Kayla's Adventures

Planet Zorian IV - Part 1

Copyright © 2017 A. J. Milton

'It was towards the end of the third galactic empire era, that the re-emergence of a long-forgotten race proved to be the catalyst for the downfall of the Imperial dynasty.'

Sociopedia Galactica, Era 6.23.1

Chapter One: Zorian IV

The planet hung off centre on the viewing screen, the deep black void framing the fragile blue and green ball.

"Sorry everyone, it looks like we may be a while", Kayla announced. "The Zorians don't seem to know what to do with us." Although she was alone on the bridge, she could imagine the collective groan from the accommodation deck when her message was broadcast. Business had been poor recently, and the troupe would be keen to get planet-side and look for work.

"Worst case, we'll have to dock at the orbital station and take a shuttle down. I'll let you know as soon as I can."

Kayla lifted her slim legs off the command console and stood up. Brushing strands of unruly raven hair behind her ears, she headed to her nearby cabin. Although she enjoyed the company of her shipmates, it was a relief to have the privacy she needed. Being captain and owner of this inter-stellar freighter meant she had her own private quarters on the command deck, close to the bridge.

A gnawing feeling inside, echoed the frustrations of her passengers. Kayla was starting to feel hungry and knew she would have to *feed* soon.

Over the millennia, Kayla had learned to suppress her frustrations, but she could never forget them entirely. To everyone around her, she was just a young star pilot with an excess of good luck and stunning looks. Her often unusual social behaviour was not so remarkable in a large and diverse galaxy.

Slipping out of her utilitarian flight garments, Kayla enjoyed the steamy warmth of the shower. She toyed with the idea of asking Dakira to join her in the shower. The thought of Dakira's pale skin pressed against her own café-latte body was most appealing. But she immediately rejected it. The cute little dancer was in danger of getting too attached to Kayla. And that wouldn't end well for anyone. The commtech implant in her skull gently purred an incoming message, but she ignored it. Hey, I'm in the shower, it can wait.

Refreshed but with her hunger still unappeased, Kayla dressed in her most outrageous leisure gear. She had no Guild business on this planet, so the visit was going to be all about pleasure and relaxation. And the mundane business of resupplying the ship, she reminded herself.

~~~

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Good news, we will be landing at the planetary spaceport. I plan to leave orbit in ten minutes, so please prepare for atmospheric flight. See you all down there."

Kayla killed the broadcast and buckled in. Although the Chimaera was registered as a freighter, she had originally been a military scout and resupply vessel. The capability for planetary landings, plus her sheer speed and some hidden firepower made her the perfect vessel for Kayla.