The Visitor by Brent Ayscough Page B

leaders. Today is not much different from medieval times and the Inquisition. Religious leaders, and there are so many, seek power by wanting to be exclusive. Most people, excepting the Hindus, believe in a single God, but of course they have different notions of what the true God is. Most all believe that their notion of God is the one and only true God, and all other Gods are false. It is sort of like saying, ‘I believe in the one and only true God, and He is merciful and wonderful. And if you don’t believe in Him, I’ll kill you.’”
    Baron smiled at his little joke, but Tak did not take it as humor and listened intently. “But, I must say, it’s good for business,” he added.
    “Good for business?”
    He backed away from the admission. “Oh, it’s just an expression.”
    Then , she wondered, why did the Federation send me to this barbaric place ? Was it just to confirm the obvious ? Was it just a training mission for me as my first mission alone and, in actuality, unnecessary ?
    Baron looked at his watch to avoid further interrogation. “Will you join me for dinner? There is a delightful, elegant restaurant downtown, overlooking the square that has the most wonderful Polish food. I’ve reserved a table in two hours.”
    “Oh, yes.” Then she looked down at her clothes. “I believe that the custom is to dress differently at elegant restaurants, and I would not look appropriate at your table, so maybe I should decline.”
    “Nonsense!”
    Baron looked about for the concierge and saw him at the end of the lobby. Baron signaled for him to come over by raising his hand.
    The concierge hurried over to the distinguished guest. “How may I serve you, Baron?”
    “My guest will be joining me for dinner in two hours. Will you please tell Lachhiman where to take Mademoiselle for the best dress shop in Krakow? And call ahead and have the shop charge whatever she wants to me here on my hotel bill.”
    “Of course, Baron,” the concierge said.
    “I’ll stay here and have another drink or two,” Baron said to Tak. “Why don’t you go now before the shops close? Have fun.”

    ***

    Tak sat across from Baron at a little table for two in a bay window at the quaint restaurant on the second floor, overlooking the square in downtown Krakow. The guests were more formally dressed as Baron knew they would be, and Tak looked beautiful in her new outfit and shoes.
    “Is this outfit good?” She had bought a simple, one piece, black evening outfit and black, high-heeled shoes, all of which the shop keeper recommended.
    “You look like a supermodel.”
    The waiter came, and Baron was prepared. “Definitely the duck.” He then selected a wine.
    The waiter looked at Tak. She smiled. “Definitely the duck.”
    Baron laughed and then announced his plans. “Tak, tomorrow I’m scheduled to go to Germany. I assume you’ll be staying on?”
    “Is that far?”
    “No. I’ll be going by car. The drive is through the countryside and, with a stop or two to stretch and eat, it should take one day. Do you know Germany?”
    “No.”
    “It is quite different than Poland. Would you like to join me? You have seen the main highlights here in Krakow.” Then he said something satirical but it was not understood as such by Tak. “Or perhaps tomorrow you were going to stay on and do some shopping for Polish crystal?”
    “Oh no, it would be inconvenient to collect native artifacts.” After she said that, she realized somehow collecting native artifacts did not seem like the best choice of words.
    But if Baron noticed her faux pas, he did not mention it. “Then why don’t you join me?”
    “That is across another governmental border, correct?”
    Baron again raised his eyebrows at the curious question. “Yes, we cross the German border.”
    “What would I need to cross the border?”
    “Well, since the two countries are both part of the European Union, you do not need a passport. But if you want later to go elsewhere,