The transport ship landed and Freetrader Paxil stepped out onto the pad. He had never been on this planet before and he already had his doubts. The landing pad was out in a field 50 or so miles from the main space port hub. He academically understood the reasons for this, they wanted to build the landing zones outside the city so the city could continue to grow and be in less danger from the occasional ship falling from the sky. He knew that, but it still pissed him off. He was a Freetrader, a galactic prince who should not have to be taken into this backwoods planet hub-city by wheeled conveyance.
Paxil took a deep breath. He was not really mad, just tired. This latest intergalactic trip was one of the longest even had been through. The jump of course was nearly instant, you leave one place and end up in another at the same time. BUT for some reason jumping to this system meant a 3 year journey from the jump point to the planet. Most of that time was spent in suspended animation, AKA the deep sleep.
The last three months of the trip were spent waking the crew and passengers, doing ship repairs, and preparing cargo and crew to go ashore. This was a new world in a system filled with debri. It is the first system of its kind that we could colonize because of the limitations of the spacetime jump system. We could not know exactly what would be in space and we would not want to send a ship through a jump and have them appear inside a major piece of rock. So the jump has to be made from especially far out.
They had of course started sending electronic messages out to the planet as soon as the jump was done. No need to wait for in person contact for that, but all the good and services they could provide would not show up for approximately two years. Hopefully the planet would be prepared for the major undertaking that is the docking of a Freetrader ship. He carried specialists and workers looking for a new life. He carried food and general goods for sale and for the rich, precious treasures that could not be found anywhere else.
He hailed the transport that was waiting for him. The dirty yellow vehicle was a hybrid truck and travel car. Very common for new planets but rarely seen on civilized ones. The driver, a man of medium height with olive skin got out and introduced himself. “ My name is Aretoo, are you Master Paxil?” Paxil simply replied “Freetrader Paxil”. “Ah” Aretoo smiled “They said you would say that. Welcome to world BX-168, we call it “Bliss”, your lieutenant gave me specific instructions on where to take you but that I should ask if you want to make any detours first.” “No” Paxil said, “Let's get going. I already feel dirty and i'm tired after a long journey”. Aretoo did not know if he meant the space journey or the flight down but he had no reason to ask him. He did not know this Freetrader and from the whispers and rumors he had heard, they were not men to be taken lightly.
Aretoo took the Freetrader to the first place on the list. He pulled up to a modern, well at least modern by Bliss standards, building. He was made of pressed brick and had a sign that read “The Red Dress”. Aretoo got out and opened the door. “Here we are. Are you sure this is the place you want to go?” Paxil eyed the driver, “Is there something wrong with this place?” . “No sir, just... most respectable men might go to one of the major hotels in the area, or the official welcoming office for travelers.” “Not a brothel?” Paxil said. “I mean no offense”. “For the first time since landing Paxil laughed. “It’s fine. Perhaps as we get to know each other better, you can ask me why I chose this place and I might actually tell you.” “Of course sir.” Aretoo bowed a little. Paxil had to hand it to Helena, she found a good driver, he would have to send her a message when he was settled.
Freetrader Paxil and his driver made their way to the brothel door. Paxil knocked and waited. Next to the door was a simple intercom system that came to life. A pleasant voice said “Welcome to The Red Dress. How can we help you today?” The freetrader chuckled and said, I am FreeTrader Paxil. I have an appointment.” “Thank you.” said the voice in the box. There was a long pause, Paxil could hear the hum of the city, which felt foreign after so much time in deep space. Soon the door opened and the two men were welcomed in. “Welcome to The Red Dress” said an older silky voice. “You may call me Madam Scarlett. FreeTrader Paxil, your message came in yesterday and I have a room set up for you right now. “ Paxil nodded and looked at the driver “I will not need you for a few hours so you can wait here or anywhere else. Here is a phone that I can contact you on, as long as you are employed by me, please keep it with you and charged”. Paxil handed Aretoo a phone.
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