Re: Apocalypse, CC, mature, ch 9, pg6 Feb 2, 2014
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 1:02 pm
Roswelllostcause: Remember that Isabel is untrusting and very unsure of what or who she wants.
keepsmiling7:
LuckyMiss: Earthinglings are one there by choice, one taken in a slave raid, one seen as a danger to the state and finally, Alex, someone who is truly disappointed with the World Government.
begonia9508: Feelings of romance and sex are highly cultural. They have sentiment, but they show feelings in different ways.
Natalie36: Liz and Alex are in similar situations, they are both under contract with the monarchy.
HypnotiqBlueEyes: Isabel is a proper Antarian princess.
Chapter 10
It was time for the second social meeting with those of Antar four. Liz had already made a promise to herself that she would be very careful how she left the side of the king. Kyle would be with Tess and Isabel and Max was sure that as a body guard Kyle had made his bones.
Alex had yet to meet the woman he was to be working for. So far, he had worked with the king’s assistant, Liz and she had been guiding him through the maze of Antarian law and society. Max came in and asked Alex to come into his office. “Alex, I am asking you to escort my sister to the meeting coming up. You are responsible to me for her protection. The royal transport will pick you up and take you to meet her at my compound and then, take you to the affair. It is a formal affair and Liz will see to it that you have the proper clothes. There has already been an attempt on Isabel’s life and that of the political slave, Tess. Their bodyguard stopped this and secured their safety. Please note that as the trial of the daughter of Antar Four grows closer to an end and the matter of their election approaches, I expect them to step up their attempts at assault.”
Talk about butterflies, this was the lady that when the king felt he had enough training, Alex was to work for. She had already been the object of an assault. Now, Alex understood his training and exercises in the Antarian war ship.
Back on Earth, the spacers, the Men not of this Earth, were looked upon as gods, except that the world government didn’t allow gods. Now, Alex was told that they had problems like any culture and government.
The clothes Liz had set out for him were not too different from what might be worn on Earth to a formal occasion. Alex was dressed and nervously waiting as two Antarian guards came for him. They drove out of the city to the king’s compound. The two guards opened the car door for him and followed him to the mansion door. Alex knocked and a butler opened the door. He ushered the three of them in and indicated them to take a seat on a bench that Alex was sure was used for that purpose. The bench must be a place those waiting to interview the royals sat while they were announced.
Five people came down the stairs. Leading was the princess. She wore a gown, which hung from her pert breasts. It was not full, but clung to her curves to show them off. It was white lace over some other white cloth. The next couple, the woman hanging onto the man’s arm with both hands, both wore slave bracelets. The woman was dressed similarly to the princess, but the man wore a black turtleneck shirt and a dark grey coat over black cargo pants, definitely not formal wear. The last couple approaching were a man in a dress uniform of a soldier of high command with the woman of gold, wearing a slave bracelet hanging on his arm. Her golden dress was slit high enough for Alex to see her golden shear stockings going up her thighs.
Liz had tried to explain this slave thing, but Alex still had too many Earth conceptions to rid himself of. They all stood as the butler taking Isabel’s hand and placing it in Alex’s, announced, “May I present the sister of the king, Isabel.”
Alex bowed slightly and said; “I think, eventually I am to work for you as soon as the king thinks my training is complete.”
Isabel gave him a smile, her brown eyes, sometimes hard, softened a little. She took his arm and they returned to the vehicle. There were six seats in the vehicle and Alex and Isabel took the farthest one back. Kyle and Tess took the seat facing them while Michael and his girl took the middle seat. Alex noticed that Michael always held Maria at a distance from any group. He made a note to ask Liz if she knew why.
Kyle started the conversation. “Alex, how far in Earth’s educational system did you go?”
“I went all the way and was working with the dons,” Alex explained.
“Then why did you leave?” Kyle inquired.
“I was trained in law. There wasn’t any law. All pronouncements were by executive order. I was a defender and I tried to fight for those I felt were treated unfairly. It didn’t matter. A man’s fate was always decided before any court appearance. I couldn’t take that duplicity. I thought the system I did not know had to be better than the system I knew and strongly disliked. I received an invitation to interview and here I am. I am working for the king and soon to be working for the princess,” with that, Alex looked to Isabel. She, as a true princess, made no expression at all.
After that, they mostly rode in silence. Alex had time to reason. The princess held on to his arm as he was her escort. Tess held on to Kyle like she feared someone would take him away from her. They were both wearing slave bracelets, so maybe, that was her reason. Michael held on to Maria as if he worried she might escape someway. This was strange because Maria also wore a slave bracelet and clearly belonged to Michael. There were many things going on that Alex clearly didn’t understand.
At the place where the diplomatic gathering was taking place, Alex got out first and taking Isabel’s arm, they entered the ballroom. From a distance, he saw Tess and Kyle, but when they entered the ballroom, Tess quickly dropped Kyle’s arm and he stood close to her with both arms free, like a soldier looking for a fight, Alex thought. Michael was standing at the edge of the crowd watching the king. Maria was loosely holding his arm, but Alex was sure that she would drop her hold if Michael was to spring into action. The king’s people were not at a party, they were at a prize fight. Everyone was waiting to see who started it.
“Come on, Alex,” Isabel whispered.
She led them to the center of a large group. There was one grand dame talking. “I don’t see why the king doesn’t hurry the traitor’s trial. She committed treason so be done with her. She is a distraction to our negotiations about our own monarchy,” the elder lady viciously stated.
As they passed by, Isabel whispered to Alex, “They are talking about the girl waiting to be executed. Her own people provoked her to violence and now are disowning her and leaving her to be executed.”
They moved until they were within hearing distance of the king. Alex saw that Liz was standing beside him. “Why can’t we have the elections now? Why do have to wait until so much later?” one elder statesman asked to no one in particular, but aimed at the monarchy in general.
“You deposed your leaders in violence and executed them. That is why I want to wait until things cool down to let your people decide what they really want,” Max replied.
“Who cares what the rabble want? We want to establish a legitimate government and we want to do it now,” the statesman stated.
“The girl, Rulian, shows that there is still violence against some of your people. Someone instigated a direct assault against the king,” Max said.
“We disavow Rulian. Destroy her. Even her family says she worked alone,” the statesman cried.
Max smiled, “My friend, you would have better been a comedian than a statesman. No girl like Rulian could act alone.”
When Liz went to the lady’s room, Tess and Isabel walked with her.
Standing alone while Isabel was gone, a man walked up to Alex. “Earthman, what is your purpose here?” he blurted out.
“They made me promise not to kill anyone, tonight. So you better leave before I break my promise,” Alex replied feeling a certain bit of bravado.
“You insolent barbarian, I could burn you to a crisp,” the man said as he raised his hand.
Kyle, ever vigilant walked behind and quickly taking the upraised hand, with one quick stroke he broke it. “I don’t think you can do much with a broken hand,” he said as those who followed the speaker carried him to a place where he could receive medical attention.
Most of those gathered were civil. The diplomats from Antar Four were pushing good manners and good sense. Kyle had already broken the one diplomat’s hand. Max saw that the actions of the hot heads from Antar Four were their own worst enemies. Most of the planetary governments did not want a rival monarchy in their vicinity. After delivering Kyle, the Isabella II was still in near space. Max was working up a plan.
---------------------
After the party, It was suggested that Alex move into an apartment within the king’s house. Max explained that Alex had been hired to advise and protect the sister of the king and he could accomplish this better living at the compound. Liz had gotten Alex pretty well straightened out with regard to Antarian law. Alex had many suggestions to make as soon as the king had time to consider them. The longer he remained on Antar, the better he liked it. Here, he was challenged to find ways to help a civilization. The king even appeared to be willing to hear them. Back home he would have spent years as a flunky expecting to loose and be a good sport. The most he could have hoped for was that, someday, he would be just like the rest of them. Fleeing Earth, Alex was advised that there was a warrant for his arrest. Alex was charged with the fraudulent use of Educational funds, that was the expense of his education by the state.
Like Kyle, when brought to the compound, Alex first saw the golden slave girl. The pilot of the transport laughed, “Careful, bub, Let the king’s second see you looking at her and your contract could be canceled permanently.”
With this, Alex knew that he would have to be a quick study of proper etiquette within the compound. The king had that assistant. She helped Alex in everything else; maybe, she could give him advice. Alex didn’t know what the relationship was between the assistant and the king, but apparently, she was someone who could be approached.
Alex knocked on the apartment he had been told was Liz’s. She quickly came to the door and Alex had a great surprise. In the office, Liz was always dressed in suit jacket with matching skirt and a white blouse. Alex had admired her trim legs as he watched her walk about the office. What ever the stockings of women on Antar was made of, it only enhanced the natural beauty of their legs. The Liz he saw now, was dressed in loose-fitting slacks and an oversized pullover shirt. Alex noticed her bare feet were in some sort of slippers. “What can I do for you, Alex?” she asked.
“I need some assistance as to who I can approach and who is strictly off limits,” Alex stated.
Liz laughed, “Yes it gets pretty complicated.”
“The pilot of the transport which brought me here told me that the golden slave girl just outside the main house was strictly off limits even to gaze at,” Alex explained.
Liz nodded. “Yes, she belongs to Michael, the king’s second. He is pretty protective towards her. She is a slave girl from Earth and when I was in school, we were best friends. Michael lets her come to see me sometimes, but not enough for either of us. She is a singer and songwriter. If you wish, I will try to find a safe time for you to meet her. She is a fascinating woman.”
“That would be nice, but I don’t want any trouble. Whom else, can I approach?” he asked.
“Well, there is the king’s sister, Isabel. She appears very cold, but that is only until she gets to know you. You are going to be working with her so she should be high on your list. I would suggest that you send her a note that you would like to join her in her morning exercise. That is when she would be the easiest to approach. Then, there is her slave girl, Teresa, known as Tess. Tess is very easy to talk to. Isabel has given her a lover, another slave from Earth, Kyle. You met Kyle the other night. He is a soldier and very fast to anger. He has killed two Antarians who breached our compound. I don’t think he is like Michael. Kyle might show anger if he thought you were taking Tess away from him, but I don’t think talking would bother him. Tess is involved with the situation on Antar Four. Her family sold her into slavery to pay off a dept. The reining family, now, is the one who executed Tess’s family. Normally, Kyle is an easygoing guy. If you have questions he might be open to information,” Liz related.
“And, you are you available to talk to?” Alex asked.
Liz laughed. “Sometimes, but remember I am at the call of the king. When I am not with him, I guess it is my time to spend. Talk is all I can give. Anything else might compromise my position with the king.”
“Alex nodded, “Well, maybe, I should sign up for that early morning run. I will send the king’s sister a request immediately.”
Liz had to smile as he left. He wanted so badly to please. Sometime maybe, the Earthlings should get together and share their separate stories.
The workouts on the spaceship had kept Alex in good shape. That hadn’t been always true. On Earth, Alex had been a geek and avoided physical exercise. On the spaceship, bodybuilding had been a requirement for him. Now, Alex was glad of all the pain he had spent getting into shape.
At the appointed time, Alex was waiting at the front door to the mansion. He still wasn’t sure what to call it, house, palace, mansion or as many of those at the house called it, the main house. Kyle and Tess had outfitted Alex in running shorts, shoes and jacket. When Isabel came out, a nod was all she gave. Isabel immediately started on her run. Alex was sure that she was testing him and running faster than she usually did. What Alex didn’t know was that Isabel had told Tess and Kyle to take their run earlier. She wanted to evaluate Alex alone. The main house and the outlaying buildings were in the middle of the compound. To the front where the gate was located, there were many low hills. Once behind the main group of buildings, the area was wooded. Alex noticed that crossing in every direction were foot trails. He, also, saw several unimproved roads mostly at the perimeter of the compound. Alex imagined that the roads were for security patrol and emergency. Isabel chose a path that headed toward the front gate and thus through the hills. Before they got to the front fence, she changed direction and taking another trail, headed back to the forested area. Once she found she couldn’t shake Alex, Isabel settled down to a steady pace.
Alex, a student of history, had a rudimentary knowledge of Geology or, in this case, the study of the land of Antar. The hills were all covered in vegetation, but there were no outcroppings of rock. As they left the hills to one side of the main house, Alex figured it out. The hills, the forest he imagined were all man made. Where Earth had been a young planet, Antar was old. If you wanted hills, you had to make them. If you wanted forest you had to plant them. At the first chance, Alex was going to request a tour of other parts of Antar.
In the shade of the forest, Isabel stopped and reaching behind a bush, she removed two cool bottles of some liquid and threw one to Alex. “At least you aren’t a wimp,” she stated
“You were expecting the king would hire a wimp to guard his sister?” Alex returned.
Alex was expecting a teasing retort, but suddenly Isabel became quiet. Then, Alex realized that to answer his question could be seen as criticizing the king, Isabel would almost have to commit treason. You didn’t lightly belittle a decision of the king in this world. Finally, she said quietly, “I am sure that any decision my brother made, was well thought out and investigated.”
Isabel slowly, still holding her bottle of drink, started walking. Alex quickly fell in with her. “If we are to work together, what am I to call you? Do you prefer your highness, m’lady, Princess Isabel or what?” he asked.
“For the moment, Isabel will do fine. We gave up high-sounding titles long ago. Remind me, exactly what are you too do for me?” she asked.
“Back on Earth, I was trained in law and the history of law. On the way here, I was given intensive bodybuilding and defense instructions. The king’s assistant, Liz, has been bringing me up to speed on Antarian law. I suppose that I am to advise you in legal matters and to protect your person in other matters,” Alex explained.
“I have two slaves in my household. I would like your assistance to be extended to them, also,” Isabel’s request sounding like a question waiting to see if he could comply.
“Of course, I would like to interview them sometime to see how I can be of service,” Alex answered.
They came to a waste disposal and both of them finished off their drinks, deposited the bottles and then picked up the pace going back to the main building.
Back in the building they parted company with a cursory nod and both went to their respective apartments. Alex showered and started exploring again. He knocked on Liz’s apartment door, but she must have been at their office with the king. Looking out the front door, Alex saw the golden slave. He remembered what Liz and the pilot had both said. He would have to know Michael a lot better before he sat and conversed with his woman.
keepsmiling7:
LuckyMiss: Earthinglings are one there by choice, one taken in a slave raid, one seen as a danger to the state and finally, Alex, someone who is truly disappointed with the World Government.
begonia9508: Feelings of romance and sex are highly cultural. They have sentiment, but they show feelings in different ways.
Natalie36: Liz and Alex are in similar situations, they are both under contract with the monarchy.
HypnotiqBlueEyes: Isabel is a proper Antarian princess.
Chapter 10
It was time for the second social meeting with those of Antar four. Liz had already made a promise to herself that she would be very careful how she left the side of the king. Kyle would be with Tess and Isabel and Max was sure that as a body guard Kyle had made his bones.
Alex had yet to meet the woman he was to be working for. So far, he had worked with the king’s assistant, Liz and she had been guiding him through the maze of Antarian law and society. Max came in and asked Alex to come into his office. “Alex, I am asking you to escort my sister to the meeting coming up. You are responsible to me for her protection. The royal transport will pick you up and take you to meet her at my compound and then, take you to the affair. It is a formal affair and Liz will see to it that you have the proper clothes. There has already been an attempt on Isabel’s life and that of the political slave, Tess. Their bodyguard stopped this and secured their safety. Please note that as the trial of the daughter of Antar Four grows closer to an end and the matter of their election approaches, I expect them to step up their attempts at assault.”
Talk about butterflies, this was the lady that when the king felt he had enough training, Alex was to work for. She had already been the object of an assault. Now, Alex understood his training and exercises in the Antarian war ship.
Back on Earth, the spacers, the Men not of this Earth, were looked upon as gods, except that the world government didn’t allow gods. Now, Alex was told that they had problems like any culture and government.
The clothes Liz had set out for him were not too different from what might be worn on Earth to a formal occasion. Alex was dressed and nervously waiting as two Antarian guards came for him. They drove out of the city to the king’s compound. The two guards opened the car door for him and followed him to the mansion door. Alex knocked and a butler opened the door. He ushered the three of them in and indicated them to take a seat on a bench that Alex was sure was used for that purpose. The bench must be a place those waiting to interview the royals sat while they were announced.
Five people came down the stairs. Leading was the princess. She wore a gown, which hung from her pert breasts. It was not full, but clung to her curves to show them off. It was white lace over some other white cloth. The next couple, the woman hanging onto the man’s arm with both hands, both wore slave bracelets. The woman was dressed similarly to the princess, but the man wore a black turtleneck shirt and a dark grey coat over black cargo pants, definitely not formal wear. The last couple approaching were a man in a dress uniform of a soldier of high command with the woman of gold, wearing a slave bracelet hanging on his arm. Her golden dress was slit high enough for Alex to see her golden shear stockings going up her thighs.
Liz had tried to explain this slave thing, but Alex still had too many Earth conceptions to rid himself of. They all stood as the butler taking Isabel’s hand and placing it in Alex’s, announced, “May I present the sister of the king, Isabel.”
Alex bowed slightly and said; “I think, eventually I am to work for you as soon as the king thinks my training is complete.”
Isabel gave him a smile, her brown eyes, sometimes hard, softened a little. She took his arm and they returned to the vehicle. There were six seats in the vehicle and Alex and Isabel took the farthest one back. Kyle and Tess took the seat facing them while Michael and his girl took the middle seat. Alex noticed that Michael always held Maria at a distance from any group. He made a note to ask Liz if she knew why.
Kyle started the conversation. “Alex, how far in Earth’s educational system did you go?”
“I went all the way and was working with the dons,” Alex explained.
“Then why did you leave?” Kyle inquired.
“I was trained in law. There wasn’t any law. All pronouncements were by executive order. I was a defender and I tried to fight for those I felt were treated unfairly. It didn’t matter. A man’s fate was always decided before any court appearance. I couldn’t take that duplicity. I thought the system I did not know had to be better than the system I knew and strongly disliked. I received an invitation to interview and here I am. I am working for the king and soon to be working for the princess,” with that, Alex looked to Isabel. She, as a true princess, made no expression at all.
After that, they mostly rode in silence. Alex had time to reason. The princess held on to his arm as he was her escort. Tess held on to Kyle like she feared someone would take him away from her. They were both wearing slave bracelets, so maybe, that was her reason. Michael held on to Maria as if he worried she might escape someway. This was strange because Maria also wore a slave bracelet and clearly belonged to Michael. There were many things going on that Alex clearly didn’t understand.
At the place where the diplomatic gathering was taking place, Alex got out first and taking Isabel’s arm, they entered the ballroom. From a distance, he saw Tess and Kyle, but when they entered the ballroom, Tess quickly dropped Kyle’s arm and he stood close to her with both arms free, like a soldier looking for a fight, Alex thought. Michael was standing at the edge of the crowd watching the king. Maria was loosely holding his arm, but Alex was sure that she would drop her hold if Michael was to spring into action. The king’s people were not at a party, they were at a prize fight. Everyone was waiting to see who started it.
“Come on, Alex,” Isabel whispered.
She led them to the center of a large group. There was one grand dame talking. “I don’t see why the king doesn’t hurry the traitor’s trial. She committed treason so be done with her. She is a distraction to our negotiations about our own monarchy,” the elder lady viciously stated.
As they passed by, Isabel whispered to Alex, “They are talking about the girl waiting to be executed. Her own people provoked her to violence and now are disowning her and leaving her to be executed.”
They moved until they were within hearing distance of the king. Alex saw that Liz was standing beside him. “Why can’t we have the elections now? Why do have to wait until so much later?” one elder statesman asked to no one in particular, but aimed at the monarchy in general.
“You deposed your leaders in violence and executed them. That is why I want to wait until things cool down to let your people decide what they really want,” Max replied.
“Who cares what the rabble want? We want to establish a legitimate government and we want to do it now,” the statesman stated.
“The girl, Rulian, shows that there is still violence against some of your people. Someone instigated a direct assault against the king,” Max said.
“We disavow Rulian. Destroy her. Even her family says she worked alone,” the statesman cried.
Max smiled, “My friend, you would have better been a comedian than a statesman. No girl like Rulian could act alone.”
When Liz went to the lady’s room, Tess and Isabel walked with her.
Standing alone while Isabel was gone, a man walked up to Alex. “Earthman, what is your purpose here?” he blurted out.
“They made me promise not to kill anyone, tonight. So you better leave before I break my promise,” Alex replied feeling a certain bit of bravado.
“You insolent barbarian, I could burn you to a crisp,” the man said as he raised his hand.
Kyle, ever vigilant walked behind and quickly taking the upraised hand, with one quick stroke he broke it. “I don’t think you can do much with a broken hand,” he said as those who followed the speaker carried him to a place where he could receive medical attention.
Most of those gathered were civil. The diplomats from Antar Four were pushing good manners and good sense. Kyle had already broken the one diplomat’s hand. Max saw that the actions of the hot heads from Antar Four were their own worst enemies. Most of the planetary governments did not want a rival monarchy in their vicinity. After delivering Kyle, the Isabella II was still in near space. Max was working up a plan.
---------------------
After the party, It was suggested that Alex move into an apartment within the king’s house. Max explained that Alex had been hired to advise and protect the sister of the king and he could accomplish this better living at the compound. Liz had gotten Alex pretty well straightened out with regard to Antarian law. Alex had many suggestions to make as soon as the king had time to consider them. The longer he remained on Antar, the better he liked it. Here, he was challenged to find ways to help a civilization. The king even appeared to be willing to hear them. Back home he would have spent years as a flunky expecting to loose and be a good sport. The most he could have hoped for was that, someday, he would be just like the rest of them. Fleeing Earth, Alex was advised that there was a warrant for his arrest. Alex was charged with the fraudulent use of Educational funds, that was the expense of his education by the state.
Like Kyle, when brought to the compound, Alex first saw the golden slave girl. The pilot of the transport laughed, “Careful, bub, Let the king’s second see you looking at her and your contract could be canceled permanently.”
With this, Alex knew that he would have to be a quick study of proper etiquette within the compound. The king had that assistant. She helped Alex in everything else; maybe, she could give him advice. Alex didn’t know what the relationship was between the assistant and the king, but apparently, she was someone who could be approached.
Alex knocked on the apartment he had been told was Liz’s. She quickly came to the door and Alex had a great surprise. In the office, Liz was always dressed in suit jacket with matching skirt and a white blouse. Alex had admired her trim legs as he watched her walk about the office. What ever the stockings of women on Antar was made of, it only enhanced the natural beauty of their legs. The Liz he saw now, was dressed in loose-fitting slacks and an oversized pullover shirt. Alex noticed her bare feet were in some sort of slippers. “What can I do for you, Alex?” she asked.
“I need some assistance as to who I can approach and who is strictly off limits,” Alex stated.
Liz laughed, “Yes it gets pretty complicated.”
“The pilot of the transport which brought me here told me that the golden slave girl just outside the main house was strictly off limits even to gaze at,” Alex explained.
Liz nodded. “Yes, she belongs to Michael, the king’s second. He is pretty protective towards her. She is a slave girl from Earth and when I was in school, we were best friends. Michael lets her come to see me sometimes, but not enough for either of us. She is a singer and songwriter. If you wish, I will try to find a safe time for you to meet her. She is a fascinating woman.”
“That would be nice, but I don’t want any trouble. Whom else, can I approach?” he asked.
“Well, there is the king’s sister, Isabel. She appears very cold, but that is only until she gets to know you. You are going to be working with her so she should be high on your list. I would suggest that you send her a note that you would like to join her in her morning exercise. That is when she would be the easiest to approach. Then, there is her slave girl, Teresa, known as Tess. Tess is very easy to talk to. Isabel has given her a lover, another slave from Earth, Kyle. You met Kyle the other night. He is a soldier and very fast to anger. He has killed two Antarians who breached our compound. I don’t think he is like Michael. Kyle might show anger if he thought you were taking Tess away from him, but I don’t think talking would bother him. Tess is involved with the situation on Antar Four. Her family sold her into slavery to pay off a dept. The reining family, now, is the one who executed Tess’s family. Normally, Kyle is an easygoing guy. If you have questions he might be open to information,” Liz related.
“And, you are you available to talk to?” Alex asked.
Liz laughed. “Sometimes, but remember I am at the call of the king. When I am not with him, I guess it is my time to spend. Talk is all I can give. Anything else might compromise my position with the king.”
“Alex nodded, “Well, maybe, I should sign up for that early morning run. I will send the king’s sister a request immediately.”
Liz had to smile as he left. He wanted so badly to please. Sometime maybe, the Earthlings should get together and share their separate stories.
The workouts on the spaceship had kept Alex in good shape. That hadn’t been always true. On Earth, Alex had been a geek and avoided physical exercise. On the spaceship, bodybuilding had been a requirement for him. Now, Alex was glad of all the pain he had spent getting into shape.
At the appointed time, Alex was waiting at the front door to the mansion. He still wasn’t sure what to call it, house, palace, mansion or as many of those at the house called it, the main house. Kyle and Tess had outfitted Alex in running shorts, shoes and jacket. When Isabel came out, a nod was all she gave. Isabel immediately started on her run. Alex was sure that she was testing him and running faster than she usually did. What Alex didn’t know was that Isabel had told Tess and Kyle to take their run earlier. She wanted to evaluate Alex alone. The main house and the outlaying buildings were in the middle of the compound. To the front where the gate was located, there were many low hills. Once behind the main group of buildings, the area was wooded. Alex noticed that crossing in every direction were foot trails. He, also, saw several unimproved roads mostly at the perimeter of the compound. Alex imagined that the roads were for security patrol and emergency. Isabel chose a path that headed toward the front gate and thus through the hills. Before they got to the front fence, she changed direction and taking another trail, headed back to the forested area. Once she found she couldn’t shake Alex, Isabel settled down to a steady pace.
Alex, a student of history, had a rudimentary knowledge of Geology or, in this case, the study of the land of Antar. The hills were all covered in vegetation, but there were no outcroppings of rock. As they left the hills to one side of the main house, Alex figured it out. The hills, the forest he imagined were all man made. Where Earth had been a young planet, Antar was old. If you wanted hills, you had to make them. If you wanted forest you had to plant them. At the first chance, Alex was going to request a tour of other parts of Antar.
In the shade of the forest, Isabel stopped and reaching behind a bush, she removed two cool bottles of some liquid and threw one to Alex. “At least you aren’t a wimp,” she stated
“You were expecting the king would hire a wimp to guard his sister?” Alex returned.
Alex was expecting a teasing retort, but suddenly Isabel became quiet. Then, Alex realized that to answer his question could be seen as criticizing the king, Isabel would almost have to commit treason. You didn’t lightly belittle a decision of the king in this world. Finally, she said quietly, “I am sure that any decision my brother made, was well thought out and investigated.”
Isabel slowly, still holding her bottle of drink, started walking. Alex quickly fell in with her. “If we are to work together, what am I to call you? Do you prefer your highness, m’lady, Princess Isabel or what?” he asked.
“For the moment, Isabel will do fine. We gave up high-sounding titles long ago. Remind me, exactly what are you too do for me?” she asked.
“Back on Earth, I was trained in law and the history of law. On the way here, I was given intensive bodybuilding and defense instructions. The king’s assistant, Liz, has been bringing me up to speed on Antarian law. I suppose that I am to advise you in legal matters and to protect your person in other matters,” Alex explained.
“I have two slaves in my household. I would like your assistance to be extended to them, also,” Isabel’s request sounding like a question waiting to see if he could comply.
“Of course, I would like to interview them sometime to see how I can be of service,” Alex answered.
They came to a waste disposal and both of them finished off their drinks, deposited the bottles and then picked up the pace going back to the main building.
Back in the building they parted company with a cursory nod and both went to their respective apartments. Alex showered and started exploring again. He knocked on Liz’s apartment door, but she must have been at their office with the king. Looking out the front door, Alex saw the golden slave. He remembered what Liz and the pilot had both said. He would have to know Michael a lot better before he sat and conversed with his woman.