By Nick Gibson
UST: May 5th, 3569, 6:46 PM
Dear Journal: Just got back from dinner, man oh man was it a trip. When I got down there my mother introduced me to Rear Admiral Christopher Khan. A beast of a man who towered over me by a good half meter! When he went to shake my hand he did that thing all secretly insecure men do when they want to establish dominance over someone. Let me tell you, he crushed my hand so hard to was still throbbing 15 minutes later.
“Tell me good sir,” I said to him, giving him the ego fluffing he felt so entitled to, “To what do we owe the grace of your visit?” I knew better than to sass him. This wasn’t my first rodeo and it would be far from my last.
His back stood a little straighter upon hearing my perfectly prosed question. “Well young man.” He said, making sure to place emphasis on the word ‘young’. “With the Miners Uprising going on. The USC will need all the supplies it can get. This is where your father potentially comes in.”
“We are so happy to have someone of your...stature in our home.” My mother said to him. Gazing up lustfully at him before turning to me and shooting me a glare of utter contempt. The message was clear, ‘shut up and be the good boy’. I responded by flicking my eyes upward then silently taking my place at fathers side.
I mostly picked at the appetizer while my parents chatted up Khan. Nothing special was being said and nothing would be until after the deserts arrive. You see this was the pre-show, the time to set the stage with small talk and various pleasantries. The real show would begin once the main course arrived.
My mother wasted no time in putting the charm on the old Spacer. Wonder if she is going to sleep with this one to? I thought. Given the stakes, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised. “...and our son Curtis is currently on break from Sanhurst University. Tell him about your studies honey.”
Looking up in shock, I didn’t know exactly what to say. Certainly wasn’t expecting to be called upon so soon. “It’s going pretty good actually, made the Dean’s List for the 2nd time in a row.”
This seemed to please our guest. Nodding in approval before turning his attention back to my mother. By this time more noise seemed to be coming from the kitchen. Indicating that the main act was about to begin.
With a flourish, 6 day servants, dressed in the finest threads a member of the Labor Caste could hope to don. Like the well oiled machine my mother trained them to be, they set down the food in front of each of us. Making sure to match the correct plate with the proper person. Last thing any of us wanted was for the Admiral to be Med-Evaced because some idiot put the only plate that did not contain the Halnut glaze onto my lap instead of his.
Just as quickly as they arrived, they were gone. They only had about 10 minutes to rest before beginning prep on the next course. My mother winked at the head day servant. He wasn’t really that good at his job. The only thing he excelled at was lay down his pipe. Something my mother never failed to utilize. Gods, I wish I talk to Molly. Be nice talk to someone who actually cares about me.
As we all dug in, the Admiral made a point to ask my father about the happenings of his company. You see, in this part of the meal, both sides ask gently propping questions about the other. The real negations wouldn’t begin till desert but now was the time to set the stage for the later battle of wits. “...We just completed the expansion of our Europa facility. Increasing out rate of production by a factor of 5!” My father said, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. That is, if he was actually trying to contain it.
Looking pleased, The Admiral took a bite of his duck. His face exploding with excitement. “Whose your chef?” He asked waved around his half eaten wing like it was some sort of trophy. “I might have to snatch them from you.”
Both my parents laughed as if he had told a hilarious joke. “That would be a tragedy but if you insist I can give you her details after the meal.” My mom said with a hand on the mans lap. Clearly not talking about food.
Satisfied they returned to their mutual interrogations. My part in this charade was pretty much done by this point. I finished up the rest of my meal in peace. “Mother, it has been a pleasure but I ask to retire.” I said with every courtesy I could muster.
She looked me up and down, trying to find a reason to keep me in my place. A glance from my father was all took to relinquish her hold on me. “Of course honey, we wouldn’t want to bore you with all the important adult stuff.”
Taking her condescending remarks on the chin, I got up from my seat and walked over to the Admiral. “Thanking you for gracing our home good sir” I said to him with a bow.
He waved me up with the same indifference he gave anyone below his station. “The pleasure is all mine. You were a great dinner guest. I hope we can dine again.” He replied to me. He didn’t really mean any of this, it was just what he was superposed to say.
My performance now finished, I dashed up the stairs as quickly as I could. Food was the last thing I could think about. Something else was on my mind.
That something was thankfully there to greet me when I returned to my room. The tablet alight displaying a notification, that being some new message. This one from my friend. The subject line only containing two words.
Found Molly...
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