Of all the gin joints in
all the space stations in all the Omega quadrant he walked
into mine. I own the Last Vegas Bar on Space Station
Lians I remember that day with
crystal clarity. It was the seventh calendar month of the
year 2194…late afternoon. I was seeing to some last
minute details for the nights entertainment when a distinct
change in the atmosphere; a gradual silencing of the usual
clamor, and a collective sigh made me turn around to see
what was amiss. I noticed that all female eyes, both alien
and human, had riveted on a new arrival. It was Captain Murray of
the Star Cruiser Airbrush. He seemed unaware of all the
appreciative feminine glances as he wove his way through the
eclectic throng to the main bar. I'd heard of Captain
Murray, of course, but had never had the opportunity to meet
him personally. He was famous throughout the galaxy and his
artwork…legendary. He and his crew traveled the galaxy
to far reaching planets, outposts, and space stations,
bringing their art show for all to admire, covet, and
purchase. As Captain Murray scanned
the room, our eyes had met momentarily. I was rewarded with
a shy smile, but it was the brief, knowing twinkle in his
blue eyes that told me that, perhaps, he wasn't oblivious to
the static charge he had created. That night was a special
night at the Last Vegas. On different space stations over
the last 205 years, scores of people all gather annually to
celebrate an old Earth television show, "Beauty and the
Beast". I'm sorry to say that I missed the reunion the year
before that was held on Saxet 4, but had heard that Captain
Murray and his sidekick Myhr had attended for the first time
and brought the house down. I remember thinking, "Tonight
will be one for the memory books." An hour or so later my
friend Cindy introduced me to Jamie Murray and we said our
first, "Hello". Later that evening, after
I had delivered the requisite welcome speech, I felt a tap,
tap, taping on my shoulder. I turned around and the most
exotic Lynx man that I had ever beheld stood before me. His
golden eyes gazed down into mine and he said nary a word. He
merely cocked his head to the left and stared…and
I…stared back…transfixed. (A word to the
wise…never get into a staring contest with this
gent……you'll lose.) "Name's, Myhr," he
finally spoke. I could have sworn that he had emitted a soft
purr, but over the din I couldn't be sure. "May I borrow the
microphone for a minute," he continued. I nodded my consent.
"COOL!" Myhr stated. "Is everyone ready to P A R T Y
?!" "YES!" came the
enthusiastic response from the gathering. Then there was
several "Meows." "Does your mother know
you use that kind of language?' Myhr scolded. Myhr saw to the Emceeing
and I organized the Costume Contest and the Talent Show. We
even got the chance to kick up our heels together. Yes, the
party was on and it was one to remember. A strange thing
though…I never saw Captain Murray again that night.
But, the next day I attended the art show on the Airbrush
and purchased by first original "Murray." Over the years I have
become friends with Jamie and Myhr. We share a laugh or two
or three each year at the Beauty and the Beast Reunions and
occasionally converse via E-space. Funny thing…in all
these years…I have never seen Jamie and Myhr
together…in the same place…at the same
time…Hmmmm…I wonder if…NAH!!! "JEEZ…CAN'T A GUY
HAVE ANY PRIVACY" KIND
For
Jamie,
"Here's
looking at you, kid."
Hugs,
Jacqueline
Skalski
