~ Home World: Aginfeld ~

by

Rhobin Courtright

Zach entered the office of ‘And Music’ wishing he had more time to spend on Celeste. It was a magnificent place and held promise of exciting entertainment. The McDirk Bull wouldn’t be swayed by personal pleasure. He would insist on immediate return to Aginfeld. Passing a reflective panel, Zach covertly inspected himself. He had spent a long time grooming with the goal of impressing Alix without overwhelming her. In the end he wore typical Aginfeld suit suitable for the Commissioners’ Chambers. He knew he looked as good, or better, than she had last seen him.

Alix glanced up as he entered. Her appearance differed from his memory image. She seemed less carefree, more structured and controlled. The mouth was as shapely, and the green eyes as intelligent, warm and friendly, but the face seemed more relaxed, less driven, although thinner. Her hair was drawn behind her head and twisted into a simple design. The casual elegance of her clothing ran through the room. Only her desk and a few chairs occupied any space, which indicated a small, semi-successful business. The walls, however, were covered with holo awards and digital promotion art. It held none of the opulence common in a Habitat Lord’s residences, but an easy charm.

It took her an unflattering moment to recognize him. “Zach?”

He smiled. “As you see. Hello, Alix. It’s been a long time.”

She was stunned. He watched the emotions play over her face, until at last she smiled and rose, spreading her arm toward the chair before her desk. He took the seat as she resumed her own.

“I’m flabbergasted. What brings you here?”

“You.” He settled back, resting his elbows on the arm rests and clasped his hands.

Her mouth twisted in a disbelieving smile. “I find that hard to believe. We didn’t part on cordial terms.”

“Partially why I am here. I’ve come to try and renew our acquaintanceship without the rancor of the past.”

Her eyebrows rose in a well-remembered way. “An Aginfeld man apologizing?”

Something in that expression struck an offended cord deep within him, but he smiled away any implication. “I didn’t say that, did I? Do I have to?”

Alix gave him a twisted smile at his plaintive tone. “No. I don’t expect it.”

“Actually, I came on Habitat Rosly business. You know Quentin is now Lord?”

“I knew your grandfather had died and Quentin inherited the title before you left Earth.”

“Just so. Presently, I have taken the job of finding markets for our products and sources for provisions we need.”

“So why now?”

“As I’ve matured from my youthful indiscretions, it came to me that at one time we had a satisfactory friendship. It seemed a waste not to let bygones be bygones. I am often in this sector and have no friends here.”

“And what about ‘If you aren’t my friend, you are my enemy?’”

“You have too good a memory for Aginfeld peculiarities, Rosly in particular.”

“I hung around with a couple Rosly men in my college days.”

He smiled. “I remember. Would you chance coming out to dinner with me?” Immediate warning flags appeared on her face. He threw up his hands in a peace gesture. “I am a lone Agin’er. I can hardly do you any injury in a public restaurant.”

“I don’t know, Zach, I have a lot of work to complete tonight. Even alone, you’re...”

“Harmless. I told you, I’m now incapable of causing you trouble. Come, Alix, I just want company for dinner. You must remember Agin’ers all hate eating alone. It’s unnatural.”

“I suppose, if you came this far, I can go to a restaurant.”

“Good. I have reservations. We can just make them.” He observed her still guarded face. “Please? For old-times sake?”

Her mouth pursed. “That’s hardly an inducement.” The lips transmuted into a smile and she nodded, curiosity wining over her better judgment.

With a self-satisfied smile, Zach watched her lock her office. They strolled to the restaurant. The waiter addressed her first, and Alix ordered her own drink. She should have known better. When it came to the meal, he interrupted the waiter and ordered for both of them, as proper Agin’er etiquette demanded. Alix said nothing, but one eyebrow moved upward with a mocking twist of her lips.

“It’s been a long time, Zach. Are you married? Have children?”

He sipped his drink and looked down his nose at her. He smiled, amused that Nickal and others watched and listened to her rude talk. “I have had two wives, one died. My marriages resulted in one legal child. I have another child, who is neither legal nor fertile.”

“Fertile?”

“It is an important consideration on Aginfeld. We don’t have the population base of most colonies.”

“Everyone knows some of the problems on Aginfeld.” She hesitated. “Most women know to steer clear of your port.”

Her smile didn’t remove the offense he felt, even for the truth.

“Are your children boys or girls?”

“The legal one is a girl, the other a boy. His mother gave him to a care center before she left me.”

“Was she someone special?”

“Not really.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No need. What about yourself?”

“No children, not married, no plans to get married. I am quite content with my life as it is.”

“That is unnatural.”

Her laughter washed over him. “Maybe on Aginfeld, but population control is more of a concern in the rest of the galaxy.” She laughed harder at his expression but finally stopped. “All right, backgrounds filled in. Tell me about your business here on Celeste.”

He told a very convincing lie. “And Music?”

“A fairly profitable business. I produce and distribute music and related arts. Some of the artists I work with are doing very well.”

“I saw the awards.”

“Well,” she drawled with a smile, “it makes new clients more comfortable to know my company has a good track record.”

Their plates came and they talked during and after their meal. She drank neither too much nor too little. Once she was over the bumpy re-acquaintance, Alix showed pleasant interest in him. Her conversation was entertaining and humorous. Despite his efforts, he enjoyed himself and thought up more conversation gambits to delay the inevitable.

“Well, Zach, this has been pleasant, but it’s very late and I must work tomorrow.”

He agreed he had to get an early start, too. “Walk you home?”

“No, just to the local tram.”

It was quiet. He ambled slowly, stopping to ask a question while looking at the local shop displays. The sound of footsteps surrounded and passed them, residents going home. Familiar with her surroundings, Alix ignored the miscellaneous sounds of the station. More footsteps with a deliberate cadence sounded behind them. “Alix?”

“Yes?” She looked at him in inquiry.

“If you are not my friend, you are my enemy.” He grinned.