Chapter 2
Hadronic Ocean, Fleur seaport, Kratom Continent, planet: Makatea, Year: 300
Earlier in the evening, during the meal, Kaemon, Terron, Marron, and a few others were at the head table of the VIP dining hall. There had only been seven tables inside the facility. "This is a gorgeous setup," Kaemon glanced at Terron. "When did you get the idea to own and operate one of these as an entertainment mechanism?"
As far as Kaemon knew, Terron hadn't found that sector profitable because the risk was too high.
"Hmm, well, I figured it was time to take a few risks." Terron shrugged. "After all, didn't you say that you needed an opportunity to sail on the ocean but couldn't afford to do so?" Sky blue eyes gleamed at Kaemon with amusement. "I also had an opportunity to acquire this beauty for a great deal."
Terron grinned when Kaemon lowered his gaze in chagrined embarrassment. "Hey, it isn't a big deal," Terron reassured Kaemon. "I was doing this for some other reasons, too." He sighed. "I mentioned that I had to go to Dethos, right?"
Kaemon nodded uneasily. "I've heard some unsavory news coming out of that continent. When was it opened for trading, if not exploration?"
Terron's face sobered. "Neither, to be honest. There's something more frightening afoot, and I've been sent to investigate."
Could it have to do with the rumors about the religion being forced into countries' governmental ruling, whether they agreed to it or not? Marron caught Kaemon's eye and shook his head. Right, this wasn't the time for that type of discussion. "Well, I'll enjoy the meal, the entertainment, and the night sky once the sun sets." Kaemon toasted Terron, and their glasses clinked lightly together.
Kaemon didn't drink alcohol. It didn't suit his palate. Not only that, but he passed out far too quickly with its consumption. Often, he would have nightmares about his unpleasant past. Therefore, Kaemon opted to focus on the present and the future. Life was much more pleasant like that. He'd studied various journals, books, and other types of media relating to their history on this planet. When those resources ran dry, Kaemon went through a time-consuming process to gain access to the humanoid and non-human species' records of the history of Makatea. He thought that might shed further light on why no one worshipped deities. What he'd found was very enlightening.
War.
Attrition of fatalities.
Almost one hundred percent of the land was destroyed.
Worlds had become desolate wastelands that could no longer sustain habitations for humanoids, much less non-species. Not to mention all the indigenous creatures that suffered the worst mass extinction ever recorded.
Kaemon grimaced because he was becoming moody, which wasn't a good sign. He focused on the conversations going on around him with interest.
"Have you heard about the latest fashion trend?"
"Oh, you mean of the half-shaved heads and the fake orbs to replace eyeballs?"
"No, the one about the single deity worship that is being mandated."
Foreboding silence settled over the dining hall.
Terron tapped a spoon against his glass. "No discussions about religion or politics, please." His severe expression made it clear that he wasn't going to back down on those two subjects being taboo aboard the ship. "If you recall, there were specific rules about what could be discussed."
There were disgruntled murmurs from the diners.
Terron sighed heavily, not wanting to argue with his guests. "If you must discuss such topics, do so in your own quarters or somewhere else aboard this ship." That was his concession to them.
Kaemon watched them frown with heightened displeasure. It occurred to him that someone must've intentionally introduced the subject to create discord. It did work to a certain extent because no one appreciated the terrific courses being served.
"I can't wait for the entertainment to commence." Kaemon tried to see if he could change his mood a bit.
Only Marron and Terron appreciated his comment. "Yes, that will be worth watching," Terron informed him.
"Oh, right, there is that dance group." Marron studied the itinerary. "Wonderful, they're actually going to do aquatics?" He glanced around uncomfortably. "I don't know if I'm ready for that." Marron's eyes took in the suddenly narrower confines of the dining room hall.
Kaemon had also wondered about that. As much as he was enjoying everything right now, he was wary about having too much water inside a ship, even one as massive as this schooner.
Terron regarded them with wry amusement when they exhaled in relief as if catching onto their apprehension. "Eh, we don't even have a pool on this ship."
"That still didn't answer my question, though." Marrow frowned at Terron.
He had a point, but Kaemon also figured that Terron had a reasonable answer for that.
"As for the aquatic show? That won't be until after night falls." Terron reassured Marron and Kaemon, who were still clearly apprehensive about what would happen with the scheduled show.
After they relaxed, Terron added, "For now, the entertainment will be a combination of dancing and singing different themed skits." He nodded to their left. "Over on the stage, being prepared behind the set of black and purple curtains."
All right, Kaemon was reassured. As for Marron, he would have to take Terron's word for it. They sat quietly and watched the show begin. It was in good taste and showed quite a variety of talents and a combination of moves that verged on supernatural.
A chill ran down Kaemon's spine. Why did he suddenly feel so uneasy? Fortunately, nothing too horrible occurred. The first group to perform were singers and dancers.
Kaemon recognized them as an established idol group of mixed genders. He watched the energetic performance with appreciation. They alternated between singing and dancing and combined both into a spectacular ending. Kaemon clapped along with the others.
The evening was going just wonderfully. Four more groups, three duos, and a solo act were the night's entertainment indoors. He gained a new appreciation for all the hours of practice, memorization, and technically tricky choreography that had gone into the show's performances.
As the show ended, all of them clapped enthusiastically.