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Chapter Fourteen The
pristine silver and crystalline structure in the heart of the industrial
district of Chasin City only emphasizes the dingy and decaying nature of the
district. The center for most trade
in and out of Commenor, the Tryashoenu Interstellar Transport, Distribution
& Interception Center was an oasis in a landscape of drudgery.
Traders, merchants and consumers of all kinds entered the facility in the
hopes of finding the items they may have ordered, send a shipment to a vendor in
another sector or to find out what deals were to be had on the Open Trade Floor.
It was a place made from the dreams of one man, but containing the hopes
and aspirations of the thousands more that come through its doors every day. A
local taxi veers away from the receiving door traffic and ascends into the
office complex parking area. It carries three passengers, an older man, a young man and a
young woman. All bound for an
audience with the man responsible for all of this splendor and commerce. “You
want for me to wait for you? Only
cost you 75 dataries.” The driver
inquires as they come to a stop in front of the reception console. The
older man reaches into his robe and pulls out a wallet.
Handing the driver the money, “I do not believe that will be necessary,
but thank you for your kindness, sir.” Obviously
disappointed the driver takes the money and turns back to his controls. The
two men debark from the taxi, as the young woman has already gotten out and is
busy working at the reception console. “State
your name, nature of your business and the party to whom you wish to speak,”
came the metallic sounding voice from the console. “Meesahran
Tofallin, delivery from T. Higaeri & a message from E Mehand, for Master
Xaxan Tryashoenu.” She also makes a few keystrokes following her statement into
the console controls. “Please
await confirmation of your command code entry...
Command Code accepted. Notice
of your arrival has been delivered to your party and they will meet you in the
reception lobby. Please proceed.” The computer speaker cuts out and she motions for her two
companions to follow her inside. The
older man walks forward, leaving the younger man standing at the curb with a
puzzled look on his face, “Hey, are you going to explain any of this to me in
the near future?” The
young woman pauses and turns back to him, “Eventually...”
A beguiling grin passes over her face.
“C’mon, Reklaw, I’ll explain inside.”
The man throws up his arms in surrender and picks up his step to catch up
to his companions. The
splendor of the outside of the complex only pales in comparison to the interior
reception area. Along the walls,
upon crystal pedestals, sits the most regal collection of Commenorian metalwork
sculptures. Not a speck of grime or
dust can be found anywhere and all of the inhabitants of this area are dressed
in placid hues, so as not to disturb the overall effect of the room. The
three travelers take the seats that offer them the most privacy, yet afford them
a perfect view of the entryway. “So,
are you going to tell me who we’re here to meet, or are you keeping up this
mysterioso routine a little while longer?”
Jae-Lee questions Mees, who only brings her legs up to her chest in a
decidedly felinoid fashion. Just
then, a young woman in a silken, aqua shift dress walks up to the trio.
“Most likely, she will continue her current tack.
Being somewhat of enigma, the majority of the time.”
The girl smiles a delicate but captivating smile, stretching a hand out
to Mees at the same time. All
three stand to greet the new arrival, while the two women embrace, “I wasn’t
expecting to find you here! When did you arrive?” The
young woman ends the friendly embrace, “Yestereve, actually.
I had a break in sessions and Yorel is on leave, awaiting his
confirmation, so I hopped on the next transport and came home.
When the message came through on Xaxan’s comm I rushed right down.
What brings you here?” The
girl looks around. “Master Mussiri, so good to see you again.
I hope you are well.” She
curtseys ever so slightly in the older man’s direction. “And
you as well, young Mistress Xana.” Falion
returns the gesture, when all eyes fall on Jae. “Well,
we’re here on business, and this is an old friend, he’s assisting us on an
investigative mission.” Mees nudges Jae to get him to close his gaping mouth and to
allow him time to prepare for a greeting. “Jae-Lee
Reklaw, this is Mistress Xana Tryashoenu, another old friend.” Jae-Lee
finally catches his breath when he realizes that he is now on the spot.
Bowing slightly at the waist, he takes the hand that the incredibly
beautiful woman has offered him. And
in a saving grace, he remembers his manners, and places a light kiss upon her
down-turned and delicate hand. “A
pleasure to meet a friend of Meesahran’s, Master Reklaw.”
The young woman blushes ever so slightly, almost imperceptible to the
naked eye, but Mees catches it and puts on a sly grin. “No,
the pleasure is all mine, Mistress.” Jae
also looks a bit flushed from the experience.
Mees now has something else to hold over her old friend’s head.
And perhaps, she might have finally returned that favor he has been
taunting her with for years. A
normal man would have thought that the opulence of the reception area could
never be outdone, but upon entering the office of the great Xaxan Tryashoenu,
Falion Mussiri had to admit that it was even more spectacular.
Such indulgence was beyond his own comprehension, but many aspired to the
rewards of the plenary world and it was obvious that this man was one of them. As
they entered through the grand fijisi doors, the great man rose and made his way
to Meesahran. “My Dear Friend
Meesahran, it is so good to see you!” Upon
reaching her, he wraps his arms around her in a tender embrace.
“I turned around to say something to my Dear Sister and she was gone,
leaving only the blinking of the comm to inform me of the reason for her
departure.” He sends a
disapproving glare in Xana’s direction.
“I have taken the liberty of having afternoon meal brought to us here
in my office. I hope that I was not
too presumptuous, in that respect. You
do have time to share a meal with us, my Dear Friend?”
He takes her arm and leads her to the seating area. “Actually,
my Dear Friend, my companions and I wish to impose upon your hospitality a
while. May we expect such a
gracious request to be fulfilled?” Mees
gives him a coy look and a wry smile. Xaxan
begins to shed an enormous smile, complete with his perfect, white teeth.
“I would be most honored to enjoy your company for however long you
wish to remain with us, my Dear Friend... Come,
sit and rest yourselves while you tell me what business you have with Toman
Higaeri AND my old Friend Ruler Mehand.”
Xaxan shoots her a devilish grin of his own, while he motions for her
companions to sit as well. “You
know me, Xaxan, I like to keep things interesting.
After all, I have remained your Dear Friend for quite some time.”
Mees then winks at Jae, who is torn between the mystery of their arrival
and this apparent friendship, and the astounding beauty that is sitting just
mere centimeters from him on the large, overstuffed sofa.
“But if you insist on taking all of the mystery out of my presence,
then I shall tell you, in great detail of my reasons for this visit.” Xaxan
settles in to hear this tale, and he is certain that it shall be a wonderful one
at that. They always are when it
comes to his little meandering crèche flower.
Though he has known her since she was just a girl, he has always been
impressed with her skill, her wit, her determination, her fortitude and her
ever-growing beauty. The moment she
walked into the room he came to the realization that she had indeed come into
full bloom. In his heart, he wished
that he were only ten years younger, but alas he could always remain her Dear
Friend. Mees
is about to begin when she suddenly remembers the little package in her jacket
pocket, “Oh, blast! I almost forgot!” Taking
the little box from her pocket and gently placing it onto Xaxan’s lap.
“This is from Toman, with his most sincere apologies for any
inconvenience this latest incident may have caused you.” Xaxan
eyes the box for moment, raising an eyebrow before he speaks,
“Should I be worried?” Mees
lets out a girlish giggle (a very uncharacteristic giggle, at that), “Silly
Xaxan. Would I really carry
something harmful around for that last several days, in my jacket, and then
hand-deliver it to you? Of course,
you should not worry. I think you
will be most pleased with its contents. I
helped choose the gift myself. Toman
is well aware of our friendship and thought it best to consult me on the manner
in which he should extend his apologies.” Xaxan
takes the box in his hands and opens the lid, slowly, giving Mees a wink of his
own. Once the lid is placed on the
sofa beside him, Xaxan chances a look inside.
What he finds is more than he thought possible from the uncouth smuggler
chief, and knows for certain that only Meesahran would have selected such an
amazing gift. The brightest Corusca Gem he has ever seen, nearly as bright
as the Metalloid Crystal Gem in the ring on his right hand.
“Well, I am impressed.” He
motions for his sister to take the box from his hand. “By
the gods, that is simply exquisite. It
is a Corusca Gem is it not?” Xana
carefully removes it from the box. “Oh
my! It feels warm to the touch. Are
they all like this?” Her eyes
have grown as large as saucers at the sight of the precious stone.
Jae-Lee notices her excitement at the discovery and also becomes aware of
her knowledge of precious stones. Thinking
to himself, he believes this may prove a very successful trip for him, in more
than one way. “Master
Mussiri and I know a wonderful jeweler who has the ability to carve the stones
without losing any of the warmth from the sun.
Usually, the warmth is released when the stone is cut.
These are very unique, in that no two stones may be cut the same way.”
She turns her attention back to Xaxan, “And Toman thought that only a
gift of such magnitude would demonstrate his sincerity on the matter in
question. Which brings us around to
the reason for our arrival... The
other half of the gift; our services in locating the culprits in this plot to
discredit Toman and yourself.” Even
Xaxan could not hide his shock over the girl’s statement.
“Discredit me!! How does
Higaeri come by this conclusion?” “Very
simple, by showing the Kuati people that Corellia, Commenor and Chandrila can be
attacked by even the most amateurish pirates.”
Mees waits for the comprehension to come to everyone’s minds.
“There is validity in this claim, you must see it.
Toman and I went over the navigation logs for the Sector, Master Mussiri
went over the vid-logs from the attack (provided by Commander Orian of course)
and my associate, Master Reklaw, has been chasing pirate bands across the Sector
for years and he knows nothing of this new band.
All of these things lead me to the conclusion that they were not pirates,
but mercenaries, very well paid mercenaries.”
Mees turns to Xana, “And I wish to apologize to you, my Dear Friend, as
I did not wish to disturb your visit with such devastating news.
I hope you can accept my apologies.”
Mees bows her head to the young woman. “Of
course, my Dear Friend, I would never have asked you to delay in relaying such
news. My Dear Brother’s interests
are that of my own as well. Dear Xaxan, do you think this has anything to do with the
attacks in the Universite?” Master
Mussiri, who has remained silent as Meesahran unfolded their news, now speaks
up, “My child, of what attacks do you speak?” “Oh,
I am so sorry, Master Mussiri. Shortly
before the session was concluded, we experienced two separate attacks by
criminals of some sort, attempting to either hide among the students or to gain
access to the main lecture hall. Both
times, our beloved Ruler Mehand was giving her lectures.
Perhaps the chancellery has kept the news from the holo-grid to prevent a
scare.” Xana takes the man’s
hand in hers as she speaks, knowing that he is a dear friend of the ruler of
Chandrila. “I am certain that
Ruler Mehand and Commander Orian are taking the proper steps to insure her
safety.” “Thank
you, dear child. Your concern is
much appreciated.” The master puts on an air of being relieved, but Meesahran is
able to see through that feint as a result of their Force bond. Just
then, a bell sounds and several servants enter with their meal.
Xaxan rises from the sofa, “Perhaps we should adjourn this discussion
until after our meal.” Motioning
for everyone to join him at the table as the servants begin to serve the food. As
everyone moves towards the table, Xaxan stops Jae-Lee.
“I apologize, in all the excitement, it seems I have failed to
introduce myself to you. I am Xaxan
Tryashoenu, and you are Master Reklaw. Do
you follow the same path as Master Mussiri, my friend?”
Xaxan takes Jae’s hand in a very firm grip.
A grip that shows just how strong the older man is, and one that tells
Jae that he better be on his best behavior in this man’s domain. “Please,
I do not follow Master Mussiri’s path, nor do I truly deserve the title.
Mees and I have know each other since we were young and she delights in
making me nervous. My name is
Jae-Lee Reklaw. People usually call
me Reklaw or JL or Jae-Lee. I would
be honored if you could do the same.” Jae
does not even try to return the strength of the other man’s grip, but simply
acquiesces to his dominance (thinking it might make things easier on him during
their stay). “Of
course, Reklaw. A friend of
Meesahran is indeed welcome in my home. She
has long been a Dear Friend to this family.
Speaking of which, Xana, did you not tell your Dear Brother of
Meesahran’s arrival?” Xaxan
casts a disapproving glance upon his sister. “No!
I completely forgot about Yorel. I
will-“ She is interrupted by the
entrance of a striking young man in a military uniform. “No
need. I have arrived.”
Yorel Tryashoenu walks straight for Meesahran, bowing deeply and taking
her hand in his before rising, and placing a strategic kiss upon her hand.
When she looks down, he is looking right into her eyes with a roguish
grin and then winks at her. “Even
without notice, I felt your very presence and made my way to its emanation.”
Rising to his full height, Yorel is every bit the picture of the perfect
officer. Gently taking the back of
her chair, pulling it to a comfortable distance away from the table, “Will you
honor me with your presence at this meal, my Dear Friend?” Meesahran
simply nods her head and sits gracefully in the offered chair, “Careful,
Yorel, people here might forget what a gentleman you are if you keep up with
such obvious flirtations.” Yorel
brings a hand to his heart in mock distress, “I am slain once again, by your
inimitable wit, Meesahran. How then should an officer treat a lady?
With disdain and discord? I
think not. With pleasantries and flirtations and nothing more, for I am
indeed a gentleman.” Yorel takes
the seat in between Xaxan and Meesahran, leaving Jae-Lee the seat on her left
and feeling a bit ignored. “On
this side of the door perhaps, Yorel.” Meesahran
could not resist one more jibe. “Be
careful, my Dear Brother Yorel, I believe Meesahran has you pegged for a
scoundrel. Not that I do not share
your opinion, my Dear Friend, but Yorel thinks no woman can resist his charms,
and outside of yourself, he has, unfortunately, not been proven wrong.”
Xaxan sits down and motions for everyone to begin the meal. “Master
Mussiri, is Mees always in such high spirits in your company?”
Xana poses to the elder man to draw him into the conversation. “I
fear the answer must be, yes. She has been known to stir up many of nest of gundarks with
her own flirtations. However, on
occasion, this is a necessary device for our work.”
The Master partakes of his beverage before he continues.
“You are studying at the Universite, as I understand.
May I inquire as to your course of study?” She
swallows the morsel she has just taken, “Of course, I am studying interstellar
commerce, but I have also developed an interest in universal philosophy.
I find that it opens up a world of possibilities for negotiations, should
I understand the nature of a culture’s belief systems.”
Xana lights up with her admission “That
is a wonderful way to understand many cultures.
However, do you not believe that their political systems and
socio-economic history are not equally important to that understanding?
Too many times the education systems have become dependent upon
specialized fields of interest. The
key to true understanding is in not disallowing any knowledge and not to favor a
single knowledge as well.” Mees
looks on in astonishment at her master, as he is usually not one to converse so
freely with just anyone. “That
is the point that I have been trying to impress upon my Dear Sister, Master
Mussiri. However, a brother’s
words are sometimes silent.” Xaxan
looks over at Xana and gives her a wink. “I
have not discounted any path to knowledge, my Dear Brother Xaxan.
I have simply chosen a field of study in which to specialize, in the hope
that I may someday relieve you of some of your burden.”
Xana returns the wink. “We
shall leave that to another conversation.”
Xaxan turns to engage the very quiet and sullen Reklaw, “So, Friend
Reklaw, what business are you in that you spend your time chasing pirates?”
He takes a bit from his plate and awaits Jae’s response. Shifting
uncomfortably in his seat under the scrutiny of the table, Jae is almost
embarrassed to admit that he has no path, as yet.
When he gets ready to croak out a halfhearted answer, Mees cuts in,
“Jae is an independent contractor. One
of the best information brokers and investigators in the entire Sector.
You should feel very honored to have him on the case, Xaxan.”
Mees gives him a nudge from under the table in the direction of Xana and
then smiles. “So,
you are a mercenary of sorts, then?” Xaxan
casts an accusatory glance in his direction. “No,
I just work only when I have to. And
Mees exaggerates just a bit. I take
jobs from a few people that I have worked with in the past.
Nothing illegal and nothing that I have to feel ashamed about.
I am only trying to uncover a personal mystery, and the jobs help to
finance that search.” Jae-Lee looks down into his plate. “Pay
no attention to my Dear Brother, Master Reklaw.
It is his way to dress down strangers, trying to impress upon them his
dominance. It makes him a wonderful
business man, but something of a chore in social situations.”
Xana shoots him a disapproving glare.
“Please, may I inquire as to the nature of your mystery?” Jae
looks at Mees for reassurance before continuing.
When he finds it her shining emerald eyes, he begins, “I was orphaned
as a young boy and I am trying to find out something of the people I came from.
I don’t like living without a history or any semblance of a heritage.
Unfortunately, it seems that my people were nomadic, and I have already
spent many years on this search.” Jae
actually felt a bit of relief from his admission.
He had not expected that at all, nor did he expect to find Mees’ hand
on his knee for reassurance. He
looked up at her face and found the strength to regain his composure.
Taking a deep breath and sitting a bit straighter in his chair, he
concluded, “So, I have found a need for tracing various nomadic groups,
including many pirate organizations,” looking Xaxan straight in the eyes as he
speaks now, “in the hopes of determining patterns and maybe a list of possible
locations to search. As a result, I
am something of an expert on pirates in the Sector, as well as their tactics.”
There is a hint of secret knowledge in those last words and the look on
his face, as he returns the looks afforded him by both of the Tryashoenu men
with his renewed confidence. “I
see, well that does provide you with some additional insight in your line of
work. Have you had many run ins
with the Storm Riders of Brental? I hear they are quite ruthless with their captives.”
Xaxan is still trying to gain the upper hand, but appears to be grasping
at loose nerf hides. “I
have, and they are. The last time I
came upon them I was looking for the runaway daughter of Brentalon businessman.
Name was Marxain. Turns out
she wasn’t really a runaway, just a holo-vid reporter long over due on her
assignment. I think I lost a few
years off of my life during that job.” Jae-Lee
takes a big bite from his plate and relishes in his victory. Mees gives him a little smirk and does the same. Now
it is Yorel’s turn at the ready, “So, do you work primarily on the
ground?” He
swallows his food and then takes a quick drink from his glass, “No, as a
matter of fact I have a two-man fighter that I built up from scrap.
With the help of my compatriot here,” he says nudging Mees with his
elbow. “She was just a whelp when
I got The Burn, but she’s a fair mechanic and a great programmer.”
He looks straight into the eyes of Xana, seeing her surprise at his
teasing of Mees, and awaits Mees’ response.
He does not have long to wait. “Fair
mechanic, huh? Well, just for that
you can finish that blasted sensor panel yourself, fly-boy.
I’d like to see you re-program all of the coordinates and
triangulations and permutations yourself and see how fast you get blown out into
vacuum.” Mees playfully elbows
him in the ribs during her tirade. “Okay,
okay, you’re more than fair, you’re all right.”
He tries his luck one more time and winks at Xana, showing her that this
is all just a game. “Well,
before Meesahran takes an opportunity to dismember you right before our very
eyes, perhaps I should change the topic of discussion.”
Xana nods to her brothers, a sign that she is unhappy with their recent
attempts to discredit their guest. “Master
Reklaw, have your travels ever brought you to Commenor before this trip?”
Xana takes a careful sip from her glass. “Actually, yes they
have, but it has been a few years since I’ve returned.
I usually hit Kuat and turn back. I
spent about a standard month here in Chasin City, chasing after some missing
cargo for my old boss, Jaquillen Naysan. He
had me set up with a fence to track the stolen shipment.”
Jae-Lee looks across the table as he speaks and notices a pinched
expression upon Xaxan’s face. “Of
course Jaquillen has been gone for a very long time. Did you know him Master Tryashoenu?” Jae-Lee puts down his utensils and gazes deeply into the
man’s eyes. Trying to get behind
whatever it was that he appears to be hiding. “Yes,
I did know the man. He was an
associate of my late father and a good man, until-...
Pardon me, I sometimes forget my manners.
You all must be exhausted from your long journey.”
Xaxan stands and everyone else follows his lead, “Yorel, if you would
be so kind as to escort our guests to their quarters.”
Turning to his guests, “I hope you find my arrangements suitable to
your needs. However, I must attend
to some business if I am to join you for evening meal.
Thank you my Dear Friends for your visit and your assistance.
Please partake of our hospitality as long as you wish it.
Good day to you all, and I will see you again in the evening.”
And with that he departs in a hurried flourish, leaving even his siblings
looking a bit puzzled. Taking
his arm in hers, Meesahran says the first words, “Well, are you going to walk
me to my room, or will I have to go it alone?” Shocked
back into the present, Yorel, in turn, places his other hand on her forearm,
“I would be honored to escort you to your room, Mistress Meesahran and any
other service you may require of me.” His
charms have also returned and they lead the way to the door. Master
Mussiri offers his arm to Xana, “I would be most honored if you would
accompany us to our rooms, young Mistress Xana?” Xana,
looking somewhat disappointed at her escort, politely takes the arm offered her
and follow Mees and her brother out the door. The
remaining member of the party takes one last drink from his glass and slowly
walks out of the room to join the others. Bringing
up the rear, he realizes that he is satisfied with his recovery of the nearly
botched confession.
Creator: PtrsonsZOO (Jennifer) & arroheadpodracer (Josh)
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