by E G Manetti
“It is not impossible,” Lilian responds. “If they are out there, they are nowhere nearby, or for good or ill, surely some would have called on one of our twenty-three planets by now.” The quiet certitude indicates that Lilian has given it some thought.
“For good or ill, Lilian?” Lucius considers his next avenue of erotic assault.
“Milord’s pardon.” Lilian flushes as she admits, “Katleen is overly fond of lurid entertainment. This season, raiders from the beaconless expanse have replaced flying demons.”
“And you believe these raiders await us in the Thirteenth System?” Lucius is only partly teasing. If Lilian believes it possible, Lucius will take it seriously.
“Nay, milord, but I believe we may find ruins,” Lilian muses.
Ruins. Lucius recalls that one of Lilian’s former lovers is a master scholar of Ancients studies and included Lilian in one of his ancients hunting digs, searching for relics of the great civilization that was destroyed by the Anarchy. Reassured that his prodigy has not found yet another ‘wrong thing,’ Lucius settles his attention on the intriguing curve between her ear and collarbone. “Ruins?”
At the interrogative rumble from the mouth now nuzzling her neck, Lilian continues, “Other than the primary Three Systems, only Desperation in the Sixth has ruins. Yet the Archives of the Ancients indicate a vast civilization. They came from a direction we have yet to explore. Mayhap what is soon to be the Thirteenth System is in that direction. ‘Seek and ye shall find.’ ”
The nuzzling mouth is joined by exploring hands that loosen Lilian’s sarong.
Taking Lilian’s wine glass and setting it aside, Lucius turns the woman on her back and smiles a very masculine smile. “I prefer the interpretation that putting effort into a goal attains it. I recall having a very definite goal for this eve, which I intend to attain.”
With that, all conversation ceases for some time to come.
6. Settlement Day
The calendar of the Third System is synchronized with the solar orbit of the fifth planet, Metricelli Prime. The planet’s rotation, or day, is divided into twenty-four periods of sixty-four minutes. Days are grouped in sevens. Five sevendays equal a month. Ten months equal a year or a single orbit around the sun. Dates are marked with the year of the Order of the Five Warriors (1003 OFW), the sevenday, and the day (S50-7).
For reasons lost in the rise from Anarchy, Seventh Day is reserved for reverence to the Five Warriors. Retailers and entertainments continue their trade. All other commerce ceases in deference to the Shades. In addition to Seventh Day and the annual Five Warriors’ Festival, scheduled liberty for servitors and apprentices is restricted to one-half day on Settlement Days, which occur every other month on Sixth Day. Dedicated to clearing accounts, Settlement Days allow even the lowliest of citizens to attend to their personal commerce. The First Day following each of the five annual Settlements Days experiences a spike in bankruptcies as accounts are proven inadequate to liabilities. ~excerpt from A Social History of the Twelve Systems, an instructional text.
Sevenday 50, Day 6
“Demon shit!” Tiger Sylvester swears as he strides angrily to the windows open to the river. Of average height and build, the notorious black commerce raider keeps his receding hair closely cropped, displaying uneven features that include a nose that has been broken several times and a ragged scar that defines his left jawline. His deep-set black eyes hold intelligence, ruthlessness, and, at the moment, rage.
The pleasant breeze gently ruffling the patio awnings does nothing to cool his ire. Tiger’s rapid acquisition of the Third System’s Odds Management began when his new partner, Hilda, was forced to sell out to him when she could not cover her losses on the Lilian pools. Hilda was not alone among the Odds Managers in betting heavily against Lilian surviving her first six months of Trial. Three more acquisitions will give him total control of Metricelli Prime. Metricelli Deuce was to follow within a year, giving Tiger complete control of Odds Management in the Third System.
Tiger’s aggressive acquisition of rival Odds Managers meant the aggressive acquisition of the Lilian pools. Pools that will be forced to pay out huge sums when Mercio’s doxy survives to the new year, two days hence. Tiger counted on the Moon Race profits to offset those losses and fund his next round of acquisitions. Instead, Lucius Mercio’s supernatural Luck of the First has wiped out Tiger’s profits and depleted his reserves. If he pays Mercio in full, Tiger will not be able to cover the Lilian pools. He will lose all he has gained. As long as Tiger owes Mercio, Tiger is in the galling position of accepting Mercio’s yoke. “Rimon take his manhood!”
“Tiger?” Hilda lacks manhood. She knows she is not the object of Tiger’s rage.
Turning on the portly woman in her fifties, Tiger snarls, “The Lilian pools are closed. We will wander no closer to the edge of that Crevasse.”
“But, Tiger,” Hilda remonstrates, “it’s impossible that she’ll survive two more years.”
“It was impossible that she would survive two seasons!” Tiger snaps. “Don’t be a fool.”
“It only means her luck’s running out,” Hilda pushes back. “I grant that having survived a year, she’s unlikely to self-slaughter, but that Five Warriors’ Festival attack nearly had her. If those idiots hadn’t been drunk, she’d be dead now.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” Tiger shakes his head. “I’m not about to wager on some irate warrior getting this done. They’re not exactly reliable.”
“The protocols are very reliable and very strict,” Hilda insists. “Surely she can’t manage to stay on the right side of stricture for two more years.”
“Mercio protects his plaything,” Tiger snorts. “I won’t risk it. I’ll buy out your failed friend and anyone else you can bring me. There will be no further expansion of the Lilian pools.”
“Yes, Tiger.” Hilda capitulates at the reminder that she has one more Odds Manager to deliver to Tiger to cement their partnership.
“Get to it then.” Tiger waves dismissal as he drops into his throne-like chair. Barely noting Hilda’s exit, Tiger continues morosely contemplating the lovely river view that comes with his palazzo in this highly desirable section of the River Quarter. The Moon Race debacle has him striding the edge of the Crevasse. To be free of Mercio’s leash would strip Tiger’s coffers of resources required to forward other stratagems. As unpleasant as he finds the prospect, for the time being, Tiger must act as Mercio’s cur. With a cruel curl of his lips, Tiger considers that dogs are known to bite.
»◊«
“Lilian, are you ready?” Rebecca calls across the walkway. “It’s midday.”
“Odd… not quite… mayhap…” Lilian’s soft words float back toward Rebecca.
It is not the first time she has heard that odd tone in Lilian’s voice. Curiosity aroused, Rebecca uses her newly acquired skills in the Art of Stealth to rise silently. Glancing over the partition to confirm that neither Grim Twin is present, she glides across the narrow corridor. There. It is as Rebecca suspected—Lilian’s eyes are oddly clear. It is not the first time. Whatever she views, it is beyond her worksite. Rebecca and Chrys have both speculated about Lilian’s occasional lapse into this odd, trance-like state.
“Monsignor Angus!” Lilian exclaims in a blend of amusement and censure.
“What of him?” Rebecca demands.
Startled, Lilian snaps around, eyes once again gray and filled with intelligence. “What of whom?”
“Do not, Lilian. Do not.” Rebecca sets her hands on her hips. “What was that? Why were your eyes weird? Do you know you were speaking to yourself?”
Adelaide’s Thorn! This is ill. Since childhood, Lilian has experienced episodes of heightened intellect so intense that she can decipher that which should be undecipherable. Where no pattern should exist, Lilian can trace it and, upon occasion, correct the wrongness that distorts it.
Unpredictable and erratic, Lilian’s ‘insights’ revealed the counterfeiters, a traitor within the Cartel, a
nd the potential to use the counterfeit technology to create Mercium. If her insights become widely known, she risks being declared Shade-Ridden and given into the care of the Shrines, losing all control over her destiny. Although milord has not spoken, Lilian suspects he has discovered her secret. Now Rebecca is questioning her.
Lilian briefly considers lying or refusing to answer. It will not serve. Unlike at the university, Lilian lacks the privacy to keep her insights secret. Now that Rebecca shares Lilian’s worksite, it was only a matter a time. It is better to reveal what she can than have Rebecca guessing. “Rebecca, I cannot discuss this now. It is already midday, and I must send an alert to the monsignor. Will you meet me at Hidaka’s at fourth bell?”
Rebecca’s glower eases into a smile. “Fourth bell, and I’m bringing Chrys.”
“Yes, that is wise,” Lilian sighs. If Rebecca is to know, Chrys should as well. “No others. I have my reasons.”
»◊«
Red eargems. The cryptic message from Lilian glows on Lucius’ slate as he impatiently paces along the tall windows. The last time she used their signal for his immediate attention, Lucius acquired the final building block for Mercium, the Troy Saltmarshes. It is half a period after midday, and Lucius should be gone from the Cartel. Where is she?
The scarlet door emits three warning pings, and Lilian springs across the threshold before it is fully open. Searching the chamber with her eyes, Lilian asks, “Milord?”
“What have you?” Lucius steps from the windows.
“Monsignor Angus attempts another intrigue. This one is with the new SEV alloy,” Lilian announces quickly.
“The new hull alloy?” Lucius pounces on the announcement. They know that Angus bribed a traitor within the Cartel to discover Lucius’ plans for Bright Star so that Angus could insert his Leonardo Society into the Bright Star Consortium. As it happened, the intrigue worked to Lucius’ advantage, so Lucius has not confronted Angus over the matter. He has yet to discover who within his Cartel betrayed him. Has Angus a larger game? Is he dangerous after all? “Angus is compromising the SEV?”
“No, milord, no!” Lilian hastens forward. “I have no cause to question Seigneur Kemeha’s approval of the engineering. It is the financials.”
“Financials?” Lucius echoes, relaxing. Bright Star and the Thirteenth System offer unparalleled wealth to all partners. That does not stop them for contending for minor advantage. Even small gains mean huge returns.
“The mining and fabrication enterprise that will provide the alloy is owned by one of Monsignor Coyote’s commerce kin,” Lilian explains, referring to Angus’ commerce partner and fellow governor of the Leonardo Society.
“That wily warrior,” Lucius says with admiration. “How much has he inflated the cost of the alloy?”
“According to the Bright Star agreement, almost thirty percent.” Lilian pulls forth her slate to display the figures.
“A sizable sum,” Lucius comments, “but a pittance compared to Angus’ Bright Star investment. What think you?”
“I wish we knew what Monsignor Angus paid the traitor,” Lilian replies.
“Recouping his investment? Mayhap.” Lucius drops into a comfortable chair and motions Lilian into another. “It seems petty and out of character.”
“Is it possible that Monsignor Angus does not know about the inflated price?” Lilian suggests cautiously.
“Interesting notion.” Lucius’ eyes narrow. Lilian was impressed by Angus and by necessity she is good judge of character. If Coyote is acting without Angus’ knowledge, Lucius may be able to use that. “Say nothing about this. Complete the analysis as scheduled using the inflated costs. I will decide what to do about Angus, Coyote, and the alloy.”
»◊«
“I am sorry that Master Douglas and Mistress Clarice are not joining us,” Katleen laments as she trots alongside Lilian to Hidaka’s Café. Her red-gold curls bounce in a loose queue against a sage-green dress bloused over a belt that keeps it from hanging too long and too loose. Another outfit pulled from Lilian’s university trunks.
“Lilian?” Katleen insists. And then more impatiently, “Must you walk so quickly?”
Worried about the impending conversation with Rebecca and Chrys, Lilian barely notes Katleen’s conversation.
“Lilian!” Katleen plants her feet, tired of the rapid pace and Lilian’s inattention.
“Katleen, what do you?” Lilian turns at Katleen’s sudden stop.
“Why are we racing?” Katleen demands.
“Were we?” Lilian starts walking, this time at a more moderate pace. “I beg pardon, my mind was elsewhere. What were you saying?”
“That I wish Master Douglas and Mistress Clarice could join us,” Katleen repeats. “After their aid at the Festival Brawl, I hoped they would join the celebration.”
“Celebration?” Lilian echoes, confused.
“That is why we are meeting Master Chrys and Rebecca, is it not?” Katleen asks, bewildered in turn. “It has been a year! You have served a third of your bond!”
Dumfounded, Lilian stops and stares down at Katleen. Celebration is such a novel thought, Lilian struggles for a response. “Katleen, it does not work quite as you think. The bond is proved, or it is not proved. Until it is done, I think of naught but surviving each day as it comes.”
“Oh.” Katleen looks at the ground, chagrinned. “I thought—that is, you seem so much brighter than a year ago.”
Crevasse swallow it! Now Katleen has lost her joy in the day. “Katleen, sweetling, I did not mean that we may not enjoy the day and our friends. Only that it tempts Rimon’s Mercy to celebrate a victory before it is won.”
“Is that why Master Douglas and Mistress Clarice will not be joining us?” Katleen questions. “It is a regular Settlement Day respite? Nothing special?”
“As to that,” Lilian takes Katleen’s hand as she resumes walking, “yes and no. We are definitely going to enjoy our Settlement Day treat of a meal at Hidaka’s Café. But that is not all. Chrys, Rebecca, and I have something important to discuss. It is not a topic for shrine gossip.”
“Of course, Lilian,” Katleen agrees, her curiosity over the important topic overcoming her disappointment at the lack of a celebration.
“Lilian!” Rebecca, a vision in an aqua sundress, calls out from a small table tucked in a remote corner of the patio.
As they enter the patio, Mr. Hidaka, the elderly and diminutive café owner, comes bustling over to escort the sisters to their table. “The strawberry tarts are exceptional today, Mistress Lilian. And cheap! It is the height of the season.”
Hidaka’s strawberry tarts are renowned in the Garden Center and not usually available on the patio. Lilian cannot afford the café proper, and Mr. Hidaka cannot afford the loss of custom that would occur if Lilian entered it. This undesirable table is Mr. Hidaka’s resolute compromise between welcoming a woman he has known since her childhood and catering to the opinions of his elite Garden Center patrons.
As Hidaka bustles off to greet new arrivals, Rebecca leans across the table to whisper, “I wager those tarts aren’t cheap inside the café.”
“With us hidden in this corner, no one else on the patio will see them,” Katleen adds happily.
“Mr. Hidaka is a good friend to us,” Lilian says softly, touched by the kindly man’s support.
“Well met, ladies.” Chrys greets the trio as he drops into the vacant chair between Katleen and Rebecca and sets a sack on the ground. “I beg pardon for my late arrival. The boot maker was backed up.”
“New boots, Master Chrys?” Katleen asks excitedly. Anyone’s new clothes are a treat.
“Re-soled and re-heeled training half-boots.” Chrys shakes his head with a smile. “With what I saved on new ones, Rhyliss can replace her shrine-school uniform.”
“Have you an updated visual, Master Chrys?” Katleen asks with renewed excitement. Rhyliss is the baby of Chrys’ family, training to be a healer with Chrys’ financial support.
&
nbsp; “Of course.” Chrys brings forth his slate. A quick tap displays a visual of a tall young woman in a flowing pink robe surrounded by a crowd of equally tall men and women with the weathered skin of agrarian workers.
“Age of consent ritual,” Rebecca comments. “She grows into a lovely woman. Your parents look well.”
At Rebecca’s rapt fascination, Lilian wonders what it must be like to be completely without kin. Rebecca has no family at all. The woman who gave Rebecca life disappeared into the slums of Rimon Deuce as soon as she had Rebecca’s bond price from Dean Rupert. At least I have Maman and Katleen.
“The harvests have been good the past two seasons,” Chrys replies. “Even without Rhyliss’ help in the orchards, they prosper.”
“Genji will be among the first to receive Mercium once the Troy facility is ready,” Lilian remarks, recalling Chrys’ lament over the expense of simple conveniences on the Ninth System planet.
“My mother distrusts new technology. ‘There will be no newfangled lights in this farmhouse,’ ” Chrys quotes affectionately, “but my brothers will have Mercium bolts for the barns, gates, and storage sheds.”
After a few more minutes of review and comment, Mr. Hidaka returns for their order, and Chrys puts away his slate.
“Lilian,” Rebecca begins as the café owner moves away, “about this morning’s episode.”
“Episode? What is amiss?” Chrys interrupts. Truly, Lilian cannot seem to manage a sevenday without trouble.
“Naught is amiss.” Lilian holds up a hand. “Not truly.”
I am the sum of my ancestors. Trust them. Their loyalty to each other is proven. They will understand. “It is only…”
I am the foundation of my family. It might be better if they know. They may even be able to help hide her secret. “It is not something I have ever discussed.”
“Lilian, what is it?” Katleen grasps Lilian’s hand.
Honor is my blade and shield. You are frightening Katleen. “I do not know exactly what it is. Or mayhap more accurately, what they are.”
“Lilian, whatever it or they are, we will aid you,” Chrys vows.