LINKS
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The Christa Affair
Chapter Thirty-Three
At precisely seventeen hundred, the ship-to-shore launch made fast to the aft starboard airlock. As Jashi and Karli entered the luxurious cabin, they were greeted by a strikingly beautiful Human female, clothed in a translucent wrap of the finest Elviran SpiderSilkk. The sheer fabric delicately revealed the outline of her breasts, and in back, the cut of the neck-line dipped below her waist; the flowing irregular skirt ended just above her knees. Her golden-brown tan contrasted sharply with the pearl-white of the elegant fabric.
The effect was breathtaking, and Jashi gazed at her in open admiration. (.... "You do, and I'll spank you for real! ....") His warning was just in time to save himself a second set of bruised ribs; Karli laughed in his head. She took his arm and they followed their hostess across the room to their table.
The menu was \printed\ -- on Silkk, bound in fine leather; even more incredible was the selection offered. Food from almost every known civilization in the galaxy, beverages Jashi had never even heard of, and a list of recreational drugs that was staggering -- drugs to be shot, snorted, smoked, and swallowed, each carrying the standard aggression-potential and health-hazard rating as required by Federation law for port-cities on recognized worlds.
They ordered Delfinan Brandy and made small talk for the better part of an hour while the shuttle made several other stops to take on passengers. The cabin became crowded and a bit noisy; they called for fresh drinks and strolled forward to the observation bubble.
Jashi was attired in the dress-whites of Ship's Master -- complete with regulation jewelry -- and carried a swagger-stick. The cane was ornate, covered by fine carving that named each world visited by its owner, slightly longer and greater in diameter than the regulation stick carried by officers of Federation Military; the larger end was covered by a decidedly un-military molded handgrip. The illusion was perfect -- a Starship Captain and his Lady, in port in search of pleasure. And most probably a profit.
The ride became decidedly bumpy as they dropped lower into the atmosphere and clouds closed in around the bubble. The internal gravity field absorbed most of it, but they could feel the turbulence enough to know that the launch was taking a real pounding. Torrents of water streaked the transparent surface; intense flashes of blinding-red light superimposed themselves repeatedly over multiple explosions of thunder that shook the deck beneath their feet. Karli turned away from the awesome display of violence into the comforting circle of Jashi's arms.
Quickly the storm was behind them, and they broke out under the clouds in a light rain, directly over the city. Because of the extra stops, the trip down had taken longer than Jashi had anticipated, and the lights of Extasy blazed against a dark night sky. To the west they could see the great spaceport, sprawling across a clearing almost as large as the city itself; beyond, another storm raged, crisscrossing the inky blackness with forked streaks of red that silhouetted a massive rain-shaft, reaching from the horizon to the towering clouds above.
*********
The flawless pavement shimmered wetly beneath their feet as they strolled through the central pleasure district of Extasy, but the rain had stopped and the temperature was pleasant. The streets were busy without being crowded, and members of many different species mingled freely as they wandered in an out of the shops and clubs; an occasional ground-car disgorged a passenger here and there, but most of the pleasure-seekers seemed in no hurry, content to walk from place to place. There was no fear of contact with other species here -- no sense of panic at the coming shortage of Immunofactor-26. Jashi mentally crossed their compliment of Infectogan off the list of heavy-duty bargaining chips.
They had been given the standard injections at the spaceport, followed by a careful scanning for weapons. Neither Jashi nor Karli carried an energy weapon, but it had been a relief when their PRDs went undetected. The L'sa'rian devices emitted a weak energy field that wouldn't register on conventional equipment, but it was a tense moment that stretched into an eternity as the Bardarani customs agent admiringly inspected Jashi's cane. "Sell it?" he inquired, obviously reluctant to hand it back.
(.... !!! .... "Jashi!? ....") He hoped her alarm didn't show on her face.
"It was a gift... From a former companion." Jashi chose his words carefully. "To sell it would dishonor her memory."
The tip of the creature's tail twitched, again, but he remained silent. "Your admiration is duly noted, sir," Jashi tried another tact. "Perhaps you will accept this small token of my appreciation?" He removed a heavy gold bracelet from his wrist and offered it; still the Bardarani hesitated, holding the cane in one hand, the bracelet in the other.
(.... "What now, Kitten? ....") The cane could pass only a cursory examination; if they discovered the alien device concealed within...
"Com p'w-itzss!" snarled the Bardarani, slamming both objects to the counter in front of him. "Gon Zit'ss! Out!" As they hurried toward the exit, Jashi had a sinking feeling the incident would return to haunt him.
*********
Karli shivered from the collective memory, and held Jashi's arm a little tighter. "I'm hungry, Jashi," she said softly, sounding a bit frightened. "Lets find a place to eat."
That proved to be difficult. Karli preferred her food to be prepared by Humans, and neither desired the rather unique entertainment offered by most of the establishments along the strip; that limited their choices severely. At last they settled on what appeared to be a rather elegant restaurant, but boasted "seven different live acts in seven separate dinning rooms" on the marquee above the door.
The seven live acts turned out to be musical, except for one comedian. They chose the largest of the seven dining rooms. It was circular, arranged around a huge dance floor; a string ensemble played the music of a faraway world from a transparent stage that floated above the dancers, rotating slowly.
*********
They were finished with dinner, and well into their third brandy and a large hand-carved pipe of high-quality smoke. Karli loved to dance, and they did it well; it was their third number without leaving the floor. "I'm bushed, Jashi," she whispered, kissing him lightly as the music faded.
They had finished on the far side of the dance floor, and the music began again before they reached the center. Karli took Jashi's hand as they wound their way thru the dancers toward their table; suddenly she stopped, causing a minor collision with a twirling couple. Her grip on Jashi's hand tightened until it became almost painful. (.... "Don't panic, Karli, I've got him spotted ....") Someone was sitting at their table.
Their visitor rose as they approached. He was dressed in the frilly attire of a Nobleman -- a member of the Extasian elite. Ruffled cuffs extended from the sleeves of his coat, and gaudy jewelry hung everywhere -- about his waist, from both wrists, and around his neck; a flowing black cape was thrown back over his shoulders.
They breathed a collective sigh of relief as they recognized the young lieutenant who had given them approach clearance earlier in the day; he bowed low and kissed Karli's hand. "Please forgive the intrusion, but my companion for the evening was detained. I have taken the liberty of ordering drinks... May I join you?" He spoke Federation Basic.
The drinks arrived before Jashi could answer, along with a fresh pipe. "I see you are puzzled by my attire," their visitor said with a wry smile as he signed the check. He tipped the waiter before continuing. "Many of us serve as volunteers in the military these days." He didn't elaborate further, and Jashi didn't inquire.
"Thank you for the drinks, Lieu... Uhh..."
"My friends call me Juan. I would be honored to count you among them."
"Very well... We also are honored, Juan. Thank you. Please sit down."
They sipped their drinks in silence, listening to the music. Juan couldn't keep his eyes off Karli. (.... ??? .... "What's he up to, Jash? ....")
(.... !!?? .... "You're asking me? It's you he's interested in....")
(.... "Typical Male! ....") Somehow, she didn't sound really displeased.
(.... "Maybe, maybe not. Could be a spy. For somebody ....") Jashi couldn't quite imagine \for whom\, but given the current condition of the galaxy and the reputation of this world...
(.... "Want me to find out? ....")
(.... "Okay. Be careful! ....")
Karli lit the pipe, and it passed around the table. The smoke made her giddy, adventurous... This was going to be \fun\! "I'd like to dance, Jashi. You'll excuse us, won't you?" she added, turning to their uninvited guest as she rose from her chair.
"Sit down!" Jashi replied curtly, a thin edge of ice on his voice. "All you ever want to do is dance! Let me relax, will you?" She sank back into her chair; storm clouds formed on her countenance.
"With your permission, Captain?" Juan offered. "I would be honored to dance with your charming companion."
(.... Laughter .... "Hook, line and proverbial sinker, Jash! ....")
"Apologies for my rudeness. I fear I am weary from our journey." Jashi rose to his feet. "As the lady wishes, Juan, with my blessing." He waved down the waiter and ordered another drink -- Bardaran Bluefire this time.
Jashi eavesdropped on their conversation as they danced. It was mostly small-talk -- polite inquiries and answers as they glided gracefully across the dance floor; Juan was a good dancer and Karli was obviously enjoying herself. Jashi reached into a hidden interior pocket of his coat and extracted a small blue capsule, dropping it casually into his drink; he was going to get \very\ drunk -- or at least appear to.
They returned to the table. Karli was flushed and a bit breathless. Jashi tossed the potent concoction and ordered another. The pipe made the rounds again; Karli and Juan went back to the dance floor.
This time they didn't return when the music faded at the end of the selection. Jashi doctored the fresh drink -- two capsules this time. The blue one would neutralize the distillate, the yellow would render the effects of the potent weed at least manageable -- a small gift from the chemical genius of the Keeper.
The conversation was turning serious. It was becoming rapidly apparent that his royal uppity-ness, part-time approach controller and volunteer lieutenant in Licti's military, was simply a filthy-rich, horny wolf-on-the-prowl; his hands were becoming a real problem. Karli was playing it to the hilt, teasing, flirting, but allowing no liberties -- protesting all the while that her Captain would kill the man who tried to touch her. She had received no protection against the chemicals in her system; the performance was very realistic. Jashi was about to call her off when their guest dropped the bombshell. (.... !!! .... "He offered to \buy\ me!....") Karli squealed.
(.... "Tell him to take a flying fu... Uhh... Wait a minute! String him along. I've got an idea... Can you handle it? ....")
(.... "I'm okay, but you'd better fix my next drink. That smoke is out of this world!....")
(.... "Tell me!! I'll order now... Toss it when you get here, tease him a bit more, then go to the fresher....")
*********
Juan came straight to the point as soon as they were alone at the table. "Captain Abram, whom I am honored to number among my friends, will you grant me a pact of non-offense?"
"Granted. You may speak freely... Honest words, honorably spoken, shall cause no harm. Do you pledge to depart when finished, if I so demand, and never offend me with your presence again?"
"It is understood, Captain. "To do else would bring grievous harm." They stood and bowed to each other, sealing the gentlemen's agreement.
"I find your companion most desirable," Juan continued when they were again seated. "I am a rich man, and many females grace my house with their beauty and my person with their loving attention. I am fond of them all, but Lady Karli is more comely than any. She has indicated she would not be opposed, if you are agreeable... I wish to buy her, Captain, at any price."
For long moments their eyes locked. Jashi felt real anger at the proposition; with considerable effort he hid it behind a steely stare, prolonging the moment and its suspense. He had every right to be offended -- maybe offering to by a person's bondmate was accepted practice on Sanctuary, but they were offworlders. And the man damn well knew it! (.... "Damn, Karli! Everything really \is\ for sale here! ....")
(.... "This was \your\ idea, My Darling....")
"She \has\ become a bit troublesome of late," Jashi replied when the tension became unbearable. Juan relaxed, and smiled. He had expected to be sent away -- or even killed, in spite of their pact. "She would have to be replaced."
"You may have any you wish, from all the females of my house. I will hold back none from your choosing... All are very beautiful, and some are very young."
(.... "You always said you wanted a daughter....")
(.... "Not funny, Karli! ....") "It would take someone very special," he said aloud. "Lady Karli has been my companion for many years, and pleases me well." There was another long moment of strained silence; Jashi could feel his adversary start to squirm. "Perhaps a female of royal blood, a line recognized throughout the galaxy. She could bear me many fine children... And I have never known royalty," he finished, grinning slyly.
(.... !! ?? .... "Ouch! Are sure you wanted to do that?....")
"I fear what you ask is impossible, Captain."
(.... "Too late now ....") Jashi really \wasn't\ sure; maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. (.... "Come back to the table, Karli. Dance one more dance. Set the hook good, but convince him I won't be easy to please. Let's stir the kettle and see what foams over....")
*********
When Karli and her partner returned to the table, Jashi inquired where they might purchase a landingcraft, fast and well-armed. Juan promised to look into it, and bade them good night, handing Jashi a card that read simply "Manuel Don-Delo Cortez, Squire-Grande, Casa-DeCarlo." It offered no address or phone code. "I will be in touch, Captain." He bowed low, then turned to Karli. "Good night, Fair Lady." For long moments he stared into her eyes. He kissed her hand, and disappeared into the crowd.
"What a disgusting phoney!" Karli exploded in a whisper, as soon as he was out of earshot.
(.... "Careful! If it's a setup, we're being watched ....")
(.... "Sorry. I need a drink, Jashi. And none of your little capsules, either! What the hell have we stumbled into?....")
They ordered another round -- Bluefire again -- and drank them in silence, sitting close with their backs to the dance floor. The first pipe still had a bit left in it; they burned it. When Jashi signaled the waiter to bring their bill, they were politely informed that the matter had been taken care of by the Squire DeCarlo.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
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