by Saxon Andrew
• • •
Ryshana wondered what was going on. Jab looked around and turned to her, “Let’s walk back to our building; we have time.” Ryshana nodded and Jab added, “It wouldn’t hurt to smile.”
Ryshana smiled and he heard, “Module, what’s going on?!”
“Between here and our building I want you to examine the couples we pass. Be prepared to discuss what you see when we get back.” Ryshana almost raised a shoulder but stopped herself. She walked beside him and watched everyone they passed stop and stare at her.
Jab knew that he no longer had to worry about being watched when Ryshana was with him. The men were leering, and the women were staring at her with jealous eyes. No one gave him a second glance. After a few blocks he heard, “Module, I didn’t know mated couples treated each other like this. I thought the men were tyrants that ruled their mates.”
“Does that change your opinion of the Brotherhood?”
“No. They should treat everyone with this same level of respect and they don’t. I might have passed it off to ignorance, but this just proves they do it intentionally.”
Jab took her hand in his and continued walking up the street. She flinched slightly but then relaxed and her smile grew larger. Jab thought, Ryshana, Ryshana, what am I going to do about you?
• • •
They arrived at their building and the guards were stuck dumb as Ryshana walked by them toward their quarters. Jab walked beside her and continued to hold her hand. They wondered if the first time they passed if they were playing some sort of game. This Law Enforcer was one lucky officer to have a mate this beautiful.
The moment they entered the living area, Ryshana ran to the closet and took out one of her community dresses. “What are you doing?”
“I don’t want to mess up my new dress.” Then he heard, “Module, besides, you don’t want me to look good!”
Jab looked up at the ceiling and closed his eyes. He opened them, lowered his head, and sighed. One day he would look back on this time and kick himself around the block for his stupidity. But he still couldn’t bring himself to change it. Ryshana finally came out of the bedroom and hung the dress up in the closet, and whispered to Jab as she straightened the dress, “Module, that driver who took us to the store was a secret intelligence officer.”
“How do you know that?!”
“Ryshana stepped back staring at the dress and replied, “When he opened the door for me, I saw a flat weapon in a holster inside his jacket.”
“You could have told me!”
“Then you may have tightened up and given him reason to report your mistake. You acted perfectly, and I don’t believe he suspected anything.”
Ryshana walked to the kitchen and Jab asked, “How would you know?”
“A team of Inquisitors would have been waiting inside our quarters prepared to find out why you stumbled.”
“Surely they don’t investigate every small misstep!”
Ryshana looked away and chuckled, “You have no idea, Borgt! They watch for anything out of the ordinary and once seen, it’s reported, and immediate action taken.”
“Why didn’t that driver report it?” Jab asked.
“I think he liked you. You certainly had him convinced you loved your work.”
“That was Borgt talking.”
“I know, but he didn’t.” She started toward the living room and the door sounded a tone.
They looked at the small screen on the door and saw the Elder was standing outside the door. “MODULE, GET IN THE BEDROOM. I CAN’T LET HIM SEE HOW MUCH YOU’VE HEALED.” He shouted in a loud voice, “Woman, get in the bedroom and hide just how ugly you are!!” Ryshana closed the bedroom door and Jab opened the door, went to attention, and with a smile, said, “It’s good to see you, Elder. Have you received your promotion?”
“Oh, relax, Borgt! No, I haven’t and I’m going to need your help.”
Jab closed the door and asked, “What do you want me to do.”
The Elder went to the sofa, sat down, and started wringing his hands, “I made a mistake! I have a weekly card game with some of the upper-class clerics and I drank a little too much and told them about what you did mating with that shrew. I boasted that you would straighten her out.”
“What happened,” Jab asked.
“The Third Cleric called me out on it. He challenged me to bring her to our next game and have her serve us.” The Elder paused and then said, “I tried to laugh it off, but the High Cleric agreed with him. I’ve been ordered to bring her to the game in six-days and have her serve the players. Please tell me she’s not so ugly now!”
“I’ve been using the medical supplies on her face and she should be presentable in six-days. If necessary, I will cover her bruises with makeup.”
“Speed up the process, Borgt! If I’m made to look like a fool, my hopes of promotion are over.”
“I’ll have her ready, Elder.”
“Are you sure?” the Elder asked plaintively.
“She’ll be ready, or I’ll have a reason to terminate her. She will not make a mistake, Elder.”
The Elder stood up and grabbed Borgt’s hands, “Please don’t let me down!”
“I won’t, Elder.” The Elder went to the door and walked out. Ryshana opened the bedroom door and Jab said, “Module, it’s clear, he’s gone. Did you hear?”
“He could be heard outside the building!”
“Can you do it, Ryshana?”
“Every little girl is taught how to properly serve a meal or gathering, Borgt. We’re forced to learn how to do it from an early age and the training never stops. My mother made me serve her properly at every meal.”
“That’s not what I’m asking.”
Ryshana’s eyes narrowed, “Do you mean can I stay calm and do it with the Clerics present?”
“Something like that.”
“You’re thinking I would use the opportunity to kill the High Cleric?”
“Would you?”
“Would it prevent you from completing your mission?”
“Without a doubt.”
“Then I will stay in role and make you proud. I want all of them dead, not just a few clerics that can be easily replaced.” Ryshana paused and smiled, “This will give you a great opportunity to listen to them.”
“What? You’re serving, I’m not.”
“But no man’s mate can serve other men in private quarters without him present,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye.
Jab knew this would prove to be interesting.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Elder contacted, Jab the night of the game, “Borgt, an escort is coming to your quarters to escort you to the game. Follow his orders exactly.”
“Yes, Elder.”
“Please, please don’t let me down! I’ll give you whatever you want within my power if you can pull this off!”
“Don’t worry, Elder! Enjoy your game and don’t let them see you sweat. Act like it’s what you expected and don’t show any surprise if she exceeds your expectations.”
“That’s good advice, Borgt. I treasure your wisdom.”
The contact ended and Ryshana stepped out of the bedroom. Jab’s mouth fell open; she was stunning! The close fitting burgundy colored satin dress fit her perfectly and her face was free of imperfections. Jab shook his head and she smiled at him, “How do I look?” Jab could only shake his head and she smiled, “That good, huh?”
“Better!” he was able to say. “We have an escort coming to take us up to the Elder’s quarters. He told me to follow the escort’s instructions to the letter. Are you ready for this, Ryshana?”
“If you’re wondering if I’m nervous, don’t. I find pleasure in serving those I want to kill. I find them not realizing it is fairly amusing.”
“Are you that hardhearted?”
Ryshana smiled, “No. I only feel tenderness for you. But I detest the one’s that took my father, mother, and brothers. I’m the only one left and I owe it t
o them to give you the opportunity to listen to them. Don’t worry about me; I’ve always had superior coordination and you should focus on what they’re discussing.”
“Easy for you to say. I couldn’t stand idle and watch you hurt.”
“You could when we first arrived.”
“That was then, this is now.”
Ryshana smiled and then the door tone sounded. Ryshana lowered her head as Jab opened the door. He stepped back and went to attention. The escort was a Senior Law Enforcer, who stepped through the door and closed it behind him. He went to Borgt and inspected his uniform for the smallest imperfection. When he didn’t find any, he said, “At ease, Law Enforcer!” Jab spread his feet to shoulder width and put his hands behind his back. The Senior then turned to Ryshana and took a step toward her and stopped. He shook his head in admiration, “I don’t believe I can improve perfection, Law Enforcer. Your mate has dressed appropriately for the evening. You should be proud of her.”
“I am!”
The Senior Law Enforcer turned back to Borgt, “This is how tonight is going down! You will follow me into the Elder’s quarters with your mate behind you. You will take two steps to the left immediately upon entering and go to attention. I will take a step and stand at attention beside you. Your mate will then enter and bow her head to the attendees. I will probably be dismissed quickly, and I’ll order you to stand at ease before I go. You will stay in that position until the game is over, and your mate has been returned to your care. You will not speak unless one of the attendees asks you a direct question. Do you have any questions?”
“No, Senior Law Enforcer,” Jab responded.
“Then follow me.” The Senior opened the door and Jab followed him with Ryshana walking behind them. They walked up the long hall toward the elevators and the guards on duty came to attention as they passed. They kept their heads straight ahead, but their eyes followed Ryshana as far as possible. She smiled at them and they talked about her the rest of their duty. She left a huge impression.
• • •
They arrived at the Elder’s quarters ten seconds before the stated time of arrival. The Senior hesitated a few seconds before he pressed the door button. The Elder opened the door, stepped back, and said, “Please enter.”
The Senior Law Enforcer started forward and jab quickly raised his hand behind his back and felt it vibrating. There were numerous electronic optical and listening devices in the room. He dropped his hand and stepped through the door. He took two steps to the left and went to attention. The Senior moved beside him and also went to attention. Ryshana walked smoothly through the door, stopped as she passed the Elder holding the door, and bowed her head. The Elder was stunned at what he saw. It took everything he possessed to keep his mouth from falling open. He gathered himself and said to Ryshana, “You know why you’re here?”
“Yes, Elder. I have been given the privilege of serving you tonight.”
“Everything you need is in the kitchen and you may start preparing the items you find there.”
“Thank you, Elder,” Ryshana said in a voice as smooth as satin. She raised her head high and started toward the kitchen. The Elder turned to the Senior Law Enforcer, “You are dismissed.”
The Senior turned to Borgt, “Stand at ease!” Jab assumed the position and kept his eyes straight ahead. The Elder went to his chair and saw all the Clerics were staring at Ryshana as she walked to the kitchen and started preparing the food. The one leering the most was the High Cleric. The Third Cleric started shuffling the cards and announced sarcastically, “Are we going to play cards or not?” The other attendees turned their attention to the table and the High Cleric was the last to turn and Jab could see he was irritated with the Third Cleric.
Ryshana quickly filled ten small plates with food and slipped them on the table before they finished the first hand. She had a goblet filled and placed beside their plates before they finished the second hand. She was sure to place the items when she would be unnoticed and then she kept her eyes on the table refilling the plates and goblets as needed. Jab was astounded at how she did it without causing the game any disruption; he couldn’t have pulled that off. He was thankful for his enhanced muscles. He stood against the wall for six-hours and it wasn’t easy. Ryshana never seemed to tire and every plate was filled along with every goblet whenever needed.
Jab listened to the Clerics discussion and heard that one of their formations was attacked and destroyed by ships that weren’t detected. That had to be Tal’s doing. He heard one of the clerics say, “I understand that the Fleet Commander vaporized the remains of the sixty ships that were attacked. My sources say there were numerous survivors still on board.”
The High Cleric looked at the hand he was dealt and said absently, “He should have.”
“Why?” the cleric who brought the subject up asked.
The High Cleric arranged his cards as he replied, “The ships that set up the ambush were taken from planets they were charged to defend. The Fleet Commander didn’t have time to waste looking for survivors and he certainly wasn’t going to leave the derelicts behind for the unbelievers to use to build weapons to use against us. He is to be commended for his clear thinking.”
The others around the table agreed as the betting started. Jab stood with his eyes straight ahead and wondered if these high-ranking leaders were that stupid. Any idiot could see that all they need do was leave a few ships behind to search for survivors and then destroy the derelicts. It appeared they had no regard for the warriors fighting for them. He felt a rage stir that wanted to overwhelm him, but he kept his expression neutral. Ryshana was right about them; they were evil beyond what he believed possible. The lives of the true believers meant nothing to them.
• • •
Finally, the High Cleric stood and announced, “It’s getting late and I’m sure all of us have duties to perform tomorrow. The attendees all came to their feet as he turned to Ryshana, who was standing just away from the playing table keeping her eyes on it, “Child, you have been extraordinary.” He turned to the Elder, “You and your Law Enforcer are to be commended.”
The Elder bowed, “Thank you, High Cleric.”
“Further, you are being placed over the fourth district as its ruling cleric, and I expect you to make them into what I’ve observed tonight.”
The Elder’s smile was huge as he bowed. The attendees left and, after the last one went out the door, the Elder rushed over and grabbed Borgt’s hands and forced him to dance a jig with him. Ryshana began collecting the dirty plates and goblets to take into the kitchen for cleaning. The Elder stopped dancing and said, “I owe you!”
“Elder, if you gain higher status, it can only be good for me as well.”
“Look for a bonus in your account and thank you, thank you, thank you.” He turned to Ryshana and lowered his eyes, “I’m sorry about our previous misunderstandings. You were superb tonight.”
Ryshana lowered her head, “Thank you, Elder.” Jab heard, “Module, DUNG, CARRION, SLUG, PILE OF EXCREMENT!!” Her expression gave nothing away with her words.
Ryshana finally finished cleaning up and she followed Borgt out with the Elder still dancing behind them. They headed toward the elevator and the guards came to attention as they passed. They arrived back in their quarters and Ryshana sighed. Jab saw something was bothering her, “What’s wrong?”
“Module, I’m forced to send this dress to be cleaned to get the foul stench of them out of it. I also need to take a bath.”
“You were incredible, tonight, Ryshana.”
Ryshana started to undress and said, “Turn around if you like but I don’t want this smell in our bedroom.” Jab turned but looked back at her as she shoved the dress into the laundry chute. She started toward the bathroom and saw him looking at her. She smiled, went inside, and closed the door.
• • •
The next morning, the Elder contacted Jab, “There’s been a development.”
“What, Elder?”
“The High Cleric has requested that your mate serve all future card games.”
“WHAT?”
“Borgt, she did too good a job. Every attendee but the Third Level Cleric that challenged me on her fitness agrees and we really don’t have a choice.” Jab’s eyes narrowed and the Elder continued, “There is some good news in this.”
“What could that possibly be?” Jab asked.
“You are relieved of all your normal Law Enforcement duties and are charged with getting her to the games on time and at the proper location.”
“Elder, it’s pure danger to be around them; one mistake and…”
The Elder interrupted him, “Then you and your mate have to make sure no mistakes are made. I’ll be sending the future times and locations of the games, plan to be present.”
“Yes, Elder.” The contact ended, and Jab saw Ryshana staring at him from the kitchen. “Did you hear that?”
“Module, I did. Do you mind if I ask you something?”
“No, go ahead.”
“Is part of your mission to gather information about what the Brotherhood is doing or planning to do?”
“Yes.”
“Then would this not give you a valuable way to make that happen?”
“Yes, but…”
“There is no but, Borgt!” Ryshana interrupted. “Serving them is far easier than standing out in a hot field shoveling dirt and pulling wild plants out of the crops for twelve hours. I’ll handle the serving and you do what you must do to carry out your mission.”
Jab’s eyes softened, “I don’t know if I’ve told you but bringing you here with me was the best decision I’ve ever made.” Ryshana smiled and returned to preparing their meal. Jab went to the backpack, took out a micro recorder, and placed it on the front pocket of the uniform he would wear to the next meeting. Ryshana was right; their conversations needed to be recorded.
• • •
Time passed, and everything went smoothly until the tenth game. Ryshana was doing her usual impeccable job when she slipped a plate on the table beside the Third Cleric. He suddenly swept his arm back causing the plate to fly off the table and knocking Ryshana to the floor. “CLEAN THAT UP YOU CLUMBSY WENCH!” He looked over and stared at Borgt as he said it hoping he would react.