All That Glitters Ch. 61

"Shusshhttookkann!" Zarreniya called out happily, waving at the Sandekk Edler.

"Hello little one. I hope you have been good for your parents?" she asked in a soft tone.

"Yes, we always good," Zarreniya stated with pride getting a smile from all the adults.

"Shusshhttookkann, Ikekiya's is seeing her bad dream more frequently of late and she is also seeing snippets of it as well," Junelliya reported to her friend.

"Not an unusual occurrence, Junelliya," Shusshhttookkann explained. "This is her first prophetic dream and it was not a pleasant one. Until it comes to pass, it will frequently come back to her mind because of that. How often are you seeing the dream, Ikekiya? Once a month? Once a week? More frequently than that?"

"I see all dream maybe one time each week. But I see 'snippets' (and here, Ikekiya smiled at her momma for learning a new word) several time each week. They not same, all different parts of dream and sometimes different each time I see," Ikekiya informed them.

"I see. That is normal for a first time unpleasant prophecy," Shusshhttookkann told them. "However, that the snippets are changing also means the prophetic aspect of the overall dream could be changing as well. Prophecy can do that but that is usual in cases were the prophecy is a long-term prophecy. It usually does not happen to a prophecy of an event close at hand. When that happens, it can mean that the Seer has not interpreted the prophecy correctly. This is not unusual in young Seers."

"Maybe dream not happen?" Ikekiya asked hopefully.

"What do you think, Ikekiya?" Shusshhttookkann asked gently.

"No, it happen. Soon. But not know when," Ikekiya replied sadly.

"Good. For your age, you are a remarkable Seer, Ikekiya. Most of my people would fight hard to change a prophecy rather than accept a bad one. That is a recipe for disaster as only those named in prophecy can change a prophecy without serious consequences and even then there can be consequences of note. That is why we usually only tell our prophecies to those named in the prophecy.

"If a person, not named in the prophecy, tries to change it; disaster normally ensues. We must always work to prevent that even if it means we carry the burden alone," Shusshhttookkann stated.

Shusshhttookkann changed the subject and began to catch up with her friends family life. She told them that the negotiations for payment of the new Sandekk home world, now called Sandekkranet but unofficially known by the Sandekk as ShshshushshshuuAR. That brought a smile to Zarreniya, who had suggested the name.

"We hope to start moving to our new home world within the next two months but we shall see. Our people are starting to get restless now that we can see the time to move approaching," Shusshhttookkann ended.

They talked a bit more but finally it was time to end the call. Shusshhttookkann had one final piece of advice for Ikekiya. "Worry not, little one. Your abilities will grow at ever increasing speeds if you allow them to do so. You will only have problems if you try to supress them.

"Prophecy can be a great burden on those who are given the sight, but it can and does provide blessings to those who are named in prophecy," Shusshhttookkann finished.

And with that, the call was ended.

"Thank you, momma," Ikekiya hugged her momma. She put her had down on Junelliya's lap and within seconds was in a deep, dreamless sleep.

The Wanderer, In Orbit of Liramor-23, The Piscium System

Alya Garrant was back on The Wanderer after more than a month on SSP The Piscium. She split her time between the two as she was currently Raymond's love interest but she worked from the Piscium providing her knowledge to assist in finding products for The Piscium to sell to the member races of the Greater Community. She was good at her job and liked it and, so far, her bosses, Caye-Ur and Raymond, like the information she was providing.

Today, however, was not about business. She and Caye-Ur were on The Wanderer to interview a new Third Officer, initially for the Piscium but more likely to go to the first of the Ur Class ships, which would be completed in a few months time. His name was Chief Petty Officer Third Class Gregory Deerheart.

"Chief Petty Officer Deerheart. We understand that you have achieved your Watch Officer's Certificate and that you have been recommended by Raymond Clark for the post of Third Officer on our new vessel," Caye started the interview. "We find that you have only just come to The Wanderer and you are already seeking new employment? Is there something wrong here?"

"No ma'am. I already have more than six years working on the navy ships for my former home planet. I was picked up by The Wanderer by chance, however, I find that my past experiences do not match properly with those of this crew. They are all experienced former Navy personnel from the Union, while I am not.

"While much of the work on the ships I have served on is similar, the actual practices are very much different. Because of this, I have never really felt that I fit in here. The crew is great but there are too many differences in working styles for me to fit in that easily.

"Now that I have my Watch Certificate, it just made sense to look for a civilian ship that needed a Third Officer. That your ship is a new ship means that I can grow with the ship and its needs, where I cannot do that as easily on this ship," Deerheart explained.

The pair asked Deerheart many other questions but their minds were set by his first comments. Considering the recommendation they had received from Raymond; they would hire this young man as a Third Officer.

"Thank you, PO, for your honesty. We will be in touch with you in a couple of days with confirmation one way other the other on your hire," Caye-Ur stated at the end.

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

A little later, Alya found Raymond and threw herself into his arms. After a long moment of tender kisses, she lowered herself back to the deck.

"You owe me a date night," she reminded Raymond.

"Were would you like to go?" he asked in return.

"How about the new gourmet restaurant on the Food Court, the Balakrishnan?" she suggested.

"Good choice. But you will need something to wear," Raymona said.

The walked down the corridor to Arlene Vautor's clothing shop and pressed the call button. A moment later, the hatch opened to a smiling Arlene.

"We are going on a date night to Balakrishanan's restaurant. Can you whip up something that would be appropriate for her?" Raymond asked.

"I can provide her with something very nice in fact. However, don't you think she should be given the spa treatment first?" Arlene suggested.

Raymond smiled and nodded. He took her over to the masseuse and found that they had no one at the moment. Raymond asked them to give her the full treatment for their date night later. He got a knowing smile back from the two ladies.

Several hours later, Alya slipped back into Arlene's shop wearing only a robe. Her hair, nails and makeup were immaculate.

Arlene gave her a pair of panties to put on and then a garter belt. Once the belt was properly fastened, she helped her step into nylons with a gold pattern on them, connecting them to the garter.

The next step was a Saree. Alya had never worn a Saree before so Arlene had to show her how it was done.

"The Balakrishnan sisters are from the Indian Sub-continent on Terra. The Saree is a frequent dress item there. You will also find that the Byandi like to eat at the restaurant and they will only wear the Saree, though the ones they wear will be much more transparent than yours.

"Yours is not as sheer though it will ignite Raymond's interest," Arlene said with a wink.

Arlene showed her how to tuck the Saree into her garter belt and how to properly pleat the front of it. She then brought it up and over her shoulder and around and down from the other side. She brought the free end across her body and tucked part of it into the garter one last time, as she knew that Alya did not know how to properly keep the Sarre in place.

She slipped twelve centimetre stilettoes on her feet and told her to click her heels together. Alya quickly discovered that despite the elegant look of the shoes, they held the magnets needed in emergency situations. She smiled at Arlene for her thoughtfulness.

"Where did you get these shoes?" she asked.

"I have different models of shoes for all the principals on this ship," Arlene informed her.

She then opened a box of jewelry and slipped wrist rings over both of her wrists and hung large Indian style earrings from her ears. Feeling the weight of the new items, Alya realised immediately that they were made of real gold. She was impressed and told Arlene so.

Arlene placed her in front of a special mirror that allowed Alya to see herself from all angles. She immediately noted that while the Saree was sheer, the pattern on it hid the essentials while giving more than a hint of the glories it covered. Alya smiled as she knew that Raymond would be trying to make out the essentials...

The Sarre was exquisite and Alya knew immediately that Raymond would like it. It left all of her back and much of her sides exposed, including a display of plenty of side boobs. Arlene placed a gold clip beneath her breasts to keep the front of the Saree from opening up too much but left plenty of cleavage on display.

"Damn, Arlene, I look like a model!" Alya gushed.

"Damn I'm good. But then, I had you to work with," she said with a smile to Alya.

Petu Restaran Balakrishnan, Food Court, Liramor-23, The Piscium System

Alya was escorted to the door of the Gourmet Restaurant Balakrishnan by Sean Murphy, who was wearing his dark-black ship's security uniform. The hulking form of Sean made sure that Alya was able to walk freely and undisturbed through the platform, thought the eye of every person she passed was locked on her.

He helped her up the step and knocked forcefully on the door, which opened immediately. A young woman, wearing a Saree and with more gold jewelry than Alya, greeted them with a bow. She took in the beautiful woman at the door and the rather large man beside her. She looked up...and up...and up at the man, her mouth opening in surprise.

"Guest of Raymond Clark," Sean rumbled sending shivers through the young lady's body. Sean bowed to Alya. "Enjoy your evening, Miss Garrant," he said with a smile, then turned and left.

Alya turned to the hostess. "I am Sayena, your hostess for this evening. Please enter," she indicated a place on the floor in front of her. Alya stepped and waited as the Sayena closed the doors.

Sayena turned to look at the woman standing with her back to her. She was tall and elegant and, from what she could see, very fit. Sayena recognized the gold she wore to be real gold, so she was well off. She noted that she didn't know how to wear her saree but that was no so unusual. It took practice and Sayena thought that she might be wearing the dress for the first time.

She picked up two menus and addressed her guest. "Please follow."

There were more than fifty tables in the restaurant and most of them were occupied tonight. Sayena noted the eyes of the people following but this time, they were not following her, they were following the woman behind her. She didn't know if she was miffed or not but she had to admit that Alya was a stunning woman.

Alya noted the eyes looking at her as she was guided toward the back of the restaurant. There were many different races in the place but there was a preponderance toward the Byandi. She smiled at that, although this restaurant called for formal wear, they were quite lax on what 'formal' was and the Byandi were more than happy to wear the Saree, which allowed them so show off their bodies. The Byandi did not like to wear restrictive clothing over their torsos.

The Byandi males were giving her more than a once over, while the females seemed to be jealous. That wasn't so strange, Alya realized, as the Byandi were built with hydrodynamics in mind, which meant they all had smaller breasts. The envy was because of her own much larger human breasts. A slight smile touched the corners of her mouth as that thought filtered through her mind. She knew that Raymond would be looking...

But Alya lost sight of all around her when her eyes finally rested on Raymond...

Raymond was dressed in a suit that was made for partying. With his good looks and strong body, his outfit made him stand out. His eyes finally tracked her moving through the restaurant and they opened in obvious appraisal and surprise. His jaw dropped into his chest as he watched her approach. It made Alya feel good.

Raymond rose as she arrived at their table. "WOW!!" Was all he could say as he took in the outfit she wore. His eyes scanned her from the top of her head to the shoes on her feet, then went back a second time.

"WOW!!" he repeated.

"Raymond," Alya purred. "I hope that will not be the extent of our conversation this evening,"

"What conversation?" Raymond asked, still looking her up and down. "I mean, my eyes are saying everything that needs to be said. You're gorgeous, sexy, a feast fit for the eyes of kings. How much more can my pitiful voice bring to that conversation?"

Sayena took that time to pull out the chair for Alya but Raymond was around the table in a flash as he helped her into her seat. His hands went to her shoulders and he let his fingertips slide up and down her arms, bringing delightful tingles to her.

His fingers trailed to the front of her arms and he felt them twitch. She knew he wanted to allow those fingers to mover a little more inward, to find her breasts. Raymond lent down and kissed her ear, his hot breath stirring her desires.

"Raymond," she interrupted his actions. "If you don't stop doing that we might get banned from this establishment."

"Why is that, Alya?" he asked.

"Because you will make me so excited that I might take you right here on this table," she replied.

Raymond stood up as he heard a sound from the hostess. She had brought up the menus in front of the lower half of her face, to hide her obvious smile. However, she could not hide the merry twinkle in her eyes.

With a blush, Raymond took his seat.

"Would Miss like something to drink?" Sayena asked.

"You may call me, Alya, please," Alya replied.

"No, Miss," Sayena answered. "You are a guest of this establishment; I could not refer to you by your first name."

"Then please remember my name for when we encounter each other outside of this establishment," Alya stated, getting a nod from Sayena. "I think a white wine then, please."

Sayena opened a wine list and gave it to Raymond. "Are these all from Liramor Prime?" he asked.

"The wines are, yes," the hostess said.

"Then the Agravé Sparkling White would be ideal," he said just as Suhana Balakrishnan came up to the table. Suhana

"An excellent choice, Raymond," Suhana said.

Alya took in the very elegant woman who stood by the table. "Welcome, to my establishment," she said with a smile. "I am Suhana Balakrishnan, owner of the Petu Restaran Balakrishnan. I hope you have an excellent evening."

"Good evening, Suhana. If you are out front, who is cooking tonight?" Raymond asked.

"My husband of course," she replied with a fond smile. "He is the better cook of the two of us."

That comment got a sound from Sayena, who suddenly realized she had spoken out of place and blushed prettily.

"I see you have met my niece, Sayena," Suhana informed them with an indulgent smile for her niece.

"Your niece?" Raymond asked. "How many of your family are working for you?"

"I have six members of my extended family working for me here. Sayena is the eldest of the lot," Suhana answered. She gave a short nod of the head to Sayena who went to find the wine. She was back quickly with the bottle and was pouring the wine into glasses.

"Suhana is Damyanti's sister. They were surprised to see that they were both now working out of Liramor-23," Raymond told Alya.

Suhana looked at the woman seated across from Raymond. She motioned with her hand for Alya to stand. Sayena was there to help with the chair. Alya did a slow turn in front of Suhana.

"You really do justice to that outfit, Alya," Suhana said with a delighted smile. "We shall have to teach you how to properly wear the Saree but for one who is wearing it for the first time, it does become you. And I think all of my Byandi clients will be jealous."

Alya gave her a raised eyebrow by way of a question as she sat back down.

"Human breasts are larger than Byandi breasts. They can't help but be a little jealous when you wear their favourite outfit," a smiling Suhana explained quietly.

"What do you recommend tonight, Suhana?" Raymond asked as both he and Alya blushed at Suhana's comment.

"Rahan is cooking his famous Butter Chicken recipe tonight, Raymond. I would recommend that on a bed of rice steamed with spices and some Naan bread to mop up the juices after. However, it is spicy," She informed them. Rahan Srivastava was Suhana's husband and the better half in the kitchen, dependant on what was being cooked.

Alya smiled. "I have eaten with the Piscium family. Spicy is OK with me. It sounds like a good choice," she replied with a fond smile.

Raymond agreed and they got a serving for him as well.

The meal was excellent and they actually did have a diner conversation but Raymond was correct...his eyes and facial expressions were far more eloquent than his words...

Crew Quarters, Sierra Deck, Liramor-23, The Piscium System

Satrina Kalenka was cuddled in spoon fashion in front of her partner Gregory Dorman. Over the last few weeks they had become more than just an 'item'. She found herself getting serious about him.

Both Satrina and Gregory had been taught how to seduce and sexually please another partner. This was done to potentially help them get close to their targets. However, Satrina found that she liked giving and receiving pleasure to Gregory. It made her happy to please him and have him please her.

They both knew that when they returned to the Orin Sallé after the completion of their mission, they would be taken out of the ranks of active assassins and made instructors. Their success would mean their genes would be included in the Orin Sallé breeding pool. They may even have the opportunity to breed with each other.

Satrina hoped so as she liked Gregory and was certain that he, in turn, liked her. Because of her training, the word love never entered into her vocabulary. But it was there, sitting on the periphery of her mind, waiting for their return to the hidden base.

Central Control, Delta Deck, Liramor-23, The Piscium System

In the morning brief, Fayad had two items of information that surprised all.

"I was informed today by Liramor Holdings that, after the success of the Christmas and New Year's season with Liramor Prime asking members of the Greater Community to be tourists, that the planet will be initiating a twice daily passenger service between Liramor-23 and Liramor Prime. That service will be using Sprawl II Class Fast Ships that can make the journey in a single jump and can carry all of the current races on Liramor-23. The run will be known as the Liramor-Piscium Passenger Service.

"Not to be outdone, we have learned that there is to be a twice daily Terra-Liramor-23 Passenger Service which has been initiated by the TGA. This will be designated as the Terra-Piscium Passenger Service. This will primarily be to service the expected political requirements for the TGA and the Greater Community at Liramor-23.

"What this means in the long run is tourists will be arriving on the platform, though for now, we will limit the users of the services to those living on Liramor-23 or to those who have business here. Once we convert from mining operations, we will no longer be able to limit tourists from arriving," Fayad explained to a surprised group.