The Starbird Hunt (1-9) (7) “One gets used to having empty air there, friend. That is in the past, but *right now* my worst fears have come to be.” “The ambitious young man?” Kailey asked. “Yes, the one by the name of Talna. He’s received precious information on the Starbird. Most of it is damaged too much to be decrypted in a short while, but he did get the majority of *this* recording.” Once more, Randy withdrew a data sphere and placed it in a receiver on his chair’s armrest. A smaller hologram of the friends’ previous conversation was projected at the head of the armrest. Rernum scratched his bald dome head. “That is an issue. And he will come here?” “It is titled with your address and planet, my friend. I am sorry, I should not have been so careless.” “Calm down, Randy, be at peace with yourself. This could indeed have turned into a distressing situation, but now that you have warned me, all will be well.” “What brings you to that conclusion?” “Now I am alert and my troop will be when I tell them.” “No, Rernum, you cannot!” “Release your worry, Randy. I will not tell them everything, merely that there exists the possibility of a person hunting for me. The Mystique troop will not let harm come to me without a fight.” “Perhaps you should take more precautions.” “Such as?” Sane hesitated. “You will not like my idea, Rernum, but you must consider…closing down the circus.” “Never! That is something I *cannot* do.” “Please, my friend. Only for a while. A week’s passing at most. Talna is too impatient to stay for any longer. I will stay here until I’ve made sure he’s left and bring the news to you.” Rernum Kailey stood and placed a small hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I am a showman, Randy. It is against everything in my soul to stop a show for fear of my own safety. I have shows scheduled from now until the season’s end. I must not disappoint my fans. They are of utmost importance to me.” Dr. Sane sighed. “Worry not, friend. Everything will be well. And if it is not, well Talna will have a difficult time catching me, let alone having me give him any information. You and I both know the Starbird is too great a power to be placed in the hands of one so irresponsible as that man. But, to *hide* at anytime is a powerful disgrace. I could never live a minute of my life without regretting it. If I must exit, I will exit with style as I have all my life.” Randy stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes still troubled. “All right, good friend, I will trust you to take care of yourself. No, *excellent* care of yourself. I’ve known Talna for forty years, he is ruthless when he has an objective in mind. Do not let your guard down for a second!” “I won’t, you have Rernum Kailey’s word.” ***** The doctor and the circus master emerged minutes later, in the middle of applause from the ViperX crewmembers. Seth saw them first and waved. “Hey, guys! Everything good now?” Sane nodded. “As good as we could make it.” He turned to his friend and bade goodbye in the Dero language. The friends embraced, rather awkwardly as Randy was in the chair. The doctor floated back to his other companions as they stood. Rernum called his practicing artists and they stood behind him. “Naha taruma, KAZIO!” There was a loud BOOM as a bright explosion startled the onlookers. Smoke filled the air and a large gust of wind blew past them. When everything cleared, the circus folk were gone. “Now that’s what I call exiting with style,” Randy said softly. Chapter Nine: Morciz & Wok The crew exited the tent and stood in front of it, asking Dr. Benjamin Sane about his meeting with Rernum Kailey. The old man wouldn’t say a word. “What Rernum and I spoke of is none of your business!” Fletcher raised an eyebrow. “But that’s why we decided to divert our course. That is the reason that we are taking valuable time from our schedule to help you.” His voice had the effect of a rumbling in the distance. “At the very least you can assure us that he’s safe.” “Nope. He’s a sitting duck.” Seth flung up hands in exasperation, barely missing Tor. “Then what was that interminable conversation in the tent supposed to accomplish?” Randy shrugged. “I dunno. Buddy talk, I guess.” Faytan growled. “So, you’re going to have to speak to him *again*?” “Nah, my business with him is done. Now I have to focus on Amos Talna. He’s somewhere on this planet and I’m going to find him.” Natasha sighed and turned to Fletcher. “High Commander, with all due respect, I think this is ridiculous. We shouldn’t be messing with our own guys. Talna is Union military, he’d never do anything illegal.” Shim frowned. “Not necessarily, but I agree with you, Kira, this is getting stupid.” “*Getting* stupid?” Faytan muttered. Juma pinched him. The high commander turned to Dr. Sane. “I’m sorry, Doctor, but we’re not going to be able to help you track down this man. I will pay for your stay at a hotel tonight, but after that, we go our separate ways. Understood?” Randy smiled. “Sure, that’s excellent. I appreciate your help so far, High Commander. One thing, though.” The small compartment in the doctor’s armrest opened and he withdrew two pieces of plastic. “I have *two* tickets to Rernum Kailey’s show tomorrow night. The last ones two, front row.” Natasha gasped. Seth whistled. Tor blinked. In the tent they had found out that the only available tickets were for the next year and they sold for 750 luxury credits, a significant portion of a working man’s yearly salary. Randy’s smile broadened. “Now, I’ve seen the show tons of times before, so missing it tomorrow wouldn’t bother me much. So I wonder if any of you would be interested in seeing it. Take it as a token of my gratitude.” Natasha turned to Fletcher once again, her eyes full of desire. “You know, High Commander, one more night here won’t hurt us. We’ll just boost the engines more once we’re within range of Pasmet.” Fletcher sighed. “Do you all agree with this?” Seth shrugged. “I’d like to stay, why not?” Tor said, “Yeah, it’d be interesting.” “I really need to talk to the board at M&W,” Faytan said. “I’ll find out what’s up with Morciz. He hasn’t sent me a status report in ages.” Juma smiled. “And he’ll be spending quality time with my mom and pop.” The Takanori winced. “Alright, then. Commander Kira, you take both tickets, decide who to take. And don’t even think about asking me, I’ll be busy.” Natasha glowed as she took the two tickets from Dr. Sane’s hands. The sky glowed too, as the sun began to set. “So, where are we going to sleep?” Seth asked. “If I may make a suggestion, Captain?” Randy said. “The Kramplan Jewel is an excellent hotel.” “Then, that’s where I’m staying.” Fletcher rubbed the back of his neck. “I need a good night’s rest.” “Ditto,” Commander Kira said. Juma hooked her arm around her husband’s. “We’ll be staying at my parents’ if you don’t mind, Captain.” “*Please* say you mind,” Faytan said through clenched teeth. Juma pinched him again. Fletcher grinned. “I don’t mind at all. Have a nice time.” The Takanori looked close to tears. The communicators suddenly buzzed. Tor answered his first. “Hey, Luciem.” “Hi, guys. It’s getting dark, so I was wondering where you’ll be staying.” “The Kramplan Jewel hotel, at Dr. Sane’s recommendation,” Fletcher answered. Luciem gave a thoroughly disappointed “Oh.” Tor frowned. “Is there a problem, man?” “I don’t know, it’s just--” The computer sighed over the communicator. “I feel so lonely when you guys are on land and staying somewhere else. The mechanics were interesting people, but they’re done fixing the com systems and now it‘s just me and the other ship computers in the parking lot. They won‘t speak to me.” Faytan rolled his eyes, though it was hard to detect since they were just black spheres. Juma looked genuinely touched. Natasha smiled slightly and shook her head. Tor seemed the most moved of them all, his metal eyes showing distress. “Geez, man, why didn’t you tell us before? I’ll stay in the ViperX if you want.” “Really, Tor?” Luciem asked, hopefully. “Really. I’ll head there right now.” Seth chuckled. Tor shot him a look. “Hey, don’t glare, dude.” The pilot raised his hands. “If you’re going to keep Luciem company, I’m going too. I don’t want to end up rooming with big bad Fletch or the good, crazy doctor. And I doubt Tash will let me snuggle with her, will you Natasha?” “Shut your big trap, Urbante,” was the response. “You see? ’Sides, you and the LCM are my best friends.” Seth stroked his chin. “Damn, I need new friends.” “All right, cool!” Luciem said, ecstatic. “Dinner will be ready when you guys get here. We can stay up late and swap manly stories and such! Buh-bye, guys.” All but Faytan gave their goodbyes. The Takanori chortled. “‘Manly stories,’ how sweet, boys.” Seth sneered. “Have fun with the in-laws, Mr. Wok.” Faytan flinched. “Okay, then, you have two nights and a day off-ship,” Fletch reported. “Report at the ViperX on 5-16, hour 2. Got it?” They all muttered their “yes, sirs” and began to go their separate ways. Commander Kira began to follow Dr. Sane and the high commander and then looked at the two tickets in her hands. “High Commander?” she called. “Yes, Kira?” Fletcher turned. “Could you and the doctor wait a second? I need to speak to someone about something.” “Sure, just make sure the something doesn’t take too long.” Natasha ran toward Tor and Seth, who were trying to hail a taxi. “Tor! May I speak to you for a second?” James blinked and nodded, turning to Seth briefly. Urbante winked and continued waving in the air like an idiot. Tor walked over to the commander and cleared his throat. “Yes, Com--I mean, Natasha.” “Well, I have really no idea who to bring to the show tomorrow. Would you like to come?” “Muh-muh-me? Are you sure? I mean, what about--?” He stopped himself, aware that he *was* the best crewmember to accompany her to such a place. “Well, I’d be honored. Shu-should I wear anything special? That is, for the show?” “Nah, just throw on what you usually wear, I’m sure they don’t have a dress code. Hell, some creatures just walk in naked, you know?” The engineer did not let his mind stray with that idea. “Thanks, Natasha. That’s ruh-really thoughtful of you.” “Actually, I didn’t have to give it much thought. Not after what you did for Luciem. That was so sweet. You’re a good friend, Tor. Who better to take?” James blushed. Natasha waved goodbye and he waved awkwardly as she turned to catch up to Randy and the captain. Tor watched her walk away toward the horizon. “Hey, loverboy! Taxi’s here!” Seth motioned for Tor to hurry as he got in the green vehicle. ***** The Kramplan Jewel *was* a very nice hotel. There were beautiful paintings in the lobby, splendid lighting, and, predictably, jewelry all over the place. There were diamonds in the chandelier, emeralds in the reception desk, and rubies outlining the mirror in Fletcher’s room. All of this was apparent in the big dent in the high commander’s luxury credit account. Paying for himself AND Randy Sane was enough to make him thankful for the significant salary that top-ranking military officers received. He sent 100 service credits to Tenen Sak’s account and closed his financial programs. He grabbed the television remote and frequency-surfed, looking for a piece of interesting news. He stopped on the Intergalactic News Network and sat in the large armchair, lined with pearls. “And today’s top story, the co-owner of Morciz and Wok, the head of the Orton galaxy’s top 500 company list, Dermaine Morciz died yesterday, in Shining Gates hospital after a two-day coma. Succeeding him will be his daughter, Dergana, who is declining interviews while she grieves. No word on the reaction of partner Faytan Wok, who has been traveling space for the past two…” Fletcher’s eyes widened. He wondered if Faytan had heard about this and what it would mean to him and the company. He reached for the phone on the bedside table and was about to type in Faytan’s communicator code when a loud THUMP startled him to his feet. “STUPID RADIO!” Randy Sane’s voice boomed from the room above him. “THAT WASN’T LOUD AT ALL!” Shim swore and rushed out of the room, almost crashing into the door, forgetting that it didn’t slide open like those of the ViperX. He opened it and rushed to the elevator, running up the moving stairs. When he got to the right hall, he noticed that the door right next to Sane’s was wide open. Commander Kira had gotten there first. “What are you doing?” she screamed, as the high commander entered. “Half the hotel heard that!” The doctor was floating next to a media player on its side. He was ignoring the Commander, who was in a red bathrobe and wet from head to toe, and screaming curses at the object. “NEXT TIME, YOU PLAY HOWEVER LOUD I WANT TO PLAY!” “Cannot comply,” said the media player. “Volume must have a certain decibel limit unless earphones are used. Other guests are staying at this hotel.” “SCREW THE OTHER GUESTS--” The old man suddenly blinked. “Earphones? You didn’t say there were earphones!” “You were informed there were earphones approximately ten seconds ago.” “Dr. Sane!” Fletcher barked. “You’re making too much of a scene here and--” “Don’t use that name!” Randy suddenly flew at the high commander and gripped his arm. “From now on you call me Jose Taharian! It’s too easy for that man to find me if you fling around my name so casually!” “Okay, *Jose,* you aren’t helping your situation by attacking a media player. Just use the earphones.” “Well, I would have, if this stupid piece of junk told me!” “You were informed--” “I was informed, nothing! Where are the earphones?” “Left bedside drawer, sir.” Randy directed his chair to the drawer and withdrew the earphones. “Okay, good night, guys.” Natasha sighed and tightened the robe around her. “I’m going to go finish my bath. And I don’t care how loud you scream, I’m not coming in here.” She left and the slam of her door echoed throughout the hallway. Fletcher grumbled and left Randy’s room. Downstairs, he turned off the media player, still tuned to INN and got into bed. The death of Faytan’s partner didn’t even surface in his dreams. ***** Knock! Knock! Knock! Juma awaited the opening of the door eagerly, a big smile on her beautiful face. Faytan felt as if he would rather face the dark gates of the underworld. His claws had extended with nerves. The in-laws would probably think it was a threat and respond with typical Aleen suspicion. “Aleen” was the word given to the human-dominated Diamond Starlet galaxy’s first contact (humans were fond of flashy names like that, it was later renamed the Diamin galaxy). The Aleen explorer that landed on Pasmet (still the capital, even in those historical days) was sighted by a large group of people and only a little boy of the age of three had the courage to say something. “Aleen! aleen!” It was confirmed that he was trying to say “alien,” but the name stuck. Humans just couldn’t pronounce Tkagooikala-zenbardohelonisakiri. Human-Aleen relations were peaceful at the beginning. But when the humans found they could not know all of the Aleens’ secrets, hostile actions were proposed. The beauty of democracy demanded that whatever the people said, the government must do, so the former Diamond Starlet galaxy declared war on the Aleen people. Ten uneventful years afterwards, the warships arrived and blew the planet to atoms. But the species was not erased completely. Among the Aleen were several thousands who didn’t take the threat of war lightly and fled the planet before the arrival of doomsday weapons erased their home from the map. But a scattered species does not grow very healthily, and less Aleen were accounted for every year until the Intergalactic Union was formed. Now, several Aleen communities can be found on many planets, the largest one on Takanor. One of the most important family values in the typical Aleen household was to marry within the race and propagate the species. This was largely ignored by younger generations on Takanor, where hybrid creatures make up almost half of the planet’s population. Juma had blatantly disregarded her parents’ wishes when she married a Takanori. Adding that to the fact that Aleen were suspicious of all other races in general and Faytan had a big problem talking to his in-laws. He prayed to ever god he could remember (none from the same religion) that no one would answer that door. The omni-potent beings didn’t listen. A red-skinned, blue-eyed Aleen female appeared at the door. She was obviously an older version of Juma Wok, pudgier, shorter, and with graying blue hair. She saw her daughter in the doorway and her chubby face broke into a grin. “You divorced him! Oh, my Juma!” The woman threw her arms around Juma and held her tightly. “Smartest decision you’ve ever made. And I know the most HANDSOME man who just moved to the area--” She looked up at the frowning Takanori by her daughter’s side and her face fell. “Hey, Burma,” he grunted. Juma stepped back and smiled softly. “Hi, Mom, how are you?” Burma Megosi blinked. “I’ve been better.” She turned and called, “Tordo! Tordo, Juma’s here!” “Did she divorce him?” Tordo Megosi’s loud footsteps could be heard stomping in the household. He appeared beside his wife, and Faytan remembered why he the sight of the Aleen circus guard bothered him. He was a younger version of Wok’s father-in-law, who was anything but a frail old man. He was large, blue, and his yellow eyes penetrated the toughest of men. He kept his green hair cut short, and it hadn’t lost any of its color. He had once served in the Takanor defense force and kept very fit. Faytan was scared to death of him. “No,” Burma said, sighing. “Nice to see you too, Tordo.” Faytan outstretched his hand, not expecting it to be taken. It wasn’t. Instead, the older man hugged his daughter gently. “What do you need, baby girl?” Tordo asked his daughter, his voice gravelly. “Space thing not working out for you?” “Oh, it’s fine, Daddy. We’re just on ground leave for a couple of days and I missed you.” “We miss you too, dear,” Burma said. She leaned in closer and whispered, “But did you have to bring *him*?” Faytan heard, but ignored it and looked skyward. Stars looked different from below the atmosphere. Much more relaxing. “Mother!” Juma scowled. “If you keep doing this the whole while we stay here, then we might as well not stay at all! You too, Dad!” Tordo grunted. “Alright, alright. We’ll…be nice.” “Good.” Juma slipped an arm around her husband’s waist. “’Cause I love Faytan and you know that’ll never change.” Tordo grunted. “Come in, we’ll make dinner.” “What is it?” Faytan asked, famished. “What do you like least?” ***** “I gotta hand it to you, Luciem,” Seth said, dipping his spoon into a bowl of the LCM’s latest dessert, Cloud Cream. “These are some nice dishes.” “I second that,” Tor mumbled, through a mouthful of cream. “Thanks. I thought you’d like it,” Luciem beamed. “You’d be surprised how many recipes repairmen know.” “Kudos to all of you.” Urbante sat back and sighed contentedly, patting his stomach. He turned to his human friend. “Now, if you take Natasha to a place that serves food like this on your next date, she’ll be on you like--” “Stop right there.” Tor pushed his plate to the side. “Nobody called it a date.” “Are you going to a social outing?” Seth asked. “Well, yeah…” “With a female?” “To the best of my knowledge,” James answered, dryly. “Sounds like a date to me,” Luciem said, slyly. Tor sighed. “Well, I don’t think she sees it that way. She seemed to go out of her way to make sure I didn’t make any advances on her.” He pushed his brown bangs up and muttered, “Not that I would have.”
Copyright © 2002 Phil V Infinite |