The Long Awaited Dinner.

In Transit to Hellespawn System via Ayenee

LCS Asalnara

Ne’vexis-Class Battleship

 

When Teal and Adrin’s shuttle landed in the Asalnara’s Aerospacy Bay, Genovus was waiting for them. It was obvious almost right away that the Asalnara was not a typical Lorenzian military vessel; several crew members were out of uniform, wearing civilian attire with their rank pins and patches adhered. Genovus had actually shed the formal uniform as well, appearing in a simple pair of black trousers with a blank black admiral’s style vest and shirt – reminicent of something worn during the Aeliyan era of Chrystalia.

 

It appeared the ship was carrying a large amount of cargo for a warship, crates were stacked even in the bay with various labellings from dry goods to extra damage control kits. It was evident that the vessel had been deployed for a rather lengthy amount of time. Adrin took quick note of these things, grabbing the sealed niranium bottle of cacelle from the shuttle’s canteen before exiting into the bay, waiting a step outside the airlock for his mother.

 

“Welcome aboard the Asalnara.” Genovus said, looking towards the two he had invited with a pleasant smile. His icy blue eyes worked them over, something about them seemed familiar but he couldn’t place it. “You’ll have to excuse the mess, logistics is still a bit of a nightmare – especially anything out this far…but, welcome nonetheless.” He couldn’t help but to be curious, asking as he watched for the female to emerge, “I couldn’t help but be impressed by your ship, what shipyard was she produced at? Have to say it has some of our engineers confused…some of the components you have onboard weren’t set to be released until the next generation of starships was produced by Toyotomi Zaibatsu.” He accepted the bottle of cacelle that Adrin handed him, looking it over briefly, before tucking it under his arm. He had noticed something about the bottle, but said nothing, smiling.

 

 

*

 

Teal turned off the ships power and then arose from her seat, feeling slightly uneasy about this whole dinner affair with the familiar Genovus.  She gave her suit a quick pat down, a tad nervous and then stood straight to attention, thinking this must be a military outfit by the way in which Genovus had presented himself.

 

“Knew I should have worn the skirt.”

 

Another quick stroke with her her hand, and she took a deep breath, following Adrin from the ship.  Her son having taken a bottle of cacelle with him.  A respectful gesture considering they were the ones fixing the striken Vangaurd.  But coming down the landing ramp, Teal was in for a bit of a shock.  Crates and storage boxes, this ship looked more like a frieghter than any battle ship she could have remembered.  What was even more bizarre, was that the crew was dressed casually.  Not even in uniform.  Her teal eyes darted from the left side of the bay to the right, only to come to settle on what must have been Genovus himself; looking rather dashing in a simple pair of black trousers with a blank black admiral’s style vest and shirt.  Teal could not get over the strange feeling, that she had met him before.  An odd feeling of deja vu.

 

 

“Why thank you.  My son and I are honoured that you invited us for dinner.” -she said in a musical voice, one that was done with a bright smile.  As his eyes met hers, she found herself swallowing, and then with her right hand gestured to her son.

 

“We didn’t come empty handed.  Hope this wine is to your liking. It’s a family favourite.”  Small talk made to break the ice, though her face was a mask, for she feared what was going to come…and come it did.

 

“I couldn’t help but be impressed by your ship, what shipyard was she produced at? Have to say it has some of our engineers confused…some of the components you have onboard weren’t set to be released until the next generation of starships was produced by Toyotomi Zaibatsu.”

 

There it was.  The sixty four thousand dollar question.  He wanted to know about the ship.  The part where he mentioned that the components weren’t set for release until the next generation of starships, had Teal chuckle nervously.

 

“Really?  You don’t say.  I had absolutely no idea the ship was so special.”  Teal leant closer towards Genovus and whispered.  “It’s my first time…”  She stepped back and blushed fiercely, and he probably thought she was dotty.  Teal dodged the question like she was trying to avoid the press gallery back in their time.  “Forgive me, but I am intrigued by your casual state of dress, I had envisioned a man of your postion to be dressed…well, with a bit more pomp and ceremony.  I prefer skirts myself.”

 

Teal placed her hands behind her back, and rocked back heel to toe, as if waiting for Genovus to esort them to the dining hall. She kept up the smile, but Adrin would be able to see she had her fingers crossed behind her back.

 

 

*

 

Genovus smiled, the cacelle bottle still tucked, “Oh I’m sure the cacelle will come to good use.” He said, the man was a professor, a scholar and he was clever beyond the innocent looks of his well groomed features. “It is such a great wine, at one time it was considered the drink of the rich…the more it is aged, the greater the flavor.” He said heading towards the lift.

 

“Your first time eh?” He looked at the rank buttons on her uniform and said with a chuckle. “Mine too dear, everytime I step onto one of these flying death traps. Thats why I retired…seems you can’t get away now-a-days though.” Once the three were in the lift it set into motion, heading towards the deck where the Ward Room was located.

 

His attention turned to Adrin. “So you should be underway within a few days after we drop you off at Hellespawn. You should be more careful where you plot your exit from FTL in this spiral – could end up implanted into the side of a busted up Citadel…or worse, sitting face to face with Lao’Taun’s people — treaty or not they scare the shit out of me.” Genovus had no issue voicing his opinion.

 

“We thank you for hospitality…Admiral.” Adrin bowed slightly forwards as he spoke, crystalline apartures looking towards his mother and then back at Genovus. A brief look of panic flickered within his eyes as he seen the top of the bottle sticking out from under the Admiral’s arm, displaying the date which was almost three hundred years to the future. He cursed himself, hopefully it was not noticed. Fucked up already.

 

The lift stopped and Genovus lead them towards the ship’s Ward Room. It was a simple set up, table clothes and finer dinnerware had been put out in anticipation of the guests. Candles gave a warm welcome and a departure from the strain of artificial lighting. The viewports along the front of the Ward Room gave a fantastic view of the stars, rolls and pastries had been put out, obviously the food was to be served rather than the usual buffet-style that they were used to on the Vanguard.

 

*

 

Adrin was the chip off the old block, so much like his Father that it had Teal looking towards him with a fond expression.  The manner in which he held himself, and behaved impeccably before their host.  But she didn’t miss the look in his eyes, and then her gaze swept to be in line with his vision.  The bottle!  ~GASPS!~  The label!   It had the date of when it was produced.  A very good year apparently.  Three hundred years ahead of its time in this universe.  Teal’s heart started to pound in her chest, so sure he must have thought her story was not quite right, about it being her first time on board a ship.  The markings of a commander on her uniform gave that away.  ~He’s going to figure us out before we even take a seat~  The idea to spin on her heel and run back to the shuttle came into her mind, but then she entered the dining room.

 

“Candles…how romantic.”

 

Teal clasped her hands together and appeared smitten with the layout of the room.  With the view ports, giving off a spectacular view of the stars, which glowed like diamonds set upon black velvet, it was all so elegant.  Teal then grinned slyly, having come up with a cunning plan.  She reached to interlock her arm with Genovus and somehow get the bottle back, to hand to her son, Adrin.

 

“I can’t believe you went to all this trouble just for us.  I mean…its been a long time since I have dined with such a…handsome man like you.”  Teal fluttered her eyelashes, tugging on the bottle.  “My son, is an expert at uncorking the wine.  And….you and I can get better acquainted.  I bet you have LOADS of battle stories to share”

 

 Teal looked back at her son, pleading with her eyes for him to do something with the bottle, before returning her attentions to Genovus once more

 

 ”You’re not married are you?”

 

*

 

Genovus catered to the needs of his guests, politely. Including thier need to take him on a carriage ride through the fantastical pastures of bullshit. He gave up the bottle to Adrin and hooked arms with Teal. “Oh, I’m sure he can open a bottle…” he motioned with his free hand, ushering her towards the table. “Thank you for your compliments.I am comfortable….” he didn’t quite know how to answer the question about marriage, afterall the military had conviently screwed up the timing on even that. “I am glad you enjoy the setting…however, I cannot take responsibility for it’s ambiance.” He pulled out the chair at the head of the table for Teal. On her plate, was a decorative flower, an Atlanean Lily, a rare flower that only grew within the gardens of the one true homeworld of the Norian people.

 

“Yeah…I got this…” Adrin said, pulling the cork off after shoving the foil into his pocket, along with the evidence of his mistake. ‘POP’ The cork went whizzing across the room pegging into the wall before dropping to the floor. “Oops…” he said, so much for being the expert.  Adrin muttered something under his breath. It wasn’t a good idea to go meddling around without having consulted the temporal interfaces which had been damaged. For all they knew this Genovus could be the butcher of men and have an army of lollitas set to take over the world by giggling cutely and stealing the laps of men.

 

Adrin headed towards the table, pouring some cacelle in each of the glasses. As Adrin  went to sit down, he looked at the table setting. On his plate was a small fletchette of arrowheads, each carved out of raw atlanteum, the predessor to niranium. He tilted his head to the side, it was an odd thing to have on a plate. He looked towards his mother’s setting, seeing the flower.

 

“Very good then…Now that you are both settled…We can eat dinner.” Genovus smiled, noting they had noticed the place settings.

 

*

 

Adrin did more than just open the bottle. ‘POP’ The sound of the cork ricocheting off the walls had her duck, in a quick bob, before bouncing back up and tried to act natural.   “Oops…”  Teal wa not sure if that was intended, but it certainly changed the mood, and though he muttered, she silently said thanks.  The imminent danger over of discovery for now at least, and Teal felt she could drop the all too cheery facade and show a much more mature tone.  Genovus was the perfect gentleman, pulling out a chair for Teal, which she sat down in with grace,  only to cast her eyes down at the crockery.  What she saw had her catch her breath.  The plate had a delicate flower in its center.  an Atlanean lily to be precise.  So rare it grew on only one place; the home world of the Norian people.

 

Teal now had to question this.  Was he onto them?  But even so, how could he be?  Adrin and Teal then looked at each other’s plates, and when she saw his, her jaw almost dropped open.  Adrin’s plate was decorated with a small fletchette of arrowheads,.  Oh this was no coincidence.  And they both knew it.  Teal picked up her napkin, and draped it across her lap, before placing her hands together before her under the table.

 

“Now that you are both settled…We can eat dinner.” Genovus said, as Teal collected up her glass of cacelle and raised her glass.  “A toast…I think is in order.  To a kind host, with exquisite taste…I might add.”  She held the glass up, and wondered if he would finish the toast.

 

*

 

Pleasantries exchanged, the two were doing their best to keep Genovus with their flattery, especially Teal. The Matriarch raised her glass up, to make cheers to their host….

 

 

 (d-Adrin)

 As the toast proceeded, the mention of their host brought Genovus to silence. The door to the ward room hissed open and the clammer of military boots could be heard against the deck plating. Upon ankles the slick black synthetic fabric bushed, sculpted niranium buckles each fashioned with tiny inscriptions of the legendary armorer who had forged them. Interwoven spirals of niranium and carbon knit layered over meshings that allowed flexibility beneath stellarium fixtures that scupled the decorative spire-like knee braces and pauldrons. The buckle of the belt scored the sigil of the cult long since passed, carved and textured plates beheld both polish and reform but the unmistakable signs of repaired battle damage. Mesmere gaunlets stretched as hands adjusted within them, the brillian blue and silver color of Lorenz’s Ayenee colors tumbled from beneath the pauldrons, over the front of the right shoulder and down the back forming the lavished cape.

 

 ”A toast, of longevity…strength..and continuity of the Norian kind.”

 

 Taint stained lips climbed in an exuberant smile, as crystalline eyes fell upon both Teal and her son. Reddish spikes climbed intermixed with black and silvery tones that quickly faded a pure platinum white as he emerged into the room.  Adrin Eitan followed by two Ayenee sentries didn’t stop until they reached the table, where the eyes of self could afix upon self and the matron eyes he didn’t know.

 

 ”Welcome to Ayenee…Or well, what is left of it….”

 

 (ɑ-Adrin)

 

He turned his head, observing what appeared to be himself entering. This was probably not a good thing. “I take it…dinner is going to be waiting.” he mumbled, looking over at his mother.

 

*

 

 

 Teal slowly lowered the glass, till it hit the table, and she rose from her place, seeing who had just entered.  The shock of just who it was rippled through her form, and she dare not even look at her son from her time.  He looked so fierce, so very different to the son she had loved all his life.  This version, was sure to not even know who she was.  What she had forgotten was that she wore the family crest on her uniform, and she snatched the napkin before it fell on the floor, placing it over the Atlanean lily on her dish. Teal had never been so nervous in all her days, to see a Son that she had never known.  She had to fight an instinct from deep within her, to call him son, for that would just lead to all kinds of confusion.

 

“Welcome to Ayenee…Or well, what is left of it….”

 

That certainly didn’t bring any comfort, not when they had experienced driving their ship right into the midst of the battle scarred fleet.  Adrin’s voice broke through the silence, and his sentiment she suddenly came to realise was dead on.

 

“I take it…dinner is going to be waiting.” Adrin mumbled, looking at her for something to be said.  But right this moment, Teal was tongue tied and was trying to find her composure.  She couldn’t betray them now.  Teal counted on the fact, that this Adrin would not know her at all, and so she bravely attempted a reply.

 

“Thank you of course….my Son and I seem to have come at a bad time.  And our ship suffered greatly for it.”-  Teal left her place at the table, and slowly made her way around, letting her hand trace over Adrin’s shoulder, before approaching the Adrin of this time.  Coming before him, she showed no fear.

 

“Tis a pleasure, of course.”  Teal stated, before blinking and hearing voices and then images that passed before her eyes.  But it was not her eyes she saw through, but those of Iondara.  Timing was very bad for this, as Teal stood before her son of a different time.  The same name kept being said, over and over like a broken recording.  Looping…

 

“Lao…Lao’Taun….still destroying all he touches?”  Teal’s eyes showed a dark hue, before returning to a brillaint shade of green.  Had her life from this time, just sent her a blessing?

 

*

 

 (ɑ-Adrin)

 

Adrin looked at the other timestream’s representation of him. A solomn quiet came over him. He was curious, wanted to ask questions. He had spent a lot of time in the temporal interface watching the life of this other man — a life that he had assumed crippled or terminated with the arrival of Lao’Taun.

 

Adrin’s gaze shifted to the flower and then the bundle of arrowheads. The arrowheads were something of nostalgia, archery being something had been rather close to his heart.The fact was they knew they were coming, in a time when temporal technologies had not yet been developed.

 

 

 (d-Adrin)

 

“I’m sure dinner will not be long in coming.” He said, answering himself – it felt a little strange but he had time to prepare. The leader of the Norian people, the true Aestaesys of Lorenz seemed to have a much harder resolve about him, something that had been forged on the centuries of anarchy he had fought to purge on two worlds.

 

“A bad time?” Adrin asked, sitting down in the chair across the table from Genovus. “Well, you were about two minutes late, but the information that had been sent ahead of you was recieved.” Adrin leaned back, the two sentries remaining near the door. “Yes, we were going to try and prevent the damage to your ship — unfortunately it appears time is adament in some finer points.”

 

“Business of the Luminary Assiliate is just that, business of Lao’Taun.” Adrin said, responding to Teal’s remark about the Umarian leader. “My position in regards to him and is people is one of a private nature for now.”

 

“I am more concerned with the success of your mission.” Adrin said, looking to Teal and then the other of himself.

 

(Genovus)

 

The Fleet Admiral had played his hand, the strained attempt at being oblivious faded from his features as he looked to Teal. A lot could be said, for the other two – perhaps Arethon, Severce. He was a son of Falcon, but not of Teal. The young man had passed up what came with that long before, its why he had taken station on the frontiers and in hellish places such as Ferrai.  He had his own blessings, he checked on the bridge through his uplink with the AI.

 

 

*

 

 

Adrin’s words, his message clear as crystal.  There was no need to keep up the games and charades, for he knew who they were, and was so bold to drop the mother of all hints.  No, make that statements.  Teal spun around, when Adrin seated himself, and leaned back, speaking frankly about what befell their ship on the arrival from realspace.

 

“Yes, we were going to try and prevent the damage to your ship — unfortunately it appears time is adament in some finer points.”

 

How could he have possibly known?  She couldn’t recall Iondara having said a word in her time, though in the instance of meeting her son, she spoke through her of Lao’Taun, a man that this Adrin wished to not speak about or share his thoughts so publicly.  Perhaps the walls had ears, or maybe Lao’Taun himself had his Hand of Lao’Taun, on board that very ship.

 

“I am more concerned with the success of your mission.” Adrin said.

 

Teal was a woman who didn’t shy away or cower in the face of something this great.  The cat was out of the bag.  All that sat in that room were linked to Falcon, in one way or another.  Least now, she could be herself.  Addressing Adrin of this world first.

 

“Our joint success has many factors, the first of which, is the repairing of our ship.  But I fear, that in the madness of the moment, our only way home, no longer exists.  A sacrifice to the greater good.”

 

She walked back around the table, and lay her hands, upon Adrin of her time’s shoulders.  A quick glance toward Genovus and she said.  “I apologise for my forward nature, though…you are a devilish looking fellow.  Some girl will be lucky one day.” Hands resting on Adrin’s shoulders, she gave them a light pat, like she does, when Teal tries to reassure.

 

“I guess we are here to stay….Son.”

 

*