Pennybrooke stories

[Karst]

CHAPTER THREE – EDWIN

Edwin nearly spit his martini in the faces of his fellow jacuzzi patrons upon hearing Yoko's joke.
It wasn't even particularly funny; it was more her deadpan delivery and squeaky, slightly accented voice that made him laugh.

A series of beeps from his comm pad brought him back to reality.
It was waterproof of course, but he was still always nervous when he handled it with wet hands.
He carefully picked it up from the poolside with two fingers and turned it on.

“What?” he snapped at the device.

“Sir, there are some, er, people here. They've stopped us.....haven't you noticed we're not moving?”

Edwin glanced to the side. The turquoise glow of Planet Rousay's atmosphere filled the port side windows, but from in here it was impossible to say if they were moving or not. Rotation and all.
He didn't even bother reprimanding Amy for calling him “Sir” against his wishes. She would probably never learn.

“Ugh. Fine, I'm on my way. Tell them that.” he muttered. “Sorry ladies....business.” he excused himself with a bitter smile and made his way through the garden deck to the level's main comm console, dripping water everywhere and cursing under his breath.

He quickly logged in with his fingerprint and opened local comms.

“Captain Pennybrooke here. This had better be important, I didn't- Oh, the Maquis.” His tone lightened as he saw the ships' designations. They might be considered terrorists by some, but they were idealistic, and would likely be reasonable.

(some time later)

Edwin didn't feel bad about supporting the Maquis with some of his considerable funds.
His liner took anyone who was willing to pay the rather moderate ticket prices, be they Gallics, Sirians, or shady Edge World drifters.
If there was anything he had learned throughout his travels, it was that people everywhere were fundamentally the same. They all wanted the same things – affection, intimacy, power of some sort- all those desires were universal.

He glanced around at the people in his bar. Such a different crowd than only an hour or so ago.
Their clothes were worn, dirty and ragged, and their faces filled with anxiety.
Mothers clutching their babies to their breasts, young men with their faces buried in their hands, old gaffers staring at invisible objects.....
It may have been a depressing scene for most, but Edwin knew these people were hopeful.
They may have had severely troubled pasts, but now everything would be better. He would make sure of that.

Were it not for the seriousness of the crowd, it would truly be a funny situation.
The LL's bar had golden handrails, and mother-of-pearl inlays decorated the bar itself.
Every piece of furniture on the deck was a combination of dark wood and opulent decorations of precious metals, pearl, and gemstones.
The numerous tables were lit with crystal chandeliers, and right below them was this rag-tag, worried mass of refugees.

If there was any place Edwin had a tendency to get existential, it was probably his very own bar on his liner. The crowd slid more and more out of focus as he stared at his beer, wondering.

Where were his sisters? He hadn't seen either in such a long time – especially Elise.
Katherine had only just messaged him that she was “going to Malta to talk about Nomads with some Outcasts”.
He sighed. It seemed like Katherine's natural interest in the K'Hara, which he shared and had once pursued with her, was getting more and more obsessive.
It had started with that Samarran bloke, what was his name again? Edwin could only remember his piercingly blue eyes.
As far as he knew, she had never seen him again after that fateful night.
It had certainly changed her, but what was he to say. Surely all his worries had something to do with his own life more than anyone else's.

And Elise.....where was she? Doing Elise stuff, most likely. Elise may have had a troubled time, but he still had a lot in common with his sister. And she was probably the most fun person to drink with.
It's strange when he thought about it. Somehow, they both wanted the same sort of fun-loving lifestyle, but the variant he had chosen had turned him into a legitimate and rich businessman, while she-
He would never doubt her for it. She was much younger, and she needed time and something to do. She would find what she wanted eventually.

It used to be so easy. He had never even tried.
Flying around in the RV with Kathy, exploring strange lands and meeting interesting people....and the day he bought his liner, his first passenger trip....those were glorious days.

“Ludwig, is this what a midlife crisis feels like?” he inquired of his main barman, staring at his beer bottle.

“Edwin, you are sirty now and nearing sirty-one. Of course many people have doubts about ser lives at sis point, but it is not a crisis. Believe me.
Why do you always ask me such sings, anyway?”

“Pretty sure I mentioned in the job description that you must be prepared to listen to the captain's inebriated rants.”

“All right Edwin. I tell you somesing. You are becoming more responsible as you go along in your life. Sis is a good sing and you should not worry. You are afraid you will not be able to have fun like you used to, but sis is not true. You are enjoying many sings, what you did before and new sings.”

“Ah, Wiggy, you're right as always.....it's just hard sometimes, y'know?”

The Rheinlander sighed heavily. He wasn't too fond of the nickname Edwin used at times, but the young man's optimism was still an inspiration of sorts.

“It is hard for all sometimes. But your life is good. And my life, wis you on sis ship, has been good as well. Focus on se many sings dat you choose when you choose sis life, if you know what I mean.”

“I do, I-.....Ah, what can I say. You're right. And all is well.” Edwin answered as he took a generous swig of beer and observed the huddled crowd around.

He wondered if he would ever see that rather reserved freelancer, Sequoia Hart, again.
It had never gone further than pleasant chatter with her, but she had seemed like a very interesting person.

Whether it was his sisters or interesting people he had met, it seemed like it was impossible not to think of women.

Edwin sighed and downed the rest of his beer.

END OF CHAPTER THREE

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