Gorg snapped his attention back to the present but found himself unable to form the words at first. The female before him had beautiful coloring and practically oozed with pheromones. How she had not yet managed to stir up the entire cantina into a mating frenzy was beyond his understanding.
"My father owns this place," she explained, as if reading his thoughts.
"You know your father?"
She shrugged. "My birth mother died protecting her eggs from a predator. Most of them didn't survive the attack. I guess he felt a little protective of me after that."
"How peculiar."
"My father is a peculiar guy." She inched closer. "Now what can I get you?"
"I..." Gorg hesitated. He was going to have to be very careful about what he said and who he said things to from here on out. "I heard that your... your father was... umm.... peculiar..."
Zelenca were not normally known for having expressive features but right now the young female was giving him a decidedly skeptical look.
This isn't going anywhere.
Mustering up what little was left of his courage Gorg blurted out, "I need to speak to your father."
"Why?"
"He and I... have similar goals for Shawm."
The female's hard stare remained unbroken but Gorg got the feeling that she was now trying to measure him up. "And what goals would those be?"
"I... I believe that he and I... would like to see Shawm continue as an independent planet."
"You're clearly not from the deep waters. Why should we trust you?"
"Because I have everything to lose by being here. If they find out..."
The stare continued but the female relaxed ever so slightly. "Very well. We shall hear what you have to say. But be warned: I'm not just a pretty face that serves refreshments."
I have no doubt about that.
Showing posts with label Gorg Chum Saga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gorg Chum Saga. Show all posts
Questionable Cantina (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 9
The cantina--not-so-cleverly named "The Water Hole"--was thriving with life. Gorg wasn't so sure why this took him by surprise. He must have assumed that the poor would have better things to spend their quaves on but from the looks of things this place was the spending destination of choices. The tables were generously spread throughout the establishment but every square inch in between was occupied by every manner of rough-looking individual.
A sharp bone from someone's body connected directly with Gorg's sternum so hard it launched him back several yards into a pack of large, imposing individuals. "Watch it!" One of them snapped at Gorg as he shoved Gorg back in the direction he came from.
"Sorry," Gorg muttered to himself. More and more he was thinking that this might have been a bad idea. Now was the time he could still turn back and it wouldn't be too late. As of yet he had not committed any crimes against his government. He could go back home now to his comfortable home and comfortable job and no one would be the wiser.
No. If I turn back now there will be no home to go back to eventually.
Well, that wasn't entirely true, his more cowardly half reasoned. Your home would simply be under Imperium jurisdiction. And you would probably be able to keep your job.
Snared in the grips of indecision, Gorg did not even notice the breathtakingly beautiful female until she asked with a smile, "You look a bit lost. Can I get you anything?"
A sharp bone from someone's body connected directly with Gorg's sternum so hard it launched him back several yards into a pack of large, imposing individuals. "Watch it!" One of them snapped at Gorg as he shoved Gorg back in the direction he came from.
"Sorry," Gorg muttered to himself. More and more he was thinking that this might have been a bad idea. Now was the time he could still turn back and it wouldn't be too late. As of yet he had not committed any crimes against his government. He could go back home now to his comfortable home and comfortable job and no one would be the wiser.
No. If I turn back now there will be no home to go back to eventually.
Well, that wasn't entirely true, his more cowardly half reasoned. Your home would simply be under Imperium jurisdiction. And you would probably be able to keep your job.
Snared in the grips of indecision, Gorg did not even notice the breathtakingly beautiful female until she asked with a smile, "You look a bit lost. Can I get you anything?"
The Slums (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 8
Gorg Chum eyed his surroundings warily as he steered his small, one-man submarine through the dark channels of water. He had lived on Shawm for all of his life but never once had he ventured this far into the slums.
Up until now he had never had a need.
His had been a privileged upbringing. As a youth he had been given the finest education Shawm had to offer. His birth mother was an important figure with good connections. Gorg had slipped into the higher political levels as easily as he had slipped into the water as a fingerling.
Advocating jobs for the poorer classes and actually visiting said poorer classes were two entirely separate things in Gorg's mind.
The temperature in the submarine dropped as he plunged further and further into the deeper, less hospitable waters. The general lack of sunshine made food and resources scarce in this area and, therefore, cheaper to live.
Gorg shivered as he adjusted the sub's heading toward the main stretch of caves and dwellings. His shiver had nothing to do with the cold. For the first time in his life he felt completely out of his league. Deciding to swim smack in the middle of the resistance had seemed like a good idea from the comfort of his own office. But now he wasn't so sure.
Up until now he had never had a need.
His had been a privileged upbringing. As a youth he had been given the finest education Shawm had to offer. His birth mother was an important figure with good connections. Gorg had slipped into the higher political levels as easily as he had slipped into the water as a fingerling.
Advocating jobs for the poorer classes and actually visiting said poorer classes were two entirely separate things in Gorg's mind.
The temperature in the submarine dropped as he plunged further and further into the deeper, less hospitable waters. The general lack of sunshine made food and resources scarce in this area and, therefore, cheaper to live.
Gorg shivered as he adjusted the sub's heading toward the main stretch of caves and dwellings. His shiver had nothing to do with the cold. For the first time in his life he felt completely out of his league. Deciding to swim smack in the middle of the resistance had seemed like a good idea from the comfort of his own office. But now he wasn't so sure.
First Steps (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 7
Calen Natari had completed her assignment by finding proof of Imperium presence. But her most useful contribution was the report Gorg made her turn in on her findings. Apparently Calen had sniffed around one of the cantinas in the slums. She indicated that the bartender running the shop seemed to be connected to some sort of resistance movement.
I will start there.
Shawm is almost entirely covered in water. And, as such, the natives are rightfully confident that invasion would be extremely difficult for air-breathing invaders. But therein lay the problem. Gorg's people had no standing army. A fatal mistake in a galaxy filled with unrest.
If Gorg could somehow make contact with this bartender and earn the man's trust that would be a start. He needed to know how large the resistance was and if their goals might be in line with his own.
Gorg glanced down at his trademark government uniform. I'm going to need a disguise, though.
I will start there.
Shawm is almost entirely covered in water. And, as such, the natives are rightfully confident that invasion would be extremely difficult for air-breathing invaders. But therein lay the problem. Gorg's people had no standing army. A fatal mistake in a galaxy filled with unrest.
If Gorg could somehow make contact with this bartender and earn the man's trust that would be a start. He needed to know how large the resistance was and if their goals might be in line with his own.
Gorg glanced down at his trademark government uniform. I'm going to need a disguise, though.
Considerations (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 6
"Your argument is strong. But peace requires trust. If we start to prepare for war, it would surely incite the Imperium to do the same. No, we must do nothing."
That was the council's verdict. Gorg Chum was back in his office staring at nothing as he was wont to do when in deep thought.
Zelencan rooms were not like what one might see on a plant with land-based creatures. Zelenca were just as comfortable in the water as they were out. The rooms they built on their native planet did not have what humans would call an "up" or "down."
Gorg floated about the room aimlessly. The Imperium was here. Calen Natari had proven as much.
No, we must do nothing...
The council's verdict bothered him. Gorg was not one to do nothing. He was a zelenca and part of the collective whole. His very nature compelled him to follow their school of thought.
What the council decided was wrong.
This fact was blindingly clear to Gorg. And this feeling that he was right was stronger than his need to conform. But such thoughts were dangerous.
I will have to commit treason.
Narrow Vision (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 5
"Councilor Chum, I fail to see where you're going with this point."
Gorg turned from the accusation, desperate to keep his emotions under control. The view from the council chamber was truly spectacular. One could see the entire capital city. Schools of brightly colored fish swam by and sunlight trickled through the ocean depths.
There had been no news of Calen's arrival. A good sign. Outsiders were always of note so he probably would have hear a rumor by now if his people suspected.
"The council has already made clear that we are to take no offensive action against the Imperium," Gorg said finally. "But given the current galactic political instability, it would be prudent to build up our planetary defenses."
"That would be a waste of resources," another council member observed. "Resources we could well use for other projects."
Gorg swam away from the window to the center of the room. "And what if the Imperium attacks? We will have no planet left to develop! My fellow councilors, I beg you to consider this matter with a broader viewpoint. Our planet is generally viewed to be impenetrable by most but we cannot rely on our reputation to defend! All it would take is one spy to report our weaknesses and we would be finished."
"Again, we have no reason to suspect the Imperium will attack. We even have peaceful trading negotiations with them."
"And when has that ever been enough for the Imperium? They won't rest until all planets are under their control. They have made this clear by their actions. Shawm is one of the few planets that could offer serious resistance. Councilors, it's not a matter of if they attack, it's when."
They murmured. "Your argument is strong. But peace requires trust. If we start to prepare for war, it would surely incite the Imperium to do the same. No, we must do nothing."
Gorg turned from the accusation, desperate to keep his emotions under control. The view from the council chamber was truly spectacular. One could see the entire capital city. Schools of brightly colored fish swam by and sunlight trickled through the ocean depths.
There had been no news of Calen's arrival. A good sign. Outsiders were always of note so he probably would have hear a rumor by now if his people suspected.
"The council has already made clear that we are to take no offensive action against the Imperium," Gorg said finally. "But given the current galactic political instability, it would be prudent to build up our planetary defenses."
"That would be a waste of resources," another council member observed. "Resources we could well use for other projects."
Gorg swam away from the window to the center of the room. "And what if the Imperium attacks? We will have no planet left to develop! My fellow councilors, I beg you to consider this matter with a broader viewpoint. Our planet is generally viewed to be impenetrable by most but we cannot rely on our reputation to defend! All it would take is one spy to report our weaknesses and we would be finished."
"Again, we have no reason to suspect the Imperium will attack. We even have peaceful trading negotiations with them."
"And when has that ever been enough for the Imperium? They won't rest until all planets are under their control. They have made this clear by their actions. Shawm is one of the few planets that could offer serious resistance. Councilors, it's not a matter of if they attack, it's when."
They murmured. "Your argument is strong. But peace requires trust. If we start to prepare for war, it would surely incite the Imperium to do the same. No, we must do nothing."
According to Plan (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 4
His meeting with Calen Natari had gone better than he had expected. She was a fascinating young woman; both observant and thorough. Precisely the sort of qualities he needed for such a delicate mission.
Everything was going according to plan. It was only a matter of time before Calen was able to root out his enemies. And it was his job now to distract the board and local law enforcement. Trying to keep news of an outsider such as Calen under wraps would be no small feat. But... not impossible.
In the end, the effort would be worth it. He refused to let his planet fall prey to the Imperium as so many others had done. So long as Calen was successful, the end would justify the means.
Everything was going according to plan. It was only a matter of time before Calen was able to root out his enemies. And it was his job now to distract the board and local law enforcement. Trying to keep news of an outsider such as Calen under wraps would be no small feat. But... not impossible.
In the end, the effort would be worth it. He refused to let his planet fall prey to the Imperium as so many others had done. So long as Calen was successful, the end would justify the means.
Delicate Request (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 3
Councilor Chum sat working at his desk when the vid-comm alerted him to an incoming message. An incoming secure message. He accepted the call.
"Calen Natari," he said without preamble.
"Councilor," she nodded in assent.
"You're younger than I expected."
"And you're wasting my time."
Gorg smiled. No messing with this one. Perfect. "I trust I can count on your discretion?"
Calen nodded in assent once again.
"I need you to come to Shawm and collect some... proof... for me."
Calen clearly looked annoyed. "That's not really in my line of work. Contact your local security for that."
"I will be blunt, Ms. Natari. The Imperium is here on my planet but I need hard proof. I would be willing to pay quite well for you to, shall we say, dig up their spies?"
"Now that is something I could handle. I'll be at Shawm in seven standard hours."
"Excellent. I thank you. I'll make sure you have no trouble with the landing procedures."
"Calen Natari," he said without preamble.
"Councilor," she nodded in assent.
"You're younger than I expected."
"And you're wasting my time."
Gorg smiled. No messing with this one. Perfect. "I trust I can count on your discretion?"
Calen nodded in assent once again.
"I need you to come to Shawm and collect some... proof... for me."
Calen clearly looked annoyed. "That's not really in my line of work. Contact your local security for that."
"I will be blunt, Ms. Natari. The Imperium is here on my planet but I need hard proof. I would be willing to pay quite well for you to, shall we say, dig up their spies?"
"Now that is something I could handle. I'll be at Shawm in seven standard hours."
"Excellent. I thank you. I'll make sure you have no trouble with the landing procedures."
Drastic Actions (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 2
Councilor Chum sat in his office staring at nothing. Though he had been staring at nothing for the past two hours, his mind was a whirl of activity. His calling was to protect his people by serving his government. But in this case the government was failing his people. They needed to at least know about the threat the Imperium posed.
He was loathe to go against the decision of the council. But protecting his people and his planet was more important to him than a single poor political decision.
He tapped a few buttons on his vid-comm. The face of Yarmin Derd, his old friend, came up on the screen.
"Gorg! How are you my friend?"
"I've been better. I just had a meeting with the council. They've chosen not to take any action with regard to the Imperium at this time."
Yarmin sat back in his chair and let out a long-suffering sigh.
"They refuse to acknowledge that there's a threat. You know what this could mean."
"I do."
"I need your advice, old friend. I need to make this threat seem real to my people."
Yarmin appeared to consider for awhile. "I'll give you the contact information for this young woman I recently became acquainted with. She has several... useful... skills. I suggest that you utilize her."
"What's her name?"
"Calen Natari."
He was loathe to go against the decision of the council. But protecting his people and his planet was more important to him than a single poor political decision.
He tapped a few buttons on his vid-comm. The face of Yarmin Derd, his old friend, came up on the screen.
"Gorg! How are you my friend?"
"I've been better. I just had a meeting with the council. They've chosen not to take any action with regard to the Imperium at this time."
Yarmin sat back in his chair and let out a long-suffering sigh.
"They refuse to acknowledge that there's a threat. You know what this could mean."
"I do."
"I need your advice, old friend. I need to make this threat seem real to my people."
Yarmin appeared to consider for awhile. "I'll give you the contact information for this young woman I recently became acquainted with. She has several... useful... skills. I suggest that you utilize her."
"What's her name?"
"Calen Natari."
Playing the Game (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 1
To an outsider the stares Councilor Gorg Chum was receiving would have been unreadable. Though many of his species found the nickname "fish face" to be derogatory, he couldn't help but admit to himself that the description was apt. Zelenca did share many similar features with their less evolved brethren. Plus, unblinking, virtually expressionless stares certainly gave him an edge as a politican. At least it did when he was talking to other species.
But in this case he was conversing with his own species. He would have to tread carefully and think two moves ahead if he was to win this game.
"Fellow council members, as always I respect the general public's decisions. To go against this would be to ruin the very foundation of our government. My proposal is to merely make the public more aware of the threat. Let the people decide."
The members of the board assigned to listen to his case murmured to each other. Councilor Chum could feel the general disapproval. Zelenca still retained evolutionary remnants of a group sense. Scientists believed it originated from the days when they really did look like fish and had to swim in large schools.
"Councilor Chum, you are a very well respected member of our government. We have no doubt that the threat you say the Imperium presents is real. However, the public has already voted to not take any action. This board feels that having them vote again will make no difference. Your time would be best spent with... other projects."
The feeling of disapproval intensified. If the board member had been less seasoned, Gorg was certain there would have been a hint of mockery. A tingling in the back of his skull encouraged him to follow this group's decision. To become one again with the group's direction. But he ignored it. This was too important.
But in this case he was conversing with his own species. He would have to tread carefully and think two moves ahead if he was to win this game.
"Fellow council members, as always I respect the general public's decisions. To go against this would be to ruin the very foundation of our government. My proposal is to merely make the public more aware of the threat. Let the people decide."
The members of the board assigned to listen to his case murmured to each other. Councilor Chum could feel the general disapproval. Zelenca still retained evolutionary remnants of a group sense. Scientists believed it originated from the days when they really did look like fish and had to swim in large schools.
"Councilor Chum, you are a very well respected member of our government. We have no doubt that the threat you say the Imperium presents is real. However, the public has already voted to not take any action. This board feels that having them vote again will make no difference. Your time would be best spent with... other projects."
The feeling of disapproval intensified. If the board member had been less seasoned, Gorg was certain there would have been a hint of mockery. A tingling in the back of his skull encouraged him to follow this group's decision. To become one again with the group's direction. But he ignored it. This was too important.
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