by Seven Steps
“To spy on us, no doubt. She probably has a direct link to the Enforcer station.”
Kiln looked down at his hands, then up at Nadira.
“Naddie.”
Nadira held up a hand. “Don’t say it.”
“Are you sure that you don’t want to go back to the Ring?”
“I said not to say it, Kiln.”
“We’d be close to your mother, but we’d still have our own home. We have friends out there. You could be close to Eva-”
“I’m not going back there.”
“You’re Marie’s only daughter, about to head off to a promising career at High Council. I think she just overreacted.”
“She told us to leave. She put us out, as if we were strangers. I’ll never go back. No one is taking you away from me ever again.”
“They couldn’t drag me away from you if they tried, my Empress.” He crossed the room to sit next to her on the sofa, a mischievous grin on his face. “Do you want to open the windows?”
Nadira wrapped her arms around his shoulders, losing herself in the comfort that he brought to her.
“No,” She said.
His lips moved over hers.
“Neither do I.”
*****
They sat down to dinner just as the lights clicked off outside.
“It’ll be quiet tomorrow without you here,” Kiln said.
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
“You wouldn’t consider staying home with me,” he paused. “Would you?”
“Kiln, it’s my first day at High Council.”
“I know. You’re right.” He smiled tightly. “I shouldn’t have asked. I just... I get so lonely when you’re not here.”
She narrowed her eyes at her, a smile playing on her lips. “That’s not fair.”
He kept his eyes on her, “I’m not trying to play fair.” He licked his lips for good measure.
“If that’s the case, then tomorrow, I’ll get another servant. Then you won’t be lonely.”
“Only if we get another Empress as well.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.
“Kiln!” Feigning outrage, she threw a vegetable at him from across the table. He ducked, threw one of his own.
She stood, planning a brilliant attack when a knock had her turning towards the door.
She quickly placed her vegetable back on her plate, sat, and crossed her hands in front of her. Panic rose in waves as she looked up at Kiln. His wide eyes were glued to the door.
He swallowed, croaked out, “Don’t worry. I’ll get it.”
Kiln laid a hand briefly on her shoulder as he passed. He walked to the door, opening it widely.
On the other side, officer Bragnia was stuffed into her usual heavy black vest and jumpsuit.
“Hello Kiln. It’s been a long time.”
“Officer Bragnia. May your mother be well.”
Bragnia scowled at the mention of her mother, then quickly perked a bit.
“I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve shown up at your door? As it turns out, I’ve been reassigned here, and it looks like you are my very first infraction call. I wish I could say I was surprised. Now, be a good slave and call your Empress for me.”
Kiln turned, took three steps into the house.
“Empress Nadira, Enforcer Bragnia is here for you.”
Bragnia? Nadira thought. Here?
Nadira stood, walked to the door, suspiciously eyeing her former friend’s too wide smile.
“Nadira.”
“Bragnia. I haven’t seen you since...” she cleared her throat. “May your mother be well.”
“We can dispense with the pleasantries. I am here to issue an infraction order.”
“What? Why?”
“Someone has reported you and your slave...again.”
“For what?”
“For dining together.”
“So?”
“So, that’s illegal.”
“Eating with servants is not illegal.”
“According to Venian law it is.” Bragnia looked at the back of one of her gloved hands. The flashing screen reflected on her tanned, bare skin. “Target has been notified of infraction at fifteen hours.”
“What are you doing?”
“Recording the infraction time.” She smirked. “I’m sure that your mother will be more than happy to know that you are still up to your old tricks. Have you found the reservoir yet?”
Nadira ground her teeth.
Bragnia spoke into her glove again. “Infraction issued.” She looked up at Nadira. “Two more to go before you’re taken before High Council. With your record, I’m sure that I’ll be back here before the end of the week.”
“You’re enjoying this.”
“A little.”
“Why?”
“I just hate it when spoiled, rich girls get away with murder.”
“I’m neither spoiled, nor rich, and Kiera’s death was an accident. It wasn’t anyone’s fault.”
“Of course not.”
“Just because your mother volunteered you to go to Enforcer training does not mean that you have to take it out on everyone else.”
“Oh, I’m not,” Bragnia said. “I’m taking it out on you. After all, it was your idea to race, wasn’t it?”
“I was young and drunk.”
“And so was I. You were the one who dared me to do it. Only my mother didn’t have the money to get me off the hook, and surprisingly yours didn’t offer. It should be you in this suit. But I’m not one to hold a grudge.” She winked. “Give your mother my regards. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon.”
Nadira was sure that she’d heard Bragnia chuckle as she walked up the steps and back to her hovercraft.
Shaking with rage, Nadira slammed the door, and stomped to the kitchen, narrowing her eyes towards the open window.
Staring directly back at her, and into the dining room beyond, was Empress Via.
The old woman raised her chin at her.
Nadira’s eyes turned to hot coals, as she slammed her hand on the close button, instantly blackening the window and shutting Empress Via out.
“An infraction?” Kiln asked. “For eating together?”
Nadira clenched her jaw. “This is ridiculous. I’m going to comm down to the Hall of Judgment and get that infraction removed from my record immediately. And then I’m having Bragnia fired.”
“Perhaps we should comm your mo-”
“I swear, Kiln, if you say one more word, you’re sleeping in the servants quarters tonight.”
Kiln’s mouth shut with an audible click.
Nadira approached the wall comm.
“Hall of Judgment.”
The comm blinked briefly, before an Enforcer’s black cap filled the screen.
“How may I help you?”
“I am comming to have an infraction removed from my permanent record.”
“Your name?”
“Empress Nadira Marie.”
The Enforcer scrolled on a touch screen to her right. “Councilwoman?”
“Yes.”
“I see that there has been a verified complaint lodged against you by Empress Via as well as Enforcer Bragnia. They claim that you were sharing a meal with your servant. Via reported that you were laughing and throwing food at each other.”
“She’s lying.”
“Enforcer Bragnia reported that you admitted to having the meal, and that you stated it was not illegal in the Outer Ring.”
“She’s lying too.”
“Empress Nadira, if you choose, we can open a full investigation into these allegations. We will question Empress Via again as well as Enforcer Bragnia. I must also inform you that a secondary investigation will be opened up with our Outer Ring Unit. We will have to look into the allegations that sharing a meal with a slave is not being reported as it should. Would you like me to continue?”
Nadira pursed her lips. She thought about all of her friends in the Ring.
I don’t
want them to suffer because of me.
She looked at Kiln, then back at the Enforcer.
“On second thought, never mind.”
“Yes, Empress.”
“Comm off.”
The screen blanked, leaving the house in low light again.
Kiln came up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I get you into more trouble then I should.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“Yes it is. If I hadn’t eaten with you, you wouldn’t have gotten reported.”
“If you hadn’t eaten with me, I would have been upset.”
“What do we do?”
“We become more discreet. Keep the windows closed and keep quiet about it. Soon, we won’t have to worry about it anymore.”
Chapter 7
“I’ve requested a P.A.S for you to go to the Square today,” Nadira walked quickly to the door, Kiln tight on her heels. “And I have an interview setup for you with the Head Mistress of the Servant Education Center at one o’clock.”
She put her hand on the door, turned to him.
“I’ll miss you,” she smiled.
“I’ll miss you to, my Empress.”
Stretching onto her toes, she offered her lips to him. His gentle kiss stirred her, and she pulled away.
“I have to go.”
She quickly made her way to the corner, turned, and half walked, half jogged the three blocks to High Council.
The orange circle of light perched atop the High Council building was meant to be a beacon, announcing to the rest of the planet that this was where they could come for guidance and direction. Curved steel ledges jutted out from the sides of the twenty story building. A stream of water fell from each ledge, landing in a large fountain on either side of a stairway. The fountain, in turn, fed a line of lush trees that enwrapped the building.
Hoards of reporters and their floating cameras crowded the steps of High Council, pouncing on each councilwoman that approached.
“How does the death of Empress Drell effect you?”
“What does this mean for the future of High Council?”
“Who are you endorsing in the High Council Leader race?”
As Nadira drew closer, an older reporter, her navy blue jumpsuit tight at the throat, ran to her.
“Councilwoman, what is your reaction to the death of High Council Leader Drell?”
The floating camera’s light blinded Nadira for a moment. She focused on the reporters wrist cuff – the thing that controlled the camera - until her eyes adjusted.
Images of Drell rose in Nadira’s mind, her hard eyes, edged voice.
What would Drell say? Nadira thought. She would tell me to be a leader. But how can I be a leader? This is my first day.
Not wanting to seem too emotional, but at the same time wanting to sound sympathetic, Nadira looked directly into the camera, and hoped that her voice was strong.
“The loss of Empress Drell is a blow to our planet. However, Venus is built on the backs of survivors. We will go on.”
“And who will you vote to replace her?”
“I haven’t made a decision yet, but when I do I’m sure that it will be in the very best interest of the planet.”
The reporter nodded her approval, “Thank you, Councilwoman.” She smiled and stepped out the way, allowing Nadira up the stairs where another reporter awaited her.
“Councilwoman, please a few questions.” This reporter was young, her mouth serious. “Now that Drell is gone, what new policies do you think should be focused on?”
“That is a decision best made between members of Council, however there are things that I do feel strongly about. Slave rights is one, opening up trade with Mars is another, and definitely lifting restrictions on interplanetary travel.”
“Those are hot button topics, councilwoman. Do you think your constituents will feel as strongly about them as you do?”
“I’m sure that, as a group, we will work together to do what is in the best interest of Venus.”
“Thank you for your time councilwoman.”
Another reporter stepped forward, “Councilwoman, please, a word.”
Nearly a half an hour later, Nadira finally ascended the stairs and stepped foot onto the marble floors of High Council. Stately white columns, comfortable benches, and large windows made up the lobby.
One wall was lined with portraits of High Council Leaders, going all the way back to the first woman to ever serve - a thin, beautiful woman named Roe. A blank spot at the end of the wall was being measured.
For Drell, Nadira thought.
On the opposite wall was a colorful mural. Though they possessed many books and electronic recordings of their history, the women of Venus preferred to keep their past alive in the form of murals. Wall paintings decorated the lobby of all government buildings, each depicting some key element of Venian history.
High Council’s mural was dedicated to one of the four Founding Mothers. Four women who, through unspeakable acts of brutal and deliberate genocide, cunning deceit, and raw propaganda, developed a cult following bordering on frenzy. Their legends grew and morphed, ripening throughout the centuries until, one by one, they were deified. In the year 5025 the four women, already thought of as goddesses, were pressed together into the form of the four-faced Mother Goddess Venus.
The first of those women was Susan Rusev.
The year was 2025. Burdened with the task of terra forming Venus, a group of specially selected colonist left Earth. They took with them all the wonders of their home. Among these wonders was Susan Rusev, fondly known as Roe. A decorated and well respected biophysicists with movie star looks and a charismatic disposition, she quickly collected a legion of supporters. Exactly thirty days into their mission, she was brutally raped by her superior, lead engineer Sam Charleston. When the report was overlooked by Sam’s drinking buddy and the head of security, Max Ashmen, she took the safety of herself, and the other female colonist, into her own hands. One week after she reported her violation, Sam was found dead in his cabin. Reportedly, he’d had a heart attack. Less than three days later, the head of security joined him. One by one, Roe lured her victims to her chambers, intoxicating them with a deadly mix of too much alcohol, exotic beauty, and potent poison.
With her persuasive speeches, and good looks, she quickly established herself as a leader. After the completion of the Habitats, she formed the first Council. Bill after bill passed, each one slowly stripping men of their dignity and their rights. Within a year, the Council had turned into an all female legislature. All contact with Earth was severed, and the Venians adopted a planet wide policy of isolationism.
Roe led the Council until her assassination thirty years later. She left behind a legacy of misandry, hyper feminism, and a multitude of footstep followers who hoped to keep her values alive.
By 3025, only a thousand years after initial colonization, Roe’s Council, still fired by her words, had turned Venus into a planet characterized by a high male mortality rate, aggressive assassinations of all male leaders, and vicious anti-male propaganda.
Roe was only the beginning.
Empress Eva Amerish waited for Nadira near the restroom. Dense, brown, curly hair, skin that seemed to always have a golden sparkle, and eyes as black as night made up the dashing beauty that had become Nadira’s best friend over the past year.
“She’s gone,” Nadira said. Her voice cracked as she threw her arms around Eva’s neck.
“I know. It’s awful.” Eva wiped a tear from Nadira’s cheek. “You two were so close.”
“How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay.”
“Will you send your mother my best?”
“I will. She misses you. You left so suddenly.”
“I’m sorry. Everything happened so fast.”
She pulled Eva to an unoccupied corner of the lobby, recounting the last two days as Eva listened and shook her head, a disapp
roving frown forming on her face.
“Nadira, you have to be careful. I told you not to go to the reservoir. All the women there ever talk about is going Rogue. It’s not good.”
“Now you sound like my mother,” Nadira said.
“Well someone has to. How’s Kiln?”
“He’s happy. He has an interview at the Servant Education Center today.” Nadira took Eva’s hand in hers. “How are you holding up without Baster?”
Eva sighed. “I’m okay. I’m going with my mother to get a replacement slave today.”
“So soon?”
“A woman can’t be without a slave for too long. My house is a mess, my food is running low, my jumpsuits need cleaning.”
“Now you sound like your mother.”
“Was that supposed to be a compliment?”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so.”
The bodies in the hallway began to thin.
“They must be about to start,” Eva said. “Let’s find seats before they’re all taken.”
They walked into the meeting hall, and found two seats close to the front.
The hall was a storm of anxious chatter and worried faces. Made up of one hundred and twenty five representatives from each of the four habitats, they were now a powerful army without a leader for the first time in years.
The stage was occupied by four women: The Maharani Nina, leader of Habitat Beta, Princess Niadad, leader of Habitat Zephta, and Head Enforcer Hi-Roc, leader of Habitat Omega.
The fourth seat was occupied by Czarina Arees of Habitat Alpha, Empress Drell’s main advisor. She had been fourteen when she was elected to High Council, the youngest Councilwoman in history. That same year, her mother was executed for trying and failing to assassinate Empress Drell and several other ranking members of the Council, including Nadira’s mother Marie.
Dark skinned, tightly-bunned black hair, and spoon shaped, Arees walked to the podium and looked out over the leaders of the planet with a confidence and poise that Nadira could only hope to possess.
The room quieted as all eyes turned to Arees.
“Greetings, fellow Councilwomen,” she said, her voice strong and sure. “First, please join me in a moment of silence for Empress Drell. She was more than just our leader, she was our friend.”
The Councilwomen silenced for a moment.