From kitchen, a tall man in flight jacket burst into dinning hall with large sandwich in his left fully robotic arm. Seeing all of gathering he realized he was inappropriate. Hiding his sandwich behind his back he muttered... Hola all! Sorry to crash like this Commadante, wont happen again. I was so exited on my way back to Crete that i forgot to take some food supplies with me, so i didn't eat for two days. Hence my kitchen invasion. Sorry again for disturbance.I wish you all a pleasant evening.
Sula started towards exit, changed his mind. Come near Jose and said quietly to him
Some time this days i wish to speak with you. Nothing urgent.
Sula turned towards gringo
Excuse my bad manners senor, my name is Cornelius Sula Benitez or just Sula. I hope you have a pleasant stay with us here at villa?
Sula noted to visitor with his head than turned away.
Sula hurriedly walked to exit out of hall but on exit he turned on heals, looked at Val, smiled and turned away. Waving with his head in disbelief, Val in casual clothes looked more stunning than in flight uniform. All present could hear a semi silent whistle as Sula left hall.
" Good to see somepeople actually read invitations, Buenos tardes mi Hermana."
Ronaldo signaled one of the servers to pour the wine and water for the guests.
" Trueno already met senor Brisbane. Senor offers our family a business partnership in our fleding exportation of Artifacts. In turn he will also be a supplier of hard to get goods for many projects. If you would all be so kind as to introduce yourselfs and your activities for la Familia. "
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
Trueno grinned inside at the view of the familia, dress to impress, especially for the gringos probably expecting a more archaic lifestyle- and as much he disliked the stiff uniform he wore himself- it does emit an air of power, just what might be necessary to cut a better deal with the dear senor Brisbane.
While listening to the introductions being made he repeated his business plan in his head- better be prepared...and maybe we should get soem drinking done to ease him up, too...well well....
It’s not often that a journey is made to Crete nowadays without any incidents Senor, but I am glad to hear that you managed such a journey.
Jose took a sip of the water from the glass that was on the table in front of him.
I am Jose Benitez and I used to have the burden of being Commandante that Ronaldo now handles with such aplomb. Technically I guess I am retired, although I still like to know what is going on around here as it might affect my pension.
Suspecting that Ronaldo had poked fun at him about his attire, Jose turns toward Ron
Commandante, I should like to inform you that I very carefully read the invite and took note of the dress code. For me this is casual……
A few of the Benitez laugh at this obvious lie as Jose has a fairly well known dislike of most things formal, dressing formally being but one amongst many.
Francisco sighed internally at the Commandante's dig at his attire.
"Mi Commandante, please be assured that I didn't intend to ignore the instructions given, however given my short time back on Crete and that my only leave from Myrtos has been for duties offworld I'm afraid that the only clothing I own is a dress uniform and a bloodied flight suit!”
Chuckles were heard from around the table, Brisbane looked quizzical.
"Ah, yes, I suppose I'd best explain! I have spent the past twenty years or so somewhat indisposed offworld. Since my return I've been kept quite busy. Touch wood Senor Brisbane, our business together will make us all rich enough to retire as young as Jose! ”
Hoping that would end the questions about his dress sense, Francisco briefly looked around, hoping to spot the beer. Or Trueno's rum.
Valeria wore a slight smile on her lips and remained quiet. Her hands rested at her lap and she observed each person as her eyes wandered from corsair to corsair and, lastly, to senor Brimsbane. Sometimes her eyes blinked slowly as she passively and unobtrusively but no less attentively listened to the others speaking. As it was her turn to introduce herself she spoke up.
"... and mi name is Valeria Benitez." She had not started to eat yet. "it is muchos bien to meet you senor." Her filled glass reflected some of the flickering torch lights that decorated the room more than illuminating it. "I am the familia's current flight instructor but I like to study foreign cultures in my free time. You never know hat you can learn." She inclined her head respectfully and returned to silence with these words.
"A rare pleasure to meet you all, I'm honoured to be a guest at your table and your home."
He raised his glass in thanks.
"I'm certain you know who I am but for formalities sake; my name is Edward Brisbane and please call me Eddy, or Edward which ever you prefer. I operate Boundless Transport Enterprises known in less legitimate terms as The Profiteers, horribly generic I know, but when you're a group of smugglers masquerading as mindless traders it pays to be generic.
Together we shall make ourselves rich enough, as Senor Franco said, to retire as young as Senor Jose. Perhaps a few years younger."
Brisbane ended with a hearty grin.
"Now that the formality is out of the way, I look forward to getting to know you all and one day repay your hospitality. And I promise not to terrify any more of your kitchen staff, a truly embarrassing tale that must be told after a good meal to do it justice."
He turned to Valeria.
"I'm afraid Senorita Valeria that Barrier Gate does not instill much culture to it's denizens, though I suppose that too is a form of culture in it's own right. However I am fascinated with the richness of your heritage, Ronaldo was kind enough to endure my endless questions during my tour so it would be only fair to answer any questions you may have."
Ronaldo Signalled the servers for the first course. A carpaccio of Cretonian Wild Boar.
" This fine beauty was shot in the hills near the artifact quarry, it gave its life for us so let us enjoy it. If there happens to be anyone who does not eat meat, the chef has prepared a different dish.
If you ever wish to visit barriers gate senora, feel free to use our Gaian connection nearby. They've provided me with some sense of security on the rock. Our Bretheren sniffers have a sizeable population there. It seems the only reason the place was opened in the first place was the dreaded Cardamine. Lot of smugglers make it their home these days though. Culture is mixed as far as I noticed, then again. I was only there briefly. "
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"Barrier Gate was first founded as a refuge from the politically ruinous Houses, much like the Zoners and their freeports. So the legend goes, a group of freelancers set out to find a new jumphole rumoured to link Liberty with the Taus.
Eventually they found Coronado and began building a settlement there, the rest as they say, is history.
Of course this is all from stories handed down over the years so naturally there has been some embellishment which I hope you will forgive me for truncating. Tales of dogfights with aliens around a colossal structure, invasion by the House navies, all utter nonsense but makes for fantastic children's stories.
Brisbane inhaled a slow breath through the nose, sampling the aroma of the wild boar.
"Mmm, that smells delicious. You weren't bragging about your chefs culinary prowess Ronaldo.
Were was I? Oh yes, Barrier Gate. Yes unfortunately it has become a favourite drop point for Cardamine, awful stuff. Once the addicts found out they flocked to the Gate in droves, not to mention the Outcasts themselves. Eventually another hanger was built to contain it all after one idiot allowed a container of Cardamine to enter the ventilation system. I was only a boy when it happened, terrifying to be sat eating your morning synthpaste and suddenly the table starts talking to you."
He gave a small shiver as the memory was dredged up from the depth of his mind.
"You are all welcome to visit at any time you wish, we don't have Wild Boar or picturesque villas but we do have zero G football and squash, not to mention a brilliant view of the asteroid field. Quite relaxing watching them float by and slightly hair-raising when one bounces off the shield."
" One thing I have learned from owning my own bar is not to save money on food preperation. We once had Grilled wild donkey. Was also very tasty I must say. Who shot that thing again Jose?"
Ronaldo laughed at the thought of a table talking to him.
" Encountering a talking table is one thing but the long term influence on the body is another thing I reckon. My contacts at Cryer tell me its not something you want to get addicted to."
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
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