Chapter 11 Day 302, 3015 Old Style, Aboard hanger bay of StarFleet corvette Eridanus.
"Councilor Vegan, now is not the time to engage in formalities."
"Now, Duchess Aria—"
"Why the Captain has been so kind to attend to us with these two fine, young gentlemen." With that the Duchess waved her hand, did a half-curtsy and winked at CPO Modine.
"Always the peacemaker," said Vegan, throwing both hands up in the air.
"Coming from a politician, I'll take that as a compliment. Now boys, can you help us with our things and staff?"
"Things? What staff?" asked Modine.
"Why, just a few bags, a little subsistence for the trip, and my chef, Enzo, and personal secretary, Isla. You know, I've had so many dreadful experiences in the past with those tasteless S-rations . . . "
"Captain Simme, this is Modine. Party of four and impedimenta, ready to board."
"Impedimenta?" said the Duchess.
"It's an ancient military expression for baggage," said Egon.
"Oh," said the Duchess. "I feel so au courant. Thank you, young man."
"Make that party of five," said Vegan. "I, too, have a personal assistant, Ezio, who doubles as my bodyguard."
"Correction, Captain. Party of five," said Modine. "The captain asks if the extraneous staff are H or A?"665Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL3YlC5NqU
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"Aitch or aei?" asked the Duchess.
"Beg pardon. Humanoids or automatons?"
"Well, Ezio is an automaton, of course," said Councilor Vegan.
"Mine, as well. I've never been asked that before. Why should it matter, if they are humanoids or automatons?" asked the Duchess
"For priorities . . . in case we need to board the escape-pods or life-ships," said Modine.
"You mean you . . . "
"Now, Duchess Aria, the Prinz is the finest ship in the universe. You needn't worry, my dear" said Councilor Vegan.
CPO Modine ignored the comment about the Prinz and adjusted the bezel on his wrist. A flat, white stream-slip lifted about 20 cm from the floor and hovered. "For the impedimenta. Our own StarFleet version of a magic carpet."
"For the baggage, Duchess," said Vegan.
"Ah, yes . . ."
Modine handed a similar device to Egon. "Here's your controller. You get to be a hack and take the passengers. Position it so the green tabs line up."
Turning to the Duchess and Vegan, he said, "I'll take you to your berths, er, staterooms. Captain Simme and Subcommander Mauve have given up their accommodations to assure you of the highest level of comfort possible."
The councilor and the Duchess summoned their staff and gear. Gear and bags were piled on the first stream-slip. Humanoids and automatons alike, then climbed aboard the second magic carpet controlled by Egon.
Modine stepped out at his usual fast pace with Egon in trail.
"Totally, amazing," said Isla, to no one in particilar.
"Absolutely, delightful," said Enzo, sporting a shortly clipped beard and wearing a white toque blanche. "I can't wait to see the galley."
"What's on menu tonight?" asked the Duchess.
"I think I will prepare mashed potatoes, jambalaya and bread pudding."
"I'm taking that down," said Isla.
Ezio, dressed in black and sporting dark glasses, kept looking around nervously and remained silent.
Great, thought Egon, just what we need, an automaton with delusions of paranoia.
To be continued . . .
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