencers have an idea?” he nibbled it absently.
“Oh, he has. That is why father is financially involved in its construction.”
Another bite. “I didn’t remember drawing a check for that.”
“Welcome to the wonderful world of proxy. You could be more involved in every single decision of a multinational made by the merging of three companies including yours, but then you could hardly find the time for your family, right?” She reached out and scratched Aldebaran right behind his ear. The dog answered with a thump of his leg.
“Touché,” Martin said. For what he was concerned, it sufficed that Gottschalk wouldn’t use his partner’s share for projects that could harm the animals and environment. At least, that was the agreement… “What will it be propelled with?”
“Twin Phoenix-S7 nuclear reactors, solar power and backup electric generators for emergencies. Don’t make that face, Martin: Such a ship can’t just work on oil or coal, it would be an ecocide.”
Martin sighed. “Guess you’re right…But is such a monster really necessary? Who will get aboard, just spoiled rich guys?”
Maud sipped from a fruit juice glass. That was something he could appreciate: Despite her upbringing, she had apparently kept simple tastes in drinking and eating, although it was well known that she could handle a sophisticated dinner… “Tch, Martin, now
that would be a waste, wouldn’t it?”
He didn’t get it immediately. After all, Spencers, as much as animal lover he was, he
also was a businessman. And to repay the cost of such a behemoth would force him to turn to the richest richies…for…
“No way,” he said, smiling. “No doggin’ way.”
Maud nodded. “Why do you think father would invest billions in this enterprise? The
Independence Horizon will be the first pet-friendly floating community, where pets from all over the world will be full citizens aboard. Their families will live and work on the ship, pay a rent proportional to their benefitting from the best the technology can offer. Business will be organized via satellite link. But there will be also space for tourists, entertainment, casinos, shops…you name it. Thanks to the nuclear energy and desalinization plants aboard, fresh water won’t be a problem. Fruits and vegetables will be grown aboard. And proteins will come from cloned meat.”
Martin’s eyes went wide. “They’re already at that stage?!”
“A necessary stage: A floating city represents the toughest challenge, in terms of autonomy. She can’t just import all of the provisions she needs. And that’s why we also need two reactors, one for primary backup, or the fun will last quite shortly.”
At that point, every answer was just a stimulus for Martin the technophile to put more questions…But there would be time for that, later.
“Don’t worry,” Maud said with an understanding tone. “Men will always feel drawn to big things. You want to buy a politician? Show him something big.”
Grape couldn’t be agreeing more, as her husband kept his face pressed against the window, his tail wagging crazy.
“You’re drooling,” the lavender cat said.
“Sorry.” Peanut took a tissue, wiped the glass clean…and pressed again. “That is our ship!” he said, his blue eyes pointing at the
Oasis-class ship harbored in the middle of a ‘corridor’. The
Sea Dragon lived up to her name, 360 mt long, 81 mt tall above waterline, and a lot of reinforced carbon fiber to save on the energy produced by its nuclear-powered engines; thus she was also the fastest Ocean-class ship. The pier on her left was dealing with the cargo and crew operations. The one on the right was dealing with the passengers, who were being transported on a bus, although a few of them would just enjoy a walk along the spectacular pier.
“Six thousand five hundred passengers,” Dayshaun, leaning over Peanut’s seat, said. “The exact number that the Blue Peak Shore resort can host. But that’s in case of evacuation. The
Dragon will carry only a fraction of them and take aboard those who are leaving. The rest are directed to other shores.”
Peanut sat back and took Grape in his arms, kissed her head fur. “Scared of the water?”
She gladly accepted those small attentions, it always reminded her how much he loved her sincerely. “Nah…Well, a bit nervous, yes. But I’m sure I’ll be too busy having fun to care about all that…water…”
Parnok leaned over her seat. “You are
not going to be sick, are you?” he asked as if he had just discovered un unforgivable weakness in his heroine.
“Be silent, you,” she said warningly, “or I’ll tell
everyone about
your phobia.”
The white-furred, purple-tailed kitten’s eyes went wide with shock. “You won’t
dare!”
“He will,” Peanut intervened, patting his head. “I know her.”
The ‘fasten your seatbelts’ signal chimed. The Captain gave his last recommendations before starting the final approach.
King patted then held Bailey’s paw. “Well, at least you can enjoy some civilized entertainment before reaching Meriweather Island.”
Bailey didn’t look convinced. “I don’t get it. What’s so exciting with a floating house? I thought we were supposed to do something different, enjoy a new scenery, not spend time in some…domestic replica.”
King just shook his head in a knowing gesture. “Honey,” he pointed at himself with both thumbs. “You married an interesting pup, remember? Well, for once, instead of mourning over my past self, let me be your guide to the jet set as humans conceive it. I promise that you’ll have the time of your life. Trust me?” he asked with a pleading puppy grin.
Bailey’s arm went to encompass his smaller figure, regretting she couldn’t snuggle right now. “Always. And you’re right: enough crying over spilled milk. You know a lot of things I don’t, and it’s time we make the best of them.”
And for once, King was really happy that dogs just bounced back.
“You’re drooling,” Lucky said from his seat, frowning at his tabby boyfriend.
“No I’m not,” Felix answered, but he gulped down, his eyes glued to a picture of a tribal wolf warrior on the seatback-installed tablet. “Why don’t they show them on National Geographic?”
“Because they ate the TV troupes!” Lucky protested. “Seriously, I’m here, remember?”
Sighing, Felix turned off the tablet. “Spoilsport. A poor home kitty can’t even dream. And you do know that I like living dangerously.” He stuck out his tongue.
“We’re here as babysitters, not as explorers.”
“You say so only because there are no native big cats!”
Lucky blushed, looking as if he had been whipped. “Not true!”
“I didn’t put all of those
Pridelands posters on the wall right over our bed, that’s for sure. They make me feel…observed, when we snuggle.”
“I will not put them off!”
“Cheater!”
“Feeling better now?” Sabrina asked Alcor.
The white cat nodded, his attention still drawn to the colossal ship as the airplane bumped slightly in the final landing phase. And for once, he could say it: He
was feeling better. “You know what? I could even skip the resort phase: That ship seems ready to offer all occasions for romance as it is.”
Sabrina nodded. “Good.”
What Alcor didn’t say was that he still felt that nagging, unpleasant feeling.
Why so all of a sudden? Why try to conceive at BPS, of all places?
Alcor Foster felt as if he had been put aboard a train lunched at full speed toward an unknown destination.
The airplane stopped at the gate 3 of Laika International…
No roads, except those dedicated to emergency services, connected LI to Nisa Bay. After disembarking the plane, the passengers were led to one of the many underground cablecars leading to the port.
The sliding doors opened on a scenario of frantic but neatly organized activity. “It’s so
noisy,” Dayshaun said, reflecting that common thought crossing everyone’s mind. It was a lot to drink in, after spending all your life in a quiet suburban environment. Even Alcor, who had instead spent his life in the city, felt intimidated. Vulnerable, whereas he had grown up avoiding direct contact with the crowd.
The sight from the airplane couldn’t compare with being immersed in a crowd of thousand between crew, staff, tourists… Not to mention the sounds: Machinery, horns, so many languages spoken in one place. And the smells! One’s
mind, connected to an array of sensible ears and nose, couldn’t just process everything at once. The kittens, forgetting their sense of adventure, huddled around their parents, firmly holding paws.
The group got aboard one of the open electric cars waiting for them.
“What are those
seashells for?” Nutella asked after the car had started, raising her voice over the environmental noise. She pointed at a row of strange constructions at the other side of the bay. They looked large enough to contain a ship, but they were closed, just like so many seashells. Those that were opened showed only dark maws illuminated by a constellation of floodlights.
“Those,” Martin answered, raising his voice as well, “are the special
Bastion-class harbors for the gas and oil tankers, and for any other hazardous cargo ship! They are built so that in case of an accident nothing will come this way!”
But again, the general attention was drawn to the immense ship that was waiting for them.
“Not many people around,” Alcor commented. Not that the ‘passenger lane’ was deserted, there must be about a hundred people embarking, but he had expected to find the chaotic, enthusiastic crowds of the
Titanic movie, with an army of friends and families waving goodbye with handkerchiefs…
“Only a few left,” said the driver. “Everyone is aboard, the ship will leave in 30 minutes.”
One thing that escaped to no one: Every single human, or family of them, they met had one or more pets, just like they’d been told. The general atmosphere was one of excitement as more than one of the dogs tried to sniff at each other.
“I wonder if we’ll meet some mixed couples,” Peanut wondered, while leaning out to take in it all and wagging his tail. “Perhaps someone from the
SharedHeart social network!”
“Peanut,” Grape said warningly, while trying to keep that fuzzy whiplash off her face. “You just can’t trust a social network! Perhaps half of those pets are just exhibitionists or-or internet glory-seekers!”
The half-pointer stuck out his tongue at her. “So what? We’ll meet the other half there, then.”
“Or we may meet the local Bino. And I don’t need to get a replica of our petty problems at Babylon, you mutt.”
“Let them troubles come, Princess!” Lucky said, leaning forward from his seat. He smashed his fist against his palm. “Felix and I will take care of them. You know we will!” The cat underlined with a convinced nod of his head.
In answer, Grape unsheathed her claws. “You two take care of the kittens, or
I will be your problem, loverboys.”
“Aw,” both pets said, pouting.
“Leave the fun to us!” Antares said.
“We need to exercise,” Aldebaran added.
“Dad doesn’t want us to bodyguard him.”
“Because he’s got a girlfriend, lallala, he’s got a girlfriend.”
That eased the tension and made everyone laugh. Except Martin, who was trying to hide inside his clothes. “Someone kills me.”
The car stopped in front of one of the planks.
“You boys surely seem really happy about your Dad and me,” Maud said.
“Yup!” Antares nodded happily.
“He was always mateless,” Antares said, putting. “Not fair.”
“And we know he won’t abandon us for anyone else.”
“He said that he’d rather kick down a cliff anyone who asked.”
Maud chuckled, nudging Martin. “Ohh, this means that I’ll have to rewrite a paragraph or two of our prenuptial.”
The group reached the bridge, where they found none else than the Captain in his high uniform to wait for them, together with a female black labrador. “Miss Gottschalk, Mr. Foster, gentlepets, welcome aboard. I am Captain Oswald Edward Smith, and this is Marina, my faithful assistant.”
The dog, wearing a collar with a trident-shaped pendant, performed a perfect bow. “Honored to meet you.”
Maud answered with a slight bow. “Captain.”
The man, a tall and tanned specimen, his face already marked by the sea, pointed at another officer standing at a respectful distance. “Mr. Henderson, Director of the Hotel Department, will show you to your cabins. We hope you have a pleasant journey. Lunch will be served at noon. Do you have any special necessities?”
“What kibble brand will be served?” Bailey asked, raising her paw. King just facepawlmed. “What?” she told him. “For once, I want to try some luxury brand.”
The captain smiled at the dog. “Ma’m, no kibble, absolutely. You will be eating at the Captain’s table. Only the finest foods.”
The malamute wagged her tail. “Cool! Does this mean that we’ll have steak leftovers?” This time, King blushed.
“I think that the menu will make a better example. You all will find a copy in your cabin. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He bowed one last time, put on his beret and left.
The group orderly followed Henderson.
“I’m sorry if I offended anyone,” Bailey said, her ears low. “It’s all so…different from the countryside I was raised in.”
King held her paw tenderly. “Nah, no biggies. You just saved the kittens from asking the same things. After all, many one pets are not used to such a change. Prepare yourself for paradise tastebuds, honey.”
They weren’t definitely prepared for
that.
Grape’s jaw fell to the floor, as she tried to absorb everything. Yup, definitely the internet pictures didn’t give a decent idea. “And…is this all for us?” she said.
Peanut checked his ticked. “Yes. Grand Suite #4. Two levels. Bed and services upstairs.” He started wagging. “Ohh, there’s a Jacuzzi too!”
“Last one up doesn’t get a bath!” Dayshaun said, and the kittens ran to the stairs shouting.
Peanut led Grape to the
balcony. From there, they could both admire the full view of the port, like standing atop a building. “Tonight, snuggling here, under the moon?” he suggested, his arms folded around his beloved cat’s waist.
“Sounds like a good plan,” came the answer...but not from Grape.
And if that as much familiar as unexpected voice was enough to made them start, Peanut wasn’t less shocked to find his own waist wrapped in a warm, black-furred hug.
“Say it guys, you couldn’t do without moi,” Maxwell said, leaning against Peanut’s back.