Starfire and The Planet Killer

by Christine Westhead

  "Welcome my dear. Please come inside and meet my daughter." Erion curtsied and presented Raan, Starfire and Hal. The King, although clearly pleased to see Erion, gave her friends a cursory nod and lifted his arm for Erion to take.

  "I feel like the hired help," muttered Starfire to Hal as they trotted along behind the stately looking couple. One of the guards on the door obviously thought so, for as they passed, he gave Starfire's rear a playful tweak. He regretted his action an instant later, as he stood, hardly daring to breathe, with Starfire's laser dagger at his throat. Raan turned his roar of laughter into a cough as Erion glared at them both.

  "A playful nip, Sire." he began, as Starfire withdrew the blade. The king sighed and turned toward Estrada.

  "The King's personal guard, handpicked for courage, loyalty and quick wittedness, outsmarted by a Terrellian female." He was still shaking his head sadly as he walked away, with the others in tow.

  There was a business air about the place, and Estrada explained that the Palace doubled as Council Chambers, where matters of local interest were debated, taxes were collected and law courts sat. The place had an empty look about it though, and Estrada nodded when Starfire pointed it out.

  "Today is a local holiday," explained Estrada. He looked pointedly at Erion and managed to exclude and Hal and Starfire with his body, "in your honour, My Lady." The party made their way through a huge hall, with four gilt thrones at one end, sited on a plinth. The king motioned to them as they approached. "They are hardly ever used now, except on special occasions." Two young pages opened the large doors wide at the other end of the room and Estrada explained that they were now heading towards the royal apartments. There was the sound of people hustling and bustling as they walked down the long wide corridors, and several times, pale skinned servant women crossed their path carrying linen or cleaning equipment. They smiled at the King and bowed politely to Estrada as they swept by.

  "Estrada ensures that the Palace runs like clockwork," said the King, proudly. Estrada smiled widely and muttered something about doing his job. The smile though, did not quite reach his dark amber eyes. Starfire quickened her pace to reach his side and said,

  "Mister Estrada, tell me, why did Hal and I receive such a strange reception when we arrived. Haven't Katraians seen Terrellians before?" Estrada had the good grace to look uncomfortable.

  "Many years ago, Terrellians were kept as slaves. I regret to say that they were not treated well and there was an uprising. The few Terrellians that were not killed were integrated into our society and the Terrellian gene has all but disappeared from our people." Estrada looked like he was sucking a lemon and they realised that it greatly disturbed him to talk about the subject.

  "I'm sorry," began Starfire, "I had no wish to offend." Estrada smiled briefly and bowed lightly.

  "There was no intent, therefore no offence has been taken." He made as if to take her hand, then thought better of it. "The pale gene still surfaces from time to time but all are equal here." He still looked very uncomfortable though and Starfire decided not to mention it further. Just then, a door burst open and an young Aurian woman, probably in her late teens or early twenties, hurtled into the corridor, shouting, "I won't do it, I won't, I won't!" to someone who was obviously still inside the room. She turned away from the approaching group and ran off in the opposite direction without even seeing them, her long hair and heavy silk robes flying behind her.

  "My daughter, the Princess Rigondal," explained King Lendus." An intelligent child but wayward." They walked on and eventually stopped at another set of doors.

  "Your suite," said Estrada, opening the doors and walking straight in.

  "It is most impressive," smiled Erion to Estrada, who was obviously expecting some kind of praise. The room was huge, built of grey stone blocks and had two, massive windows that looked out over the courtyard and gardens below. A fake log fire roared in the grate and the walls were covered in rich tapestries. There was a faint odour of dampness that the gently perfumed air couldn't quite mask and the room was cold, even though it was sunny outside. Two light skinned servant girls in plain costume curtsied low and smiled shyly upwards at Hal, who had just entered the room. Estrada looked a little embarrassed.

  "I arranged for maids to see to your welfare."

  "Oh, thank you Estrada, but my companion will see to my needs," put in Erion, smiling at Starfire, who smiled sarcastically back.

  "We will bid your leave then," said Lendus.

  "If there is anything you need, please address the computer in your sitting room. Someone will attend you," added Estrada. He turned and followed King Lendus from the room and the two pages closed the high double doors.

  "Well!" exclaimed Erion, plonking herself on a couch.

  "You said it." agreed Starfire, sitting next to her and helping herself from a silver plate of fruit on the low table in front of them. "I wish Del was here." She cast a look around the huge room. "Do you think it's bugged?"

  "More than likely," answered Raan. "In the holos I was watching about this place, the old Katraia was always at war with itself."

  "Something isn't right here," mused Hal.

  "I get the same feeling," said Starfire. "Did anyone else notice that all the servants seem to have pale skin? They look like Aurians, but they're lighter somehow."

  "You're imagining things," began Raan. "You're seeing Terrellian slaves behind every rock and tree."

  "Yeah," began Starfire, "the pale gene surfaces from time to time," she mimicked. "He makes it sound like a disease."

  "You're just an old cynic Star," put in Erion.

  "And you're too trusting," her friend shot back. "Where's this handsome prince of yours anyway?"

  "Probably out jousting or hunting," suggested Raan, helpfully.

  "Very funny," muttered Erion. The door knocked at this point, and before anyone could answer it, two pages staggered in carrying bales of costumes, which they lay across another couch. One of them bowed and spoke,

  "My Lady, I bring these raiments with the King's compliments for you and your companions." He bowed again, and they both withdrew, leaving the room's occupants open mouthed with astonishment. Erion dived into the pile, pulling out ornate costumes one after the other and gasping with delight.

  "Come on," she said, "find something to try on."

  "She can be bought," said Raan in an aside to Hal.

  "What's wrong with the way I dress?" demanded Starfire, looking down at her flying suit and lace up boots.

  "Just pick something to wear," Erion shot back. "At least if we look like the natives, we'll be able to get out and mingle. Maybe we'll learn something." The four delved into the pile and grabbed something to try on. They donned the costumes, shedding their own clothing and shrugging into the new outfits without any conscious embarrassment. Living within the close confines of a long haul ship did not make for false modesty.

  "How do I look?" asked Erion in her long sweeping gown of silver and blue.

  "Just like a princess," answered Raan. He studied himself in a long mirror and grinned wickedly. "This'll slay 'em." He had chosen a full shirt of a silky material, with a heavy embroidered jacket and long tight matching trousers. He swung a wide belt around his lean waist and picked up a cutlass, testing its balance. He sheathed the long weapon and adjusted the thong until the blade felt comfortable. "I used to be pretty good with one of these at the Academy," he explained.

  "I'll stick to my gun," muttered Hal. He had chosen a soft grey shirt, a plain black waistcoat and matching black jeans made of some sort of simulated animal hide. He retained his flat black boots and then put on his gun belt.

  "That's it, Hal, go wild!" grinned Starfire.

  "And what about you then?" put in Raan.

  "Someone has to mix with the lower classes." she retorted. "And anyway, I like the casual look." She was dressed much like Hal, in a white tabard adorned with small, embroidered flowers over plain, black jeans. She changed her lace-up marine issue boots for
black, flat shoes and clipped her gunbelt closed over the top of the flowing shirt. They studied each other appreciatively. Although the tone was light hearted, they had each dressed to appeal to a certain part of the populous. Had Terrellians been the ruling classes, they would have reversed the roles they would play.

  "All weapons charged?" asked Erion, needlessly. She received nods. "Right then, let's get out there and see what we can find out." A startled page jumped as they opened the door and trooped out.

  "May I assist you, My Lady?" he bowed low.

  "The way out?" asked Starfire. The young boy looked puzzled.

  "We would like to get some fresh air, began Erion, "and perhaps take a stroll in the town."

  "You wish to leave us, My Lady?" asked the lad.

  "Oh no, I am curious, that is all," explained Erion. "This place is so beautiful, and I have hardly seen…"

  "There will be plenty of time for that, Lady Erion," cut in Estrada, who had seemingly materialised out of thin air. "His Royal Highness, Prince Farrell will shortly be back from his ride and will surely wish to see you."

  "I was wondering when he'd show up," muttered Raan under his breath. Erion pretended not to hear.

  "Of course, Estrada. I have no wish to stray from social customs." Erion smiled graciously and made as if to return to their rooms, but Estrada bowed, willing to grant her wish, now that she had acceded to his authority.

  "His highness may be some time. I do not see what harm can be done if you wish to visit the town, but I insist that a guide accompany your party."

  "Why?" asked Raan, trying to sound politely interested, "is there a problem?"

  "Oh, there is no danger here," assured Estrada quickly, "but the streets of the town are narrow and winding. I would not like you to lose your way." It sounded like a very weak excuse, but the group knew they would not be allowed to leave unless they agreed to a guide.

  "I yield to your greater knowledge," smiled Erion, allowing Estrada to take her arm. They walked through the maze of corridors until they found themselves in the large main vestibule where they had first entered. Estrada snapped his fingers and a guard left his post by one of the doors and walked forward.

  "Captain, please escort our visitors into the town. They wish to view it from close quarters and sample its many delights. Oh, and Captain, please be sure to return before seven tonight. A banquet is to be held in the Lady's honour at eight." Estrada took his leave and the little party strode out into the sunlight. As they walked down the long flight of steps, Starfire smirked and curtsied quaintly.

  "I yield to your greater knowledge…" She nudged Raan. Erion silenced them both with a glare and they kept straight faces as they walked through the gardens of the palace. They had gracefully refused an open carriage and decided to walk. It was a lovely day, with a bright blue sky, fluffy white clouds and a pale pink sun to warm their faces.

  "It is beautiful, isn't it?" sighed Erion to the Captain by her side. His eyes took in the gardens and he nodded as if the idea had only just occurred to him. He did not offer to speak, although Erion and Raan stayed each side of him, pointing out things that interested them. He did not seem to notice that, while they quickened their pace, Hal and Starfire seemed to linger, so that as they walked over the stone bridge and headed towards the little town, the Terrellians were lagging further and further behind.

  As well as a public holiday, it was also market day and the town square was now a hive of activity. As the party slowly walked down the cobbled street from the stone bridge, a steady stream of noise could be heard. There were the shouts of the traders on their stalls, selling objects from the most ancient to the latest computer operated consumer devices. Women selling flowers and fabrics called out in song to passers by, inviting them to stop and inspect their wares. A few people were carrying their goods on hover trolleys, the silent little chariots following their owners from stall to stall, waiting to be stocked with purchases. The air was filled with the scents of freshly cut flowers and the earthy smell of fresh vegetables and now and then, rich cooking smells wafted from little stalls selling hot drinks and snacks.

  A few people called out greetings to the Captain, who tried to look important, but ended up grinning at his friends. It was very easy for Starfire and Hal to slip away in the crowd.

  Chapter 7

  Hal and Starfire received only a few cursory glances as they weaved their way in and out of the bustling crowds.

  "This is a queer place," murmured Starfire, as she took in the strange mixture of ancient and new. The stalls on the markets were filled with richly coloured silks and cottons but the women who sat in their sunny gardens were using the latest computer operated fabric welders to seamlessly join the pieces to make their clothes. The fruit on the trees and bushes looked fresh and inviting, but the food on the stalls was pre packed in containers from an automated dispenser.

  "Look," grunted Hal, motioning his head towards a little stone built tavern with a thatched roof on the furthest corner of the square. A small group of castle guards dismounted from their robo grazers outside it and one of them helped down the young Aurian Princess they had seen in the castle. Her temper did not seem to have improved and she roughly pushed her helpers aside and strode into the little inn. Starfire looked up at Hal in smiling anticipation. He shook his head. Clearly, this information sharing was not working in his favour. He decided not to do it again.

  "Oh come on, Hal. One little look isn't going to hurt." Giving a barely audible sigh of resignation, Hal followed Starfire as she made for the tavern. The bar was furnished in the same style as the castle. It seemed to be constructed of ancient stone and the walls were graced with tapestries and wrought iron torches. A carved wooden bar ran along one wall and pretty waitresses bustled up and down its length, serving their customers. The moody princess sat at a table in the centre of the room and barked out orders to her guards.

  "Bring me wine and the best fruit!" she demanded, tossing her long copper hair over her shoulders. The food was placed in front of her on a silver platter which was obviously kept just for her, as all the other tableware was wooden or pewter. Hal and Starfire sat at a small table by the door and caught the eye of a passing wench.

  "Who's that?" asked Starfire as the girl brought them two goblets of mead.

  "She is the Princess Rigondal," she whispered. "The King's favourite."

  "Doesn't that piss you off?" asked Starfire, watching the princess take one bite out of each piece of fruit before throwing it all on the floor, screaming that it was over ripe.

  "Not really," answered the girl. "We let her have her way and send all the bills to the king. He is very generous." The Princess meanwhile, had obviously had enough of her over ripe fruit and decided to depart for pastures new. She stalked out with her retinue of guards trotting behind her.

  "Come on Hal," began Starfire. "Let's follow her. This looks like fun." Dropping a few credits into the little bowl on the table, Hal sighed again and followed Starfire out into the bright sunlight. The Princess headed off towards the market stalls with Starfire in hot pursuit. Hal followed at a more leisurely pace, his grey eyes tracking a group of young men in peasant costume who were watching the royal party with too much interest for his liking.

  "I'll have that and that..." the Princess strode along the aisle in between the stalls, pointing to bales of silks and satins. The stall holders smiled gleefully and passed the rolls of fabric to one of the guards who was rapidly disappearing under the growing pile. The Princess walked on, followed by the guards and Starfire, all of them unaware of the group of men rapidly closing in on them.

  A sudden shout went up and the group suddenly converged on the Princess. The guard with the material went flying, spewing billowing clouds of coloured silk high into the air. Two more guards fell from hits with a stun gun and the last had his sword grabbed from his hand and was knocked unconscious by his attacker using the hilt of it as a club.

  Starfire quickly gathered her wits and flew towar
ds the screaming Princess as she struggled with two men. She dispatched one with a jump kick, which caught him high in the back. Someone grabbed her from behind and she turned quickly to find herself faced with an attacker armed with a long, curved knife.

  "If that's the way you want to play it…" she muttered. Her hand streaked towards her belt but the little pistol was not there, having been jolted loose in the fight. She quickly reached towards the back of her neck where a little laser dagger nestled in a sheath under her hair. She brandished it in her right hand, her left hand outstretched for balance and her eyes on the face of her assailant. The young man saw the expression on Starfire's face, thought better of it, backed away from her and ran into the crowd of watching shoppers. She shrugged, replaced her knife behind her neck and turned away from him to look for her handgun. She scooped it up from the ground and blew the dust from it on the run, heading towards the stricken princess. She had been unceremoniously hauled across the neck of a small robograzer, kicking and screaming obscenities. Its rider stopped the girl's struggles with a harsh chop across her neck and started the graceful robot moving through the silent, watchful crowd.

  At this point Hal, leaping from one of the stalls, hurtled silently through the air and landed on the back of the metal beast behind the man. He grabbed him swiftly by the scruff of the neck and pushed him sideways. He landed head first on the stone cobbles with a thud and a groan, tried to rise then flopped back to the ground, unconscious. Hal eased himself forward into the saddle and risked a quick glance behind him to see Starfire running up fast.

  "Come on!" he snapped. She leap-frogged up onto the back of the beast and slipped her hands around Hal's waist. He started the robograzer forward and they almost fell, but retained their balance as the robot increased its speed.

  "The Palace is that way," yelled Starfire, pointing to a gap between the stalls. Hal guided the grazer with his knees and it turned sharply on its stiff legs, whining at the strain of carrying three people. Their pursuers had only just rallied themselves and could only stand and watch as the robograzer zoomed off, leaving an open mouthed crowd in its wake. The little robot trundled down the cobbled streets in a vague northerly direction and eventually emerged onto the lane that led to the Palace. It slowed as it crossed the stone bridge and dropped a gear as it rolled up the slope and through the woods. By the time the trees thinned out, the motors were screaming and Hal slowed it down. Starfire leaned forward and shouted in Hal's ear.