Mentar Station

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Mentar Station

Azjah had a busy summer scheduled, but two of the things she was most looking forward to were the trip with Rhaine to Mentar Station, and the sailing trip with Scarlet.

For this moment, she was preparing to go to Mentar Station. Azjah had heard so much about this place, but had never had the opportunity to actually go there.

Rhaine had said that they would be accepted and that she would join her for this trip, and that was sufficient reason for Azjah to make arrangements to head out on this long distance trip.

With everything packed, she had Dyson take her to Star’s End, where she’d filed the flight plan, and would meet Rhaine.

[Rhaine]

Mentar Station

Cloaked from most of Galaxy by a small nebula (possibly originating from the final Exodus of Psilons in 43685), Mentar system consists of five planets revolving around a G-5 star. Mentar-2 is the former homeworld of Psilon race. Approximately in 43685 Psilons have left Mentar system (see Psilon Exodus), possibly for another Multiverse. In 43687, seven human colony transports reached Mentar system, starting what is known now as Mentar Station.

Population: humans, exact numbers unknown.

Society:
Mentar Station is a semi-democratic society, ruled by Council of Bloodlines. Currently the Station public areas and Mentar-2-prime are open to tourism except for Bloodline facilities.

Mentar Station is extremely advanced technologically, based on known examples of their spacecraft, luxury and bioengineering products. However they export the least sophisticated specimens, merely slightly more advanced than technology known on Rigel. The only combat encounters with Mentari (supposedly) happened over a hundred years ago, with no survivors to witness anything.

Mentari appear to have faith in "Psilon Path", which "leads to progress beyond human limits". However little is known of this cult.

Main holidays:
- New Cycle
- Four Moon Day (completion of Four Moons complex)
- Unity Day (celebration of Bloodlines)
- Memory Day (tours to Mentar surface and exhibitions of Bloodlines, part of them open to public, part closed)
- Falconfly Fest (yearly "olympics" including small spacecraft design and competitions in maneuver and fire, youth holiday)
There are also minor holidays, such as bioaesthetics or energy-aesthetics exhibitions held by different bloodlines.

Bloodlines:
Appear to be based on names of colony transports.
Dehtyar
Althos
Keidain
Volin
Shuashai
Branlee
Chilian

This Wikipedia article is incomplete....

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah sat in front of the Star Dragon’s computer systems, while she waited, she pulled up the Rigelian records regarding Mentar Station. The files were short, and for the most part, incredibly uninformative. She’d learned more talking to Rhaine than she could glean from these files.

Rhaine had told her about Aquira Althos Gair, who is some sort of advisor. She appears to be around 30 years of age, but the way Rhaine had said it, she must be much older. And since she is the Advisor, Azjah hoped they would be introduced.

According to Rhaine, Aquira is not from Mentar Station, and doesn’t speak much about her past. Azjah remembered having met Keith and Elynne Althos, and that cemented her desire to meet with Aquira.

Rhaine had said there would be Dehtyars, but she couldn’t find much about them either.

Mentar 2 houses a University, that allegedly was first modified by Psilons on a moon of Mentar. On Mentar 3 and 4 are the industrial centers. Mentar 1 is reserved for agriculture. These things she learned from Rhaine and decided that the Wiki needed to be improved, and perhaps when they returned, she would update the files.

The gift she’d procured for her trip was now in the cargo hold. Rhaine had said such would be acceptable, and she hoped they would be seen in the appropriate light.

Dominik had agreed to fill in for Gabriel. Azjah knew Rhaine and Gabriel had traveled together in the past, but unfortunately, Gabriel wasn’t available. That caused a pang of regret that didn’t last as she heard Rhaine arrive.

[Rhaine]

"Going back to Mentar at last?" Keith smiled. Leaning back in his chair, he watched Rhaine, dark brown eyes calm.
"Naturally. There are matters I have noticed and need to be corrected," she answered. Flowing wide sleeve of black robes half-masked a gesture meaning "have no alternative - not upset by it". Gestures as a second language was one thing spread among Mentari by Shuashai bloodline, and it was becoming increasingly popular among members of Bloodlines. "I will be travelling with Marchioness von Triberg."
"What would YOU need her for?" Mentari seemed genuinely surprised.
"Quite possible that she will be taking a tour"
"And you will be using her as a cover for your own goals. Will you ever work openly, boss?"
"Possibly. When Dehtyar monopoly on bioengineering is over, and they give the credits to those they're due."

A necessary minimum of her things was already packed into a handbag. Going home. Yes, Mentar was her second home. Or... has it lost the meaning of home finally?

When you are an asmodean, your loyalty is to the Lord, and Him alone. Not home, family, motherland, clan.

She would have to deal with Dehtyars again. Holy Hells. There were serious reasons not to associate with the famous bioengineer bloodline in any way, and now she would have to worry about them as a threat. But otherwise, there would hardly be any chance to complete the work that needed to be done....

A-Tun. Unique, mysterious, important. Desperately needed by those constantly putting their lives at risk - and forbidden by Dehtyars... A-Tun. A gift from "beyond the wormhole" that managed to slip through Dehtyar fingers. A-Tun.

She entered a rift, and arrived at the spaceport.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Rhaine went into the vessel in a casual manner. Her soft, black cargo pants complimenting nicely with the camouflage colored, sleeveless t-shirt and military style boots. Her gem like eyes looked around her in that all-noticing quick glance that she had before she actually stepped into the bowels of the Star Dragon. She carried a small handbag that seemed to have very little space for much of anything really, but that was all she brought aboard.

Dominik materialized at Rhaine’s arrival and gave her a grave nod as Azjah glanced around out of the cockpit at the sound of footsteps on the decking. “Rhaine! Welcome aboard!!”

She waved and beamed a smile, “Thank you. The name you’ve given this lady suits her fine, she does remind me of a dragon.” Rhaine paused near the cockpit, “So what’s the departure window?”

Azjah gave her friend a smile, “She has the teeth of a dragon, if you would like to see the defenses, or offenses.” Azjah gave her a mischievous wink. “We depart at 07:20 for best approach to the first worm hole. Dominik will show you to your berth, and then if you wish to join me here, we’ll be away.”

Dominik stepped forward and motioned toward the left wing area.

Rhaine’s cyan hazed glance found Dominik as she said, “Gladly, RhyDin is… tiring.”

“I understand completely,” Azjah commented as the two departed and she set about doing the final systems checks in preparation for departure. This was a trip she was very much looking forward to taking.

Rhaine returned very quickly, “Omnia mea mecum porto,” she said as she entered the cockpit, “Which doesn’t mean I get a huge luggage case,” she grinned.

Azjah laughed, her Latin was practically non-existent, “What does it mean?”

“That I carry all my stuff with me,” she said with a reciprocal laugh, “For someone used to Mentar, it usually means that most of their belongings are in their mind though.” She glanced out the window, “Do I get to see the start from here, or duck into a cubicle like a landlubber?”

Azjah nodded, “Interesting view, so things or articles are not very important to them?” She motioned to the right seat, “Yes, actually you get the best view from here.”

Rhaine settled into the right seat with practiced ease, “Most material things are fun, but not very important. Information and technology, that’s what they’re crazy about. At least most of them.”

Azjah pondered that a moment, and puzzled over her comment ‘at least most of them.’ Rhaine seldom said anything inane, and that addition had an important meaning. But precisely what was not clear. “Hmm, well, I know you said that I could bring them a gift as my way of saying thank you for permitting my visit, but perhaps my choice is not such a good one.” The clearance from the tower was given and the anchors dropped away from the sleek chromium hull as the Star Dragon eased away from her docking site.

Rhaine gave her a surprised glance, “Why? They are still human, in a way. Even despite their fascination with the Psilons.” She glanced out the hull as the Dragon began to move away from her berth, “Perhaps they would interpret your gift differently from your norms though.”

Azjah smiled as she maneuvered the ship away from dock and toward launch. “Well, I hope they enjoy fine chocolate truffles.” She’s had them sent from Rigel, the finest chocolatiers in Festungsmauer had hand made each truffle in some truly unique flavors and a multitude of chocolates, varying from nearly bitter dark to the smooth silk of white chocolate.

Rhaine chuckled, “That would be a new and fascinating experience, I’m sure.”

Azjah glanced at her a moment, “Well, I have brought quite an assortment because I am not certain how many we are talking about here, nor what their tastes may lean toward.” She puzzled why chocolate truffles should be a new experience.

Rhaine scanned the controls of the ship, “Well, the only blood line that may be weird about those would be Dehtyars, they’re a bit arrogant. Althos are mostly very human, as well as Volin’s.”

Her voice held that warm tone that described her attitude toward those particular blood lines, and Azjah did not fail to take note. “Well, the only other thing I could think of, and that I brought with me, was a book on the art and architecture of Rigel, signed by the authors, who’ve made themselves quite a reputation. It’s not a great deal, but you said something from my home would be of more interest to them.”

Rhaine nodded, “Definitely. They’re kinda keeping away from the galaxy, can’t blame them though.”

Azjah had to agree on that point, “No, things have gotten dicey in some areas,” and her mind slid toward Lacerta and the Cephean aggression there.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Rhaine’s smile was slightly sad, “They have no love for expansion. Unlike your homeland.”

Azjah gave a soft chuckle, few liked the kind of expansionism Rigel embraced, “Probably a good thing to avoid over dinner conversations then.”

Rhaine blinked, “Why?”

Azjah gave her a surprised look, “I would hate to bring up an unwelcome subject. I am their guest.” In her world, a known sensitive point was usually avoided, unless there was a reason to be provocative, and she certainly had no reason to be provocative with the blood lines on Mentar.

Rhaine lightly touched one of the controls, “They don’t themselves expand or conquer, but they watch the outside world, and are curious. Mentar system has serious….” She paused for emphasis here, “teeth.” Then she grinned, “So, your Kaiser would have trouble making them his colony.”

Azjah turned cool blue eyes on Rhaine, “Should they bring up the subject, then I have no reticence to speak of our colonization.” She was not opposed to the plans of her homeland, or its politics, but since she was a guest, and perhaps an ambassador to Mentar Station, she hadn’t wanted to deliberately discuss a topic that would upset the inhabitants. Besides, Mentar Station was too far flung for the Kaiser’s current interests, although such attitudes changed with the wind sometimes.

Rhaine returned the gaze, “You’re a guest. It’s a norm on Mentar to follow the subject the guest brings up, unless guests surrender the initiative.”

It was the way Rhaine said ‘surrender’ that gave Azjah pause. Would they feel she was weak if she relinquished the topics of discussion? She had hoped to engage them in some philosophical discussions as well as scientific. She would have to consider that carefully before they arrived. “I see,” she told Rhaine.

“Will Dominik be staying with you at all times on Mentar?” Her cyan gaze slid toward the passenger compartments a moment.

“He will, yes. Does that pose any difficulties?” Azjah was still getting used to Dominik as opposed to Gabriel, and without the blood tie to him; it made interpreting what he was thinking more difficult.

Rhaine shook her head, “Not really. I would need to notify Althos bloodline about the guest quarters.”

Azjah nodded as they began their ascent through the atmosphere of RhyDin, “I would appreciate that. I do hope we can be kept out of direct sunlight?”

Rhaine blinked, “Why not?”

Azjah gave a brief shrug, “We have some colonies that see no night at all.” Azjah was uncertain just how the stations managed the light/dark cycles, if at all. If they were geostationary, they might not have night.

“He can stay at Four Moons, where there is no chance for direct sunlight.”

Azjah nodded, “Perfect.” The blue of Rhydin’s skies gave way to the blackness of space as they slipped away from the atmosphere completely.

“You really have to see the Four Moons, Marchioness, I’m serious, RhyDin looks naked after Mentar 2.” Rhaine’s expression momentarily showed her fondness for her former home.

“I am very excited about this trip Rhaine, and have discovered during my preparations that there is almost no good information in the Rigelian archives about Mentar Station.” Azjah set the controls for the first worm hole they needed to enter.

Rhaine laughed, “Definitely. Where would good info come from if we get almost no Rigelian tourists?” ‘We’, not ‘Mentar.’ Azjah noticed.

Azjah gave her a smile, “Well, I hope they will not mind my updating our files after our visit.”

Rhaine chuckled, “Especially about the Psilon Path?” She double checked the coordinated, “That was the most entertaining Wikipedia article I’ve read.”

Azjah couldn’t help but laugh, “It didn’t say much at all.”

“The guy who posted it probably never went beyond the Spaceport.” She did not hide her disdain. “Naturally, who would bother to come all the way to Mentar? Especially without much directions.”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Mentar Station was a great distance, but intrepid star travelers have gone farther on less information, and that gave Azjah pause, why hadn't more sought out the Station? "Ah, but I have you in the navigator's seat for this trip my friend; and I am very glad for it too." She hoped this would be an enjoyable trip for Rhaine too, though she suspected Rhaine would have some business to conduct or she would not take the time to go. "What would you like to do while we are there? Anything special?"

Rhaine shrugged as they closed the distance to the worm hole, "Depends on what you'd like to see. I'm not sure Dehtyars would invite you to their biolabs, but the annual bioaesthetics exhibition is open to the public, especially those with invitations from main blood lines. We're a week from FalconFly's, so you might like to see that too."

Azjah chuckled, "I am very curious about the bioaesthetics, I have my own implants, and FalconFly sounds fascinating, but what about you? This is your home, is it not?" Most everything about Mentar Station would fascinate Azjah given the highly technical world they embodied, but she didn't want Rhaine to miss out on anything she wanted to do during their trip, which would undoubtedly be too short.

Rhaine pulled a comm. card from her pocket, "I wonder who wins the melee this cycle." She had a dreamy smile as she handed Azjah the adjusted coordinate set and the access codes of level one for the last three worm holes they would need to traverse. "Mentar, it is my second home. The place where I was born as a scientist, not only a mage. It was a long time ago, under the Psilons, but still, it's important to me."

"That is precisely why I am wondering if there is something you would like to do or see while we are there." She did not want Rhaine to feel obligated to forego her own wishes to chaperone her around the station.

"Anything. I would recommend to start with, the Four Moons. And then spend some time with Althos before the Annual Bioaesthetics Competition - the ABC's as they joke about it. It's an ABC truth that Dehtyars used to win it every year, until recently."

Azjah lifted a brow at her, "Who has been winning recently?"

"Oh, it's between Althos-Gair and Dehtyars mostly." She gave a slightly embarrassed smile, "Aquira Althos-Gair was last year's winner."

That was a name Azjah recognized, "Ah yes, you have told me a little about her, I trust we will meet?"

"Definitely. She is the Advisor of Gair sub line, and such an important guest as you are, would hardly be unnoticed by the Advisor." Rhaine assured her.

Azjah was somewhat surprised by Rhaine's choice of words, she hadn't thought she would be an important guest by any stretch of the imagination. "I am looking forward to meeting her, Rhaine. Especially since I have had the pleasure of meeting Keith and Elynne Althos in the past."

"Elynne is current Councilor for Althos. She'll be hellishly busy, I'd bet. FalconFly's and ABC's are a time for many important decisions. If you wonder about these ranks, Rigelian Wikipedia does mention that Mentar is a type of democracy. The main ruling body is the Council of Bloodlines that must include one representative for each of them. Every Councilor has several Advisors, which form the internal Council of every line."

Democracy was an odd thing in Azjah's view, but then she'd been raised in a Feudal world with fealty demanded. "Yes, I read that, and I am happy to hear Elynne has done well. How about Keith? Has he any interest in the politics or is he still roaming RhyDin?"

"Oh, he hates politics. Almost as much as I do," Rhaine chuckled as she placed the coordinates for the first wormhole leap into the computer. "Elynne once said he is almost a Volin."

Azjah chuckled as Rhaine evaded the question about Keith's location, "The Volin do not care for politics?"

"They are engineers, and very straightforward, and many of them are hopeless romantics of spaceflight." Rhaine liked straightforwardness from her acquaintances that Azjah knew, but she also knew subterfuge was nearly second nature.

Azjah glanced at the navigation systems, "Ah, they would very much like our Carpathians from the sounds of it."

"Might be. Volin-Vorlil are unbeaten kings of FalconFly's and the best sentinels of Mentar space. When I mention a double name, its Bloodline name first, Sub-Line second. Actually triple names are a norm. Bloodline - Sub-Line - Family. That's going to be useful for formal introductions. I'm not sure Carpathian's are as crazy as Volin-Vorlill though. Gabriel and Lucien seemed to be rather balanced."

Azjah nodded, she'd learned an important bit here about Mentar, then smiled at the reference to balance, "The Hunters are, but the Gem Singers are a different breed altogether."

Rhaine quirked a brow at that; "Gem singers? I'm afraid I missed out on that piece of information."

Azjah smiled, "Yes, they are the artisans of the Carpathian people. Very romantically natured, not warriors at all."

She gave a slight smile, "There are very few Hunters among Mentari. Perhaps it would be their downfall someday."

Azjah nodded, "Perhaps, who knows. We're coming up on the worm hole, once we're in, would you care to see the ship?" They would have time, and Rhaine had never seen the Dragon. She felt the defenses would prove most interesting to her.

She nodded, "It would be a pleasure. Speed and angle are in the navigation computer, so we can relax, wormholes are the least stressful part."

Azjah chuckled, "Once we're in."

Rhaine checked the readings on the navigator's panel and made several corrections that she deemed necessary. Most were really very tiny, then she raised that cyan gaze, "She reminds me of Mrrshan ships, in ergonomics at least."

Azjah watched as she made the adjustments, remembering the fabulous Mrrshan wine and the very delicate glasses, "She's state of the art for Rigelian vessels,"

Rhaine nodded, "Noticed. I've spent a little time on Rigel. Of course, I've never checked out the military ships."

Azjah chuckled, "We're set up with more than private sector weaponry. But, that is my business, so I have license for such things." It didn't surprise her that Rhaine had traveled to Rigel at some point in her past.

"Naturally," she smiled back, "I think we're five minutes from warping out. The angle is ideal already from what I see."

Azjah glanced at the read outs, "Perfect, then I can show you my pride and joy, for the Dragon is just that."

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Time had passed quickly with Rhaine and Azjah talking, occasionally Dominik would join them to discuss philosophy or science. Dominik had a keen interest in bioengineering and genetics. At length though, the third and final worm hole had been entered and several hours had passed, they would soon emerge on the far side of it. Azjah made herself a cup of cranberry tea and sat down in the left seat, “Well Rhaine, are you ready to be home?”

She smiled slightly, “Like there is a way to be ready.” Then she glanced directly at Azjah, “Please activate the comm. terminal, I don’t want a lengthy communication with Shuashai’s. Their guard station is the one to guard this worm hole.”

Azjah nodded, “Alright,” then she reached for the comm. switch, and glanced at Rhaine, “They do know we’re coming, so I’m assuming a simple ID of the ship should suffice?” Never having been to this mysterious place meant Azjah knew nothing of the approach protocols, and she was relying solely on Rhaine’s advice.

“True. I’m just eliminating chances for a lengthy and official procedure.” Rhaine was intently listening to the open comm.

Azjah nodded, touched the comm. link, “This is Star Dragon, acknowledge Mentar Station.”

The wormhole exit dropped them finally, and a fairly small battle station emitted signals in a multitude of frequencies and languages, mostly meaning the same thing….’identify yourselves’. This was not uncommon. The battle station surface appeared like a drop of unknown metallic fluid, surrounded by a coil of tiniest sparkling raindrops. A couple of small spacecraft were chasing each other around the battle station in an insane dance around the ‘rain drop’ coil, and from a distance, it looked like a game, while the technical characteristics of these remained unknown. The signal from the station modulated into…”Shuashai Battle Station Three to Star Dragon – Rigel- Welcome Star Dragon. Do you need coordinate sets?”

Azjah glanced at Rhaine, she knew Rhaine had pre-programmed much of their flight info into the chip she used earlier, “Do we, or do you have them loaded?”

Rhaine smiled, “I remember them, unless there’s been new construction lately.” She bent to the comm. panel with a brief laugh, “Battle station three, who’s on duty? Is it you, Eirik Darlok-Shuashai?” There was a surprised silence for a moment on the other end before a reply came back, “Bringing in tourists, Rhaine Althos-Gair? There’s a couple of new satellites around Prime, I’ll drop you the characteristics. Otherwise, welcome back.” Rhaine gave a brief nod, “Thanks, Eirik.” Then she leaned back into her seat, “They’ve been expecting us, and my voice print is in the Central Data Bank.”

Azjah gave a soft chuckle, “Welcome home indeed.”

The data packages arrived within a second and Rhaine nodded, loaded the route into the guidance computer, “we can now relax and enjoy the view. As soon as we approach the Star Port corridors, we’ll be taken into the care of Branlee-Volin.”

“Wonderful, I am looking forward to this!” The brief time they’d been in Mentari space had already captured Azjah’s interest and curiosity. The battle station was of a completely unknown material. She was captivated and they hadn’t even landed yet.

The Mentari system unfolded like a flower before their eyes, a large orange sun, and four planets, two and two, separated by an asteroid belt. Sparks littered the space around Mentar – 2, which seemed to be surrounded by a ring as well. Traffic around Mentar 3 and 4, plus over the asteroid belt, which was better avoided, so their route was a bit away from those, and through huge rings that seemed to accelerate them gradually, and in the moment of passing the ring, they were thrown into the next one. The rings formed thin chains that led to the outskirts of the system. A web that made the system smaller. Rhaine pointed at the asteroid belt, “The mines. In both meanings.”

Azjah was busy peering through the portal at this nearly mythical sector of space, glancing from time to time at the ship’s read outs as they were propelled closer to the flow of traffic and the system that makes up Mentar. Her attention diverted toward the asteroid belt as Rhaine spoke, “Mining which products?” She chuckled at Rhaine’s comment, “And let’s avoid the ones that go boom.” She wasn’t interested in losing the Dragon, or her two companions.

“Everything for the Volin alloys and composites. Including trans-uranides.” She answered regarding what was mined, then added, “Don’t bother, we’re as safe as can be. Eirik may know me, but he still treats us as tourist craft, like you’d treat a glass toy.”

Azjah chuckled, “Fragile, primitive craft that we are?” She knew the reputation of the Mentari technologies.

Rhaine grinned, “Fragile, unmodified foreigners.” Then she nodded at the portal, “Did you notice these two children around the Shuashai station?”

Azjah nodded, “Yes, what is their function?”

“Those are just students, teenagers. They’re learning this part of life.” She watched them a moment, “Their reactions are enhanced. I would bet they have their navigation computers off. Some of such kids grow up into local line navigators.”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah lifted a brow at Rhaine, “Manual?” She’d heard of such civilizations, those who had better mental abilities than any computer.

Rhaine nodded, “Neural. A brain is better than a computer. It it’s a well developed mind in complete synchronization with the space craft. They have outgrown the fondness with artificial navigators. Of course, some of the worst routines are left for the computer, but decision making is all human.”

Azjah was truly impressed. “Impressive. Yes, the brain has so much more potential than the artificial intelligences, at least so far.” As far as AI had come, it was still not the equivalent of the human brain in many respects.

Another ring tossed them across the asteroid belt, closer still to Mentar 2. The ‘ring’ around the planet turned out to be four moons with thousands of smaller satellites, glowing, alive, and surrounded by myriad small craft. The satellites appeared to be perfectly in tune. One could almost start looking for unseen threads binding them into the structure. One of these ‘moons’ was a huge Saturn-shaped thing, a coil around a spherical satellite. Larger spacecraft were ‘landing’ on the coil, which seemed to grow tentacles to take them in. “Branlee will take us from here, you can power down the engines.”

Azjah was clearly shocked by the ‘tentacles’. They reminded her of an amoeba pulling it’s dinner in, but she reached for the engine controls and throttled them down to idle.

The star port ring extended one of the transparent tentacles and ‘absorbed’ the Rigelian vessel and formed a dock around the Star Dragon. A puff outside the ship’s shielding showed that the dock was filled with air, and a ‘diaphragm’ on the far end opened into a tunnel. “We’re there.” Rhaine smiled, “There is no fixed number of docks, so living structure is most convenient. You might wish to dress comfortably to go out.”

Azjah shut down everything except auxiliary power, “Comfortably?” She chuckled, “Alright, I’ll meet you in about 10 minutes.” At the appointed time, Azjah stepped from her berth. Dominik would remain here until the sun dimmed enough for him to join them. “Well, what is our first order of business?” Azjah was anxious to be out and about, with Rhaine to lead the way.

Rhaine took a look at Azjah, “Well, we can take a walk to the core of Starport, and make sure we’re entered in the Central Databank. The visa procedures are simplified, so, any ID you have and be ready to say something aloud about the purpose of the visit. Tourism would look fine, as well as an invitation from Althos Bloodline.”

Azjah nodded as she patted a pocket in her jacket, “ID secured, and I’m following your lead Rhaine. Let’s make sure we’re registered and free to go walk about.”

“Registration is needed to have access to null-port,” Rhaine told her before standing up and walking toward the exit. “Gravity is pretty low around here, so be careful.” Azjah was used to low grav conditions, and smiled before telling Rhaine to ‘lead on.’

The air was extremely pure, and slightly cool. It had some delicate scent to it, but it was very difficult to identify. Somewhat reminding Azjah of thunderstorms and pine trees, but not quite. The tunnel they entered had smooth walls and artificially roughened floors, which moved with the speed of a running human. It was enough to just stand on it.

Azjah was full of questions as they stepped onto the tunnel floor, “Who do we need to see about access to the labs?” She paused at the unidentified scent in the air, savoring the delicate balance of aromas. On the exit side there was a small terminal with a touch pad and a dark glass surface. Rhaine stopped near it before responding, “Blood line advisors, of course.” She took an id card from her pocket, then touched the glassy surface. Immediately a holographic image appeared over the terminal. It was an emblem looking like an asymmetric arrow and atom came up. Several lines under the emblem in the local writing and in common showed Name and blood line affinity. She glanced at Azjah, “Your turn.” Then she smirked, “Travel passports are so archaic.”

Azjah pulled her Rigelian ID chip and laid it atop the glass surface. The image of Azjah along with her titles and registration alpha numeric code registered. A voice from the terminal asked, “Please state your preferred name for identification purposes, and the goal of your visit.” Azjah chuckled, “Azjah Danaan, goal, tourism.” She glanced at Rhaine as the system responded, “Welcome to the Four Moons Azjah Danaan. Your voice has been recorded within the Central Databank. Feel free to request open information from any of our terminals.”

Rhaine smiled slightly, “Voices are unique you know.” She then advised Azjah that Dominik would need to leave a voice print as well if he chose to use the null-portals.

They started at the bottom level, and Rhaine invited any questions that Azjah might have. Azjah laughed, “Be careful, I may turn into one non-stop interrogative.

Rhaine motioned for them to move into the larger corridor. It is huge, and there’s traffic around. The locals seem very different, with only two things in common, they are rather lean in build, and have deep tans.

Azjah had asked about information accessibility, and how many people lived in the Mentari system.

Rhaine commented that availability of information is one of the guaranteed rights on Mentar, and that blood line specific information has access levels. She paused to look up the census details. They discussed imports and exports while they walked. Rhaine said, “Mentar hardly imports serious stuff. Though there are what they call ‘foreign luxuries and fashions’. You might find them around Starport.” Rhaine retrieved the information on the census figures, “2,125,678 - prime. 867,503 - Four Moons complex.” About then a group of teenagers rushed by, gliding along one of the sloped walls on something like glideboards. Rhaine turned back toward Azjah, “Mentar grows slowly.”

Azjah hadn’t expected the complex to be that large. Ultimately they headed for the ‘foreign luxuries’ shop. Azjah wandered the store in curious enthrallment. Then a woman walked in with an unusual insignia that Rhaine identified as belonging to the Chilians. It was an interesting discussion that ensued.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

The null-terminals were extremely simple on the outside – something like a simplified information terminal coupled with a simple cabin without any screens or dials. Rhaine typed in an access code on the terminal, and the cabin opened.

Azjah studied the simplicity of the null-terminal, but wondered just how complex the inner workings were as she asked Rhaine, “So we are going to see the leader of your blood line?”

Rhaine glanced at her, “Leader? Well, maybe called this way. We need to have permission of unlimited access to Althos compounds for you. That is a decision made by the Councilor.”

Azjah was too used to the feudal hierarchy system of Rigel to think of the Councilor any differently for the moment. “Ah, forgive my misinterpretation. Do you think we will gain her permission?” The trip would be halted rather quickly if Elynne denied her the access Rhaine felt they needed to have.

Rhaine chuckled, “I think you would, unless there is something new and top-secret being developed by the bloodline in conjunction with other bloodlines. Something extremely advanced and dangerous that is.”

Obviously, Azjah hoped that was not the case, and then she remembered the gifts she’d brought along for her hosts, “Should we retrieve the chocolate now, or later? And I can understand restriction to such things. Even in my company there are places guests may not go.” At least the Mentari felt as she did about sharing advanced technologies.

Rhaine shrugged, “You decide. Really. We don’t have some insane ceremonies; this isn’t the Temple of Asmodeus.”

Azjah lifted a brow at Rhaine, “There are formal ceremonies to visiting the Temple?” She’d spoken with Rhaine only briefly about the Temple in RhyDin, and only fleetingly with her brother Vitus. It seemed that all religions held dear their rituals and ceremonies, and Azjah smiled.

Rhaine grinned, “Well, there are restrictions for visitors, plus there are strict official rules of conduct with ranking members, unless you’re directly and unofficially invited. You should see sometimes those poor beings that come to the Temple officially. That is, on behalf of anything other than themselves.”

That brought a laugh to Azjah, “That kind of formality might be more familiar than what we are about to walk into.” The formality of the Rigelian Court was very high, and in fact more stringent than almost anywhere else she’d ever been, so with many long years of experience, that kind of setting was more familiar than an amorphous audience that she was about to enter into.

Rhaine stepped into the cabin and closed the door behind her, only to re-emerge a moment later, “Current stop: Four Moons, Mentar-2 Prime.” When Azjah said she’d need approval for Dominik too, Rhaine nodded and invited her to follow. “If he won’t be shocked. Culture shock is sooooo common for foreigners…”

Azjah chuckled, clearly understanding why culture shock would be the norm for visitors here, “I think both of us will be shocked now and then, but part of the fun of traveling is learning about those differences rather than comparing everything to ‘home’ and expecting everyone else to conform to one’s own notion of ‘normal’.”

Rhaine glanced at her as they moved along, “You have lived for less time, and for young ones, the shock isn’t that severe.”

Azjah considered that a moment, Dominik was very old. “it wouldn’t do for him to stay aboard the Dragon and miss this though, now would it?”

Mentar-2-Prime null-port was basically the same as StarPort’s, but upon exiting, the view was completely different. Here there were bright, translucent images of Bloodline emblems decorating seven sectors of an atrium, and these did not shift. The walkways were in bloodline specific colors. Rhaine walked toward the black, silver and cyan stripe, “You can talk for yourself and for him, you’re his boss for this trip, right?”

Azjah was busy glancing around, taking in the altered scene and trying to commit as much to memory as she could. “Yes, since he is filling in for Gabriel, I suppose that I am. Is there significance to the colors other than simply choice? The reason I ask is because heraldic devices have very strict rules, and I’m wondering if these are the same.”

Rhaine blinked and stopped mid-step, “Hmm, probably. The colors were chosen by the first human settlers, there might be some meaning to them. They quite correlate with main specializations.” She nodded at the Dehtyar emblem.

Azjah thought Dominik might enjoy investigating the meaning behind the emblems, it was the sort of thing that interested him, histories and insignia, and arcane connections.

Rhaine resumed walking, “Ready?” She stepped into the atrium sector and started falling upward, watching Azjah the whole time.

Azjah followed Rhaine and abruptly had her breath stolen by the sensation of falling upward, and then she laughed merrily, “I need one of these!” She called up to Rhaine.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Rhaine chuckled, lifting her hands to use as air brakes to adjust her “falling” speed. “Does Rigel have artificial gravity?”

Azjah shook her head, “No, but Pyxis does.” She was still laughing; this was something she could do for hours on end and never tire of it.

“So, why not get the technology from them and develop the solution?” She sounded surprised.

Azjah followed Rhaine’s example of using her hands to adjust her speed and direction, “After this, I shall have to do just that!” She suspected there would be several things she would seek to replicate if the technology was something she could not arrange to obtain due to the Mentari restrictions on export of technology. At least having seen some of this would provide a goal for development.

“Not everyone would like the atriums. We keep the old means of transportation for them,” Rhaine told her as their fall ended in a gust of wind that carried them toward the entry into Althos Headquarters.

Azjah grinned at Rhaine as they were deposited at the entry, “Well, they can be stick in the muds then. I love it! It is so much like flying, only without the aircraft around you.” Azjah paused to look around them, this level was well lit and decorated with rather curious plants, more greenery with fancy leaf shapes and fewer flowers. In general, there were fewer plants here, but more metal and obsidian-like materials and style. There were several force field gateways that dissipated as soon as they walked by, and they were visible when activated as thin veils of silver and cyan sparks in the air. The floor appeared to be polished gabbro. The short walkway ended in a traditional Mentari ‘crossing’ with standard terminals. Three large glass, or glass like material entrances led to well lit places that resembled exhibition halls. One was dark, and appeared to be heavily protected with metal and force field shinies. There were two more ‘corridors’ stemming from this ‘crossing’.

Azjah paused before one of the force fields, “What powers the force fields Rhaine?”

Rhaine quirked a brow at Azjah’s question; “You wish an in-depth explanation, or just a generalized one?”

“Generalized for now, I can get into details a little later.” Azjah gave her friend a wink, there would be a lot of detailed questions later without a doubt.

“The force fields of the compound are sem-autonomous, the main power source is a mu-generator, and secondary are hyperdense accumulators.” Rhaine’s attention focused on Azjah a moment, as though waiting to see if the implications of the technology registered.

Azjah glanced at the force field’s, “strong security measures Rhaine.” The ability to use a mu generator impressed her.

Rhaine shrugged and walked into one of the stemming corridors. The side entrances led to smaller offices, some were open and some were not. The names of the places mainly dealt with coordination, such as “Bioengineering Project ### Coordination” or “Project ### Coordination.” She added then, “Of course, some things are… not for the entire galaxy.”

That was an understatement. Azjah shivered at the idea of Cepheans getting their grubby hands on a mu generator.

“Very true Rhaine, and if I ask something that cannot be shared, I am not going to take offense.” Azjah certainly wanted to take several technologies back with her and they had only been there a short time. Rhaine nodded, agreeing that it was possible and Azjah smiled, “If it happens, it happens.”

She glanced up, there were information screens here and there, about three meters from the floor, “We’re right on time, unless there is an emergency I do not know of.” Rhaine sighed, “I’m sorry that coordination compound doesn’t look as nice and shiny as the StarPort.” Finally they passed another force field set and ended up in a hall with low gravity and lots of doorways. In the center, there was a “fountain” of colored water that totally disobeyed the gravity there was as the streams formed intricate knots. Rhaine walked on without paying much attention, but Azjah came to a halt.

“It is fascinating none the less Rhaine. The gabbro floors are stunning contrast to the walls and corridors. I am endlessly fascinated,” Azjah told her with genuine enthusiasm. She paused in front of the fountain, “Amazing what can be done in low gravity with focusing beams.” She’d seen similar fountains on Serpens delta.

Rhaine opened a dark glass door, “Yep. We do not forget technology in design.” Inside it was comfortable in the Mentari sense of the word. Several soft seats around a large round table which undoubtedly held a holographic interface built in. Elynne greeted them, waving from her desk and removing the tentacles that wound like a crown around her head, “Finally found your way here Rhaine?”

Rhaine beamed Elynne a smile, “I am not supposed to spend all of my time here, or I would have my superiors asking stupid questions. Elynne, please meet Azjah Danaan, my friend from Rigel.”

Azjah stepped toward Elynne, “Pleased to meet you Elynne.”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Elynne stood up, her hair was the color of pale gold, and she was darkly tanned which set off the color beautifully. She had dark brown eyes that held an intelligent sparkle as she offered Azjah a warm smile of greeting. She was dressed in black with silver and cyan decorations. She appeared to be somewhere around 25-27 common years of age. “Glad to meet you, Azjah Danaan, I’ll finish a few things first, and we can talk a bit later. Some projects require my review, and it’s ridiculously urgent.” She put the tentacle like interface back on and her lips moved as if she were sending some commands to someone or something.

Rhaine nodded, “Lord knows I hate being in the coordinator position.”

Azjah studied the tentacle like device from where she stood, then glanced at Rhaine “Organic communication systems?”

“Or organic looking. It’s a neural interface, quite an old one, but most convenient for quickly diving in and out. It’s an Althos field of work.” She grinned then, “Drawback of neural interfaces – sometimes you don’t want to take it off.”

Azjah’s brow rose, “That comfortable?”

Rhaine’s expression went dreamy, “You have to try it, really.”

Based on Rhaine’s expression, Azjah knew that given the opportunity, she would indeed try it.

Elynne took off the neural interface again, “Done,” she announced, “these projects with Branlee are always…. Confusing. Coffee anyone?” For a split second, Elynne looked older than 25, though it was mostly her expression, but the impression was fleeting and quickly replaced by her youthful smile. Azjah wasn’t even certain she’d seen it.

“Coffee would be lovely Elynne. I understand that I have come at a very busy time.” Azjah hated to take Elynne away from anything important.

Elynne rose and opened a niche in the wall, and started to deal with archaic silvery pots and dizzyingly aromatic coffee. “Just a normal day over here. At least I see the reason why few people spend more than five years in Councilor’s place.”

Rhaine simply chuckled, “Try the same thing without the neural interfaces and networking for coordination.” Then she inhaled deeply and nearly purred if the expression on her face was any indication. The Sardanapalian nature of cats was showing in Rhaine’s reaction to the scent of the coffee Elynne was preparing.

Azjah glanced at Elynne, “If that tastes like it smells, I’ll be certain I’ve arrived in heaven.”

Elynne placed the pot on heated stone plates and watched the foam intently as she spoke to Rhaine, “Without neural interfaces? You mean all on screen?” Her tone suggested incredulity as she glanced at Azjah, “Oh, thanks, I’ll be sure to pass your compliments on to Keail Gair, it’s his new sort.” She was still watching the coffee when Rhaine informed her that it wasn’t on a screen, but on paper.

Azjah and Elynne had nearly the same reaction, and it almost cost Elynne that perfect moment when the pot should be removed, but she managed to get it on the table along with three cups. “Paper! You mean you have to back up every order you make in the Temple, with a paper? You guys are crazy, and slow!” Elynne brought a dark glass jar with sugar and put it on the table as well.

Azjah gave a soft laugh, “And I thought our systems were antiquated.”

Rhaine turned to smile at Azjah, “In some places, paper is still used. These Baatezu are not entirely trusting of computer systems.” She sighed, “Devils.” Then she took the pot and poured all of them a cup of the aromatic brew.

Elynne smiled, “Going to stay here for long, Lady Azjah?”

Azjah’s eyes closed in pure bliss as the aroma wafted toward her, “Probably not for a long time Elynne, but certainly at least two weeks. I am already enchanted.”

The coffee was a bit too strong, but the taste was smooth and bore a gentle touch of cinnamon. Elynne took a sip and nodded, “So, you would see the FalconFly’s and the bioaesthetics as well. And surely Rhaine will drag you to Mentar-2 surface, I know her well enough. What would you like to see? Or more like what would you like to focus at?”

Rhaine simply enjoyed the coffee and let the teasing comment pass.

Azjah took a sip of the hot brew and her eyes closed as a soft groan of pure enjoyment slipped from her lips. “I have an absolute fascination with the FalconFly event. Cutting edge space craft is something I adore, although my specialty are weapons, but I do not expect that I will be granted much access to defensive technologies while I am here. The bioaesthetics if we have time as I am curious to see how your systems here differ from our own, and we have been invited to a live performance, which has me quite enthusiastic about attending.”

Elynne nodded, “Sounds excellent.” She paused a moment, “A live performance? Did you manage to meet one of the Chilians already?”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah nodded, “Yes, we did. My other curiosity would be genetics labs.”

“I would advise checking exhibition halls of the Bloodlines, these have quite a bunch of interesting things. And the genetic labs, well, talk to Aquira. I would say we’re almost equal with Dehtyars now, in complexity at least, if not in scale.” Elynne smiled.

Azjah sipped the fabulous coffee a moment, “I am only worried that there will be so much more than I have time to properly see for an overview. It would take decades to study any one of them properly.”

Rhaine chuckled, “So, just choose your field of interest. I will ask Keith if his Volin friends would allow you to see some of their experimental craft that they make for FalconFly’s.”

Elynne quirked a brow at Rhaine, “Is Keith coming back from RhyDin finally? I’m already getting worried, brother seems to have a fascination with archaic ways of life.”

Rhaine nodded, “Name me a date of FalconFly’s that he has ever missed.

Elynne put the cup down and stood up, “true,” as she walked to her desk and placed her hand on something there, “As a guest of Bloodline Althos, Azjah Danaan is authorized for full access to information based on known Rigelian technology plus five, and under supervision – full unlimited information access. Elynne Althos-Althos.” This was spoken with an official tone that surprised Azjah. That was unprecedented access. Then Elynne turned and smiled, “there, enjoy!”

Rhaine nodded at Elynne, “thanks Lynnie, Plus five, that’s quite a lot.”

Azjah nodded her appreciation as well, “I would love the opportunity to see the experimental craft, but I am especially looking forward to seeing them fly. If they are anything like those we saw today with the neural control and navigation.” She didn’t need to add that the liquid metal technology held her rapt attention as well.

Elynne smiled calmly, “We can go to find you a place to rest in, and you can start planning your stay. I think most of our guest quarters should be unoccupied. If you prefer getting a taste of our lifestyle, try orbital ones. I know how curious one may get, don’t let Rhaine’s stone face fool you. She loves this place.”

Azjah gave her a merry laugh, “I want to immerse myself in your world here Elynne, and Rhaine has been remarkably tolerant of my naïve views.”

Rhaine laughed, “Naïve? You’ve seen what really naïve is – that Fomalhaut old woman who was seriously planning to go whining about the lack of traditional comforts.”

Azjah chuckled, “Well, perhaps not anciently naïve.” Then she glanced at Elynne, “So you recommend the orbital quarters? I have one quick question if you both will indulge me, I have a companion with me, but he cannot tolerate sunlight, what do I need to do to get him safely here as well?”

Elynne laughed softly, “Another one of those…. Our reputation is ruining the StarPort. We’re getting more and more rich and dumb tourists from Fomalhaut.” Then Elynne leaned back into her chair, closing her eyes a moment, “Which components of sunlight does he have problems with?” Azjah told her and she nodded, “Eyesight, or allergy type?” Then she opened her eyes and looked at Rhaine, “You’re lending her one of your creepy Temple warriors?”

“Allergy type reactions.” Azjah chuckled at the question to Rhaine. “Dominik is one of my own ‘creepy’ warriors. He hails from Auriga, and is a Carpathian magic user.”

Elynne nodded, “Well, if you prefer to miss out on our wonderful space tan, simply ask Rhaine to configure light filters in your living quarters, and I will check with our Quaial subline, perhaps they can reconfigure a living metal armor for your Dominik. That is, if he agrees to wear a second skin non-stop?”

Azjah nodded, “I cannot speak for him, but we certainly can offer. Thank you. Perhaps I can avail myself of your space tan.” She loved the contrast of a good tan with her pale blond hair, and returning home with a good tan would be a nice fringe benefit.

Elynne finished her coffee and stood, “I’m off for a warmup, sitting in the neural interface really makes me feel crippled. Would you like to follow?” She glanced at Azjah and Rhaine.

Rhaine shook her head, “I’m going to the Gair subline labs. I’ve got a sweet surprise for Aquira.” She beamed a smile at Azjah though, “It’s safe enough to be here even without me. We may be mutants over here, but not too violent.”

Azjah chuckled, “Elynne, if you don’t mind my tagging along?”

Elynne’s laugh was infectious, “Not tagging along, but having fun.” Azjah finished her coffee and rose as well. “Then I am all yours.”

Rhaine rose, “If you will excuse me, I’ll catch up with you as soon as we get through the code.”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah said farewell to her friend and followed Elynne. As they walked, Azjah glanced at her new companion, “Rhaine told me that the interface is quite pleasant, why does it make you feel crippled?”

Elynne smiled, “Sitting still for hours does that to you. And this one isn’t full immersion, so you continue to feel your body. It’s a drawback of our life. We move to remain young, and in the coordinator place, your mind is what moves mainly. So, either you keep some of your focus on the outside world, or you sit still.” Elynne touched the tentacle crown of the neural interface, “It’s intentionally archaic, so that I can remove it at any moment. The pilot neural interfaces are almost a drug.”

“Rhaine suggested as much,” she admitted to Elynne, “so what do you do to reclaim your movement and maintain your youth?” She was beginning to suspect that Elynne was older than she appeared, but Azjah had no idea just how much older.

Elynne walked toward the exit. “Every few hours we use a good warm up – well, you’ll try it. We share 3d grounds with Volin’s so we get more space and more variety.” She motioned for Azjah to follow her. “It’s like, I don’t know, a tagging game?” Elynne shrugged as she struggled for a good explanation of what they were about to do. “In three dimensions, and lots of obstacles, and some gravity variations that the Vollins’ love last fifteen years.

Azjah considered that a moment, “that would take some very good reflexes.”

Elynne walked toward the first crossing and took the second corridor that wound through a few more crossings and ended up at the entrance to what is called “3d tag”. “Reflexes and endurance. A usual game, I mean a friendly match usually lasts about half an hour.”

Azjah chuckled at that, “I pity the team that gets me.” As the new comer, she would definitely not be a team asset.

Elynne laughed, “Or that gets to oppose you. So, we can go tag, or hunt. I would prefer tag tracks, they are simpler.”

“Probably simpler is better with a neophyte,” Azjah added dryly.

Elynne walked into one of the cabins on the left, showing Azjah another one. Inside, beside a locker, there was something like a cylinder with thick walls, and a simple pictogram instruction to undress and walk inside. Azjah followed the instructions, removed her clothing and stepped into the cylinder, not quite certain just what to expect. A thick fluid flowed in, leaving her head above the fill level, but covering her skin quickly before flowing off and then part of it dried almost instantly, forming an intricate outfit that was both warm and absorbent. It almost looked like a set of insane vines forming a space suit without a helmet. Azjah blinked at the quick armament and the fluid handling system.

Elynne was already outside and waiting for her, also wearing the same vine like suit. She motioned for Azjah to follow. “We will be taking most simple track at first, and it might involve some climbing though. In case you consider this,” she touched the surface of the outfit, “weird, I’ll explain, it’s ideally absorbent, it doesn’t allow any chemical or thermal burns, and keeps the tag when you’re beam-tagged in a hunting game. For now, we’ll just be racing, without beam-tags.”

Azjah smiled, “Simple track, some climbing, excellent, I love to repel. “ Climbing had become quite a hobby with her, so just perhaps she wouldn’t be too much of a drawback to Elynne.

Elynne touched a matte surface on the left and closed her eyes for a moment, “Okay, in we go!” A pass opened for them and at first it was quite dark, but the place flashes with dancing lights, both helping and disorienting a bit. It appeared to be a 3d labyrinth, with lots of jump space, almost upright climbing walls, ‘vines’ and moving objects. Azjah stepped in behind her and focused on the near floor to let her eyesight adjust to the new environment. Elynne lunged in with a laugh, “Catch me if you can!!”

Azjah paused for only a moment longer than Elynne before following her in with a laugh. The low gravity made the labyrinth not as insane as it could have been, but in a couple of places, the gravity vector changed in the middle of a jump and threw some unexpected trajectories into hops Azjah had planned. Then there were the dead ends, and as she found out later, there were more than one correct way to the end. The lights for paths that were not dead ends were yellow. Moving objects seemed to attack slowly, or slide from under her feet rather than providing support, or worse yet would unexpectedly rotate. Their sport did not last long before Azjah heard Elynne say, “Got it!”

Azjah grabbed one of the ‘vines’ in her reach when she heard Elynne, and suddenly the path was clearly marked with light blue arrows, which she followed to the exit side. Elynne was waiting, looking like someone who’d just had a quick but very intensive run. She appeared to have taken even this beginner level chase very seriously. “So, how is it?”

Azjah laughed, “I’m a bit slower, but it was great fun actually.”

Elynne laughed, “I’m just too used to this. When I get more time, there’s always an orbital slalom to have fun with, or there are more calm ways, like 3d dance.” She gave Azjah a smile, “Want another one?” When Azjah agreed, she seemed to wait a bit longer to set up the next track in the 3 d gym, “How do you cope with lack of movement when you’re controlling a large company?” She then realized Azjah may not expect her to know so much about her, “I’m sorry, the Shuashai databases had that part about you.”
_________________

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah quirked a brow at Elynne, “I seek to find a way to dislodge inertia.” Then she laughed softly, “Elynne, I suspect there is a lot already known about me and in the databases by now.”

Elynne shrugged, “Probably. Shuashai deal with most of the information coming from the outside world. As a Councilor, I have full access to their data.” She paused a moment, “In your civilization, does being in charge of a large unit make you vulnerable? Like, what’s it called, blackmail? Assassins? Corrupt government officials?”

Azjah was surprised by the query, “Certainly being in possession and control of a large corporate entity makes anyone vulnerable to such unpleasant possibilities, but on my world, the penalties for such behavior have very strong repercussions. Are such things not a risk here? Do you not face such threats for being the Councilor?”

The Mentari woman seemed genuinely puzzled, “Over here, control positions are most troublesome, and hardly wanted. But who’d want them, really? What for? Material wealth? The gain is insignificant. Coordinators often stagnate in fields they mostly prefer, and this isn’t too pleasant either. It’s a duty without much gain on Mentar.” She sighed, “Why would anyone want to kill me if they won’t get my position in any case? Coordinators aren’t given much choice. You fit, you take this annoying position.”

It was clear to Azjah that Elynne was not entirely thrilled with the responsibilities she had as the Coordinator, and Azjah wondered what she would prefer to do, but she smiled, “Well, it is a little different in our world. There is still a need and a desire for accumulation of wealth and power, so perhaps that helps explain why people want our positions of power?” Then Azjah asked, “When did you first know that you fit?”

Elynne seemed taken back by the question, “When I got the aptitude test results. Fitness for coordination note often means you may be drafted for five years of headache, when the time comes.” When Azjah asked her what point in her life the tests were administered, she smiled, “There are three series of tests, at the age of two, at the age of eleven, and at the age of sixteen. The last one does it, if you have the coordination aptitude and it ha snot disappeared over teenage years, you may be drafted.” She then suggested that they change back into their other attire, “We will take a walk around Gair exhibition, unless you wish another run?” As they exited the labyrinth, there was a group of eight Mentari ready to enter. They appeared to be nearly forty, and were discussing something near another terminal, and one of them was setting the 3d gym program. Every one of them had some kind of beam weapon, and they all had in common the slim build and spacer tan.

“I would love another run, but we could return to this another time, could we not?” The weapons had instantly garnered Azjah’s attention. We also use holographic rooms for weapons practice.”

Elynne nodded, “Sure, any time. These are public commodities of Althos and Volin, available at any time.” Elynne glanced at the group as they went in with some kind of cheer, “Well, the labyrinth isn’t holographic. They are in for a tag game, four on four I think.” When Azjah nodded, Elynne continued, “Yep, it’s awfully simple to be honest. You tag someone, the tagged one can’t tag others for three or five seconds, and after the match you count points. And as to the labyrinths, they’re merely a morph technology, rather old one. When we want holograms, we put on neurointerfaces, less resources and more reality.”

“Fascinating,” Azjah whispered as she watched the teams vanish into the labyrinth. “We use stun on our weapons when we shoot at one another. It makes for painful lessons, but not lethal.”

Elynne paused, “In a labyrinth, with varied gravity, it cold be lethal. The main rule is – do not risk others.” She made it sound as though that was some kind of tenet that they were taught from a very young age.

Azjah glanced at her, “So if hurting others is such a main rule, who is responsible for keeping you safe from outsiders, who may not have such rules?” She knew of several warrior races that wouldn’t thing twice about attacking this kind of settlement.

Elynne laughed, “Well, if a hostile outsider gets past the guard stations, and Volin’s, past the StarPort where aggression is noticed during the first entry and in the null-port, there are always hidden security systems, such as those who have outgrown their fascination with military, or fans of implants. “ She smiled openly, “Shuashai-Darlok know their work. And if there is a massive assault, like what, a war? Oh, that would be very interesting.”

Azjah glanced at Elynne, “Then the systems must have detected my implants?” Normally her bioengineered implants escaped detection.

Elynne shrugged, “Naturally. You can’t pass the null-transport without having them detected, but the majority of people here are enjoying the benefits of implants in addition to genetic modification.”

Azjah nodded, such things were rapidly becoming a part of Rigelian life as well.

Elynne pointed at their cabins with the lockers, “So, coming to Gair park?” They entered the cabins and the reverse process occurred, and soon Azjah was outside meeting Elynne once more. She nodded approvingly, “We’ll take a walk if you don’t mind. After a rush I usually get a few hours to relax, so we can afford it.” She headed toward the exit with Azjah beside her.

Azjah chuckled, “Rhaine warned me to dress comfortably, so I believe I’m ready to go.” As they walked, Azjah was full of questions, “Do you think it would be possible to have my vessel evaluated in relation to a similar size and intentioned vessel? For comparison purposes? I am curious to know just how antiquated our systems are compared to yours.” It would be very interesting to see how her state of the art Star Dragon matched up with the Mentari personal craft. The onboard weapons arrays should provide at least a small surprise for them, and she had no doubt she’d learn a lot from the assessment.