Issues and general questions

Okay as you all may have noticed it is the 28th and there is no chapter. My publisher asked that I not post entire manuscripts on line for free any more as it is probably not good for book sales. Since he had this whole contract thing I kind of had to listen. SOOOOOO that is the issue here are the questions. I can post short vignettes [pretty much the same length of regular chapters] about various things related to the Channel Rider world. These would cover things I wasn't really planning to put in the book, kind of like background info that I keep in my head. Like why did Elena break Troy's nose and get kicked out of Danvers. When did Therese's jealousy spill into hatred? Random stories of pilots past,That sort of thing. The trick with that is that you have to ask questions otherwise I will end up running through my short list very quickly. The second thing I could do is to start posting from a completely different story. Third option, general short stories, and fourth oprion some wierd amalgamation of the above options. Any thoughts? v

Storm Chaser: Chapter 58

Morning, This is actually the last chapter of Storm Chaser. Thanks everyone for all your input. I really did use a lot of the comments in the edited draft. and thanks for putting up with all the typos that come with a rough draft. If you are interested in reading the final copy, it should be out in print through Brown Street Press in November. I have blocked out the third book in the series, Alliance and hope to start posting it starting September 28th. So stay tuned. v

Chapter 58

Elena took a deep breath and looked around the room. With the exception of Alex Barton, all of the councilors, including her grandfather wore neutral expressions. Alex Barton was frowning at her as if she were a puppy who had just made a mess on his new rug.

‘I guess he hasn’t forgiven me for Ian yet,” she thought. She tried not to frown thinking of all of the trouble Ian’s betrayal of the guild had caused her. ‘After all I simply reported the facts. I didn’t make him seek out the military.’ Each of the councilors had a copy of her proposal in front of them. Siobhan was seated in the center and seemed to be holding the position of chair for this meeting. Elena was somewhat relieved. She had never had many dealings with the councilor but at least she didn’t actively hate her.

“Well this is quite a surprising proposal,” Siobhan began. “If it hadn’t been verified by one of our own I would be hesitant to believe it.” Elena remained quiet. Alex snorted as if he still did not believe it. “Of course in addition to one of our number verifying it, one of the senior librarians was also willing to provide verification. This obviously eliminates all doubt.” Siobahn raised an eyebrow and glanced in Alex’s direction. He frowned but refrained from comment. “So if you will please begin.” She indicated Elena had the floor.

Elena nodded and began to tell of how she had discovered the Calling was not simply an illness but an evolution of ability. She told them of how she had come to this conclusion, thanking Siobhan and Riko for putting her on that path on their last visit. She told them of the tests and the recording probes and ended with the request to establish trade as was custom.

“You certainly seem to have done your homework,” Siobhan said. “I for one appreciated the referenced footnotes.” There was a small smile on her lips and Elena was not sure if she was being made fun of or not.

“Better safe than sorry,” she replied.

“Indeed,” Siobhan said. “Are there any questions for the Captain on the salient points represented?” Silence met her question and Elena was unsure if it was due to her clarification or to their not quite being on firm footing.

“Very well,” Siobhan nodded to the council recorder who stood and went to a set of closed doors. It was not the set by which Elena had entered. He opened the door and stuck his head out.

“They are ready for you now.” The recorder returned to his post as Evan Greggs entered the room.

“Greetings to the council,” He said. “How may I be of service to the guild today?”

“You have reviewed the coordinates listed in Captain Calabrese’s proposal?” Siobhan asked. Evan nodded.

“I have,” he replied. “In addition I also traveled with her to the coordinates to verify the location for myself.”

“And your verdict?”

“We can find no prior claimants to the area,” he said.

“Thank you,” Siobhan replied. “Are we ready for a vote?” A round of ayes met her question. “Good, all in favor of granting Captain Calabrese and her house trade rights?” All except Alex Barton assented. “All opposed?” Alex opposed. “The ayes have it. Captain you are aware that a trade route must be shown to benefit the guild as a whole. What are you prepared to offer?” Elena cleared her throat and prepared to give them a less than expected response. She didn’t know how Evan was feeling but her butterflies had been tied into knots and turned to stone.

“I have given this a great deal of thought councilor. The channel and expected route is in protected space. It is a sky to planet connection. With the increased raider attacks many of our normal trade routes have become much more dangerous.” Elena paused seeing the nods around the council. “The most precious commodity we have is knowledge. I propose that my benefit to the Guild is to provide a secure location for the Librarians to maintain a secure archive in a place free from raiders. In this way even if the Docking Facility itself is lost. Our knowledge will not be.” There was a moment of silence as the council processed the fact that Elena did not promise them a percentage of the profits.

“I see,” Siobhan said slowly. “Such a matter would of course be dependant on the approval of the house of Librarians.” Evan Greggs cleared his throat and all eyes swiveled to him.

“It is a generous offer and of great benefit to the guild as a whole. If a suitable location can be found the House of librarians is willing to work with the House of Captain Calabrese.” Siobhan blinked hard.

“Yes then,” she began. “All in favor of accepting this benefit to the Guild if the House of Librarians finds a suitable location?” All said Aye, not even Alex wanted to cross the Librarians.

“Your benefit to the Guild has been conditionally accepted,” Siobhan said. “Please keep us informed of the progress.”

“I will,” Elena said. “Thank you.” She was dismissed and the council hall was once again opened as the next applicant took their place. The audience filed into the bleachers to lend support of rail against what ever had come up for docket. Elena stepped from the council chambers and into the corridor. Benjamin was waiting.
“Well?” he asked.

“It was granted and my guild tithe conditionally accepted,” she told him.

“Conditionally?”

“The Librarians have to find a place they think is suitable before it becomes official.”

“I see,” he said. “So it is good news?”

“Yeah,” Elena said. She glanced over her shoulder at the closed doors behind her and thought about the people who stood behind it, her grandfather included. “Does your offer of discrete investigation still stand?” She asked, when she was sure no one else was in the corridor.

“It does.”

“I’d like to take you up on that.” He nodded.

“I’ll ask for details once we are away,” he said. This time she nodded and then broke out into a grin.

“I suppose we had best go back and tell the others,” she said.”The world is changing and they should be warned.” Benjamin offered her his arm.

“I suppose they should at that,” he said. Together they headed down the corridor.

Storm Chaser: Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Elena awoke to find two messages awaiting her. The first was from the council saying that Riko had agreed to verify her proposal and that two of the librarians would be going along to verify coordinates. The second was from Riko essentially ordering her to prepare the Storm Chaser for immediate departure. It was worded as a polite request of course but Elena understood the message.

She checked the time and notified all involved that the Storm Chaser would be ready for departure within the hour. Glad that she had not bothered to unpack, Elena had time to wash her face and grab a quick bite at one of the concession stands before needing to be at the ship. She was somehow unsurprised to see Riko and her body guard already waiting. To her credit, Riko did not look all that impatient.

‘More excited than anything,’ Elena thought. Benjamin was also waiting and Elena said good morning to all. By the time her initial greetings were complete Evan Greggs and a brown haired man with fair skin had joined them. Elena guessed his age to be early twenties. Riko introduced Evan to the group as Senior Librarian Greggs. Evan introduced the younger man as his apprentice Shawn. Elena managed to convey how honored she felt by the presence of both a Senior Librarian and a councilor. Luckily all were eager to get underway so formalities were kept to a minimum. They boarded and were soon under way.

“This will be an interesting ride,” She thought as she followed her passengers. Spin took one look at their guests and retreated to the pilot house. Elena had the feeling she would be spending most of her time in the pilot house as well. She really hoped her passengers could entertain themselves for most of the trip.

As luck would have it, once they were underway, Riko was more interested in cultivating a friendship with the senior librarian than in dealing with Elena. Evan on his part was doing his best to be aloof and pretend he didn’t know Elena from Adam. Thus, for most of the journey she was left blessedly alone. It was only as they slowed in their approach to the channel that Riko’s attention diverted to Elena.

“Channel entry in five,” Elena called the customary warning. All but Riko reacted according to protocol. Riko, quickly moved to join Elena in the pilot house.

“Where,” She demanded, her black eyes searching.

“Dead ahead,” Elena responded. Riko’s eyes narrowed to slits.

“I do not see it.” Elena blinked, realizing Riko was as blind as a non-pilot. Both Maria and Jasmine could sense the channel even when it was closed. That fact was not likely to sit well with the councilor.

“It is not opened yet,” Elena told her in even tones. They waited in silence as they approached the correct location. “Opening now,” She said. Elena stretched her energy forth and the black parted with ease. Beside her Riko gasped, able to see the newly opened channel. Elena piloted the Storm Chaser through and entered the planet’s waters. When they were safely through, Elena closed the channel. Riko, who had been studying it, raised an eyebrow and turned to Elena. Elena realized once closed, Riko again lost the sense of the channel’s existence.

‘Definitely something to remember,’ She thought as Riko turned and left the pilot house without a word. The two days to shore were uneventful as Riko returned to getting to know the librarians. Elena had the feeling Riko was taking in everything for future use. It was still with relief that Elena saw the shore’s outline with the Crazy Chicken safely in port.

“I thought this planet was uninhabited,” Riko said sharply, turning to Elena.

“It is,” Elena replied. “That is a pilot of my house. They are here gathering samples and studying the planet.”

“I see. You have a proper laboratory?”

“Yes,” Elena said. She didn’t add that the laboratory was in its infancy or that she would be spending most of the off season vetting folks to staff it. In her opinion that was none of the councilor’s business.

“Have they found much yet?”

“Several things,” Elena told her. “One that may be of use to you.”

“Oh?”

“There are several stands of old growth wood, dense enough to be used in the building of channel riders.”

“I see,” Riko said. Her eyes studied the shore and Elena knew she was contemplating the possibilities. As Riko’s family was known for their ship building enterprises, Elena hoped contemplation would keep her busy for a while. They weighed anchor and Riko refused to walk the length of the dock, claiming such a hike was undignified. Elena thought it was due more to older knees than dignity and escorted them to the dinghy without comment. She lowered it over the side and with both Benjamin and Riko’s bodyguard rowing, it was not long before they reached the shore. Following the group’s progress through her telescope, Elena saw Mateo step from the trees to greet the party.

“Give them a good tour,” She muttered. “And keep them from getting hurt.” She didn’t even want to comprehend the trouble that would arise from either a councilor or a librarian being hurt on her watch. “Senior Librarian,” she corrected with a shake of her head. “I wonder why he forgot to mention that.” Spin meowed. “It is called sarcasm my dear,” Elena clarified. She rubbed Spin’s ears until she purred and wondered what she should do until the party returned.

It turned out she didn’t have long to be alone on the ship. Once Mateo lead the party into the woods Maria and Jasmine took one of their small boats over from the Crazy Chicken.

“Just wanted to give a quick report,” Maria told her. “We’ll keep an eye out and be gone before Riko returns.” As far as reports went it was fairly basic and Elena got the impression they just wanted to see a new face. The trip had gone smoothly, information was being recorded, samples gathered and no one had been injured. The two pilots had been taking turns staying aboard the ship so someone was always available should trouble arise. They were planning to send a small boat around the cape to get a closer look at the older channel.

“That’s the one above land right?” Elena asked. They both nodded. “Should be interesting.” She told them “Just don’t go alone. We still don’t know what is in the deeper woods.” Elena made tea and the three of them chatted about the possibilities of the planet and if the other yet to be opened channels would prove as rich a trove as this one. Elena realized that with eighteen pilots she could be looking at eighteen new channels and exclusive trading rights to each.

“We should probably go slowly so we don’t over extend our resources.” She thought for a minute. “Or scare the council.” Looking too powerful was something to be avoided nearly as much as looking too weak. That was one of the reasons for the partnership with Riko in the first place. It sent a message that while she did have this ability she still needed the help of the council.

Realizing that time was passing quickly, Maria and Jasmine left before Mateo lead the party back to shore. A little while later she lowered the hooks and brought the dinghy back to its cradle.

She watched her arriving passengers for the same signs of excitement she had seen on her crew. It was harder to find. Shawn certainly had it if the grin he was fighting was any indication. Evan maintained his stoic exterior but Elena could see his eyes sparkling. Riko’s face was the same polite mask as always but Elena thought she looked like she was doing mental calculations. Her body guard looked bored and Benjamin looked relieved. Apparently he didn’t want to find out the consequences of allowing a councilor and a librarian to be injured either. Once they were safely aboard Riko turned to Elena.

“I hope everything met your satisfaction,” Elena said pleasantly.

“It did,” Riko announced. “I will provide verification to the council that your proposal is genuine and should they approve your rights I will gladly enter into a partnership with your house. If the Senior Librarian has no objections I believe we should get underway as soon as possible. The season will not last forever.” Riko turned to Evan. “Do you agree with my assessment sir?” This last was stated more differentially than her comments to Elena had been.

“It is a universal truth my dear councilor that no season lasts forever.” Evan told her with a beatific smile. Elena tried hard not to laugh, glad that Riko was looking away from her.

“Of course,” Riko responded. “I merely wished to know if you have gathered all of the information you require r if you require a longer time here.”

“Of course,” Evan replied. “My business is complete. Whenever the captain feels the need to return to the Docking Facility I will be pleased to go.”

“I will tell the others of our departure,” Elena said, figuring they still had a good four hours of daylight left and there would be no benefit to fighting Riko on this point. Elena returned to the pilot house while Benjamin went to the galley to begin preparing dinner. She radioed Maria their intent, pulled up anchor and began the trip back.

If Elena had thought the trip out had been quiet, it was nothing to the return. Each of her passengers kept to their own affairs. Even Riko’s attempts at engaging Evan in conversation lapsed. By the time they docked Elena was more than ready for the silence to end. She greeted the noise of the docks with a sigh of relief. Beside her she felt Benjamin relax as well.

“The council will notify you of your hearing shortly,” Riko informed her as she left. Evan simply nodded, took his apprentice and left.

“I never knew silence could be so heavy,” Benjamin commented.

“That is probably because this silence was full of plots and schemes,” Elena replied. She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling the tension as a knot.

“Got time for lunch? Catherine asked walking up to her niece. Benjamin said his good byes and Elena smiled.

“I certainly do,” She answered. “Are you in port long?”

“Just a few days while they are doing repairs.”

“Really?” Elena asked concerned. Catherine waived off the concern.

“A little trouble with the Matrovean. I think they are expanding their territory.”

“Peachy,” Elena replied with a frown. Catherine laughed.

“It is the way of the world,” she responded leading Elena to the market place. “I wouldn’t mind so much if they would just try trading instead of raiding.”

“Given their history who would let them approach with an offer?” Elena asked. They both picked up meals from one of the venders. Catherine eyed her plate with suspicion.

“Would you care to hazard a guess as to the amount of cholesterol in this?” She asked.

“Not for the rights to the entire Lethian trade routes.” Elena replied. Catherine shrugged and took a seat at an available table. Elena joined her.

“My doctor told me I should be worried,” She added. She took a bite, chewed and swallowed. “They would have to meet at a neutral location and even then there would be a great deal of suspicion.”

“Do you ever wonder about their home planet?” Elena asked. “After all what type of place develops only raiders and no traders?”

“Maybe the raiders killed the traders?”

“Could be,” Elena agreed. She began eating her own meal but only managed a couple of bites before the same non-descript man Riko had summoned to deliver the proposals strode up to the side of their table.

“Captain Calabrese,” he said.

“Yes?” Elena replied putting her fork down.

“It is my duty to inform you that the council requests your presence in their chambers at exactly 2 DFT.”

“Thank you?” Elena replied. He nodded stiffly, turned and retreated. Elena pushed her plate away.

“Looks like I will have to pass on the rest of lunch,” She said glancing up at the large market clock. “I need to get showered and dressed for my appearance.”

“Good luck,” Catherine said. “I’d go for moral support but I am told it is to be a closed session.”

“Told?”

“Alexandro made the rounds. Apparently there is a family dinner tonight at Grazos.”

“Well he is thinking positive,” Elena said.

“Do you mind?” Catherine asked, indicating Elena’s plate. “I think yours has less cholesterol.”

“Go ahead,” Elena said as she stood. “At this point if I ate anything I would just throw it up at my hearing.” She left Catherine to swap plates and headed off towards her quarters. She was nearly there when Therese stepped into the corridor and decided to keep pace with Elena as she moved.

“What have you done this time?” Therese asked with a hiss.

“Nothing,” Elena replied. “Why should I have done something?”

“A closed session is never good.” Therese said.

“Then obviously I have done something bad,” Elena replied. “Either way I have only a little time to get ready to meet the council and little time to deal with you.”

“Do not shame the family. Some of us plan on being more than just simple transporters.” With that comment Therese wheeled off and started walking in the opposite direction. Elena thought of all the comments she could have made but shrugged it off. There simply wasn’t time. She entered her quarters at a near run. She shed clothes as soon as the door shut behind her, leaving a trail on her way to the shower. A short while later she was cleaned and dressed in a burgundy suit with a white dress shirt and heading back down the same corridor, veering left at the fork to head towards the council chanmbers rather than the market.

“The council never moves this fast,” she told herself as she tugged her cuffs straight. “Riko must be quite persuasive.” Elena entered the council chambers with ten minutes to spare and took her seat on the bench with the other supplicants, waiting to be called. A trade hearing was in progress. It was one she was close to and she listened with only half her attention. The two people seated before she arrived each had minor issues and were quickly cleared up. A clearing of the council chambers was called and everyone who qualified as the general public filed out of the room, leaving only Elena, the court recorder and the council.

“Captain Calabrese, we are ready for you now.” Elena took a deep breath, stood and took her place in the center of the room.

Storm Chaser: Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Nothing appeared to have changed from their last visit and Elena assisted the unloading of the gear from the Storm Chaser. Most of the supplies such as food and water had been loaded on the Crazy Chicken, which was staying, but Mateo’s gadgets and gizmos as well as the supply containers were sent to shore on one of the small boats. It took several trips and most of the day to unload. The Storm Chaser spend one night docked at the long pier. As the sun rose the next day, all of the crew except Benjamin left the Storm Chaser. As they weighed anchor and pulled away, Elena felt a little sad.

“It’s like we left the kids at summer camp,” Benjamin said handing her a cup of coffee as she piloted them back towards the channel.

“And they were very excited to stay weren’t they?” She said laughing. “Kind of wish I could stay with them.”

“Me too but someone has to figure out a way to keep the planet so they can continue to play.”

“This is true,” she said with a laugh. “And just think of all the handy crafts they will have to show us from arts and class hour.”

As the trip from the planet to the Docking Facility was in protected space, the journey was uneventful. Still the butterflies danced in her belly more and more the closer they sailed. As she circled looking for a port, Elena noticed most of the councilors, including Peter, Riko and her grandfather were docked. She mentally calculated the dates and realized it was close to one to the scheduled meeting days. As people were more or less constantly mobile during the season the council had set up certain scheduled days where people could do business with the council without disrupting normal trade.

“Handy,” she thought. “Maybe I won’t have to wait too long to have my proposal read.” As she expected, the available port she found most convenient was next to Riko’s ship. Elena had the feeling the counselor was making a point of not going away.

“I wonder if she has actually done any trading this season or if she just dedicated it to lurking,” Elena mused as the ship was secured in place.

“Good luck,” Benjamin told her.

“Thanks,” she called. “I’ll let you know as soon as we need to shove off.” She slung her small travel bag over her shoulder and gathered the proposals in her arms. The hard copy for the librarians was tucked into her bag although she planned on transferring an electronic copy to Evan first. The paper copy was in case he needed it later. As she stepped on to the dock, despite the crowds her eyes found Riko immediately. She was talking to Peter and neither of them looked happy with the situation.

Deciding waiting would be cowardly Elena walked up to them. They did not notice her until she was near enough to stop at a polite distance. She noticed their conversation seemed composed of nearly hissing comments. She cleared her throat and both heads swung towards her, reptilian fast. Elena fought hard to maintain her polite smile and not flinch. After a brief pause both Peter and Riko adopted polite masks as well.

“Am I interrupting?” She asked trying to sound innocent.

“Not at all,” Riko said sweetly.

“Of course not,” Peter echoed. “It is always a pleasure.”

“Thank you,” Elena said. “With the season beginning it’s decent I was anxious to complete some business.”

“Profitable business I hope?” Riko asked. Elena could see the somewhat smug look Riko shot Peter.

“One always hopes business is profitable,” Elena replied. She held out the top proposal and Riko took it from her with a snap. “This is a potential project I would be delighted if you would consider for possible partnership. It is of course contingent on council approval.” Elena indicated the stack she continued to hold. “I will be sending them via currier to the council hall momentarily but I thought as you were both here I would deliver yours in person, yours as you should know how the proposal I have given you fits into the whole and you Peter as thanks for all of your assistance.” She handed each of them the council proposal as Peter shot Riko a smug look.

“I take it Kiera has worked out?” Peter asked. Riko’s eyes narrowed in speculation.

“Yes, and thank you so much for expediting her vetting process. Without that I doubt I would be presenting the proposal this season.”

“A pleasure of course,” Peter told her.

“Andre has also been an invaluable member of my team as well, for which your family should be complemented. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get these to the appropriate currier.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Riko said. She turned looked at a small rather non-descript man standing off to the side. She snapped her fingers and he let to attention, racing across the hall to her side.

“Yes councilor how may I be of assistance?” He asked. His tone was pure differential. At best Elena could manage polite. ‘I would never make a good currier,’ she thought. Riko waved towards Elena’s stack of proposals.

“These need to be distributed to members of the council immediately. Both Baranov and I have our copies, these need to be delivered to the others.” The man reached for the stack and Elena passed it to him. Both Riko and Peter were staring at her.

“Thank you,” she responded. The currier dashed off on his deliveries. Elena smiled. “That saved quite a bit of time councilor, thank you.” She inclined her head. “If you will excuse me now, I have been too long from port.” She left the two of them standing there but could still see their reflection in the shiny surface of the walls. They both looked after her for a moment, looked at each other and turned to go their separate ways, whatever discussion they had been having previously forgotten. She was halfway to her quarters when she realized they had paused to allow her to correct Riko’s assessment.

“They expected me to have already alerted Grandfather,” she said. She thought about his insistence that she needed to stand on her own and be seen as an independent. She recalled his informing her of the descending guild members and that it would be her job to deal with them. While she often thought the other council members knew more of Alexandro because she refused to look at the dark side of his position she realized that as far as the family went, the rest of the council did not know him at all.

“Had I called grandfather before the others he would probably be upset.” She continued on to her quarters. “At best he would have gotten his copy with a note not to share and then a second copy with every one else’s so his pre-notice would not be evident.” After all it wouldn’t do to advertize family preference, even if people knew it happened. “Other wise I’d risk having my house merely an extension of Grandfather’s will and not really a house in its own right.” Elena entered her quarters and dropped her bag onto the couch.

She took her flash drive and following the instructions Evan Gregg had left her, transmitted the electronic copy of her proposal to him for his perusal. Having succeeded in conducting business so quickly, Elena decided on a long hot shower after which she dressed in an old t-shirt and a pair of yoga pants. She was too tired to go out and figured it would be at least morning before anyone would contact her. Elena curled up with a mug of tea and her reader.

Unable to resist she had downloaded one of her old favorites. It was the story of the pilot Eliza Franks and her many great escapes. Elena was halfway through Eliza’s counter raid of a matrovian raiding ship when the door bell sounded. Elena looked up from her reader blinking. She had forgotten to change the ring tone so the longer she took answering it, the louder it became. Elena cursed her forgetfulness and answered the door before it reached too disturbing a volume. To her surprise Evan Greggs waited on her doorstep.

“Oh come in Mr. Greggs,” She said stepping to the side. I’m afraid I wasn’t expecting company.” She indicated her clothing. He waved away her concerns.

“Not a problem, not a problem.” She showed him to a seat and resumed her place.

“Would you like some tea?” She offered.

“No I am fine and I will not take up more of your time than is needed. I received your proposal.” Evan beamed at her and Elena felt like a prize student in a spelling bee. “Simply wonderful. Upon first blush it has all that we require. I realize that you will also be using the area for commerce which is fine. I also noticed that you would more than likely be partnering with Councilor Inoe Riko for this venture?”

“Yes sir, I have made a proposal to her, contingent on council approval.”

“I must say I was quite impressed.”

“Oh,” Elena asked. “Riko does not partner with others often?”

“No not very often. Mostly because she is difficult to deal with. What I find impressive is that you found a way to deal with her.” He smiled and Elena laughed.

“The thought that even Riko would not wish to tangle with the Librarians had crossed my mind. And as I have no desire to pillage this new planet, stripping it completely of its resources when it could be of much greater benefit then a quick profit it seemed like a good fit.”

“Indeed,” Evan said. “And the House of Librarians agrees with you. We will conditionally accept your offer. It is my understanding that you will not announce that your gift to the guild is a home for the Library until after they have accepted your proposal?”

“Yes I felt that they would be more apt to approve if they thought the Guild tithe was the typical percentage.”

“You are Alexandro’s child,” he said with a chuckle. “We believe this will be prudent. The Council will want one of their own to vouch for your findings and given the potential partnership I suspect it will be Riko who is chosen for that task. The Librarians have already received a verification request from the Council asking that we verify the space is not currently claimed by any race known to us. While we have already checked the charts and found this to be true we wish to send one of our number to accompany you on this trip. We will tell the council it is due to the unusual nature of the request that we wish to do so.”

“I understand,” Elena said. “I would feel the same in your place.”

“If you have space, I would like for myself and one of my apprentices to go.”

“With the exception of Benjamin all of my crew remained on the planet while I returned to make the proposals. There will be space but it will be in the general crew’s quarters.”

“That will be fine. I do not need the trappings of power to remind others that I do indeed have power.” Evan rose. “I will leave you to your repose. I have the feeling we will be seeing each other very shortly. I do not think Riko has the patience to wait long when such a juicy morsel is dangled before her eyes. Goodnight Elena Calabrese.”

“Goodnight Evan Greggs. It was nice to have met you even though I will pretend not to know you in the morning.” He laughed and she let him into the hallway.

“Very much like your grandfather.” Elena closed the door behind him and returned to the couch. Somehow the daring exploits of old failed to entice her and she put the reader down and sipped her tea in thought before heading to bed.