by K R Sanford
“Let me get this straight,” retorted Lao hovering at Vito's head. He was moving closer and closer. “Mr. Tarasco, you expect me to accept this arrangement. A private citizen is to gain sole possession of a twenty-billion E-unit military flagship? It seems to me you have a gap in the worth of the flagship and the balance of this debt.”
“You are correct, Lao. There is a gap, a large gap, in fact. And, that is the business of General Hodges and me.”
“This business you have with General Hodges makes you a very dangerous man, Mr. Tarasco,” said Lao.
“More dangerous than you or General Hodges, Lao?” he replied.
“Point taken, Mr. Tarasco,” he said. “The transaction will become honored by Ameda. And, I may have a suggestion that I will make in private, if you like.”
“No, Lao, make your suggestion in front of everyone in this Great Hall and honor us all.”
“Very well," said Lao. "If your crew will train the Marillians to pilot and maintain the flagship we will build a starship for them.”
“Interesting, Lao, very interesting,” said Vito. “This is something to consider. And how about the Vallians, do you want to pilot a starship Chertog?”
“I’m staying right here,” replied Chertog with a drunken smile. “Right here Vito. With this cup of ale and that’s it. I’m staying right here with my feet on the ground.”
“Who got taken onboard the flagship, Vito?” spoke the booming voice of Tildanfin.
The voice of the Master-at-Arms spun Vito round on his heels. Vito brought himself upright. “Right,” he replied. “Well now, the King is in the county office recording the lease on the orbital space. No, it would be Queen Elsinor sampling Interstellar sweets. And yes, she’s on the Mastodon, the flagship that is. Then Lady Lucia−
“Of course Lady Lucia, can’t keep her nose out of the Queen’s business,” said Chertog.
“There were a few Vallians,” continued Vito with a wary eye on Chertog, “And a few Interstellar officers. I would have gone with them except my habit is to sleep the morning so I can do business in the late hours. Now, if you will all excuse me, I need to report-in with my people.”
“Vito,” said Marco, “I’m duty bound to check-up on those onboard the Mastodon. Lao and Grantham will be leaving with me first thing in the morning, please join us. Chertog, you will come with us as well. We leave the courtyard at eight bells.”
“That sounded like an order,” said Chertog.
“Yup,” replied Marco. “If you make bold statements about Ameda’s royalty then you will go to make sure you get your facts straight. That’s eight bells sharp, Chertog.”
“I’m on my way, Captain,” said Chertog. “I’m not as intoxicated as I put on.”
“I never thought you were,” replied Marco. “I have known you for almost twenty years now. And, I know when you’re bored you create a ruse to entertained yourself. That’s the real reason you’re going tomorrow, Chertog. Your talents will help flush out a fraud.”
“Right enough, Sir. Except to say, it is great sport to make fun of the arrogant or even stupid people for that matter. Okay, well, I will see you in the morning.” Chertog turned, collected Arnockel who was waiting with a twisted grin on his face. They both made their way out of the Great Hall with only minor disruptions.
Vito took a chair by the fireplace. Grantham and the others followed.
“If I may,” said Tildanfin raising his chin. “General Hodges will answer to the Emperor why Corsi Territorial Space got violated. Is that a fair question to ask the governing body of our territory, Lao?”
“Territorial Space of the Corsi Star System,” replied Lao. “Yes, or if not the General, then he may send a representative at an appropriate time.
Governor, these past events have become complicated. More to the point, we have detected an unidentified force coming from inside the planet. We recognize the Emperor is preparing to harvest the core of Ameda. If General Hodges has intentions against Ameda his ships will get disabled. If his intentions are other, he needs to represent those intentions in-full.
He is late in answering his reasonable service, a service he knows very well. And, he has to answer for his disregard for the sovereignty of the Corsi Star System. In short, Mister Tarasco, this military leader you have chosen to do business with is now under house arrest.
He may not leave his flagship without an Amedan escort. Furthermore, he and his fleet may not divert from their present orbit. Or, again, they will get disabled and their ships will become the property of the Marillians.”
“I don’t want to be the one to inform him of these restrictions,” said Vito. “I am concerned about my flagship.”
“Well, that’s as maybe,” retorted Lao. “Holding on to that flagship is another matter.”
“Yes, as you said before, this business has become complicated,” replied Vito. “I will expect reasonable time to work out a safe passage agreement. The people of The View and I respect your need to advance your interests.”
“Mr. Tarasco, it is understandable you need a home for your people. Governor Grantham will, I’m sure, want to say something about your interests.”
“It is getting late and we all have a busy day tomorrow,” offered Governor Grantham. “Why not take this up tomorrow after the morning meal?”
“Good Idea, there is a lot to process as it is,” replied Vito, “until tomorrow, everyone.” He pulled himself from his chair and walked out of the Great Hall.
Colonel Stiller Followed, “It seems like everyone is staying at the Inn tonight.”
“Just as well,” replied Vito. “It’s going to be a hectic day tomorrow. Speaking of which, Marty, I’d like to ride up to the flagship with you in the morning, if that’s alright.”
“Sure, of course,” replied Marty. “That Lao is a sharp cookie.”
“Yes he is. That’s a High Ruler of Ameda for you,” said Vito. “He’s tough and very smart but I trust him.”
“Yes, indeed,” replied Marty. “He would make a tough negotiator against the corporate suits, present company excepted.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that, Marty,” said Vito. “Only, I’m a business owner not a corporate junkie. But, back to Lao, if he’s too hard to handle they will try to kill him. You realize that.”
“Ambassador Gaff handles himself well with the aggressive type,” replied Marty. “Let’s make sure they stay together. They might work very well off each other’s strengths. They have to work well together or another incident will force military action.”
“Good idea,” said Vito. “The Amedans are a sharp race of beings, I’m sure they are well aware of who works together.”
“Yes, my point is, Mister Tarasco. We too should communicate our concern so they will help us ease tensions in the Middle Corridor. Another thing," continued Stiller. "I am going to communicate my intent to arrest Kiterage. I want to bring him to justice for the sabotage and murder of our people.”
Vito nodded agreement, “This is good,” he said. “I need that flagship owned and staffed with a military presence.”
“I understand,” said Marty. “The military can quarter virtually anywhere. It’s best if a military base is separate from civilians for security reasons.”
“I understand,” said Vito. “See you in the morning; good discussion by the way, Marty, thank you.”
Marty smiled and added, “My pleasure, see you in the morning.”
Vito went upstairs to the guest rooms leaving Stiller to look out the window. The village was alive with activity. The lights were burning bright on the street. The sound of loud voices echoed from the cafe. The intoxicating laughter beckoned from the pub down on Village Main.
“It sounds like they will be going all night long.”
Marty turned from the window. “Shanna,” he said. “Are things getting squared away in there?”
“Oh, you never know about them once they start drinking ale. Are you turning in like the elders?”
Mart
y smiled, “I’m not tired. How about you? You want to investigate the world outside?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” she said turning for the door. She reached the door before Marty. She stepped out onto the landing letting Marty close the door. “Nice night,” she said.
Marty looked to the stars filling the sky and nodded.
Shanna spoke again. “There will be a lot of visitors in the village tonight on account of Festival tomorrow. Marillians will come from under the mountains, Vallians from the hill country. And strange military people will come from in metal space suits,” she whispered. Her eyes sparkled with a play. “Amedans are up in the Shrine with Chief Spierd. Then there are the people of The View, lots of things going on out there.”
“Yup,” Marty continued on the walkway outside the café. “Wow,” he said. “The place is wall to wall packed.”
Shanna laughed, “We won’t get a seat in there. We can get a table outside at the pub. Come on, it’s just down the street.” She stepped onto the smooth stones of Village Main. “Oh, look at that,” she said pointing to the sky.
The sky was clear and the stars were bright. “That’s one of our ships,” said Marty.
“We have three times the stars compared to Earth,” said Shanna. “How long has it been since you were back there?”
“Hmm, I have to think about that,” replied Marty. “Let’s see, it was fifteen years when I first came to Amada with Ambassador Gaff and the others. Plus one year on my first assignment, so that’s sixteen years since I’ve seen Earth. Yeah, I would say, one can see three times the stars here on Ameda.”
“Do you miss it?” asked Shanna.
“Earth, no,’ replied Marty. “I try to stay present. Either that or my imagination takes over and I’m a goner. The imagination isn’t real, so it will fail me sooner or later. I don’t want that to happen. I have too much responsibility. Plus I like seeing myself develop, in season and out, naturally.” Marty giggled and batted his blue eyes.
Shanna smiled, “You haven’t lost your sense of humor.” She reached out and touched the tip of his nose. “We are here,” she said turning into the front patio. “There’s a table here.”
They sat at a round table with a white table cloth. Marty slid Shanna’s chair in place then plopped himself in the chair across from her. He took a breath, twisted his torso for a stretch and said, “Are we hungry or thirsty tonight?”
Shanna burst out laughing, “I’m famished,” she said. “But you know what? Tomorrow will be food, food, food, one great dish after another. I’m going to stick with a light hors d’oeuvre and some mountain ale. What about you?”
“The same,” replied Marty. “You’re right. There will be a lot of food tomorrow, old world food as only on Ameda. You can’t get food like that, not even on Earth.
You have a lot of your dad in you. I don’t mean your black hair and blue eyes. It’s your personalities. You have the boldness and the charm, and the intenseness in your observations. You both are deadly quiet before you engage with someone new. You take it all and you know your surroundings.”
“Yeah, I suppose so,” she said. “But doesn’t everyone to some degree or another?” Without thinking Shanna pulled her black leather jacket tighter around her neck.
“No. There are a noticeable intensity that’s unique with you two,” said Marty. “Hmm, the temperature is starting to drop. It's getting brisk.”
“Or, it could be a contact buzz from the party inside. Here’s our waiter. Do you remember Pawdell from last year’s festival?”
A Vallian male Shanna's age appeared at their table. His golden hair and bright eyes paled next to his friendly smile. “Colonel Stiller,” he said with a slight bow. “It’s good to see you. You’re in time for the festival again.”
Marty immediately stood to his feet and reached out a hand. “Pawdell; it’s Marty, please call me Marty.”
“I know, Marty. We’re supposed to be formal with our customers. Especially, when they are with a special lady like Shanna,” said Pawdell with his proudest grin.
“Oh my goodness,” said Marty. “Such charm is not seen in all the Middle Corridor.”
Pawdell balked, turning his head against the flattery. “What can I get you fine folk?” he asked then continued, “Shanna will have the Mountain ale, yes?” Shanna nodded. “And you sir?”
Marty replied in kind, “Oh, I’ll have the same, Paw.”
“Fine, anything else?” said Pawdell.
“Do you have the lake trout rolled in wetland rice and water-crest, with the spicy peanut sauce?” asked Shanna.
“One order or two?” asked Pawdell.
“Two,” they replied in unison, earning a raised eyebrow from Pawdell.
“Right away,” said Pawdell. “Let me go tell the kitchen.” He turned and started to walk away then stopped. He turned back. “You are staying for the festival, aren’t you, Marty?” he asked.
“Wouldn’t miss it Paw?” replied Stiller.
“I’ll be right back with your ale,” he said then turned and disappeared inside the pub.
“See Shanna, there’s that intense stare again. It's like you’re measuring every hair on Pawdell’s head. As lovely as his head is,” said Marty with a bent of whimsy.
She giggled then announced. “I know you want me to think you caught me doing something, but I don’t know what that is yet. Except for, you’re seeing my own style of observing people. Then again, I may have picked up some of my father’s mannerism. Watching him makes it easier for me to not be so concerned with what other people think of me.” Her face flushed two shades of pink.
“At the risk of embarrassing myself any further,” said Marty. “How about I change the subject a bit?”
Shanna returned Marty a poker face and waited.
“I like your Jacket,” he said. “Can you fix me up with your tailor? I’d like to have one for kicking around the planet.”
“Yes, of course,” she said glancing over her shoulder. “Pawdell is here with our drinks.”
“Sorry it has taken so long,” said Pawdell setting the cobalt steins on the table. “It is busy in there.”
“Yeah,” said Shanna, “It’s a busy night everywhere.”
Pawdell replied, “I’ll check on that order of yours. Everything okay here?”
“We’re good Pawdell,” she said smiling. “Saralil’s sister, Gretel will fit you with something fetching for the ladies.” she said speaking at Pawdell.
“I was admiring Shanna’s Jacket,” said Marty. “And thought while I’m here —
Pawdell, cutting off Marty mid-sentence, “Have Gretel make you one,” he said. “It does look striking on you, love. It’s primitive yet sheik.”
“Well, thanks a bunch, Paw,” said Shanna with a complimentary smirk. “You know, Marty wants one so he can kick it around the planet.”
“Kick around the planet with it on, is what I meant to say,” interjected Marty.
Pawdell shook his head. “I’ll check on your order,” he said. He turned and walked back inside as if his head was attacked by a migraine.
“What a character he’s turned into since that time,” said Marty. “I’m sorry, that was a painful and tragic time for everyone.”
“That’s okay,” replied Shanna. “Most folk have moved on since then. Pawdell never did go back to the clock-making business. He likes working here. And he has a talent for service with the folk around here. No matter whom they are. He manages to give them a smile.”
“I can’t imagine doing fine work like making artistic timepieces,” replied Marty. “He had to put all his heart and soul into these beautiful clocks. Then to turn around and see an empty shop, his family members gone,” he shook his head. “The constant reminders of repairs on all sides would be a source of great pain for anybody.”
“The loss of loved ones is the most difficult to bare; we can always rebuild. Look what my father has done to our place,” she said.
“Yes, that’s right,"
replied Marty. “His is a labor of love because of you and his former wife.”
“Yes, he still loves her you know,” she said. “Her memory that is, although he still talks to her when he visits her grave.”
“Do you?” he asked. “I mean, do you talk to her?”
“Now and then,” she said, “More so when I was younger. I still remember her. Who forgets their mother? I guess children are more resilient with things like that than adults. I was five years old at the time. The village folk have always been there for me, helping me with whatever I need. The village folk dote on me. They are very nice folk, the best. Then when my father came back from catching Frank Bradley he never left. You killed Frank Bradley.”
Marty, taken aback asked, “Did your father tell you that?”
“No,” said Shanna, “He wouldn’t talk about a mission like that, no matter what. Queen Elsinor is the one above the rules. I asked her straight out why Frank Bradley wouldn’t be coming back and what my mother had to do with him.”
“You should to know the truth about what happened,” said Marty.
“I was eleven years old when Elsinor told me. Bradley’s infatuation with my mother and his obsession with enslaving Ameda were crazy. He didn’t know about the Emperor. He thought the Amedans were all like Ambassador Gaff.”
“Bradley was hungry for power and didn’t want to control his appetites,” Marty replied.
“Wow, you have a guilty conscience?” she asked. “The freak was a psychopath like that guy Kiterage who blew apart the Exodus.”
“News travels fast,” said Marty. “This may surprise you Shanna, but I have to work at it.” He took a breath and continued. “I have to sit myself down and remind myself what type of value is important. It's not difficult to understand ending the reign of a psychopath. I get myself into trouble when I don’t keep an infinite perspective.”
“Sounds like you might be over thinking your mission,” she replied.
“Shanna,” replied Marty. “I have a painful need to be thorough about things like this. Someone once said: Work out your own autonomy through your fears and traumas. There can be consequences with ending the life of a paranoid schizophrenic. Repercussions can come by way of retaliations; putting people closest to you at risk of harm. In the case of Bradley, I'm glad he’s dead.