All That Glitters Ch. 36

"The Harradi are solely vegetarian, so we will have to be cautious on using salad dressing on any vegetarian products. I think that we can give dressing to those who want it as an afterthought, that will cut down on what might or might not be healthy for the individual members of the different species.

"Additionally, the Byandi and the Asocan are aquatic species, the Byandi being saltwater species and the Asocan being a freshwater species, or more correctly, a swamp water species.

"If I remember correctly, there is a swamp nearby. Could the Asocan wallow in that? Could we set up showers to allow them to clean up before the come back to the resort, like we do at the beach?" Hanalei asked.

"All of that is doable, however, to install new showers so far out from the resort would be quite expensive, I would instead direct them to the showers on the beach at the end of the resort nearest to the swamp. The swamp is only a couple of kilometers away. We could provide transport for them. How are they with heat?" Sylvie asked.

"They are good with heat and humidity. They will enjoy Denders at this time of the year and the walk to and from the swamp will be acceptable to them. We might still have to add a few more showers on that end of the beach," Hanalei said.

"Yes, but it is much less costly to do that there than to run new showers out to the swamp area. Alternately, we could install multi-head showers at that end of the resort," Sylvie noted.

"I don't see anything here that is insurmountable. I will need firm numbers for the rooms, especially those rooms that will require modification. Otherwise I see nothing out to left field, especially if we do not have to feed the Djinaëte because of their unique dietary requirements.

"Denders will fix you a quote for sixty, one hundred, two hundred, and four hundred guests. Any numbers above that will be fixed at four hundred rate. How soon can you get me the numbers?" Sylvie asked.

"I will know by this time tomorrow, though the numbers will fluctuate some as the home worlds of the individual species learn of this. I doubt we will get to more than four hundred but, as I said earlier, this is a historical event, so we could wind up with many more if their home worlds get involved.

"Do you want to set a cap on the numbers?" Hanalei asked.

"No. At this time of year, the more the merrier," Sylvie said, reflexively. "I doubt you'll get large numbers even for a historical event, but we can easily handle that amount as long as we don't have to modify too many of the rooms. Better if we hold back on some of the species that do not require thrones in their toilettes."

Hanalei laughed at that. She looked at the contact list that Sylvie sent her and thanked her for her swift response.

"So, as one of the managers there, you see no impediments other than numbers for the modifications to the rooms?" Hanalei asked.

"That is correct. It will cost around four hundred credits per room to remove the toilets and fix a floor flushing system in those rooms, though we can then keep the room set for dual use simply by adding the throne and activating the throne itself vice the floor flush.

"The big issue is whether the senior management will go along with this," Sylvie stated.

"Oh, they will go along with this if they know what is good for them," Hanalei stated, giving Sylvie a significant look.

Sylvie smiled at that; she would love to be a fly on the wall for those conversations.

"I will get back to you within a couple of days with semi-firm numbers, that will only go up from there," Hanalei stated before disconnecting.

Sylvie looked at the screen with the Interspecies Fact Sheet on it. She transferred a copy to her own comp, and then filed the information to the main frame of the resort.

This could be interesting, Sylvie thought.

Conference Room One, Central Control, Liramor-23, Piscium System

At the end of the morning brief, Fiona asked for any additional points from her people.

"We may have to move our quarters, Fiona," he said. "Hanalei has been advised to pick up a PA and a bodyguard. We will begin the interview process shortly, but we needed to inform you of the possibility that we might require larger accommodations."

"Not to mention that while your children are young they may be willing to have a room together but, as they grow older, they will want their own rooms. Though by then, you will probably no longer be part of Liramor-23," Fiona replied.

"That ties in nicely with an issue I have with the Byandi," Fiona continued. "One of their personnel has returned to their home world, leaving two of their people in accommodations designed for six. We could swap out your quarters, giving the Byandi your current place and letting you take the other. Does that suit you?"

"Yes, that is more than adequate. When do you need to make the change?" Fayad asked.

"Anytime, though let's not push Junelliya just yet," Fiona stated. "Anything else?"

"We would like to know how much it will cost to rent accommodation for the crew of The Trine once we take possession of it?" Fayad asked.

"I will make a deal with you and Hanalei, Fayad," Fiona replied. "The worst thing you can do is let your ship sit idle for extended periods. It is not good for the ship's systems.

"If The Trine has the range expected, would you be amenable to letting it be used by this platform and by the Interspecies Embassy in return for free accommodations for the crew? As the crew will be working for Liramor-23, Liramor Mining Company can extend accommodation to them to cover your ship's use," Fiona explained.

"I think Hanalei would be happy with that, so long as you understand that our family has priority over the ship," Fayad answered.

"That is understood, of course," Fiona admitted, smiling. "I have the same policy with The Valour."

"Lastly, Hanalei has made contact with the senior administrators of Denders Resort and has cajoled them into accepting the Interspecies delegations for a ten-day stay at the resort, sort of a vacation while the delegations register their ambassadors with the UDC.

"We need to firm up the numbers from the various embassies, however, I don't see why we cannot extend the invitation to the workers on Liramor-23, at least those who are going on vacation. We can post a list of prices, dependent on the number of people going. Basically, if we exceed 400 guests, we can get a price of 2,500 credits the person for ten days, though the embassy staff and guests will only be their for eight days," Fayad told her.

"I like that idea. You can post that to the platform notice board with the dates indicated once we have that established. There are always several hundred people going on leave every week, many of whom may chose to accepted the offer," Fiona ordered.

"When are you going to have your naming ceremony?" Fiona asked.

"In ten days. It is normal to have the ceremony two week after birth if possible, though Ikekia's ceremony was put off until the birth of her sister. That will bring it's own issues as well, as we need to decide if we will have the ceremony at the Pod-Drran Imperial Palace or here on the platform," Fayad said.

"I would like it here, if possible," Fiona said. "It is time the Kumar-Pair came to see their embassy. We could make this a formal occasion for Liramor-23 and the Union, as well as an informal occasion for your family."

"I like that. Maybe we can extend an invitation to a vacation for the Kumar-Pair so they can attend the accreditation ceremony of their ambassador to the UDC?" Fayad suggested.

"I doubt that they will take you up on that offer, however, you can extend it to the Imperial Palace and see what they say," Fiona suggested.

Liramor-30, HD-115153 (Punarjanm) Star System, One hundred and Thirty-Two Light Years from Terra

"A vacation?" Sean Murphy asked. "At Denders resort on Terra? Sounds expensive."

Sean was speaking to Liea Samson via the new ICS link, which had just been installed on the Liramor-30 mast head. The link meant that they had access to all commercial internet sites and communications capabilities from all the planets currently in the ICS link, a boon for people who were away from each other.

Unfortunately, the ICS link had still not been established on Green's World, where his wife Ayesha Seito was working hard to gain her medical doctorates degree.

"Actually, it will cost you only 2,500 credits per person. With what you are making on Liramor-30, you should be able to swing a ten-day stay for yourself and Ayesha. If you don't have the money, I can spot you the funds and you can repay me at a later date," Liea suggested.

"No, if it is only 2,500 credits, then I should be able to swing that, however, it is the souvenirs and daytrips outside of Denders that will add to the cost," Sean explained.

"Right, then you keep your money and use it for your daytrips and I will pay for the two of you. You can pay me back on a schedule that doesn't tax you. I believe that you are probably due for vacation time after three months at Liramor-30?" Liea returned.

"I think that I will take you up on that. Ayesha needs a break, and a vacation at Denders is something that we have never done, never been to Terra, actually. Now, we just need to convince the school that Ayesha needs that break," Sean said with a smile.

"That won't be an issue," Liea replied. "As her employer, I have been getting regular updates on Ayesha's progress. The staff is impressed, but then again, they were always impressed with her no matter what she did. One of the things they have let slip lately, is that Ayesha is driven and is near to burning out.

"I think that I will exert my authority as her boss and demand that the school let her out for some down time. I'll let you know the timeline as soon as it is confirmed, but it will likely be within three weeks," Liea told Sean.

"I will arrange to have your picked up and get you to Denders," Liea ended the call with a smile and a wave.

The Imperial Palace, Pod-Saar, Sharanas System, 109 Light Years from Terra

"We have the official request for our presence on Liramor-23 for the naming ceremony of our Godchildren," Kumaroe Jarl Se-Lam Pod-Sai-Roe said to his mate, the Kumaraie Na-Maj Se-Lam Pod-Raie, as he held up the official envelope.

"Just in time, I have another e-mail from our Co-Ambassador select, Nar-Tre Sai-Rai," the Kumaraie said, opening it.

"My Kumaraie and Kumaroe, I have some exciting news to send to you," Nar-Tre began, her animated face showing that the news was indeed exciting. "The entire Interspecies Embassy is going to Terra to register their respective ambassadors to the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Union Diplomatic Corps.

"Yes, My Kumaraie, all of them. They will be presented each half day, and, the President of the Union wishes to make this a historical occasion by insisting that the presentations take place in the Presidential Communications Center so that he may be present.

"As such, the Union Ambassador, Michelle Halten, has extended an invitation for official representatives from each of the member species who will be presenting their credential's to the Minister.

"They have the option of taking an extended ten day stay on Terra at a holiday resort called, Denders Resort. The cost is 2,500 credits the person which includes a room, food for your stay, unlimited drinks, though Terran alcohol has only limited effect our people, unlimited access to their amusement park, and a party every night. Denders is on the ocean and is in an area of much sand, which our people will enjoy.

"The UDC will be responsible for getting interested people back and forth each day to the Presidential Communications Center and Denders. While it is not my place to say who you should bring, My Kumaraie, might I suggest that your Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Trade, be present at the ceremony in the event that some sort of negotiations take place?

"Fiona Marsh has assured us that they will make transportation to and from Terra available for the numbers that you desire.

"I do hope that you will take up this offer, My Kumaraie. After all, when was the last time you took a vacation?" Nar-Tre ended the communication with a low bow to hide the smile on her face.

"I do hope that we will be able to get the ICS here once we are accredited with the Union," the Kumaroe said. "Using the FTL probes to send messages back and forth means that we have to wait on the probe's daily journey back and forth."

"Now, now, my mate," the Kumaraie tittered. "Only a few months ago, we did not even have a means of contacting anyone outside of the home system, now we are complaining that daily comms is not enough!"

"You have a point, my mate," the Kumaroe conceded. "However, I cannot wait for the advantage that such a system would provide to us."

"Agreed," the Kumaraie returned. "I think, in the spirit of such thoughts, that WE shall indeed take up the offer for a vacation at Denders."

Denders Resort, Terra, The Sol System

"Four thousand!!" Sylvie Triand shouted.

"You did say the more the marrier," Hanalei reminded Sylvie. "Well, we are definitely a merry bunch now.

"Once the President of the Union extended the invitation to the ruling governments of the different species, even I was surprised at how many decided to take him up on the offer.

"Most will not be sending their rulers; however, they will be sending some serious diplomatic firepower, mostly senior ministers of the different species. A few ruling families will be sending family members as representatives but the majority will be sending their Ministers of Foreign Affairs or equivalent or their Ministers of Interspecies Affairs or both.

"I think a lot of the different species will be there with the intent of doing some fancy negotiations with the Union and each other, so I would advise making available plenty of small conference rooms as required.

"You will have to contact Customs and ensure that they have plenty of people available who can act discreetly for the Union. I will get the Union Ambassador to ensure that UDC has plenty of people available for this little get together." Hanalei finished.

"Little!" Sylvie gave Hanalei a vexed look. "We'll have to hire people for the summer, that has never happened before!" Sylvie exclaimed.

"And that is bad how?" Hanalei asked.

"What are the dates?" Sylvie returned.

"Starting in eight days, the Interspecies Embassies will arrive at Denders Resort," Hanalei told her. "You will have to make sure that the plumbing is fixed up for the Asocan, the Djinaëte, the Paacon, and the Toolend. Make sure the Asocan, the Djinaëte, and the Paacon are on the ground floor, they do not do stairs that well."

"I will need confirmed numbers for those three then, so that we can identify accommodations for them. There are eight guest blocks that have ramps to the second floor, we can make use of those," Sylvie stated.

"The initial numbers for the Djinaëte are unchanged," Hanalei advised her. "The numbers for the Asocan, the Paacon, and the Toolend will be changing. I will get those to you as soon as I have them. I have told them I need confirmed numbers no later than four days before the initial date.

"We'll see you in eight days, then," Hanalei finished.

Aereet City, Andanii District, Planet Anuura, Caiden System, Fifty-Six Light Years from Terra

Six days later, there was a knock at the door of the House of Ouihya and Ikekia Houll, First Wife of Naadir Ouihya, opened to the door to the smiling face of none-other than Cmdre. Fiona Marsh, in full uniform.

"Ms. Marsh!" a surprised Ikekia exclaimed.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Houll. I hope that I find you in good form today?" Fiona asked.

"You do indeed, but what are you doing here?" a confused Ikekia asked.

"I am here to offer you a lift, Mrs. Houll," Fiona explained. "Your son will be having a naming ceremony tomorrow for his two children and I wanted to extend the invitation to attend the ceremony to you and your family. As well, there is a ten-day vacation at Denders Resort on Terra, beginning the day after and I hope that you and your husband will be able to attend that vacation?"

"I do not know if we could afford that, Ms. Marsh," Ikekia stated, rather frankly.

"The cost has already been covered for you and your husband, by your son, Mrs. Houll. He has been in contact with your household and it was decided that you and your husband would attend the ceremony and take a vacation," Fiona informed Ikekia. "Do you not wish to hold your grandchildren in your arms, Ikekia?"

Ikekia turned to Gelarah Laghmani, the Second Wife of Naadir Ouihya.

"We decided that you and Naadir need this vacation, Ikekia," Gelarah quietly told her mate. "Go with the grace of the Profit Andanii and enjoy your reunion with our children and grandchildren."

Ikekia gave her mate a tight and tearful hug as the adult children pulled Naadir from his study.

"What is happening?" Naadir demanded.

"Apparently, we are going on vacation, husband," Ikekia said with a smile.

At the end of the afternoon, six very happy parents were on their way to Liramor-23.

Piscium Family Quarters, India Deck, Liramor-23, Piscium system

The Piscium family had just relocated to their new, larger quarters on India Deck, just in time for the naming ceremony as they would have guests from each of the three families.

The platform would provide VIP guest rooms for the Kumar-Pair, their Kumir-Rai/Ro, and guests. Then, everyone would move to Denders. It was shaping up to be a busy two days to come.

The Wanderer snapped into existence in the Navy inbound lane, requesting a parking orbit.

"Central Control, this is PV The Wanderer, returning from Pod-Saar with VIP guests on board, requesting parking orbit, over."

"Control, roger, your assigned parking orbit has not changed. Maintain your position in your designated spot per safety orders for Liramor-23, over."

"Wanderer, roger, moving to assigned orbit now. VIP shuttles will be launching in twelve minutes, over."

"Control, roger, we are ready for your guests, out."

Fiona Marsh, her senior personnel, along with the Piscium family and a contingent of security guards were waiting in the reception area.

Junelliya, Hanalei, and Fayad, were trying to calm the nerves of their respective families at meeting what amounted to royalty, even if it was not human royalty.

"You need not worry, mom," Hanalei told her mother. "They are just ordinary people, right Junelliya."

"No, not really," Junelliya replied with a sweet smile. "They are our children's Godparents."

Hanalei gave her mate a confused look, then smiled at the interplay that Junelliya had just offered her. She didn't have time to reply as two lines of Kumir-Rai/Ro began to march into the reception area, spreading out and forming ranks before the group in front of them.

Immediately behind them, Junelliya noted the new seneschal guiding several people she recognized as senior members of the palace, ministers all. They too formed into lines but in front of the Gerlendie Guard, separating into two groups to provide an aisle through which the Kumar-Pair could walk.

Junelliya smiled brightly as she finally saw her soon-to-be Godparents coming into the reception area, being guided by Raymond, Liea, Kim, and Gillaya.

Fiona bowed to the Kumar-Pair.

"Kumaraie Na-Maj Se-Lam Pod-Raie, and Kumaroe Jarl Se-Lam Pod-Sai-Roe, I am Fiona Marsh, the Director of Operations for Liramor-23 and Commander of Piscium System Defence Force. We are pleased to finally have you on Liramor-23 as our guests," she formally stated to the Kumar-Pair. She quickly introduced her senior personnel, then turned to the Piscium Family.