Calladen Nimitz
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Posted - 2003.08.08 14:01:00 -
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Edited by: Calladen Nimitz on 08/08/2003 14:01:49
GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER:
Looking in the mirror in his private shipboard office Calladen Nimitz mumbled something unintelligible to himself. "What was that sir?" his valet asked as he helped him on with his jacket. "Nothing" muttered Calladen as he straightened up and buttoned the formal dress uniform jacket.
He hated formal events. The trip to Obe had been a success and he was back in Venal, his home away from home, at least for awhile. Tonight was the promised dinner with Jade Constantine of the Jericho Fraction.
Calladen had first heard of Jade while Jericho was an enigma. He had read the scathing reports in local publications by Athure the genetics master of Jericho and had observed his obvious distrust of Taggart Transdimensional.
Still Calladen had made contact with the CEO of Jericho. Jade Constantine was of Gallante heritage, a woman of above average intelligence who had no problem assuming command of her fledgling company.
After several communiquÚs he was startled one day to read the intelligence report on his desk which stated Jericho had joined the Venal Alliance. Now a force to be reckoned with they had aligned themselves with the same group of allies as Taggart. Friends of friends as it were.
"ThatÆs good Vrix" he said as he finished buttoning the tunic. The formal dress uniform was horribly uncomfortable but impressive looking nonetheless. Bands of gold braid decorated each sleeve indicating senior naval rank, several rows of ribbons decorated his chest and a small pin on the opposite side of the jacket bore the bluish corporate seal of Taggart Transdimensional denoting his status as a high level Executive of the company.
Taking one last look in the mirror he exited his office to the bridge and looked at his command crew. "Wish me luck" he said slightly rolling his eyes. While his staff had blind respect for their leader they also felt part of a big family and some snickered and chuckled at the obvious discomfort of their friend.
Strolling toward the lift he said "lower the barge" and exited the bridge. Back on the bridge first officer Atredies snapped "order the Admirals barge ready for departure".
Nimitz entered the small shuttle and took a seat. Luxurious would be an understatement in describing the small personal shuttle that would carry him to his dinner with Ms. Constantine. He had read her wonderful reports on the Venal Alliance and wondered what she would be like in real life.
He also wondered what Jericho would require from TTI to gain favor.
The yacht docked at the station in New Caldari and he exited. Wandering into a concourse he looked out of place in his uniform. Two large men in black uniforms walked a short distance behind him. Their faces concealed by cloaks the minmatar bodyguards were among the most loyal and dangerous in the galaxy.
Nimitz glanced out a viewport on the promenade and spotted his cruiser the Retribution II as he strolled toward the restaurant. The establishment was crowded but that would not be a problem. The host, a small diminutive man with almost Amarrian features snapped to the ready at the sight of another paying customer. "Welcome sir, may I help you" he asked bowing slightly.
"I have a reservation, Nimitz is the name".
Glancing up he host suddenly began to perspire. He knew the name, everyone did, one of the true powerbrokers of Taggart Transdimensional stood before him. "Ah, yes sir, this way" he stumbled over his words as he quickly escorted Calladen thru the crowded dining room to a small alcove.
He gestured toward a table in a private alcove and watched nervously as a waiter held the chair for the man. "Are you expecting someone" he asked. "Yes, a woman, her name is Jade, you will show her here immediately upon her arrival".
"Ah, yes sir, of course sir" he stammered as he backed out of the alcove bowing several times nervously.
Calladen ordered a drink then relaxed. Pulling at the collar of his tunic slightly in an attempt to breathe he struggled to get comfortable. Out in the dining room the din of people dining and talking provided constant background noise. Calladen glanced out the viewport and noticed a large Apocolypse battleship was orbiting the station near his cruiser, the name "Peculiar Satisfaction" visible on its hull. The Apocolypse was a thing of beauty and Calladen drifted into thoughts of space travel and exploration onboard such a glorious vessel.
After a few minutes he noticed the dining room had become quiet. Standing he walked slowly over to the entrance to the private alcove. A woman was standing next to the host, more beautiful than any woman he had seen before, a look of determination and confidence on her face.
Everyone in the room was seemingly under her spell. People glanced at her and whispered. She was truly the focus of attention. Call
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