Thumar

Derak awoke to a Thumarian breakfast prepared by Therese. It was a mildly spicy vegetable dish, much like scrambled eggs in texture.

“This is delicious, Therese.”

“Thank you. One thing we Andehar’s do well, is cook, even our men,” Therese said.

“Is that going to part of my training, also?”

“You’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I cook; you clean. Then, you can show me the gym.”

Therese walked to her room to change as Derak started his kitchen duties. He finished and changed into work overalls. Therese was waiting in the living room, wearing a robe.

“Where’s the gym?”

“It’s over there, on the opposite wall. Just think, ‘open,’ and you’ll gain entrance.” He pointed to her arm, indicating her invisible bracelet.

She closed her eyes, concentrating on the door. It appeared and opened. “I did it!” she exclaimed. She marched, triumphantly, into the gym.

“Are you familiar with everything in here?” Derak asked.

“Yes. I’ll start over there.” Therese gestured toward the cardiovascular section. She went to the wall hooks, hung up her robe, and turned around to thank him. Derak’s mouth fell open. A Thumarian woman fully clothed was one thing; dressed in a barely there exercise outfit was quite another.

“I - I think we should stagger our workout schedules,” Derak said, flustered.

Suddenly realizing her mistake, she reached for her robe.

“Don’t bother. I’ll leave,” he said as he turned around, and shut the door behind him. My god! Now that’s something to look forward to. Ten months of this. Oh, brother, he muttered, as he headed to his top secret hangar, adjacent to his living quarters, to prepare for the afternoon’s meeting.

He had promised Shesain and Remor a demonstration of his new technology, so he needed to prepare the hangar. When he finished, He returned to the living room and picked up his e-book on Thumarian history and continued reading. This is getting interesting.

The gym door opened. Therese appeared in her robe. “I’m so sorry about that, it won’t happen…”

“That’s alright. I’m sure there are going to be a few more surprises in ten months. We’ll work through them. I hope they’re all as pleasant as the last one.” He was kidding, and she picked it up. A mock smirk crossed her face before she smiled.

He sorted through the new clothes that arrived the day before. True to Shesain, a note was left on one particular set of clothing, indicating that they were Shesain’s selection for Derak’s meeting with Remor. He laughed and had to agree with her taste. Therese was in on it, too. She appeared at his open door and knocked before entering to help. For every box of new clothing he emptied, she filled with old garments.

“Where is all this going?” Derak asked, indicating the boxes filled with his cast-offs.

“Far away,” she laughed. “You would think the Alliance would have better taste. Their clothes are as backward as their attitudes. Oops, sorry. I was thinking out loud.”

“No problem. I neither share nor support their values. Thumar is a breath of fresh air for me. Even with the class structure entrenched in your culture, your world is the fairest and least problematic of all I’ve visited.”

“That’s such a lovely compliment. We share your sentiment. Our society was built partly on observing everyone else’s mistakes. Not that we don’t make our own, but we adjust quickly, always considering our people first.”

“Derak, you have an incoming message.” Terga informed.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Jack. He’s hailing you from The Morwen.”

“Would you mind giving me some privacy, Therese? I’ve got an incoming call.”

“Of course, I have to start getting your language lessons ready.”

With Therese gone, he closed his door and opened a private channel.

“Jack, how’s your new assignment going? I hear The Morwen is a real beauty. Is admiral Kaitain living up to his reputation?”

He smiled and responded, “She is one of the best ships the Alliance has ever built, and admiral Kaitain is one of the finest CO’s I’ve had the privilege to serve under as an Aide de Camp. I don’t know what Remor said to the Alliance potentates, but I’m going to have to thank him the next time I see him.”

Smiling, Derak replied, “You’ll get your chance soon enough. We have an upcoming family dinner. Shenar is going to make sure you’re ready for it. If she’s anything like Shesain, she’ll pick out your attire.”

“Are all Thumarian women like this?” Jack asked.

“Are you complaining?”

“No, not me.” They both laughed. Then, he continued, “Derak, these Thumarian women, are so, so…”

“Beautiful?” Derak’s question was an affirmation. “They have hearts of gold.”

“Yeah, they’re tall, long legged and shapely. My God! It’s enough to drive a man crazy.”

“You don’t know the half of it, Jack. Try going through ten months of engagement. I’m in my first week, and I wonder how Thumarian men make it,” he mused. “You think it’s rough, now. Wait until you have a shadow twenty eight-eight following you. Speaking of Thumarian beauties, I hear that you and Shenar are spending a lot of time together. Sit back and enjoy it. Just know that she will always get her way.”

“What does someone like Shenar see in me?” Jack asked. “I’m just an officer posted on Thumar. There is nothing special about me.”

“Thumarian women look into your heart and soul, Jack,” answered Derak. “That’s what matters the most to them. What a privilege it is for you to have someone of Shenar’s caliber who wants to be in your company. Enjoy the ride. Believe me; the rewards are well worth it.”

“Shenar and I will be in Shenmar this afternoon. Do you and Shesain want to join us at two o’clock?”

“Sorry, Jack. Shesain and Remor are meeting me at one o’clock. How about five o’clock? The four of us can go out for dinner and some entertainment. Speaking of the time, I have to get ready. They’re going to be here soon. See you at five, if you’re up for an evening out.”

“Sounds good, I’ll cue up Shenar. Over and out, Admiral!” He signed off.

Remor and Shesain showed up at the new outside door, on time.

Remor was followed by Chakur, his bodyguard. He looked even bigger than Karn. Next, Shesain sashayed in with Karn.

Remor spoke first, upon entering. “Shesain, we should bring in Turyia to give this place a makeover. Derak, your walls are so barren. You need to get some color into this place.” Remor clapped him on the back, and moved over to talk to Therese and the bodyguards.

Shesain greeted Derak with a wry look. “So, you saw Therese’s exercise outfit?”

“If you can call it that,” he replied. “Does she tell you everything?”

“Yes, it makes the process easier.”

“Easier for who? Or do Thumarian women fare better?”

“Sometimes, no. Some engagements don’t last, that’s why they’re so long. And don’t begin to think it’s any easier for women. We have our desires, too,” she said this, leaning in to kiss him and to give his bicep a good squeeze. “It’s time for the tour, my chimera.”

Remembering Jack’s rendezvous, Derak said, “Jack and Shenar want to meet us in Shenmar for an evening of dinner and entertainment. Would you like that?”

“I’d love to,” she said, eyes sparkling. “I brought the perfect clothes for you to wear. I’ll tell Terga to notify Jack and Shenar. I know an excellent restaurant. Remor, we’re ready to start.”

Remor gave the group final instructions before joining them. “Great exercise outfit, huh?”

“Does everybody know?” Derak asked in exasperation.

“Wait ’til Jack joins you. You two can commiserate together.” Remor smiled.

“We already are.”

“Don’t keep us waiting all day,” Remor prodded.

Derak took Shesain’s hand as the three of them walked down the corridor to the secret hangar.

“How are your sessions with Dr. Rothere going?” Shesain asked Derak, quietly.

“They’re progressing. I get the feeling I’m one of his toughest cases.”

“How are you faring? It must not be easy for you.”

“It’s not. He prescribed some of your herbal medicines to help me sleep. He insists that I deal with the memories head on… work through them, not around them.”

“He is one of our best,” Remor said.

They stopped at a wall. Remor wore a perplexed expression. His look turned to surprise when a doorway suddenly appeared.

“Nano-level configuration or passive walls,” Derak explained. “It’s all thought-controlled.”

Remor paused before speaking.

“This could prove to be very useful indeed. I suppose this is just the beginning?”

“We haven’t even scratched the surface yet.” The door opened to a large hanger facility with three ships inside. The interior seemed spacious, and there appeared ample room for research and development.

“This building isn’t big enough to hold a hanger this size. How do you do it?” Remor asked, genuinely surprised.

“It’s a rare concept I ran across in my reading from ancient Altairian texts. I’ve developed enough of an understanding to build a working model,” said Derak. “I call it quasi-dimensionality. To the best of my understanding, we are now in between the third and fourth dimensions. I’m working on developing a portable ship-size generator. Once I get one of those working, I’ll be able to shrink one down to a personal belt-size unit. In here, we cannot be seen or heard. However, we are able to affect the dimension we came from directly. It would be disastrous if a warring sector gained access to this technology. Offensive weaponry would render the opposition defenseless.”

Shesain and Remor looked around for a long moment.

“What happens to time? Does it stop or slow down?” asked Shesain.

“I don’t know. This unit just became operational.” Derak had never seen Remor so quiet as he continued to gaze around the hangar.

“Do you have other rooms off the main hangar?” Remor asked.

“Two rooms for now, but they’re in the same dimension.”

“So you can go deeper?”

“Yes, but I am not sure how far it can go. I’m not following Alice down that particular rabbit hole yet.”

“Alice in Wonderland,” Shesain cut in, enthused. “I’ve read the book.”

“Is that part of your Earth studies?” Derak asked.

“Yes. I’m reading some of your classic literature. I just finished the book by Mr. Carroll.”

“Let’s get to the ships, shall we?” They approached the first one. It had a long, sleek aerodynamic design.

“Where’s the entrance hatch?” Remor asked, running his hands over the smooth hull.

“Right in front of you,” Derak answered, as a round opening folded back into itself like an iris expanding. “This, too, is thought-controlled. Like the walls in my quarters, but with a big difference. The hull is a living, self-replicating entity. The entire ship is controlled by thought with redundant manual controls built in as backup.

“Let me show you the interior.” They stepped through the iris, and Derak started explaining the ship’s structure and function. When they reached the bridge, he turned the controls on. Panels in front of them lit up and 3D holographic displays appeared at three stations: the captain’s, navigation officers, and the science station. The opaque hull opened to front windows showing the inside of the hanger. Shesain and Remor appeared astonished as they inspected the control panels.

“Where’s the space drive?” Remor asked.

“Actually, she has two. One consists of a smaller, efficient reverse magnetic thrust space drive, and another is in between the inner and outer hulls. Let me show you something else.” He said this as he walked them back to the middle of the ship. “Notice the completely open space? Now both of you back up to that wall and sit down.”

“Where do we sit?” Shesain asked.

“Just do it,” He urged.

They followed his orders, and, to their amazement, they came in contact with seats fitted with comfortable cushions. Smiling at their wonderment, Derak continued. “The ship can automatically form anything required — tables, chairs, shelves, anything. Now, come back over here, and look at where you were just sitting.” They watched as the seats were absorbed back into the smooth wall.

“That’s magnificent,” Shesain exclaimed.

“Its centuries ahead of its time,” Remor remarked.

“The best is yet to come. Let’s step outside again. The RMTs are in the aft of the ship. Let me show you my babies. Interstellar drives that run on dark matter energy. These scoops open.” Two intakes formed on the front of the ship and exhaust ports opened up on the back.

Shesain and Remor wore priceless expressions.

“My Interstellar Dark Matter Drives, IDMDs, lie between the inner and outer hulls. Their fuel source is infinite, and the coldness of space eliminates any heat problems. When I’m in a solar system, the scoops retract.” The scoops and exhaust ports formed a smooth hull once again. “She has impressive defensive capabilities, as well. But the real icing on the cake is her cloaking device.”

The entire ship disappeared to astonished gasps. Derak smiled, like a proud father, as she re-appeared. They both looked at him, unable to speak. “It is amazing, isn’t it? But, she’s just the

prototype.” He walked them over to the next ship in line.

“So, this one is improved?” Shesain asked, incredulous.

“Yes, the hull is greatly improved in this one. The self-healing properties are limited in the prototype, so I improved them. Let me demonstrate.” Guiding them to the test area, he took an old panel in his hand, about three feet square. “This belongs to the prototype.” He set the panel in a holder twenty feet away and walked back to pick up a phase pistol. “The problem is that, during a firefight, the old panel could fail. Small punctures heal; but large holes deplete the material’s inherent ability, watch.”

He adjusted the pistol and fired, shooting a little hole in the panel. 30 seconds later, the hole refilled itself. “That’s what it’s supposed to do. Now I’ll show you what a large hole does.”

Re-adjusting the pistol again, he shot a one-foot diameter hole into the panel. It did not fill, and the pistol’s impact left a small ragged hole in the center of the panel.

“Not good. So, I added one hundred percent, organic self-replicating nanobots to the mixture, with a few more exotic ingredients, and this is the result.” He pressed a button and a nine-foot panel swung into place. Picking up an automatic phase rifle, he emptied the charge into the panel. To their shock, a six-foot hole self-replicated, leaving the panel whole with no visible damage. “That is the improved model. This ship,” leading them back to it, “is the result of all of my latest achievements. She has the prototype’s abilities with the much-improved hull. It’s classified as a four-man scout class. I’ve decided to name her The Shenar.”

“The Shenar!” Shesain retorted, wondering why her sister’s name was chosen above her own.

Smiling at her, Derak said, “Don’t worry, my chimera, I’ve saved your name for her.” He pointed to a medium class cruiser. Shesain returned a smile and nodded in agreement. He figured

she would like the bigger ship.

“Very diplomatic, Derak,” said Remor.

“Shall we continue?” asked Derak, as he led them on the tour. “This is a true fighting ship. She’s built to take the punishment and can inflict maximum damage to any and all challengers.”

“Why aren’t we using them in the Terelian border conflict?” Remor asked.

“Timing. The Alliance must not know this exists, any of this,” Derak said, gesturing to the hanger. “Besides, she’ll enter the fray soon enough.”

Walking towards the door, Remor stopped at something covered with a cloth. “What’s this?”

“Something that I should never have built,” Derak replied.

“What does it do?” Shesain asked. All eyes were on Derak.

“This… is beyond dangerous.”

He lifted the cloth, revealing a gun. He pressed another button and a nine-foot square panel moved into place while he aimed.

“This,” he said, putting his hand on the gun, “is an offshoot of these.” He reached into a locker and pulled out a sword. “This is a plasma sword. It’s just a contained plasma field. The effectiveness of these swords depend on how good a swordsman you are. However, the damage they cause is devastating. I used two in the Chambar Valley Offensive.”

Working a few more controls, a three-foot square block slid over. “This block has the same composition as The Shesain’s hull. Stand back behind that line, please.” He turned the sword on and a blue plasma beam extended out three feet. Standing behind the block, he set his stance, and, in less than a second, the block was cut up into quarters as each section clanked to the floor. Turning the sword off, he soberly walked back and put it away. “It’s a tactile weapon only. It was the prototype for this.” He laid his hand on the gun.

“That sword is…” Remor started to comment.

“This is far worse. I tweaked the multi-phase variance and came up with this one.

This weapon disrupts the space-time continuum, back to the point of origin of the intended target, one of my worst discoveries. If I were to use it on a Kek warrior, his influence on Kek culture would be eliminated. It would be as if he were never born. Every consequence of his lifetime, all of his actions, would be forever removed from the space-time continuum, changing time itself. Everything would change, everywhere. Nothing would be stable or predictable. Eliminating a lifetime of just one person could change the entire history of the galaxy. No one should ever dare to use such a weapon.

“This screen has recorded and displayed the life of that nine-foot panel, from its creation to the last shot I took,” Derak said, directing their attention to the 3D holo-screen. “Stand back, another six feet, so you can see the screen and panel at the same time. I’ll adjust the beam to five millimeters and join you. Remember: Watch both at the same time.” He pulled the trigger and the beam struck the center of the nine-foot panel. A small hole appeared. The panel disappeared with all of the information that was once displayed on the holo-screen. Shocked silence pervaded. Derak turned the gun off and recovered it, looking back at them.

“I call it a ‘Clear Beam.’ I’ve developed another version of it, minus the time erasure aspect. It is yet to be installed on The Shesain. I consider it, what we humans refer to as, the nuclear option. It is a weapon of last resort only.”

“You’d better not put that in my ship,” Shesain said, disturbed.

“My chimera,” Derak said, with quiet firmness. “When you are in the middle of a firefight, outgunned and outnumbered, you had better have another trick up your sleeve.”

“I must agree with Derak, Shesain,” said Remor. “Your profession uses words, sentences, and eloquent delivery of thoughts to win an engagement. His requires the use of such barbaric means. An elegant show of force is sometimes required to back up equally elegant discourse. You know that.”

“No. You have to destroy it!” She exclaimed with dismay.

“I know. The first problem is that its destruction would be the equivalent of a matter-anti-matter detonation. The second problem is that the prototype ship has a larger and more powerful model installed in her fore hull. I haven’t found the solution, yet. That’s why this weapon and the contents of this hangar do not exist. In the wrong hands, the results could be catastrophic. Remor, I’m sorry if their presence causes consternation. I’ll remove them, if you wish. The security guarding this facility is also very deadly.”

Remor thought long and hard before he responded.

“This does make for some interesting possibilities,” he said. “I’ll put some thought to… that.” He pointed to the Clear Beam gun. “I don’t think security will be a problem, seeing that we’re in another dimension. Your other advances, however. Can you share them?”

“Only on a small scale, full release of my work could cause havoc on a societal level.”

“Yes, it could cause problems,” Remor agreed. “Let me think on this a bit. We’ve seen enough. It’s time to go back to our own time and dimension.” They filed out of the hangar and returned to his quarters.

“Would anyone like some refreshments?” Derak asked.

“Yes, please. I need a drink,” Shesain said. “I left some Anean scallops in your fridge. Therese, let’s get some food ready. I’m famished.”

Chakur and Karn made themselves comfortable in a corner of the room while Remor and Derak settled in.

“Derak, I’ve been thinking about your hangar,” said Remor. “We have some medical technology that would benefit greatly from your multiphasic variance advances. We could eliminate a lot of invasive surgery with it.”

“I’ve been thinking, too,” Derak replied. “If I could reduce the power output of that weapon, down to a nano-level, the medical possibilities could be endless.”

“That, Derak, will take much more than a thought,” Rhemor countered.

“I’ll need your specifications, so I can customize the improvements for your engineers.”

Shesain and Therese arrived with food and drinks, and Shesain joined Derak on the sofa. She leveled a frank gaze at him.

“You’re going to destroy those swords,” she said

He responded, emphatically. “No, I’m not. They aren’t any danger at all. They only work with my DNA imprint, and they’re the only pair in existence. That was the first time they’ve been turned on since the Voeleron War.”

“The Chambar Valley Offensive?” she asked.

“Those swords, and my DNA are the only reasons I’m still alive.”

They discussed the possible uses of Derak’s technology until it was time for Remor to depart. Shesain remained, in order to make sure his new clothes fit properly.

“Those colors match you perfectly,” she said. “Petar and I will have your wardrobe up-to-date in no time. Now try on the blazer… superb.”

She pinned his engagement broach on the right lapel. “You’re ready now.”

“I can dress myself. I’ve done it for years,” Derak retorted.

“I know. That’s why we’re emptying out your closet,” Shesain said, as she and Therese laughed.

“It’s time to leave, or we’ll be late for dinner. We don’t want to keep the happy couple waiting. Can we take my ship into town?” Shesain asked, her big, brown eyes pleading.

“No.” She’s not winning this time. “The timing’s not right. Not to worry my love, you’ll be present for the test flights.” Her disappointment lessened as he kissed her. They boarded his new air car and zipped off to Shenmar to meet Jack and Shenar.

They waited for them at the VIP garage. Therese parked the air car, and they got out to meet them. Therese and Karn fell in behind them, once again, engaged in spirited conversation.

“Jack, you look handsome,” Shesain remarked.

Shesain and Shenar led the way to the dining district. Jack and Derak followed, with Karn; Numar, Shenar’s bodyguard; and Therese behind them. Shesain and Shenar were having a lively conversation, laughing and giggling. Occasionally, the two sisters glanced back at the men with merriment in their eyes.

Jack looked at Derak and shook his head. “Is this going to be the norm?”

“I’m afraid so, buddy, you might as well get used to it. You can’t win when a Thumarian woman has you in her crosshairs,” answered Derak. “I tell you no lie. This is one web I’m enjoying. Their hearts are pure, and their intent is honorable. You and I have fallen into a very select group. Only five non-Thumarian men have ever been considered eligible before me, and only one has successfully made it through the ten-month engagement, and he married a commoner. I am now officially tied to The Royal Family of Thumar.”

Jack looked skeptical.

“Believe me,” continued Derak, “Shenar would not be spending so much time with you if she weren’t interested. You should feel honored. Many a good Thumarian male has tried and failed to get where you are now. Shenar has chosen to be with you.”

“But, I’m not like you, Derak. I’m just —”

“You’ll find no better woman in the galaxy.”

Derak joined Shesain, and Shenar dropped back to keep Jack company. She smiled sweetly at Jack, and there was a glitter in her eye. “The Group” — what Derak called the bodyguards — and Therese, were highly amused by their conversation.

“Where are we headed?” Derak asked Shesain as he took her hand.

She turned and smiled, mischievously, as she slipped her arm into his.

“It’s a surprise.” She lead the way, and they stopped in front of a large restaurant with a moorish styled edifice.

“This is the best Anean restaurant in all of Shenmar,” Shenar proclaimed.

“The famous Anean Dance Troupe will be performing tonight after dinner.”

Upon entering, the owner rushed over.

“My Ladies, my Lords,” he gushed, “I have your table ready.”

Jack looked at Derak and mouthed, “My Lords?”

He shrugged as they were led down the center aisle to the table. They were seated and immediately served divine-tasting champagne.

Shesain turned to Shenar, and they launched into a humor-filled conversation.

Derak’s eyes were scanning the room, when a finely dressed Thumarian noticed his engagement broach. He had a handsome, pleasing face.

“Congratulations. Who is your chimera?” asked the friendly stranger.

Shesain spoke. “I am his chosen, and he is mine, sir.”

“Shesain Andehar,” exclaimed the man. “It has been a long time since I last saw you. You had just completed your doctorate and taken a job in the diplomatic corps.”

“Zenabar,” said Shesain, in recognition. “You look as handsome now as you did back then. You haven’t aged a day.”

“You do me honor, Shesain. Please introduce me to your chimera.”

“Zenabar, I would like you meet, Admiral Derak Jamar III, the Kalidar base commander, and the Alliance’s representative to Thumar.” She bespoke his name and rank with obvious pride.

“Derak, this is Zenabar Celetur, one of Thumar’s chief munitions manufacturer.”

He stood and they greeted each other. Then Shesain gave him her own cordial greeting.

“Admiral, I would like you to meet my wife, Leyanda,” said Zenabar.

After the customary embrace and kiss on each cheek, Derak turned on the charm. “You embody the true beauty of Thumarian women.”

“Oh, my, Admiral, I’m blushing,” said Leyanda. “Shesain, where did you find him? My niece is looking right now.”

They all laughed, and Shesain gave Derak a playful poke in the ribs. “You had better include all the Andehar women next time.”

“Yes, dear,” he teased back. That earned him another light poke.

After they took their seats, Zenabar continued, “Admiral, I thought I recognized you.

Your engagement is all over the vids now, and it won’t be long before the colonies will be memorizing your face. You have caught quite the elusive woman. Many have tried and failed.”

“I think it’s more like she caught me, and you will never hear me complain. Please, call me Derak.”

“You had better say that!” Shesain’s thoughts penetrated his mind with a giggle.

“Congratulations to both of you. May Kumar bless your union,” Zenabar said.

“Thank you, Zenabar. How are your children?” Shesain asked.

“They’ve graduated from college and are deep into their careers. Both boys are now married, and we have three lovely grandchildren with another one due in two months. How are Rhemar and Temela?”

“Dad is improving his vineyard yield every year, and mother is as clever as ever.”

“As for you two, and your table, I’m sending over the best champagne, in honor of your engagement. I believe, dinner and the show are about to start. It was a pleasure meeting you, Derak.” Zenabar handed him a card and said, “Call me. I have some items that might be of interest to you.”

Shesain and Derak turned back to find Jack and Shenar engaged in a tender moment at the table.

“Alright, you two, dinner is about to be served.” Derak playfully prodded them as they sat down.

Zenabar’s champagne arrived. It was a premium Andehar vintage. Shesain shot Derak a smile and raised her glass in a toast. He responded, in turn.

Dinner was served by a bevy of tall attractive servers. Their uniform consisted of a

medium short skirt, top showing well-toned midriffs, with all of it covered by long flowing sheer material reaching to the floor. Their arrival was announced with bangles and bells. The entrée was sumptuous. Dessert entered flaming in the arms of a parade of nubile waitresses.

Jack leaned over and let out a sigh. “We are definitely not on Earth anymore.”

“No, my friend, we’re not,” Derak answered with a grin.

Middle Eastern Earth-style music started as the lights came up. Curtains opened. Men and women streamed out onto the dance floor. The men’s movements and techniques were as complex as the women’s. The group was engrossed in the performance, which ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

As they left the restaurant, the women were all smiles, stopping occasionally to talk to people they knew and making introductions. They were joined by Therese, Karn, and Numar, who accompanied them back to the garage. Jack and Shenar parted way with the rest of the group. Therese dropped Shesain and Karn off at her residence and flew Derak back to the base.

On his way to the base, Derak contacted Jack. The car’s plaz screen lit up, and Jack appeared.

“Wow, did you see those dancers?” asked Jack.

He nodded. “They were impressive. I just got home, and I’ve got to get some rest. I have a big day tomorrow. General Kamur is giving me the tour of the main army base. It’ll be an all-day affair. I’ll catch up with you soon.”

After entering his quarters, he poured himself a healthy shot of Rhemar’s brandy and noticed the com light blinking.

“Who is it?”

“Shesain, she wants to say good night.”

“My chimera,” Shesain’s delightful voice greeted him when the wall screen turned on.

“My chimera,” he replied at the sight of her beautiful face.

“Did you enjoy the evening?” she asked.

“Any evening with you is splendid .”

Shesain’s expression showed she was pleased and flattered by his reply.

“You have a long day tomorrow. General Kamur can be long-winded, but he’s a dear. I love you, sleep well.”

“I love you, too, dinner tomorrow night?”

“Of course, I know a quiet place that is very special. Goodnight my chimera,” she said, blowing him a kiss. The wall screen went blank, and Derak smiled to himself on the way to bed.