by Robin Roseau
“That is changing at least in some villages.”
“I do not allow Galatzi trades with star people unless they are clearly fully aware of the tradition and offer clear consent,” Cecilia said.
Tranquility was eyeing Nalatine. “You would look cute like that.”
“Did she just invite a Galatzi trade?” Nalatine asked.
“It sounded like it to me,” Kalorain said. “That sounds like consent.”
“Speak not fast,” Tranquility said in Talmonese. “What say?”
“Vendart,” Nalatine said. Then she spoke very slowly. “Tranquility calls you ‘vendart’. I have made sure.”
“So I have heard,” Sartine agreed.
“That means you legally can arrange a trade for her.”
“What say?” Tranquility said, so Nalatine said it very, very slowly. Tranquility nodded and said, “Yes. Galatzi trade. You cute.”
I shook my head. She was getting herself into trouble and didn’t realize it.
I looked around. I thought perhaps everyone was waiting to see how this would play, and from the smile on Serenity’s face, I thought she knew it was about to turn in a direction Tranquility wasn’t anticipating, but she didn’t warn her sister.
“Margotain,” Sartine said. “Translate into English.” Margotain nodded. “Governor, this star person calls me ‘Vendart’.”
“She does,” Cecilia said.
“We have explained quite thoroughly the Galatzi tradition. I am convinced she understands.”
“As am I.”
“And I clearly hear her say ‘yes’ to a Galatzi trade.”
“As did I.”
“Then it is legal for me to trade her, and you would not interfere.”
“Correct, as long as she is free to take the job I have in mind for her.”
“I accept that stipulation.” Then she simply nodded.
Perhaps a third of the Talmonese in the room immediately swarmed forward and grabbed Tranquility.
“What are you doing?” she asked in English. She struggled with them, but there were a lot of people.
“Tranquility,” Nalatine said. “I am wearing a Galatzi sash. You are not. You have invited a Galatzi trade. You’re a smart woman. Figure it out.” And then she began tying Tranquility’s wrists.
Tranquility went nuts, but they tied her anyway, including the red cloak. Then Nalatine held up a gag, and Tranquility pulled her head away. “You can’t do this!”
“Open,” Nalatine said. “It is done. You will become my Galatzi wife.”
“I will not! I meant the other way, and I was teasing.”
“You were making fun of our tradition?”
“No, but you’re the one who said this was just in fun.” She turned to Sartine. “They can’t do this. You can’t trade me!”
“Actually, I can,” she said. “But there’s a problem.” She sighed dramatically. “I’d have to trade you to another village. Galatzi trades are arranged between two villages. Governor, has she been calling you ‘vendart’?”
“I’m afraid not.”
Sartine sighed again. “You have to untie her. Nalatine, if you wanted her for yourself, you should have arranged her to call someone else ‘vendart’. I can’t trade her to you.”
“Not even until morning?” Nalatine asked. “I keep telling her, it’s all in fun.” She didn’t wait for Sartine and held up the gag. “Open.”
I wasn’t sure what she’d do. I don’t think anyone was sure. “In fun,” she said finally. “Only fun.”
“Only fun,” Nalatine said.
Tranquility opened her mouth and let herself be gagged. Nalatine began giggling then recruited help to carry her prize home. We stared after them for a moment, and then Kalorain said, “Well, unless there are more questions, could I have help carrying my prize?”
She kept me tied until morning, although she removed the gag when she thought of a better use for my mouth.
* * * *
Tranquility, Serenity, and Pippa arrived at the vendart’s house in the morning. They asked for a conference with the governor, which Cecilia immediately granted. We gathered in the sitting room. The sisters took a place in the center of the room. Pippa found a chair.
“We want to negotiate,” Serenity said.
“A Galatzi trade?” Sartine asked with a smirk.
“No,” Tranquility said. “Could you really have given me to Nalatine?”
“No. They were teasing. I helped. I could, however, have traded you to Margotain, if I felt she were free to negotiate for Sudden.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. However, if I do it without your permission, my wife would get involved, and she wouldn’t be happy if I turned your consent around. It would be legal, but that doesn’t mean I would do it.”
“Well, that’s not why we’re here. Governor Grace, we’d like to discuss immigrating to Talmon.”
“There are things we want,” Serenity said.
“I may not be able to give you everything,” Cecilia replied.
“We want to live in Sudden,” she said. She turned to look at Kalorain and me. “Do we remain welcome in your home, Kalorain?”
“Yes, but it’s not really ours. It’s the guest house.”
“We can make this work,” Margotain said. “I speak with some authority. This is small enough my parents will support any agreements I make.”
“We don’t know if we want to stay there forever,” Tranquility said. “We want to get to know the city better. But we want a home with at least the equivalent modern conveniences.”
“Are you asking me to buy you a house?”
“Yes, but not for a while, and refurbish it.”
Cecilia nodded. “If I buy you such a house, then it reverts to me if you stop working at the rejuvenation center here. After ten years, you will vest ten percent ownership per year, so if you’re still here in twenty years, the house is yours, free and clear.”
“That’s fair,” Serenity said. “We want ten percent of our pay in imperial credits. And we want to be paid the equivalent of what we’re paid on Tarriton. We believe the positions we’re taking are significantly harder and that this is a very fair deal.”
Cecilia nodded. “What else?”
“We want mobility,” Tranquility said. “That means a jumper.”
“And a carriage like Maddalyn’s.”
“I think we could share Maddalyn’s,” Mordain said, “at least unless you move too far from their home.”
“That would work for me,” I said. “If it becomes a problem, we can address it.”
“If it becomes a problem, I will contribute what Maddalyn paid for her horse and carriage,” Cecilia said. “She bought it used. If you want a new one, you will pay the difference.”
Tranquility nodded. Then they took a deep breath, but it was Serenity who spoke. “Rejuvenation. Make an offer, Governor.”
“If we can’t do it here, then I’ll transport you to Tarriton every seven years,” Cecilia said. “If either of you engage in a long term relationship, I’ll send him or her with you. Time away from Talmon stops the clock on any agreements, so that would lengthen how long before you own your home.”
“Most state department members are allowed to return every five years.”
“You would not be state department employees. You would be employed by the rejuvenation center. If you want state department jobs, you need to speak to Anna White. I can’t offer them to you.”
“Then how are you making this agreement?”
“Governor’s discretion,” she replied. “Every seven years.”
The two turned to each other then nodded. “And if we want children?”
“Then you can come bribe me to depart from that schedule, or you can pay the fees yourself,” Cecilia said. “I’m not trying to be a hard ass, Serenity, but you don’t do me any good if you’re off getting pregnant and are gone for two years. I need you, and I need you now, committed to a life here.”
“Tell me what you want.”
“Well, we want the club, but I think that’s already agreed, and we just need to work out details.”
“Yes. But you want something you’re afraid I can’t do. What is it?”
“I have an implant,” said Serenity. “I’ve fulfilled my commitment for it, and I’ve paid for my own upgrades. It’s not top of the line, but it’s good, and I’m satisfied. I want two things. If it fails, I’ll want it fixed. And…”
“And?”
“Tranquility doesn’t have one. We were ready to agree to each of us for ten years, but that won’t do it, will it?”
“And you hoped to send her to Tarriton right away to get it,” Cecilia said.
The sisters looked at each other. Finally Tranquility said, “Sis, you know there’s no way we’re walking away. Thanks for trying. What would I do with an implant, anyway?”
“You’re giving up too easily,” Serenity said. “Now that I’ve worked off mine, I could get one back home for you.”
“Serenity, you became a doctor because you wanted to save lives, not so you could give spoiled brats silky hair while shaving a year and a half from their apparent ages. You’re not saving lives back home, and you haven’t been since…”
“Since Camellia died in my arms,” Serenity finished. She looked down for a moment ten over at me. “Did you know?” I shook my head. “My wife. I was the attending ER physician.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m so sorry, Serenity.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Sis, we’d be saving lives here. That’s what you’ve always wanted. And the people are fabulous. They don’t show up with some whiny ass demands. They call you Doctor Serenity. That is so cute! And they don’t have anyone here with my experience in recovery. I don’t want to leave. You don’t want to leave.” Then she turned to Cecilia. “But if we buy things, you’ll have them shipped for us. Small things. I’m not going to buy any farm implements.”
Serenity nodded. “Do we have an agreement, Governor?”
“Twenty years,” Cecilia said.
“Excuse me?”
“Both of you give me twenty year employment agreements, and I will make every effort to acquire an implant for Tranquility. You may terminate the agreement at any time if I have not fulfilled my side of the agreement.”
“How are you going to do that?” Serenity asked. “I’ve heard the conversations. You could give an entire village a power station for that.”
“You let me worry about that. It’s not power stations that hurt, Serenity. It’s rejuvenation pods. We’re acquiring power stations as quickly as we can get them safely installed with the available personnel.”
“How about it, Sis?” Serenity said with a huge smile. Tranquility looked dumbfounded, and so Serenity said, “Deal, Governor?”
“Deal.”
“And,” Tranquility inserted.
“And?” Cecilia said with a raised eyebrow. “You can’t possible ask for more than that.”
“I want to know who the head of the rejuvenation center is.”
“Did you want the job?”
“Not necessarily. Maybe Serenity wants it.”
“Sounds like a lot of paperwork,” Serenity replied.
“Madge runs the center,” Cecilia said. “She’s not a doctor, only a medic. She’s been making noises of leaving. We’re trying to build local expertise, but that’s going to take a decade. Why do you think I let Maddalyn recruit anyone she wants?”
“You didn’t tell me that part,” I said with a smile. “Serenity, I’d like you to think about what that job entails when done well. I have someone in mind. Or did you want it and were just being cute?”
“I want to deal with patients, not paperwork and budgets,” Serenity said. “I think Tranquility is asking for herself.”
“I want to know who to suck up to. That isn’t my ‘and’.”
“So she’s stalling,” Serenity said. “Spit it out.”
“I’m not ready.”
“We have the governor of an entire planet waiting for you to stop stalling,” Serenity said. “Do not make me whip out baby pictures and show them to everyone.”
“Funny,” Tranquility said. “My ‘and’ is this. I want to know when we would start, and I want to know what the plan is to finish becoming fluent in the local language.”
“That’s not your and,” Cecilia said. “That’s a prelude. What do you really want?”
“Nalatine loves her family and never wants to leave here. She loves working at the bathhouse. It’s a lot of fun, so I don’t blame her.”
“Stalling,” Serenity said.
“No, now she’s getting somewhere,” Cecilia said. “Keep going.”
“I want to know what the plan is to help us become fluent in Talmonese.”
“And?”
“Why can’t you just answer me?”
“Because no one has that figured out,” Cecilia said. “Were you hoping to take Nalatine with you to Sudden for a few months?”
“She has no interest,” Tranquility said. “But unless I misunderstood, she said she’s willing to keep me here until I’m fluent.”
Cecilia began laughing. “Keep you, keep you.”
“Yeah.”
“As her Galatzi prisoner thing?” Serenity said. “You? Seriously? You looked fit to be tied last night.”
“I was tied last night,” Tranquility said. “I’m not done.”
“Well, stop stalling.”
“I want to know the plan.”
“You’re holding up the deal over this?” Serenity said. “The governor offered you an implant, Sis! You know almost nothing else is going to matter.”
“When am I going to get this chance to negotiate again?”
“Seriously?” Serenity replied. “Tell Governor Grace you agree to her terms.”
“I want my own!” she blurted.
“Finally!” Serenity said. “Was that so hard?”
Sartine snorted but then calmed her face before the sisters could look at her. Tranquility turned to Sartine. “You said you could trade me. Does that mean you could also trade for me?”
“She could,” I said. “But what’s in it for Indartha? You’re going to be in Sudden, with your Galatzi wife. It’s Margotain’s father you should call Vendart.”
“I’d rather negotiate with Sartine.”
“She has to give up a villager,” I said.
Margotain didn’t say a word, but she stepped forward and presented a rather formal envelope to Sartine then stepped back. I barely noticed but continued to try to explain to Tranquility.
Sartine opened the envelope and read the enclosed letter. Then she showed it to Cecilia, who read it and said, “Well, that’s an interesting twist.”
Sartine switched to Talmonese and spoke sufficiently quickly I struggled to understand. “Margotain, she would have to agree.”
“Give her to me for her language lessons,” Margotain said. “If she isn’t interested, I believe we can make a different arrangement work. Tell Tranquility ‘yes’, but the details will take time to work out, but then give her back to Nalatine until she is fluent. That’s what she wants, if no one has guessed.”
“You know, Sis,” Tranquility said quickly. “If we speak fast, they won’t understand us, either.”
“The governor will,” Serenity replied.
“Damn it. I forgot,” Tranquility said with a grin.
“Tranquility,” Sartine said. “Were you hoping for me to find a Galatzi wife for you? I won’t give you Nalatine if she doesn’t want to go.”
“I’ll find my own,” she said. “Once we open the dance club.”
“We all know you’re going to accept my offer,” Cecilia said. “This is an extra complication whose time has not come. If you find so
meone willing to be your Galatzi wife, we will make a legal arrangement, but we’re tabling this. However, that half promise means for now, you remain subject to Sartine’s authority as well as mine. You will continue to call her Vendart, and I hold the authority of Vendart’s Wife when I am not Governor.”
“Yes, Vendart’s Wife,” Tranquility said.
“Good,” she said. “Vendart.”
“Tranquility, I am returning you to Nalatine as her Galatzi prisoner until you are able to converse in fluent Talmonese or she decides she no longer wants you,” Sartine said.
Serenity began laughing.
“As Vendart, I will ask a favor of Nalatine. We wish you to see more of Talmon. I will ask her to travel with you, but you will belong to her, and you can expect to spend more time here in Indartha. Say ‘Yes, Vendart’.”
“Yes, Vendart.”
“Good. If this doesn’t work, I will give you to someone else. You remain a Galatzi prisoner until you are fluent in Talmonese. Say ‘Yes, Vendart’.”
“Yes, Vendart.”
“Serenity,” Sartine said. “Call me Vendart.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“I’d like to know what was in that letter Margotain gave you.”
“I bet you would.”
“No. You’re not trading me.”
“Cecilia wouldn’t let me trade you without your permission. I didn’t hear a single complaint from your sister, and she was hinting damned strong. Now call me Vendart.”
Serenity shifted her weight, cocking one hip, and considered Sartine. “Governor, do we have an agreement?”
“As soon as you call her Vendart three times, I will confirm a verbal agreement. I’ll produce a written agreement for signatures. There are ample witnesses, and everyone is negotiating in good faith.”
“I want to know why,” Serenity said. “I’m going to be living in Sudden. I really like it here, but if I’m going to call anyone that, it should be Baardorid. But I understand now why you told us not to. If the rejuvenation center were here, I might like it, although I don’t know what high winter is like.” She looked around, turning to look at Margotain. “And I really want to know what was in that letter.”