Chapter Eleven: Miss Pearl — Part 3

The Point of Entry was a multidimensional building, and those knowing this fact would have access to ports that would take them to seven other Points on Earth, as well as a small bar set up near the center of the moon, and one in a cave on Mars. Most people with bender technology at their command would know and understand this kind of integration as second nature. If Pearl had come to Earth using a Snap, then she could have entered any of the Points of Entry. Her image, therefore, would be somewhere in the records.

The archives for the Points of Entry and their outlying facilities were vast, and would require some considerable time to organize so the images of people coming and going could be properly studied, and then separated out from the locals. While Nikkei and Orchid worked over the fine details, Jun and Bamboo took in the dance floor, dressed for a wild night on the town. Jun had to work with Bamboo’s blindness, but Bamboo knew how to have a good time, just the same. The two also kept watch for Pearl as they worked the floor, getting to know their fellows from around the world and the galaxy. As the evening wound down, Jun led Bamboo up a massive flight of spiral stars to the balconies, where she secured a table near the bar so the two could continue to survey the dance floor.

Dawson sat down at the bar with Jun and Bamboo during a break. “You two find Pearl yet?” She asked.

“How is it you knew who we were looking for?” Jun asked, her suspicion expressed aggressively.

“Because your sister rudely told me to go away. She was looking for Pearl apparently, so I can only assume you would be working with her.” Dawson signaled to a waiter, who walked over to her, “You, Sir, two Smooth Jamaicans and a stout off the tap for the lady.” Dawson tipped the bartender a small slab of gold. “Sorry I had to leave so abruptly the other day.”

“Yes, but of course we understand. We wouldn’t want you risking even a drop of that precious blood flowing in your veins.” Jun leaned heavily on Bamboo’s arm, eyeing Dawson with no small amount of contempt.

“Good, seeing as how that’s all settled, perhaps I can give you some advice. Stop trying to find the girl and start negotiating with Chen and Quet on the details of a new treaty.”

“Let me guess, Coven would have some influence in the development of this treaty, perhaps even put itself at some political advantage.” Bamboo said.

“That does sound like a smart idea. I wish I had thought of it.” Dawson said. “If you would like a mediator on such, matters, do feel free to call me.”

“We know how you work. It’s what makes you so endearing to us.” Bamboo felt somebody place a drink in his hand, and he drank the sweet dark rum beverage with unconcealed relish.

“Well of course we would. Coven’s Bender Society is the strongest in the galaxy — no offense intended to Swift.” Dawson added when she realized that Swift, though nearly invisible, was hovering near Jun, eating peanuts and chicken wings from a bowl.

Swift’s answer was less than courteous. “No offense has been taken, however erroneous the supposition on your part.”

“I was referring to hume political circles.” Dawson added.

“Humes always ignore the basic details that lead to dangerous misunderstandings between species and even within their own cultures.” Swift added. “Overestimation is one of many sociopolitical flaws of a species that confuses raw numbers with military capability.”

“And yet you still hang around with me.” Jun countered angrily, pushing her peanuts and wings in Swift’s direction in hopes of staving off any misunderstandings.

“Listen,” Bamboo said brusquely, “Not that we don’t appreciate your offer to push for a new treaty, right now we have other concerns.”

Dawson set down her drink. “I see. Well, if as in the past, you find yourself in need of counsel, do contact me.” Dawson vanished from the room, leaving Jun and Bamboo to their drinks.

“As I recall, Chen and Quet were chasing the same girl, at some point in their distant pasts.” Bamboo said. “That is if we are to trust Dawson’s telling.”

“If Chen wants Pearl,” Jun began, pausing to sip her drink, “he may go to irrational lengths to get her.”

“If Quet has an interest in her, his behavior will be completely irrational. Orchid will know what to do.” Bamboo sighed, sucking down his beer. “The two of them won’t last five minutes against her.”

“That may not be an overestimation.” Swift, for once, sounded agreeable.

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