The " Star Pool " is magnificent, sitting on top of the liner there is a completely translucent donut shaped plateau, with something like a "pit" in the middle covered by a glass dome.
The decoration is mostly on the walls of the pit, there huge mirrors are side by side with ceiling high curtains. The floor has a rough map of Sirian stars made by gold.
On the "dining donut" small niches are set apart by curtains lined to the glass ceiling and light comes from candles and the stars only. in between the niches some regular tables are scattered here and there. The atmosphere in the dining area is quiet in a warm way, there is soft music played by a small band and the waiters hush by almost unseen.
The concierge takes Brisbane over to one of the veiled off separées, two hulking brutes sit on a table "accidentally" placed in front of the direct entrance. Both look really out of placed, dressed in fine smokings but every visible inch of skin is either scarred or tatooed and the way too big golden rings look more like brass knuckles than anything else.
If Brisbane looks to the side he sees the concierge already disappeared, leaving him alone.
"Senor Brisbane? one of them states more then asks, then the other one gets up opening the veil, gesturing Brisbane inside " Senor, per favor..." They sound rough and guttoral, obviously trying to be as polite as possible.
Inside Brisbane finds Trueno, simply but elegantly dressed for the ocassion.
On a table lined with comfortable chairs sits a bottle and two weird looking shot sized glasses.
"Señor Brisbane! Buenos noches and welcome - i am glad you could make it to this unplanned meeting!"
He gestures Brisbane to take a seat, then continues "But, unplanned things develop into the best after all,si? Tell me - el Commandante had no time to explain his business with you, what kind of Artifacts are you after? No matter which, you contacted the right familia for this!"
Trueno takes up the bottle and pours two glasses, putting one in front of Brisbane "Perdon my manners, let us drink first si - finest maldava cloud rum, from our own production! The distillate of the Omicrons! Salud - on the Empire and bueno business!"
"Unplanned developments are the mainstay of my business Senor. Thank you.
Brisbane takes the offered seat, smoothing his jacket before accepting the drink and raising it in toast.
"Bueno business!"
He took a measured sip, testing the potency and flavour of the Corsair rum. A rush of sweetness and spice swirled over his tastebuds, the strength of the drink was considerable but delicious. He lowered the glass nodding approvingly.
"A fine drink...Ronaldo and I were discussing high market quality artefacts, decorations, trinkets and the such. Perhaps whole artefacts for the few who enjoy the natural majesty, I had my eye on an exquisite cigar case much like the one Ronaldo allowed me to inspect, the workmanship was practically flawless.
Just before our change of venue we were touching on the subject of supplying your family with items from the Houses, electronics, luxury items and exotic foods."
Brisbane reached into his jacket pocket and drew out his own modest cigar case, he took out a cigar and offered one to Trueno.
Trueno takes up the cigar, rolls it in his hand , inspecting it. "Ah, smlles muy bueno- muchas gracias, i hope those are not cigars rolled with gaian preferences, si?"
He doesn't seem to overly care and fumbles a small knife out of his jacket to cut the cigar, offering the knife to Brisbane afterwards. The cigar gets ligthend up by lighter which is also passed -when Brisbane looks at the items he sees that both are more pieces of art then mere tools, the knife hilt completly made from a shimmering violet material with wavy lines of crimson red enclosed within, the blade is etched and embedded with a continuation of the red pattern. The lighters hull is jet black with wierd alien engravings.
"You mean trinkets like these? Artifacts to get the attention of everyone in an hombres gentlemans club? Corsair artisans fashion all sorts of luxury items out of collected artifacts...normally we chose those which have a special touch, color or engraving to give them the special touch our customers are looking for...recently very popular are corsair made jewelries not only endorsed with artifacts but also crafted with Corsair gold, if that is what you are looking for.
With decorations...well- the bigger you need them the pricier they are, especially if they should be fashioned completly out of artifacts as it gets quite tedious to supply the huge demand of big connected pieces...but we will find something for you, si si.
As for "naturalist" artifact connaiseurs ...well many modified pieces are infact still complete and untouched, especially for small ones in jewelry...but of course you can have big ones aswell, if we know what to look for we can leave a socket of asteroid material on the piece or shape collums out of the asteroids, liberating small artifacts on their surface...very impressive if the anclosed artifacts are colorful!"
Trueno purs two new glasses, then continues
"Now...you already mentioned compensation...it is true we need supplies more than pesetos in exchange for our goods...the question is...which things do you have access to? Don't get my wrong Senor, we are surely interested in fine luxury foods or the newest iNeuralNet...things of everydays' life in the houses can be astounishingly hard to get on Crete. But potential interest on -special- goods is always there as well,si?!"
Brisbane allows himself a small chuckle as Trueno accepts the cigar.
"I can assure you senor these aren't Gaian but the finest Rheinland cigars, my personal favourites. I have sampled Bretonian and Libertonian, however I feel those are quite subdued, Liberty especially. A strong flavour and lasting aroma are key to a fine cigar."
He examines the knife and lighter in turn, studying the craftsmanship of each piece in detail. Passing them back with an approving nod.
"I'm glad you can accommodate our requests, the demands of the consumer change with each passing season which can be quite the strain on supply but with such varied commodities I foresee a very lucrative partnership, very lucrative indeed. I would be happy to see your entire line of creations, time permitting of course."
Brisbane accepts the glass, raising it with Trueno in toast. Not fully understanding the Hispanic phrases, he offers the only word of the language he recognises "Bueno business"
"Our access to goods so far is limited to Sirius, Gallia for now is an unknown market though one we hope to break into at some point. As for the goods themselves, it depends entirely on what you would like, if we cannot get it at the moment I'm certain we can make some...Arrangements. What do you have in mind senor?"
As the glasses are emptied Trueno takes a few puffs from his cigar, tasting and savoring it. "Ah, i see what you mean senor...those are sure able to sweeten an evening, gracias - now as the Corsairs are fair business partners, i too will share some of my personal stash"
He wiggles a pocket flask out of his smoking pouring the glasses with it's contents- a rich yellowish liquid that has slurry tufts of green in it.
"True Maldava Rum, distilled on Planet Crete! Salud on "lucrative partnerships"! "
Truenos glass is emptied rapidly and he waits, flask in the other hand on Brisbanes reaction.
"Bueno.....much better...try it! Anyways....i think we will find an agreement. Maybe you can think on the possibilities to acquire some energy capactiators and energy core flux chargers....and not the ones for the civilian market. We might be also interested in gaining access to some rheinlandish fighter craft armor plates- it is quite hard to get any undamaged ones. Thirdly we need to are in dire need of /conn 2.0 simulator software...it seems new training sequences are available and we don't want to slack behind on this area,si?
Other than that...no Corsario will ever say no to the goods the houses have to offer, food, electronic gadgets, things to ease every days life...
Oh and i didn't ask yet...are you even ready to brave the Omicrons?"
He laughs at this more or less rhetorical question - "Had a gringo here yesterday...who wasn't too keen on taking up to a honorable invitation of the Empire tsk tsk tsk....
I heard mi commandante made the guest wing of Myrtos Villa ready for you...you should feel honored, he will even be there to continue negotiations, an honor as well so you don't have to bear with me"
He grins broadly- "Let's drink!"
Brisbane looks down at the 'drink' in his glass, he'd seen worse concoctions in the bars at Barrier Gate but never had to drink one until now. He watched Trueno drain the glass without flinching but he had steadied himself, Brisbane could see the practiced resolve in Trueno's eyes, the way his jaw muscles flexed. Everything told him this drink is going to pack a punch.
He swirled his glass slowly while Trueno listed off the items, thankful for any excuse to delay the inevitable. The list began tame enough, energy capacitors and core flux chargers then it swung badly, he wanted military grade equipment. Quickly Brisbane began ticking off groups he'd need to contact.
Rheinland fighter armour...That'd be the Junkers.
Conn 2.0 software, only the lane hackers could get that.
Military energy capacitors and core flux chargers? There was only one House with enough surplus and the stupidity to sell it. Liberty.
"Hmm that is quite a list and some very difficult items to acquire, it may take a while to get these goods if I can get them at all. I will make some inquiries and see what happens.
Brisbane laughed along with Trueno, knowing full well that he was in far too deep to back out now. He glanced down at the drink again.
"Who would turn down an offer to the Omicrons? Those systems are spectacular to fly through and with such good company as yourself? That reminds me, one of my pilots Miss Anna Zegovina sends her regards Senor, she was the winner of the Jim Brown Memorial.
A guest wing in his Villa you say? Indeed I am truly honoured. I've enjoyed your company Trueno, it is a rare to find trade partners so accommodating and open. If Ronaldo will allow it I'm certain we could share a bottle of rum and some fine cigars."
He prepared himself to face what ever this drink had in store, in one fluid motion he emptied the glass. It hit like the broadside of a battleship, he could taste lemon for a split second before the liquid hit the back of his throat. This was no longer a drink, it was magma scorching its way down to his stomach. He couldn't breathe but was determined to show no reaction. The room began to spin. His eyes threatened to water. Suddenly it was over, the sweet lemon hung on his tastebuds. He drew a ragged breath and spoke in a pained voice.
"Gracias for the invitation Senor Brisbane, but today it's my treat,si? "
He refills their glasses and raises his afterward to toast
" Well then on you and your skilled employees, send my regards back"
If Brisbane keeps up there will be quite some more toast and shots emptied to seal the deal !
At some point a small alarm goes off and Trueno looks at his iNeuralNet. " Ah, madre mio....time goes by while ahvinga muy bueno time here! I am sad to tell you i will have to take my leave now Senor..urgent matters need my attention and cannot wait. My perdon.
Now....as for our trip to Crete...the Naiades, my personal flagship is docked in hangar E-23...we will leave at 0600, while the Hawaii is still on the dark side of planet Hiran...we don't want to scare the passengers after all,bueno?"
Trueno shakes Brisbanes hand to bid farewell, then goes to the waiter to settle the bill, leaving with his two guards in tow.
Brisbane struggled to keep his smile polite as the thought of not having to drink Trueno's private supply of rum made him want to cheer. The small glass of water he'd been sipping wasn't enough to put out the inferno in his throat, only the jug of water standing in the middle of the table could end the suffering.
"Certainly not, a low profile is usually the better. Hanger E-23 at 6 a.m, I'll see you then. Good night Trueno and thank you."
Trueno seemed to appreciate the rapid farewell as the two shook hands. With great effort Brisbane remained standing until the three Corsairs had melted into the sea of tables.
Then abandoning all pretense and posture Brisbane lunged for the jug, gulping it down like a man dying of thirst. Slowly the water diluted the rum, extinguishing the fire and quelling the storm. He sat, head in hand taking in steady breaths that stung his red-raw throat. Gradually Brisbane rose from his chair, his feet were lead weights which was good as his head had begun to float and cautiously made his way back to his cabin. Somehow he managed to set his alarm for 05:30, collapsing on the bed giggling as the cabin slowly rotated around him.
* * *
A steady deafening bang rattled Edward from his sleep, his brain refused to acknowledge his consciousness as the lingering effects of the rum had not yet abated.
Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang.
Was the ship under attack or was a herd of elephants tap dancing in steel shoes? His bleary eyes opened, gently shifting in and out of focus at the bedside clock. He realised those heavy bangs sounded exactly as the second hand stopped, how strange he thought. Watching the hand climb steadily towards the twelve a sudden impulse tried to wretch itself free of Brisbane mind, he hand wanted to stop something, but what?
The alarm went off like a hundred ancient cannon blasts. He felt it ring in his ears, his head, his eyes and his teeth. In fact his entire body was ringing threatening to shake itself apart. His hand slapped down, followed by a numb pain that barely registered.
He'd survived.
Several strong cups of coffee and twenty minutes later Brisbane had gathered his belongings, changed into a regular suit and was at the door of hanger E-23 five minutes early, awaiting the Trueno Benitez and his flight to Crete.
As Brisbane arrived by the hangar he finds it quite busy. He is administered by one of the two bodyguards he saw yesterday. Everyone seems to know what to do, yet there was no sign at all of Trueno.
The Naiades is a rugged ship, with huge armor plates bolted onto it, gun turrets facing in every direction. In the front it has two horns which look more like battering rams or grappling hooks than anything else. In the interior everything looks practical, easy to repair, heavily used but in absolute perfect shape, the ship is clean and very good maintenance.
With his luggage stowed away Brisbane notices he is not the only one in the passenger part. A shape with a black linen sack on his head is firmly tied to one of the seats, not moving an inch.
The crew seems to start ignoring him and the shape. From somewhere in the actual cockpit area he hears a bit of shouting in a very thick spanish accent followed by guttural laughter.
Some ten minutes later Trueno stumbles through the ships entrance, he looks like if he ha a massive hangover but certainly quite content. While he rubs his head and exchanges some words with the crew about the departure he greets Brisbane: "He hola amigo, perdon me being late- business was rough this night,si? All bueno? ah and ignore the gringo over there si? Another business venture...or one less to cross me si?
He moves to the side of the bound shape, smacks him soundly where his face probably is and then grasps his "hair" shaking it left to right.
"Don't worry amigo, he can't hear or see you...we will have to fly a little detour though...vamonos,si?"
Some minutes after that, the Naiades exits the hangar, followed by the lights of a much smaller craft. Surprisingly they do not head towards Sigma 17, instead towards Honshu.
There, the Naiades docks to the ship that has been following them- from the near, it looked like a flashy libertonian racer, and a corsair piloting it returned to the Naiades. After this, the sound of some heavy laser banks being fired is audible, then the flight continues in silence until the transport reaches Omicron Gamma.
Landing on Cretes spaceport, Brisbane is immediately shuttled off to Myrtos Villa, where a reception is already waiting for him. Trueno promised to join soon after, talking about taking care of business first.
"Look sharp! Straighten that uniform! TIE THAT SHOE!" A broad shouldered Corsair stood in front of an honorary guard detachement and Barked his orders. "El commandante is recieving a guest so look your part or he'll cut your head off and feed it to el Toros!"
The commandate came up the stairs towards the shuttle landing pad. The Landing pad was near the top of the hillside Myrthos villa was build upon. It was't so much a villa as it was a small walled town. Countless smaller buildings surrounded the main house with its wings stretching the entirety of the complex.
" Buenos Tardes senores. Look good when this shuttle lands. The idea is to impress this gringo." Ronaldos said to the guards. His outfit looked spotless even though some people would consider it too casual for a business meeting.
The shuttle circled over the hill and made a smooth approach towards the landing pad. The last meters of its decent caused a powerfull backdraft. Catching one of the marines off guard. The shuttle door opens with a hissing noise.
"Buenos Tardes senor Brisbane. Welcome to Crete! Welcome to Myrthos villa." The Commandante says, with his arms wide open
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
![[Image: normalcroupier100.jpg]](http://imageshack.us/a/img594/7504/normalcroupier100.jpg)
![[Image: n4v9g3.jpg]](http://i28.tinypic.com/n4v9g3.jpg)
