All That Glitters Ch. 37

"The IPPF wants to know what you want to do with the other CFO's?" Jean asked.

"What was the blackmail?" Hanalei asked.

"In the Denders CFO's case, it was a threat against his family," Jean replied. "He had been told that if he didn't cooperate, they would be killed. Apparently, an incident was made to look like an accident, or perhaps an accident was made to look like an incident, and he was told the next time, the accident could be fatal."

"Have the IPPF dig a little deeper, Jean, please, and see if they are the only ones being blackmailed," Hanalei requested. "They are the most likely targets; however, they might not be the only ones.

"Celia, I want a solid case build against this transport company and against Mr. Elliot. I also want assistance to the direct victims, the CFO's and whomever else is being blackmailed, dependent on what they are being blackmailed for.

"We can try to recover funds from both Mr. Elliot and from the transport company, but I suspect that we will only get a fraction of what we might hope for. This should still give us a better year financially, once we stop these culprits from stealing from us," Hanalei stated.

"My Cecilia, you seem to be getting lots of business from us here," Junelliya quipped, smiling.

"Trust me, Junelliya," Cecilia returned. "I'm very happy to have this business."

"Jean, do you have any suggestions as to whom we should be doing business with for the transport of fresh goods and food stock until our farm is producing?" Hanalei asked.

"I can give you four suggestions, Mrs. Anar. As far as I have been able to see, they seem to be good people, doing a professional job for reasonable rates," he answered.

"Send those to Sylvie please, I do not have the right to let contracts of this nature for the resort. My dealings with the Harradi ruffled enough feathers with the directors as it was.

"The saving grace there was that Denders will make an actual profit from the farm. I will need to be a little more careful in the future, but I had a lot of discretion where the Interspecies Community was involved," Hanalei ended.

"A wise decision though, Mrs. Anar," Jean simpered. "However, I do like how you handled that and other situations over this week. Denders got lucky when you were given so much of their stock."

"Oh, Jean, Chanteur de pomme!" Hanalei quipped, getting a laugh from Jean.

Jean passed on the information to Sylvie and to Cecilia and signed off.

"Chanteur de pomme?" Sylvie asked.

"An old French expression, it can mean several things. Chanteur is a singer, in this case, the one singing the praises. La Pomme, is an apple. Apples are traditionally the fruit of temptation, so the expression 'the singer singing to the apple' is an attempt at seduction," Junelliya explained with a smile.

"The apple can also represent 'the apple of one's eye' or the person who you want to encourage, so the expression can also mean that you are heavily flirting with someone," Hanalei added.

That got nods of understanding and giggles from the other ladies.

"Right, time to open the door and smile," Junelliya quipped.

And right on cue, Urano contacted the mothers, letting them know that a certain two children were awake and hungry...

************

More and more of the rich and famous were asking for places at Denders during the week. When a famous singer discovered the plans for a party on Sunday, she sought out Sylvie Triand.

Ciara Collins was one of the up and coming singers of the Union entertainment nets. She was on the cusp of superstar status but needed a little something to push her credentials over the top.

"Good morning, Ms. Triand, I am pleased that you could see me so quickly," Ciara simpered.

"I try to respond to all queries or complaints as swiftly as I can, Ms. Collins," Sylvie returned.

"Call me Ciara, please, Ms. Collins is so formal," she replied.

"You called this meeting, Ciara, what can I do for you?" Sylvie asked.

"There are a lot of heavy hitters from the entertainment nets here at Denders this week," Ciara began. "Many of us have never had the opportunity to talk to other species before and we are fascinated by them, so much so that, when we heard the community was planning a party on Sunday, we wanted to know if we could set up a concert here that day."

Ciara called up a list of names and sent it to the 3D monitor in the room. The names on the list were impressive and Sylvie almost drooled at the thought of her resort having them perform here.

"You have to understand, Ciara, we are not a rich resort, and do not have the kind of funds available to pay for these people to perform," Sylvie told her.

"That is not a problem, as long as the networks have permission to broadcast the event," Ciara stated.

"Where would you hold this event?" Sylvie asked.

"On the beach of course, we know that you would not want a whole lot of people wandering around the resort itself, however, we can ensure free access to the event would be allowed to those who have day passes or are guests at your resort. That would mean that your resort would have preferential treatment, though other resorts would be allowed to participate for a fee, of course," Ciara explained.

"And you can organize this and have it ready in time for Sunday?" Sylvie asked.

"The event stage can be brought in Saturday evening and will be set up and ready for Sunday afternoon. All of the participating entertainers are currently staying at Denders, so they are already here. You will not have to pay for our efforts as the entertainment nets will pay us for the privilege of broadcasting the show. We can start the party around 13:00 hours and we will finish it with fireworks at 22:00 hours. We will take everything down the next day while the delegates are leaving," Ciara finished.

"It's almost too good to be true, Ciara. What's the catch?" Sylvie asked.

"The entertainment nets will want to speak with the Interspecies guests and get their opinion of the concert. Anyone who comes to the concert must expect that their images will be broadcast around the Union, and likely even to their own home worlds," one of Ciara's handlers, Jacqueline Abreu, stated for the entertainment nets.

"I see. That will mean I must canvas the delegates to see if they would like to participate in this event. If I get a consensus, then I will allow this. If not, there is nothing I can do.

"This week is already a special event for the Interspecies Community. They may decide that enough is enough and not wish to be further involved. In that situation your concert will not be permitted.

"I will speak with my superiors and try to get back to you by the end of the day, will that be sufficient time to act?" Sylvie asked.

"Yes, however, the sooner you can get back to us, the better for all of us," the retainer replied, getting a nod from Ciara.

"There are some singers and dancers from the Interspecies Community here already, they performed at the concert in Paris. Their music is different than our music, would you consider allowing them to participate in the concert? That could go a long way to getting a positive outcome for this event." Sylvie stated.

That got nods from Ciara's handlers.

"Very well then, I will advise the delegates and my superiors and push for a positive outcome on this event, however, Denders is supporting this special credentials event and we would not wish to upset our guests. It will be completely up to them if they want to allow the concert," she explained and then left the conference room.

************

"You're kidding me?" Hanalei demanded of Sylvie when she told them what was planned, as she and Junelliya were breastfeeding the babies in an airconditioned tent at the back of the beach. "And they can get this set up that quickly?"

"All the performers are already here, as guests of the resort," Sylvie explained, showing the list of names. "These big concert events can be set up and taken down swiftly, ready to be elsewhere in less than 24hrs. So, yes, they can set it up in time. The big issue is advertising it, they need time for that."

"Our popular music is not always popular for all the delegates," Junelliya reminded them.

"That is true, however, the nighttime parties we have here have all been Union popular music. At least the delegates are used to it," Sylvie explained.

"OK, this is not my call, I will give my support, so long as we get the delegates and Dender's administrator's support for it," Hanalei said.

Hanalei opened her comp and contacted Juanita.

"High, Hanalei, how are things at Denders?" Juanita asked.

"They are good; however, I have a question for the delegates," Hanalei replied. "The entertainment nets have requested permission to hold a concert on the beach at Denders on Sunday afternoon and evening." Hanalei sent the list of entertainers who would be performing to Juanita.

"Wow, those are some pretty big names on that list. Are you sure we can get them to come to Denders?" Juanita wanted to know.

"That's just it, they are all already here. They are some of the big name entertainers and famous families that took residence at Denders once word got out as to what was going on here," Hanalei advised.

"So, we need to know if the delegates would be interested in being seen at such a party? The concert would be free for guests and Denders Day Pass holders, which would mean a lot more people showing up on Sunday. Holding the concert on the beach would mean that those who prefer their privacy can stay at the resort and away from the concert. Would the delegates be all right with that?" Hanalei wanted to know.

"I can canvas them and get back to you with an answer soon. I assume that time if a pressing issue on this?" Juanita asked.

"Yes, the nets want to advertise this, it will likely be a pay-per-view live concert, so the more time they have to advertise it, the better," Hanalei replied.

"We should see if the delegate would want to make that an option on their planets," Juanita suggested.

"Can that be done?" Hanalei was curious. "I mean, there is enough problems with connecting to the Pod-Drran and their vid system is fairly close to ours."

"Of course it can be done," a new voice said. Guro< was in the tent finding some water to drink and heard the comments from the females on their lounges. "We do vid links all the time with other members of the Interspecies Communities. We Asocan can take your live performance concert and do the necessary colour and frequency shifts needed to send to all the species at once," he assured them.

"Speak to Hradk, she is a senior scientist here at the resort. She can confirm this," Guro< informed them.

"I do not have her contact information; can you contact her for us?" Junelliya asked.

Guro< opened his comp and contacted the scientist, who was not far down the beach from them. She promptly arrived at the mini-conference.

"Hello, I am Hradk, I was informed that you might require some technical assistance?" she asked.

"Yes. Our entertainment nets wish to conduct a concert on the beach on Sunday, and we want to know if it you can translate the vid feed colour and frequency wise for the Interspecies viewers? If so, it will be transmitted live," Junelliya advised, as Hanalei was still talking with Juanita.

"Yes, of course, we do this quite frequently, though not very often do we send an item to all of the community at once. That is a rarity and, being live, a technical challenge. It is good that you asked for my assistance, as I am probably the only Asocan that could do that for you here at Denders," she stated confidently.

"Are you willing to assist the networks in the distribution of this concert to the Community?" Junelliya asked.

"I am. It will be a challenge to my capabilities as a technician," she stated.

"Please give your comp info to Sylvie so that she can contact you if and when we get things organized. We still need a consensus from the delegates before we can have this concert," Junelliya advised.

"The delegates seem to like the idea according to Juanita," Hanalei said. "However, some are asking if they can include their own popular singers in the concert."

"I do not know if we can get them here in time," Junelliya said.

"Your concert is going out live," Hradk stated. "It would be simple to include a live feed from the other worlds in return. Then their singers could be involved. We simply have to coordinate timings with the respective singers."

"Sounds too simple," Junelliya replied.

"Oh, it will not be simple but it can be done," Hradk returned.

By the end of the day, they had their consensus, the concert would go ahead. Delegates were contacting their home worlds even before they left the Presidential Compound. Except for the Djinaëte, who were basically all work and very little play, all of the delegations would be involved in the concert in one way or another.

Dender's Open-Air Theater, Denders Resort, Terra

Every night, just after the evening meal, there was a show of some kind at the open-air theater. This night, there would be a show for the children, so many were there waiting impatiently.

The Kumar-Pair came to the stage and called forth the Jurte-Pair and their brood.

They all knelt on stage before the Kumar-Pair.

"Mazuha Kata! (first form)" the Kumaraie called out.

The brood immediately stood and went through the first Kata they had ever been shown by Kim. When they had finished, the Kumaraie called out 'tsudzukeru' (continue), the words having been taught her by Kim.

When the brood had finished it's final Kata, they knelt again to the Kumar-Pair.

"I am impressed by this brood," the Kumaraie said. "As you grow, becoming Kisory, you may never achieve the rank of Rai, or Ro, changing your perspective to become something more, something else, such as a Sin or a Ton. However, every Pod-Drran needs a good knife.

The Kumaraie nodded to her left, where Kim was waiting. She came forward with a tray, baring six blades. The Kumaraie handed a blade to each of the Jurte-Pair's brood.

"These blades were forged by the same human who made Kim's blades. He is a Master Smith who makes blades of exceptional beauty, form, and strength. Cherish these blades as you grow, knowing that you have earned them for more reasons than that you have done so well with Kim's training.

"You are the brood who will set the standards for all others going forward. You boldly followed your Mahdi and left your Rakhan, your isolation. A great risk for your Mahdi, and for the brood. As a result of taking this risk, you showed us all that we can be more than we are.

"Jurte Sha-Ret Sai-Rai, and Jurte Kur-Han Sai-Ro, step forward," she commanded.

The Pair came to their Kumaraie and knelt.

"I will take your Kaldar from you, in exchange for another," the Kumaraie said, pointing to one of her Kumir-Rai who was holding two swords.

"Like your brood's knives, these were made by the Master Smith Tatsuya Hajime. His blades are functional works of art. She gave each of the Jurte-Pair a new Kaldar, that was slightly different than what they had seen before, closer to Kim's blades, though distinctly a Kaldar.

Each blade was marked with the name of the holder, the name of Tatsuya Hajime, and the Kumar-Pair's names, with the date on which they were presented. Each blade was exquisitely made, works of art that were made to be used.

"You have shown us the way, you and your brood. It will be difficult for us to follow you; however, I intend to do just that, reinforcing the example you have put forward for the Pod-Drran," the Kumar-Pair bowed to the Jurte-Pair to the cheering from, not just the Pod-Drran, but from all of the people at the theatre that night.

Gold Conference Room, Denders Resort, Terra, The Sol System

The delegates were in a good mood this Saturday morning, the last day of presentations of credentials of the week. They were also excitedly talking about the concert the next day. There were new faces in the conference room. Fiona introduced them.

"Good morning delegates and welcome to the last day of our special event. This morning, Ambassador Mayute, of the Toolend will be presenting credentials and, this afternoon, Ambassador Sisset, of the Umick will be presenting.

"Before we continue with the transportation details, I would like to present to you one of our esteemed entertainers, Ciara Collins, and her team. They are helping to coordinate the newest event here at Denders, Sunday's live concert, which is being called 'The Partnership Concert' in recognition of the establishment of embassies and of ambassadors to the Union," Fiona turned the floor over to Ciara.

"I was talking with some of the other major entertainers here at Denders and we were wondering if we could pull off a concert. I was selected as the spokesperson to talk to Denders simply because I had all of my staff here.

"The concert has gained major appeal with the entertainment networks and will be one of the biggest entertainment events of the year. A live link will go out to all of your home planets and we intend to use the link to allow for your respective home worlds to present your own major entertainers. We are currently attempting to establish a timeline for your participation in this concert.

"So far, only the Djinaëte are not including a major entertainer, all of the other home worlds have indicated they want to include a major entertainer in the concert. That should not be a problem, as we will have nine hours for the concert with fifteen minutes to half an hour devoted to each group participating.

"The concert will end with a fireworks display at 22:00 hrs in order to allow for the delegates to get some sleep for their travel the next day, Monday.

"This is the list of confirmed entertainers," Ciara called up the list and sent it to the main monitor in the room, the delegates pulling from there to their own comps. The list showed the intended timings for the respective entertainers of the community and the names of the major Union entertainers at the resort who would be included.

"Because of the speed with which this concert has been organized, we are limited in time and the numbers of participants, however, it should still be an interesting and a well received concert," Ciara finished.

"When do you plan on bringing in the stage and other items?" Fiona asked.

Jacqueline Abreu, Ciara's spokesperson fielded that question. "The stage will be brought in later this afternoon, with enough roadies to set it up and take it down after. It will take eight hours to set up, we hope to be finished by just after midnight. We will try to keep the noise down for those who will be retiring early.

"Advertisement of the event has already begun on all the major entertainment networks and that will be picked up by the news networks starting this morning, when Cynthia Stewart begins interviewing the entertainers who will be participating in the event," Jacqueline finished.

"Be warned, Cynthia is likely waiting outside to ask the delegates on their thoughts on tomorrow's concert," Fiona said with a smile, getting laughter from the delegates. Overall, they were very pleased with how Cynthia had conducted herself around the delegates in comparison to the other news representatives. That brought a much greater level of comfort speaking with her than the others.

Juanita gave out the schedule for the shuttles and Sylvie the schedule for the ground transports to the shuttle port, again with admonishments not to be late.

************

Fiona had been correct, Cynthia was waiting for the delegates to leave the briefing and intercepted them for comments on the days events and on the anticipated Sunday's Partnership Concert. Several of the ambassadors answered her questions and included the fact that their own popular entertainers would be participating via ICS live vid-link feed, giving the concert a unique flavour.