Personal Log 11: 7th June
06 Sep 2016Jemine Caesar
7th JuneUnfortunately, things got off to a bad start for my date with Rudolphus. I had just left my room when the dataslate in my bag beeped an incoming call alert. It was my grandmama, wanting a chat. Knowing how much my grandmama loves to talk, I sent an apologetic message to Rudolphus saying I would be a little late. He was understandably irritated at being kept waiting; as an Imperial citizen, he had taken a big risk just coming to Federation space.
Once I had satisfied my grandmama's need for conversation, I hurried to Rikk's Cafe.
I felt nervous. I hadn't had a date with a man since Caz, and that relationship was one I was trying very hard to forget.
I smiled at Rikk, who grinned back and nodded towards the corner table. Sitting there was a distinguished looking man of about fifty, blond hair going a little grey at the temples. His Empire clothing looked a little ostentatious. He stood as I approached his table.
"Rudolphus?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied, placing one hand easily on my waist. "You are Jemine? I am happy to meet you. Please sit down."
I was glad to see his earlier irritation with me had vanished. He had ordered me a mint choc chip fudge sundae, which I couldn't resist.
"Mmm, this is lovely, Rudolphus," I said, aware that he was watching me intently.
"I like your dress," he said, his accent more noticable now. "It looks good on you, and it is the kind of dress that is to mine taste."
* * * * *
Rudolphus ordered drinks for us, a white wine for me and a beer for himself. We talked. I asked if he had been checked for gamma ray radiation after his encounter with the neutron star. "Yes," he said, "And I am all clear." Rudolphus told me about his father and the family business. "The funeral of mine father has already taken place," he said. "Mine nephew saw no reason to wait on me because of the years we had no contact."
We discussed my plans for Caz, such as they were. Rudolphus listened, facinated. "You will need a better ship than your Sidewinder to kill Caz." he whispered.
I shook my head. "I think I'll have to find him on Earth," I said.
"How will you do it?" he asked.
"I don't know," I admitted. "Probably poison."
Rudolphus shook his head. "That is a woman's weapon," he declared.
Rudolphus was very affectionate, brushing my leg with his, stroking my arm. "You are very beautiful," he said, leaning close. We kissed. Then he produced a holocamera, and asked if he could take my picture.
"Of course. How do you want me?" I replied.
"Stand, please," he said. " I want to see all of you."
I stood, and struck a pose. Rudolphus recorded a couple of images, smiled at the results, then returned the device to his pocket. I sat down again.
"Will you go back to Empire space tomorrow?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied, lowering his voice. "I am pledged to support Zemina Torval in her battles against the Federation."
Our date drew to a close. We left Rikk's Cafe and walked to the elevator. Once inside, we found ourselves the sole occupants; Rudolphus pressed a little closer, nudging me back against the wall. I smiled, expecting him to take full advantage of the situation. But nothing happened, and presently the elevator doors opened at my deck. Rudolphus walked me back to my room, one arm placed protectively around my waist.
"Thank you," I said, opening the door. "I've had a lovely evening,"
"As have I," he replied, leaning in to place one last warm kiss on my lips. "Goodnight, Jem. Maybe one day you will come to see me in the Empire?"
I smiled. "Maybe," I replied, going into my room. "Who knows what the future holds?"