by Neely Dobbs
CHAPTER 55: Coalition
The music was decidedly harsh and atonal, consistent with the current trend among the younger set— and abrasively criticized by the older generations. However, for Faantian Aalteea, it served as a perfect background to her study of the language and culture of the Alliance worlds. Her petite body unconsciously swayed to the dissonant music which contrasted so strongly with the melodic cadences of the primary Alliance language.
Aalteea's fascination with the captured planets had come quite naturally. At the time of the first star system's capture, she was the eight-year-old first grandchild of Lord Regent Faantian Thlomaz. As a result, she had spent over half her life listening avidly to dinner table discussions of the continuing arrival of the star systems and the political crises they had caused. Her early fascination with the captures, combined with her natural flair with languages, had progressed from being an interesting hobby to a steadfast avocation and finally to its becoming her professional focus.
She had so excelled in languages in her early schooling that she had gained accelerated admittance to the university's premier language program, graduating with highest honors while still in her teens. Her post-grad work had set the standard for interpreting and understanding the Alliance's languages and cultures, and she was now— at the tender age of twenty-two— the recognized expert in the field.
A tone sounded just as the latest Alliance communications recording ended. She stopped both the recording and the music, then answered the intercom.
"Lady Aalteea, a call for you from Lord Ptoriil's senior administrative aide, Malaar," her assistant announced. "Can you take it now?"
"Certainly, Dheelah. Put him through."
Malaar's voice had developed its crisp and efficient tone over many years of service as an aide to Briin. "Lady Faantian, would it be possible for you to accept Lord Ptoriil's request that you join him on his cruiser and act as his primary administrative aide during the upcoming star system capture?"
"He has specifically requested my presence?" Her puzzlement was clear. "He is aware, I am sure, that the specific dynamics and processes of stellar captures are well outside my area of specialty. Those scientific aspects, I fear, are beyond my expertise."
"I can assure you that Lord Ptoriil is well aware of your particular talents. You hold a commission as a Lieutenant in the Coalition's service, and you are fully qualified to act as the administrative aide to your Commander-in-Chief. Also, he felt it could be to your professional benefit to personally observe the capture. However, I believe he has additional reasons for requesting your presence." A hint of amusement had entered Malaar's voice. "FSO Laytonn will be accompanying him on his cruiser, and he feels it would be... fitting and proper... to have more than just one female member serving on his immediate staff during this event."
Aalteea paused, rapidly considering the implications. Might the rumors about their relationship be true, or is Briin simply wanting to prevent further speculation?
Before she could verbally respond, Malaar continued. "It is also my impression that Lord Ptoriil would be more comfortable having you there, considering the long-standing friendship you and he have shared. Further— if I may be so bold— I believe you have, on more than one occasion, expressed your regrets at never having directly experienced a system's transfer. His invitation may be, in part, a way to provide you with the opportunity to fulfill your desire to personally witness a capture."
"That would be typical of Briin's thoughtfulness." Aalteea's pulse increased. "Have you previously accompanied Lord Ptoriil and personally experienced past system captures?"
"I have."
"Then, may I ask," the excitement in her voice growing, "is it as impressive as I have always heard?"
"Much more than impressive," he responded warmly. "It is truly awe inspiring... and such a rare opportunity should not be missed. May I convey your acceptance to Lord Ptoriil?"
"Yes! Please do, with my thanks! And, Malaar, my thanks to you, as well."
"Glad I could be of service, Lady Faantian. I will send the details of the schedule and itinerary to your assistant immediately."
As Malaar signed off, Aalteea's excitement multiplied. What a wonderful opportunity! Plus, I will finally get to meet the renowned Laytonn Eebri... and see for myself if the rumors about her and Briin might be true.