Post by Hayle on Jun 30, 2023 1:00:14 GMT -5
The Capital Gains is a flurry of activity. The Arcosian mothership has squatted in the heart of South City spaceport for a few weeks now, and the locals seem relieved that it is finally, apparently, time to move on. Hayle's people have been recalled from their various duties; contract negotations that have not completed are to be abandoned. Goods that have not yet been delivered are to be cancelled. All of her deliveries, the trinkets and samples of her various industries, have been delivered. But there's no more time. Earth is no longer where the Zumat Matriarch can afford to be.
There is pressing business to be conducted elsewhere.
Rumours have abounded amongst her crew ever since the meeting with Ticoga and the recovery of the ruby that now sits proudly on her chest; the mark of the Empire. There is history to it, of course, but it is also a potent statement of allegiance. Zumat has been insular, conducting its own business and focusing on its own needs, for the vast majority of her reign. Apparently, such was no longer to be the case. Some have even dared to suggest that Ticoga may have threatened her into obedience; that Zumat are being compelled to bend the knee.
None have dared to voice that particular possibility to Hayle herself, though.
The woman stands in the middle of the spaceport, arms folded behind her back, beneath her cape, as Beyk - the red-feathered birdman who serves as her right hand - continues to squawk orders.
"Where is that woman?" Hayle mutters, squinting through her scouter - for once, the communication and battle device sits on her face. This journey has turned from amusing relaxation and diversion to pure, cold-hearted commerce. She could no longer afford to be out of touch with her people. The vacation was thoroughly over.
"We will be ready to leave in twenty minutes, My Queen." Beyk says, "If she hasn't appeared by then, I suggest we simply leave."
Hayle shot him a dark look. "And leave one of the only potentially interesting resources I found on this planet to waste away in obscurity? You have no vision, Beyk. Besides. She's supposed to be a fortuneteller. I doubt she'll miss an appointment, even one she doesn't know about."
Hayle shot him a dark look. "And leave one of the only potentially interesting resources I found on this planet to waste away in obscurity? You have no vision, Beyk. Besides. She's supposed to be a fortuneteller. I doubt she'll miss an appointment, even one she doesn't know about."
Wordcount: 377
Thread PL: 40,000
Active PL: 10,000 (Suppressed)
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