by Michael Berg
“Have you heard of space toasters Mister Livingston? Mister Regal told me of them earlier, but I could not find one in our accommodation to examine.”
“Sure Mister Weston. I know about them. I’ve never used one, but I hear they toast well and guarantee to stop your toast floating away if you are in zero gravity.”
“Yet very few are actually in this position. Here at this moon base, we have artificial gravity and no space toasters provided.”
“People see them as one of those essential items and as they are space toasters, their fascination for owning a little piece of space technology can be satisfied.”
“I thought people were not so materialistic in these times.”
“They aren’t Mister Weston. People are people and so they still have their little quirks. The need to accumulate personal wealth has been left to history. Since people let the bind of control go those companies began in your time, they have realized their lives are much more special being in contact with each other. Work is not for collecting wealth. Rather, it is as your willing contribution to a free society. This enables people to have a lot of spare time to experience life instead of just work and everyone is much happier.”
“When did this occur, this change?”
“Not long after you time Mister Weston. It was in the early twentieth century when some rivals to the electronic age saw there could be advantage to be made if they developed fossil fuels for use in poorer nations of earth. It did not succeed though as people saw this as a waste of the pristine environment and an act of greed they could not tolerate. Ironically those rivals were the catalyst for humanity realizing the value in bringing all people into fortune and solving the issues of hunger and poverty. The world has been a much better place since and has continued to improve. People actually have time to progress…to evolve and see what humanity can do. The old ways of repetition doing the same old thing are in the past.”
“By nature though, repetition is necessary for many things to prevail Mister Livingston.”
“Of course. I agree entirely. The focus has changed and for the better I say. Now…would you like another drink Mister Weston? I feel we have a good deal to discuss this evening and a further drink could assist our endeavors.”
“Most certainly Mister Livingston. I presume you will fetch one for Miss Candice and Mister Regal. They are having a fine time by the looks of them.”
Jonathon turned to watch the pair dance to the heavy space rock. He recalled similar times past when he had met a few of the women he had known during his thirty nine years. They were sweet memories and he still bathed in the energy they had given him and how this life had changed from each instance. More were yet to come – he was setting out on an epic for which he felt he had been waiting for his entire life. How he came to realize he would meet Bobby at his house not far from the bordello was a mystery to his conscious, yet his sub-conscious could recall the process where the arrangement took place as a matter of course for destiny to made apparent.
He stood up from the end of the booth seat telling Mister Weston he would be fine to return with four drinks without need of his gracious offer of assistance. Then with vigor, he walked to the bar with a spring to his step.
Bobby ushered Miss Candice as they returned to the booth. It had been their third dance together – Jonathon and Mister Weston had shared a dance with her and they had also danced with two other women they met over the course of the evening. They had all partaken in five drinks and felt a sense of giddiness from the alcohol. The atmosphere added to this relentlessly with the club tuned to stay open another two hours yet.
It was time to retire for them now – they had spent considerable effort on their mission simulation and enjoyed an evening of pleasant conversation, laughter, and social interaction with other personnel. Each agreed they would like to stay awake for a time longer, and so they went to the moon sky viewing section.
Situated within a crater, this window from beneath the lunar surface was the only view to space in the entire base. Shutters covering the portal were left open mostly in standby mode should protection against meteors or prying Vindor technology be required.
Earth was visible as a crescent in an otherwise deep black sky littered with sparkling jewels. Stars of colour and varying radiance were diamonds in velvet cloth so dark it was almost invisible. As they all stared upward and outward, a sudden burst of laser fire startled Miss Candice and Mister Weston. It was a meteor defense laser canon used to vaporize meters seen as dangerous to the base.
They had been lucky in fact as Bobby pointed out to Jonathon, “You rarely see the lasers vaporizing meteors, so count as being amongst the fortunate.”
“I would image the instance of space rocks hitting the moon to be quite numerous but considering the nature of this base and the amount of surface there is on the moon, meteors threatening this base are not so common.”
“You express it well Mister Weston. The average rate per annum is only in the magnitude of around two dozen.”
“Yet there are so many rocks hurtling around us are such great speed. Imagine how many there are through space.”
“We do as we fly Mister Weston.”
“I saw the readouts for our narrow trajectory to the moon and back Mister Regal. So many stones through such a fine line. Do the Vindors look for gold in space rocks?”
“They are trying to exploit the asteroids Mister Weston. They know of the great reserves in the Earth, and they have the idea there could be as much in the asteroid belt. It is up to us to stop them finding out there is a great deal of gold in the asteroid belt.”
“Is it not a surface metal?”
“Ah, to update your knowledge Mister Weston, about twenty years after your time in Jonstown, scientists developed a means to test how gold is formed and within the largest nuggets and veins, they discovered crystalline patterns. Now that is not to say the gold is in crystal forms. The patterns were observed in the gold itself. This lead to the conclusion of gold being a metal formed at depth where greater heat is applied, thus the crystalline forms.”
“I see. So the asteroids could have pure cores of gold?”
“They could and they do. The first meteoric sciences discovered pure metals like iron at their cores, and so as technology for scanning developed and the rocket age took hold, we were able to explore the asteroid belt and discover the gold within.”
Chapter 5
Downtown Masquerdon catered to most types the majority of Vindor society rejected outright, mostly consisting of a mixture of criminals, disgraced officials and operatives like Valeena and Beth. Accompanying them were those who found it hard to psychologically get used to living the mainstay lifestyle of pride and embellishment, along with any other odd Vindor, as all found their place amongst the stalls, plazas, eating establishments, and venues lining the paved stone street.
Very little technology was evident in this place, and so there was no constant stream of hovering spheres transporting people as they did in the cities. There were no outward exhibitionists posing with their latest in adornment technology for the less fortunate to see, and there were no vendors offering the latest products in self attunement.
Both women felt at home upon the street amongst the rich variety of smells and people. Home here was more than where one lived, one slept, and where one often ate. It was a world apart from the society so prevalent in most regions of the planet – this suited them now and as they walked the streets, they realized it had suited them then, and they were finally where they belonged. Valeena had always leaned towards life unorthodox to Vindor ways and with Berth at her side, they had together taken to the assignment at the now derelict wooden bordello on Earth with enthusiasm realizing they were in their element.
“Most here probably didn’t see the broadcast of our disgrace, but we can expect some people will know.”
“Will it matter?”
“It might Beth. Most are likely to be alright as they hate the system anyway, but
some might have an idiotic meaning justifying why they could act against us.”
“Being on our guard is imperative then. Just as I should have been with Bobby.”
“Try to let it go sweetie.”
“I’m working on it, but I am so happy to be here with you Valeena.”
“Let’s go in here and find something to eat. I’m ravenous.”
Traditional Vindor fare was one of the planet wide facets of Vindor life to also be found in Masquerdon. Beth chose the dish similar to the Vindaloo curry type meal she had made for Bobby at the bordello, and Valeena indulged in a sea food assortment of squid like creatures, selected cuts from the gut of the Kani fish known for its mental boosting abilities, and an urchin like animal split in two so she could scoop out its innards. She accompanied this with rice similar to Earth’s wild black rice, and the juice of the Qasi fruit – a mixture of apple and peach. By the end of the meal, they both felt a comforting satiation not found through any meal of Earth based fare they had made at the bordello.
Without barely any conversation, they recognized the time was right to keep moving.
As they left, a peddler came up to them with a sack of devices and other bits he wanted to sell. “Look madam…yes, I know you are a madam. I have something from Earth. See, a space toaster. These beauties will last your lifetime and longer and with their own gravity generator built in, you are never going to lose another piece of toast in space again.”
“What do I need a space toaster for and where did you get it?”
“Ah, where I obtain my business is my business. Do you want the toaster? I can give you a good price.”
“Go away with it,” Beth said as the toaster reminded her of Bobby. She moved in to seize the toaster and throw it away until Valeena interjected.
“Don’t do anything Beth. Leave him be, otherwise we make an enemy and I don’t want any around here. We need all the help we can get.”
“You’re right Valeena. Here, take your toaster. We have no need as we don’t really eat toast.”
“You will be sorry if you ever decide you want to eat toast. Maybe I have something else for you yes?”
“Not unless you can help me find a person I am looking for.” Valeena felt a strange sense both her and Beth were about to become fortunate very quickly after arriving in the town. She was always open to the synchronicities of life, allowing herself to feel and see opportunity where others may be blind.
“Who is this person? Maybe I do know them.”
“Or maybe you don’t and name calling can be very dangerous around here. Mention the wrong person and it could be curtains for you.”
“Curtains? What do you mean?”
“It is an Earth word meaning danger.”
“Yes, well danger is present here. Maybe I can help. You are new to Masquerdon yes?”
“Ye…”
“No. I have been here many times before. My friend is new.”
“Then it is wise you guide her carefully. She can become lost in Masquerdon.”
“It is not like a city.”
“I mean becoming lost in the mind. Anyway, who is this person?”
“They are known about the secrets here.” Valeena knew this would be the testing sentence to see if this man could be trusted to any degree. His eyes would either narrow to slits in defense of the truth, or widen as he sought to conjure up ways he could deceive a person who sought what was secretive in Masquerdon.
His eyes gave her the answer and she knew by his stare he was no fraud. She uttered a name softly, “Arthren.”
“I know of him and he knows of these other things. I cannot tell you anything more, aside from saying he sometimes goes to the Jeeva Club.”
“Where is this club?” Beth asked.
“You are impatient. You should follow your guide here and retain a level head. Anyway, it is just over there. Look.” The man pointed to an establishment across the street and down five doors. “Try it there later tonight. He likes a regular drink at the same time each week and tonight is the night.”
“Thank you,” Valeena said looking at him in the eyes. There was a chance her and Beth were being set up. She found no evidence of deceit, nor any reason to slacken her alertness in looking for any indication they were being ambushed. “Here, take this currency. I don’t have much.”
“Thank you madam. Anything else I can do for you just ask. This is a lot of currency.”
“Really?”
“Yes, those who seldom venture these ways do not know how much of this they really have. To see this is rare here in Masquerdon.”
“We might see you later. Come on Beth. Let’s try to find somewhere to sit for a while and talk. We can try the club later.”
“Yes. Try late long after meal time.”
Valeena found a park in on a corner five minutes walk from the Jeeva club. The stand of close trees forming a mostly hidden position just beyond their perimeter looked inviting. It would keep them out of sight in a place where they could rest and talk. She hoped the setting would help Beth attune herself to allow her real feelings and see off those elements of darkness still prevailing in her mood.
Something was changing inside Beth where Valeena herself too had a stirring of feelings sub-consciously reminding her of herself. It was as if she was being led to be with Beth on a journey as they were now. Concurrently events were synchronizing, even the ease she had gathered a lead on Arthen’s whereabouts. Now Valeena would watch closely, keenly, and always with an agenda in mind.
They returned to the Jeeva Club well after darkness had settled upon the town at a time when it seemed to become ‘weirder than it was during daylight’ as Beth put it. She had taken to the park for the afternoon with Valeena where she settled more into herself to be less dominated with anger. Her words were accurate as most of what Masquerdon had to offer occurred at night when those who were inclined to stay well away from the normal mode of living, found their place amongst the shadows and psychology of night induced fears. Veleena knew what Arthren looked like – he was nowhere to be seen when they first entered the club and took a table near the main bar. Vindor was like Earth in this way where on social occasions, many people chose to venture out to social clubs and gatherings to have a drink or more.
Masquerdon was no different except most drinkers in this town were not likely to stop before they had inebriated themselves to a drunken state, but Valeena and Beth would not join them in such indulgence this evening. They both wanted to remain alert to anything or anyone, particularly the arrival of Arthren.
Endurance was called for as they sat out the long hours talking only briefly and thinking mostly. Taking stock of their situation since leaving Earth really only dawned upon them both as they shared these many spare moments and were given to mind space where they could reconcile their feelings. Their emotions were obvious as they looked to each other during moments when it seemed they were feeling the same about the same event.
“Valeena! Why the forlorn look?”
“Oh Arthren. How did you? Let me guess, a street seller told you.”
“You could say they did, or you might think I am a person who knows people who can provide information. Welcome to Masquerdon.”
“Thanks, this is Beth. We travel together.”
“I would imagine so after your very public disgrace.”
“You saw it then?”
“I did, but who cares anyway. You know I admire no such things. I have no wish to be a part of their system anymore than you do.”
“A little respect then?”
“For you Valeena, always respect. You helped me when it was tough. You proved it to me then, and…,” he trailed off for a second looking her way. “Beth, any friend of Valeena commands the same respect from me.”
“Thanks Arthren. She told me a little about you and how you might know…”
“I know things, I know of things, and there are plenty of things I know nothing of. Best those things are discussed at less public pl
aces. My operatives cannot cover every bar, every club or every corner. First though, let me buy you a drink so we can have a casual chat here at the Jeeva. I know you want to talk about more Valeena, so afterwards I have a cozy little place we can retire to and discuss secrets.”
“Nice one. I’ll have a sour mash.”
“Me too please.”
“Three sour mash coming. Wait here.”
The whiskey blend originating from Earth, had been taken up all over Vindor, though prices at Masquerdon and other similar towns, were much higher than in the cities.
With pleasantries out of the way and a little catch up on where Arthren had been and what he was doing, they decided to move on. The Jeeva was less than its usual when Arthren had his weekly drink – something told him there was stray energy about as if someone with ill intent may have been lurking close. He was right as mere seconds after exiting the front doors of the Jeeva Club, two assailants were on them asking for gold.
“We know you have it Arthren. You and your cohorts know where it is and we want a taste.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about and these two fine ladies only arrived in Masquerdon today so how would they know.”
“We can kill you.”
“Not before I can kill you.” Arthren was standing over the assailant on the ground before anyone on the scene realized. “Do you know who I am…really? Leave both of you and don’t follow us. I have people watching and…”
“Not well enough if we were able to get through to you.”
“Sometimes they see fit to allow me the pleasure of dealing with fools like you. I suggest you quietly walk away and forget about any association I might have with gold. You know almost everyone is in on it anyway. Use your senses if you have any.”
“I don’t think so Arthren. You would still linger even if you had all the gold.”
“Keep your foolish words to yourself. Come on ladies, we’ll leave these pathetic…”
“I could cut you open if you like,” Beth interjected brandishing her knife.