“Oh, no,” I groaned. “Bartimarmians are bad enough as it is without introducing fluorescent green and purple tartan.”
Fiona, who knew more about history than I, provided the commentary. Her descriptions received mixed reactions. On the one hand they were impressed that some of the buildings were nearly five hundred years old and, on the other, mostly unimpressed with our bloody history. Triss was the only one at all excited by Mary, Queen of Scots; Robert the Bruce; Bonnie Prince Charlie; et al. She came, I recalled, from a violent and prideful race herself.
“To live in Edinburgh,” I pontificated as we stood on the windy battlements of the castle and looked out across Princes Street, “is to be aware of history. It must be the only city in the world where the ‘New Town’ is two hundred and fifty years old. The problem is that the Parliament has attracted a whole bunch of carpet-baggers and get-rich-quick fly-boys who don’t give a shit for tradition or history.”
“That’s rather harsh,” Fiona said.
I shrugged. “Just look at all the crap they’re throwing up. The New Town will still be there in another two hundred and fifty years. Can the same be said for the modern stuff?”
As we were peching our way up Arthur’s Seat, Fiona held me back.
“You know all these women are madly in love with you?” she says.
“I’ve been trying not to think about it,” I sighed. “Under the rules of the Lottery, I’m supposed to have one night with each of them and get them pregnant. And I’ve sixteen more to see when we get back. Besides, there’s Flerrionna.”
I had to explain about Flerrionna.
“She must be very special if she can compete with this lot. I’m very happy for you, but you do make your life complicated for yourself, don’t you. I don’t understand why but they care about you very deeply.” She sniffled. “Come to that, I care about you, too. I know I’ve not always been the best sister but, since you went away, I realised I loved you.”
“I love you, too, Fee. Like you I’ve not always shown it but I do.”
The conversation reminded me that I would soon have to face the consequences for my impulsive actions and I was rather quiet for the rest of the day. The ladies were also subdued so my silence went unnoticed.
Fiona deposited us on the deserted road just as dusk was falling. Although we wouldn’t leave until it was fully dark, I didn’t fancy trying to find the quarry after the sun had fully set. We had a few more bags to carry than we had when we arrived but at least we were all properly equipped with jeans and sturdy shoes. Our goodbye was tearful.
“Take care, little brother,” Fiona said hugging me fiercely.
“I will, Fee. I will. You take care, too. And tell Mum and Dad I’m sorry I missed them and give them my love.”
“Should I tell them where you really are?”
“If you can manage it without giving Dad a heart attack.”
“I’ll be the soul of discretion.”
“That’ll be a first.”
She punched me on the arm then hugged me again.
“Love you. Crawford.”
“I know. Love you, too.”
I looked back as we disappeared into the woods. She was standing beside her car, a lonely figure silhouetted by the last rays of the dying sun. I couldn’t see whether there were tears in her eyes, but I know there were in mine. I wondered if I would ever see her again.
Chapter 28
Hermes got us under way as soon as we had boarded. I could sense he was impatient to return.
“You must have been bored out of your skull,” I said. “I’m sorry it took so long.”
“It had its moments,” he said with a grin. “At least I’ve had an opportunity to explore your television broadcasts. I have managed to acquire quite a collection of movies.”
“Oh, no,” I groaned. “You’ve filled Julian’s memory banks with bad films. We’re doomed.”
“Julian has been scouring your internet. There is much that is interesting.”
“Does that include porn sites?”
“I believe he has a representative sample of erotic material. Doesn’t do a thing for me. I much prefer the Marx Brothers. Unfortunately I could only find one of their pieces.”
“Then you’re in luck. I have the complete collection on DVD.”
“You have? You are a prince among beings.”
“I think so, too.”
I spent most of my waking hours on the return journey unloading Lorca’s loot from the steegee, though why she insisted on unloading it when it would just have to be loaded again in a couple of days was beyond me. The rest of my time was spent setting up the electronic equipment for Julian. The ship possessed a small workshop and, under its instruction, I managed to fashion interface cables so it could have access.
Nights were spent with four willing women. After their experience at Fiona’s house, Triss and Lashak’ka had decided that full lesbianism was not their cup of tea. Neither had any problems with sharing a bed, though they restricted themselves to kissing and mutual fondling. Lorca and Jarmasin seemed to respect their decision and put no pressure on them to join in their frolics.
Not having the cats to worry about was almost a relief though I missed them terribly and found myself, at odd intervals, setting out to find out where they were and if they were okay. The nearer we got to Geretimal, though, the more the forthcoming confrontation with the Lottery Commission preyed on my mind.
“We need to talk about what’s going to happen when we get back to Geretimal,” I said after dinner. Everyone looked at me expectantly. “I’m not going to lie… well not much. I intend to say that I forced Hermes to take me to Earth on urgent personal business and you ladies didn’t have much choice in the matter. You can say that you objected strongly and call me all sorts of names, or you can say that, as you had no choice, you made the best of a bad situation, or you can say that you had a grand adventure. I don’t care what line you take but I’d be grateful if you would tell me so I can back you up. The important thing to establish is your innocence. As for you, Hermes, you’re absolved of all blame. I take full responsibility for my actions. You can say I threatened you with physical violence if you like… they’ll believe that. Whatever your story, I’ll support it.”
Hermes grinned. “I don’t think we need go as far as physical violence. I shall merely shrug indifferently and say that, as my employer, it is of no importance to me where we go. You employ me, not the Commission and I owe them no particular loyalty.”
“I appreciate that.”
“It is simply the truth.”
“I’m going to say it was a grand adventure,” Lorca announced. “The chance to spend several days locked up with the Lottery Winner? Lead me to it. Screw the Commission. My loyalty is to me, not them.”
“I agree,” Jarmasin said. “And for the same reasons. After all, a chance to be with the Lottery Winner is why we all came to Geretimal in the first place, isn’t it?”
Triss was looking thoughtful. “I think I should take a different line. I was torn. On the one hand I agreed with Lorca, but it was known that Crawford and I didn’t get off to a good start so I was very angry and made a fuss until I was persuaded by the rest of you to shut up and make the most of the opportunity. Since then…” she leered at me, “…things have been much better.”
Everyone laughed and agreed her story would ring true.
“I think I’m going to be the reluctant one,” Lashak’ka said. “With two of you trying to tear his trousers off and one rip his balls off, I had little choice but to go along quietly. In fact I had a good time and, who knows, I might even be pregnant.”
“You’re anything but quiet, little flower,” Lorca said with a knowing grin.
“I’m a refined little flower.” Lashak’ka gave an exaggerated sniff.
“Thank you all,” I said. “I’ll make sure I support your stories. Does anyone have any idea what sort of reception we’re likely to receive?”
“Words like e
nraged and apoplectic and furious sort of leap into the mind,” Lorca said. “You disappeared. You’ve upset their timetable. Your whereabouts are unknown. You haven’t been seen in public for a week. The Commission will be going demented. You know what control freaks they are. If the news has got out that we’ve disappeared as well they might be faced with angry delegations from our respective families or countries. They’ll be running around like headless chickens I should think.”
Hermes was nodding. “Be prepared for a hostile reception. I will not announce our arrival until I’ve had a chance to take some soundings. Flight Control will keep our arrival to themselves if I ask them.”
“Sounds a good idea. Thanks, Hermes.”
Our love-making was frantic that night. We all knew it was probably the last time we’d be together and each of us was determined to make the most of it. I didn’t get much sleep but, to my amazement, I managed to satisfy all four of them.”
We rose late and were enjoying a leisurely breakfast when Hermes came stumbling into the lounge, his face ashen.
“You need to come to the trivee room. Now,” he said. His tone brooked no denial.
He fiddled with the channels for a moment. A sombre-looking reporter swam into view.
“…have confirmed that the fire that destroyed most of the Bartimarm Piety Hotel, the oldest hotel on Geretimal, was started deliberately. Fifty three beings lost their lives and dozens more were injured when the conflagration swept through the building in the early hours of the morning seven days ago. Only the alertness of a chamber-maid prevented the death toll being even higher. Forensic teams were forced to wait several days, until the structure was made safe, before beginning their investigation, and the bodies of the last of victims were rescued yesterday. Our reporter, Sir Pious-Inspiration Gods-Word, is at the scene with the latest developments.”
Sir Pious-Inspiration Gods-Word was standing in a street in front of a barricade which blocked the view of the remains of the burnt-out buildings. Official vehicles of various sizes were parked in front of the barrier and several groups of Geretimalians in uniform stood around. From behind the barriers the arms of several cranes could be seen. He looked soberly into the camera.
“Behind me lie the ruins of what was the oldest and best-known hotel in Bartimarm. On the other side of this barrier the Exigency Services have been working night and day to prop up the tottering remains of the structure to allow the search to continue for any remaining bodies. There is little hope that any remain alive.
“Late yesterday afternoon two bodies were recovered from the suite of the Lottery Winner, Sir Crawford MacAdam. Just hours ago the Bartimarm Director of Exigencies, Madam Precious-Life Trust-in-God, announced that neither of the bodies were Sir MacAdam’s. They belonged to Sir Taragis Hlawch, an official with the Lottery Commission, and Madam Tsabella Biscarolasaga, a costume designer. Why Sir Hlawch and Madam Biscarolasaga should have been in the Lottery Winner’s suite at the time is not yet known. We are waiting for an official statement from the Commission but, unofficially, sources I’ve talked to say they have no idea. Sir Hlawch was, however, acting as Sir MacAdam’s liaison with the Commission so it is possible he was there to discuss official business. Madam Trust-in-God was at pains to stress that neither Sir Hlawch nor Madam Biscarolasaga were connected with the fire.
“It is still to be confirmed, but the initial findings of the forensic team suggest that the fire was started deliberately. An incendiary device appears to have been placed in a room adjoining the Lottery Winner’s suite and the emergency alarms in that area of the hotel disabled. Who placed the device may take some time to discover as the security room was also badly damaged in the conflagration. The Interpellator Extreme is confident, however, that it is only a matter of time before this is known. The logical conclusion is that this was a deliberate attempt on the life of the Lottery Winner. The motives for such an attack remain obscure and no being or group of beings has claimed responsibility. The Interpellators are currently questioning a number of beings who are, or were, known to have associations with anti-Lottery groups.
“Madam Trust-in-God also said that all the hotel residents and staff have been accounted for, but the Exigency Services will continue their search. It may be tomorrow before they can be sure there are no other bodies. We will continue to bring you the latest developments as they happen.”
The bulletin cut back to the studio.
“The whereabouts of Lottery Winner, himself, remain a mystery. Sir Crawford MacAdam, the first Earthman to win the Lottery, was last seen eight days ago when he visited the Parliament building to meet with Paralogicator Extreme Sir Glorious-Advancement Aide-of-the-Gods. From there he travelled to the Zofi-Brennan complex at the Highest Aspirations Interstellar Port to take delivery of his Lottery prize, a Mark 3 Zofi-Brennan ‘Interspacialle’. Zofi-Brennan have refused to comment other than to issue a formal statement confirming that Sir MacAdam did take delivery of the ship. There is speculation that the ship might have suffered a malfunction, a speculation firmly denied by the company. The Lottery Commission, too, have refused to comment, either on the disappearance of Sir MacAdam or the attack on the hotel.
“Other news. Riots have been reported in Prasconda, Geretimal’s third city. Demonstrators took to the streets in protest against the decision of the City Assembly to impose a ban on public participation in the city’s most popular pastime, buggandat weaving. We will have a full report shortly.
“Unconfirmed reports have been received that Trendorria has declared unilateral independence. Relations between the system, the most distant in the Capellan Theocracy, and Geretimal have been uneasy for some time with the independence movement recently gaining much popular support.
“In Upper Delugat, the sprunfing season has had an auspicious start…
Hermes quietly turned off the trivee.
We sat in stunned silence as the impact of the news slowly sank in.
“Oh, God. Flerrionna,” I wailed, dropping my head into my hands.
Hermes squeezed my shoulder. “I’ll try to find out.”
At that moment my communicator chimed.
“Crawford?” Honest-in-Trust’s voice said.
“Yes.”
“Is that really you?”
“Of course it’s me. Who else would it be?”
“Well you've been missing for eight days.”
“I wasn't missing. I knew exactly where I was.”
“This is no time for flippancy. You've heard the news?”
“Yes.”
“Crawford, I don’t know how to say this. I’m terribly sorry. Flerrionna… she… didn’t survive. They found her body four days ago. I… I’m sorry.”
I wept. Lorca put a comforting arm around me.
I raised a tear-stained face. “She’s dead.” She hugged me tightly. “Dead. Flerrionna’s dead. Dead.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say. The enormity of it was too much to comprehend.
“Crawford. Crawford.” Honesty-in-Trust’s voice broke into my misery. “Crawford, are you there?”
“I’m here.”
“Crawford, I know this has hit you hard but there are things you need to do.”
“What’s the point? It doesn’t matter now.”
“Yes it does. Crawford if you give in now, they’ve won.”
“Who’s won?”
“Your enemies. The ones who tried to kill you.”
“I don’t care.”
“You must care. It was only because you didn’t return as expected that you’re still alive.”
“I wish I had.”
“What?”
“I wish I had returned as planned. Then I’d be dead, too.”
“Crawford, I know this is hard…”
“Listen. I don’t give a shite about the fucking Lottery or the fucking Chairman or your fucking politics or this fucking God-forsaken system. They’ve killed Flerrionna and they might as well have killed me. She was the only thing keeping me sane throughou
t this whole fucking madhouse. I don’t care. I don’t care. I don’t care. Just fuck off and leave me alone.”
Hermes plucked the communicator from my hand. I curled up in a ball and sobbed. The universe closed in until there was only me and my grief. Flerrionna. My love. My lost love. What could we have done together? The galaxy would have been our playground. Now she was gone; all my hopes and dreams snatched away by some insane bastards for reasons I neither understood not cared about. What had I done to them? Why had I been, simply because my identity had surfaced in some loop-de-loop 97th dimension, singled out as the target for their vitriol and hatred? Why couldn’t they all just go away and leave me in peace?
I have no idea how long I remained like that. Perhaps I slept. I must have done for the room was quiet and the lights dim when I eventually became aware of my surroundings again. I struggled to my feet, groaning as I straightened stiff muscles. I looked around groggily wondering where I was and why.
Jarmasin came in with a cup of coffee.
“I thought you might need this,” she said.
“Thanks,” I said automatically.
I sat, on a chair this time, and sighed.
“What will you do?” she asked.
I shrugged. “I dunno. Go back to Earth.”
“What about…?” she waved a hand around.
“The ship? I don’t care. Hermes can have it.”
She was silent for a moment. “And what about us?”
“Us?”
“Us girls. Your… breeding partners.”
“You’ll go home, I suppose. How should I know?”
“But… your commitment… the Lottery.”
“I don’t give a toss about the Lottery. They can have it all back; the ship, the money, everything. I don’t want it… any of it. It’s brought me nothing but misery. I just want to go back home and pretend none of this ever happened.”
“Oh,” she said in a very small voice. “Right.”
She turned and left.
I sat and pondered. Yes, go home. Go home and shut the door. Build a wall around the last three weeks and push it into a corner. Go home and pick up the pieces and perhaps, in time, this would all seem just like an unpleasant dream.
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