The Second Book of the Alienbutt Saga. The Rise of Mr Fluffy. Part 33.

HEETER

Chapter 10

INTERSTELLAR NEWS CHANNEL 9. NEWS FLASH.

News is coming in from planets that have received the new cured coffee that addiction levels are plummeting. Coffee consumption is now increasing per head of population as supply returns to pre-rationing levels. Business reports indicate productivity is increasing as it seems those using the new coffee are full of more energy. It is expected that coffee addiction will be wiped out within the year as the new coffee is supplied to more and more inner system planets.
Authorities are also reporting that the so called phenomenon of “Breakfast murders” has dropped by fifty per cent as people seem less edgy and volatile when they first wake up and are not feeling the need to cause violence to anyone that gets on their nerves.

Kali walked down the corridor of the ship, heading for the sleeping quarters of Ponnfarr. The mad pilot had served with her for many years, yet something about this mission had brought about a change in him. A warrior born he lived his life for the here and now, always making his presence known. He was a natural who threw himself into battle with a total disregard for his own safety, that made others follow his lead. During the height of the fighting in the Ashia Minor systems he had made suicidal charges, on many occasions turning the tide of battle and snatching victory from defeat.
Yet this simple mission to formalise the change of sides of the Heeter system had almost seemed to scare him; he had withdrawn to his quarters for the two days of their flight so far. When she reached his door she knocked and waited a moment. When there was no reply she entered. Ponnfarr sat cross-legged on his bed in his Fo’c’sle uniform, staring at a large ornate sword before him.
“Snoodgrass knows of my past, Commander, that's why I'm being sent with you,” Ponnfarr said sadly.
Kali shrugged and sat in the chair next to the bed. After a moment she leaned forward and put her hand around the hilt of the sword and picked it up. “You were the most famous arena gladiator of your generation; a fair few of us knew who you were. We just respected the fact that you didn't want to trade on being that person when you joined us. Now you're a Fo'c'sle officer and we have a job to do. We need those Heeter shipyards, and while I dazzle the lecherous old king, you need to watch my back.”
Ponnfarr sat thinking over her words and then he grinned. “You realise I will be challenged to single combat within hours of us getting there. We can find out our enemies by which gladiators challenge me.”
“Let’s hope you're not too old and rusty with that sword then, or your homecoming is going to be short,” Kali said with a smile.
“Don't worry, the first challenge will be by some idiot with big muscles and no skill. I'll at least make it until dinner time,” Ponnfarr said. “And no matter how rusty I get only the new champion would worry me.”

Ponnfarr stood over the young gladiator’s body. A long dagger in his hand was reversed so it pointed back along the length of his forearm. It dripped blood onto the polished floor of the royal court. He stood in his Fo’c’sle uniform, the large sword strapped across his back unused. Kali was impressed; the gladiator had challenged Ponnfarr as soon as they had been introduced to the court. A nod from the old king and the people had drawn back to give the two room to fight.
The gladiator dwarfed the Fo'c'sle fighter, he was bare-chested and full of muscles, swinging a great sword with ease. Ponnfarr had taken a step forward, smiling as he drew a dagger from his belt. Seconds later the gladiator was dead, his throat sliced so deep his head was almost removed. For a while the crowd seem stunned, then all began to cheer and chant Ponnfarr's name. After a minute of the chanting the king stood up and order was restored.

To be continued.
All images are mine.