Chapter 3
Hadronic Ocean, Fleur seaport, Kratom Continent, planet: Makatea, Year: 300
Kaemon exhaled with relief. So far, his uneasiness wasn't causing paranoia to kick in, but it was definitely something he couldn't ignore. He needed to talk to Terron and figure out what was happening. Even Marron shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Uh oh, was he affecting even him now? Kaemon was exasperated with his bad luck.
However, right then, Terron rose from his seat. "I want to thank all the performers once more." He smiled at the men and women who beamed proudly at the success. Then they hurried off the stage.
Pleased with how the evening had gone so far, Terron turned to face the guests. "Now then, once the dessert and drinks are served, you'll have an hour before the outdoor aquatic performance begins."
When all that happened were a few irritated glares from those whom he had banned from speaking about certain topics, Terron sighed and surveyed the audience.
Kaemon could tell that he was simply being polite at this point. Those folks had pushed his patience to the max, and now he was too polite to care about what they wanted.
Terron explained politely, " Attendance is optional, but since it is the night's highlight and this trip," his gaze roved over the arrested expressions of some of the guests, who'd been rather churlish to this point—not to mention that they'd had the gall to mutter rudely during the earlier performances.
Kaemon would prefer if they just went to their quarters and bitch and moan in private rather than waste everyone's time and ruin the mood out in public. He withheld from voicing that complaint. All it would do was foster discord, which they were trying to avoid now.
Terron ignored them as he completed his duty to get them to watch the show. "I do recommend that you watch it." He paused and put an extra emphasis on why they should attend. "To those of you who wanted to discuss certain taboo topics." His entire demeanor frosted, as he gestured politely toward the decks where the best views could be found.
Kaemon winced. His lover was furious at the near miss when it came to stirring up trouble on board his ship. It should be interesting to see Terron remain so polite.
Terron sighed. "This performance should explain why I didn't want to discuss it beforehand." With that, he left the stage and rejoined his table.
That was all he was willing to do as far as give courtesy lip service to those skeptical and now very hostile individuals.
As if that were a signal, the servitors appeared with trays and carts, carrying away dirty dishes, glassware, and cutlery and replacing them with clean ones. It was an impeccable and efficient service.
Dessert and drinks were served while the guests either remained sitting or excused themselves to prepare for the outdoor entertainment. Soon, only Terron, Marron, and Kaemon remained in the dining room hall.
At last, Marron exhaled. "So, what is the real reason for having us join on the ship?" He gave Kaemon a sour stare. "I heard about the reason being that you two are lovers, but I'd like a bit more context if you please." Marron folded his arms. "I'm skeptical, and I'll be talking to others about the events that occurred, which allowed the two of you to become public lovers."
For some reason, Kaemon was beginning to feel very uncomfortable. It wasn't food or drink, but something was bothering him, and he wasn't sure what happened. "Hmm, the food was delicious." Some fresh air would do him good right now. However, now that Marron has opened the subject, Kaemon has decided to remain. There was no telling how this conversation would conclude. The last thing he wanted them engaging in was a brawl.
A smile tugged at Terron's mouth. "Very well, but we shall have to watch the aquatic show. It is part of the reason." His smile faded. "Those instigators I'd be wary of if I were you." He warned the two of them. "I have reason to believe that some zealots managed to get on board." Terron sighed. "They are the ones who I believe were trying to cause a riot earlier."
Oh man, that was annoying. Kaemon rolled his eyes. "I'll steer clear of them while wandering the decks in the coming days." He murmured, some of his enthusiasm dulled with the unpleasant prospect of zealots proselytizing on board the ship. What a disappointment.
Not too long after the dessert and drinks were finished, the trio went outside to watch the night's highlight: aquatic performance. It was fantastic.
Five of the groups combined to put on an eerie performance ranging from the comedic, tragic, and hopeful prospects for the future. That echoed what Kaemon was writing now that he thought about it.
He might incorporate parts of it into his novel. Why not? Gaining inspiration and crediting the source of the inspiration in a book is admiration in its purest form.
The meal was fantastic, the surroundings very luxurious, and it was a far cry from the decrepit deep sea fishing boat with which his grandparents made a living. Kaemon could look back at that time with some regret but no bitterness now.
Not to mention the company and entertainment. It had been excellent as well. Kaemon sighed. The last time he'd entered the ocean, he hadn't been in such a fantastic vessel. Nor had he been that old, either—about ten years of age? Kaemon yawned as he watched the waves gently lapping against the ship's sides.
It was one of those older vessels, not a sailboat, but a schooner with double masts. Seeing the vast sails billowing and whipping overhead made Kaemon smile.
The Shimmering Wave Skimmer more than lived up to its name. The captain and crew were extraordinarily patient with him and the others who'd boarded the ship.
Since he'd been writing a novel that included a scene aboard a ship, Kaemon needed to experience life on the sea once more, even if it was vastly different from his childhood. "Well, I'd better get some good sleep," he murmured. "The last thing I need is a muddled head when exploring what is available on Dethos." He yawned once more and stumbled to his room.