From the complaint department to the emperor of a planet by D.A. Sanford - HTML preview

The arrival

He had my photograph and description. Six foot, brown eyes, brown hair with average build.

Leans towards the toned side of average. He was the stereotypical executive assistant. No glasses. With proper etiquette, he could entertain clients but was prone to bouts of total honesty no matter whether feelings are hurt. Listens to good ideas but also quick to shoot down bad ones which sometimes leads to conflicts. As I said stereotypical executive assistant.

Looking at his tablet screen, was the temporary company relations manager until I arrive, Jack Reed. He was waiting for my shuttle to touch down from the docking station in orbit around the planet Tilxon.

When I get off the shuttle, I see him standing there with a Good Goods sign and my name. I walk over to him.

I introduce myself "I'm David Sampson"

But he looks at the tablet, then at me. He does this several times before he talks,

"Just making sure. One cannot be too sure. There are shape sifters out here."

"You want blood for a DNA check?" I say sarcastically.

"Not needed" he replied tapping his tablet. "The latest in interplanetary travel necessities. The personal assistant tablet. Built in DNA detection for positive identification. It has many other functions. You now have one at your manor."

"Jack, first things first. I do not talk business out in public. I even consider in a cab still public.”

“Neither do I.” He seemed indignant. “I have your limousine waiting outside, not a cab”

I shrug as we go towards the exit.

“Let's talk business in depth at the manor but on the way, fill me in on what the planet politics are right now. Not the public affairs version but the dirty low down. Your real gut feelings. This way I don't accidentally step on someone’s toes."

Jack asks, "Accidentally? Does that mean you will do it deliberately?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean."

"Then I need to get some steel toed shoes."

"Only if you think that I will need to do that."

Jack gives me the basics.

The planet Tilxon is just as described. Lush, almost tropical vegetation. A one season climate that is close to constant temperature of our eighty degrees but not as humid. This planet’s general population is made up with different humanoid species. Actual full human types are rare and considered the exotic species.

An interesting fact that I am going to look into. For sales purposes I tell myself.

The humanoid systems are almost feudal in nature. Basically, politicians who rule and those who are not. Those who are not, work for their living while supporting the politician’s way of life. Everything new must have the wheels greased first. Mainly by parties thrown, dinners and vacations funded by the entertainment budget Good Good’s has set up.

Tradition on Tilxon. No laws against it here.

The roads are paved but mostly foot traffic use the paved roads. The actual roads are one hundred feet higher. This planet actually has flying cars. We always talked about it on our planet but went to the "More Ecologically Sound" mass electric transportation system. The strained outdated system crashed the electrical grid because it could not handle the load and nearly putting our world in total blackout.

Plant life is similar to other planets. The differences though are interesting. The biggest threat is a plant commonly called a grabber. The grabber is a carnivorous plant. As you would figure has multi vine like tentacles that grab its prey, it entwines the victim. The victim is dragged back to a pool of flesh dissolving liquid while being held in the pool by the plant. Adding to the danger is the fact that they can move. Not fast but it moves when there is no food available.

Some plant life, on Tilxon, is considered sentient and can walk freely about. They even have areas throughout cities and villages that have special enriched soil that they can put their roots in to nourish themselves and rest. These are enclosed spaces open only to those plants.

They should be considered as their version of a hotel. These hotels are run by the government as a tribute to the planet’s life supporting vegetation.

Indigenous non sentient wild animal life is also similar to other planets. Some are herbivores but some are carnivorous. The carnivorous wild animals are to be considered very dangerous because all meat is the same to them sentient or not, meat is meat to them. In populated areas they are kept out by protective force fields that stop all animal life.

The different humanoid species along with plant life is free to roam and can pass through the barrier without any trouble.

Jack finishes his brief. "That is the basic about the planet."

We are riding to my manor in Tilxon's version of a limousine. Long multi seat passenger compartment fully furnished of course. It appears that I have a driver in my staff.

"One big warning" Jack adds "Humans are rare here and considered exotic on Tilxon. Being in a power position you will be a target and if you are not very careful, you'll end up being trapped by one or more Tilxonian women. Their race is different from humans even though most physically look similar."

He informs me that there are at least ten females to each male on Tilxon. I think I may like this planet.

Our single store is situated in the capital city of Gendozi. It is a beautiful mixture of styles.

Everything from basic box to opulent mansion. The simplest construction was kept clean. The same dwelling on other worlds would be considered slum material, here is considered quaint, Like a tropical island beach hut.

The other end of styles would be considered the best of a place like the Hamptons or Beverly Hills. The only thing is that the difference is not looked down on or envied. On the surface, there is harmony but I only just arrived and true harmony really is almost nonexistent Jack continues to fill me in on the general knowledge, laws and customs of Tilxon.

“Sentient life is considered sacred. To even harm it will get you into trouble. The worst sentence is permanent expulsion from the planet. Since you are the top official of our company, your will stand out so you need to show authority but understanding of the needs.

A royal audience will happen within the week. Be prepared.”