Personal Log 66:12th - 18th October, 3301
30 Sep 2016Jemine Caesar
12th - 18th October, 3301 (Part One) My suspicion that Rudolphus' friend 'Archer DeLonley' was in fact Archon Delaine would have to wait for another day to be confirmed.
Nathalie stayed true to her word, joining up with Sam and me at LHS 415. She had just competed in a Close Quarter Combat championship, winning praise for her "amazing moves" from Daniel McMiller, the sexist presenter of 'Intersport'.
Sam had taken on a delivery job to ferry grain to Arcturus, so the three of us winged up and headed off. I soon discovered I had a lot to learn about flying in a wing, for I somehow managed to become separated from my companions. Even worse, over the comms I could hear Sam and Nath discussing tactics after Sam was interdicted, while I was in another system, unable to help and not knowing what to do.
Later, having docked at Arcturus' Singh Orbiter, we went to a restaurant called the Taj Mahal, which specialised in hot spicy food originating from an Earth country called India. We all changed out of our flightsuits, with Nathalie looking stunningly gorgeous in a full-length red dress and shoes I had brought along especially for her. A little make-up and she was all set.
"I never wear make-up," she said, checking her reflection. "I hope Sam doesn't think I'm trying to steal him away from you, Jem!"
We rejoined Sam at a table in the restaurant, and ordered our meals: Chicken Tikka Masala for Sam, Lamb Biryani for me, and Lamb Vindaloo for Nath. The portions were huge, with the result that none of us could finish our plates.
"Next time we're at Beta Hydri," said Sam, "I'll take you to my favourite Indian restaurant, the 'Spice Of India'.
Nathalie began to look flushed. "Nath?" I said. "Are you all right?" Nath looked at me.
"Hey, why are you green?" she said, before pitching forward and passing out.
The medics arrived in no time. "Most likely an allergic reaction to something in the food," one said. "We'll get her to the medicentre. She'll be fine."
*****
The next morning Sam finally received word from Oliver Reade. Cheryl Maughan-Pike was unable to see us until the 16th, due to other commitments after the play each night.
While Sam went to check his ship to make sure no surprise repairs were needed, I called the medicentre to ask about Nathalie's condition. She had made a full recovery, and had already been discharged. No sooner had I closed the call than the door buzzer sounded.
It was Nath. I asked her in for coffee, and updated her about our forthcoming trip to Barnard's Star.
"Nath, I'd like you and Sam to see Cheryl Maughan-Pike without me, " I said. "It might be a bit of an emotional interview for me. You can tell her you're writing a book about the 'Star's End' holosoap."
Nath said she would take the Darkangel out bounty hunting in the meantime. "I'll meet up with you and Sam at Miller Depot," she told me.
"Thank you," I said. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Nath. You gave us quite a scare last night. Here... I bought you a little gift... It's a make-up bag with a few cosmetics inside. I hope you like it."
The 16th of October duly arrived. Having met up at Miller Depot, I wished Sam and Nathalie good luck for their meeting with the actress, Cheryl Maughan-Pike.