Page 34 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

Darth’s table and introduced them to his charge and other guests at the table. He then signalled a
waitress over and explained that the ladies order was to be diverted here to Mr Radev’s table and he
would be footing the bill. The women were quickly the centre of attention for the whole dining
room. Darth was not quite what Ilka had expected. He was slight of build, pale complexion, devilishly
handsome and very soft spoken. He was also very astute and steered any conversation about his
father out of the way. He was; however, more forthcoming about his own business interests in The
Sonoran Trust. They chatted while they ate.
“The meal is almost over. Ilka could you possibly make excuses for yourself and dodge out of work?”
he asked
“I’m sorry Mr Raved, but my employer is an important Council Elder. He doesn’t mind me taking
time over lunch, but I have to file a dozen reports, collate facts for a lecture he’s giving at Thule
University and a large number of internal memos that are to sort. I wish I could” she replied fairly
truthfully
“Oh what a shame. Perhaps later tonight; say seventh hour or eighth? We could make an evening of
it. I could have my driver pick you up and return you” He pleaded. Susan nudged her with her elbow.
She thought a moment then said…
“Very well; I shall be ready for eighth hour. How could I refuse such a courteous request?” He smiled
“Eighth hour it is then. Good day ladies. I have enjoyed your company” The men stood as the women
rose to leave. Susan winked at Ilka as they left the establishment and ventured into the icy Plaza.
“I have a date also. Rufus is getting the night off, so he’s going to take me on a boat ride across Lake
Impetuous, then supper in Bret Town, who knows what after that?” she winked again
“Susan; you’re incorrigible!” Ilka mocked. They both laughed as they entered the Council building.
Ilka was already formulating plans to use the impending evening to her advantage.

Chapter 4

A world in rebirth

Since the departure of the Sphere Alicia Thrung had managed to get the Terraforming
process back on track. In fact; when the Sphere departed the gravimetric shower from the re-
radiations of its shield, boosted the crust formation process. There was now a long chain of large
islands at the equator and two substantial land masses at the poles. The atmosphere, already
saturated with water vapour had started to cool and the first clouds were forming. The whole
process seemed to have shifted several gears. So the discovery of the Sphere had made the job
easier in many ways. She had also instigated a series of meetings to get to know the crew better,
which also helped with the transition process and change in command. Not many Human crews
would take to an Untharan being the boss, let alone a female Untharan. Some old prejudices could
cross species barriers apparently. The Mechanoids were another story. They were loyal to whoever
was in charge. Alicia had experienced this before and had a wide range of tactics she’d accrued over
the years. Slowly the crew was beginning to trust her. One thing in her favour was that she was part
Genovan, and that had given her a strong presence. She had returned from one of the Southern
Orbiters to terra Edo. There appeared to be some kind of commotion happening in the engineering
repairs bay.
“What’s going on Carter?” she asked
“Oh just a little fun competition. Two teams are seeing how fast they can strip down and re-build a
skitter. Keeps the morale on an even keel!” he said with his quirky accent. “Whichever team is
quicker gets a crate of Mescal and a weekend furlough! I pay for it myself. It’s also a good
motivational tool. Your boy Uther is something else. I aint seen any guy that strong do so delicate
work.” He added. Alicia had brought her eldest son along with her as a way of getting him used to
the rigors of his impending adulthood. She had thought that the environment and helping out with
the heavy work would be helpful in lifting the depression he was suffering that all males of her race
went through toward the end of puberty. Judging by what she was now witnessing the idea had