The sun hung in the air like a huge golden peach surrounded by the lavendar sky. Four of the Andromeda's crew alighted from their transport onto the grassy airstrip which served as Monarchea's main landing area for space faring vehicles. The rest of the crew, Rommie, Trance and Rev, had stayed behind on the Andromeda to work on the temporary repairs that needed to be set in place until Harper found the pieces he needed to complete the final ones.
A quick glance around proved there was no one in the immediate vicinity so they walked to the paved square.
Dylan frowned as they reached it. "There's definitely something different about this place, than we when last visited."
Tyr took a sweeping look of the square. "It is...quiet."
Dylan nodded. "Yes. It is."
Harper walked over to them. His disappointment was apparent. "Of course, it would have to be quieter. No one's throwing a huge ball in our honor."
Tyr looked at Dylan. "You did tell them we were coming?"
"That was the message I was trying to convey when I last talked with them." Dylan activated his com. "Andromeda?"
Rommie's voice sounded tinny over the communicator. "Yes, Captain?"
"Where were we supposed to meet with the Monarcheans?"
"Upon landing. They were sending a party to meet you," the ship replied.
Several blocks were traversed and still they hadn't caught sight of a single soul.
Beka shrugged. "Well, I didn't expect a ball. A parade, perhaps? A little roll out of the welcome mat. I wish there was something going on. This is starting to give me the creeps."
Harper slapped his forehead. "I know what's so weirded out about this place."
"What?" asked Beka.
"Nothing!" the engineer announced.
Beka arched her eyebrows. "Explain that, would you?"
Harper adjusted his tool belt. "What I mean is, nothing's going on. It's quiet. This is the center of town. Don't you find that strange? No hustle and bustle. No flitter and flutter of any wings? And no music. It's dead silent. Listen."
The four fell silent, straining their ears to catch a familiar sound.
Monarchea, a land of geometry and music, of graceful people who loved art and order, had signed the charter and become part of the Commonwealth. On their first visit to the planet, the crew had been greeted by curious crowds and an escort of guards. The memorable square, located adjacent to the main landing strip, had been teeming with people going to market and visiting the stands and shops that were open during the day. At night, the sounds of street musicians and lively chatter were known to fill the streets around the plaza.
But not today.
Today the listeners heard nothing. It was more than quiet. The stillness seemed tangible. It was as if the entire planet of Monarchea, with one accord, was holding its breath.
Beka frowned and answered Harper. "Strange and getting stranger."
Tyr turned his head, sharply. His alert eyes scanned the west. He drew his force lance and held it in readiness. "Someone's coming."
The sound of shuffling steps soon reached the others' ears as well.
Harper frowned. "Who is it?" he asked, apprehensively. "You don't think some bad guys have taken advantage of our absence and enslaved the entire population, do you? Hey, don't look at me like that. It could happen."
Dylan caught sight of the metallic sheen of the approaching figures and smiled. "Settle down, Mister Harper. I think it must be our welcoming committee. Perfectly harmless."
Beka didn't share Dylan's sentiment. "Harmless? Did you say? Dylan, these people may look innocent enough but never forget their propensity for seizing innocent ships."
A group comprised of three approached. A considerably smaller escort compared to their last visit, Dylan noted. The foremost Monarchean looked youthful and walked ahead of the rest. She wore a trim white uniform fringed with royal purple which matched the shade of her closed wings. Her face was like new copper and her dark eyes shone with intelligence. Her hair was obscured by a hood. She came to a halt when she reached Captain Hunt's position. Behind her, also coming to a sudden standstill, the other two stood dressed in the recognizable uniform of Administrator Elva's personal guard.
The key Monarchean nodded in greeting. "Captain Hunt?" she inquired, anxiously.
"Yes?" Dylan replied.
"Captain Hunt, we apologize for our tardiness. Flight is restricted during this period and we did not make the proper allowances of our time in order to compensate. I am called Neeki and have been entrusted with your care during your visit."
"Flight is restricted?" Beka questioned before Dylan had the chance to respond.
Neeki nodded to her. "In honor of the Festival of Music."
Beka's eyes widened with recognition. She snapped her fingers. "Hey, don't I know you? Yeah. You're one of Elva's aides. You gave Trance and I that tour of the museum."
Neeki smiled. "You are correct, Captain Valentine. I also explained the importance of the festival to you." Elva's aide spoke once more to Dylan. "That is why Administrator Elva sends sincerest apologies for not being able to see you today. We are honored by your presence. Under lesser circumstances, she would have met you personally, but the festival begins tomorrow and there is still much to do."
Dylan opened his mouth to say something but Harper interjected. "Is that why it's so quiet around here?"
"Yes, Mister Harper," Neeki affirmed. She had obviously been schooled on all of the crew. "The plaza is always empty at this time. Everyone is preparing for the festival at home and no more music is to be played until it opens tomorrow."
"When will we see the Administrator?" Dylan asked, quickly.
"Adminsitrator Elva? Not until tomorrow, I'm afraid," Neeki replied. "But Administrator Lzar wishes to meet you and invites you to dine at his residence this evening."
"That's very kind," said Dylan. He had been hoping to meet Reha's replacement. "We accept."
"Very good. Now, if you follow me to the accommodations Administrator Elva has prepared for you. I hope you'll find them to your liking."
The captain nodded. "I'm sure we will. Lead on!"
Neeki led the way, the crew followed, and the two guards fell into step behind them.
Tyr kept a cautious eye on the guards and the changing surroundings.
Dylan, Beka, and Harper alternately discussed with Neeki a variety of subjects, including repairs for Andromeda and what things had been scheduled for their stay.
What Dylan wanted to know was if any more problems had been had with the Yil Yimurs and how the treaty had affected the planet. "Yes, I'd like to get a look at how things are progressing since Monarchea's entrance into the Commonwealth. We want to help if we can."
"I don't foresee a problem with arranging that, Captain Hunt." Neeki was eager to please. "Is there anything else I can do?"
"Since you ask," said Beka. "You think I can get another private tour of the Hall of Music?"
"The Hall of Music will be open for public viewing tomorrow and I'll do my best to arrange anything you like, Captain Valentine," promised Neeki. "But it may be difficult on such short notice. Your representative didn't mention you were visiting us again so soon."
"Our representative?" asked Beka in surprise, glancing at Dylan.
Dylan was shocked too. "My representative?" He looked at Tyr.
Tyr shrugged.
Harper was clueless as well.
"Yes," said Neeki, matter-of-factly. She sensed something amiss so she explained further. "Your representative stayed with us a short time and left us only a week ago, but never breathed a word that you were planning to visit."
"What representative?" Dylan nearly exploded. "I never sent a representative here!"