Eurybia Theater, East-side, New Thessalonica, Planet Yuma, Coronado
Erik chuckled as Doreen spoke of her son's abilities. He was hoping he would one day speak similarly about his own boy. Still, he returned his composure, while still retaining a smile and spoke "That's very good to know, in fact. Most of our schools have various curriculum programs that a pupil can enter. Since we're in a time of war, specialisation can come early in the educational system, as long as the child is also interested."
When Doreen accepted his offer to help with the new project, Erik felt relieved. While there were plenty of medical officers to help his team,
a new set of eyes was desperately needed to finish the research. "In that case, I'll send you the details regarding the research next week. There's no rush just yet and you'll have other things to get done first."
Once Doreen voiced her concerns regarding the law, Erik explained "If my brother were here he would've probably quoted all the paragraphs needed to explain the situation. However, allow me to settle your concerns. While the substances and commodities you mentioned are considered contraband, their usage for research and medical purposes is condoned. In fact, there are quite a few Crayterians who were unfortunate enough to be affected by cardamine, so we allow such citizens to carry enough of it to maintain healthy lives." He catches his breath, then continues "Needless to say, human organs are legally imported for the purpose of medical transplants. All in all, no licensing will be required. In the position you are about to fill, you'll be able to have shipments brought with all the materials you need."
"Waw - Hambulg - i bet that's far far away." / "Oh, you like robots? My daddy likes 'em too. He wolks with all sorts of robots, big and small." / . "I like spaceships! When i grow up, i wanna fly a ship and defend oul nation."
Doreen gave a sigh of relief. What was contraband was often difficult to procure even for people in her position. Her new hosts were ready to make it easy. "Erik, you have just made my job and life a bit easier," she said smiling, "thank you. Just having a secure place to work will be all I require with very limited access."
She then turned back to Ryo. "A question of real estate. For once, I can get something I really want and not to have to settle," she explained, "my condo on Houston sold and I have credits to spend. I value my quiet time so would you have a suggestion of a place that's waterfront and out of the city itself? Of course, I don't mind visitors so long as they call ahead."
While Ryo had a chance to process the question, Doreen noticed the food that was arriving. She was hungry but not starving not to mention that she watched what she ate.
"Hamburg is pretty far," answered Benjen, "but I haven't been there since I was a baby. I have lived all over. Gran Canaria, Houston and...." He put his arms over his head and held his hand apart as far as they would go, ".......a really big space ship." He then put his arms back down, "It was kool for awhile but it got boring."
He then thought about what Peter said about defending his nation. "Fighting," he said, "I hate fighting. I have watched my home suffer because of it. I have been picked on over it because I am different and one thing Mom never taught me was fighting."
He then sunk for a moment, "Mom doesn't fight either." He then perked back up, "My Mom is a doctor. What is yours?"
Eurybia Theater, East-side, New Thessalonica, Planet Yuma, Coronado
After receiving Doreen's thanks, Erik finally took note of the food that was being brought to the table, so he excused himself, saying he'll go bring the boys.
When Benjen mentioned living on a spaceship, Peter's eyes went wide with awe. He was still young enough not to understand all the complications such a thing implied, so to him it sounded amazing. "Waaaw."
The same thing could be said about his dreams of fighting for the Republic... although this was the one thing even his youth didn't protect him from. His father always taught him the value of caring for others and doing your best for them. And since his mother died at the hands of the Gallic invaders, he knew more than most what it means to try and protect those you love, however you can. When Benjen spoke about being bullied, Peter replied "Don't worry."
But before Peter could say more, Benjen asked "What is yours?", and Peter's eyes went into the ground. His enthusiasm faded and he paused for a second... after which he replied "My... my mommy died; two yeals ag-" - he couldn't finish his statement since he let out a few tears and hiccuped. His face lit back up though, when his father came into the room. Erik smiled, gently tapped both boys on their shoulders and then brought them over to the dinner table.
Ryo hears the request of contraband materials and he waits for Erik to finish.
"Of course is allow for the research use. We just have to banned as we do not want our citizens to get addicted but we have our brothers and sisters that may be addicted to cardamine. We cannot allow for them to die. As a matter of fact, I have to mention that we as a Republic we do not see the Cardamine as evil, just the way it is used by Outcasts, by making sure people are addicted to their product they control their lives and thus gaining power and money. Is a vile way how they proceed."
He looks at the food that was brought to the table and he continued. "We want to safeguard our people of falling victim to the addictions that may ruin them. Also to make sure that not a single organization is getting to profit after our people."
" As for the new and better placement, I think you may enjoy the island of New Astarte? Or one of the frontal blocks on this island..You need first to survey and then we will see. "
"Now please, let's have our dinner. " Ryo says as he sees the kids approaching the table
For the moment, the meeting and discussion took a back seat as all began to dine. She had her napkin in her lap and she was very much a lady as she ate. Small talk dominated the dinner session. It was a fine meal of locally grown and produced products and meats. Doreen like her sea food.....when she could get it and Benjen was a typical kid where a burger would keep him happy. Still, he would eat pretty much whatever was put out in front of him. She gave a loving smile to her son and continued. For the moment, she didn't have a lot to speak of.
She enjoyed a meal that for once she didn't have to prepare. After a long day's work, it was the last thing she really wanted to do. Sure, Bennie could make something quick for himself if he chose but she wanted him eating as healthy as possible. A glass of ice water was her dinner time drink. Sure, she could have a glass of Gallic Red Wine but she saved that to settle in for a quiet evening.
Ryo enjoyed the food being served, remembering that for a couple of days he had Army rations.
He turned his head towards Dean "You remember our trip to Tau 44 and the army rations we had? I think we need to check with Felix and maybe they can change it. I admit they are good and easy to make but.. " he stopped as he heard Doreen enquiring about New Astarte
"Hmm, New Astarte is our educational centre. An artificial island dedicated to only one purpose: Education and Research. The headquarters of 53rd Athene Squadron is there, same as Yuma University and Aithne Research Academy. Is a biodome island with a central dome and 5 additional small ones. They hold all the laboratories and accommodation that the students and teachers require. Green area covers the space between the buildings and a big variety of flora from Sirius can be seen and also small eco systems. The fresh air is coming from on top of the biodome when they are open. The gyroscopes of the islands and the hydro engines gives stability and also adjust course as needed and the energy is mostly green but also 2 reactors are present." Ryo coughs and takes a sip of Supernova "But there are other islands to choose from besides New Astarte and New Thessalonica. I also recommend New Corinth, New Aegaeon, New Alpheus, New Europa, New Medusa, New Galene. This are Serpent class islands. Think of them as the city states from the Ancient Earth. The modular islands are also interesting so I can also recommend New Proteus, New Pontus,New Hesperius and New Tritea. Hexagonal forms they have, blocks and villas are build on the edges and in the middle there is the calm and warm waters of Equatorial Yuma. Small artificial beaches are also present there. If you earn for the smell of grass and countryside like life, the Agricultural islands are also to be looked upon. I,myself would recommend New Athos, New Tiraspol and New Sumatra." Ryo takes a bite and a drink " And Doctor, also the Medical Islands have accommodation. New Hippocrate, New Dalphin and New Cymopoleia are Globe class islands. A marvelous I may add, three quarters of the island is underwater. Accommodations are also found there while the New Alesius is still under construction. Honestly Doctor, you need to see and choose. "
Ryo takes another bite and waits for Doreen response and he is thinking about his small appartment on New Athos.
She listened as they discussed military rations. She had never tried those of the military variety. She heard that some were very unappealing and not a healthy way to dine over a long period of time.
"I've been lucky," she added to the conversation, "I never had to make a living on rations. Fresh food was always available." Then she shrugged, "I don't know, I guess maybe I'm spoiled?" She finished the statement with a funny smile as if she was picking on herself a little.
"A lot to choose from," she continued in reference to living arrangements, "all sounding like they have a lot of charm." She took another bite followed by a sip of her water. She went into a moment of thought as she continued, "I was thinking something more natural. I don't know how the natural islands are but something about the thought is appealing. But yes, no matter what I choose, I will see it for myself."
Benjen turned to his mother, "Mom, can I have some more?"
She smiled as she took his plate, "Of course, Sweety!" She proceeded to serve him more of what he wanted. He had discovered some of the local sea food. She put the plate down in front of him as he smiled his approval and thanked her.
She didn't show it but the attacked cruiser in Tau 23 was on her mind. They didn't expect her to go right to work but in the back of her mind, that was her job. That is what she was good at. The Crayterians were showing a lot of trust and she didn't want it misplaced. She half expected someone to call asking if she could help but for the moment, it was quiet. They knew that the offer was there if they needed it.
Satisfied herself, she wiped her face and took a glass of her favorite Gallic Red Wine. It was a social time so she saw no harm in it as she normally ended her day with it. Everyone was talking and enjoying, something she was certain that they needed more of. With her radiant smile, she just enjoyed the atmosphere.
Ryo smiled "You are not spoiled is just that among us Crayterians if you board a warship and they are on Army Rations we also have it. It is all about brotherhood and being one. Depends on what you get... "
He looks around and sees the kids talking " As for your proposal to get on a natural island, I am afraid you may have to hold. We still didn't tamed this planet. Flora poses a significant threat to any construction and also must admit that some animals are pretty dangerous. Our expeditions on the continents are pretty much heavily guarded by AIT,and thrust me when I say, those guys are packing heavy when they go." Ryo mind fly to his first expedition and remembers the encounter with a feline that attacked them and he shrugs.
"Near Karabar, there is a set of islands called Theia, they seem barren and rocky. We take in consideration to form a colony there, small but will be a first colony on Yuma lands. We hope for the best."
"I've heard about the Flora here," she commented. "Bio dome like islands make sense in that light. I just haven't lived in natural surroundings since Gran Canaria and before that, Hamburg when I was a little girl. Canaria was nice until the ice began it's take over. I'll tell you what though, I might be interested in Theia but time will tell. I'll see what I can get in the meanwhile."
She could tell that Benjen was finished. He had but a bite left on his plate and he was busy talking to Peter. She excused him but...where to? At this point, she wasn't sure what else to expect. The big part of the meeting was done. The offers, a place to stay and some good info. She knew that she would be getting her government ID at some point papers to stay on Yuma. She was, after all, immigrating.
Her plate cleared, she placed her elbows on the table and placed her head on her clasped hands. She was smiling. She was content.
Eurybia Theater, East-side, New Thessalonica, Planet Yuma, Coronado
Erik sat more or less silently through the rest of the dinner, only commenting here on there on minor points or helping Peter with his dish. Still, the entire meeting was a pleasant event, so he kept smiling.
Later on, once everyone was done eating, Ryo Kase and Richard Dean were called on by one of the guards. Apparently they were needed to handle something at the Ministry. The two excused themselves and left.
Given that it was already long past midnight, it was clear that this meeting was at an end. One of the most obvious sings was Peter's constant yawning. Even though he was still very much enthusiastic about conversing with Benjen, it was clear that the boy was tired. Erik looked at him with care, then said "Alright, Peter, it's time for bed." Afterwards, he tapped a bracelet he had, which beeped two times and flashed a green light.
Erik stood up and turned to Doreen. "It's been a lovely evening and a real pleasure meeting you, Doctor Naggar..." and while he looked at Benjen he added "and you as well, Benjen."
His bracelet beeped again, along with an orange flash this time, to which Erik seemed to take note, then he spoke again "Regarding your job, as well as the offer from Yuma Robotics, you'll be sent all the necessary - albeit tedious - documents in the next 24 hours. From what I spoke with the Minister earlier today, I understand you'll be assigned as chief medical officer on New Hippocrate, our central Hospital island.
As for right now... " - he took Peter's hand - "it seems our shuttle has arrived. I'd be more than happy to drop you off at the flat. It would be a pity for you to have to walk at this late hour."