Walking through the doors into the council hall Silvan found a degree of nervousness overcome him. His palms became sweaty and his mind began racing with the ramifications of what was soon to happen. Much rode on the outcome of this meeting, that much Silvan knew. And he hoped that he was up to the task at hand.
Following Elder Espi into the hall, Silvan noticed Elder Espi's nod to Elder Sephardi and followed suit with a curt nod and small, nervous wave.
Greetings Elder Sephardi, I hope you are well?
Silvan proceeded to find himself a seat, and looked to Elder Espi
Yes, lets check the kitchens. If the rum you brought to Nine for our last meeting was any indication, there should be a fine drink to be had.
Silvan wondered when the other Elders would be arriving, eager to begin the meeting
Vincent walked towards the council chambers. Two older corsair marines stood by the council door and saluted the young corsair now in his mid 20's. As he entered the chamber he saw both Espi and Sephardi already seated. He also saw Silvan Argus next to Espi.
'Brothers, how are you today' he said smiling at Espi and Migual. 'And Senor Argus. We finnally meet' Vincent walked over to where Silvan sat and greeted the zoner with a firm handshake. 'Welcome to Crete, and the Council. I trust you ave enjoyed yourself this far' he said with a grin. Vincent walked around to Sephardi and sat next to him. He signaled the steward to bring him a glas and sum rum.
Silvan returned Elder Valentine's handshake warmly
Elder Valentine, It is indeed a pleasure to finally meet you. Indeed my stay has been a very enjoyable affair thus far. Elder Espi was kind enough to show me here from the docking platform, and entertain me along the way with some older stories and blunt opinions of various spaceships. I got a chance to admire some fine Corsair architecture and also witness that odd shooting star phenomenon in your atmosphere. Quite a site to behold.
That would be the heavily irradiated particles passing through the atmosphere. Most of them burn, but some get through and they are probably the reason why the soil we find occasionally is sterile. The Gamma star is quite harsh on us.
The Black Sails Elder stood up, heading to the kitchen
And, greetings Vincent. Have you tried my own breed? I'll have some brought here. You're in for a treat. He chuckled.
Soon after, the great hall door was closed behind Espi's back, as he was making his way into the kitchen store room.
Jose was running a bit late. The controlling officer on the docking ring had not been able to grasp the importance of giving Jose a priority docking slot and he'd made Jose wait his turn along with all of the traders and other general shipping coming to Crete.
Slightly irritated at having been held up Jose made his way to the Council chamber. It had been a little while since there had been much cause to visit the chamber properly as modern technology made it a little less important to meet people face to face to ensure the continued efficient running of the Empire.
Entering into the chamber Jose saw that whilst he was certainly not the first to arrive he was also not the last.
"Hola Senor Argus. Good to see you again." he said. Turning to the other Elders that were present he said "Good day to you Senors. You all look well. Has anyone seen Espi? I need to ask if he has bought that crate of rum he promised, and I don't want to forget to take it back with me?"
Moving around the table Jose takes a seat and waits for the meeting to begin.
Jose was going to give him one of those looks. Why was he always late anyway?
Chico knew the way to the Council chamber buildings. Every corsair did. He'd even been on the school tour but that was a life time ago and since his first posting on the frontline in Eta, he'd never been back since.
Now, as his hover wagon screeched up outside with a whine of the grav generators, he was daunted at the prospect of returning.
He rushed up the stairs to the building, two at a time and buttoned the flight suit he still wore.
Security was tight and he was held up in a queue of excited school children at the entrance. When he finally got to the desk, the clerk took one look at his papers and quickly called an escort.
"Councilor Benitez" she gushed, "What an unexpected pleasure. We would have thought you would have used the councilor's entrance rather than the front door" she raised an eyebrow quizzically.
"Er...yes well, nerves signora...first time etc"
The guard escorted Chico through a maze of rooms and corridors and presented him infront of two huge doors. The entrance to the inner chamber itself. The two armed soldiers eyed him nonchalantly. The officer at the desk looked up and dismissed the escort.
"Councilor. I would ask you to divest yourself of any firearms here before you enter" he said.
Chico surrendered his sidearm silently and then turned and entered the chamber.
There were several faces Chico knew. The wily old Corsair Miguel Shepardi sat eyeing him. Taking a measure of him.
Vincent was there and another, unknown to him sat there. The man Chico was looking at was not a Corsair and Chico knew it. It was an odd feeling. Uncomfortable even but it was the wish of the Council. Time would tell. Chico nodded a greeting and then walked over to Jose and greeting him, took his seat next to him, slightly behind.
He was right. Damn. Jose had given him one of those looks.
Silvan nodded slowly as Elder Espi explained the falling stars phenomenon. It was in fact very interesting information, and Silvan filed it away. Every bit of information gained would be useful someday, he was sure of that. As Elder Benitez entered the chambers, a smile crept up Silvan's face. Listening to Elder Benitez's words, Silvan began to speak
Hello Elder Benitez, It is indeed good to see you again and in good health it seems.
Some time after speaking to Elder Benitez, another Corsair entered the chamber. One Silvan was not familiar with. Rising from his seat, Silvan approached this potential Corsair Friend, and held out his hand to him.
Hello there. I dont believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before. I am Silvan Argus, a Zoner from neighboring Theta. Perhaps you have heard of me? To my surprise, I seem to be rather well known amongst the Corsair people.
Chico stood at the approach of the stranger. He proferred his hand and Chico took it.
"Hello there. I dont believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before. I am Silvan Argus, a Zoner from neighboring Theta. Perhaps you have heard of me? To my surprise, I seem to be rather well known amongst the Corsair people".
He had cahoonas this one. That was for sure.
"Hola Senor Argus. I am Chico. It is fair to say your name, among others of your kin is well known here. Welcome to Crete. I hope you come to talk with more determination behind your words than your predecessors we have been trying to resolve our differences with".
Chico glances left and right. Then quickly draws close to the tall Zoner "A word of advice Senor, beware Espi and his rum...it's rumoured he ran his Titan on it when the H-fuel shortage hit".
The Zoner, steps back at first confused, then smiles and the tension is broken somewhat.
Meanwhile, two levels below, Espi was browsing through the kitchen storage room. He was in a hurry and had the Elders above were likely to wait for him already. Where did I put it? He looked at the chef - Did you see it? The chef looked at the Elder and saw the suspicion in his eyes. No, Elder! I rarely even enter this place - ask one of my assistants? Hombre! Did you see the Elder's bottles? A young boy entered the storage room, and hit the light switch. The room was suddenly filled with darkness - only a small blue light was shining from behind an empty plate rack.
Espi widened his eyes and followed the light to the corner. He picked up the crate and checked its content.
Wonderful. I didn't know this stuff glows in the dark. It seems the nomads have more secrets than I thought they have. Gracias amigos. Have a small one. He picked up two glasses and poured some rum into them. And have someone bring this up, si? He took the opened bottle and left the rest there. As he was leaving the kitchen, he turned around and saw the chef and his assistant looking at the glasses.
Amigos ... The Elders are waiting for that beverage. Move it.
Silvan took another step back from Chico, a small grin on his face.
Thank you, I'll be sure to keep that in mind.
Silvan's tone becomes more serious
You can be assured, I am very determined to solve these issues quickly and effectively. Hopefully with as little bloodshed as possible. I have always sought such an end, but my counterparts are somewhat harder to deal with, even with other Zoners.
Silvan shrugs
I will continue to try to resolve these issues as I have been. Let see us see what this meeting brings. Perhaps I will be able to use it to advantage with my discussions with others.
Silvan returned to his seat, visibly lost in his comtemplations
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