Free Enterprise - A Deal Is Struck #131

Melissa started out of her sleep by someone calling her name mentally. She smiled crookedly because she recognized the voice as her “consort's”.

“I know this is your day off, and I'm sorry to wake you, but The Admiral wishes to see you ASAP.” Dragon said.

“Awwwww fudge!” Melissa fussed as she tossed back the covers and ran for the fresher.

“You must be ready for me to escort you to The Captain's Mess in ten minutes.” Dragon thought.

“Hell, the only way I can be ready in ten minutes is to get dressed while I'm in the sonic shower.” Melissa fussed to herself as she turned on the sonics.

Two minutes later she dashed out of the fresher in a panic. She hadn't a clue what to wear until she espied her clothes rack. T'Kell had laid out one of her suits, a pair of shoes and a matching shawl.

Melissa was dressed in five minutes flat. She stopped at the mirror to check her clothing and face, apply a soft shade of lipstick, then dashed out of her quarters. Out in the corridor she blundered into Dragon and nearly fell flat.

“What. . . . . what. . . . You are early.” she fussed as he steadied her.

“Yes, I am.” Dragon said and smiled. “Come. The Admiral is not a patient man.” he continued, as they headed to the nearest lift.

“Don't I know it.” Melissa chuckled.

Upon arrival at The Captain's Mess, Dragon escorted Melissa in and made a hasty retreat. The experienced INN reporter immediately took stock of the situation.

Admiral Anasazi was sitting at the table with Captain McPhearson and Fatou. His third wife Desdemona was helping Gynn, the Andorian head steward and cook, set out a breakfast spread. Melissa smiled as she noticed Desi's belly.

“She looks like she's about to drop her load any minute now.” she thought.

“Good Morning, Admiral.” she said pleasantly.

“Likewise Ms. Culpepper, or should I call you Lady Sirus instead?” Tyr asked.

At the mention of that name, all four women stopped and stared at The Admiral. Melissa was flabbergasted, as she thought they had kept their relationship under wraps.

“It is my business to know what transpires on my ship, even if it may be gossip. I believe congratulations are in order.” Tyr replied and smiled. A genuine smile that lit up the entire room.

“Jesus. No wonder the man has eight wives.” Melissa thought.

“Thank you, Sir.” Melissa replied, as she smiled and blushed.

“You are welcome. Now, please have a seat. We have much to discuss.” Tyr said.


* * * * * * * * * * * * *


Queen Mother Victoria had arrived at her destination. Her Ceremonial Guard formed up around her followed by her attendants, Ladies in Waiting and staff.
It was an impressive entourage which was met by an equally impressive one. A delegation of Pride Secreto.

“Greetings Lady Anasazi, Queen mother of all Nietzscheans. I am War Cloud, Chief Elder of the Governing Council. Welcome to Xibrus, our humble abode.” an American Indian male said, as he held up his right hand in traditional greeting. War Cloud was dressed to the nines in ceremonial garb, including an impressive warbonnet.

“Greetings War Cloud. Thank you for taking us in at such short notice.” Victoria replied as she looked up.

Xibrus was a world ship, a totally artificial construct which was a testimony to the Nietzschean's fierce determination. If they didn't have a planet to live on, they built one. This particular world ship was smack dab in the middle of the badlands, where no one would ever think of looking, and if they did, they wouldn't last long doing so.

Outside Xirbus looked similar to a Borg Cube, only it was round. Past the outer shell where ships entered and egressed, there was an inner shell with a living, breathing environment with real parks, grass, trees, vegetation and cities.

Victoria looked up at the outer gantries where the residents had gathered to welcome her. There had to be millions present and they were all singing.

“This is where Secreto has been all of this time?” Victoria asked in awe.
“Yes, Lady.” War Cloud replied. It was then Victoria noticed a large contingent of Vulcans and Katay.

“Who better to teach Pride Secreto how to harness and utilize their talent.” she thought.

“Lady, we have lodging prepared for yourself and your court. Please come with me.” War Cloud said, interrupting her wool-gathering. As she followed War Cloud, Victoria remembered the song Xibrus' residents were singing. It's was a child's welcome home song.


* * * * * * * * * *


Meanwhile back on the Insurrection a big powwow was being held. However, there was no drums being played, no singing and no passing of the peace pipe. Only passing of the plate of eggs, butter, pancakes and other breakfast foods.

Tyr had finally gotten down to the business of discussing with Melissa the idea of her being his personal news correspondent.

For now, they had each buried the hatchet (thankfully not in each others backs) and were dealing with one another in a civil and professional manner. Possibly enhanced by the fact that Tamara, Fatou, and Desi were present.

“In order for me to work exclusively for you . . . . Viceroy, you would have to provide compensation for my associates and I. That means a larger salary than we are already receiving from INN, plus room and board.” Melissa said. She'd decided that she was going drive a hard bargain.

“What is your currently salary?” Tyr asked. Melissa quoted a figure. Seated to Tyr's right Tamara raised her right eyebrow in typical Vulcan fashion.

“If I served in Star Fleet for the remainder of my days I would never see that amount!” Tamara thought to herself.

“How much do your associates earn?” Tyr asked. In response Melissa quoted another figure. Tyr sat back in his chair, steepled his fingers and looked for all the universe like a Dread Locked Vulcan.

To the left of Desi where Fatou sat, The Katay rolled her eyes.

“Oh my Divine! It's such a haaarrrdddd decision!” she thought. “The man is such a drama king!”

“Consider it done and your employment begins now. I will have Ensign Siddiq draw up the legal documents for you and your associates to sign ASAP.” Tyr said. “In the meantime my restriction on your ship wide access has been rescinded. However, Engineering and the Bridge will remain off limits to you unless you are escorted by myself, senior personnel or your consort. I need not remind you what will happen if you are caught in those areas without an escort?” he continued.

“No you don't, Sir. Thank you, Sir.” Melissa replied, as she imagined the uproar they were going to cause at INN when all three of them filed their resignations. . . . . .

“That's if The Insurrection ever gets out of this bubble we are stuck in.” Melissa thought.