A Moment in Another Time :Chapter 2
As he walked down the corridor, many of the crew passed looking at him strangely. He wondered absently if maybe he were falling under the spell of the temptress on the medical deck.
"Dorkoff, get me confederate headquarters, immediately" he ordered. He set the temperature controls to cool his quarters and sat down to enjoy a cup of hot korva while waiting an answer from headquarters.
Within moments General Oldz was on line and Captain Tankon transmitted all data received and visuals of the girl, the reports of his men and his own summery.
"If a human girl sets all my officers and men to spouting poetry and singing her praises she will have my whole schedule turned upside down. Not to mention definitely shaking the political actions and policies of my crew. Indeed, she is enough to have every Orulawn male in the empire looking for a fire haired human female or fighting over this one!" he explained worriedly.
"I will make sure Bockar get this immediately. Until then keep the girl on the health deck. Let no one else see her till you hear from Bockar. Oldz out"
Gordak stepped into the Health Check center and looked around. Woredo was no where in sight and he wasn't really enthused with anyone knowing that he was interested in this girl who seemed to be able to mesmerize any man who beheld her. The fact that she inspired this of males who hated humans was phenomenal. He looked in the wide chamber and found a tiny form sleeping on her side there.
He crossed the room silently and looked down at her. Indeed, even in the dark she could only be termed beautiful. He gently pulled the coverings back to see her body. She was perfectly formed, a young woman's curves and rounded places.
He stroked her soft cheek and couldn't resist cupping one firm breast. His thumb grazed her nipple and she moaned in her sleep and turn onto her back. She seemed to be responding without thought. He left quickly, before he gave in to the desire to wake her rudely by mauling her. He hadn't even seen her naked body and his wild Orulawn blood run hot for her. She was by far too young for him but she did tempt him unbearably.
Captain Tankon decided to call an officers meeting since many of the officers knew of the girl's existence. It might make thins go a bit smother if he had their co operation. He sat down to think.
"Dorkoff, call my officers to the council chambers. You will be there also and pipe all communications to that chamber. I am expecting a missive form the War Council. This meeting is to be in one hour. Tankon out".
Tankon was uncomfortable. He wasn't sure where to begin or what to say. He certainly couldn't tell them that this girl was a threat to the Orulawn men simply because she was beautiful. They would think he'd gone insane. He wasn't sure he wasn't insane. He understood why she'd been exiled to space.
"As you all know, the girl we have recovered is an exiled princess, Laticia De NuMoray. Most of the records were lost, all we really do know is her rank, name, age, and an approximate time in space. We can only assume the bodies are those of her retainers." The Captain advised his staff. "I have contacted the Confederation with our discovery and am awaiting their decisions".
A buzzer sounded and communication officer Dorkoff answered, "Its Congressman Bockar, Sir" he waited for the clicks which foretold the communications link up.
"Captain Tankon, this is Bockar, I have informed Ambassador Lington at the Federation and am awaiting an answer. We have decided to return the girl to the humans. We will arrange for this after we have had time to study the female. The health deck will be sufficient. See that she is given quarters there and kept happy. It will take some time to arrange this meeting. She is a guest-not a prisoner. Please make her feel comfortable and learn what you can from her. I want her kept away for the enlisted crew. If the problems described are accurate, we don't want anything about her to be common knowledge. Bockar out" the message concluded.
"Well, we have our orders. Please befriend the girl and find out what you can. Lieutenant Thorn I would give you the exalted position as Princess Laticia's escort, her protector while she is aboard this ship. You will be the closest to her, other than a female attendant, I want you to find out all you can. Dismissed" he dismissed his assembled officers.
Thorn was not happy with his new assignment. He detested humans! He hated the idea of having to play nanny to a human. He sighed as he made his way back to the health deck. He entered and went to where the doctor was checking the girl. Her sheet clad body was beautiful. She seemed very young. His battle hardened senses detected a certain tenseness that hadn't been there before. He frowned as he watched the sleeping form.
She was battling the faces invading the castle. Her sister Ariana lay dead just a few feet away. The insanity, the hurt, and the rage filled her heart. One instant Ariana was beside her and the next she was covered with Ariana's blood. All around her was death and the screams of fear and pain. She'd seen three brothers and two sisters die in battle. She'd avoided death herself by a prayer. She felt herself tiring and more enemies converging on her. Alaric fell, Thor fell, and then Blade. She saw the sword blade coming at her.
Woredo covered her body with a warmer covering. She seemed to be getting restless. She must be dreaming he thought. A nightmare possibly. Thorn walked to the table and watched. He was unprepared for what happened next. One moment she was lying silent the next she was awake and trying to fight off some invisible foe. Thorn grabbed her to keep her from falling to the floor as she fought and screamed like a wildcat. She was completely unaware that her covering had fallen to the floor during their struggles. He finally subdued her and only then did the thin white gown she wore draw his attention. It did very little to cover her body. Woredo covered her immediately. Her first conscience thought was that she'd never seen purple eyes before. It was then she quit struggling. She began to realize this was not the enemy she'd been fighting in her dreams. At that time she realized the face with those eyes was blue and like nothing she'd ever seen before. She stared in horrified amazement. She turned her head to try to take in her surroundings. There was another being there who also had blue skin but with aqua eyes.
"Who are you? Where am I?" she asked frightenedly. Her voice sounded strange to her ears. Then it occurred to her that she didn't know WHEN she was. She could only stare. Terror resumed where it had left off but with a new terror to occupy her now.
She was alone and looked around to take in her surroundings. The habits of a warrior had not dimmed in the least. She was facing only the two blue skinned men. She calculated her chances of defeating them both but knew that her chances were two: slim and none. The one in some sort of leather and metal armor was as big as or bigger than her brothers, and they were giants.
"Where are my people, those who were to accompany me?" she ask shakily.
"Your Majesty, I am doctor Woredo. You are on the medical deck. Your ship was found basically floating through space. Unfortunately you are the only survivor. The animation chambers either malfunctioned or run out of the gases that preserved the life within. They had been – gone - for a very long time. The computer logs were in bad shape so we couldn't find out who was with you or details concerning them. I am very sorry" the doctor finished sadly watching as the young girl's face took in the news. She showed no outward emotion, it was her eyes that gave her away.
All those years ago Aletta had mentioned blue men. She wondered whether her sister had been found or if she was still wandering through space.
Her head held high, she stared into space. Unshed tears glistened in her eyes. She felt lost and alone.
"Thou wouldst not have a window?" she asked with a shaky voice. Woredo and Thorn helped her from the bed and escorted her to a window. She looked out into the dark of space, feeling the void in her heart grow.
She spent the next four days in the medical deck to make sure she was in good health and ready to move around. Her things were brought in to her so that she would be comfortable while arrangements were being made for her to have quarters there. She spent her days going through the computer data that was available to her. Woredo taught her how to use the computers and how to work the apparatus that was available for her.
The meals were too heavy for her at first. She found a yellow fruit almost like a pear from ancient Earth. It settled well so she made them her primary diet.
"Doctor Woredo, what are these? " Laticia ask.
"Oh, those are called torts, Highness" he replied absently while examining a blood sample he'd taken earlier.
The cook was informed that she wasn't eating very well so he decided to plan a human dinner. Research indicated that a dish called Spinach-Kelp was served at society functions. Since she was a princess he thought it was something she would like. He found the closest thing to a beef roast was dogma, an animal that normally wasn't eaten by Orulawns but they would if they had to. These two human dishes should please the princess he thought to himself, pleased with his efforts.
Laticia was sitting in her dressing gown when Captain Tankon and lieutenant Thorn came in. She took in the expressions and smiled. Captain Tankon was a kindly looking man. He had been to see her once but she had been sleeping so she hadn't met him. Her instinct told her that she could be herself with him. Lieutenant Thorn however was another story. He was young, handsome. His strong muscular body made her feel strange. Being anywhere near him made her giddy and nervous. He didn't come around often but he'd made her uncomfortable.
"Good day, Your Highness" the Captain greeted her.
"Good day, Captain" she returned
"You know who I am?" he asked for surprised.
"Of course. Doctor Woredo has taught me these things thou callest computers. They have images of people and caption with them telling who the people are" she replied smiling.
"Very good. I've come to introduce you to Lieutenant Thorn. He will be your escort and your guardian for the time you spend with us here onboard Winged Death. We've made readied quarters for you and if you'll make ready your things here, Lt Thorn will escort you to your quarters." He explained and stepped aside and motioned a young woman forward. Her light blue skin was pure and her long hair was such a pale aqua that she seemed a calm figure. He eyes were a calm aquamarine color.
"This is Verta. She will help you with your packing and unpacking. Since we were aware of the fact you're used to having maids we thought you might have need of help. We don't have servants in our culture but Verta is willing to help you and stay with you. " he informed her.
"I do appreciate thy generosity. Lady Verta, I am pleased to make thy acquaintance. Lt. Thorn, it is agreeable to see thee again."
"Princess, I am a yeoman, not what you would term 'lady' but I am flattered. If you would care to start, we can get you settled in your new quarters. Cook has a meal planned for you. He has looked up some human delicacies for supper" she bowed to the younger girl.
"If your majesty will excuse me, I have some important matters to attend. Until tonight?" the Captain said bowing to her and left.
They got the things form the medical dorm settled into her new quarters when the rest of her things were brought in. She felt overwhelmed. She dressed in a light blue gown that made her feel comfortable. She didn't feel like going to the officers' Galley. She felt bad because she knew that special meal was for her. She felt very less than social. Tired and out of sorts, she lay down that she might have a small rest before she was called back to this world she really didn't feel equipped to handle. She felt frail, an emotion she hadn't felt since she was a small child with the childhood illnesses.
The door buzzer sounded and pulled her back to the present and to the duties expected of her. She opened the door and stepped back in surprise.
"You're not ready for supper?" he asked brashly
"I wast not feeling well at this time" she answered.
"If you can come to dinner, I will take you to the holoplane in the morning" he offered.
"What is a holoplane?" she asked, her interest piqued.
"You can program different settings for different places and times. A walk through a pleasant area. If you wish, I will help you program a scenario that portrays you home" he coaxed. He wanted to strangle her but the captain said he had to be nice.
"Well, I suppose getting out wouldst do me well." She agreed a little reluctantly. Alright, if thou wouldst but give me a moment?" she implored.
He was astounded. She knew they were planning a special dinner just for her and he had to coddle her to get her to go. He wanted so bad to say something to her about it but though better of it since she was a diplomatic guest. She looked fit enough that he couldn't understand why she would feign illness to excuse her actions?
She emerged from her sleeping room dressed in a gown of rich apricot satin with spring green braid trim. She was stunning. He was reminded of a Jodwok sunrise. The blazing sun of the Jodwok system was remarkable but not nearly so much as the young lady standing before him.
"I am ready, Sir. If it doth please thee…" He motioned her through the door ahead of him. She looked a bit confused by this motion but moved outside the door as he indicated. Having no herald was a problem but one she could work out.
The walk to the Dining Gallery was a short one. The doors slid open to let them in. The officers stood and waited for the princess to take her place at the table.
The prim and decorous settings did measure to that which was the standard at Castle Norland. Lt Thorn pulled out her chair for her and seated her before sitting himself. Well, she thought to herself, at least he knew to seat me. She watched as the waiters brought in the repast and sat quietly while being served, first out of manners then out of horror.
Thorn sat to her left and Commander Gordak sat to her right. Both men were huge so it did remind her of sitting between her brothers. She wasn't sure if this was a comforting thought or not. She turned her attention to the fare set in front of her and thought of running.
She sat straight and stiff at the table eyeing the food sat in front of her. Her reservations for this fare was obvious. She had always prided herself on the fact that she was her father's daughter by controlling the expression she felt. This time however, that famed self control failed her miserably.
She glanced at Captain Tankon who watched her closely. It was all she could do to keep from retching. Perhaps she could plead illness? Indeed the appearance of this meal was enough to make her violently ill.
She glanced around the table to see that the officers were watching her. The green stringy mass on her plate called to her with an insidious odor. She thought she might turn as green as the obnoxious dinner. The meat was indefinable. It was just a piece of brown next to the green. She could have sworn they'd just gone out to the pasture behind a barn to get this dinner. She shuddered.
Captain Tankon was amused to see the way the little princess tried valiantly to hide the horror she felt. She was from a world so alien to his that he couldn't even begin to know what kind of fare she was used to. He felt that she would probably have reacted the same way to all human food as well. He made a mental note to assign a cook to research what humans ate in her century and how it was prepared. Watching her was definately amusing. He glanced at his Lt. and did a second take.
The young officer's face was so blue he thought that his internal organs might burst. Tankon almost laughed out loud again. He glanced around the table and noticed that everyone else was watching either the princess or Lt. Thorn and they were enjoying the show almost as much as he was. Of course no one would say anything or even look to hard, much less laugh. He wouldn't say anything out of respect for his young officer. The others present wouldn't say anything out of fear of what retribution would result. The princess clearly didn't like the food put in front of her, this was a point in her favor with the other officers. They could scorn this delicacy and not feel like they were offending someone important. They applauded her sense of taste and sensibility.
"Your majesty is radiant tonight" Dorkoff commented.
"My thanks, gentle Officer. Tis kind of thee to notice" she blushed slightly. It had been so long since she'd openly bantered that she was amazed she could still do so.
"But your Majesty, how could anyone possibly not notice?" The Borliltour Star could nova and not be as brilliant as you shine tonight" corporal Yorda interjected.
"You are all to kind. I am flattered" she smiled and every young officer at the table fell in love with her. Commander Gordak was quite a bit older than she yet even this huge war hardened warrior was star-dazed as he as finally remembered to breathe. It irked Thorn that a girl so small could overwhelm the commander so. The top of her head only came to mid-chest level. She stood all of maybe five feet tall.
"Your Majesty really should try to eat more to keep up your strength." Thorn intruded in the conversation with sour tones in his voice. Watching the other officers sitting around the table, mooning over her, talking poetry was disgusting. He thought he was going to be sick. Orulawn men reciting poetry like soft human scum made him want to retch. He couldn't believe they'd been reduced to this. Even Lieutenant Commander Gordak looked star dazed. This girl was problematic at best. Diplomacy: definitely not something he cared for.
She looked down at her plate and wished her admirers could keep her busy so that she didn't have to look at this, this, well whatever it was she certainly didn't care to look at it.
Thorn was so mad now he wished he'd left her in her quarters. How dare she look at her plate that way? The cook had worked for hours to find a human meal that could be fixed on their ship. It was a delicacy by high-class human standards. Not one of the Orulawns cared for but in honor of their guest they were willing to suffer through the meal. He'd promised to take her to the hologram recreation deck after breakfast the next morning. She would be able to program a scenario that had been her home. One would think she'd be happy. He fumed as he suffered through the first course. Humans were disgusting enough but this food was REALLY not for any kind of being to consume. The fact that she didn't want to incised him. After all, she is human, she should like it!
Laticia looked around her and decided that she couldn't very well turn down something without even trying it. This idea turned out to be a mistake. She took a bite and instantly wanted to empty her stomach which was virtually empty to begin with. She managed to get it swallowed but decided not to try again. Maybe the brown stuff she thought, trying to be a polite guest. The stuff tasted burnt and was so tough she thought she'd break a tooth or two if she tried to chew too much of it. She didn't think she'd be lucky enough to get a second bite down. She looked around the table and found the kind of fruit that she'd been given at the medical quarters. It was sitting right in front of Captain Tankon.
Well, she thought, there might be something salvageable in this meal. Lieutenant Thorn was extremely blue and looked strange. She assumed he didn't feel well so decided not to tax him with getting the fruit for her.
"Captain Tankon, if thou wouldst please, pass one of those yellow torts?" she ask shyly.
He smiled warmly at her as he placed the large yellow orb in her tiny palm. "I fear our cooks efforts have not pleased your palate?"
"Oh no, tis not that at all. I much fear I am not ready to eat heavy foods just yet" she assured him. She bit into the ripe fruit and it was easy to tell that she thoroughly enjoyed it. If she hadn't done it so sensually it probably wouldn't have gotten everyone's attention. She had a sexuality that was at once subtle and yet so blatant that every male at the table seemed to be absorbed in just watching her eat the yellow orb. She couldn't have entranced the officers there any more if she'd danced naked on the table and more so because she did it so innocently. She had no idea what effect she had on males. Even Captain Tankon, as old as he was couldn't help but have thoughts as to what it would be like to seduce her.
Thorn looked as though he wanted to strangle her right there on the spot. Captain Tankon wanted to laugh, and the rest of the assembled officers decided they would beg off this meal.
"What do you prefer in a meal, Your Majesty?" the captain asked.
"We raise beef cattle and we hunt for meat such as deer. We raised dairy cattle for milk, cheese, butter, and such things. We had chickens, pigs, and sheep. We had gardens full of all manner vegetables. "She answered smiling, remembering a time full of happiness. Since these people were asking she decided to be explicit about her likes.
"Maybe with a little instruction, the cook can come up with something not so … heavy, something pleasing to your taste." Captain Tankon suggested.
"That wouldst be very nice, Sir. I wouldst like that very much. I fear I long for my home intensely. It may have been over five hundred years ago for the rest of the universe but it was but a week ago for me. I had ne'er before been separated from my family before. There was always at least one of my siblings with me." She murmured shyly.
So all ended their meal and went about their way hurriedly. Some went off to find snack outlets. Laticia made a mental note to find these neat little inventions. If this was any example of the diet here, she was in deep trouble.
"Lieutenant, wouldst thou be as kind as to escort me to the recreation plane? I would like a walk with a breeze if you don't mind." She asked softly. She smiled at Tankon and looked at Thorn. "Thou dost look as though a breath of air wouldst do thee well also." She said looking at him concernedly. "Thou art so blue, art thou well? If thou dost not feel well I wouldst understand not taking a walk" she told him gracefully.
"I think Lieutenant Thorn might need a nice walk, your Majesty. I feel it would do him good to walk out what troubles him" Tankon said looking pointedly over her head at directly at Thorn.
"Yes, your Majesty, I would feel privileged to escort you for a walk on the holoplane. A nice, quiet, walk" he ground out wondering if he could get by with strangling her there with no witnesses.
Lieutenant Commander Gordak stood as she did and took her hand, "I hope the next time we meet you will feel better, Princess. I look forward to it" he kissed her fingertips lightly.
She nodded her head and curtsied to him. She was all grace and a symphony of song wrapped into a tiny package of such elegance that even the Lieutenant commander was moved to impress her in any way he could.