Murder On The Golden Halo

by W H Beswick

  “Well, he was penniless but very handsome.”

  “Turned out her pretty new husband was plotting her murder with the help of his old lover.” Rexannis said in a hushed tone, suggesting it was a well-kept secret, but everyone at the table could hear her. “Somehow the Earthling figured out the plot and saved her. Both ended up in prison.”

  “Actually I believe the woman has been released.” Bacco said with a sniff. “One year in prison. I think Lady Venusun felt she had caused the problem by stealing her oldest friend’s lover.”

  “It is a perfect lesson or perhaps warning.” Rexannis said with a smile before sipping some wine. “Be careful who you fall in love with. You may find more pain and suffering than love.”

  “Should I be concerned?” The Prime Centurion playfully asked, squeezing her hand at the same time.

  “No my darling, you give me nothing but joy.”

  I am not a big believer in love. Perhaps because I have yet to fall in love. On the other hand the queen and Prime Centurion seemed to be very much in love. It seems falling in love is like playing poker. You can win some hands and lose others. But it is not until the last card is turned over that you know if you have won.

  You think me heartless for this?

  My mother thinks I am young and foolish.

  Could be in matters of the heart.

  “It is my understanding he has been quite helpful to her.” Beta Chief Zana said with a nod. “Mind you this could be just gossip. But he found out that Countess Karo’s own husband had stolen some emeralds to pay off some debts. He recovered some pearls for another lady. There are even rumors he solved a few murders.”

  “We would have heard of this.” I said, feeling a little insulted. An Earthling solving murders would been on all the news sites. As you may guess I search web sites for stories on Earthlings. “It has to be gossip.”

  “It is my understanding he lets the local law enforcement take full credit.” Zana continued. “Keeping a low profile which shows how clever this fellow is. No, if I was plotting to murder someone I would make sure this fellow wasn’t around.”

  “When it came to murder or any crime.” Uxtel said with a sad smile. “The Earthlings were quite inventive. It was because of this their law officers became quite inventive in solving crimes. I believe they had a whole science devoted to it.”

  “What? An entire science devoted to solving crime?” I asked. Perhaps a little too eagerly. “I knew other worlds had clever detectives but having a whole science. That is scary and interesting. I have to meet this Earthling.”

  “Good luck with that my dear.” Queen Rexannis said with another smile. “It is my understanding she moves him around a great deal, keeping him on a short leash. Don’t misjudge Lady Venusun. She is quite fond of the Earthling and does this for his own safety. I would assume his actions have ruffled a few feathers as the Earthling say.”

  “Still I will meet him.” I said, remembering this ship was owned by Lady Venusun. After dropping off the happy couple, it was going to the lady’s home world. I needed to change my travel plans. I knew the lady, but we weren’t close. Still I was a princess. I would play that card.

  CHAPTER 14

  AFTER DINNER

  Sadly the rest of the meal was devoted to discussing the queen’s wedding and such. Napkins folded into birds and flowers arrangements were never of much interest to me. I quickly became bored and started to look around the dining room. There was the usual crowd of high society. All having the same bored looks on their faces.

  Oh please, we know you are rich.

  What surprised me was there were some, for lack of a better term, commoners in the dining room. These interested me the most. How did they gain access to the executive dining room?

  I made a note to speak with them. Commoners can be so interesting. I think commoners experience the world in different ways. I myself was raised in a bubble where my only contacts were other royal bloods and servants who seemed quite devoted to me. I now knew it was just their job. This did confuse me. I mean, did they really like me?

  Not important.

  One very slender fellow, dressed in a brown suit that was either too big for him or just needed a good pressing caught my attention. His face was quite unremarkable. I would have overlooked him but he kept glancing over at our table. Everyone did but this fellow seemed to be overly interested. If I didn’t know better I would swear he was looking for someone.

  Perhaps an ex-servant, or even better, a soldier who had served under the Prime Centurion. That could explain his presence in the executive dining room. Still I tried to figure out who he was looking at.

  It was for this reason my attention was drawn to the empty chair at the captain’s table. Someone had been invited and chose not to attend. Most anyone else would have been thrilled to sit among such people.

  The word poker caught my ear.

  “Yes, yes, the Prime Centurion and I have invited the best poker players on board.” Zana was telling the doctor. “It should be fun.”

  “You haven’t invited me.” I said in an uninterested tone that drew the full attention of my fellow diners. Just what I wanted. I took a sip of water and smiled. “I have been overlooked. The Prime Centurion should remember me. Before the war we played a few hands. I have a score to settle with him. Or did it slip his mind the last time we played he won the last round. Not interested in a rematch?”

  The table suddenly became quiet.

  I was confused. Had I committed some sort of social blunder? Was I not allowed to playfully mock the Prime Centurion?

  “Oh Princess Deela, forgive me I was going to invite you right after dinner.” The young Beta Chief said a little too quickly. I couldn’t help but notice he glanced at the Prime Centurion who looked confused. “You will, of course, join us.”

  “How could I not after such a polite invitation.” I said with a bow of my head. “Just tell me when and where.”

  “My fiancé goes to bed early.” Queen Rexannis said glancing at her soon to be husband, who was still looking at me in a strange manner. It was like he was trying to remember my face. “As you most likely heard, he was injured during the war. Almost died. Because of this he goes to bed quite early. The game will be tomorrow evening in the main parlor. I should warn you there will be some spectators. Apparently some people enjoy watching others play cards. I do not.”

  “I love an audience, especially when I am winning.” I said but noted the good Beta Chief look as if he was about to protest. A mere glance from the queen made him think better of it. “Now that is settled I will take a stroll around the decks.”

  CHAPTER 15

  LONG ISLAND ICED TEA

  I was wandering down the upper deck of the ship. Doors lined one side of the hall but on the other side were large windows that gave one an excellent view of the stars and planets. It always fascinated me. The ship was traveling at a very high speed but the universe outside looked as still as a painting, except for the occasional star or burst of light.

  A star dying perhaps?

  It was during my stroll I came to an open door. I couldn’t help but peek inside. It was large room with dark wood paneling and a deep green rug. There were no windows and just this one door. There was a small bar made of the same dark wood with brass fittings. I stepped in and couldn’t help but notice a table shaped like an octagon had been set up in the middle of the room with six chairs set up around it. There were no cards or chips but I could tell this was the table I would be sitting at tomorrow night.

  “May I help you, miss?” Asked the tall skinny alien standing behind a short bar made of dark wood with brass rails along the bottom. His jacket and shirt were white. There was a red cummerbund around the top of his black pants. The red bow tie around his neck looked too big because of his skinny neck. His yellow eyes and too wide lips gave the appearance of eagerness to serve me.

  “Yes, I think I would love an Earth drink.” I said walking up to the bar with a smile. “I don
’t suppose you could provide me with that?”

  “As a matter of fact, Earth drinks have become popular. Especially the sweeter drinks. Ones with fruit and tiny umbrellas. I am happy to say I have become quite good at making them.” He said, his wide mouth spreading into a grin that was little frightening. “I can make you a cosmopolitan, mai tai, sangria, strawberry daiquiri, mojito, margarita, Pina colada or a Long Island iced tea.”

  “What is a Long Island iced tea?” I asked having heard of the others.

  “A very deceptive beverage. It tastes like tea but it has several liqueurs in it. Rum, tequila, gin…”

  “You had me at rum. Please my good fellow make me one. I love tea.”

  “As you wish.” He said, seemingly thrilled to be able to show off his talents as a bartender. “I must warn you. You can become intoxicated very quickly with this drink. I have seen men carried out after drinking just three.”

  “My good fellow, no need to tell me more. I am sold on this drink.” I said as he quickly poured and mixed several things into a tall glass. He stirred them together, put a straw in the glass and presented it to me with a flourish. I took a long sip and smiled. “This is delightful. Why are you down here in this small room? You should be in one of the upper parlors or the main bar. You obviously have talent.”

  “A thousand thank yous, miss.” He said with a bow. “I usually work the main parlor on the top deck but tonight I was supposed to tend the bar here. There was supposed be some kind of card game. But I have just been informed that has been moved to tomorrow night.”

  “The game was supposed to be tonight.” I said taking another sip of my delicious drink. I would definitely have another. “I am playing in that game. It is called poker. I was told it was tomorrow night. I wondered why they moved it. No matter. I found you.”

  “May I join, your majesty?”

  CHAPTER 16

  THE CAPTAIN’S TALE

  I turned to find the good Beta Chief Zana had come into the bar. He was now standing behind me, looking quite official in his uniform with its brass buttons and such. I know some females swoon at the sight of a man in uniform. I myself had never been impressed with military men. The ones I have encountered had no effect what so ever. When I spoke to guards in my palace I found myself talking to the top of their heads. Always bowing and so eager to please.

  Not only boring but annoying.

  Back to the captain.

  There was a smile on his face but his eyes looked grim. Having been raised as a princess, good manners had been drummed into me. Most had been forgotten but not all. I took another sip of my drink and smiled. “Please do, this very talented fellow has just introduced me to a drink called a Long Island iced tea. It is wonderful. Please have one. In the future you may wish to remember when addressing a princess, it is your highness not your majesty. That title is reserved for queens and kings.”

  “Thank you, your highness.” He said with a bow. “That drink is a little too sweet for me. Can you make a Whiskey Sour?”

  “Of course sir, I must tell you I do not have any Earth whiskey.” The bartender said looking a little embarrassed. “As you know it is almost impossible to find. Pardon me miss, are you of royal blood? If so I apologize for calling you miss.”

  “Yes, I am princess but how could you know? It’s not like we walk around in evening gowns with tiaras on our heads.” I giggled. Perhaps the bartender was right about the effects of this drink. Better to pace myself. “How could I be offended? You just introduced me to this amazing drink. Now what is a Whiskey Sour?”

  “It is another Earth drink.” Zana said with a smile. “But I don’t think I ever had a real one. Apparently a real Whiskey Sour requires whiskey from Earth. I heard Jack Daniels is the best.”

  “Captain, I am sorry to disagree but while Jack Daniels is used another called Jim Beam is better known.” The bartender said, not looking as apologetic as he should be. I suspect he was trying to impress me with his knowledge of Earth whiskey. I liked this fellow. “It is my understanding whiskies called Colonel E.H. Taylor, Glenfiddich and Teling are far superior. But I do have an excellent whiskey from Saldarous. Not Earth whiskey but close enough.”

  “Well, I have learned something tonight. Let’s give your whiskey a try.”

  I leaned forward to watch the bartender make the drink. “Are you putting egg in there?”

  “Just the egg white.” The bartender said. “Gives it a nice foam on top.”

  I watched him shake a metal beaker and then pour it through a strainer into a small glass. There was indeed foam on the drink. “That looks delicious. I will try that next.”

  “As you wish your highness.” The bartender said. “But there is an old Earth saying. Don’t mix your drinks.”

  “Well we will test that saying tonight.”

  “Your highness, if I could have a word in private.” The Optio said, glancing at the bartender.

  I followed him over to the poker table, after telling the bartender not to leave. I settled down and gave Zana my best smile. “So Optio what is on your mind?”

  “This is a delicate matter but it needs to be addressed.” He said, leaning forward. I did notice he hadn’t tasted his drink yet. “As you probably noticed Prime Centurion Uxtel seemed to be confused by your mentioning you had a score to settle with him.”

  “Yes, I was somewhat put off. He was much friendlier in the past. Am I to guess this has something to do with his injuries?”

  “The Prime Centurion was someone who led his men. He didn’t sit back behind the lines. He was right in the middle of the battle. This was why his men, including me, were so loyal to him. And as it turned out he had the respect of the Earthlings.”

  “I would want my commander right there if people were shooting at me.”

  “Yes. During the battle on Talus he was not only wounded but captured. To our surprise he was returned to us by the Earthlings. I believe they did this because they were losing the battle and possibly wanted to curry favor with us.”

  “Clever. Did they do the surgery on his face?” I asked. “I ask because it seems it’s been done by an excellent hand.”

  “They saved his life, but the cosmetic surgery was done by us.”

  “Cosmetic surgery?”

  “Sorry, I worked closely with some Earthlings after the war and picked up some of their jargon.” Zana said too quickly, as if he made some sort of social blunder. “Cosmetic surgery was their term for the procedures used on the general. But my point is, his outer wounds could be taken care of but there are some wounds that can’t be fixed. The Prime Centurion suffered memory loss. He remembers some things but much of his history is a blank.”

  “And the queen is still marrying him?” I said sounding more abashed that I should have.

  “They have known each other since childhood.” Zana said with a frown. “She still loves him and is convinced in time he will recover all his memories.”

  “A better woman than I.” I said, wondering if I would make such a sacrifice. “Of course, I have never been in love.”

  “My point is the Prime Centurion may not be the player he once was.”

  “Ah! I see. If I find I am winning too many hands and the general is not, I shouldn’t make much of it.”

  “Exactly, just play for fun. Who knows, you may help the Prime Centurion.”

  “I thank you for taking me into your confidence. I shall act accordingly.”

  “Thank you, your highness.” He said, standing up, bowing and quickly leaving without touching his drink. You can’t just let a drink go untouched. I drank it in three gulps and ended up almost choking on it. It was no Long Island iced tea but still interesting. It made me wonder how real Earth whiskey would taste. I went back to the bar and told the bartender to make me another drink. We decided on something called a Sangria. Once again he gave the ridiculous warning about mixing my drinks.

  “Do you know why I am so good at playing poker?’ I asked the bartender as he put toget
her what promised to be another tasty drink.

  “No your highness. I don’t know the game but know it is popular.”

  “Bluffing is a huge part of the game. I can tell when someone is bluffing. It’s a gift.”

  “Bluffing, your highness? I am not sure what you mean?”

  “A big part of poker is trying to fool the other players into what cards you may or may not have. If you have a low hand you try to bluff the other players.”

  “Are you saying you can tell when someone is lying to you about their cards, your highness?”

  “Exactly.”

  CHAPTER 17

  THE ENSIGN

  Oh by the blue moons of Dag I wish I had taken the bartender’s advice and not mixed my drinks. I, a princess ending up bent over my toilet. Throwing up. This is not to say I have not thrown up before but never from drinking. Yes, I knew commoners suffered the downside of drinking too much but I am of royal blood.

  After this humiliating experience I fell into bed fully clothed. The wrinkles and creases in my dress would never be ironed out. On top of this disaster my head felt like someone was banging a drum inside of it. My whole body ached.

  Fortunately I remembered the advice of the bartender had given me for hangovers. He suggested eating a large breakfast was the way to go. Coffee would be helpful too.

  Since the man had been right about the effects of my drinking, he might be wise in the way of curing these said effects. I ordered a large breakfast. Eggs, fried potatoes, something called bacon and sausages. Recommended by the bartender. Of course toast and by incredible luck the ship had actual Earth coffee.

  Now I’ve had drinks similar to coffee from other worlds but had been told Earth coffee was something special.

  I have to tell you, not only was the meal delicious and did cure me of said hangover, but how had I survived this long without coffee? This drink was hot and so strong. Made even more wonderful by adding sugar and milk. I had three large cups and felt like I had the energy to do anything.