Tales from the Drift: Old Lessons, Hard Futures

Chapter 16 - The Galaxy Doesn't Need Rone Ikeda

IRRIDIAN COMMERCE PLANET 6 // PORT ARTUM // DISTRICT 3

"Funny, Odross. Very clever. You're a real comedian," muttered Rone as he rolled his eyes, but unable to keep himself from smirking.

"At least he shows up for work on time," interrupted a most beautiful voice, lyrical and full of dulcet tones. A resonant alto with just a touch of huskiness.

Rone's sigh was compulsive, his onery façade melting at the sound of Serena's voice. Turning his head to look at her, his heart skipped a beat and his breath caught in his throat. He couldn't help but smile and let his eyes drink in the sight of her.

Her long, dark hair was pulled up and off her slender neck allowing full view of the beaded choker she wore. An old gift from an auldukar clansman. Rone lost himself in the memory as his eyes continued to travel. She wore a plain leather waist cincher over a loose-fitting blouse. Layered skirts of several different dark colors pronounced the easy sway of her hips. Her eyes, bright blue against the rich umber of her skin, were frowning. So were her lips.

Rone offered an apologetic shrug. "The bed was warm, and it was raining. You ought to have stayed in as well," he said around a sly smirk.

Serena stepped down off the stage. "Yes, but what if someone had wanted a game of cards?" She teased as she sauntered over to the bar.

Rone looked down at the toes of his boots and shook his head. "Right, right. A game of cards. In this weather. It's such a priority. You know, I don't understand you two. Both so worried I'm going to run back out into the deep, dark, black of the drift, find a cause, and get myself good and dead that you force me into retirement... then, just as soon as I start making a habit of sleeping late, shirking my chores, and taking to the given situation that is retirement... it's nothing but finger wagging and glares."

"Oh, you poor old spacer. Having folks around that care about your wellbeing." Cooed Serena as she leaned into him and kissed the corner of his mouth.

It was all too brief a kiss for Rone's liking, and she moved away before he could slide his arm around her waist. He smiled, nevertheless.

"Ribbing me for being late to work? That's a demonstration of your love and affection?" He cast his gaze between the two.

Odross snorted and raised his arms in feigned defense. "We didn't force you to retire. We agreed to all retire, remember? And, I never said I loved you, I have only ever stated a marginal amount of affection toward you. Less than marginal really. It's a very smallish amount of affection is what I'm saying."

"Oh," said Rone with a nod.

"I only love you for your looks, and those are fading. I think it's near time I find some young buck, don't you?"
Rone chuckled. "Ah, I see, and that sort of talk is supposed to make me want to get out of bed and rush off to work at this here saloon? Mm. Yes, I can feel the necessity of my presence in the very walls."

"I'm only looking out for the integrity of my establishment, Rone. People want to play cards and there's no dealer... what's a proprietor to do?"

"Hire another one. Someone younger. With skills."

"Skills? Oh, I haven't got skills now?"

"I've seen all of your tricks, dear," said Serena with a wicked wink.

"You're firing me, and she wants to trade me in for the newer model. Yes, this makes me feel right at home. So glad I got out of bed and braved the acid rain."

They all laughed; the easy mirth of their teasing palpable. Serena stepped into Rone's arms and leaned against him. This time the kiss was long.

"I love you," he said in a husky whisper.