A/N: Ah, the Chain Reaction has jogged my memory on some of the details. I
don't think I said anything contradictory in the previous chapters. As
promised here is the next installment.
Chapter 7 - Work Begins
Work was progressing well on Talyn. They didn't anticipate getting any work done on the starburst arm until the supplies arrived the next day, but there was plenty of other work to be done. Jayt and Crais had agreed that many of Talyn's systems required rewiring. His electrical system had never fully recovered from his run-in with the Retrieval Squad. This was the first real opportunity to conduct repairs they had had. They had managed to isolate Talyn's pain and provide him with chromextin to ease the pain. Fortunately much of the pain came from system damage that would be alleviated when the systems were removed. By the time the end of the workday came about most of the damaged systems had been removed. Talyn was still frightened, but he was now a little less nervous. He had even begun to accord the workers a measure of trust.
Talyn, it's time for me to go now.
You won't stay with me, tonight?
I would like to, but I am expected at the palace tonight.
You are going to see her again?
Yes. We are having dinner together.
Just dinner? Talyn was beginning to act like a teenager. Crais again tried to keep this in mind and keep his temper in check. There were times he forgot that Talyn was not yet mature. He had been forced to grow up quickly.
As of right now, yes, just dinner.
Maybe more?
Possibly. Crais could feel Talyn "laughing," the closest analogy he could find.
Crais knew he would regret it, but he asked anyway, Why?
I like it when you are happy, and she makes you happy. At this Crais could not contain his laughter. The few workers who were left looked at him askance.
Jayt came up to him, "What's so amusing?"
"It was something Talyn said, I don't think you'd understand."
"Children speak their own languages that only their parents can understand, if they are lucky."
"Very true. I think we have gotten as far as we can tonight."
"I could put a night crew on to complete repairs more quickly."
"We are in no danger here, I see no reason to work through the night. Besides, I think it best I am with Talyn when work is being done."
"Fair enough. I will see you in the morning."
Crais' escort was waiting to return him to the palace. He had much to think about on the journey. He knew he only had a few more days before Talyn would be repaired. When the repairs were completed, he and Talyn would be leaving. He knew that Onara could not come with them. He was used to casual recreation, but none of those women had done anything to endear themselves to him. Onara seemed to be finding a way into his soul. This was a feeling he was ill equipped to handle.
When he returned to his suite he was informed he would be escorted to dinner in half an arn. That would give him plenty of time to clean up. As he passed through his bedroom on his way to shower, he saw that clothes had been laid out for him to wear to dinner. They were a very deep crimson, but the same style as those from last night. He knew he would have to wear them or risk offending Onara.
When the half arn was up, his escort arrived to take him to dinner. This time he was escorted to a small private dining room. This table could only seat about eight. It was not yet set, but Crais assumed it would only be him and Onara. He was quite surprised when Onara entered with her father.
"Your majesty, a pleasure to join you for dinner." Crais bowed in respect.
"Bialar, how are the repairs to Talyn coming?"
"Better than expected. We have removed most of the damaged areas and are in the process of repairing the electrical system. Jayt has an idea on a temporary replacement for the starburst arm. He is quite knowledgeable."
"He is a master shipbuilder. I also understand he has made a bit of a hobby out of studying leviathans, though I believe this is the first he has repaired." As they were talking servers came in with pre-dinner drinks and to set the table. They continued their talk from the previous night. After a quarter arn they sat down for dinner.
Conversation continued throughout dinner. This time Crais carried most of the conversation with tales of the many planets he had visited. Onara was especially interested in those on which he had met with trouble. The king was more interested in some of the nearby planets that he had not visited. As the meal progressed to the main course, Crais found himself discussing a visit to Antarra, a planet inhabited by feline bipeds. The king was interested in establishing trade for belik ore, something his metal smiths could craft into exquisite jewelry, but which Kandor had a dearth.
"So, Bialar, the Antarrans are ruled by a hereditary council?"
"Yes, in theory. The council of five is divided so each council member has an area of responsibility." He paused momentarily as Onara decided to run her foot up the inside of his leg. He spared a moment to glare her. "While the councilors each have their responsibilities they allow the elected ministers below them to do most the work." It was all he could do maintain control over his voice as her foot continued to climb his leg. He cleared his throat and tried to move away from her. "I found that the financial consortium seemed to posses most of the power. They used their influence among the councilors to ensure that they benefited from any new legislature. If you are interested in trade I would suggest your emissary include a visit to the consortium in his itinerary." He rushed his last sentence as Onara's foot had again found his leg. Crais was glad that dinner was almost over. Desert was now being served.
"You seem to have learned a lot about their government. More so than many of the other planets."
"That has to do with their method of government. They are very controlling about allowing people to land a conduct business. At that point of my exile I was doing a little bit of trade in order to earn currency. Several members of the consortium became interested in signing me to a long-term contract. They liked the idea of an armed leviathan transporting their goods. I had to pretend to negotiate with them while I was on Antarra in order to conduct business." His voice almost cracked and he found himself clearing his throat again. "It is not a planet I will be visiting any time soon." Sweat was beginning to bead on his forehead from the strain of maintaining his calm.
"Are you feeling all right, Bialar?"
"I am... a little tired from the work today. I may not be fully recovered from my injuries."
"Why don't you get some rest. Onara and I will finish dinner." The king seemed unaware of what his daughter was doing to their guest.
"Thank you, your majesty. Have a good evening." He rose and bowed to both of them.
"I hope that you feel better in the morning. Onara will come see you tomorrow to check on repairs."
Crais was glad to be out of the dining room. He didn't know how much more of that he could have taken. She was very persistent. When he returned to his suite, he locked the door. He hoped that would be enough to discourage her. He moved to the bedchamber to prepare for bed. He was about to contact Talyn and ensure the youngster was still all right, when he felt a presence in the room with him. He turned to see Onara leaning alluringly against the doorframe. His body screamed at him to embrace her.
"Onara!" He gasped in wonderment. "I locked the door."
She approached him wagging her finger at him. She moved fluidly and spoke seductively. "That was very naughty of you. I think I might have to punish you." She had backed him to the bed and he was forced to sit. She straddled him and pushed him down, grabbing his wrists.
"Punish me?"
"Yes, I might need to torture you for a little while," she purred.
"Like you did at dinner?" He longed to free his hand and pull her head down for a kiss.
"Did that get your attention?" She was bringing her face almost close enough for him to kiss her, but she remained tantalizingly out of reach. Her torture was very effective.
"I think you know it did." He closed his eyes, savoring her scent,
"You did seem rather uncomfortable." She undid the laces at the front of his shirt with her teeth. She than licked him from his navel to his chest ever so gently and brought her face right above his. "I thought you would have liked it?"
"In different circumstances, perhaps, but that was not the time or place." He could no longer bear her torture. He overpowered her, rolled her onto her back reversing their positions. "This is," and he gave her a long passionate kiss that she heartily returned.
"You are incredibly bold," she said breathlessly.
"It is the only way I could make you be quiet," and he kissed her again. She did not resist his advances.
He awoke the next morning when the door slammed open and he heard a voice scream, "DAUGHTER!" It took a moment for Crais to realize that it was the king's voice he heard. He glanced beside him and saw a look of panic on Onara's face. This was not good.
Bwahahaha.... What will happen to our hero now? And I still haven't said whether or not Kandor has a death penalty.
Chapter 8 -
Chapter 7 - Work Begins
Work was progressing well on Talyn. They didn't anticipate getting any work done on the starburst arm until the supplies arrived the next day, but there was plenty of other work to be done. Jayt and Crais had agreed that many of Talyn's systems required rewiring. His electrical system had never fully recovered from his run-in with the Retrieval Squad. This was the first real opportunity to conduct repairs they had had. They had managed to isolate Talyn's pain and provide him with chromextin to ease the pain. Fortunately much of the pain came from system damage that would be alleviated when the systems were removed. By the time the end of the workday came about most of the damaged systems had been removed. Talyn was still frightened, but he was now a little less nervous. He had even begun to accord the workers a measure of trust.
Talyn, it's time for me to go now.
You won't stay with me, tonight?
I would like to, but I am expected at the palace tonight.
You are going to see her again?
Yes. We are having dinner together.
Just dinner? Talyn was beginning to act like a teenager. Crais again tried to keep this in mind and keep his temper in check. There were times he forgot that Talyn was not yet mature. He had been forced to grow up quickly.
As of right now, yes, just dinner.
Maybe more?
Possibly. Crais could feel Talyn "laughing," the closest analogy he could find.
Crais knew he would regret it, but he asked anyway, Why?
I like it when you are happy, and she makes you happy. At this Crais could not contain his laughter. The few workers who were left looked at him askance.
Jayt came up to him, "What's so amusing?"
"It was something Talyn said, I don't think you'd understand."
"Children speak their own languages that only their parents can understand, if they are lucky."
"Very true. I think we have gotten as far as we can tonight."
"I could put a night crew on to complete repairs more quickly."
"We are in no danger here, I see no reason to work through the night. Besides, I think it best I am with Talyn when work is being done."
"Fair enough. I will see you in the morning."
Crais' escort was waiting to return him to the palace. He had much to think about on the journey. He knew he only had a few more days before Talyn would be repaired. When the repairs were completed, he and Talyn would be leaving. He knew that Onara could not come with them. He was used to casual recreation, but none of those women had done anything to endear themselves to him. Onara seemed to be finding a way into his soul. This was a feeling he was ill equipped to handle.
When he returned to his suite he was informed he would be escorted to dinner in half an arn. That would give him plenty of time to clean up. As he passed through his bedroom on his way to shower, he saw that clothes had been laid out for him to wear to dinner. They were a very deep crimson, but the same style as those from last night. He knew he would have to wear them or risk offending Onara.
When the half arn was up, his escort arrived to take him to dinner. This time he was escorted to a small private dining room. This table could only seat about eight. It was not yet set, but Crais assumed it would only be him and Onara. He was quite surprised when Onara entered with her father.
"Your majesty, a pleasure to join you for dinner." Crais bowed in respect.
"Bialar, how are the repairs to Talyn coming?"
"Better than expected. We have removed most of the damaged areas and are in the process of repairing the electrical system. Jayt has an idea on a temporary replacement for the starburst arm. He is quite knowledgeable."
"He is a master shipbuilder. I also understand he has made a bit of a hobby out of studying leviathans, though I believe this is the first he has repaired." As they were talking servers came in with pre-dinner drinks and to set the table. They continued their talk from the previous night. After a quarter arn they sat down for dinner.
Conversation continued throughout dinner. This time Crais carried most of the conversation with tales of the many planets he had visited. Onara was especially interested in those on which he had met with trouble. The king was more interested in some of the nearby planets that he had not visited. As the meal progressed to the main course, Crais found himself discussing a visit to Antarra, a planet inhabited by feline bipeds. The king was interested in establishing trade for belik ore, something his metal smiths could craft into exquisite jewelry, but which Kandor had a dearth.
"So, Bialar, the Antarrans are ruled by a hereditary council?"
"Yes, in theory. The council of five is divided so each council member has an area of responsibility." He paused momentarily as Onara decided to run her foot up the inside of his leg. He spared a moment to glare her. "While the councilors each have their responsibilities they allow the elected ministers below them to do most the work." It was all he could do maintain control over his voice as her foot continued to climb his leg. He cleared his throat and tried to move away from her. "I found that the financial consortium seemed to posses most of the power. They used their influence among the councilors to ensure that they benefited from any new legislature. If you are interested in trade I would suggest your emissary include a visit to the consortium in his itinerary." He rushed his last sentence as Onara's foot had again found his leg. Crais was glad that dinner was almost over. Desert was now being served.
"You seem to have learned a lot about their government. More so than many of the other planets."
"That has to do with their method of government. They are very controlling about allowing people to land a conduct business. At that point of my exile I was doing a little bit of trade in order to earn currency. Several members of the consortium became interested in signing me to a long-term contract. They liked the idea of an armed leviathan transporting their goods. I had to pretend to negotiate with them while I was on Antarra in order to conduct business." His voice almost cracked and he found himself clearing his throat again. "It is not a planet I will be visiting any time soon." Sweat was beginning to bead on his forehead from the strain of maintaining his calm.
"Are you feeling all right, Bialar?"
"I am... a little tired from the work today. I may not be fully recovered from my injuries."
"Why don't you get some rest. Onara and I will finish dinner." The king seemed unaware of what his daughter was doing to their guest.
"Thank you, your majesty. Have a good evening." He rose and bowed to both of them.
"I hope that you feel better in the morning. Onara will come see you tomorrow to check on repairs."
Crais was glad to be out of the dining room. He didn't know how much more of that he could have taken. She was very persistent. When he returned to his suite, he locked the door. He hoped that would be enough to discourage her. He moved to the bedchamber to prepare for bed. He was about to contact Talyn and ensure the youngster was still all right, when he felt a presence in the room with him. He turned to see Onara leaning alluringly against the doorframe. His body screamed at him to embrace her.
"Onara!" He gasped in wonderment. "I locked the door."
She approached him wagging her finger at him. She moved fluidly and spoke seductively. "That was very naughty of you. I think I might have to punish you." She had backed him to the bed and he was forced to sit. She straddled him and pushed him down, grabbing his wrists.
"Punish me?"
"Yes, I might need to torture you for a little while," she purred.
"Like you did at dinner?" He longed to free his hand and pull her head down for a kiss.
"Did that get your attention?" She was bringing her face almost close enough for him to kiss her, but she remained tantalizingly out of reach. Her torture was very effective.
"I think you know it did." He closed his eyes, savoring her scent,
"You did seem rather uncomfortable." She undid the laces at the front of his shirt with her teeth. She than licked him from his navel to his chest ever so gently and brought her face right above his. "I thought you would have liked it?"
"In different circumstances, perhaps, but that was not the time or place." He could no longer bear her torture. He overpowered her, rolled her onto her back reversing their positions. "This is," and he gave her a long passionate kiss that she heartily returned.
"You are incredibly bold," she said breathlessly.
"It is the only way I could make you be quiet," and he kissed her again. She did not resist his advances.
He awoke the next morning when the door slammed open and he heard a voice scream, "DAUGHTER!" It took a moment for Crais to realize that it was the king's voice he heard. He glanced beside him and saw a look of panic on Onara's face. This was not good.
Bwahahaha.... What will happen to our hero now? And I still haven't said whether or not Kandor has a death penalty.
Chapter 8 -