Page 33 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

Since Fenton’s information of the discovery of the Grey’s existence, The Order had taken a
deep interest in the activities on Lunaris. Ilka’s workload had proportionately increased with all the
reports and data being flashed back and forth across the Hive-Net. It had taken longer for her to
compile this report than previous ones as Jason had asked for specific information about the alcoves
and what was contained on their database. She finished and encoded it just a little before mid-day.
She would deliver it to the drop off point during lunch. A work colleague was approaching; she
quickly hid the crystal and made an effort to look like she was tidying her desk of unwanted
materials.
“You ready for lunch Ilk?” Sandra Hustrom, Ilka’s counterpart in the Thule Council’s maintenance
department asked

“Just about; where did you say we were going to try today?” she replied

“It’s a new Genovan place called “Ichtigs Kooking Emporium”. You’d think they’d have made an
effort to spell the thing correctly. Apparently that was down to the sign painter, and the owner liked
the quirkiness of it! Their speciality is Northern Provincial quisine!”

“Oh! I’ve had Yorgflaast and Murgh roast before. It wasn’t what I expected and nearly choked at the
amount of spices used. I’ll see what else they have on the menu I don’t want Henry and the others
complaining about the smell” and she laughed. The two of them left to go across the cold, wintry
Council Plaza to the winding streets of Thoth’s “Old quarter”. When they found the place it was
unexpectedly bright and colourful. Reds, yellows and purples seemed to be the order of the day as
regards décor. Susan found them a table and asked for a menu and drinks list. They ordered their
respective drinks; Susan opted for Untharan scented tea, Ilka Buraxin Jekkta. Their meal choices
were more personal with Susan being the less adventurous, opting for Savoury Falovar on a bed of
fresh green vegetables. Ilka had ordered Roasted Jumvass on wild rice, with a savoury side dish of
Sukreet, a sort of shredded and pickled root vegetable. While they awaited their order they started
their favourite game of assessing the worthiness of the male patrons in the dining room. There were
some obvious tourists, a couple of Untharans, and a contingent of students from various worlds who
had broken studies at the University and were chatting loudly over their meals. In one corner booth
was a solitary Koodon. He appeared to be having difficulty with his bowl of live Sugar slugs. As Susan
scanned the tables behind Ilka she gasped and said, in hushed tones…
“Don’t look round, but three tables behind you is seated Darth Radev the playboy entrepreneur
from Volkor in The Sonoran Trust”
Ilka used one of the establishment’s tall wall mirrors to check the view behind her.
“It can’t be I heard he was on Hel Tar, the Untharan game world, known for its gambling dens and
brothels. It has to be someone who looks like him…” She stopped herself short. It was him and that
was his Genovan bodyguard. Her eyes widened.
“It has to be him that’s Rufus Hemp his Genovan protector; I’d recognise his handsome features
anywhere. You do know Rufus was voted most seducible male in a bathing suit on Genova three
times running” Susan insisted.

This development both exited and worried Ilka. She would have to forego the drop off and
amend her report. Darth was the estranged son of Multi-Trillionnare money magnate Rillik Radev,
rumoured to be the chief money man for the Kinray Group. The opportunities that sprang to mind
were endless. Darth whispered something to Rufus and the tall, muscular bodyguard stood up and
sauntered over to their table.
“Mr Radev would be honoured if you ladies would join us at our table. I’ll see to it that your order is
delivered there.” His voice was a mellifluous, rich baritone. Susan was obviously struck by this
handsome man and stammered a barely audible
“Y –Yes we w-would like that v-very much. Wouldn’t we Ilka?” Ilka had to admit that the prospect
was not that unpleasant so also nodded agreement. He guided the two women to vacant seats at