“And your parents?”
“Mum legged it as soon as she could. Never even told us. Just gone one morning, no note, no nothing. My dad was never really around. So it was just me and Gran.”
“What are they doing to protect the people from this infestation?”
“Nothing much.” She said dryly. “Clearly the normal treatment doesn’t work.”
“What about clearing the areas and dealing with the infected?”
Kate shook her head. “No idea.”
Bann was thoughtful for a moment. “Logically, if you are coming from their world and now the Empire they will expect that we know about this problem. So we should mention it as a concern and ask about what they are doing to prevent it spreading and protecting the people.”
“The treatment I had wasn’t the norm. I know that much.”
“Agreed. We’ll stay within the parameters of a concerned citizen nothing more. We also have some information on your world you may not know. It would be useful to know it for any negotiations.”
Kate agreed with him. “They were meant to be making improvements, I can make reference to that. Send it to me.”
Bann stood. It was time to go. He’d explored the reasons for being here. “You’re leaving?” The female asked surprised.
He gave her a nod. “I have explored what we need to, and the food is gone.”
Kate stood frowning. “I didn’t just ask you to come for the food and work chat!”
Bann didn’t understand. “Was there something else female?”
“Yes there’s something else. What about us?”
Bann didn’t understand the question. Her DNA was still to be purged from his system. He could feel it, see it if he wanted. Did he want that?....
“There is no ‘us’ female. Please be on the Bridge each day to do your research so my men get used to you being onboard. Good night.” He opened the door using his neuro net and walked through. The door closed behind him. Bann stopped. His diagnostic told him that that had not gone well at the end. There were errors in his data. The percentage high that he’d just made a vital mistake. The option of going back crossed his optic. Bann hesitated. The stats on how that would be received by the female were not good. Bann glanced at the door and walked on. The decision was made. He couldn’t change that.
***
Every day, she did as he’d asked. She joined the Bridge, so his men got used to her being around. She also chose to use the mess to eat her meals in the hope of some conversation. Curious looks soon turned to indifference most of the time. Not that they were rude. They tended to be courteous and polite. Few felt the need for conversation and considering that Bann and she expected most of his crew, had chosen not to mix with humans, she was grateful. Her being there seemed unfair to them. But none complained or did anything to make her feel unwelcome. The few that did speak to her gave her a chance to ask questions. About the Empire, the Ship and Bann.
She found that he was well liked and considered a good Captain. And occasionally he joined her. She found herself talking easily with him. She had questions and he seemed to answer her honestly. He was easy to talk to. Didn’t appear to have any agenda other than ensuring she was well looked after and knew her role. And slowly his sense of humour showed through along with his intelligence.
She found the relaxed comfortable atmosphere welcome and didn’t bring up the question of ‘them’ again. What would be the point?.... she’d asked herself sadly. He’d made his position clear.
Going back home felt like a mixed blessing. She’d not been there for over eight years. Taking one transport after another, she’d worked her way to the Empire. She doubted much had changed in that time. Corporations ruled much like back on Old Earth. After all, they’d made it in their own image.
That had always seemed strange to her. They’d been looking to leave Old Earth for generations due to the damage done to the world by war and the Corporations fighting over resources. Why would you make the same mistakes again?....
But she knew the answer. Credits….
Her world was rich in iron ore and other building materials. Rich in silica sand, the main component in computer chips. Exhausted on Old Earth it had breathed new life into new technologies and the basis of her world was created. Build and invent had been their mission and send it back to Old Earth. The word was, that they’d sent back plenty and the ships kept coming bringing Earth Corp with it. A satellite base in a world where the best materials could be found. It was too big an opportunity to miss and they didn’t.
That ruffled a few feathers. Business leadership that had been offered was soon rescinded with other offers not as lucrative. Earth Corp took over in part and others made their own empires. Not a smart move on Earth Corps side. Decades later, Commander Fear would use that satellite office and through his mate, access files that would open up the Empire.
She wondered if that was going to be a problem, Earth Corp on her world, but then the Empire knew this. So she guessed they’d taken that into consideration.
“We have communication from the home world, asking our business.” The computer told them.
Kate looked up from her notes to the vid screen as it came online.
“Send diplomatic signatures. Requesting that the Empire’s Liaison to this world meets with representatives to discuss trade with the Empire and resolve some personal enquiries. Those representatives should not include Earth Corp. That would be seen as a conflict of interest.” Bann called out for her benefit.
“Affirmative.”
He turned to her. “You should get ready. The nearer we get the more likely we will have a vid link to your world, and they will want to speak with you.”
Kate got up and headed to her rooms. She’d been working on what to wear since learning of it. She’d decided to go with a combination of both her worlds attire and the Empires. She thought it worked well and hoped she’d pitched it just right. Showering and changing quickly she donned the outfit. She’d decided on a smart pant suit. The colours of the Empire. The design of her world. Her hair swept up in a twist and little make up. She looked at the broach Bann had given her at their last meal. It was the diplomatic emblem for the Empire and used in everything the Empire did. Richly adorned, she was scared she’d lose it.
“Your presence is requested on the Bridge.” The ships systems told her.
Kate slipped on her shoes. Higher than she’d normally go for but needed the confidence they gave her. Picking up the broach she pinned it on her lapel. She couldn’t go with out it. Glancing in the mirror she hardly recognised herself. She took several deep breaths. Show time….
Bann didn’t like him. It shouldn’t have mattered, but it registered on his diagnostic. The human male was trying to ingratiate himself, at the same time he was trying to lay down the law. Neither were going to work. He caught movement from the corner of his eye as Kate came onto the Bridge. He saw the human male’s eyes move to her. He didn’t like that either.
“Liaison on the Bridge,” he called out. Each member of the crew stood and bowed in her direction. She hoped she hid her shock with a neutral expression on her face, she turned towards Bann. He inclined his head towards her, and she came to stand by his side.
Kate looked at the man on the vid screen. She knew him. Kind of. His name was Kinear or Kingear or something. They’d been at the same college, not that they’d moved in the same circles. He had a better reputation than many. She recalled they’d been a rumoured that he wanted to go into Politics. Guess he did…. Kate indicated to Bann to bend down. He did and whispered; “I know him kind of. Same collage not the same circles. His name is Kinear or Kingear or something like that.” Then straightened looking back at the vid screen.
“Mr Kincade,” Bann called out remaining by her side. She wasn’t surprised he already knew. Kate knew she’d been close. “Our liaison to the Empire. Ms Kate Hudson of this world.”
Bann didn’t miss that the man hadn’t taken his eyes off Kate. They
were predatory. Bann took several steps forward, half covering her from his eyes. Kincade moved his eyes back to his. “Do you know the status of most of the Empire’s liaisons human?” His eyes shifted back to Kate and Bann took another step forward growling loudly. The human’s eyes came back to him quickly. His systems didn’t like that either. They saw him as a threat. A threat Bann would happily put down.
“I understand completely Sir. The lady is under the protection of the Empire and will remain so during your visit.”
Bann wasn’t entirely sure he was showing enough respect and decided he’d take pleasure in showing him how it should be done.
“Mr Kincade,” Kate moved around him to stand with him once more. “I believe I might know you in passing. Same college different circles. I’d been told you had an interest in Politics. I see you have done well. Congratulations.”
Kincade looked from her to Bann and back again. “I believe so Ms Hudson. This is a pleasant surprise. I understand the Empire wishes to trade. You know our world has much to offer.” He told her smugly.
Kate nodded. “Our world offers many things, that is true. The Empire however, offers far more Mr Kincade. Although you should be aware that there will no negotiations with Earth Corp of any kind. We are in litigation with them in the Intergalactic Courts. She leant forward conspiritually, “haemorrhaging credits and on their knees where they belong. An enterprising man might see an opportunity there.” She looked at him pointedly.
He raised both eyebrows, appearing surprised at the news. “I can assure you the terms of any trade agreement will be honoured.”
“That’s good Mr Kincade. I’d hate to have to give the order to clean house.” She told him smiling. He didn’t look so sure now. “But we are friends are we not. I’m am convinced that will not be required. We are after all an honourable race. I look forward to meeting you in person and visiting with old friends.” Kate took a step back and Bann moved forward.
“I am sending you details of our arrival. Send landing information. Screen off.”
The screen went blank. “Affirmative.” The ships systems answered. Kate put a handout to steady herself and Bann was right there beside her.
“You did well female,” he told her leaning down towards her. “Give the order to clean house?” he teased.
Kate smiled shakily. “Seemed right. He was too full of himself. It bothered me.”
Bann took his seat and pulled her onto his lap. He hadn’t liked the human male either. The need to have her close was automatic. “Take us in.”
She didn’t bother to complain. She liked were she was. Bann had one arm casually around her while he worked. Some 20 odd minutes later and they were landing on world. They’d left the main ship in orbit and descended in an Off-Worlder accompanied by two other ships who took point. Bann was taking no chances that this was some kind of trap. Commander Fear’s experience of this world had not been pleasant. His mate had nearly been killed. But then she had been on the run. Kate had done her homework. She’d looked at several liaison meetings on different worlds. The protocol was the same: A group came out to meet them at the landing point. Official greetings were exchanged with introductions. The liaison made it clear why they were there, and things kicked off one way or another. She hoped it wasn’t going to be the ‘other’ today.
As the off-worlder landed she could see two lines of Cyborgs lining the walkway. The ramp descended. Two of Banns men walked down first checking the area, followed by Bann who stopped just outside. He must have been given the all clear. His voice rang out. “Attention!” The men all stood straight and as one turned towards the greeting party. Kate was impressed. A truly magnificent sight. The snap of their feet echoing around the landing area. Bann turned his head towards her and gave her a nod. Kate walked out behind him down the ramp and along the path laid out.
Her nerves were getting to her the nearer they got to the staging area. “Calm female, you got this.” Kate nodded shakily and took a deep breath smiling. At the end of the walkway Peter Kincade, (she’d remembered his first name) stood with two others and a group backed them. Bann stopped just outside arms reach, Kate moved in nearer offering her hand to Peter. “Nice to see you again in person Peter,” she told him shaking his hand.
He seemed to swell with the personal recognition. Peter shook and indicated the two men with him. “May I introduce, Premier Jacob Pettimore and his Deputy Derickson Youffos.” Both men shook hands with her. Kate smiled at each of them.
“I understand you are a native of our world Ms Hudson.” The Deputy asked as he took her hand.
“I am. Spent most of my life in the Skirts.”
The Deputy looked at the Premier a little warily as he came forward to take her hand. “It can be a little tough in those areas,” he told her.
“It can be very deadly Premier in those areas,” she told him back. It was the truth and she wasn’t for messing about. They needed to know she wasn’t about to coat anything. The only reason she’d gone to the same collage as Peter was because her Grandmother had moved them into a better area to register. It hadn’t lasted long, and they were soon back where they belonged, but she’d got into the school.
“Well, its nice to have a knowledgeable visitor to our world.” The Deputy told her, deflecting from the Premier who looked a bit queasy.
“Indeed,” she told them looking around. “I look forward to seeing all the improvements that were on the agenda during my childhood.” No one looked that comfortable. She guessed that hadn’t happened. She turned to Bann. “This is Captain Bann. He and his men are Cyborgs. They do not touch humans unless they have a personal connection to them, so they will not shake hands as we do. No offence is meant by this. The Captain has the trade information you will need. We are open to offers gentleman so don’t be shy. The Empire has an extensive list of foods and products that are available.”
“Do you speak for the Empire?” The Deputy asked her curiously.
“The liaison to this world has the full backing of the Empire.” Bann told them moving towards her, stopping by her side. He leant down touching her cheek with his own. “You are doing very well female. We will have dinner this evening,” he told her for her ears only, then pulled back keeping eye contact with her until she gave a slight nod of the head. Then he turned towards the men once more handing over the data pad.
Kate couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face. Had Bann just staked a claim on her?....
All three men and some of the those behind them, looked again from her to Bann. She guessed they were trying to figure out the relationship. Join the club….. Maybe she had one after all!
“That is a powerful position to hold Ms Hudson. We would like to invite you to dinner. A chance to be reacquainted and discuss the options further.” Peter told her smiling. Very sure of his own allure. She’d bet a month’s wages not many women told him no.
Bann growled loudly. The men took a step back, including Peter. They looked so weak compared to Bann Kate realised.
“Thank you but I’m afraid that isn’t possible. I already have plans and it would be inappropriate for a female of the Empire to have dinner with several men.”
They looked to Bann again, there were several uneasy nods. Bann held out his arm for her and Kate took it. “Thank you for meeting with us,” she told them. “I am retiring now. Tomorrow I will be meeting with friends and await your decision on any trade deal. Good day gentleman. It’s a pleasure to be home.” She turned to go back to the ship.
“Ms Hudson,” the Deputy called out. Kate stopped and turned back. “We will want to discuss this more with you.”
“When you have your questions gentleman, contact the ship. Bann will be only to happy to help you.”
The Deputy didn’t look so happy. “But we have accommodations ready for you.”
“That is most kind but as you can see, I’m needed back on the ship. Another time I hope.” Kate turned back and walked on. She didn’t need to be cornered in any hote
l for them to make their pitch. She was very sure they’d be one.
“You could stay with your people.” Bann told her.
She wrapped her arm around his as they kept walking back to the off-worlder. “Not likely. I don’t like sharks. I prefer cats.” Bann laughed. He couldn’t help it. His systems told him some of it was relief she’d chosen them not her people. The other, that it was what he wanted. Pulling her in close, they ascended the ramp as it closed behind them. Reluctantly she let go of his arm. “Thank you for the support. I’m going for a shower and a lay down,” she told him patting his arm. “This afternoon I’d like to go to my old town and start the search.”
He gave her a nod and Kate left him there heading to her rooms. It had been an interesting morning.
Bann watched her go. He couldn’t ignore the information flowing across his optic. The human’s interest in her had annoyed and angered him. He’d felt possessive towards her and made sure they’d seen him touch her. It wasn’t logical. He wanted to purge her from his systems and yet it was something only intimate Cyborgs did with their mates. His logic gave him the answer. He’d wanted to make a point….. Stake a claim he didn’t actually have. But her DNA was still strong within him. Each day in her company only made that worse. He tried to limit it and failed. He’d gone looking for her on several occasions. Not able to go a day without breathing in her scent. It had been a struggle to remain at a distance and do his job. He knew he was losing the battle. His sensors told him. Every day he became more in need of her. His mind warred with his logic. He’d chosen his name for a reason. He’d banned himself from humans all those years ago. Now one small delicate female was putting all that in jeopardy.
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