What follows occurred to me after reading the first three books in Iain M. Banks æCultureÆ series. Hopefully no one minds itÆs placement here.
Jander yawned as he sat up in bed. The rays of first light crept through his bedroom window. He blinked as he slowly came alert, trying to determine the source of his aches and the funny taste in his mouth.
A warm slender arm draping itself across his waist gave him his answer. He turned and gazed down at his guest, a very handsome woman heÆd had the pleasure of meeting some months ago after returning to Masq Orbital. Their circling courtship had finally culminated in last nights activities as theyÆd explored one another.
He smiled as h e bent down; placing a kiss on her forehead as he gently removed her arm from his lap. She smiled and snuggled under the thick blankets as he slide out of bed and stood to greet the day.
ôHouseà.ö He whispered as he rolled his neck and arms, standing nude in the morning light. His athletic, if slightly older, frame slowly working the kinks from his muscles. ôDim the lighting a bit for out guest, sheÆs not much of a morning person.ö Satisfied that his wishes would be done, Jander strolled through the open spaces of his home, snagging a burgundy robe with black trim held out for him by his homes effector field.
Jander had just about finished making breakfast for two when a chime sounded. ôYes Hub?ö the knife sliced through the grapefruit, splitting it in two.
ôSorry to interrupt you so early in the morning, Jander, but one of your co-workers asked that I announce him before he arrived.ö Jander sighed as he arranged the grapefruit next to the grits and country fried steak, on the little tray heÆd prepared for his lover. ôThat silly drone.ö He muttered. ôGo ahead Hub.ö He said in a louder voice
With a sense of mocking gravity that made Jander smile Hub began. ôAnnouncing Sir Gerald of Contact.ö Jander had just ordered house to deliver the tray to his slowly awakening guest as a fist sized spherical drone swooped in through the open door with all the pomp and circumstance of a palace noble
ôGood morning Sir Gerald.ö JanderÆs voice was pleasant as he gestured toward a chair ôToo what do I owe the pleasure of your company?ö
The little drone flashed through a series of colors, suggesting barely restrained pleasure as it settled itself primly in its little cradle ôContact has an assignment for us. Seems weÆre finally being allowed to meet with representatives from the Silver Millennium core worldsà.ö The drone paused just long enough ôàin person!ö
Jander arched an eyebrow in amazement. The Culture had long known of the Millennium Queendom, but had made little progress in meeting or even talking with anyone beyond the representatives of their colonies and protectorates. ôThatàis good newsà.Any ideas why this sudden change?ö
The drone continued on, positively bubbling with excitement. ôThe Minds closest to their Core Worlds thinks that some kind of political upheaval has happened or is currently happening. As a result the Queendom has decided to reach out to new potential allies. Right now theyÆve contacted us, the Jurians, and the Galaxy Police. TheyÆve asked for a meeting to take place between our three groups at our earliest possible convenience.
Jander sat back, mind working through the implications as the drone prattled on. ôItÆs been decided that the Galaxy Police will host the summit on one of their academy worlds. Contact suspects they are hoping the Millennium and The Culture will provide personnel, and resources to the mutual security of that quadrant of space.ö The Drone hummed with a cheery buzz as it continued ôThe meetingÆs in six months time, and the GCU ôWell I was in the Neighborhoodö has been tasked to ferry us and a few others to the Summit, should only be a three to four months long trip including the return voyage.ö
Jander leaned his chair back, balancing on the two back legs as he folded his hands in his lap. ôI take it this cat-like regent, a Mau I think, Apollo will be there?ö
ôSo far all signs point to yes, though it appears he will be accompanied by some other people who weÆve been unable to identify.ö The Drone left its little cradle and zipped up into the air ôI assume I can tell Contact that youÆre interested?ö
Jared smiled ôThe mystery of the Silver Millennium has been a hobby of mine for sometime, I wouldnÆt miss this for the Orbital.ö
Author notes: Obviously I cut things down a bit, mainly I didnÆt feel like writing out culture names. I was reviewing this thread when this idea popped into my head. I suppose it came about out of my desire to see the Silver Millennium reentering galactic politics, and the problems theyÆd face as a result of such a decision.