The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 29 : Summoned

The rest of the evening went reasonably well. After a few awkward minutes, they got back to their previous harmony. They went to the well-stocked Buffet tables and took their food. The buffet on the ship was considered one of the most extensive in the city. There were over 100 items in it.

After dinner, Luke coaxed Dusk for another drink, which they had in the massive bar a deck lower. That loosened Dusk up further and she agreed to go and dance again. This time Luke took her to the snazzy modern music section where the latest hit party numbers were being played. Dusk danced in a strange manner to the jazz and techno music that was playing, but Luke did not mind. He felt that looking at her was a reward in itself.

An hour later, the DJ announced that the ship was headed back to the pier. There would only be half hour of music before they closed for the night. And that those who wanted could continue for the midnight cruise, but they would need to pay for the same separately.

Dusk wanted to dance the remaining half hour before returning to the relatively sedate university life, but Luke pulled her off the dance floor. He led her through the endless maze of corridors till they reached the empty space in the front of the ship. They stood at the head of the ship, high above the water, watching as the ship slowly turned and moved towards the shore.

It was peaceful, a warm breeze was blowing from the shore to the ship, making it very comfortable. Dusk stood, holding the railing with one hand, and leaning against Luke, his arms around her as she again rested her head against his hard muscular chest. There they watched water of the ocean simmer with reflected light and the Pier grow larger in their vision, the still active night life on the shore becoming clear. Dusk felt it was one of the most romantic moments of her short life.

Only too soon, they reached the shore. Guests were streaming out of the ship through the walkway that had been provided. A continuous chain of humans walked along the jetty of the pier to the beach and the parking lot. Finally, as it seemed most of the guests had left, Luke called her to accompany him down. He didn't want to be caught in the middle of the next round of guests getting in.

As they walked off the ship, Luke explained to her that the walkway from the ship to the shore was called a Jetty. And the place they were is called the 'Richard Harbour Pier'. If she ever wanted to come back with her friends, that is what they must tell the taxi. They called a taxi and returned to the University uneventfully. After one last kiss at the entrance of Dorm 6, Dusk ran up to her room while Luke turned and headed towards the mass boarding point.

... ...

Julien had asked Rusks to pick him up but found General Ruxati waiting instead.

"Good Evening, Your Majesty. We both have been summoned by the Emperor to Regis. Your cousins are still at a bar somewhere and they will join us at the Airport."

Julien nodded. He was expecting that the Emperor will lose his patience and call him over. He knew the Emperor would be aware of the meeting with his cousins. The Emperor may even know what they have discussed. They got into an Imperial Security hover-car and left for the airport.

A sleek, silver private jet was standing on the tarmac waiting for its passengers. It was surrounded by militia vehicles and very alert armed guards. It was one of a fleet of fast private aircrafts with very advanced defence capabilities. They were from the special fleet the empire kept for transporting members of the royal family. This particular one belonged the Emperor himself.

Julien and Ruxati got off. Two of the guards came and checked their identity while their companions kept the guns trained in the general direction to act in case of any problem. Rusks who had come with the hover-car looked at Julien with raised eyebrows.