Chapter 11
Naughty Pleasures
On Devon's Find Kai spent some time looking in the ship's database for information on the Dug system. What she got was very sketchy. When the database was like that trouble was the usual result.
Kai left this until a few days before they were scheduled to depart for Adimshome. "Lori, can I talk to you in my cabin? Could you bring your holo crystals, if you don't mind?"
"Understood Captain."
"Thanks for doing this Lori. I don't think I'm ever going to be able to repay you for all your help."
"That is not necessary Captain."
Kai gives her a scowl.
"Sorry… Kai. It is… ingrained in me. As for repaying us you do not have to. We have to rely on each other to survive." She takes a seat by the desk.
"That's a nice scent you're wearing" Kai says.
Lori smiles as she sets up the holo display. "This is what I have on Dug. I think you will not like it. Dug is a shadow factory run by the Schunamann und Sohn Corporation. Ginshar does business with them."
Kai looks worried. "I don't want to know what drugs they make there, do I?"
"Then you do not want to hear that Murotsu and I have some of them with us."
"You know I use anagathics. Some of those were made there. They are not illegal but some places give you questionable looks if you use them. What Murotsu has you might not want to know about at all. I will leave it to you to decide."
Kai takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. "It's got to do with her, um… abilities right?"
"Yes Cap… Kai. Murotsu uses psi enhancers. They are part of her ability to do what she does. She does not use them all the time so she does not have a large quantity with her. They are illegal in the Imperium and many other places. They are not illegal anywhere we are going other than Duru Gialt. That world has strict laws on drugs because of Dug."
"Murotsu wants to get some of the ones she uses. We will keep them locked up since she does not regularly use them. I need to get the anagathics."
"You want me to buy drugs that are illegal?" Kai replies.
"No Captain, I do not." Lori clenches her fist and frowns.
"I need to buy more anagathics. My supply is getting low. Those are not illegal. Kasakabe wants to get psi enhancers. If you want to buy a cargo of something that is not illegal they will have a good selection to choose from. You would make a good profit."
Kai looks concerned. "Lori, you keep saying you need the anagathics like you're an addict."
"I am an addict. All Ginsharians are. I have been on them since I was chronologically fifteen. That was over thirty years ago. I did not plan on being away from Ginshar so long and my supply is running low. I needto get more."
"Please understand, I have no choice. Running out would result in a terrible withdrawal for me. I could die."
"I had no idea." Kai pats Lori's hand. "I won't stand in your way and Muro can get whatever it is she wants in psi drugs. If I can help in any way let me know okay? Just no Synphoria or stuff like that. It's bad enough you have some on the ship as it is."
Lori looks happier. "Agreed…Kai. I am sorry Murotsu and I cause so much trouble for you. You do not deserve it."
Kai looks at Lori in thought. "You're worth the trouble. Zan, Ikki, and me would all be in a Gazalan prison camp or dead now if it weren't for you and Muro. You, Lori Sixteen of Ginshar are worth the trouble. I have more reservations about Muro the killing machine…"
FTL to Dug
When Ikki discovers that Lori takes anagathics and is going to buy some on Dug she becomes intrigued with the idea you could stay young 'forever.' Zan takes an interest as they were something she had not seen, other than the briefest mention in a medical journal, when she was in medical school. They ask Lori if she would discuss this with them. Lori agrees.
In Zan's cabin Lori produces a small metallic case. "These are anagathics." She opens the case showing Zan and Ikki the contents. Inside are a number of small vials with a clear liquid inside packed in with a refrigerant that leaves small streams of steam coming off the contents.
Lori holds one up. "You take one vial a week orally. Once you start you have to take them for several months to have any real effect."
"So, you take a dose regularly and you stop aging?" Zan asks.
"Not entirely. You age very slowly."
"That is so kopa" Ikki says. "So if I take a dose for like a year I wouldn't get older?"
Lori looks very seriously at Ikki. "It is not that simple little sister. I started taking a reduced dose on Ginshar when I was chronologically fifteen. By sixteen I was on a full dose regimen. I have been ever since."
"So, you've been taking these for thirty years now?" Zan says.
"Yes. I have aged roughly three years in thirty."
Ikki stares at Lori.
Lori puts her hands on Ikki's cheeks and stares into her eyes. "It is not some miracle or kopa like you think."
"As a Ginsharian I have no choice. I am dependent on them like every Ginsharian is. I have to take them."
"You have a choice. If you really want to try them I will help you get the right ones. They will not change who you are. They do not change who I am."
"Aliens… Sorry, non-Ginsharians who take them think they will. They are wrong. I take them because they are part of who I am and part of what a Ginsharian is. Both of you have seen how difficult it can be for me away from Ginshar."
Lori looks on the verge of tears. "Why do you think we, Ginsharians, go to such lengths to avoid exposing our society to… Aliens? That is how I was trained to see anyone who is not part of Ginshar. We know how we get treated so we avoid outside contact. To me, you really are alien."
"You have seen it. I had no idea what a birthday was. I do not understand children, I do not understand the Captain's and Yuri's relationship, or what having parents is like. For me, your cultures really are alien."
"Is that really what you want for yourself?" Tears stream down her cheeks. "Think about it carefully, especially you Ikki."
"It sounds almost as if it's a curse" Zan replies.
"On Ginshar it is not. Everyone uses them so you do not stand out. Away from Ginshar, it becomes one more reason I am treated like a freak of nature. You are right Zan. Away from Ginshar it is a curse."
Ikki shrugs with a smile. "Wow, I never really thought about it until now. Having a big sister who is younger than me. But, I know you for who you are and not for the way you look. Those drugs will never change that. I love you just the way you are."
The Daichi Kaisu arrives at Duru Gialt. There are a few inter-planetary ships moving in the system along with several yachts and executive transports orbiting the planet.
Kasakabe repeatedly warns the crew, "No mention Dug. Dug bad news."
"They will inspect the ship for pharma" Lori tells Kai. "Mine and Murotsu's are taken care of by the diplomatic seals on our cases."
"You two sound worried about this" Kai says.
"We are" Lori replies. "Murotsu is going to be a problem because she is Ral Rantan. They will think a Ral Rantan is smuggling."
"What about you?"
"I will use my Ginsharian credentials. As a military officer they will leave me alone. They will know I have and use anagathics. Those are not illegal for personal use. At most they will check how many vials I have."
Half an hour after Zan transmits their arrival data Kai picks up a video feed on the comm system. "The Daichi Kaisu, the ship that rescued over four hundred refugees from the war torn world Pokhval'nyy is due to arrive here in the next few hours…"
Kai's shoulders slump. "Oh great, we're on the news feed..."
"Murotsu is going to throw a tantrum" Lori replies.
"She can hide in plain sight. What're you going to do Lori?"
"Enjoy the hot springs."
Kai nods. "You know what? I think I'll join you. I could really go for a really exclusive restaurant too."
"Understood. Recommend Oud Solaris."
Approaching the landing field they are directed to a pad for customs inspection. The pad is near a large building that is a combination passenger and freight terminal. Waiting on the pad is a ground vehicle. Four uniformed customs officials emerge as soon as the ship has set down.
"I see what you mean. They seem more concerned about customs than our flight path" Kai says.
Ikki opens the bottom hatch out of the plant, lowering a ladder, and immediately starts to hook up services to the ship. This brings the wrath of the customs officials who surround her at gun point. Kai is told by the officials someone was caught "…trying to escape the ship…" She sends Lori and Zan to straighten things out.
Zan makes reservations at a resort. After a short flight in the grav vehicles they arrive at it. Seeing the Isotta, several porters converge on them offering to unload and take their luggage inside. Zan picks two who accept reasonable compensation.
Ikki looks around as they enter the resort's lobby. She stares, mouth hanging open. "Captain, can we afford this?"
"Yes Ikki, we can" Kai replies. "Thank your sister and Kasakabe for that. They made us enough at Adimshome to more than pay for this."
The group crosses the immense lobby to the main desk. Zan and Kai make the arrangements. Kai turns to the group. "Everyone give me a sliver."
They head towards the grav pads that take guests to their room. The lobby is a lush tropical paradise several stories high. The sound of birds and animals, unseen, surround them and the air has the scent of exotic plants and flowers. The pad's railing rises up and it starts to ascend. As it rises they get a view of the lobby as if rising out of a tropical forest into the sky above.
Lori shuts her eyes, shuddering. "Outdoors, ugh."
Their suite is on the top floor. There is security on it to keep anyone but guests out. The suite is a two bedroom arrangement with a connecting common area that includes a table for dining as well as comfortable furnishings and all the amenities for keeping up with news, business, and personal affairs. The view from the balcony is one of alpine beauty. Light fog drifts past reflecting the light in ice crystals that cause it to sparkle.
"I got reservations for ski lessons in the morning" Zan says. "If we spend the day skiing, we'll be ready for the hot springs tomorrow afternoon."
All the color drains out of Lori's face. She stands petrified. "This is outdoors?"
"Yes, Lori, it's outdoors" Zan says. "I have vids of people doing it. I think for once you'll really want to try this activity. It's like flying on snow.
Zan puts vids up on a huge holo-projector. The people are near life-size. Lori watches intently looking like she does when she pilots. Kasakabe and Ikki look on.
"How fast are they going?" Lori asks.
"Maybe as much as one hundred kilometers an hour, but you'd have to be really good to go that fast." Zan says. "The people in these vids have a lot of practice too."
"I will go" Lori says in pilot voice, watching the vid intensely.
Kasakabe seconds that. "Go too. Scary dangerous. Like!"
Kai looks at Kasakabe. "You want to go because it's dangerous?"
"Hemat yea!" Kasakabe says.
"I want to see if I can pilot a little board on my feet like in the vids" Lori says.
The next morning after a leisurely breakfast, Lori and Ikki getting theirs in bed served by Kai, everyone goes to where ski lessons are being held. They receive a couple of hours of instruction. Lori is an excellent student. She masters how to ski once she is shown in detail how to do it.
Kai, Ikki, and Zan all have trouble. They are like most of the guests. Kasakabe proves a natural. With her superior athletic ability she quickly masters the techniques.
They try out the "beginner" slopes. Lori and Kasakabe leave the others to go on something more challenging.
Zan, gliding slowly downhill, sees Lori and Kasakabe in the distance heading down a much steeper slope at high speed. She points at them. "Look!"
On another slope Kasakabe takes a fall and tumbles hard.
Lori stops and heads back to her. "Are you damaged?"
Murotsu is sitting in the snow with a dislocated ankle. "Be okay minute. No one watch?"
Lori looks around. "You are clear. No one is watching."
" 'kay." Murotsu closes her eyes and holds her ankle. After a minute of massage it is healed.
"Are you repaired?" Lori asks.
"Most, not all. Quit for day."
Murotsu and Lori return by late afternoon.
Kai sums the day as they head for their suite. "We didn't succeed at skiing so much as we survived. I think we're ready for a soak in the hot springs."
Zan turns on a vid feed to see the news. A story comes on about the assassination. "…rumored to be the target of numerous assassination attempts… Decius D'Albernon died of coronary failure. Medical experts say his death was from natural causes…" Zan stares at the vid.
They head to the resort's hot springs.
"Oh, look! A mixed gender section" Ikki says, pointing at a sign.
"That sounds interesting" Lori adds.
"There's no way I'm going to be naked in front of men" Zan replies.
Kai looks sternly at Ikki and Lori. "The women's section."
Ikki heads off to use the bathroom while the others go to the changing room.
Kai notices something on Lori's lower back that looks like a tattoo. "Lori? Do you have a tattoo?" She points at the markings.
Zan freezes.
Lori stops putting her clothes in the basket in front of her. She looks at the floor. "It is not a tattoo. It is my manufacturing data code and serial number."
"Oh…"
Kai and Zan exchange awkward looks. Kai can see in Zan's eyes that she knew about this. A sharp tinge of pain runs up her back.
Lori restarts the conversation. "Zan, I bet this is the first time you have seen Murotsu without a weapon on her."
"She's got a blade in that towel somewhere" Zan replies, eying Murotsu.
Lori reaches into the basket with her things and produces a piece of currency. "Five on it? I understand wagers."
Lori lunges toward Kasakabe. Zan follows her lead. Kasakabe twirls away.
Ikki walks in and with Kai watches them struggle. This goes on for a minute or so before Lori gets the towel, finding a dagger in it.
Frowning, she hands the bill to Zan. "You win."
Everyone starts laughing.
"See! I knew she had one." Zan says.
Handing the towel and dagger to Kasakabe, Lori grabs Ikki's hand. "Let us get in the hot spring. You will love it."
They proceed to the female hot springs. After getting in Ikki starts squirting Lori, then Kasakabe with water she squeezes between her boobs. This starts a water fight of splashing between them. Zan and Kai try hard to stay out of the fray.
It does not take long for the resort staff to show up. "I'm sorry, but this sort of thing is unacceptable" the matron says.
Murotsu steps forward and hands the hotel employee a light sliver. The female staffer looks at it and the room pass Murotsu is holding.
"Oh, my. Pardon my intrusion. If you'll follow me I can place you in a private bath and you can enjoy yourselves however you might like."
Once in the private bath Zan and Kai take up one end of the pool.
"Take your fun to the other end" Kai says.
Ikki, Kasakabe, and Lori engage in a soaking water fight contest involving lots of laughter, screams, and pretend threats.
Lori joins Kai and Zan while Ikki and Kasakabe go at it with endless energy.
Lori looks at Kai. "Is this wonderful?"
Kai smiles laying her head back, eyes closed. "You know Lori, after all we've been through you're so right."
"What about you Zan?"
"It almost makes the terror of Pokhval'nyy, or escaping the Maskai, and all the horror we've seen in between seem a lifetime away."
Lori embraces both of them. "Welcome sisters."
They look at Lori in confusion.
"You are now veterans of war like I am. It is a unique club that requires you engage in and survive combat. You are now members. Ikki is too although she does not know it. We are a special group of people who have looked death in the face and are no longer afraid of it.
Kasakabe and I did that long ago. Now you have too."
Ikki and Kasakabe are at the other end of the pool trying to drown each other amid screams and laughter.
Kai sits up staring at Lori.
Zan's face lights up. "I never thought about it until now. You're absolutely right Lori. We have been brought together through all the trials and conflict we've gone through. Gazala, Shinan, the Maskai, Pokhval'nyy, even that incident with Captain Tarantella. Through all of it we've become a family just like you said. You know what? Now that I think about it, I hope we always stay together as a family."
The splash fight takes them by surprise. Lori, Kai, and Zan join in as Ikki and Kasakabe drench them in hot water…
Returning to their suite Kai finds a small envelope with a message from the hotel desk on a table just inside the door. Opening it she gets a big smile. "We got reservations for Oud Solaris tomorrow. It's supposed to be one of the finest restaurants in the universe. Isn't that wonderful?"
Lori closes her eyes and shivers.
Zan's face lights up. "That's incredible Captain! That's supposed to be the most exclusive and finest restaurant in the whole sector. I was reading up on it. The food's supposed to be absolutely incredible and the chef prepares each person's meal especially for them. It's said no two meals are alike, and the service is impeccable."
Ikki chews on her lip. "So, it's like a really kopa restaurant?"
"Kopa?" Zan replies. "This is a once in a lifetime thing and we get to experience it."
Kasakabe stands head down, arms crossed. "Mean dress up. Manner. All that?"
"I never expected you to actually get reservations" Lori says.
"It sounds like you two don't want to go" Kai replies.
"Of course I will go Captain. I had etiquette training as part of my… that… modifications." Lori looks as if she has just eaten a bug despite the perky tone of her response.
"I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."
Ikki looks like she's going to cry. "That means we have to dress up to go doesn't it?"
"Yes" Zan says. "Ikki, don't worry, you have several outfits now that will do nicely. We can help pick out one for you."
Zan looks at Lori. "You need to wear a dress too, understood?"
They head for Oud Solaris. The restaurant is perched on a cliff edge overlooking a pristine valley and the view is incredible. Lori heads the air raft for the sky park beside it.
As they enter the maître d' intercepts them. "Ah, Captain Kai Lei Hao. And this would be the crew of your ship the Daichi Kaisu. Let me see. Doctor Itzanahohk'u, your First Officer, Kyllikki Leppällä, Chief Engineer, Kapitan Lori-Sixteen of the Ginsharian Navy, and hiding in back (as he smiles at her) Boss Lady Murotsu Kasakabe. Right this way please."
Lori and Murotsu exchange looks.
As they start towards the dining area another server comes up to Kasakabe. "Boss Lady, if you wish to disarm before dinner we will ensure your safety and return everything when you leave."
Kasakabe looks at the others, Lori in particular.
"No weapon meal" Lori says.
Kai gets a malicious grin. "That is your rule."
Kasakabe, grudgingly, piles a huge assortment of weapons on the tray. It catches Zan's attention that the server doesn't seem surprised by the arsenal Kasakabe has on her.
They are seated with five other guests at one of the three large tables in the restaurant.
The maître d' says, "Please, feel free to get acquainted. It is all part of the dining experience.
Drinks and aperitifs will be along shortly. Enjoy your evening."
Murotsu and Lori exchange their 'look' again.
Muro leans over near Kai. "Psi."
Zan strains to hear what Kasakabe says. Espers? That explains why there's no menu.
Waiting on service to begin, introductions are made. There are three men and two women besides the crew.
Two are a celebrity couple famous within the sector for their acting skills. Glamorous and haughty, they seem more into each other than the other guests.
There is a second couple. He kisses her cheek, stands, and bows. "Onge Puranga and this is my wife Aielpata. We are the rulers of Testament, about forty light years from here. This gentleman is Endo Savign. We are doing business with him while on vacation.
Endo rises nodding. "Endo Savign, Kasasha International. It's my pleasure to meet you."
Aielpata looks at Kasakabe. "That's a Shau Pol isn't it? I just love Shau Pol outfits. Their red is the best. It absolutely looks ablaze. I've always loved that look..."
Onge asks, "Bir Ral Ranta qubilu var klan?" (Are you with a Ral Ranta clan?)
Kasakabe eyes him through slits for a moment. "Beli. Män Ral Ranta vä Owato Klan ilä Durne ediräm ücsün dava?" (Yes. I'm Ral Rantan and with the Owato Clan of Durne you making something of it?)
Onge smiles smugly and nods.
Mr. Savign sits eying Lori. He smiles shaking a finger at her. "I recognize you. Ginsharian right? You certainly look familiar. You're definitely someone I'd remember as beautiful as you are."
Zan cringes as a shiver goes up her back. She starts to shrink down into her chair.
Lori smiles demurely. "I have been to Kasasha once but not recently. Maybe you saw me when I was there."
"No, it was recent, just a few months ago I'd say."
"It has been several years since I was there. You must be mistaking me for someone else. After all, I would have been barely in my teens."
"You're probably right. You are Ginsharian aren't you?"
Lori hesitates. "Yes, I am Ginsharian. I am Captain Hao's pilot."
Mr. Savign claps his hands. "Ah! That would explain your escape then."
He looks around the table. "As you might be aware, my world uses Ginsharians for our defense force. Not a better mercenary military within several sectors."
"So, I take it that you regularly interact with Ginsharians then?" Kai asks.
"No, not really" Mr. Savign replies. "The Ginsharians are reclusive. They stay in their own secure compound on Kasasha. You always seem to meet the same ones. But, when it comes to a military they're the best money can buy. That is, if you can afford them."
"Captain Hao, could you regale us with details of your escape from Pokhval'nyy" Onge asks.
This gets the attention of the celebrities.
The drinks, aperitifs, and appetizers begin to arrive as Kai starts her story. The food looks perfect for the occasion. The wait staff picks up Kasakabe's dinnerware and places a pair of kuazi and a big pointed knife by her plate. With Ikki and the celebrities they scoop up most of the service leaving them with the minimum they need. They scoop up all of Lori's setting leaving her with an odd looking fork.
"Of course," Kai says. "I'd be happy to. We entered the system…"
As the food comes out the meals are radically different for each person.
Zan's is vegetarian, elaborately prepared and displayed in a stunning visual manner. She closes her eyes savoring the aroma.
Kasakabe's meal looks like the chef slaughtered some animal and pulled vegetables straight out of the ground to go with it. The plate sizzles as the server sets it down. It is so hot and spicy that everyone catches a hint of it. Kasakabe uses the knife to stab a chunk of meat and tear into it.
"Barbarian" Zan mutters.
Kai's meal is elaborate. Zan recognizes the dishes as expensive and difficult to prepare ones served on formal occasions to Imperial nobility.
Everyone takes an interest in Lori's meal. Hers is on a square mirrored metal tray. It consists of bite sized, colorful, cubes arranged geometrically. Lori carefully picks each one, seemingly at random. With some she squirms and starts giggling as she eats it.
The desert course comes out.
Ikki squeals in delight. "Lori, look, chocolate!" It is on the same sort of tray Lori's meal was on.
The waiters begin setting small glasses of liquor in front of everyone at the table. They tell the guests that it is od su, a Ral Rantan drink.
Kasakabe stands. She raises her glass above her head at arm's length and indicates everyone else should too…or else.
"Bir Scerefli ölüm!" (To a glorious death.). Kasakabe downs her glass.
It gets the attention of everyone in the restaurant.
With the exception of Lori and the Puranga's they start coughing and gasping at the strength of the liquor.
Kasakabe laughs. "Daha sox!" (more!).
The servers pour another round.
Kasakabe has someone else make a toast which Onge Puranga obligingly does. "Victory or death!"
As the Daichi Kaisu arrived at Duru Gialt Sir Jiayi's fast transport made port at Likhap. The Imperial intelligence officers make scans of the information banks and news feeds for possible leads on Kai and her ship. It did not take long to find her.
The senior intelligence officer aboard rushes to Sir Jiayi's stateroom. "Sir, we found this on the news feed." He hands Jiayi a perscomm.
Sir Jiayi watches several versions of the same story. "The Ling Standard Products ship Daichi Kaisu commanded by Captain Kai Hao made a daring rescue of over three hundred refugees from the war torn world of Pokhval'nyy…"
Jiayi smiles to himself. "So granddaughter this is what you've been up to is it? Now how did you manage to run a naval blockade in that little, slow merchant ship of yours? It seems my granddaughter is a heroine now."
"Yes sir, she certainly is."
Jiayi nods. "We were mistaken in our assessment of where she'd go. She went through the Maskai Empire after all. That means she stopped at Shugaadu. Ling has a major trade station there. They'd have had to meet with her. Where would you estimate them to be now?"
"Our guess is they're at Duru Gialt or Arshur. They might have made Starbridge" the Intelligence Officer replies. "Given that they are going to Durne that's about the only direct route a ship with a fifteen light year drive could take."
"Very well. Tell the Captain to get underway as soon as possible for Shugaadu. We need to find out what the trade station manager knows about them."
"Very good sir." The Intelligence Officer bows, exiting the stateroom.
Right after the Daichi Kaisu went FTL Kai relieved Lori as pilot. "Lori, there's something I wanted to ask you about, but not in front of the crew. At Oud Solaris, how did that guy Endo… the business man… know you…?"
"Ginshar provides the military force that defends Kasasha. That is the world your pistol came from. I commanded a system defense boat there six years ago. Captain… Kai… I could not say that to him. I look nineteen. You know why."
Kai nods. "You're right. Sometimes it's hard to grasp how your society works."
"Even with my modifications to deal with Aliens… Sorry, that is too much weird again…"
"You really do see us as Aliens don't you?" Kai asks.
"Yes, I do." Lori looks away from Kai at the deck. "What I was going to say is that my… training and modifications are severely lacking when it comes to dealing with you. It is something I will have to bring up when I get home. I will be seen as an unusual case requiring special study as it is very rare for any Ginsharian to be in prolonged contact with Aliens sorry, non-Ginsharians, like I have with all of you."
"But you're Humanitii like me…" Kai starts to say.
"Ginshar is as alien a culture and society to you as the Imperium or Vilani are to me. I had to be extensively modified and trained to function in an Alien society at all. I still have difficulties with it. That is why I hid my background at first. I am programmed to do that…"
"Even when you don't say it I can hear it in your voice" Kai says. "That urge you have to call me Captain. I'm finally grasping just how… purpose built you really are. You're also right. In many ways we are aliens to each other. But, I think what's important isn't our differences but how we've come together as a crew, a family, and work together."
"We accept you and the silly stuff you do. We put up with Kasakabe. If you missed it, and I doubt you did, Zan and I have stopped bothering you about your…"
"Clothes" Lori says smiling.
"See! That's the Lori-Sixteen I've come to know and respect as a good friend, the best pilot in the universe, and whether you accept it or not the best First Officer I could ever ask for."
Lori looks at her with a phony sneer. "I am not First Officer. Friend and pilot."
She leans towards Kai. "Do not repeat that, understood? I would be considered defective and have to undergo modification to fix that if Ginshar found out." Lori holds up her hands. "Do not ask. It is more weird."
Kai changes the subject. "Oh, everyone is bugging me to find out if you have any Ginsharian food aboard. Ikki and Zan want to try some and I'll admit I'm curious too."
"Yes, I have some food packs in one of our cases. We can have them for dinner tonight. Kasakabe will not eat them so Zan will have to fix something for her."
Lori, off watch, finds Zan and gives her several food packs. "They are similar to what I had at Oud Solaris."
Zan is looking at one of the yellow metal foil packages covered on one side with numbers. "I really look forward to trying Ginsharian food. So, how do you tell what's in one of these?"
Lori points at the numbers. "The contents are listed there. That is meal pack Two-C-Four. You might be less enthused Zan. These are military rations and not as good as what I had at Oud Solaris. Kasakabe says they taste awful and will not eat them. Understood?"
"Kasakabe has no taste buds" Zan replies. "So all of those numbers are Ginsharian writing?"
"Yes. Ginsharian is an octal numeric language."
At dinner Zan, Ikki, and Kai all try one of Lori's meal packs. Lori has one with them. They have much the same reaction Lori did at Oud Solaris.
Zan closes her eyes as she leaves a cube in her mouth. "These are absolutely amazing Lori. They taste unlike anything I've ever eaten."
Ikki is gobbling hers down. "Can I get more Lori? These are like ultra-Kopa."
Kasakabe looks at them with a sneer over her plate of spicy noodles and meat.
Lori, Zan, and Kai meet over what to expect in the next system. Lori has her holo-crystals out. "The Arshur system has six planets. All are barren rocks except Arshur."
A view of the system floats between them.
"Arshur is ruled by King Aizhan Temirzhan" Lori says. "He is popular with his people because he is able to extort considerable wealth from ships that pass through his system. His 'fees' for fuel border on robbery. He has a large military and guards the points where we might fuel closely. Longer legged ships avoid him but any ship not capable of a 25 light year jump is at his mercy."
"So, we are too?" Kai replies.
"Maybe, maybe not" Lori says.
Zan sighs heavily. "Are you saying we assassinate him too?"
"We could but it would not solve our problem. He is popular" Lori replies.
Zan leans back in relief.
"Then what do you suggest?" Kai asks.
"We try a combination of a reasonable offer backed by a real threat to get us a deal we can accept."
"What kind of deal did you have in mind?" Kai asks.
"We offer him some of the pharma. Either something in cargo, or something Murotsu and I have."
"And if he says no?" Kai asks.
"Then we turn Murotsu lose on him" Lori says. "Kill a high ranked minister or other official close to the King."
"I'm not sure I'm completely comfortable with that plan" Kai replies. "Yes, I understand that we have to refuel and this guy is a serious punji, but I don't have to like it."
The meeting breaks up without a decision being made.
The Daichi Kaisu arrives on the FTL event horizon for Arshur. As they approach the planet Kai and Lori watch two ships they detected in orbit on the sensors. One is a far trader similar in size to the Daichi Kaisu. The other is a merchant ship four hundred tons in size. There is comm traffic going on between them.
"They are discussing us" Lori says. "Recommend quarters and manning our weapons."
Kai slumps in her chair. "Great. I suppose we'll have to defend ourselves. I guess we should announce ourselves to them and see what's up first."
"LSP 25147 Daichi Kaisu, KKQM arriving Arshur from Duru Gialt to ships in the Arshur system please respond" Kai calls.
A few minutes later the far trader Handel's Shamrock and packet freighter Poseidon Star V respond to Kai's signal. Captain Sölders of the Poseidon Star V offers to have Kai and the Captain of Handel's Shamrock meet on his ship to discuss the situation. "I'll send our gig to pick you up."
"I'll take Kasakabe with me just in case" Kai says. "Lori, Zan stay on the bridge and listen in on the comm. Ikki, get the laser turrets ready."
Aboard the Poseidon Star V Kai, is taken to a lounge. After introductions, Kai points out Kasakabe to them. "This is my security officer, Kasakabe."
"Oh, yes, I almost didn't notice you there" Captain Sölders says.
Kai gives Kasakabe an 'I know what you are doing' look that gets her a sly smile.
"A female security officer. How unusual" Captain Handel says.
"If you didn't know, you soon will" Captain Sölders says. "King Temirzhan, the ruler here, wants over ten times the usual price for fuel and most or all of your cargo in trade. I've been here almost two weeks negotiating with him. Captain Handel arrived four days ago and hasn't had any better luck than me."
"I can't afford his prices" Captain Handel says.
Kai sits looking bored. She checks her manicure drumming the table they are sitting at with her fingers. "I was aware of what to expect before I arrived. I'm going to offer him a reasonable deal, much less than he wants and if he refuses then my security officer is going to go down there and make him reconsider." She leans forward, resting her chin on her hands, giving them an evil smile.
The other Captains start laughing.
"Do you really think that you can send one person down there and make any difference?" Captain Sölders asks.
"If I let Kasakabe go right here, right now, she'll kill both of you and your entire crew Captain Sölders." Kai stares at them through slits. "There is absolutely nothing you can do to stop her either."
Kasakabe pulls out her blades. "Gun man have, gun Handel have useless. Die Boss Lady say." She whips around in a lighting fast move slicing a metal water pitcher sitting on the sidebar next to her in half spilling its contents.
"Basc bildirib ki. Hami ölüi." (That will happen to you if I am told to. Everybody dies.)
"Whoa!" Captain Sölders says as the color drains from his face.
Captain Handel's eyes get wide. "Meji, a Ral Rantan."
"She's one serious fay'u and so am I" Kai says. "I'll offer Temirzhan a fair deal, or I'll offer his successor one. I'm not your average far trader Captain and my crew isn't either. I work for Ling Corporation. This guy better make a deal with me or he's yesterday's pet food. If I can swing a deal for the two of you along the way I will."
"So, what can we do to make that a three way deal and we all get refueled, if I might ask?" Captain Handel says.
"Maybe we can make a package deal. What do you have in cargo and money you can afford to offer him?" Kai replies.
They tell Kai what they think they can offer.
Kai gets up. "I'll call Temirzhan and set up a meeting. We'll see where this goes from there. Let's go Kasakabe. Oh, sorry about the pitcher…"
It takes Kai and Lori several hours to make contact with the Arshur government. There is only one radio station on the planet capable of transmitting and receiving to orbit. Contact is limited to a few minutes per orbit.
"He did that on purpose" Lori says. "It draws out negotiations. He hopes to run us out of fuel and force a deal in his favor."
"I've told Ikki to minimize power use, but you're right we have to move on this quickly or we'll run out of fuel" Kai replies.
"I can hold position on the station but it will take more fuel to do that" Lori replies.
"Let's do it" Kai orders.
With contact established the government representative stalls.
Kai's patience wears thin after nearly an hour of talk. "I'm coming down there. You better have someone I can talk to."
"I can't guarantee your safety" the man talking to her says. "The air defenses haven't been notified. You could be killed."
Kai starts laughing. "You really think those antiquated defenses you have can stop me? Good luck little man. I'm coming down and you better have a very cordial reception waiting when I get there. Oh, I am so…" Kai pounds her fist on the console.
The crew comes to the cargo bay to see them off.
"The ship's on autopilot. Just keep it orbiting until we get back" Kai says. "Zan, you or Ikki stay on the bridge okay?
Kasakabe looks at them. "Take hostage, hurt, all die."
Ikki depressurizes the cargo bay and opens the loading ramp. Lori moves the Isotta out of the ship. The cargo bay ramp begins to close behind them. They pass in front of the bridge waving to Ikki and Zan then head for the planet's surface.
Lori helps Kai turn on and use the sensor equipment installed in the vehicle. "That one will let you know if we are being tracked. Match the tracking signal then press this button. That will jam whatever they are using completely as long as it is not high tech."
They descend to five kilometers entering a cloud layer. Lori maintains height just below it heading to the station.
"I'm getting several tracking signals now." Kai says.
"Match each one and jam it like I showed you" Lori replies.
Spectacular ribbons of tracers arc gracefully up and larger shells puff deadly black clouds. The fire is erratic and wildly aimed.
Lori points towards several small specks in the distance. "Interceptor aircraft."
Below is an urban landscape. Lori dives the gravcoupe below the building line leaving the antiaircraft guns nothing to fire at. She skims at high speed towards the signal site a meter or two above the vehicles on the narrow streets below.
Kai cringes, checking her safety harness.
People on the streets look up as the gravcoupe howls past at over six hundred kph a few meters above their heads. Lori flies through wires between the buildings resulting in a shower of sparks as they get torn out. In their wake a whirlwind of debris, paper, and other detritus swirls wildly in the air. She blows the windows out of some of the ground vehicles and buildings as the wake of the gravcoupe passes.
Reaching the coordinates of the radio transmission Lori pops the gravcoupe up over a row of large, ornate, stone buildings and into an open cobble stoned plaza. It is decorated with statues, flags, and a large fountain.
On the ground below people and soldiers are running in every direction. The rooftop air defenses visible can't bring their weapons to bear on the coupe. Lori zooms the gravcoupe up to what looks like the primary building, from its size and decoration, landing at the base of the steps in front.
"Looks like we made quite an entry" Kai says.
"I hope they do not start shooting at us" Lori replies, looking out at the soldiers running towards the vehicle.
A group of well-dressed men approach from the building. A circle of soldiers forms around the coupe, their weapons pointed at it.
"I guess we should get out" Kai says.
Lori giggles.
Kai's shoulders slump. "Don't start, please…"
They get out of the vehicle. Lori gets the attention of the soldiers with her polychromatic body suit and long near white hair.
Kai puts her hands up. "I'm Captain Kai Hao of the Ling Standard Products starship Daichi Kaisu. Who's in charge here?"
"I am." A man with graying hair in an expensive suit pushes through the throng of soldiers. A delegation of executives and uniformed officers follow him.
"I'm Captain Kai Hao. Are you the gentleman I spoke with on the... Radio?"
"Yes, I am."
"Not exactly a cordial reception you gave us."
"I'm surprised you made it."
"I'm not. Your defenses aren't that good and my pilot is."
He looks angry. "I could have you arrested and imprisoned."
"You'd have to deal with the consequences of that. Wouldn't it be better to hear what I have to offer first?"
"Nice vehicle. You can easily afford our prices."
"It's not on the table, and you can't afford what we're capable of if you continue to try extortion" Kai says.
That gets her a raised eyebrow. "You're just another puny merchant ship like the others. You have nothing to negotiate with."
"Ral Ranta!" Lori taps the top of the coupe loudly. "Tihlükisizlik Ral Ranta. Ling böyük oyuncsu. Ölüler hesc bir scey itmik. (Our security is Ral Rantan. Ling is big time player. You are good as dead if you make no deal. ) She stares defiantly at the man.
An officer behind him hands him a bulky perscomm. He looks at it for a moment and goes pale.
Lori shrugs. "Boss Lady? Leave?"
"Yes, this is a waste of time" Kai sneers. "So, are you going to be stupid and try and stop us from leaving too?
We'll get our fuel for free. That's what I get for trying to be nice."
"Wait!" the man says. "I was being hasty and abrupt with you. Maybe we can still make a deal."
"Fine" Kai replies. "If this nonsense is done and we aren't making it here in the middle of the public square maybe we can be civilized and do business."
"Majoor! Set a guard on their vehicle. Captain, come with me. I'll see what can be arranged."
"You never said exactly who you are."
"No, I didn't." He looks at Lori who is following Kai.
"She's coming too" Kai growls.
He shrugs and they head into the building.
Entering an ornate conference room the man invites Kai and Lori to sit down. He along with one of the other suited men seat themselves.
"So, here we are. Let's hear this wonderful offer you have" he says.
Kai slides a perscomm to him. "That's a list of the SuSAG pharma I'm currently carrying. You can choose three tons in exchange for fueling all three ships."
The man starts to laugh.
Lori cuts him off. "Give three thousand tab Synphoria, three hundred Eupherea."
He looks confused. "What are those? I've never heard of them."
Kai looks at Lori.
Lori produces a small vial. Taking two small tablets from it she gives one to each of the men. "Synphoria. Calalli pleasure drug in 'verse. None better. Take. Like."
Lori places a tab in her mouth indicating the men should do the same.
"That's incredible" the head man says. "How long does the effect last?"
"Few hour" Lori replies.
"Eupherea ultra sex drug. Irresistible take." Lori blows a kiss to both men who look like they just orgasmed. "Three kilo Synphoria, three hundred Eupherea thirty sliver. Fuel ship no question."
"Let me check with my superiors." The man has a silly grin on his face as he gets up. "Wait here."
Kai watches remaining agent having increasing difficulty not acting out sexually towards her and Lori. Lori is doing little to discourage him.
After several minutes the man returns. "My superiors have discussed your offer. Both for fueling…"
Kai slams her fist on the table "Just who in the hemat do you think you're dealing with here?" She jumps to her feet. "Ling Standard Products is the biggest corporation in the universe! We could buy your planet a thousand times over! Do you really think you can sit there and insult one of their starship captains with a deal like that?"
The men sit with a silly smiles their faces staring at Kai's bust.
A new man enters the room. He looks at the two agents sitting at the table and shakes his head. "We will take the second offer Captain. I apologize for the confusion. It seems our negotiators are not themselves at the moment."
He hands Kai a sheet of paper. "Here are the coordinates you can refuel at. We will take payment at the point of sale tomorrow."
Two guards enter the conference room. "Escort our guests back to their vehicle." The guards salute.
Once they are in the gravcoupe Kai turns to Lori. "Are you okay to fly after taking that drug?"
Lori laughs. "I took a reduced version that has only limited effect. We…Ginsharians… not you Aliens… take it when we are feeling bad or want more pleasurable… understood? I gave them the full effect pills."
Kai shakes her head. "I should have known."
Lori continues to giggle. "Sorry, cannot completely control that. Kai? You did great." Lori tries to suppress more giggling. "Sorry. You really did though."
"Actually, that means a lot coming from you. Thank you for your confidence in me."
"We are even now, partner. Even if you are an Alien." Lori laughs. "Sorry. Where are my manners?" She giggles. "I have more if you want to try it."
"No, I think I'll pass. One of us has to pilot the ship."
Landing in the cargo bay, Kai and Lori sit waiting for Ikki to close the ramp and pressurize the bay. Lori giggles and laughs at everything interspersed with lots of "Sorry…"
Kai pushes Lori back when she tries to hug and kiss her. "How long will this drug effect you?"
"Another hour or two."
Kai rolls her eyes. "Wonderful."
"Yes, it is!" Lori lunges over to hug Kai.
Kai gently pries her off.
Zan, Ikki, and Kasakabe come into the bay as Kai and Lori emerge from the coupe.
"Muro!" Lori cries. She runs over hugging and kissing her.
"Lori are you going to be okay?" Ikki asks.
"Okay? I feel wonderful." Lori peels off Muro and nearly knocks Ikki off her feet grabbing her in a hug, planting a kiss squarely on her mouth with lots of tongue. "I love you little sister."
Kasakabe grabs Lori pulling her off Ikki. "Come you. Go cabin. Have fun."
"Fun!" Lori starts laughing again. "Bye!" Lori is laughing and waving at the others as they watch Kasakabe carry her off over her shoulder.
"So, how did it go or should I even ask?" Zan says.
"We got a deal" Kai says. "We need to call the other ships and let them know what's going on. Ikki get things ready to refuel from an ocean."
The next morning, the ships form up into a wedge for movement to the refueling coordinates. Kai has Zan fly the Isotta with Kasakabe down separately. They leave an hour before the ships.
As the ships begin re-entry, Zan calls. "Captain, Murotsu has detected a dozen large cannons covering the landing site. They're well camouflaged. What should we do?"
"What do you think Lori?" Kai asks. "Is it safe for us to land and refuel?"
"Recommend Murotsu take out these two positions." Lori points at the ones she means on Kai's holo-display. "Those control the guns."
"Okay then. Zan, have Murotsu take out the two positions I've indicated. Lori says to make them comm active."
The ships arrive at the refueling coordinates. It is a wide flat beach on one of Arshur's oceans. Inland a short distance is a paved road. The area behind it is forested.
Zan calls the Daichi Kaisu as they are setting down. "Murotsu says the targets are eliminated. She says she set up some sort of dummy communications so the guns don't know their observers are gone."
With the ships down the crews set about refueling.
Kai sits on the bridge with the payment waiting for Arshur's representatives to show up.
A convoy of vehicles, with a military escort, approach. Their appearance sets off a panic with the other Captains.
"It's the government coming for payment" Kai says. "I'll take care of it. But, just to be safe if you have crew to man your ship's weapons bring them online and cover that convoy."
Kai leaves her ship and heads up to the road as the convoy comes to a halt. A delegation heads towards the beach. They meet on the edge of it. Among the party are a man in a sleek suit and an elegant young woman wearing what Kai recognizes as a jeweled Shau Pol dress.
One of the delegation bows with a sweeping gesture. "May I present his Royal Highness King Temirzhan of Arshur and his daughter Princess Baysan.
The King is the man she made the deal with the previous day. Kai Bows deeply. "Welcome your Highness. Your presence graces us. I have the agreed payment here."
King Temirzhan walks over to Kai. "Walk with me Captain. You can leave the payment with my vizier. We are sure all is in order with it."
Kai and the King walk down the beach.
Out of earshot of the others he stops and looks at Kai. "I'd like to change the deal. Before you reply, please hear me out."
Kai nods slightly.
"It's nice that you understand protocol with nobility" the King says.
"I should your Highness. My family are Imperial nobles."
The King looks at her in shock. "I had no idea. That makes me all the more determined to press my offer to you then."
Kai struggles to hide her response.
"When I heard of your exploits yesterday it occurred to me that you might be the perfect ship's Captain to take care of a matter I've had on my mind for some time. That is why I chose to meet you yesterday, and today. Finding that you are from a family with noble blood only cements my belief that I was right in coming here."
"As you might not be aware, I have considerable artillery assets covering your landing site. Consider these an added incentive to agree to my offer."
Kai stares hard at him. "Your Highness, the men directing those guns are dead. My security saw to that. I'm feeding them false information and can easily tell them to open fire on your convoy. If you don't believe me, here…"
She hands him a perscomm she pulls from a pocket.
The King goes pale. "Then what you said yesterday was no idle threat or bluff was it? It seems we are at your mercy. Please hear me out, as a father, not a King."
He sounds almost as if he is pleading. "A father?"
"Yes. It pains me to say this but my daughter, Princess Baysan, is not fit to hold her title. She is a snotty brat and I have failed to properly raise her. While her brother is to inherit the crown she is an embarrassment to our rule. She treats the people with no respect. That is something I cannot abide."
"I'm missing something here your Highness" Kai replies. "What does this have to do with me?"
"After your performance yesterday, your being able to control Ral Rantans, hearing your crew is all female, and discovering now that you're Imperial nobility I believe that you would be the perfect choice to teach my daughter a lesson in humility and service to those she rules. What I would like Captain is for you to take my daughter on your ship as a crew member."
Kai stares at the King mouth hanging open. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, Captain, I am. Take her as an apprentice and teach her what she has failed to learn growing up in privilege. You can keep your payment to me. I will even give you one hundred slivers to cover her expenses if you do. All I ask is that you teach her the humility of serving others and return her to me safe. I believe that you can do that."
Kai looks back up the beach towards the King's party with the Princess at the middle of it.
She exhales deeply. "Your Highness, call your artillery and have them unman their guns. I'll take your daughter on as an apprentice on my crew. Be aware she may be gone from Arshur for several years before coming home. I'll do all I can to ensure her safe return, but as you no doubt know, star travel is not one hundred percent safe either."
"I, we, thank you Captain" the King says. "I know my daughter will be returned here the better for her experience."
Kai calls Zan. "Zan, you and Kasakabe head back to the ship as quick as you can. I have a new mission for you."
"Let's go call your guns off your Highness" Kai says. "I think you've lost too many good men today for nothing."
"Yes, Captain I think you're right. I also think it will be of great entertainment to see my daughter's reaction to her new job."
Kai and the King return to his party.
"Return the Captain's payment" the King commands. "Get the case I brought as well."
His subordinates move to make that happen. As they deliver the cases to Kai, the gravcoupe with Zan and Kasakabe shows up landing on the beach nearby. They head towards Kai after landing.
"Your Highness, may I present my First Officer, Doctor Itzanahohk'u and Security Officer Kasakabe" Kai says. "May I present King Temirzhan of Arshur and his daughter Princess Baysan."
Zan bows deeply.
Kasakabe, splattered with blood and holding two swords, gives him little more than a nod and a scowl.
"Zan, if you would be so kind, take these cases aboard and place them in my office. After that if you could, return Captain's Sölder and Handel their payments. Tell them refueling is on the King." Kai says.
Zan salutes. "Aye Captain."
"Now to the matter at hand. With your permission your Highness…" Kai says.
King Temirzhan turns to his daughter. "Baysan, I've had you assigned to Captain Hao's ship as one of her crew. I've told you, you need to learn humility. The lesson begins here."
Kai turns to Kasakabe. "Kasakabe, take the Princess aboard, get her in some coveralls. She can help Ikki with refueling. If her highness gives you a problem, deal it as you will."
Princess Baysan looks stricken. "Daddy!"
"Yes Boss Lady." Kasakabe bows. She darts to the Princess grabbing her arm hard enough to make her flinch.
"You will go with the Captain. You will lean humility and service. Do not return her until she does Captain." The King turns and signals his entourage to follow.
Kasakabe jerks the Princess nearly to her knees. "Come. Resist, beat. Boss Lady say work. Work or die." Kasakabe drags her as she loses one shoe, still struggling, towards the ship. Ikki is working on a hose connection on the bottom of the hull. "Ikki!" she calls. "Got help!"
Ikki waves back.
The Princess hits Kasakabe on the back with her fist. Kasakabe smashes her in the face and she falls to the ground bleeding. Murotsu resumes dragging her now limp body to the ship.
Kai rubs her forehead, exhaling. "How the do'na do I end up in these situations?"
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