Moonlight Waltz

[Victor Steiner]

Orbital Spa & Cruise
Sigma -19, Luxury Liner Hawaii

The pride of Orbital Spa & Cruise Hawaii was a testament to the sheer amount of money poured into her, ensuring that she was not only a first class luxury cruise ship, but also one with a top-notch safety record. She had made the journey to and from the spectacular Sigma-19 system many times, her passengers being among some of the most wealthy and powerful people the Sirius sector had. One of the great watchwords of OS&C was discretion and Hawaii was no exception. As her passengers boarded, Edmund could not help but wonder how many deals, arrangements, crimes and settlements had been made aboard her with no one ever knowing what had transpired or where.
As the crew ensured everyone was settling in, Edmund couldn't help but sate his curiosity and take a wander along the corridors and hallways of the pride and joy of the OS&C fleet exploring what promised to be an exceptional experience. Her decks and public rooms were alive with excited chatter and laughter. Socialites from New York, Business magnates from Rheinland, Kusari Nobility, officers and men from the Gas Miners Guild, clearly enjoying some well earned (and expensive) leave and many, many others.

Orbital spa & cruise had spared no expense in kitting the Hawaii out with some of the finest public rooms to traverse the empty void. The crew proudly showed off the towering dining saloon with its fine columns and balcony above, the light and airy verandah room which served tea and refreshments, the raucous dance deck with the sprawling dance floor and ship-themed band stand. But perhaps the crowning glory was the First Class lounge.
Located nearly perfectly amidships on B-Deck, this magnificent room was as lofty as the dining saloon with carved panels brilliantly varnished along its walls, lavish sofas dotting the sumptuous carpets. An incredibly welcoming room that could be turned easily into a ballroom for a dance. Behind it was the smoking room, suitably masculine but forward of it were the library and reading and writing room, which was lighter than the lounge with fine white paneled walls and gorgeous curtains hugging windows that ran nearly the height of the entire deck. Here passengers could while away the hours reading or reporting home on. A cabinet at one end help an impressive array of books that could be loaned for the voyage. This was modern comfort at its very best and OS&C made sure to use the elegance and beauty of the ship to their fullest extent.

Edmund wandered through the various decks until he found the First class lounge and the sight of it took his breath away. The dazzling lights and decorations that were all expertly placed and crafted acted as a tidal wave of refreshing exhilaration. Far from Bretonia, the ship and her compliment did everything they could to ensure their passengers and guests felt that they were leaving their troubles a galaxy away. The first class lounge also had a band playing on their own bandstand at the front of the room, lively jazz music resounded throughout the room with many onlookers and admirers. The artistic display was so effective that he decided against his original plan to have dinner in his cabin and took at seat at a round table with a handful of other men, all strangers to one another, who were happily chatting among themselves as the first day of the cruise began.

Gentlemen...may I? Edmund asked, as he pulled the chair out from underneath the table, his Rheinlandic-Bretonian mixed accent surprising the man opposite.
Certainly, we'd be insulted if you didn't came the chipper reply from the man on the left, a libertonian if his accent was anything to go off. Charles Leroy He said, extending his hand.
James Ward. Said the man opposite Edmund, who likewise extended his hand after Edmund had finished shaking Leroy's.
The final man on the right gave a curt bow of his head Itō Sachio there was no handshake this time, although the others understood it to be a part of Kusari culture to bow, which they all awkwardly returned. Edmund Steiner, a pleasure to meet you gentlemen He said at last, introducing himself to the group.
A pleasure to meet you as well sir. Leroy replied Mister Sachio here has just been telling us about the Sigma region and route we'll be taking.
Oh? Are you a regular guest here sir? Edmund asked, curious at the mans line of work
Yes. Sometimes my work requires me to be aboard for business rather than pleasure however.
Edmund nodded in understanding Can I fix you a drink Steiner? James now said while he produced a cigarette case and opened it while waving over a server.
Please. If you don't mind my asking mister Sachio, what do you do for work?
Oh I am in tinned goods mister Steiner, I oversee much of the distribution of preserved food from Kusari for the Government. It isn't a glamourous job, but it is honourable.
And well paid! Leroy joked, to which the others laughed, Sachio nodding his head in agreement, a wide smile on his face.

The four men spent the rest of the evening getting to know one another and drinking. James was an executive from Deep Space Engineering who had come ostensibly on business but in reality he was 'taking the long way home'. Leroy was a software engineer for Ageria, a great lover of his work he had finally been ordered to take a break by his boss. As the evening wore on, they slowly began to retire to their cabins, each promising to seek the others out at daybreak. Finally, only Edmund sat at the table alone. He looked around at the other tables and noticed for the first time that the staff had diligently replaced all the dishes, glasses and cutlery. The music from the band still played, slowly, like a waltz. The saxophones and trumpets sang lowly and mellow tunes and he couldn't help but close his eyes to the music.

It was a strange feeling, to be in good company but also to be last one left. Whereas most would be glad and eager to see what the next day brought, Edmund couldn't help but feel empty. Like there wasn't anything here for him. James had a child on the way, Leroy just watched his graduate with a Masters. Sachio himself was a grandfather to three grandchildren. It was the one part of the conversation Edmund could not contribute to, he had his chance and refused to take it. Now and here, even while surrounded by nothing short of opulence, he felt desperately, painfully alone. Regret was the familiar caress he felt when he awoke, loneliness his companion. He knew the music the band was playing and quietly, without much else to do, he hummed along. At least for a moment, he felt as someone was coming to meet him. It wasn't a bad feeling.

[Victor Steiner]

Orbital Spa & Cruise
Sigma -19, Luxury Liner Hawaii
Day 2

Edmund awoke to the sound of music, classical - Smetana Má vlast if he had to guess. The room's lighting was a warm mix of yellow and green as the automated systems switched from the night cycle into day. He lay in the velvet covers of his bed staring at the celling, which was less of a celling and more of a window. The gas giant the ship had entered into orbit over lay overhead and offered a spectacular sight. The accompanying moons could be seen in the backdrop as well. It was enchanting, hypnotizing and breathtaking all at the same time.

He marveled at creation before slowly pulling himself away from the sight to get ready for the day. Not that there was anything planned as far as he was concerned. While it was a grand sight he did wonder what it would look like from other parts of the ship. After he had changed he returned to the first class lounge and settled in for breakfast.

Interestingly, there were few other passengers around, he did not expect 6 A.M to be too early but apparently it was. However, it did come with the added benefit of a freshly served and exceptionally presented breakfast. He was soon joined by one of his newfound companions.

Morning Steiner James said, taking a seat next to him You're up early
He nodded, pouring him a coffee [col
There's a card game happening later I'll be taking part in, that will likely go on for a few hours at least. After that...mmm, not sure. No plans. Really just here to get away from it all you know? Not particularly interested in doing anything
Steiner nodded, he did indeed. He himself had no plans either, in fact he was probably just going to visit the library and do some reading. There wasn't anything he needed to do. I do. No point running around like a headless chook if that's all you do every other day. James nodded in agreement. The pair continued talking for a while before James left for his card game. They made arrangements to meet up at dinner, since the pair would likely not meet beforehand. Having concluded his breakfast Edmund decided to wander the ship, and explore some of whatever it had to offer. There were cinemas and theaters and he decided to watch one of the plays that was being preformed. All the actors and actresses were dressed in period costume, using language of the day and going to great lengths to use the accents of the setting. It was nice to see, there were too many 'modern takes' on stories that really didn't need it. Once it might have been novel, now it was just standard, if he wanted a 'modern take' on Romeo & Juliet he could look out the window, or watch a film or speak with any idiot teenager 'in love'. He personally, didn't want a 'modern take' he wanted history, that is why people go to the theatre.

He enjoyed the play, although he wasn't sure what it was called, having arrived after the opening introduction. It was actually nice to see a nearly full gallery of some 50 or 60 people. Small, especially for the size of the vessel but also expected, and the actors belonged to the ship, which was even better. Clearly OS&C had anticipated, not incorrectly, that there would be enough people interested in the plays of the past to necessitate a theatre and company. However, much like the play, the day wore on. Midday turned to evening and soon he found himself back where he had began, in the first class lounge although he had arrived much later than he had wanted, most people, including his new found friends had long since turned in for the evening. Edmund quietly sat at the table, once again alone. He wasn't sure why Victor had bothered to send him here of all places, even with so much to do he found it lacked a certain, realism to it all. Like the people who were partaking in such unbridled pleasure weren't wholly ground in reality, they seemed to be detached from everyone else.
He smirked at his own arrogance, could he claim to be any better? Here he was, ennobled and all, and he had the gall to pretend he was different. Perhaps that was the way of it, perhaps it wasn't fair but certainly, it would be bearable if he at least had some grace about his station.

His eyes moved about the darkened room, trying to spy who was left at this hour. He could only make out the silhouette of another figure, a few tables over. There wasn't much to give them away, although he assumed that it was a female, if the dress was anything to go of. Slim, with reddish hair, little else could be seen. Strange, he didn't think anyone else would be around at this hour, in fact he was sure they were the only ones, aside from the stewards and handful of late night band members getting ready to play their final piece for the evening. Funny, he came aboard not really wanting to interact with anyone and yet had been strangely drawn to places where only people could be. The theatre, opera and of course, his first night. Now alone, with the band beginning to play, he couldn't help but long for company.

He stood, not really sure what the plan was, if he had one. Keeping in time with the music, he walked toward the woman. As she came into view he was taken by the contrasting colours. Vibrant red hair in stark contrast to white dress she was wearing, she sat idly staring at an empty and untouched glass in front of her, unblinking and unmoving except for the soft rising and falling of her chest. He came close and she stirred, her head whipping around, greeting him with with sea green eyes, narrowed in annoyance and suspicion. He slowed, and eventually stopped altogether, looking at her, the conviction which he had just before now seemed to vanish in a heartbeat.
Yes? She asked, clearly not expecting, nor wanting company.
He voiced faltered, and it took a few brief moments before it returned Would, you care to dance? By his own admission it was singlehandedly the worse possible way to ask, no introduction, no plan, and poorly executed.
Her eyes remained fixed on his, unblinking and still alive with passion Why, on earth, would I do that? She asked, a thick Scots accent now becoming apparent.
I note we are the only two here. Perhaps...before the band finishes, you'd like some company
Her mouth opened slightly, before curling into a wry smile, her thoughts obscured behind sea green. She looked away before looking back at him. What is your name?
Edmund
She stared at him before slowly nodding, standing and wordlessly giving him her hand in agreement. He led her away from the tables, closer toward the bandstand. He placed a hand on her waist and she his shoulder and slowly, in time with the music, they began to sway.

It was only a few moments in when he noticed that her eyes had never taken their focus of his, it was mildly unsettling as his brother William once quipped The eyes are not the windows to the soul, they are the doors. Be careful what may enter there. A few more moments of dancing together before he felt both their bodies slowly ease, tension leaving them as they began to silently respond to the music. His hand slowly released hers, and joined the other at her waist. Her eyes immediately narrowed again, fire behind them and her mouth opened to speak before he beat her to it. Miss. You don't know me, but can't we pretend that we care for each other 'till the band reach the end?
Her eyes now widened and for the first time Edmund got to see her look surprised, or perhaps shocked. Alright she murmured, although still clearly not convinced. She moved her hands and placed them on his shoulders and wordlessly looked back at him, a small smile on his face, likely at the audacity of the whole situation.
Muireall she said, giving no context or additional explanation, it was enough. He smiled at her but said nothing and they continued to wordlessly sway into the night.

---