Chapter Two: A Whole Old World

[Akirapryde]

   
Kimoko

As Jake walked up to the group, it was clear that the armed guards each tensed up. “You are not…..” the leader of the body guards started to say but was cut off by the young female. There was a thick accent in his voice. Jake couldn’t put his finger on it, but it was clear that English wasn’t this man’s native language.

“Don’t mind him” the young female said stepping in front of them. “I am Kimiko” she said with a soft voice. Despite her command over the English language, her accent was easy to pick up. However, Jake was able to easily identify it. She spoke with a French accent as she continued, “You were the pilot of the shuttle, Oui?”

Behind her, Jake saw that the body guards were not happy about the current change in situation. Before Jake could speak the leader of the body guards interrupted. “Kimiko, maybe you might enjoy a visit to the bridge before you return for dinner.” It was clear the statement was more meant for Jake than for Kimiko as it was spoken in English. The leader of the body guards asked attempting to be polite but clearly hoping the suggestion would be taken more of a directive.

Kimiko smiled without taking her eyes off of Jake, “No” she said with a thicker than normal French accent. Then effortlessly she switched languages as her head slightly turned towards the three behind her, “alaistila' ealaa tawilat alaintizar balnsbt li.”

The three guards stood in disbelieve at the statement. It was the leader who spoke first, “as you wish Kimiko.” On that, they withdrew to a nearby table. But it was clear that they were watching Kimiko and more importantly Jake, every closely.

She turned to Jake with a smile, “tell me” she said switching back to English and attempted to mask her French accent, “what is your name? or shall I address you as pilot?”

There was something in her voice that was, was familiar to Jake. He couldn’t put his finger on it. Maybe it was just a pleasant case of Déjà vu.