“I know all that I have even visited the Pearl Palace deep below the sea. Please get to the point, Vellina,” Folada said exasperated at the biology lecture.
“I’m sorry Folada, but I am trying to explain simply. May I continue?” Folada nodded and Vellina went on, “There is much sea-blood in the Zeninan race, when the first Zeninans landed on this planet, as you know most men died, not surviving colour change. The women turned to the sea-men, who were only too happy to have women they could mate with in a way they found more sexually satisfying for themselves. They couldn’t produce water-breathing children from the mating, so they also mated with their own women to produce further sea-people. The sea-people wished to produce children who were amphibious. They experimented to select genes that would allow their children to inherit the ability to breathe in water and air.” Nadan nodded and pulled Folada onto his lap as her concentration seemed to be dissipating with the history lesson. So far all of this every educated Zeninan was taught at school, even if they thought it was a fairy tale. Nadan settled her back against him and began gently stroking her thighs. Vellina continued trying to abbreviate her explanation.
“Their experiments were not successful, they bred water-breathers who could walk but swam poorly and air-breathers who could not walk but swam like fish. Many were simply not viable. Years went by and the sea-people gave up hope of achieving their end. Then Kabaneev was brought to the planet by Kerina. Another Zeninan geneticist mentioned the problem to him as something they had never been able to solve. Kabaneev considered the problem and then came and talked to me.”
“Kabaneev’s solution involved taking the already fertilised roe and injecting selected genes from a Zeninan woman. My original genetic material showed I had a high proportion of genes closely modified from the sea-people genes. Kabaneev thought by combining my genes with the roe, he might achieve a successful cross. Kabaneev injected the required gene strings into 7,000 roe. Over 90 percent died immediately. Out of the 64 surviving, many were destroyed because of various deformities, but six survived who could live in the sea. Nadan was one of those six, he is the best developed for life on land, but is still not fully amphibious. He can survive out of water for a day at most without receiving Zeninan blood to help him breathe. There’ve been other successes since Nadan, but the sea-people develop slower than land people and they’re not yet mature. So Nadan is correct he has two mothers and I am one.”
“Now Folada understands our relationship, I’ll explain what I need from you both. Crown Prince Neman insists I go to Princess Marina. I must travel by the space ocean-ship; which is very slow. Even allowing that I can stay out of water for several hours each day, it will take twenty-two days to get there. I must set off soon and do so without Dalzina and Zadina knowing about it. I require sufficient Gold blood for me to stay on land for several days on Alpha. Folada must send the ship ahead to where I can transport direct and make a believed explanation to Dalzina why the space ocean-ship moves from its permanent station.”
The ship could travel faster whilst Nadan was out of water but he would have to spend a third of his time on board under water which would mean slowing down whenever Nadan had to return to water.
Admiral Folada told Dalzina, “the morale of the crew of the space ocean-ship is low so I propose to send them to test it out. I gave the crew the option of heading for Rimagon or Alpha and they chose Alpha. It is good to know it is functioning properly; the crew have a fairly boring job. Some rest and relaxation would do them good.”
Folada submitted the list of replacements for herself, stating “I’m prepared to stay on, as I don’t want my sailors upset by too many changes in management, but I want you to know I support Marina.”
Queen Dalzina was pleased not to have to decide which candidate to choose. If Princess Marina intended to come and claim the crown, she would surely have done it by now. The loyalty of the navy to her was not her biggest problem. Under Folada she knew it was efficiently managed. So Dalzina accepted Folada on her terms and everything carried on as before, except the spaceocean-ship travelled at an erratic pace towards Alpha bearing Nadan with it.
Chapter Forty-five - Coup de Grace
Zadina had expected Marina to return by now; she did not want Dalzina to remain queen for long. Marina should return, challenge Dalzina and take the crown in her mother and sister’s place. That was what she really wanted to happen, but she could not admit that aloud to anyone, not even herself. If she did not repeat it to others, she could pretend it was not true. Marina staying away complicated her plans. Dalzina’s plots to kill Marina were unsuccessful. How could you expect a second-rater like Dalzina to do anything right?
Even she would be better for Zenina than Dalzina. Zadina’s hair nearly reached her waist, but she bundled it up, rather than draw Dalzina’s attention to it. She had thought Dalzina would balk at her demands sooner, but no matter how outrageous her requests, Dalzina had agreed.
Zadina’s spies told her that Dalzina was not intending to hold back much longer. Dalzina was in regular contact with the minions of her ally, King Ga’Mishrin and had welcomed his offer of Kurgian troops to help her in the war she intended to wage upon the Zigan Confederation. “So stupid to start a Galactic war when she hasn’t assured her position on her own planet,” thought Zadina.
War would be calamitous to Zenina, it would hand the Empire over to the Kurgians. If Marina would not act, Zadina would have to. She was not going to wait until King Ga’Mishrin’s troops landed and helped Dalzina get rid of her, capturing Prince Ga’Mikkal.
“Mikkal will be killed if Ga’Mishrin’s forces get to him. Dalzina will kill me as soon as she is sure of the Kurgian troops. They’re less than a week away from Zeninan space; the Purple Daggers are three weeks away, but there aren’t enough to take Mishrin’s troops out.”
So Zadina made preparations to kill Dalzina Zadina had a meeting arranged with Dalzina and went armed. She did not plait her hair to give Dalzina warning of her intent. When Dalzina dismissed the servants and they were alone together, Zadina drew her knife and informed her “I intend to kill you, defend yourself.”
Dalzina protested but the guards were out of ear shot and would not have interfered anyway. Dalzina cravenly begged for her life. Her entreaties went unanswered, within a minute she was dead, her blue blood staining the white furs upon the marble floor. The guards were called to find Zadina wearing the Imperial crown of Zenina demanding the corpse be removed and the mess cleared up.
Dalzina’s cronies immediately swore allegiance to Zadina attending Queen Zadina’s swiftly arranged coronation. No one questioned publicly the legality of Zadina being queen, her hair was an inch too short to be legally queen but no one dared challenge her. The news that she would rule in tandem with Prince Ga’Mikkal astounded the people. No queen had ever given her consort power over them. They were horrified. The calls and deputations to Alpha doubled where Marina had taken to wearing a helmet to enable her to sleep a few hours each day.
Zadina’s actions were in some ways better than those of Dalzina, but affected those Marina loved. Zadina made a decree making following any religion other than the Cult of Demina illegal and promptly arrested Father O’Flaherty.
She reinstated Lahoda in her position of Chamberlain, but detained Vlama.
“I have no personal malice in my actions against you, Vlama. You can have anything you wish to make your detention bearable, but you are dangerous at liberty. The army might prefer to follow you and that I can’t allow. While you are free you’ll protect Kabaneev and I want him for myself.”
“I will never agree to serve you, Zadina,” Kabaneev said in disgust.
“I don’t need your agreement. I’d prefer you willing, but I’ll have you whether you want me or not” Zadina declared.
***
The private Alphan registered space-craft docked at Hemithea Space-port without incident. Jessina and Father Debenden disembarked, waving farewell to their crew. Jessina and Father Debende
n cleared Zeninan customs and took a transporter to Marina’s home. The house was dark and locked up. Everything was packed away. Jessina suggested they find out what was happening from Kazimira. So they transported to Army Headquarters where Kazimira had resided with Vlama. Vlama’s apartment was equally empty and Jessina caught a thought from one of the soldiers which told her that Vlama was imprisoned.
Jessina was frightened. Where was Marina? Where were all the people she knew? They transported to Chilka’s apartment. They were met by Bona who was at home.
“Marina went off with my mother, months previously and I haven’t heard anything for ages,” Bona said.
“What has happened to Vlama? Father Debenden asked.
“Zadina has had her imprisoned, but she’s all right, you can go visit her.”
“I think that might be a bad idea,” said the priest.
“Do you know where Kazimira is Bona?” asked Jessina, “She might tell us what to do.”
“Sure, she’s staying with Letinza at the Golden Palace barracks.”
So Jessina and Father Debenden thanked Bona and transported to the Golden Palace Barracks. They were shown to Letinza’s quarters, but when they got there Letinza was not alone. Letinza sat at the table having a drink with a beautiful woman with amber coloured eyes. Letinza did not know what to do but Zadina was not at a loss.
“I’m sorry Letinza I haven’t met your friends. Please introduce me.”
Zadina had just inspected the Barracks and accepted Letinza’s offer of a drink in her quarters. Father Debenden was clearly dressed as a priest; she had no option but to introduce him as such.
“Father Debenden and Jessina Callabam. Very pleased to meet you. I’m Zadina, Princess Marina’s aunt. I insist both of you stay as my guests until Marina returns. I’m sure that would be the best thing. Your Bishop, Father O’Flaherty is my guest too. You Father Debenden can keep him company. I’m sure he’ll appreciate that. Jessina can stay in the Royal Nurseries with Marina’s wards and a little boy named Opak.”
Chapter Forty-six - Queens or Pawns
Ondiella’s headaches got better fairly quickly and after a couple of days she could leave the helmet off for a few hours at a time and practice with Ivla and Chilka’s patient tuition how to use her telepathic abilities. Meanwhile Marina enjoyed Cars’ attentions, persuading him to give up smoking by the insertion of a few subliminal aversions and implanting the desire to do some serious exercise other than making love. His performance and heart function improved noticeably, lengthening his life expectancy by several years.
Marina thought it politic to move out of the hotel into a privately let apartment because Zadina was now queen. If Zadina decided to attack Marina she would be far more efficient than Dalzina. Marina visited the Embassy and Yanzala had informed her of Zadina’s coronation before handing over another sack of mail.
“Zadina personally informed me you should be treated as the second most important woman in the empire. I should accord you the respect due to the queen’s favourite niece. She has withdrawn the extradition papers and reinstated you as a Zeninan citizen.”
Divak called once more. “Things have improved for me, I’m no longer bothered by Dalzina’s breeding program, I have anything I ask for, but I’m always accompanied by at least two guards if I leave the palace. Sebie is at the palace as is Jessina. Do you know Father O’Flaherty is imprisoned with Father Debenden? I’m allowed to see Vlama occasionally, but she is very depressed.”
“Where is my father if Vlama is imprisoned?”
“In Zadina’s bed.”
Marina didn’t believe him; Kabaneev would never sleep with his wife Kerina’s killer.
“He has no choice; she laces him with Kurgian treacle and shimmers, so I’m told. I’m not allowed near him, so I don’t know the truth. Did I tell you Opak has changed colour, lovely little Gold he is now. Ondiella would be so proud if she could see him, he’s already trying to walk.”
“Ondiella is with me.”
“Is she all right? If I’d known she was going to leave Zenina I would’ve tried to stop her because she was close to colour change. Has she finished her business?”
“Not really, but I think she’s decided it’s not as important as all that now. She’s carrying your child, a girl, she’ll be Gold too.”
That cheered Divak considerably, but he noticed Marina had not denied Ondiella had changed colour. He wondered what colour she had become, Silver he expected. She would never have survived a change to Gold unassisted.Marina relayed Divak’s love to Ondiella and briefly told her the news, but was not happy with the developments. Zadina was taking hostages. How could she deal with her if Zadina threatened those she loved? Late that night Kabaneev called Marina.
“Zadina sleeps in a drugged stupor. I had to clean the treacle from my system by pumping my blood around a filter and returning it to my body before I could call you. Zadina is convinced she’ll conceive with me, but as I won’t co-operate she rapes me daily. Please return to Zenina not just for my sake. The little girl Jessina follows Zadina around like a dog; she is always with her, just like you did when you were a little girl.”
“As soon as Riyal reaches Alpha we’ll return to Zenina. If I can beat Zadina, everything will be fine,” Marina promised, “and if not I’ll be dead.”But Marina blocked the final thought from her father.
The space ocean-ship created a lot of interest when it set up the static space buoy it carried with it and moored outside of Gandora space-port. The Alphans were scared by its size, but when trips were organised around the ship, the Captain welcomed sightseers on board. It was soon realised it was not military in function.
“What is the point of a huge ship containing oxygenated water and a few fish and other sea creatures?”
“Scientific experiments,” was the answer the crew had been told to give.
The arrival of Count Nadan at Marina’s residence was greeted with some interest. He was lucky she was home. She listened to what he thought, but refused him the use of her body. Riyal still had not arrived in Alpha so Marina and her friends showed Nadan the sights of town. Nadan was fascinated and made good use of his time by seducing Ivla, Chilka and Dinka in turn before trying a few local girls. His few days’ pleasure on land came to an end and he returned to his ship which had set off ahead of him. He was cheerful as he began the slow journey home believing Marina would reach there before him.
In Zenina, Zadina’s actions seemed an improvement to the people. Everything was running smoothly, although a few people had disappeared into her custody, there were no more unnecessary executions. On Marina’s farm life went on as before, except Konsky missed his children, but Kotenza comforted him. Karella remained on the farm, but at night had hideous dreams of dying women and dead children. She woke sweating to feel her child kick in her womb. She lay shivering, worrying about whether Tippy would return to see his child live.
Chapter Forty-seven - Spoils of War
King Ga’Mishrin’s troops, twelve regiments in total, arrived at the boundary of Zeninan space and started to cross over. They expected to meet Dalzina’s representative and be escorted though Zeninan space to Zenina. Five Zeninan space battleships did not therefore worry them and Admiral Ga’Tahmasp and General Ga’Vaynaqur waited for their allies to make contact. The message they received was not what they had expected, nor was the appearance of ten more battleships together with twenty smaller auxiliary space-craft.
“Her Imperial Majesty, Queen Zadina doesn’t look kindly on the invasion of Zeninan space by Kurgian forces. Your action is in direct contravention of the treaty negotiated by Queen Zadina’s niece, Princess Marina with your King Ga’Mishrin. Return to intergalactic space immediately or we will blast you into smithereens,” General Calzina informed them.
Admiral Ga’Tahmasp gave the order to retreat.
“We come in peace as allies not as enemies and seek an audience with your new queen,” he informed Calzina.
“I’m prepared to ta
ke General Ga’Vaynaqur and yourself and a few officers to Queen Zadina, but not until all your fleet returns across the space boundary” Calzina declared.
The atmosphere was tense on the Kurgian ships; one nervous gunner pressed his buttons by mistake. The blast shook the two nearest Zeninan ships yet did no damage, but the Zeninan ships retaliated, crippling the Kurgian ship responsible and two in close formation with it who also returned fire. Signals between the Kurgian fleet were frantic. They could not win a pitched battle; they must continue to retreat, leaving their wrecked ships behind. The Zeninans held their fire and contacted the Captains on board their immobilized space-ships offering to pick up survivors.
There were only a dozen casualties between the three ships because the Zeninans intended to disable the ships not kill the crew. The nervous gunner died at his Captain’s hands whilst the Kurgians decided whether to accept Calzina’s offer. They understood their choice, it was straightforward. They could die in their space-ships or accept slavery in Zenina. The Kurgians chose life and were transported unarmed to the Zeninan ships where the soldiers and crews were stripped of their uniforms and distributed amongst the ranks.
Their officers were treated with slightly more respect. They were allowed to remain clothed until they reached Zenina, where they would make higher prices in market. If most preferred to attach themselves to a Zeninan officer rather than risk the lottery of auction, they did so of their own free will. Only the ugliest and oldest remained unmolested much to their disappointment. They might be handed over to the Kurgian Embassy for repatriation when they reached Zenina. The Zeninan ships returned to Hemithea in triumph, bearing the spoils of war.
Champion of Zenina Page 19