Gwyn laughed. “He’s still getting used to real food after being on that Militarian diet. Ugh. All bland.”
Lucinda carried a pitcher of sweet tea around and refilled the glasses.
She stopped by Adrik as he said, “Ma’am, this is the best chicken I’ve ever had.”
Lucinda smiled. “Why, thank you. Have some more.”
“I think I will.” Adrik grabbed another chicken leg.
Everyone laughed.
Dark clouds gathered off shore and thunder cracked. The lime green curtains billowed into the room with a forceful draft of air. Napkins went flying from the table, and the tablecloth whipped.
Gwyn scowled. “Is this normal?”
Uri nodded. “Thunderstorms just pop up in this climate. Might as well sit back and enjoy the storm. It’s going to be a bit before I can show you the plantation. I can show you to your rooms if you’d like?”
Gwyn nodded. “That sounds great. I could use a catnap.”
Uri pushed his chair from the table. “Well, follow me. I had Lucinda set up the guest room on the second floor. It has a great view of the water.”
Gwyn followed close behind. “That sounds fantastic. I don’t know if Babylonia told you or not, but we are from a water world. That’s the one thing I miss out in the blackness of space. Tortuga has some of the best beaches.”
“Mirada doesn’t have as much water as Tortuga, but around the equator, the water is just as blue and clean as the finest oceans on Tortuga.” Uri stopped in front of a large white door. “This is it.” He turned the knob.
Gwyn gasped. “Wow! Adrik look at this.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the room. At one end of the room was a large cherry wood bed, covered with a white duvet. At the other was a small settee and chaise lounge. There were six windows dressed with ceiling-to-floor-length gauzy curtains. The curtains were drawn back away from the windows. In the distance, a long finger of lightning flashed, and dark clouds billowed high into the atmosphere.
Uri touched a panel, and the windows changed. The sun shone, and the water was calm. “This here is a viewer. You can use it to modify the scenery, keep it normal, or obscure the view from outside for privacy.” Uri touched the panel again, and the real outside view materialized.
He walked to the end of the room. “Through here is the private bathroom. There’s a two-person whirlpool and spa essentials. Everything you need is at your fingertips. If you’d like a hot stone massage or acupuncture, just push the com and ask for what you need. Someone will be there to fulfill your every desire.”
Gwyn glanced at Babylonia. “I could get used to this.”
Babylonia nodded. “That’s what I said.”
Uri grabbed Babylonia’s hand. “Let’s get going, so they can get settled.”
She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Alright. You guys get settled. I’ll call if Rodrigo calls.”
Gwyn nodded. “Sounds great.”
Uri shut the door behind them.
“So, what do you think Adrik?”
“I don’t know what to think. I’ve never seen anything like this place.” He unlaced his boots and kicked them beneath the bed. “I hope you were serious about a nap.”
She yawned. “Yes. This weather is perfect for a good snooze, don’t you think?” Thunder rolled, and the windows shook lightly.
“I think so.” Adrik dropped his clothes and crawled into the bed. “Come here, hot stuff.”
Gwyn laid her clothes on the chaise and slid between the sheets. “What kind of fabric is this?”
Adrik sighed. “I don’t know, but roll over here, and I’ll hold you.”
Gwyn turned over and scooted against his warm body. He wrapped his arm around her and held her tightly. In a matter of minutes, the storm outside was a world away, and they were lost in dreams.
The evening sun filtered into the study, and Rodrigo’s voice filled the room. His face floated above Uri’s desk. “The artifact is going to auction in two days. It’s been moved off-world to the Farside District at the Hotel Milano. The quadrant’s most wealthy collectors will be there. It’s invitation only.”
Gwyn studied the projection. “Have you secured our invitations, Rodí?”
Rodrigo grinned mischievously. “Right here.” He held up five passes. “You are all on the exclusive collector’s list. That means gambling credits, drinks, and food are on the house. It also means you need to wear your very best. Gwyn, you’re going to have to go shopping.”
Babylonia frowned. “You're saying black-tie?”
“Yes. But, more than that. Off the rack isn’t going to do for any of you. You’re going to have to look polished and wealthy. You have to look the part, or they will boot you right out of there.”
Gwyn glanced at Babylonia. “Shopping trip.”
Babylonia studied her feet. “Gwyn, I don’t have that kind of money. Everything I have is tied up in this dig. Maybe you better take me off the list. You guys can go.” She looked off into the distance.
Uri grabbed her hand. “I wouldn’t hear of it. Baron Rankston must have his lovely partner at his side. I’ll cover the costs. In fact, you and Gwyn go out to the mainland first thing in the morning. Charge everything to my card.”
“Are you sure, Uri? I hate to impose on your kindness. You’ve already done so much.”
“Babylonia, it is my pleasure. If it makes you feel better, consider it a bonus for the good work you’ve done at the dig site.”
“Well, if you insist.” She blushed.
“Think nothing of it. If you want to know the truth, I’m looking forward to seeing you all dolled up.”
Babylonia giggled, and Rodrigo cleared his throat.
“So. Anyway. Black-tie. Look your best. Jericho will meet you guys at the hotel. The auction starts at midnight, but sign in is at six that evening. Be on time.”
“We’ll be there.”
Chapter Six
The mainland sprawled out in the viewscreen. Colorful two-story houses lined the crowded beaches, and the heart of the city loomed tall just beyond the surf’s edge.
Gwyn studied the bent oaks as they flew past. “Have you been here before?”
“Yes. Fenwick’s an amazing city. I’ve been on this dig site for about two years, now, and every three months or so I come over here to update the council on my progress.” Babylonia piloted the Lady Serpentine above the shopping district, and toward Uri’s private hanger. She flew inside and parked. “I think you’re going to enjoy the experience. The sights and the sounds of coastal life, are going to remind you of Tortuga.”
Gwyn smiled. “I’d love an extended stay on Tortuga. It’s been awhile, now. Gran’s threatening to go to space, if I don’t come for a visit.”
Babylonia laughed. “I can see Calista on your ship.”
Gwyn’s eyes-widened. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that. Don’t get me wrong. I love Gran, and I love Jericho, but I don’t want to see them together on a small ship.”
Babylonia sucked in her lips. “True, I hadn’t thought about that.”
Gwyn followed Babylonia from the ship. The morning air outside was cool after the previous day’s storm, but humid. “It’s going to be a hot one today.”
“Yes. It is.” Babylonia flattened her white pantsuit against her body.
“You're looking good.”
“Not too wrinkled?” Babylonia scrunched her nose.
“No, you look the part. What about me?”
Babylonia tucked a stray strand of hair behind Gwyn’s ear. “You are rocking those pedal pushers and that polka dot blouse. You definitely look like you have money to burn.”
“Ok. So where to now?”
“I was thinking Crate and Barlow’s. They sell off the rack, but they also customize. I thought that’d be the fastest way to get tailored clothing. Of course, I only know it by reputation.” Babylonia pushed the rope handle of her turquoise canvas purse onto her shoulder.
Gwyn nodded. “Lead the way.”
/> Rows of shops with Corinthian columns lined the streets. Heavily perfumed air fell like a blanket around them, and throngs of people pushed through the streets. Babylonia’s eyes flashed. “Ever been anywhere like this? It surprised me the first time I came down here.”
Gwyn laughed. “I don’t think there is anywhere like this, and I’ve been lots of places.” A man wearing a white cotton suit with a matching straw hat passed by. “What do you think? Can’t you just see Adrik in that? Wonder if I can find that at Crate and Barlow’s?”
Babylonia did a double take. “It is hot. I’ll see if I can help you find it.”
Gwyn bit her lip. “I won’t leave here until Adrik has that suit.”
Crate and Barlow’s sat on the corner. The store’s large picture windows displayed moving images of beautiful people wearing the latest fashions. Babylonia waved her hand in front of the door, and it opened. The women entered.
A man wearing a dark suit stood to the left of the door. Gwyn smiled at him and motioned to Babylonia. She mouthed, “Security?”
Babylonia shrugged. “I guess so. Oh, don’t ask the price of anything. Uri said if we like it just buy it.”
“Well, I guess that nixes Adrik’s suit.”
Babylonia flashed Uri’s card. “Nope. He said to get all three of us some clothes suited for the Milano. Get what you need.”
A woman dressed in a light orange wrap dressed approached. “What are you ladies looking for?”
Gwyn batted her eyelashes. “Well, we have a trip scheduled to the Milano and need something for a formal dinner. Also, I am looking for a white cotton suit. Something casual in a large.”
The woman motioned for a man to join them. “McMaster. I need a white casual suit. Size large brought in from the back.”
The man nodded.
“Do you want a matching hat? Or a pocket square?”
Babylonia stifled a snicker and looked away.
“Yes, to the hat. What kind of pocket square prints do you have?”
The woman smiled. “Anything you’d like. We have floral and geometric patterns.”
Gwyn nodded. “How about a floral?” She looked at McMaster. “How about you choose something and wrap it up. I like a good surprise.” She smiled, and the fine lines around her brown eyes crinkled.
Babylonia’s laughter drifted across the racks, and Gwyn shot her a quick look. She choked.
The man straightened his bow-tie. “I will get you something spectacular. You can count on me.”
Gwyn lightly grabbed his arm. “I have a couple other men’s things I need. Do you think you can get them together for me?” She handed him a list, and he quickly read through it.
“Oh, absolutely. You can count on me. Don’t you worry.”
She released him. “I’m sure I can. Thank you.”
“Not at all.” He rushed back to the rear of the store.
Gwyn joined Babylonia at the dress rack, but the woman hovered nearby. Babylonia found a form fitted black dress. Small pink rose florets circled the hem and trailed to the waist. She pulled it from the rack and held it in front of her. “What’d you think?”
“I like it. Every eye in the room’s going to be on you.”
The saleswoman appeared. “Oh, that dress looks perfect with your hair! How about you go try it on, and I’ll see what kind of tailoring it needs?” She led Babylonia to a dressing room.
Gwyn wound through the racks and stopped suddenly in front of a dark green mermaid dress with a cream-colored overlay. She called to Babylonia. “I found my dress.”
The sales assistant carried it to the fitting room, and Gwyn followed. She quickly undressed and slid the gown over her hips. She pulled it over her arms. The back had a deep cut out that rested just below her waist. Gwyn zipped up the gown and turned in a circle. It hugged her curves in all the right ways. “This is the one, Babylonia. How are you doing in there?
“Good. Want to see?”
Gwyn stepped out of the fitting room, and McMaster whistled. “Gorgeous, darling. Gorgeous. Both of you.” He slid a pin into the fabric at Babylonia’s waist, and the dress tightened.
“Babs. You look gorgeous. Uri’s going to fall all over himself.”
“You think so?”
McMaster added the last pin. “Well, sugar. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t have eyes.”
Babylonia blushed, and stepped down from the stool she’d been standing on.
McMaster patted the stool. “Your turn. Let me get your dress fitted, and then I’ll get them both in the customizer. Shouldn’t take but a few minutes. Then you ladies will be good to go.”
Gwyn stepped onto the stool. He took some measurements and lifted the hemline. “All done. You look beautiful. Really.”
“Thanks.” She stepped down.
The women redressed and handed McMaster their gowns. While they waited, they grabbed a few more garments and matching shoes.
They waited at the jewelry counter. Gwyn studied a white gold diamond necklace with starship pendant that sat below the glass. “What do you think, Babylonia? Is it me or what?”
Babylonia took a closer look. “You have to have that.”
She whispered, “You think it’d be okay?”
“I’m sure of it. Get it.”
Gwyn motioned to the lady behind the counter. “Can I see that one?” She pointed to the necklace.
“Yes. It was custom made for a pilot’s wife. But, for some reason, she didn’t like it.” She handed the necklace to Gwyn.
Gwyn ran the pendant through her fingers. It was a good weight, and the chain was sturdy. “Well. Lucky for me she didn’t. I will take it.”
McMaster came out from the back, carrying their purchases and newly tailored gowns. “You ladies are ready to go.”
Gwyn handed the necklace to the woman. “Can you ring this up first? I want to wear it.”
“Sure thing.” She ran a bar over the necklace, and the price popped up on the free-standing monitor hovering above the counter.
Gwyn choked and gave Babylonia a quick glance. “You sure about this?”
Babylonia nodded. “Yep.”
The saleswoman handed Gwyn the necklace, and she quickly put it on. It felt like it was made for her neck. She ran her hand over the pendant and continued to watch the sales lady ring in their purchases.
The woman hit the total button, and the final sale price flashed in front of them.
“That will be fifty-thousand units.”
Gwyn sucked in her breath. “Wow.”
Babylonia handed the woman Uri’s card. “Charge it, please.”
The woman completed the transaction, and the girls grabbed their bags.
Babylonia followed Gwyn from the store. Gwyn turned to look behind her, and she collided with a Militarian commander. Gwyn stopped short, and Babylonia bumped into her.
Anger flashed across the man’s face. “Be more careful. You want a citation?”
Gwyn quickly looked down at the pavement, hoping he didn’t get a good look at her face. “No, Sir. I’m sorry.”
He growled. “You rich people think everything in this world belongs to you.”
She stepped to the side, trying to get around him. A gloved hand closed on her shoulder.
Gwyn froze.
“Where are you going? I’m talking to you. You think your money can buy you privileges, rich girl? Not with me.”
Babylonia linked her arm with Gwyn’s and met the soldier's gaze. “We were just about to get lunch at Chez Rous. Do you need something, Sir?”
He dropped Gwyn’s arm but stared at them a moment longer. “Ok. Go on. Get. Be more careful in the future. You bump into me again, and I’ll take you downtown and write you a citation.”
The pair nodded. “Understood.” Gwyn and Babylonia crossed the street in the direction of the restaurant. Gwyn glanced over her shoulder. “He’s gone.” They passed Chez Rous and turned left. Babylonia led the way back to the hanger. Safely inside, they stored their purchases, and B
abylonia fired up the engines.
Gwyn squinted. “Have you ever seen the Militarian here?”
Babylonia plotted their course. “Occasionally, but I’ve never actually had a run in with one.” She lifted off the platform and turned on her invisibility shield.
Gwyn leaned forward. “Do you mind turning on the sensors. I have a bad feeling in my stomach.”
Gwyn flipped a button, and the navscreen changed from land view to sensor view.
Hundreds of blips amassed at the edge of town. “That can’t be good.”
“Let’s see what they’re up to.” Babylonia changed course and flew to the edge of town. Militarian troops had amassed in large numbers on the grounds below. Babylonia shook her head. “You’re right; this can’t be good.”
Gwyn leaned forward in her chair. “Looks like they’re here for an occupation.”
Babylonia whistled. “Maybe. I have never seen so many troops.”
“We better get back.”
Babylonia redirected the Lady Serpentine for the Rankston Plantation. The shuttle darted away into the horizon.
Chapter Seven
Proximity alarms filled the cockpit as they approached the island’s outer shore. The island’s invisibility shield was down.
“Caracho!” Gwyn pushed the com and sent a message to Adrik’s wristcom. “Adrik, are you there?”
He didn’t answer.
She hailed the Pleiades. There was no reply.
Gwyn cast a worried look at Babylonia. “He always answers me. He’s got to be out of range, or captive.” Sweat formed around her hairline.
Babylonia called the island tower. There was no reply.
“What’s going on down there?”
Babylonia switched on the land viewer. “Looks like there’s a large vessel on the front lawn.”
Babylonia zoomed in.
“Militarian. They found a way to break the shield. Caracho!” Gwyn slammed her fist into the front panel.
Babylonia shook her head. “No, it’s not possible. They don’t have that kind of technology. Someone gave them the access codes. It had to have been shut down from the inside.”
The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1, 2, 3 Page 12