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Arriving back in the main chamber, they stood, once again at the front. Tan spoke to them, both explaining the situation, Cistera stood up and addressed the Captain. “How much, will you sell this vessel for ? “ He froze. Surprised ? “150,000 tarons” Cistera looked at Nathan, then turned to Tan. “You’re good with figures and merchants, when it comes to buying for us, what do you think ? “
Tan scanned her data on the cost of this style of vessel. Given its age and its condition, it was not worth more than 120,000 tarons, Cistera beckoned her forward, she was now in deep conversation with the Captain.
Every attempt he made at confusing Tan, failed! She was not going to be hoodwinked! Finally he conceded on a figure of 125,500 and an agreement; they would drop him and his crew off, on Psemon. Turning to Cistera, she outlined the deal ‘Thanks Tan, I’ll leave you to sort out payment.”
“I think Captain our business is concluded ? “ He nodded, she turned to Ana and asked her to arrange for the Captain and his crew to be transferred to the Raptor; made comfortable. They can remain there, until, they could off load them, onto Psemon. Ana was glad to leave, heading back to the Raptor and Mizac for some well earned rest !
Hopefully, this is a conclusion, to any more business? Cistera asked them if they had anything else, they wished to discuss, she was about to dismiss them, when the door flew open and in stormed Jes. She beckoned to Tan, who joined her in heated discussion, then Jes left and Tan approached Cistera asking to have an audience with her in private.
Cistera moved to one side and listened, then stepped back to the front.
She whispered something to Cxao, his hand went up and he made a gesture to his men, who moved around blocking off the entrance. (Exit.)
“Coutesan Doxche Peigne, make yourself known to me NOW !” There was silence, then a figure of a man in his late 20’s stepped forward. To stand at the front and bow. Coutesan Doxche Peigne, was a thin wiry and ill mannered individual. He was, however, wary of recent events, so was being
cautious, to follow Royal protocol.
Others knew, he had been, a close companion, of Coutesan DoCahanestoba, the deceased. Intent, on keeping a low profile, following the demise of his hero. Cistera had been whispering, to Nathan, he moved forward, facing Doxche “Tell us about the Ket Prabqrt.”
“She is promised to me.” Nathan interrupted him, “How so ?” “By virtue of the laws of our lands, her father owed me a debt, I called in the debt, he could not pay, so I took his Ket from him.”
“Your Nketsu? (Slave,servant.)” Cxao whispered in Nathans ear.
“Your highness, Nketsu can not be made, they are born slaves.” Nathan changed his question
“Your slave ?” “Of course not, she is owned by me, but not my slave.” “Look at me Doxche and tell me, she is not your slave.” He raised his eyes and Nathan could see him squirm. “She does work for me, but small tasks, I have released her from her bond to me.”
Nathan ignored his last remark. ”So tell me, how did she get the bruises?” “We had a confrontation, she was disobedient and besides, she spent too much time with that male Ket, I was angry with her. Always late when I called her, always disobedient.” “Are you joined Doxche, do you have a partner.” “Yes” “Where is she.”
A female stepped out from the line of courtesans, she was petite and nervously, approached the front. Following Royal protocol, she kept her eyes low, her head bowed and then knelt, beside Doxche.
At his feet, she was no older than 16, barely a Ket.
Cistera moved closer to them, now looking down at her. “Stand and look at me.” She stood, her body shaking, she too had bruising to her face, some attempt had been made to cover the marks. “Tell me how long, have you known Doxche ?”
“Vochein te che.” (Since reaching 16 years, still a KET !) “How come ?” “My father owed him a debt, which he could not repay, things have been difficult for us all your Highness. Lelanora as Protectorate Absolute, has stolen our lands, our good fortune and left us destitute. Please forgive me for being... but; it left us at the mercy, of those who would seek to profit, from exploiting our misfortune; your Highness.”
Cistera smiled. “I appreciate your honesty.” Nathan was curious about her bruising.
“Tell me, how did you get the brusing to your face ? “ She remained quiet. Cxao spoke softy to her. “You must answer the Ka.” “Doxche” “Speak up! You got the bruising, from who?”
Her head lowered, she was crying, Nathan determined to find out the truth, he ignored her tears.” Look at me and tell me why ?” She was still crying, Cistera stood up moved forward, took hold of her hand and led her to one side, Cistera then beckoned to Tan, who joined them.
“Can you have a Medisent Fesling take her, have her examined ? I have explained to her what we want to do.” Tan took the Kets hand, leading her down to the exit, she stepped outside the door and paused. “Liana. “ “Yo Tan” “Send me a medipack rr492w3 series ‘
‘Yo done Tan’ the Fesling appeared with the pack and passed it to the Medisent, before vanishing. They moved to a small adjacent room, the Medisent Fesling examined her. ‘Female Fendiq, has some internal bleeding mistress, internal organ bruised level 6 pain and 4 broken Maiche as che kto (bones forming rib cage, they have 14 wrapped within a muscular band protecting the internal organs their bones unlike ours are not as curved )
Medisent has finished diagnosis mistress, Immediate treatment requires mediclass 7 n27r4 series 5 to attend.” “You got that Liana ?” “Yo Tan done.” Another Fesling appeared, carrying a different pack, it attended to the female, busy for some moments, then reeled off a load of data to Tan who, irritated, stopped the fesling mid flow. ‘Stop mediclass 7 n27r4; suggest’
‘Suggest rest mistress and supervised ‘ “Liana.” “Yo Tan have Ana to talk to you.” “Tan.” “Hi Ana.” “Send her over with the Fesling, I’ll arrange transport, GOKS are on their way. Has she a friend, she would like to join her? ‘ Tan asked the female, before leaving her, with the Fesling. Now she made her way back to Cistera..
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