All That Glitters Ch. 43

"The change in the Landstradt is amazing," Aurelia gushed. "The people are looking seriously at what is happening on each of the planets and there is a concerted effort to help each other.

"One of the Harradi's comments about having a mobile labour force that could assist holdings that are short on labourers has been enacted. There will be a force of 18,500 slaves on Adenomere, who will be allocated to temporarily assist holdings that are in desperate need of labour. Those slaves will be shown new methods of farming by the Harradi to help the owners of the holdings in their work.

"The ready force are all made up of non-Union slaves, meaning they will be there to assist even after the expected loss of labour," Aurelia stated.

"Then the Alliance has decided to give up its Union slaves?" Flynet asked.

"In principle, yes. We will, however, have to negotiate a timetable on this issue. As well, we will have to start treating all of our slaves a lot better. I have indicated that my holdings have already enacted changes for the betterment of my workforce and many of those currently on Adenomere are asking to come to look at what has been done. It could get interesting here over the weekend," Aurelia finished.

"What about the prisoners?" Flynet asked.

"The Landstradt will formally adopt the contract with the Harradi tomorrow. Once they do that, there will be no need to hold the prisoners. Their release will come tomorrow or Thursday," Aurelia said, looking a little sad at that thought.

"It had to happen sooner or later, Aurelia," Kim said.

Aurelia nodded than looked at Kim. "Do you remember the girl I entrusted to you last year?" she asked of the diminutive Asian.

"Ria? Yes of course. We found her extended family and her mother and father both escaped during the raid. They should all be together now. We can send her a message if you wish?" Kim offered.

"I would have no idea what to say to her, Kim," Aurelia said. "What do you say to a woman that you kept as a slave all of your life."

"How about, I am happy for you?" Kim suggested.

Junelliya took hold of one of Aurelia's arms and Kim the other. The trio walked into a private room where the contact was made.

"Aurelia!" Ria screamed in surprise at seeing her on the monitor.

"Oh, Ria, I am so happy for you!" Aurelia cried, tears streaming down her face. "I am so glad that you got out alive. I feared I had made a terrible mistake entrusting you to Kim."

"On the contrary, Aurelia, it was the best decision that was ever made for me as a slave. You set me free, Aurelia. You gave me new friends, a new job, I found family that I did not know about, and now my mother and father have been rescued as well, though they are not here at the moment.

"I have been watching your exploits in the Landstradt. You have become the force of nature that I always knew you would be. You will be one of the great leaders of the Alliance, I am sure.

"I really am happy to see you once more, Aurelia." Ria said. "I hope that we can keep in touch over our lives."

Aurelia nodded her head, not trusting her voice and tears streamed down. She waved to her life-long friend as Kim closed the link and sank into the warm and comforting arms of Junelliya.

Landstradt HQ, Adenomere City, Planet Adenomere, The Adenomere System

The Landstradt made several key decisions over the next few days, agreeing on terms of services for 'The Indentured' and conditions of 'employment' for the same. This meant that all estates in the Alliance now had to immediately improve the quality of life for their people.

Debate on the use of explosive slave collars was nearing its end, with an expected outcome of them being banned from use. The debate over the use of pain stimulus for the Indentured was also raging, though the outcome was not assured. It would likely take some time to remove such items from around the necks of the labourers. Aurelia was just glad to see the elimination of the word 'Slave' and the return to 'Indentured' in its place.

The Alliance decided to confirm its deal with the Harradi, who were now in the process of hiring a fast ship to bring all the Harla and Harge to their respective planets. The advice of the Harradi had brought immediate results with the creation of the 'flying squads' to help those who were desperate for help. The group had already assisted five holdings that needed labour for the harvest.

The hardest part for Aurelia was when the Landstradt agreed to drop all charges against the six prisoners and return their bond back to Junelliya, who actually received the money to the one who provided it, Lea Samson, all done electronically and instantly, something that the members of the Alliance took note of.

As soon as the formalities were completed and now that Flynet's ship had returned from getting its own ICS antenna, The Trine made ready for its departure. Many people came forward to see them off, including Aurelia.

"Ambassador Clend, thank-you for your perseverance in the negotiations with the Landstradt, for making all of this possible. Your people have already made a difference and I am sure they will make an even greater difference in the months to come," she gave the Harradi dignitary a bow which he returned.

"Kim, thank-you for coming to help your friends and keep them safe," she said as she hugged the diminutive Asian woman.

"Hanalei, it was a pleasure to meet you and to see your little one, Ikekia," at her name, Ikekia reached out and demanded a hug from Aurelia, which she laughingly provided.

"Fayad, you have only spoken a few times in the Landstradt, but each time you did so you made an impact. I am proud to have met you," she spoke quietly as she gave him a hug.

Junelliya, I feel as if I am losing a friend, you're leaving me behind," she said, tears in her eyes.

"No, Aurelia," Junelliya replied. "There comes a time in every young ladies life when she must cut ties with her past and move toward the future. This is your time to do so. I believe, like Ria, that I am watching the birth of a powerful figure in the history of the Alliance. May the Gods bless you, Aurelia." She gave the woman a sincere hug and Zarrenia lifted her arms to get her own hug and give Aurelia a kiss on the cheek.

"I hope that this will happen for me, too, in the near future," Aurelia whispered to Junelliya, who gave her a conspiratorial wink.

Aurelia then moved to the last person who she wanted to see go. "Raymond, your presence in my life has made such an impact on me. You showed all of us in the Landstradt what true spirit and courage was all about. I thank-you for that.

"Our time together has been short, but meaningful. I will always remember you," she shed tears as she hugged the man tightly.

"I hope our time together will indeed prove meaningful," Raymond replied. "Please keep in touch, Aurelia. I am sure that the ICS will come to the planets of the Alliance. Even if it doesn't, you can still use e-mails via FTL Comms Probes."

The group entered The Trine as those who were seeing them off moved back. The ship lifted not long after and quickly made its way into space and jumped..

End of chapter forty-three.

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