Chapter 381 - Travels (2/2)
”I didn't expect us to be stuck in traffic this late in the afternoon.”
”We're going to AHA right?”
”Yes, by car I presume?” the tone didn't match the expression and aura, there was a feeling of not wanting to travel.
”No, we'll take a plane at Subrea. I have an engagement to attend on the 31st, in no way will I lose on such an opportunity,” without a moment wasted, he reached for the phone.
”Hello Cake.”
”Good afternoon, boss, what can I do for you?”
”I need a jet, have them fly over to Subrea, the coordinates have been sent.”
”I just received them, what model would you like?”
”Don't we only have the V12?”
”No, Midas created the V12-Mk-2. It comes equipped with the AFR as well as the new jet-engine. It should go twice as fast as the prior version.”
”What of the V12 then?
”We sold it; a client offered around 25 Million Exa for it.”
”I'm hoping you didn't?”
”No need to say anymore, Boss, the V12 was stripped of all classified components. We did leave a good enough engine, in case of breakdown, they'll come to us. There should not be a cause for concern.”
”Have them sent over,” he smiled, '-a new plane developed by Midas, this will be interesting.'
The name Midas, chosen as a homage to an age-old story. Similar to GateSix, Midas was part of Phantom's Research Organization. Their focus was on research and development of Air-based vehicles and weapons. The latter being kept confidential for security purposes. Producing a few planes per year, inconsequential parts were outsourced to factories in Alphia, a reward for being allies. Put into action during the war, Midas was a cornerstone in turning the war into the Federation's favor. The supreme leader in air-based technology and combat. Rumor had it that a genius, a once in a century scholar, specializing in the field of aeronautics was in charge of their operations. Phantom had more than let to believe.
”Are we there yet?”
”No,” said Staxius pulling close to the hill-station. Similar to Marrowy, going to Subrea meant going around the mountains, and dangerous were the narrow fog-filled roads. ”We'll stay the night here,” said he.
”Hello travelers,” said a lady behind a brightly colored counter, ”-what would you like?” Menus were displayed on the wall behind on screens.
”Is there the possibility of lodging for a night?” asked Staxius courteously.
”Yes, we've a motel around back,” giving a once-over, ”-may I wonder to who you are?”
”No one particular, just the same as thee, workers trying to make a profit in the less than the loveable economy.”
”That much is true. Go on, take a seat, I'll have someone tend soon,” off they were to a window-seat.
”Was it wise?”
”Wise what, in no way does she need to know our identity. Take the habit of eluding the question, the more fame one has, the harder it is to be private.”
”Fine, fine,” said he checking the menu. A glance around showed few seats and fewer people. The roads outside weren't frequented that much. If it wasn't for this hill-station, it would have been a hassle to find food.
”Hello, may I take your order?” asked a boy in his sixteen. Sultria kept on order till the boy ran out of space to write.
”Is that all?” asked him with a smile.
”Yes, should be plenty.”
He left with a skip. Showing the order to the lady, both hugged in relief. ”That was nice of you,” said Staxius.
”What do you mean?”
”Business is slow. It's obvious, just look around. I'm sure making a living is tough. Ordering all that food will be beneficial, more so than you think.”
”I had to do something.”
”Well, the new problem is how are we going to eat all of it?”
”No need to fret,” came a seductive voice.
”We'll help,” came another less womanly but more charming.
”Don't forget me!”
”Gophy, Intherna, and Adete. I'm so glad you're here,” he smiled and called on the waiter. The trio caught the eye of a few of the customers. Not that it was apparent, both Gophy and Intherna were beautiful, beautiful enough to put the stars and idols to shame. Tis why Yuri was impulsive at the funeral.
”Yes sire, how may I help?”
”I want the order to be tripled, my friends here are starved.”
”T-tripled,” he stared blankly, ”-with pleasure.”
”And you say I'm the one who's nice,” added he in jest.