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Daughter of Ethos: Price of Power Book 3

Page 28

by L M Lacee


  ‘All your family are honest Frand, and really I did not know she was, do you think she would like to do that instead of trading?’

  He smiled. ‘Very much so. She does not care for what Rose does or what I do. She likes to stay home and count numbers.’

  ‘She is on Maikonia.’

  ‘It is her home.’ Rose answered.

  Peyton grinned at the snippy tone. ‘Alright, I need about ten million credits.’

  ‘Done. Now, I have to set up accounts for Maikonia at the Capital. Do you wish to have the credits in the banking house we are using at the moment?’

  ‘No, Hawk and I talked about this, we wish for you to set up our own banking house. Maikonia is ready to announce we are here to stay.’

  ‘Well our own banking house will see to that for us.’

  ‘Good.’ Said a satisfied Peyton.

  Rose grinned sharply as she told them. ‘The Capital will be wondering who is Maikonia. I can hear them whispering now.’

  ‘It seems you have a low opinion of the Capital and its citizens.’ Hawk commented as Rose gave an indelicate snort. ‘I will just say, it is very low.’

  Frand told them. ‘The Capitol is home to the Coalition and they despise the traders. We are considered just above Raiders.’

  Peyton asked. ‘Why?’

  Frand smiled like a shark. ‘It is hard to control a guild. Especially one as formidable as the traders. Imagine if they went against us, the universe would stop, no trades. Planets would riot, there would be no more Coalition. They hate the very idea of not being able to control us.’

  ‘And of course there are the credits they do not receive.’ Hawk murmured.

  Frand nodded in agreement. ‘That more than anything annoys them enormously.’

  Peyton nodded. ‘Oh yeah, I see that. They must hate it.’

  Rose agreed. ‘Oh, they do, but that is all they can do. So back to business. We have enough for the ten million and more than enough to establish our own banking house, we will have to staff it.’

  Peyton told her. ‘Hawk, Melody and Rage will work on security.’

  Hawk acknowledged that with a nod of his head and stated. ‘For security, I would like it if you could have members of your family staff it. If they say yes, they need to be aware they will be working and training people from Maikonia and that means the Solverea family if any wish to learn.’

  Frand said. ‘I will make the call.’ He left the room as Rose asked. ‘May I ask, the ten million credits, what is that for? You don’t have…’

  ‘Stop.’ Peyton held her hand up. ‘I have no problem telling you. It is to pay the four hundred and fifty Warriors from Oraintarre. Plus some credits for the civilians we are taking with us from the planet. The Warriors who came with us and the civilian staff will all get pay and bonuses for while they have been on mission, which is why I need Miko.’

  Marlo, Larson, Raley and Alexx all stumbled to a halt at her words as they stood outside her cabins open door, Alexx asked. ‘We get paid?’

  Larson asked. ‘Why?’

  Peyton smiled kindly at the older males. ‘Oh I did not know you were there. Please let me introduce our chief trader Rose, she and her brother Frand and sister Miko make up Maikonia trading house. We are lucky to have the advice of her family, if we need it. Rose these are Commanders Marlo, Larson, Raley and Alexx the ones we told you about.’

  They all bowed to her. ‘Trader Rose.’

  With a quick look over the four Commanders, Rose saw what Peyton and the others had told her. She gave Larson a considering look. She knew he was courting Helen. ‘Commanders.’

  Hawk said. ‘You may as well come in.’

  They all trouped in, Darby was curled up asleep in her chair, Rose said to Hawk. ‘If you will take her into bed. I will settle her for the night.’

  Peyton said. ‘It’s okay Rose, I’ve got this.’

  ‘Alright.’

  Peyton went over to Darby and said in a loud, panicked voice. ‘Oh my stars Darby, someone has broken into the ships systems.’

  Darby leaped to her feet. ‘What.... Where?’

  Peyton smiled, placing her arm around her shoulder. ‘Darby hon, you need to go to bed.’

  ‘Oh okay, good-eve everyone.’ She went into the room and closed the door. When Peyton turned around they were all looking at her with varying expressions, ranging from amused to shocked disbelief in their eyes.

  ‘What… What did I do?’

  Rose said, ‘Peyton, so bad.’

  Hawk decided to ignore what just happened and addressed the Commanders. ‘To answer your question, Madam Peyton believes that everyone should get credits, so everyone that works for Maikonia gets paid in one form or another.’

  Raley asked. ‘Even the Prowlers?’

  Hawk nodded. ‘Yes even them, they receive housing and food, plus hunting rights. Rage negotiated the deal with Rose’s help. I negotiated for the Warriors.’

  Peyton told them. ‘All deals can be accessed on your tablets.’

  Marlo said in his gruff voice. ‘We do not care about the deal. If Hawk made it, it will be fair. What we are having trouble understanding is why us, you did not send us here, so why pay us?’

  ‘Because you are Maikonia Warriors, whether you knew it or not. Whether you are awake or not, at the moment all four hundred and fifty Warriors will be paid twenty-five thousand credits. The two thousand Warriors from the moon will receive credits once we have settled the accounts, and they are brought out of stasis. Bonuses will be paid later from the sale of the mineral Salistred. When we are home, each person with a Prowler will have extra credits every lunera for upkeep and…’

  No. Stated Rage as he entered with Rave. We will renegotiate Prowler expenses.

  ‘I wanted to pay…’

  I understand what you wanted, Beloved, but we will negotiate with trader Rose.

  Peyton looked at him. ‘You like the trading, don’t you?’

  I will neither confirm nor deny that.

  ‘Stop watching old Earth vids.’

  No, they are hours of enjoyment. Rave likes the singing and dancing ones. He gave her a Prowler grin as Peyton smiled and said. ‘Oh really, the kiddies vids, how interesting.’

  Rave growled. What is this word, kiddies?

  ‘Never mind…’

  Rose said a little louder. ‘I suggest we get back to business before the night wears on.’

  Peyton and Rave stared at each other for a few seconds longer, then Peyton asked. ‘Alright, so what do you want to do Rose?’

  ‘Well, how long before the planet starts production again?’

  Peyton asked. ‘How long do we need?’

  ‘A full yenta would give us time to wait it out and get a better price, we could auction a quarter immediately and if we get the amount you said we will, we could do it every three luneras or when needs demand. Parta Savo is great at that, I could give it to him.’ She said worriedly. ‘For a commission of course.’

  Peyton stood. ‘It is up to you. I trust you and we will pay the commission if he takes it on. Now if that is all tonight. I have a comm to make, then I am for bed. I have two meetings in the morn.’

  At Hawk’s raised eyebrow, she said. ‘No Hawk, I will tell you in the morn. Rage, Rave good-eve. Commanders good-eve to you as well.’

  ‘Before we leave.’ Marlo halted her. ‘We, my brothers and I, on behalf of the other Warriors wish to thank you for the return of our weapons.’

  She dipped her head. ‘Rave and Iaan helped.’

  Larson said. ‘We are aware, but it was at your suggestion.’

  They all bowed to her. Flustered a little, Peyton said. ‘Well, I was told they can become like friends and we do not leave friends behind. Good-eve, my friends.’

  ‘Good-eve Madam.’

  Peyton asked Rose. ‘You have somewhere to stay?’

  ‘Yes, I have a cabin. That was nice Peyton, you are a very nice person for a scary alien.’

  Peyton laughed as she hugged
her. ‘I am happy you are here Rose, we did miss you.’

  Returning the hug, Rose sighed. ‘I am happy too, it was lonely without you Peyton.’ Then she slipped from her arms and waved as she left.

  Peyton checked on Darby, who was snuggled up with Honor, snoring softly. Smiling, she went to her desk. ‘Comp’ on.’

  Greetings Madam...

  ‘Greetings, are you well this eve?’

  I am exceeding well.

  ‘That is good, please comm trader Frand.’

  As you wish.

  Connected…

  Frand smiled as he answered her comm. ‘Madam?’

  ‘Frand did you talk to Miko?’

  ‘Yes, she awaits your call. Madam, about the other matter?’

  ‘Tomorrow Frand.’

  ‘Good-eve Madam.’

  ‘Oh wait, do you have somewhere to stay?’

  ‘I do thank you.’

  ‘Okay good-eve. Comp’ please comm Trader Miko.’

  As you wish.

  Connected.

  ‘Greetings, Madam Peyton, how are you?’

  ‘Greetings, Miko, I am fine. You know why I am calling?’

  ‘I do.’

  ‘Well, do you want to be the Chief Laroro for Maikonia?’

  ‘I do, it means I will have to remain at home?’

  ‘It is a job requirement.’

  Her heartfelt thank you, made Peyton smile as she told her. ‘I will confirm your salary when I return.’

  ‘Yes Madam. Is there anything I can work on now?’

  ‘Yes, I need you to talk to Rose tomorrow morn. Then I need for you to hire staff, ask Penny about that and you will need offices. Are there any free in your Hex?’

  ‘Yes several.’

  ‘Good, also get from Darby a list of the Oraintarre Warriors and survivors and then I need you to make them all up ident bands. Deposit 25,000 credits in each of their accounts please?’

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  ‘Ask Brenda for all the personnel names and set up ident bands for those that have none. For those that do have them. I need to know how much they have had placed in their accounts and when they were last paid. Eventually I wish for the peoples on all the worlds to have personal accounts.’

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  ‘Do you know about the Turqualls new status?’

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  ‘Good, so when we are home, you will need to find someone who can work with the Prowlers and set up a credit account for them as well.’

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  ‘We will be bringing with us the Solverea family please have accounts available for them.’

  Miko’s voice had become fainter and fainter the more she listened and tapped away on her tablet.

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  Peyton called to her. ‘Miko... Miko sweetie.’

  She lifted her head, panic in her eyes. ‘Yes Madam.’

  ‘You do not have to have everything done tomorrow. I know that is a lot of work. So take a breath tonight, think about it and then do the steps.’

  ‘There are steps… what steps?’ She asked real panic in her voice now.

  ‘Step one, offices. Step two, staff. Step three, delegate... Step four, names... Do you see where I am going?’

  With a relieved sigh and a smile Miko nodded. ‘Yes Madam, I do.’

  ‘Good, so start by making a list of your steps. I do not expect you to have everything done before we get home, but I do expect you to have a plan.’

  Miko said. ‘I think I can have more than a plan in place Madam Peyton.’

  Keeping her smile hidden at the affronted tone from the usually reserved Miko. Peyton nodded. ‘Good I knew you were the right person for the job. Speaking of that, there have to be Terran Laroro’s who are not working. I am sure they would really be interested in employment.’

  Miko nodded thoughtfully. ‘I am sure there are. I will ask Lady Brenda.’

  ‘Alright, so you have this. Comm me if you need me.’

  ‘I will Madam, good-eve.’

  ‘And to you as well, sleep well Miko.’

  Peyton nodded to herself then said. ‘Comp’, I would like an early call, 05:00 please.’

  Early call requested and logged. Good-eve Madam...

  ‘Ahh… good-eve, comp’ off.’

  Peyton shook her head, if Jean had personalized the comp’ she had added a very Terran attitude, which compared to the cold tones it usually had was pleasant. Peyton smiled, wondering why Jean had programmed the comp’ that way, it seemed unusual for the down- to- earth Jean to do so. With a yawn she wandered into her bedroom, before she slept she went over her own steps. Satisfied with the things she had put into place and what she was going to accomplish tomorrow. She fell asleep dreaming of home and flying.

  THIRTY-THREE:

  Early the next morn, Peyton eased quietly from her cabin, not wanting to wake either Darby or Honor. With coffee in hand, she slowly walked the passageways, finally ending up at the communication’s alley.

  ‘Greetings Warrior Tor.’

  ‘Greetings Madam, I was just about to send you a comm. Warrior Hue sent a message three mins ago.’

  ‘Thank you Warrior Tor, please forward it to my tablet.’

  ‘As you wish, Madam.’

  Peyton left the communication alley and returned to walking the passageways. Half-way to the war room she met up with Rage and they carried on together in silence. She placed the tablet on the table and sat with her hands on either side of it. Rage jumped onto his ledge. Is it from her?

  I should imagine so. Regardless Rage, we are leaving today.

  I wish to see home again.

  Me too, we have one stop on the way, then home to Maikonia. We are going to have to change some things.

  Yes, much change has to happen.

  She sighed as she said. A lot has changed already.

  This is true. You have grown.

  I know, sometimes I worry that I will grow too much.

  You will not.

  How do you know?

  We will not allow it. Sister Darby said so.

  Well, okay.

  We are for you, Beloved.

  As I am for you. Peyton tapped the tablet, opening to the audio message sent by Warrior Hue.

  ‘Greetings Madam, a male has arrived. He wishes to speak with you.’

  ‘Huh, not who, I thought. It seems Oraintarre has lost patience.’ She finished her coffee. ‘Rage, I am going to the planet. I will return shortly.’

  I will go to the nest.

  ‘Alright.’

  She stepped away from the table and raised her arms above her head and looked into her store of knowledge, found what she needed and became a living flame of white starlight. An instant later she was gone.

  Rage sighed, his Beloved had grown more than she realized. He did not allow her to see how concerned he and Fanharr were. He worried it would become too much for their Beloved to cope with. She was after all only Terran.

  Peyton materialized outside the port door, dismissing the flames as she said to the two stunned Warriors. ‘Greetings Warrior Hue.’

  A large male stepped forward. ‘Greetings Star Daughter, I was unsure you would recognize me?’

  ‘Warrior Hue, you are memorable.’

  He sighed at her answer. It was what he expected. ‘My size, I know.’

  Gently, she said. ‘No, Warrior Hue, it has nothing to do with your size. Your size is perfect. I know you because your needar shines more than any needar I have seen to date.’

  He stood there stunned at her words, it was not what he expected her answer to be, and he smiled shyly. ‘Thank you Star Daughter.’

  She nodded and asked. ‘So I am guessing your brother Warrior is Iaan Jerffon, who I have heard about?’

  The other Warrior who seemed younger than Hue and was not as well- muscled stepped forward. ‘I am Warrior Iaan Jerffon, Star Daughter.’

  ‘Greetings to you as well. Commander Hawk says very good things about
the pair of you. I am happy to have finally met you, Warrior Iaan.’

  ‘As I am pleased to have met you, Star Daughter.’

  Peyton smiled at the two Warriors, then said. ‘We are leaving today.’

  ‘That is good news.’ Hue told her as Iaan nodded his head in agreement.

  ‘It really is. Well, I am off to see the wizard.’ She allowed the flames to re-emerge.

  ‘Star Daughter are you alright, who is the Wizard and should we accompany you?’ Hue asked with concern lacing his voice.

  Peyton’s voice came from the middle of the flames. ‘Oh no, I do not need guarding and the wizard is from an old tale from Earth.’ At their confused looks, she sighed. ‘It is of no importance. I am meeting the male who came earlier, please return to the Warbird, there is no need for you to be here now, go get something to eat.’

  ‘As you wish, Star Daughter.’

  With that she started walking toward the town, a few feet from the port. Oraintarre appeared at her side.

  ‘Thank you Star Daughter for agreeing to see me.’

  ‘Oraintarre as if I would not. It is good to see you.’

  ‘I would not blame you if you decided you are angry with me and my people.’

  ‘Ahh well, being angry I have found, takes a lot of energy and it is early in the morn.’

  Oraintarre stilled for a moment. ‘Ha, you are being humorous?’

  ‘Yes, I thought you were unable to form a body and walk your surface?’

  ‘As was I until this morn a weight seems to have been lifted from me. I think my grief has finally run its course, your presence has gifted me with light. I thank you.’

  ‘Oh that is sweet, and I am very happy to have lightened your life.’

  Oraintarre nodded as he walked beside her. He looked around him and said softly. ‘I feel your anger, I am sorry if I am the cause.’

  ‘I am angry at the females of your ruling house, they hurt my Warriors and hid more from me, then tried to hold others hostage to get their own way. I am not angry with you. Why would I be, you did what you did, you are a planet? You cared for your people, and then you were in mourning. They have not cared well enough for themselves and you. So that really irritates me.’

  ‘I agree. Would you tell me what you have discovered?’

  They walked toward what constituted a main square. Oraintarre had shaped a tall, lean body, very much in the form of the male Oraintarre. He was lightly pink with oval dark eyes and instead of the one tone shade of color Sennha wore in her hair. Oraintarre had streaks of every color of his people, or perhaps Peyton thought they were shades of him. He was a striking looking male, dressed as he was in a white, long sleeved buttoned down shirt and white pants. Peyton was still bathed in flame. They must make a very odd pair, she thought.

 

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