by Drew Bell
Chapter 22
“What exactly is this?” Garth held up a metal panel, its wobbling caused a deep echoing vibrato. He laid the panel on top of a similar panel with slight ridges and creases, Lalia’s eyes not leaving the metal sheet.
“They are teryiitll plates. I think that we might be able to shape this into armor plating.” Lalia said, running her fingers over the smooth metal.
“Well, these sheets aren’t very heavy. How will they protect anyone?” Garth asked.
“You do realize that these are refined versions of the sheets used to coat the hanger doors on CLERGY 1, right?” Lalia asked, irritated.
“Actually, no, I didn’t.” Garth answered, embarrassed, “So these things could take a blast from a ship’s main gun?”
A squatty overweight Aurrus approached them:
“Why, yes it could!” He said with a drawl, “But why would you need such a small sheet of metal to need to take such a hit? Norm’lly the solar miners would plaster these here pieces to th’ar ships, it dun’nt melt from the heat.” He whistled as he spoke.
“Actually, we would only need a few of these tiles. We don’t need very much.” Lalia explained, “It is for a project, I can’t afford to be too extravagant.”
“Ooh, yes. I un’nerstand, but I have this metal made for me in big ‘ole sheets. That tile ‘er is worth at least ninety-six Pobroles.” The Aurrus clarified.
Lalia checked her holo-foil, the number next to her name showed that she had forty-two Pobroles; Aurrus currency was difficult for Callos to convert to.
“I suppose the Aurrus had to have some sort of system other than bartering when the Callos aren’t in orbit.” Garth sighed, “Maybe we should wait to buy the tiles until tonight or tomorrow, after the Convoy arrives he will bend over backwards to sell us his metal.”
“Maybe. But, I’m sure we can come up with something. I think we need something similar, that plating would come in handy.” Lalia bit her lip in thought.
“Thank you.” Lalia excused them both.
The two then left the vendor, standing next to the metal tiles with a bewildered face, “Hey! How about half price?” He called.
“I’m sorry?” Lalia turned to ask, surprised, “Did you say half?”
“Yes. I recognized your holo-foil identification; you’re the Admiral’s wife!” The Aurrus exclaimed.
Lalia quickly turned and grabbed at Garth’s elbow to run, but Garth didn’t move, she made eye contact with him.
“You’re the wife of the Admiral.” Garth’s tone and grin indicated with Lalia to play along, he directed with his eyes to go back to the merchant.
He mouthed:
“You’re ok.” He directed.
“Please, buy ‘em from me. I got the best prices in Ailios. I will sell you an entire sheet for a fraction!” The merchant offered. “Tarrus, right? That means you were married to the Tarr family. I know all ‘bout Callos stuff.”
“Tomorrow, I can be waited on. I think I will hold off on making any purchases.” Lalia responded in her most haughty voice.
“Please, then, just take these tiles as a sample. Let the Admiral see these, and tell him how good I was to you.” The merchant pleaded.
“I may take all four tiles?” Lalia asked.
“Well, I offered two.” The merchant grinned, showing yellowed teeth, he was sweating profusely.
“I’m not sure if I…” Lalia began,
“Take all four tiles. Take them! It really is no problem for me to give them to such a royal beauty as yourself.” The merchant’s smile didn’t break as he talked.
“Thank you. I may be back tomorrow, then.” Lalia directed Garth to grab the tiles and then she marched off, Garth awkwardly carrying the large metal sheets.
Garth excitedly turned to face Lalia:
“That was fantastic! I wonder what else we could get for free.” He asked.
Lalia continued to walk:
“Yes. But the Admiral will know that we were there. We should take the long way back to the house; I don’t want it to be easy for the Admiral’s soldiers to be able to track us from the store.” She turned sharply across a narrow bridge over the stream, Garth followed.