Page 41 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

“I think so… It will take me about an hour though. May I see those recent scans of the interior
circuits? I think I could pinpoint the replacements we need to make.”

“Today we take on The Power of the Gods and bend it to our ways” Lisa said absentmindedly “Sorry
just daydreaming as the Humans say. Good; let’s get on with it.”

After handing over the Achenazi Archive files and meeting with other members of the Unity
High Council, Fenton decided to treat Meorr to a tour of Terra Prime. She readily agreed, and their
first port of call was the New Ching Alliance Territories. Their current location was the coastal
province of Neo-Manchuria, in particular a renowned restaurant called “Madame Butterfly’s” after
some ancient operetta. The food was said to be of the highest standard. Reproducing ancient menus
was their speciality. Meorr and Fenton had opted to try a strange
dish called Hasperat, a sort of salty brine doused, bitter salad served
in a rolled flatbread as a starter. They intended to follow that with
something sweet or spiced but were undecided when their starters
arrived.
“Phew; is it meant to smell so strong?” Meorr winced, and made
Fenton laugh at the way her face curled up.
“It’s supposed to enhance the fragrance of the following courses by
tweaking the palate. I’ve had it once before, you’ll find the taste surprisingly mild in comparison to
how it smells. But it does leave a strange aftertaste, hence the Aleutian Flower Wine.” Fenton said as
they took their first bites. Meorr was indeed surprised by the pleasant salty taste
“It’s a bit like a salted dried meat dish we have, though not so tough in texture. I like it” and she
munched happily. “You chose the starter, so may I choose the second course?” she said as she
sipped the wine.

“By all means, there’s a bewildering array. No wonder this place has such a reputation. I know it’s
mostly synthetics and replicates, but wow, the standard…” he replied “It was good of Elder Vincent
to secure this “Vacation” I don’t think I could have afforded it otherwise. It would be almost a year’s
salary at my old pay grade”…
She scowled at him then grinned. They settled down to enjoy their meal.

Vincent had been only too willing to arrange the “Vacation” though it would almost be more
like a “Busman’s holiday” for Fenton. It would allow him time to adjust to his new position. The
Council had made him Unity Ambassador to the Lemur. When Meorr heard this she purred out
loudly and confided that Catrah was petitioning on her behalf for her to be the Lemur Ambassador
to the Unity. She even joked then and there about getting married and cementing the union of the
two races. That had made Vincent laugh, but, on reflection, he now thought that might not be such
an absurd idea. He’d insisted that both of them make sure they allowed time to enjoy their own
company. It was obvious the two were attracted to each other. He was reminded by this of his own
tentative steps with his late wife Leonora. How he had fumbled his way through their first “date”.
How, when it seemed right, he’d been so nervous at the prospect of asking her father for her hand in
marriage he’d almost fainted.

Fenton and Meorr were about three days into their “Vacation” when a message came from
Galena and the teams on Lunaris. The Ulahri and Alurak were about to set up a permanent base on
Triton.
“That’s wonderful news Fenton. They will feel better breathing live atmosphere than the recycled
and synthetic stuff in those suits.” Meorr said when he told her “It might even help the Ulahri to
recuperate and reconsider the Geno-manipulation therapy. I know how set in their ways an Elder