Page 21 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

“Ahh! Great news you two. It looks like we’ll be dropping you right outside the settlement. My Chief
Engineer has informed me the Colony here specialises in mineral refining equipment. One of my
clients requires upgrades and the Colony lacks a supplier of fresh spices so… We’ll be landing in an
hour at Proxima to exchange some cargo then we’ll head out to your relative’s settlement Meorr.
Fenton the harbour master needs to talk with you about some matter concerning a development at
Lunaris. If you can complete your businesses in good time you can travel to the settlement with us”

“I’m sure I can see that it’s completed quickly, besides, The Doc owes me a hand of Triton Bridge.
Just a small wager you understand” he replied with a wink. The assembled Bridge crew stifled a
round of laughter. Jicklac scowled, and then he burst out laughing.

(Authors note: Triton Bridge is played with a deck of cards with 5 suites, Bones, Rocks, Water, Stars
and a set called Schisms. The symbols vary depending on local culture but the Bones are always
skulls. A pair of dice is also involved. One die has the usual 6 numbers as dots, the other has four
coloured faces and the last two are marked plus and minus. The rules appear complicated, but when
mastered the game can be played quite successfully for profit. In that respect it can be as addictive
as Poker.)

The Brain Game

R’Pak Nuur, a Lenivan from Frenetia, and a member of The Order of
Sisterhood was the Bio-Geneticist that Rupert had mentioned and when
contacted was more than willing to collaborate. She had a blank spot in her
schedule and would get the next vessel from Mira to join him and Galena. In
the event a military survey ship, the Rotan Klu, was the fastest ship heading
that way. She sequestered travel and was surprised to be accepted. That was
until she saw the crew manifest. The Captain was an old friend Marcus Gwent from Terra Prime.
They had been lovers at one point, but he had been unable to accept her races custom of partner
sharing. It had led to some embarrassing moments. Perhaps he had “mellowed”. As she approached
the boarding ramp she could see him standing at the doorway waiting. He looked… older, more
refined. The years had been kinder to him than her. Jealousy was not a trait of her race so she simply
put the thought aside. He stiffened as she approached.
“Welcome aboard Dr Nuur, May I say you look…” He never completed the sentence as she
interrupted him. All it took was a glare and a flash of her blood red eyes and he stopped.

“Marcus! I have a tight schedule. Can we please dispense with the pleasantries till later? Where is
my billet?” she snapped, hoping to have put enough emphasis to her words to gain the effect.

“Certainly; it’s this way. You’re in guest compartment seven. The crew lounge is at your disposal if
you wish.” He replied, taken aback by her curtness. He had a young ensign take her bags.
“Well!” he thought “She’s abrupt. I may have to tread carefully”.