Trick or Treat
Spoor doses off to sleep again. Kufadis leaves her and searches for her doctor. The doctor is sitting in the dinning area. Kufadis asks if he can join her. She accepts. “I’ll come to the point. She’s sleeping more and more. It’s seldom she is awake for more than ten minutes at a time. Why is she like this?” The doctor looks at him with amazement. “You are saying she’s sleeping now?” Kufadis nods his head. She stands and starts for Spoors room with Kufadis hot on her heels. Upon entering the room, they find Spoor is out cold. The doctor takes a small scribe like instrument from her pocket and gently runs it across the bottom of Spoor’s left foot. There is no response. She lifts the sheet and proceeds up Spoor’s left leg, thigh and hip. There is still no response. She presses a button on the wall, an attendant answers. She instructs the attendant to call the neurosurgeon to the room.
Kufadis, finally summons the will to ask. “Something is wrong isn’t it?” The doctor replies, “Yes. She does not have any feeling and I’ve turned off the neuro block two hours ago. She should be awake and, I was hoping, in some discomfort.” The neurosurgeon arrives. The two doctors have a conversation out of Kufadis hearing range. The neurosurgeon walks over to Spoor. She produces a needle from her pocket. She proceeds to gently stick Spoor along the same course the other doctor had followed. There was no affect. She gently stuck her in the forearm. “OW! What do you think you’re doing?” Spoor was awake. The neurosurgeon moves to the foot of the bed. She takes the needle and pricks the bottom of Spoors foot. “Feel that Admiral?” Spoor looks down the bed at her feet. She saw the doctor poke her again with the needle. “Anything Admiral?” Spoor looks confused. “I don’t know why you’re so concerned. The neuro block is still attached.” The doctor picks up the device and holds it where Spoor can see it. It was disconnected. Spoor looks over to Kufadis. Concern was written across his face. “I guess this is not a good sign?” He nods. “Admiral. How do you feel now?” The doctors both ask together. Spoor looks at them. “Sleepy. In fact I’m going to take a nap now.” The doctors both head for her. “No you don’t Admiral. We need you awake. No sleepy time till you can feel your feet.”
The Doctors turn to Kufadis. “She is your commander. Help us keep her awake.” Kufadis is confused. “Will somebody explain to me what is happening?” The neurosurgeon explains. ”She’s addicted to the pain intervention. Her brain is refusing to accept that there is pain. So she’s still sleeping. It’s the induced sleep, as if the machine was still hooked up. But now that it’s not. She’s slowly getting away from us. If we cannot keep her awake till her body realizes that it’s no longer hooked to the device and starts functioning its own. We are going to lose her. She will go to sleep one time and not wake up. Do you need more detail?” Kufadis leans over to a very sleepy looking Spoor. “Admiral. Don’t leave me. I need you to stay awake.” She yawns and looks at him. “That’s nice Kufadis. We will talk after my nap. Okay?” She gets groggy. What series of thoughts that went through his mind. He later could not say. With an open hand he struck her face.
Her eyes were wide open and she was wincing in pain. “You Bastard. I’ll get out of this bed and.” She tries to move. Her arms and upper torso move. Kufadis was standing out of swinging range. She flailed for a few moments, and then she fell silent again. The side of her face was red and tears covered her cheeks. She was drifting off to sleep. “No you don’t!” He pinches her ear. This time he did not move fast enough, she caught him. They locked in a struggle that lasted a good twenty minutes. He blocks a few. She lands a few. Suddenly she winced in pain. The neurosurgeon had stabbed her foot. “Look if you’re going to gang up on me. Do one end or the other. Not both.” Kufadis releases his grip and Spoor waylaid him. He hit the floor pretty hard. He stands straightens his uniform and goes to her feet. Fingers of both hands attack both feet. She was laughing hysterically. Kufadis stops his assault. “Painiach? Can you feel your feet now?” She looks at him, his face bruising an evil little smile on it. “Yes I can.” He proceeds to touch every part of her foot. Heels, toes, arch all respond to his touch. So did both calves. He starts up her one thigh. “Kufadis. You can stop there. I believe I can feel everything. However I’m in a lot of pain, especially my face.
He walks over and looks at her face. She has a good impression of his hand showing. He was carrying a bruised cheek and would have a black eye shortly. “Kufadis. I ought to bring you up on charges. Blatantly striking a superior officer. It could be the vacuum of space for you.” Kufadis looks at her and painfully smiles. “Press your charges. At least you’ll be alive to see them served.” She looks at him. “That’s twice.” He looks confused. “Twice?” She smiles. “Twice you’ve saved my life. I can’t kill you. At least not yet, you’re going to help me fully recuperate, then.” She smiles and looks at the doctor. ”Can I take a nap now?” The doctor replies, “A short one. Then we need to wake you again.” She reaches out to Kufadis. “You look like hell. Get some rest. That’s an order.” He took her hand. “I’ll be down the hall. I’ll get some rest Admiral.” The doctor interrupts. “First thing, we get your face fixed.” She takes a good look at him. “The Admiral packs quite a wallop. I’m glad it was you and not I. We will wake her every two hours. For the next twenty - four hours. As it becomes easier to wake her, we will let her sleep longer, after the twenty - four hours have passed.” They leave the room. Spoor drifts off to sleep.
*********
“Ten days?!? Why do I have to wait ten days Kenesh?” The display flickers. “Simple Nastoyia, we don’t have all the information to give you. Work on organizing your fleet and resting them. It’s going to be a difficult mission this time.” A second display opens next to the Admiral. It’s the fleet disposition chart. “There is very little between you and the Capital. I want some back up in there before I order you to take on the Rebels. Ten days won’t be all that long. Just be patience and I want to make this perfectly clear, unless the Rebels come out of Sord 577 and attack your fleet. You are not to leave that system.” Admiral Nastoyia looks at the chart, a large gap between her fleet and the Capital does indeed exist. “Fine Kenesh. I’ll sit tight for ten days. After that I’ll go looking for them on my own. I do have that authority.” The display jumps again a displeased Kenesh speaks. “Spoor will be back on her feet soon. She would be very upset if you destroyed part of her fleet going on a wild goose chase. Just sit tight Nastoyia. I don’t want to pull rank on you. But I have given you orders. I wish you would obey them and not argue every point.” Nastoyia understood. She had played her hand and Kenesh had trumped it. “As you wish. I await further orders. Nastoyia OUT!” The link was broken. *********
“So. How did she take it?” Ramaj kicks back in her chair. “Not well. I almost had to pull rank on her to get her to listen. She really got a one track mind.” Kenesh sat on the table, reduced the gravity, and started to float. “We know where the Rebel fleet is and the location of its supply base.” Kenesh rolls on her side. ”So. He is telling all. What other tidbits did we glean from him?” Ramaj looks to door. “He’s filled three standard data crystals and seems to be just starting. We know who produced him. He also believes that the original still lives.” Silence, fills the room. “Really. The original might still be alive? I wonder?” Kenesh rolls on her back. “I think. I’ll take a nap and think all of this through. We are going to check his story?” Ramaj touches a display, they both view it. “I’ve sent a scouting fleet to the location given, with instructions to observe but not be observed. For now we wait.” Kenesh closes her eyes. “That will be fine. Let me know what happens.” Ramaj dims the lights and leaves the room.*********
When they got back to the shelter Jinto and Lafiel went inside to change. Noel and Risch sat at the table they were both noticeably pale. “Proximity alarms.” Noel looks at him. “What?” He starts looking around. ”They must have proximity alarms planted around the island. But with all this ground cover you would never see them.” He looks at her, she was sitting very still. ”You okay?” She slowly shook her head. “You realize how close to being dust we came? She was getting ready to squeeze the trigger and then the next minute she’s hungry. Wow. I’m glad he’s living with her.” Risch held her hand. “Since we lost the first ship. I’ve accepted the fact that we may die at anytime. So I live each day to the fullest.” She looks at him. “Having a vessel of the United Mankind destroy my ship is one thing. Having a Princess of the Empire and my friend vaporize me is another. That was a stupid thing we did. Next time stop me from being that eager to die. Okay?”*********
“Well I’m glad you’ve seen the error of your ways.” Lafiel had just exited the door. “Noel. Thanks for finding the hole in our defense field. I’m sorry to have to get the point across that way. But Jinto and I cherish our privacy. We are prepared to defend it to the death, if necessary. I hope you understand us a little better now. We wanted to live in peace. But the Empire has other plans. Oh, and the though of me becoming Empress. Well keep thinking. I don’t think it’s going to happen. Now, my brother being Emperor, that is possible.” Jinto came out of the shelter. “Lafiel. I’ve reset the alarm and set the radius to over the mountains. However we should add two more sensors in sectors five and three. You want to do it before we leave?” Lafiel nods. She turns back to Noel and Risch. “Stay here. Relax. We will have dinner when we return. Oh. Touch nothing. The alarm is set.” She looks to Jinto, he was putting on a backpack. “Ready?” Jinto answers “Yes dear. Let’s go. I’m hungry already.” They left via a path that ran along the stream. Risch and Noel sat tight.“Lafiel you think they are still sitting where we left them?” Lafiel consults her creunoc. ”Yes, they are still there. Jinto, it’s like they are glued to their seats.” Jinto chuckles. They head up the hill, past the masking array to set up the new detectors. “You’ve got those aimed correctly, Jinto?” Jinto took a bearing. “They’re close Lafiel. The computer can fine-tune them when we get back.”
She takes a look around. They are on the highest part of the island. The waterfall that feeds the stream is five hundred meters away. The view is breathtaking. “Too bad we can’t bring them up here. They would like the view. But then they would know our secret.” Jinto faces her. “Someday we are going to have to trust them. Sometime soon we can bring them to the waterfall at least.” Lafiel nods. “If you’re done. Everything checks out. I’m now very hungry. Let’s go eat.” Jinto secures the devices and links them into the system. “All I need to do is verify the settings and we can leave. I’m hungry too.” A last check and they return.
*********
Noel and Risch were sitting exactly where Jinto and Lafiel had left them. “You guys hungry?” They both nod. “Then follow us. Lunch and then securing the facility is next. We should be able to leave in two hours.” Jinto aligns the detectors, tests the new configuration and set the monitoring system to ‘auto’. Any unauthorized entrance to the western half of the island would be relayed to them and Samson. This part was now secure and the satellite net was fully functional.Jinto made a simple lunch. After that came the securing of the food stores, the shelter and addition. Lafiel had finished packing. She took very little, because nothing fit. A trip to the Vorash stores was in order. She did have her three formal gowns. She would have them altered at Vorash and there should be a package from Seelnay waiting with the Marquise. She looks at Jinto. “Ready to go?” He looks around one last time. “Yep Ready.”
*********
The four of them head for the shuttle. It took little time for their belongings to be stored. Risch released the docking clamps and lines. Noel left the dock and headed for the open lake and then departed. Once clear of the planet she heads for her ship. Docked in the hold, then unloaded, they wait for the relief ship to arrive. They have about two hours to wait. Ekuryua shows them to their quarters. Then she and Risch head for the bridge. “You don’t know how good it feels to be somewhere I’m in control.” Risch just looks at her. “You’re telling me you were unhappy down there?” “No. I was very happy. I just was not in...” She keeps walking. “Guess I’m still a control freak. Well up here. It’s my ship and she’ll listen to me. We already made that agreement.” Risch shook his head. “Admit it will you Noel. Having a laser pistol pointed at your head was very unnerving. Admit it, and get over it. Before it consumes you. We made a mistake by sneaking up on them. They’ve made it perfectly clear what will happen to those who try to show up unannounced.” They stood at the lift that leads to the bridge. “Noel. Go to the bridge. I’m headed to engineering. Let’s have dinner in my quarters tonight.” She shook her head. “Dinner in Captain’s mess, with them, tonight. You will show up?” He nods sheepishly. “Aye. Aye. Captain. Twenty hundred hours?” She pushes the up button. ”I’ll let them know. That’s a good time. I better ask how we should dress. Because formal, Lafiel did not bring.” The door opens she kisses him. ”Later Risch.” She steps into the lift and the door closes. He turns and heads for engineering.
*********
The door opens. The bridge was alive with activity. “Captain. We are being hailed. It’s the Captain of the relief ship calling.” Ekuryua took the center chair. “Put them on the main display.” The display came on. She stood, a feeling of panic came over her. “You’re.” The ears gave him away. “Is my sister on board?” Ekuryua’s voice failed her. “Captain Ekuryua. Is my Sister on board?” She nods. Finally her first officer rescues her. “Yes Captain Ablïarsec, Her Highness is aboard.” He smiles. “I’d like to talk to my sister as soon as you can put her on. Do not tell her who it is.” Ekuryua finally spoke. “I’ll connect you immediately.” She presses a button the display went off. She fell back in her seat. “Captain. Are you alright?” Ekuryua nods. “It’s been a trying day. Too full of surprises.”*********
Jinto and Lafiel had just settled in. They had a week until they reached Vorash. They were going to relax on the way. They planned on minimum contact with the crew, so they were dressed accordingly. The communications console display lamp flashes. Jinto reaches over, he figures it was Ekuryua inviting them to dinner. So he very casually answers it. “Yes Captain. What is it.” The video and sound shock them both. “Good afternoon Count Hyde. Can I speak with my sister. Alone?” Lafiel grabs a robe. She was out of viewing range. Jinto had to sit there. She puts on the robe and turns the display towards her. As she does, she manages to toss Jinto his pants and a shirt, out the range of the viewer. Jinto slips his clothes on and leaves the room. “Yes brother. What’s is on your mind?” The display flickers. “Did father visit you?” Lafiel sat down she adjusts the display to see him better. He was genuinely worried. “Yes. We had a good talk, he was well and did not fight with me. Why do you ask?” “Did he tell you about her?” Lafiel stares at the display. “HER? He said he was going to start looking again. You’re telling me, he’s found himself another companion?” “Yes sister and you’re not going to be happy about his choice.” “Well I told him she had to be at least forty years older than I.” “Well she fits that part. Did he tell you who she was?” “No. Do you know?” He smiles. “You know her as well. You did go to school with her. She was the senior cadet of the class.” Lafiel explodes. “He’s dating the only friend I had at school. Although I’ve not seen her in ten years I’m going to kill him!”
“Sorry Sis to break the news to you. That’s why I’m here. So he can’t use the planet while you’re away. I know you’ve upgraded the island security. I don’t want to know about it. I’ll just let you know. I don’t approve of his choice and I’m going to do everything in my power to derail his little fling. When he finds me here. He’ll know that you know as well. Sorry to spoil your trip Sis. I’ll keep the place safe. See you in eight weeks then.” The display went blank.
Lafiel sat there and stewed. The more she thought about her brother’s words. The madder she became. Then she took a pillow and beat it into submission. She finally fell asleep.
*********
Jinto had made his way to the engineering department. Risch was surprised to see him there. “What happened? Made her mad already?” He shook his head. “Her brother just called her. He wanted to talk alone. So I wandered down here.” Risch shows him around. This ship is the newest model. The improvements made over the one he and Lafiel had served on made it seem primitive by comparison. “Engineer. Is Count Hyde with you?” Risch addresses the panel “Yes he is.” “He needs to return to his quarters immediately!” Jinto flew out of the engineering section. He was to their cabin in no time. He opens the door. The room is a wreck. Lafiel’s lying prone on the bed. The shreds of a pillow lay everywhere, Jinto stands there taking in all surrounding him. Should he wake her? No. Should he stay in the room? Yes. He pulls up a chair and begins to watch Lafiel. She was in a restless sleep. He knew it would not be very long till she was awake. Finally, she rolls over. Her eyes open and she sees Jinto. “Sorry. I wrecked the room. It’s my father, but you will have to wait till I can tell you without exploding again. It does concern his new girlfriend. He’s deceived me. He’s been dating for sometime now and I KNOW HER, very well in fact.” She was glowing red. Jinto looks at her. “Ok Lafiel. Settle down. You need to finish your nap. I’ll head for the lounge.” She stops him. “Jinto. Stay here. Stay with me. Don’t leave me till I can get a handle on my emotions.” She reaches over to the dresser. “Father gave me this book before we left. Why don’t you look at it while I sleep. Okay?”
*********
“Captain? Are we going to monitor all of the communications between these two and whom ever contacts them?” Ekuryua looks at the first officer. “No. Not all. Just the abnormal ones.” Opening a channel to the engineering department. She paged Jinto back to his cabin. The COM link closed she sat back in her chair. “I wonder if dinner is a good idea tonight?” Her first officer approaches her. “Your orders. Captain.” She looks at the display. “Vorash. Best speed possible. We will stay there a week or as long as they wish. After that is a trip to the Hyde System. We will refuel there and then, well we will see.” The ship was approaching the Sord a space-time shot was generated and they gently slid into the plane space. *********
“Captain. They’ve entered the Sord and we are on station in high orbit above the planet.” He looks at the planet on the display. “Don’t worry Sis. Your home is in good hands.” He addresses the bridge. “Nothing gets closer than point seven-five lights seconds away. “They get one warning. Any closer, fire across their flight path. If they fail to stop then stop them. Any Questions?” There were none. *********
Lafiel slept, it was not a sound sleep. Jinto sat reading the book Debeusec had given Lafiel. It was an accurate portrayal of the Abh as seen from the lander’s viewpoint. The more he read, the more he realized that over coming the stereotypes portrayed in that book, was going to be quite an obstacle. He figures Lafiel should be a little more relaxed before she reads the book. Lafiel’s stirring brought him around from reading the book. She had kicked the covers off and was now shivering in bed. He stands and moves towards the bed. He gently covers Lafiel. She relaxes and smiles. He returns to his seat and continues reading. Another hour passes. Jinto was half way through the book. His creunoc flashed, he steps out of the room to answer it. Captain Ekuryua was on asking if he and Lafiel would join her for dinner. Jinto responded that Lafiel was asleep and he did not plan on waking her anytime soon. “When she wakes up. I’ll ask her about it. Until then you will have to wait.” Ekuryua said that she would wait.
Jinto closed the link and steps back into the room. Lafiel had not moved a muscle. He picks up the book and starts reading it. The next section had to do with the educational system that the UMK had established. Now there were notes written in Abh in the margins. The more Jinto read the more he realized that they were Plakia’s words and impressions. He always wondered how she had such a broad understanding of the UMK.
Another hour had passed and he was getting hungry. Seeing that he and Lafiel had eaten at the same time and she had had only a light snack. He was sure she was hungry as well. At that moment a loud tummy growl from Lafiel confirmed his suspicions. She turns towards him, sits up on the edge of the bed and notices he is reading the book. “Good. You got a start on it. Is it interesting?” Jinto stands up and walks over to her. Opening to a page crammed with Plakia’s notes. He puts the book in Lafiel’s lap. “The reading material is pretty standard lander fair. However the comments bear a lot of reading.” Lafiel looks at the book. She instantly recognized the handwriting. “More words from mother I see. Well Jinto. When you’re finished. I’ll read it as well. Then we can discuss it before we get to Vorash.” Another rumble from Lafiel fills the room. “Now we eat. Okay?” Jinto contacted Ekuryua and arranged for dinner. Lafiel freshened up and they left for the Captains dining room.
*********
Ships of the line have the best kitchens in the Empire. Ekuryua’s frigate was especially well equipped. It was outfitted to care for the Count and Viscountess. A meal of such proportions they had not seen in recent history. Lafiel sat down. Jinto sat next to her. Ekuryua and Risch sat across from them. The head of the table, normally the Captains position remained empty. Lafiel made mention of that fact and Ekuryua answers. ”I’m having dinner with my friends. This is a very informal gathering. Sitting in that seats takes away from the intimacy of the meal.” Lafiel looks at Ekuryua. “You’re not in uniform.” It was true neither Ekuryua nor Risch were in uniform. They were all dressed casual. The table started to take on the atmosphere of the meals on the planet. It became very relaxed. Lafiel was pleased. “Can all our meals be this way?” Lafiel inquired. “I don’t see why not. The crew has been instructed to leave us alone while we are dining. Are you feeling better now Your Highness?” Lafiel stares at her. “You listened in didn’t you?” Ekuryua nods. “Just following my orders. Making sure no harm comes to you. That’s why I sent Jinto back to you. He was in engineering and would have stayed for who knows how long had I not ordered him back to your cabin. It was better you coming around and finding him there. Was it not?” Lafiel sat there. “Ekuryua this is a wonderful dinner. I am enjoying it. However after it is done. You and I need to speak of this and other matters. Alone.” She took another serving of the fish and sipped her drink. Ekuryua did the same. Risch looks at Jinto. “Engineering tour once we are finished eating? You barely saw anything when you were down there earlier. I think you would be impressed.” He looks to Lafiel, she nods her head. “Sure I’d be happy to go.” The balance of dinner went quietly along. They finished and went on their separate ways.
*********
The door closed. Lafiel locks it. She turns to Noel. “I have had it! I want to see those Orders of yours now!” Ekuryua enters data into the terminal, a file opens and the orders come into view. Lafiel read the orders carefully. She frowns. “Grandmother! Don’t I ever get a moment’s peace?” She looks at Noel. “She’s got you spying on us. Do you really want to do this?” Ekuryua sat back. She stares at the ceiling. “No. I don’t. That’s why I’ve not forwarded anything to the Capital since I got to the planet.” She pulls up another set of documents. “Read these.” Lafiel looks at the display. There were two inquiries: one from Atosuryua, the other from Ramaj both looking for information. “Those arrived before we entered the Sord. I won’t answers Atosuryua’s, but I can not ignore Ramaj’s requests.” She says to Lafiel. “So what do we do? How can we answer your grandmother. Knowing that your father has been there? We say one thing and he says another and I’ll be out in the farthest rings of the Empire scouting for daylight.” She had the look of someone cornered and with no means of escape.
Lafiel read her emotions. “We will tell my grandmother enough of the truth that she will be satisfied. My father rarely converses with her. So we should be safe. I’ll submit the report and you will transmit it when we arrive at Vorash.” She then looks quite disturbed. “As for Atosuryua. I’ll have a little chat with her when we reach the Hyde system.” Noel quietly nods her head in agreement. “Lafiel. I’ll still tap in on your communications from time to time. Those are my orders unless you can get them changed.” Lafiel frowns. “This cabin is off limits. What Jinto and discuss in here is no ones business. Can we agree on that at least?” Noel sat there stone-faced. She would not answer Lafiel’s question, at this time. She stands and says to Lafiel. “I think we are done for now. I’ve got a ship to run. I will give thought to all you have said Lafiel.” Noel unlocks the door and exits the cabin. Jinto was coming back from engineering. She breezed past him like he was not there.
*********
Entering their quarters, Lafiel motions to Jinto not to speak. She held a note. It said. “Give me your creunoc.” He hands her the device, she picks hers off of the table. She sat them side-by-side and starts them transmitting. Soon a white noise was being generated. It was annoying, but close conversation could occur. She whispers in his ear. “Jinto our quarters are being monitored. Make no sudden or loud noises.” For the first time, in a long time Lafiel could see anger in Jinto’s eyes. She continues. “There is one place where we can talk in peace, the shuttle in the hold. Once there I can explain everything. I’ll need to disconnect the shuttle from the ships master crystal first. We must talk before we get to Vorash.” Jinto nods. “I’ll end the noise and we will continue with a boring conversation while we write our real plans down Okay?” Jinto nods and kisses her on the cheek. She shut down the noise generator and they finalized their plans.
The plan called for Jinto to wander back to engineering and silence the hold hatch alarm. Once that was accomplished. Lafiel would enter the hold disconnect the Shuttle from the master crystal and change the combination of the hatch. Then, only she and Jinto would have access to the hold and the shuttle. The plan worked because Ekuryua was not thinking Lafiel would take such drastic action so soon after her conversation. Lafiel had learned at Febdash, that a swift strike while all were content had the best chance of succeeding.
Jinto joins her in the hold. They went aboard the shuttle and Lafiel finishes her plan. “Watch this Jinto.” She switches the viewer to life signs. It shows their life signs moving towards their quarters and entering the room. The readings then show that they have retired for the time being.
“They think we are resting and we are actually here. I doubt if we can fool them more than once. But this time I have some very important information I wish to share with you.” Jinto understood Lafiel had gone to great lengths to get a moments peace. He was ready to listen.
“First off Jinto. I’ve see Ekuryua’s orders concerning us. She is to gather any and all information she deems necessary and forward it to grandmother.” Jinto winced. “Second, and much more important is Father’s new fling.” She stood there trying to control her seething anger. “Kilo Commander Kobasch.” Jinto stood motionless, that name meant, that. ”You’re right Jinto. My only friend and squadron commander from Captains school.”
She paused at first. She could not look him in the face. Then she finally made eye contact. “I was younger then. I’d had just met you and then been suddenly pulled apart from you. I had all of these feelings and emotions that I could not express or understand. Rena helped me understand and well she got me to express things that I did not understand. However we became too close.” She stops her eyes get misty. “Jinto for a time. I was in love with her.”
Jinto let her continue. “Plakia was dead. You were gone. I was taking up a challenge that had me overwhelmed. You realize I was the youngest person there. The ‘Royal Brat’ is what they would call me. I was withdrawing, hiding only going to class. Never mingling with the others. After Clasbul, I knew I could not survive on my own. I realized then you had really saved me from myself. Had I taken off on my own. I would have gotten captured and probably died. Rena helped me get over those fears and for that I fell in love with her. She helped me be able to make the friends at Captains school that I did and to graduate with the honors that I received. She was understanding, but still upset, when I broke off our relationship.” Her face reddens. “She could not have me. So now she’s gone after Father!” She buries her head in Jinto’s chest and weeps quietly.
Jinto stands there carefully thinking of what he wants to say. “So that’s why you were so aloof when we got to the Basroil? You had just broken off a serious relationship.” She held him tighter. “I want you to know Lafiel. You’ve been the only person in my life and I can tell you when I decided that. It was when you rescued the former Baron and myself. On Clasbul you reaffirmed those feelings. However I could never express them to you. Those three years apart from you were murder. Yes, the studies took most of my free time. But there were those lonely holiday times. Where most had somewhere to go and I just sat there, thinking? Most of my close friends knew of you. It’s just they did not know about you. Who you were or how we met.
When I got to the Basroil. I wanted immediately to take you in my arms. But your greeting was so strange. Now I know why. When we were in the escape pod. I wanted to tell you everything, but you were grieving over the loss of the Basroil. Then we wound up at Lobnas.” She held him even tighter to the point that breathing was becoming difficult. “Lafiel relax. I need to breathe.” She relaxed her grip, raised her head from his chest. The tear streaked cheeks and red eyes greeting him. “You never looked at another person. It was only I?” Jinto smiles. “Noel would have been the only other person. But we share nothing in common. She had to kidnap me to find out you were the only love in my life. Don’t get me wrong. If she were to die, I would be sad.” Lafiel’s eyes narrow, “However if anything were to happen to you. I’d be devastated to the point it would be hard for me to function. I’ve come close to losing you. I don’t want to do it again.”
Lafiel steps back. She takes Jinto’s hands. “Rena knows all my secrets and weakness. Now Father will have that information to use against me, if he wishes.” Jinto smiles. “Well we need to fix those problems of yours. If you can deal with your problems and fears out in the open, then they have no hold on you. As for the secrets, we need to discuss those as well. You don’t have to tell me everything. But the more I know. The more I can help you defend against being attacked.”
She stood there. He was not upset she had an affair. It was almost if he had known about it all along. How could he be so accepting of her transgression. So is this what landers call being dedicated to one person no matter what happens? She steps into to his arms, she says. “Jinto Lynn. I love you more than life itself.” She held him firmly. He returns the hold. “Jinto we need to get back before we are discovered missing.” Jinto agrees. They leave the hold. Lafiel returns everything to normal and they return to their cabin. They had succeeded in getting away with it this time. It would be another six days to Sord Vorash. They proceed to settle in for the rest of the trip. Knowing at Vorash they would regain their freedom.
*********
Fitted with a brace Admiral Spoor stood looking at the treadmill. Her muscles had atrophied and her back was still smarting. Kufadis stood next to her. “It’s simple Admiral. You get on here, start to walk and...” Spoor stares at him. “You oaf. I know how a treadmill works. Why do I have to be restrained so I can hardly move?” The doctor enters the room. She had Spoor lift her legs one at a time. She then adjusted the brace to allow about sixty percent of normal movement. “We will start here Admiral. A little bit more each day till you have full movement. Then we can work on getting you, on you feet completely.” Spoor starts walking. Her first few steps were very unsteady. Kufadis stood alongside her. Watching her every move it did not take very long and she lost her balance. Two quick moving arms around her waist gently held her till she could get her feet back beneath her. She regains her footing and looks at him. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you Kufadis?” He smiles “Okay Admiral. Here we go again.” She starts walking at a slower pace this time. Kufadis was right there beside her. She felt quite secure and protected. The session lasted a half-hour. She soaked in the hot tub for another fifteen minutes. Then Kufadis wheeled her back to her room. “Would you want dinner in the room, or would you rather I take to the dining hall?” She says to him. “I’ll eat here. When I go to the dining hall. It will be on my own two feet, understand?” Kufadis nods he knew her pride was still intact.
*********
Kenesh was floating with displays twinkling and blinking around her. She had requested and finally got Admiral Kotoponi’s battle logs. They made interesting viewing. Entering the room. Ramaj views Kenesh’s interest in the one view she was slowly analyzing. “Find something?” Kenesh rolls on her side. “Yes the details are not too great. But this bears a lot of investigation. The scene is that of the EM shot hitting Spoor’s command ship. “Watch this.” She starts the display again. The shot seems to come from Nastoyia’s flagship. “I need Trife’s logs. Spoor’s ship was too badly damaged. Her central crystal storage was... It’s a miracle they made it to normal space.” Ramaj studies the scene. “I wonder why the Major did not mention this in his report? Then throw in the gap in Nastoyia’s fleet logs. Okay. Kenesh. You’ve convinced me that something very wrong has happened. We need to get to the bottom of this before the Rebels can be dealt with. I’ll start looking for replacement staff. Who ever fired that shot is in a lot of trouble.” She leaves the room.Kenesh knew that Ramaj held Admirals Trife and Spoor very dearly. They were always asked to do the impossible in the early years of the war and they had preformed flawlessly. Now a fellow Abh had assaulted both of them. She knew Ramaj’s sense of justice would cloud her judgment. Getting to the bottom of this had become a top priority. She shut down the displays and stabilized the gravity. Walking out of the conference room she thought. “This was not an accident of battle. That shot was aimed on purpose and fired in anger.” She continues down the corridor. There was going to be trouble and she knew it.
*********
Sitting with the book in her lap. Lafiel raised her head. ”Jinto what does this mean? Should we ever defeat the Abh, a galactic holiday should be started, deep in traditions, a celebration of all world cultures? Jinto what is a holiday? Is it like a vacation?” She looks very puzzled. Jinto brought up the translator. Since the word holiday meant vacation in Abh he needed to give her the landers definition. “Lafiel have a look at this.” The definition was being displayed, the word, holiday. A day free from work that one may spend at leisure, especially a day on which custom or the law dictates a halting of general business activity to commemorate or celebrate a particular event. A religious feast day; a holy day, a day fixed by law or custom on which ordinary business is suspended in commemoration of some event or in honor of some person.
She stares at the display. The word religion stuck in her mind. “Jinto what is Religion? Why are the landers so fixed on that idea? Where is this God of theirs? How come we have never met it in battle?” Jinto stops her. “I’m not a good source for religious teaching. When we get to the Hyde system. Lina can maybe answer all of your questions. But I’ll have to see if she is available when we get there.”
Lafiel looks at the book, she places a bookmark in it and proceeds to the display. “Show me more information on the holidays. Reference: Vorash Kingdom. Planet Delkto.” The display danced, a list of holidays appears. Lafiel reads the list.
“Jinto what date Vorash time will we arrive?” Jinto looks at his creunoc. “If there are no delays, we should arrive on the twenty-eighth day of the month of Harvest. Why do you ask?” Her fingers were dancing across the display. “Jinto there is a holiday very close to the time we arrive. It’s called All Hallow even. Have you heard of it? Is occurs on the thirty-first day of the month of Harvest.” Jinto racks his brain. The term did not mean anything until he crossed referenced it to Martine time. The month of Harvest equaled the month of Oktober on the Martine calendar and the last day was. Halloween. “Oh my! That day! Yes. I’m aware of it. How does the computer say it’s celebrated?”
“There are several definitions, but most of them reference this fact. The evening of Harvest 31 All Hallow even observed especially by children in costumes who solicit treats, often by threatening minor pranks.” It goes on to define costume parties and what are normal Tricks or Treats? She looks at him. “Trick or treat? What does that mean?” Jinto points to the display and Lafiel says. “The computer gives too much conflicting information. It would take a couple of days to figure it all out.” She looks at Jinto. He was smiling. “You know don’t you?”
Jinto sat next to her. He typed in the data for the Martine celebration of Halloween. Lafiel viewed the file several times there were videos of children in costumes going door to door. The scene then switched to the grown up parties. There were costumes, food and enjoyment. “I see. Can we go to one of these parties on Delkto? You think your friend Ku would join us?” She was sitting all smiles and very bubbly. She really wanted to attend a party and she could not have picked a better holiday.
Jinto sat there. “You know Lafiel a costume party would be a good idea. We can dress up and mix with everyone. You could know my friends and they could know you without tipping our hand.” A blank stare greeted those words. “Tip our hand? You mean not telling them I’m ABH! Is that it?”
Jinto was taken aback. He was ready to tell Ku. But the rest of his friends, he was not sure how they would receive him. He is bringing an Abh Princess with him, besides having to explain the new addition to his forehead. It was time for the truth and to express his feelings. He hopes she will understand. “It’s not only you. It’s me too.” He removes his Alpha. Pointing to his sense organ. He continues. “Last time I was there. I did not have this. It was going to take sometime to explain it to Ku. Could you imagine the response from let’s say twenty people, if I suddenly exposed this and you popped your ears into view?”
Lafiel took in a long look. “I see. So going to a party would be a bad idea?” She looks as if all the wind had been removed from her sails. Jinto senses this. “No. That’s not what I’m saying. We should go. But make sure we keep who we are to ourselves. We can tell Ku before we leave and he can inform the rest of my friends. Do you understand?” She smiles and nods. “We can plan when we get there. Okay?” Jinto kisses her cheek and smiles.
*********
“Computer I need all information on the holiday Halloween. Planet Martine and then cross-reference it to planet Delkto. All hallows even. Then display it in my cabin when it is finished.” Ekuryua sat back in the center seat her first officer stood along side her and comments. “Captain are you going to go to the planet with them?” She leans over to him. “Maybe. May be not. Depends if my being there will put them in more danger than not being there. You have the bridge. I’ll be in my quarters if you need me.” She opens a Com link. “Risch. Meet me in my quarters when you get a moment.” She looks around the bridge. The ship was headed for another adventure and she was in control of the situation or so she thought. She left the chair and entered the lift. The level her quarters where on arrived. The door opens and she heads towards them. Risch rounds the corner and they entered her quarters together.“Costumes and pranks. This holiday sounds like it might be fun.” Risch just shook his head. “Noel you’re planning on getting yourself shot if you keep this up. You’re constantly spying on them and now your going to invite yourself on a trip to a very strange and potently hostile world? You know nobody there. At least Count Hyde lived there. Don’t do this Noel. It’s wrong. You could cause a great calamity that would make the planet scene look minuscule by comparison.” She proceeds to ignore him. Diving deep into the data displayed. She completely immersed herself. She wanted to know everything related to Trick or Treat. However he would have the last laugh in this situation. It would not take long either.
*********
Relaxing in his cabin Debeusec was thinking over everything that had happened on the planet. He was still several days from the Capital. The light flashed on the console. He answered it. “Your Excellency a Kilo Commander Kobasch is requesting to speak with you.” He requests she be put on. The connection was made. ”Rena you’ve made good time. I was not expecting you to arrive till sometime tomorrow.” The rounded face, with amber colored eyes stares back through the thick royal blue hair. “I guess you’ve not heard then. I’m not at the planet. In fact I’m about twelve hours behind you. I’m on an intercept course. We should rendezvous in eight hours.” Debeusec leans back. This information did not make sense. “I thought you were in rotation to guard the planet. If you’re not there, then who is?” The display twitched.
“My orders are to get you and take you directly to the Capital. This ship and its commander have been dispatched to the planet.” The picture of an attack vessel appears. The markings told him that he would not need to see the commander’s picture. “Who issued your orders Rena?” “Your mother did. Although Admiral Kenesh sent them, they are so worded, only Ramaj writes that way. I’m to get you and take you to her and then to Admiral Bebaus fleet. That is all I know. You will come willingly, because I’m authorized to use force to deliver you.” He leans closer her face was still fuzzy but the look of concern was very apparent. “No. I will come willingly. Should I have the transport captain slow down?” She smiles. “No. I’ve got everything set. The transport captain is aware of my approach. I’ll see you in eight hours Your Excellency.” The display went dark the light stops flashing. He leans back and looks out the window.
*********
Ending the communication. Kilo Commander Kobasch turns to her first officer. ”You have the bridge. I’ll be in my quarters if you need me.” The first officer took the center seat and she left the bridge. In the lift on her way to her quarters she thought. “I love him, but this is very difficult. I wish he’d tell Ramaj and Lafiel about me. I feel like we are sneaking around.” The door opens and she went to her cabin to lie down. As hard as she tried the rest she needed was fleeting. *********
The brace removed. She was lying in bed on her back, gently bringing her legs one at a time towards her chest. Aboard ship she had always managed to exercise on a daily basis. Now her body did not want to co-operate. The lower limbs refused to be flexible like they were before. She started to exceed the doctor’s recommendation for the amount of exercise, when her body suddenly revolted. A massive muscle contraction took hold of her right leg, she yelled in pain.Standing in the hallway Kufadis heard her scream, he ran into the room. He found her on her right side the right leg bent almost ninety degrees the thigh and calf muscles pulled taunt. “You fool. You had to over do it!” He pressed the call button. The staff was already on the way. A shot of muscle relaxer and some painkillers and she started to get better. Still the leg still would not straighten out. Kufadis gently massaged the muscle in her thigh. “Better?” she nods “Seems I can’t leave you alone for any amount of time without you getting into trouble.”
She frowns. The pain was still showing on her face. He could feel the muscle respond to the relaxer and his gently rubbing. “I really hope this little stunt has not set you back. I was hoping we could start walking around the base soon. You should see the ship. The repairs are almost complete and the modifications. Well you will be happy. We can out fight anything our size and the increase in speed and maneuverability should be impressive.” She looks at him. “We got a pretty health bill waiting for us then?”
Kufadis shook his head. “Seems Count Hyde is bank rolling this project. At least I’ve not seen a bill and Samson has never approached me on the subject. It seems whatever the ship has needed. It has appeared all of it first line equipment. We’ve been completely refitted. It’s completely new and it’s all integrated. Just as you had it laid out in your master plan for a fleet battleship. I guess you can say we are now a prototype. The fire power we carry is awesome.” She smiles. ”And how did Samson get his hands on my master plan? Which were locked in the safe in my quarters?” Kufadis looks at her. “Ah I dunno?”
She motions to him, he leans over, she kisses his cheek and says. “Liar.” He moves back and continues to massage her leg. “Kufadis?” He looks up to her. “Thank you for everything. However it hurts a little lower down my leg. You can stop rubbing my butt!” His fingers slid down to mid thigh. ”Right there. Keep rubbing.” He continues to rub the affected area. She looks at the ceiling and thought. “He’s really good, I wish I’d known this sooner, I guess I’ll have to keep him, I’ll ask him later.” His fingers finally gave out at the same time she drifted off to sleep. Covering her up he leaves the room and heads for the lounge.
*********
“Approaching the transport Captain.” Kilo Commander Kobasch leans forward the display was still fuzzy. “Stop us with in shuttle distance. I’ll pick up our passenger.” The transport was already stopped its docking hold open the light shining out into space. “Holding position Captain. Just whom are we picking up?” She was heading off the bridge. “You’ll find out when I get back. Hold this position.” She launched the shuttle and picks up Debeusec. Before she departs the transport she looks at him. ”Still the silent relationship? My crew is to know nothing?” Debeusec sat next to her he kisses her. ”For the time being. The time to announce our relationship is drawing closer. Be patient for a little longer my love. We don’t need to have problems this early in our relationship.”
She departs the transport and heads for the ship. Their special passenger took the crew aback. Debeusec went directly to his cabin Kobasch join him after they were under way. “Your son knows? Does that mean Lafiel knows too?” He took her hands. “I’m afraid so. She won’t be happy and I wanted this to start off happy.” She looks at him. “So now what do we do?” His answer was simple. “We wait and we keep going on the way we are.” It was not the answer she was expecting.
*********
Lafiel storms into the room. “She knows! I’ll.” She stops and realizes that the room may be monitored. She grabs a writing pad. Jinto walks towards her. “I just got asked what I was going to wear to the party! We got so involved in the conversation that we forgot she’d be listening. So Jinto what do we do?” He took the pad and wrote. “Nothing, she wants to go then we can’t stop her, but, she won’t like Delkto. Unless she likes the smell of hair dye and very skimpy outfits.” Lafiel reading over his shoulder smiles, she forgot about the lengths she would have to go through. She was used to it, but Ekuryua. That should prove fun.*********
“Ready to go walking Admiral?” It had been three days since her over exercising incident. Kufadis was waiting for her. Wearing warm up suits. They proceed to take a walk around the base. Everywhere they went they were greeted with, ‘glad to see you up and around Admiral Spoor.’ She was happy to be able to move again without assistance. On her own not having to depend on... She slows. Kufadis comes alongside her. “Are you okay? Have you pulled something?” She assured him she was fine, a smile came across her face. She was no longer alone and it was making her happy. The walk ends. This was the shortest of three courses that they had chosen. When she became comfortable with this one they would move on to the next. The third course took her to the ship. They had agreed that was their final goal.*********
“Sord Vorash is thirty minutes off, all hands prepare for entry into normal space.” The message repeated itself. Lafiel whispers into Jinto’s ear. “Finally freedom. I’ll talk with grandmother when we get to the Marquise home. This nonsense must end. Now.” He agrees. The last six days had really put a strain on their relationship. But on the other hand they had figured out a way to communicate without speaking. Something that would come in handy sooner than they thought. The docking with the station went of flawlessly. Jinto and Lafiel disembarked to the waiting embrace of Seelnay. “I’m sorry Your Highness. I could not finish it in time so I’ve come here to...” She stood speechless looking at Lafiel. She rubs her eyes and looks again. Then she moves closer to her. She looks Lafiel in the eye. Then gazes at her feet. She was wearing flat-soled shoes. “You’ve grown! It won’t fit now.” Lafiel suddenly shushes her. “We can talk later.” She looks at Jinto. “Why don’t you contact Ku and see what his plans are. I’ll head over to the Marquise home and contact grandmother. You can meet me there when you’re done.” Jinto nods he heads for the communication room.
Lafiel took Seelnay by the hand and lead her towards the Marquise home. “How much is completed?” Lafiel asks. Seelnay looks at her. “I have the top and bottoms done. I’ll need to extend the bottoms and refit the top. The rest should fit. It might be a little snug. I’ll just have to try it on you.” Lafiel says to her. “You have twenty four hours to accomplish this. I’ll need it for the party Jinto and I are going to.” Seelnay, always ready to please, accepted the challenge. They arrive at the residence.
*********
“Staying on the ship?” Ekuryua was in her cabin. Risch had just popped his head in she was still reading. ”Some of these lander tradition look like they are a lot of fun.” She looks up. “They’re safe. I need time to figure this out. Costumes, pranks and rules of conduct.” She sat there studying it all. “Well I’m going ashore and the balance of the crew has left. So if you need me call me.” She waves to him as he exits. Leaving the ship he spots Jinto. He was returning from the communications center. “Risch where is she?” He points to the ship. “I see. You want to go to the party? Three is an unlucky number.” Risch looks at him. “A party on the planet with all those strange and hostile people. I don’t think so. Thanks anyway.” Jinto stands there he was amazed by Risch’s answer. “You doing anything now?” Risch shook his head. Jinto grabs his arm. “We need to talk. You have some misconception about surface worlds that I need to remedy.” They walk towards the canteen. Several hours later they leave. Risch had agreed to go with him and Lafiel to the surface as Ekuryua’s escort. He was also aware of what the mode of dress was to be. He was looking forward to that as well. They parted company. Risch heads back to the ship and Jinto went to meet up with Lafiel.
*********
Arriving at the Marquise residence. Jinto was escorted to where Lafiel and Seelnay were. As he approached the door he could hear voices from inside. “It’s beautiful. Even if I say so myself.” Seelnay said. “You really think he’ll like it?” as if on cue. Jinto opens the door. What he saw took his breath away. His Princess of the Empire was dressed as an exotic harem girl. The pale blue outfit revealed more of Lafiel than he would like and the very sheer veil left him in awe. “You like it Jinto?” He just stood there frozen to the floor. She walks over to him. The outfit was like a second skin it left very little to the imagination. “Well how do I look? Is this enough skin for the surface?” She was less than three feet from him. All he could see was her she looked naked, but yet she was clothed. “Ah wow! It’s pretty revealing. Almost too revealing.” He was having trouble taking his eyes off her. It was getting difficult to think. The costume had a bewitching effect on him. “So it’s that good. Huh?” He nods. “Think they will notice me?” Again he nods. She looks at Seelnay. “Jet black hair or should I try something different.” Seelnay never got time to answer.Jinto was unconsciously drooling. Lafiel picks up on it. “Jinto. I’ve not seen this look before, even when I’m naked. Would you like to explain this to me?” Seelnay, sensing the conversation was heading in a direction, where there should be only two in the room, excused herself and closing the door behind her, she leaves.
Lafiel walks up to Jinto. He was in a daze. Removing the veil she kissed him and he nearly attacked her. She laced her fingers in his and flexed her wrist. The pain brought him around. “Ow! Lafiel what did I do?” She smiles. “It’s not what you did. It’s what you were thinking of doing.” He looks again. The pain had taken away the effect of the outfit. However she looked ravishing in it. It would definitely command attention at the party. In fact it might attract too much attention.
“Jinto I need to contact grandmother. Then Seelnay and I are going shopping. I need some new clothes. I’ll also drop off my formal outfits to be altered. Were you successful in contacting Ku?” Jinto nods. “I was. He is having a costume party on the thirty-first and the four of us are invited. I spoke with Risch. He has reluctantly agreed to come with us as Ekuryua’s escort.” Jinto smiles. “I told him everything that he needed to do before going to the planet. He wondered if Ekuryua would really go through it.” Lafiel chuckles. “Maybe I should get her when I go shopping. She will need a costume something fitting her character. I’m going to change. I believe Grandmother would have a fit if she saw me in this. I’ll talk to you before I leave and you can relax here while I’m gone. The Marquise has given us this entire wing for our use. The communications panel is over there. There are servants ready to help. So make yourself comfortable and I’ll be right back." She leaves the room. Jinto finds a large overstuffed chair and falls asleep in it.
*********
“Grandmother. May I ask a question?” Ramaj was sitting in her office at the Capital. Lafiel’s request to communicate with her came as a surprise. “Yes Lafiel what is it you wish to ask?” The display flickers. “Why did you order Ekuryua to spy on Jinto and myself?” Ramaj’s was surprised. “Spy on you? That’s pretty harsh. I asked her to watch over you and see no harm came to you.” Lafiel interrupts. “By any means necessary. I’ve seen the orders. She took it literally. She’s listened in on our conversations including in our private quarters. You need to modify those orders. Or I shall take steps to do it myself. I’m not a prisoner of the Empire. Or am I?” Lafiel had, had outburst before when she was growing up and Ramaj had always been able to side step them. This outburst was completely different. Lafiel had never implied anything bad about the Empire till her last statement. Ramaj knew she had to put an end to this now or risk losing Lafiel. She focused on Lafiel. “I’m sorry Lafiel. I will have the orders modified immediately. I hope no permanent discomfort came to you or Count Hyde over this matter. I wish I could talk with you longer but there are pressing matters I have to take care of. Again my darling and only granddaughter, I am truly sorry if my orders caused you any discomfort. I’ll contact you later when things calm down a bit Okay?” Lafiel stood there motionless. Ramaj had given in without much argument. Her comments weren’t that demanding. There must be something very important going on at the Capital. “Thank you grandmother. I will await you next communication.” Ramaj ended the call from her end. Lafiel stood looking at the blank display. Returning to the room she finds Jinto asleep. She leaves him a note and goes looking for Seelnay.
*********
“I’m sorry Your Highness. I never thought the outfit would cause such a stirring in a person. I’ll alter it right away.” Lafiel glares at her. “You’ll do no such thing! You lay one hand on that outfit and I’d do something you won’t like. You understand me. Seelnay?” She nods. The look on Lafiel’s face was scary enough. She was not going to tempt fate any further. I need to contact Captain Ekuryua. Then the three of us need to go shopping. The Captain is going to the party with us and she will need a costume. I have an idea of something that would fit her personality. She motions to Seelnay and whispers in her ear. Seelnay turns red, then starts to giggle. “Your Highness! I’d guess her at a size three. It’s a popular size what color are you thinking of?” Lafiel looks at her. “Something dark. A brown or black, her hair should be the same color. Don’t you think?” Seelnay ponders the situation. “I need to see her again. I’m not sure of her eye and skin color. We don’t want her looking like a ghost. Do we?” Lafiel lifted the creunoc to her lips. “Captain Ekuryua can you hear me?” The answer came almost immediately. “Lafiel. I was getting ready to call you. It seems my orders have been changed and I’d like to discuss them with you.” Lafiel smiles. In her thoughts she comments. “Thank you grandmother.” Then she says. “Noel can you meet me in the promenade across from the docking bay in about thirty minutes?” “That works for me. I’ll be there. Ekuryua out.”
“Seelnay. I need to gather my formal gowns. Then drop them off at the Marquise tailors. From there we will meet up with Captain Ekuryua. Then we are going shopping. I need some more everyday clothes. It seems I’ve out grown most of my wardrobe.” Seelnay was intrigued with this idea. She was going to help Lafiel pick out clothes and maybe later. She would be able to bathe her. Happy thoughts were flowing through Seelnay’s head. “Do we tell the Captain about her costume or do we just buy her one and surprise her with it?” Seelnay inquired. “Let’s play it by ear. But not let on as to what she’s getting. I figure she’ll be looking for something as well.”
Seelnay smiles. “Do you think she would be after the same type of outfit you’re thinking of Your Highness?” Lafiel gathering up her gowns heads for the door. “I don’t know Seelnay. It would be more than a coincidence if she did. You ready to go?” Seelnay walks towards the door. She’s thinking this is going to be more fun than it should be. A small smile creeps across her face. She shuts the door as they leave.
*********
They head for the tailor’s shop. It takes less time than Lafiel figured to be measured for the alterations. She and Seelnay have some extra time on their hands. They sit in the coffee shop cross from the gangway that leads to the docking bays. Lafiel asks Seelnay how the repair / fuel depot is doing. She answers that all is well. Seelnay also adds that Admiral Spoor is up and walking around the base. Her recovery is ahead of schedule. Lafiel is relieved to hear that news. “That nice young officer. Kufadis. I believe his name is. Has been constantly at the Admirals side since she arrived at the depot. They seem to be spending a lot of time together.” Lafiel was listening. “You don’t say Seelnay? Tell me more.” Seelnay went on about the modifications to Spoors ship. The walks they take around base. “I’ve seen them holding hands on occasion too.” Lafiel thought. “It’s about time you landed yourself a mate Painiach after you lost your first love. I figured you’d stay in solitude, it’s nice I was wrong this time.” “You’ll be able to see her when you come to the depot.” Seelnay stops. She looks at Lafiel. “You are coming to the depot aren’t you?” Lafiel assured her that they were going to come and Seelnay felt relieved. Glancing across the shop to the gangway, she spots Ekuryua. Standing and waving, she gets her attention and she joins them.
“Coffee black.” Ekuryua commands the vending unit. A fresh cup appears. She takes it and starts to drink it. ” I don’t know what you said to Ramaj. But I’ve been requested to refrain from monitoring you as closely as before. Fact of the matter is. You get to call the shots on what I do and don’t do.” She frowns. “She even requested if necessary. I let you have the center seat. That was not part of the deal Lafiel. I command the ship you are an ambassador.” Lafiel was surprised. It looks like Ramaj is upset about something. She really lowered the boom on Ekuryua. “It’s you ship and your command. Always has been. I don’t want the seat. You’re going to have to believe me on this one. We will just not comply with that request of Ramaj’s. Okay?”
Ekuryua sips her coffee. “She’s a witness. I’ll hold you to that.” Lafiel frowns. “Look Noel. You better start trusting us. I don’t know what’s gotten into you. But you need to change that attitude of yours and quickly.” Ekuryua smiles. “Had you going. Trick or treat!” Lafiel shook her head. “That’s not funny Noel. I’m not sure that’s how it works. We will ask Jinto after we get done shopping.” Ekuryua’s eyes lit up. “Shopping! That’s wonderful. I’ll need a costume.” She stops. “You know I’m going with you right?” Lafiel had this confused look on her face. “Costumes? I need some everyday clothes. You know I’ve outgrown everything I own.” Ekuryua’s heart drops. She went to leave. Lafiel grabs her jacket. “Gotcha!”
Seelnay sat there, knowing that neither one of them understood the meaning of phrase Trick or Treat. It looks like it was going to be up to her to explain to them the meaning of the holiday. “Sorry, you two have both missed the point.” Lafiel and Ekuryua both stare at her. She began to explain the history of the night before, all saints day. Lafiel was the first to grasp the meaning of the holiday. It took a little longer for Ekuryua to get the picture.
Since Abh’s don’t believe in religion Seelnay used the good versus evil approach. It took more time than she thought and it was getting late. The shops would soon close and they had not bought a thing. “We can continue this later. The stores are going to start closing soon. We really need to do some shopping.” Seelnay stood. Ekuryua and Lafiel followed her. They left the coffee shop and head for the general merchandise shop.
The first clothing store did not appeal to Lafiel. She did purchase a medium weight mid thigh jacket for those cooler evenings on the island. Walking into the next shop she stops. What greeted her were several manikins dressed in costumes of the holiday. Lafiel motioned to Seelnay when she got there. She whispers to her. “Look at the third one.” Seelnay looks. “It’s perfect. Get it in...” She pauses. “What do you think? The black or the dark blue?” Ekuryua had her back to them. Seelnay took a good long look. “The black Your Highness. It will go with any color hair and it will contrast with your costume.” Lafiel agrees. “Do it. I’ll keep her busy.”
Seelnay slips off. She told the sales clerk that they were getting the outfit as a surprise. But they needed to measure her without her knowing what it was for. The clerk told Seelnay to leave it to her. She walks over to Ekuryua. “Hello, miss. Can I help you?” Ekuryua turns around. “Well I was looking for something. But I’m not sure of what I want.” The clerk nods her head. “Well can I measure you? We have limited sizes here and if I know your size. I can direct you to outfits we have on hand.” The clerk and Ekuryua went to a dressing room. The clerk steps out. She motions to Seelnay. “Which outfit and what color?” She points to the third one and says. “Black.” The clerk nods. “Not a problem. We have several in that size and color.” Seelnay told her to box it separately and they would take it with them. Ekuryua came out of the fitting room. She starts looking around but she does not see anything she likes.
Lafiel, on the other hand had several outfits picked out, Long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless shirts and blouses long and short pairs pants and a new swimsuit. She was choosing personal garments when Ekuryua approached her. ”I’m not seeing anything here. I think I’ll go back to the ship.” Lafiel stops looking and turns towards her. “You and Risch will have dinner with us tonight at the Marquise residence. Casual dress.” Ekuryua looks at her. “Is this an order?” Lafiel turning back to the stack of garments says. “I’m not ordering you. But I want to impress upon you. I will be quite upset if you fail to show up Noel.” Ekuryua accepted. Lafiel told her dinner would be served at twenty one hundred hours sharp.
Ekuryua left the store and Lafiel finished her shopping. On their way back Lafiel asked Seelnay. “Do you think Ekuryua will be upset with my choice of a costume for her?” Seelnay smiles. “From what I’ve seen of her around the depot and what you have told me Your Highness. I believe you’ve bought the prefect costume for her and it’s as skimpy as yours is. You two will steal the party.” As Lafiel walks along she has another thought. “I wonder if we will start a riot at the party? Jinto said the more skin the better. So we should be fine.” They walk back to the residence.
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Continued in the next post