All That Glitters Ch. 12

The first team to do so would make a fortune! And Pallanders couldn't lose. It would be on the leading edge of creating the service but would inevitably construct the ships for any rival's service!

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François Pallanders walked into the conference room on Pallanders Orbital Shipyard. There were only two people there, his son Martin, and Master Chief David Sprawl. François liked David. He had enjoyed the trip with him to Folden Naval Base and back and had made a huge fortune in future sales from RAdm. Mary Denst, who David had convinced to come back to Liramor Prime with them. He was more than ready to listen to anyone who helped him develop that kind of deal.

"Father," Martin began. "David had a suggestion to start a Commercial Spaceliner Service similar to commercial airlines. It has not been thought of before because interplanetary travel is time consuming and expensive. But, if we could cut the time and cost to the average traveller, we could make interplanetary traveling affordable to the all."

Martin called up a holo-image of what appeared to be a Princess Class vessel. He toggled a switch and the image showed an interior view. It showed a lower cargo deck and two passenger decks.

"On the bridge," Sprawl took over, "by law, you would need a Bridge Captain, a Flight Lieutenant, a navigator, a pilot, and communications. You would also need an engineer and at least one assistant, though you currently use two on the Princess Class. You would have to determine the number of stewards needed based on the final number of seat placements you have, but I don't think that would add more then a dozen crew, none of whom require quarters."

"Father," Martin chimed in, "using Terra as the hub, our ships could do daily return flights to any planet in the system, even Hadrian's planet is potentially within an average eight hour working day. We could cut the cost of space travel to the equivalent of commercial air travel costs.

"The coast to build the vessels would be less than the cost of a Princess Class because we would not need the same level of fit and finish nor the need for quarters. We could easily build a ship of the current size for C15-20 million and a ship slightly larger, say in the thirty-meter length range, for a little more than C20-25 Million. Most of the extra costs involved would be taken up with the need for additional escape pods," he finished.

"A trip from Capital City on Liramor Prime to Aquadelle, on the next continent via commercial airline," David began, "takes six hours one way and costs C800 return on a commercial class package deal. A Princess Class can leave Liramor Spaceport, jump to Terra, and land at Union Port Terra all in the space of an hour, unload and reload and return to Liramor Prime within three hours. We can charge a minimum C500 for a return trip as a base commercial-class fare. More for any planet that requires multiple jumps.

"I suggest that you get your charter on Terra and use that planet as a hub to establish the base runs between Terra and the other planets, then let other carriers establish routes between planets other than Terra, and sell ships to them for those runs.

"The lead company in this endeavour would make a fortune in government contracts for same day return passenger and parcel deliveries. Pallanders cannot lose as it will create the need for the service plus supply the vessels that would establish it. Potentially hundreds, if not thousands of vessels." Sprawl finished.

"Father," Martin began again, "We currently have two unsold Princess Class vessels, empty hulls that can be converted into the base model for this project. We would need one vessel leaving from Liramor Prime and one from Terra. We will add more as required, but I think that we will likely need four pairs for the Terra/Liramor run alone. Probably more as these two planets are well established and have viable personal and governmental links between them.

I predict that the first vessels out, will be mostly filled the elite of both worlds. Thereafter, the runs will be used principally by government workers and vacation travellers on fixed package tours. In other words, charter flights.

"Initially, we will need a minimum two pairs for every one of the fifty-four planets in the Union. Some of the more established planets could need as many as eight or more pairs. We could start with one ship per planet and expand as ships become available. Except for the Terra/Liramor run, which will begin and continue with paired ships in order to show the services viability. We would like to leave every three hours between 08:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs, meaning the ships would return to base no later than 23:00 hrs for the crew to return home and begin the process again the next day.

"Current estimates show that we could easily build eight ships per month once the base structure is determined. We will likely have to establish another construction line if we continue with this model." Martin finished, giving his father a significant look.

"We will leave the Princess Class line to build that ship for government and the elite." François stated. "I don't think we will need more than eight ships a month of that class.

"We will establish two new lines for construction of the new ship model, and we will need a new class name. I suggest 'The Sprawl', in honor of David who brought us the idea.

"I believe you are set to retire soon, David?" the senior Pallanders asked.

"When I finish outfitting The Wanderer," David confirmed.

"So, I in three to four months dependent on how many modifications the owners want to add or that are brought to us by Dr. Aruna. Her modifications will help us all and being able to test them on a large-scale project is of great advantage to us. For that, we will allow any mods she suggests," he said with a significant look to the other two.

"The Sprawl Class will be built as a fast passenger vessel, though I can see being used as a small cargo vessel as well. I want, as you suggested, two models. One of twenty-two meters in length and one of thirty meters. Do not go much beyond thirty meters. Someone may want to land them at shuttle ports vice passenger ports, and the upper size of large cargo shuttles is forty meters.

"Martin, start working on an interior mock-up of the vessels two passenger levels. Check with the airline builders on how they do it. David, you can aid my son when you are able to. I know that your tasks on The Wanderer will become considerably more difficult the closer to completion she gets but try to keep abreast of what is happening with your namesake class. I intend to higher you after your retirement.

"By the way, I'm giving you a two percent stake in the new class and business venture. No, don't thank me, David. Trust me, you have and will continue to earn that two percent. The suggestion alone is worth it to my company," François finished with a smile and handshakes all around.

Johal Compound, Terra

"He's back again," said one of the guards to the other of the young man who asked permission to pray at the temple. He had been here twice before over five days and was now starting his third visit.

"We should let the boss know. Is he here today?" the other guard asked in return.

"Yes. This is a day of sanctuary," the first said.

The second guard nodded and moved toward the main building.

The knock on the wrong door alerted Senator Andjuran that something was a little off.

"Enter," he said.

One of the guards came into his office.

*Elder, there is a pious one in the temple. He has been here twice before, coming from Denders,* the guard announced, speaking in high Andanii.

Denders referred to the resort only a few miles away. The late owner of the compound, wealthy businessman Ahmed Johal, had always allowed for Anuurans, who came to Denders, to see the beautiful little temple on his property. Johal, who was a member of the Church of Andanii, also allowed fellow church members to pray here. When he died, and willed the compound to the church, on the stipulation that this tradition be continued.

As the senior church Elder, Andjuran had claimed the compound for his own use while serving as the only member of the church in the Senate. He wanted to stop the practice of people coming to the temple, but the free movement of people to and from the resort gave plausible excuses for the movement of people he needed to see surreptitiously.

*Very well, I will see to him myself,* Andjuran spoke to the guard.

They went to the temple and Andjuran waved the guards away. He sat in a quiet spot that hid him from the supplicant and watched. The man had finished his prayers and sat crossed leg on the ground in a patch of sunlight. He pulled a courdra, a flute made only on Anuura and began to play a melodic tune.

Andjuran recognized the song immediately. It was a delicate piece, sometimes sung as a lullaby, sometimes sung to a sweetheart. Simple to sing, it was nonetheless exceedingly difficult to play well on an instrument.

The man had skill and was able to bring the full melody out of the instrument. Andjuran knew the man was playing the song for Andanii. He was surprised at the depth of feelings that the man could bring out of the music. He was also surprised at how moved he felt listening to the supplicant's performance.

The man finished the song and bowed from a sitting position to Andanii. He then called up a song on his comp. A Cantor began to sing, and the supplicant began to dance the Tanoura, spinning slowly and gently gathering speed, the supplicant began to add hand and head movements as he spun in an ever-growing circle. The Tanoura was an ancient rite, depicting the universe as circle, growing form a single point and returning to the same point.

Andjuran knew the song, probable could name the Cantor. The song would last ten minutes. He watched carefully as the supplicant began to move with more vigor and speed. The man included several acrobatic leaps into his movements that brought a smile to Andjuran's lips.

Ah, the passions of youth, he thought.

The man began to close down his dance, slowly returning to his starting point with the last notes of the Cantor. He stopped and bowed, giving the hand signal from a lowly member to one on high, from a man to Andanii.

Andjuran was impressed. The man had skills in dance, in music, and was indeed a pious one.

The stranger bowed once more and backed up to the edge of the supplicant's square, before turning and seeking the exit near where Andjuran sat. The man did a double take as he came to the exit and saw Andjuran.

*Esteemed Elder,* he said in High Andanii, giving the bow and hand signal that Andjuran had seen once before. *How is it that you are here...* and here he suddenly stopped himself and shook his head ruefully.

*Forgive my stupidity, Elder. You are the senior Elder on Terra, of course you would know where the temples are,* he said with a respectful bow.

*Fayad, how are you here?* Andjuran asked, suspiciously.

*I am on vacation, Elder,* Fayad said with a smile.

*Vacation, on Terra?* Andjuran asked.

*Yes, Elder. I have never been before and have always wanted to see the old places,* said the younger man with a touch of reverence in his voice.

*You are on vacation?* Andjuran repeated.

*Yes, Esteemed Elder. After so much time on the platform, they make you take a vacation. I hadn't planned to go, but then a friend told me of these package deals. You can go to almost any world at a fairly reasonable cost,* Fayad said, with a grin.

*But why are you here?* Andjuran asked again.

*Denders is part of the package, Elder. Personally, I don't like the resort. I find it too...tempting,* Fayad confided. *But then they told me we could come to Johal's Temple to Andanii. I've fallen in love with this little temple,* Fayad said in reverence.

*Tempting?* Andjuran spoke in the manner of an Elder admonishing the young.

*Oh, no, Elder. Nothing like that. It's just, the place is too permissive for my liking. I can handle the others drinking, and even the pretty women prancing around, but the entire atmosphere is just too much. That's why I come here, Elder,* Fayad admitted.

*You are not tempted by the drinking, the dancing, and the pretty women, Fayad?* the Elder asked with a knowing smile.

*I am Tcholla, Elder,* Fayad admitted.

The Tcholla dedicated themselves completely to Andanii until such time as they achieved a certain goal in life. They kept apart from the community but dedicated their lives to one aspect of community in the name of Andanii. Once they reached their goal, they were permitted to return fully to community life, to marry and have a family life.

Andjuran gave Fayad the formal bow from a member of the church to one of the Tcholla, which Fayad accepted, blushing.

*And what is your goal, if I may ask, Fayad?* Andjuran requested respectfully.

*I have dedicated myself to helping my House prosper, Elder. In terms of money, in terms of respect within the community, in terms of helping in my brother's and sister's educations and my sister's dowries. My father can do much, but with seven children, three daughters and four sons, every little bit helps,* Fayad explained.

*This is a mark of community?* Andjuran asked.

*I am the fourth son, Elder. My two eldest brothers come first, receiving the best help, the best education, the best political support from the family. Then come my sisters. Daughters can help a House grow and prosper with other families through the union of marriage. But a fourth son usually often receives little support from his House, Elder.*

* I give to my Birth House as a show of respect and honor for what they have given to me in my life. In doing so, I help my House prosper and show respect to the community as a whole, and in a show of humility to Andanii,* Fayad explained.

*With Andanii's blessings, I will one day rise above my current station in life and found a House of my own,* Fayad said with deep humility.

* How much longer are you here for, Fayad?* Andjuran asked after a moment's reflection.

*Three more days, Elder. Then we begin a world wind tour of the old places, a different place or two each day,* Fayad responded. *I may come once more before I leave Denders. It is good for the heart and soul to be in a blessed temple again, especially one so beautiful.*

Andjuran rose, Fayad with him extending an arm for the Elder should he chose to use it. Andjuran smiled at his thoughtfulness. They walked out of the temple where the transport from Denders was waiting.

*The blessings of Andanii be on you, my son,* Andjuran spoke formally.

* Peace and prosperity be yours, Esteemed Elder,* Fayad returned. He bowed to Andjuran and climbed aboard the waiting transport.

Andjuran returned to his office and rang a bell. A woman entered immediately.

*Ah, Hanalei, I have a task for you,* he told the woman. *There is a man from Anuura at Denders, one Fayad Ouihya. You are to tempt him if you can. Do your best but tell me if you succeed or not. It is important.*

She bowed to Andjuran and left quietly. Hanalei Anar despised the man but was beholding to him for having taken her in after the death of her husband. Her husband had died suddenly and mysteriously, and she was considered Fullohd, tainted by misfortune.

Her husband's House had rejected her, as had her own father. No man would accept her as a wife, not even a second or third wife. She had no future among the existing houses. A mark was placed on her left wrist, where it could be seen by all. Fullohd, the tainted.

Having spent her whole life in the community of Andanii, she didn't want to leave and brave the outside world on Anuura. But she needed support and shelter.

Andjuran, as an Elder in the church, had accepted her into his household and took her to Terra with him when he was elected Senator for Anuura, two years previously.

She hated the man. She hated what she saw of him. She hated what he asked her to do, supposedly in the name of Andanii. But she had little recourse other than to leave, and she had no means of making a living on Terra. Or on Anuura for that matter.

Denders had day passes to the resort for the locals. Andjuran had bought a few and she often made use of them to go to the water park on hot days when Andjuran was not around. She never drank, she never danced, she never allowed herself to be tempted by the men, unless it was at Andjuran's request. And then she was the temptress.

Denders Resort, Terra

An hour later, Hanalei was at the beach stalking her prey. Fayad Ouihya was a good-looking man in his late twenties, a few years older than her. He carried himself with an air of humility without seeming to be subservient. Hanalei was surprised by that. He seemed like a good man. She placed herself ahead of him in a blind spot and awaited his turning the corner.

Fayad heard a woman mildly cursing in High Andanii. He was surprised and moved toward the sound. A woman in a bikini was sitting on a bench, trying to look at her foot, which appeared to have some blood on it.

The woman had soft brown hair and the features of those from Anuura, though with the mixtures of human's around the Union it was often hard to tell. However, he had heard her curse in Andanii.

*May I be of assistance Paiya?* he asked the woman, showing a gentle smile.

Paiya was a term of endearment often used from an elder to a child. It was sometimes used as a term of endearment between lovers, and also used by men of courting age to address a pretty woman. It was sometimes used by men speaking to 'questionable' women, seeking to entice them into a tryst.

The woman gave him a stony look, but he just smiled and gave her a hand sign, one that was often used as a greeting between members of the church.

Without her consent, he gently lifted her foot and looked at it. *You have stepped on a piece of glass,* he told her. *It will have to be removed, or you will not be able to walk. I can help you to the medical station, carry you there if necessary, or help you remove the glass.*

*And you expect me to allow you, a Challek, to assist me?* she said with venom in her voice.

A Challek was a man of questionable honor, questionable taste, and questionable desires. One who sought out women for but one thing...

He gently placed her foot down and flattened his hands, bringing his right hand in front of his chest, with his left hand behind it, thumbs pointing up. He gave a short bow over his thumbs, an act of contrition, asking for forgiveness from one wronged. Hanalei had not expected that.

The man looked up at her and she saw his eyes for the first time. His eyes were the darkest blue, so dark they almost appeared purple in colour. She had seen those eyes before, when she looked into the mirror. The colour was rare for the people of Anuura, where it was said that they were the eyes of the nobility. But she was no noble woman, and she suspected that he was no noble man.

His eyes had a spark of kindness in them. They showed a strength of spirit that would not be deterred, and yet, there was humility there. While the eyes she saw in the mirror only showed dejection and misery. Time to hit him with it.

*I am Fullohd,* she told him, with the expectation of one who was about to be rejected.

Fayad raised his left hand and covered left wrist with his right hand, indicating to her without speaking, that he had seen the mark and would make nothing of it if she did not.