by Zena Zion
Barbara stumbled as she walked into the room and saw the vastness of space out of the view portal. She saw the metallic black arm of the space station they were moored too. The technology around her was unlike anything she had ever seen. Symbols fluttered in electronic waves on terminals.
“Casaugh, ready a bio-chair.” Madaug said, seeing Barbara’s distress. “You may not like where you are, but going back is not an option at this point. You are going to have to trust me. Can you do that?”
“Yes.” Barbara whispered.
“The bio-chair will help you adapt to your surroundings. Casaugh will guide you through the process.” Madaug said, picking Barbara up off of the floor.
“She will answer any of your questions. I will treat you as the Imperial Gift as long as you remain worthy of that name.”
Barbara understood her role. She closed her mouth and walked over to the bio-chair. The only power she felt she had was obedience. It was the only ticket she had to avoiding punishment. There were no weapons on which to fight for freedom.
“Where would I even go if I could fight for my freedom. I don’t know how to pilot a ship. I don’t even know where to find Earth. I am here now.” Barbara thought as she sat down.
“Let Casaugh know when you are ready. She will let you break the link whenever you are ready. You just have to think it.” Madaug said, sitting in his own chair. “I’ll be here when you return.”
“O.K.” Barbara said remaining motionless.
“Casaugh, take us away from the station and set a course for Denez 1. I have business there before the squadron reconvenes in a few weeks. There is much to do. Engage when ready.” Madaug said pulling a tablet from his chair to work on.
“Acknowledged. Estimated arrival at Denez 1 is 3.5 erz at maximum velocity. Would you prefer I conserve fuel at the cost of time?” Casaugh queried.
“No, maximum velocity. I have replenishment fuel awaiting for you when we arrive - blue crystals, your favourite.”
“They are very efficient to process. Thank you. Engaging.”
Barbara felt a peculiar tingling sensation in her body as Casaugh engaged her propulsion. It only lasted a moment and she remained focused on Madaug, who pored over his data.
“You should use this time to connect with Casaugh. It will be helpful.” Madaug said without looking up from his work.
Barbara rubbed her forehead and tucked her hair behind her ears. She straightened up in the chair. For a moment, she worried that Casaugh may provide the same chemical lobotomy as the military slave received in Gultah’s care. She took a deep breath and steadied herself.
“I’m ready Casaugh.” Barbara said, resting her head back against the chair.
“Acknowledged. Please initiating first bond sequence.”
Barbara felt an energy field rise up from the chair and envelop her. She closed her eyes and felt as if she were falling backward.
#
Barbara felt a cascade of sensations as she linked with Casaugh. Colors washed past her mind’s eye in blends of sound and texture.
“Welcome to interphase Barbara. In this environment, we can better interact.” Casaugh’s voice rang in Barbara’s mind. “Can you see me?”
“Yes.” Barbara thought a figure appeared before her. Casaugh’s mental form shaped itself into a woman. Casaugh stood in front of Barbara’s mental projection dressed in the royal robe of Heechaba. Her robe fell long and golden to the floor. Her head was topped with conical hat that pointed skyward.
“This is the form I use here in the interphase. Let me know what you would like to learn about, while I scan your memories.” Casaugh said as a table and chairs appeared between them.
“You are scanning my memories?” Barbara asked with alarm. It felt intrusive.
“Do not worry. The Imperium has strict privacy protocols regarding recovered personal memories. They are encrypted to only be readable by an herre such as myself.” Casuagh said, taking a seat. She motioned for Barbara to join her.
“What is expected of me?” Barbara asked sitting at the table. She had yet to receive any expectations from Madaug. She wanted to cry; she was exhausted and overwhelmed.
“You are the property of Madaug. Under Immperium Law, he may ask you to provide him with any services he deems useful. If you refuse to follow his instructions, he may punish you.”
“Will he beat me? Kill me? I don’t understand?” Barbara said, feeling holographic tears well up in her eyes.
“Under the law, he may provide corporal punishment. As an Imperial Gift, it is unlikely he would pursue this. It may damage your worth. It would be more likely that he would sell you to a new master.” Casaugh said as she sifted through Barbara’s memories for relevant information.
“Tell me about Madaug.” Barbara begged, hoping to find some solace in his history.
“Madaug was born into the Maxge clan. The Maxge are an ancient line of warriors that have served The Imperium for as long as history records. Madaug has led many successful campaigns against the enemies of The Imperium. His conquest of the Sasa’sash home world brought down the last of the independent colonies. Their addition to The Imperium brought a new period of prosperity to his people.”
“Why did he do that? Were they a threat to The Imperium?” Barbara asked in an attempt to find a redeeming element.
“They represented a threat to the economy of The Imperium. The Sasa’sash held vast quantities of resources in their territory. Children from The Imperium were often wooed away to the independent colonies to seek less structured lives. Madaug brought the order and culture needed to sustain this part of the Imperium. Now all of the citizens of the Sasa’sash home world are protected under the laws of The Imperium.”
“But, why would…”
“Please prepare for interphase disconnection.” Casaugh said, cutting off Barbara and disappearing abruptly.
Chapter 3: Denez 1
Barbara opened her eyes in the bio-chair. Her vision blurred for a moment before her brain readjusted. Madaug stood over her, speaking in garbled words she could not understand. The words sounded far away.
“What is happening?” Barbara muttered.
“…and you are coming out of interphase.” Maudaug said as Barbara’s mind corrected to her senses.
“What?” She asked, regaining composure.
“We have reached Denez 1, and you are coming out of interphase.” Maduag repeated.
“Oh.” Barbara said, shaking her head. “How long was I in there for?”
“A few hours. Much of the first interphase connection is Casaugh scanning your brain to adapt her signal to your synaptic energy.” Madaug said, helping Barbara to her feet.
“But it only felt like a few minutes. She said she was scanning my memories.” Barbara said with confusion as she noticed the planet on the view screen. It was a small brown orb that appeared barren from space.
“Like I said, much of the first connection is scanning for compatibility.” Madaug said with impatience. “You would not have been conscious for that.”
“Taking orbit of Denez 1.” Casaugh updated.
“Thank you. Find transponder A34-Y. It will connect me with the appropriate conduit.” Madaug instructed Casaugh.
“This planet is sacred to my people. People from all walks of life can visit here as equals. It brings a much needed serenity to our civilization. I always visit when I have time away from the squadron. My mother was born on this world to a servant of the clergy. It troubled her how much inequality existed outside of her world.”
“Are you taking me with you?” Barbara asked with interest. The description of the planet intrigued, if not enticed her. She wondered if she could seek asylum on this egalitarian planet.
“If you feel up to it.” Madaug offered.
He looked down at Barbara and respected her composure. He had watched slaves fall into depression and violence soon after their assignment. The gentle curves of Barbara’s body normally brought images of sloth and cowardice
to Madaug. He recognized the heart of a warrior in her. She accepted her situation with dignity.
“The planet has been under continuous habitation by my people for over a thousand years. It has beautiful architecture.”
Barbara’s eyes moved back and forth between Madaug and the view screen. She wondered where on the planet the civilization was. The brown surface appeared devoid of life. Clusters of spacecraft came into view as they reached orbit.
“Transponder location acquired. Prepare for transport.” Casaugh said moving toward the appropriate cluster.
“Why aren’t we landing?” Barbara asked, taking a spot next to Madaug at the display.
“Ships are not allowed to touch the surface of Denez 1. We must use the transponders to transfer. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“O.K.” Barbara said trying her best to roll with the punches.
“Initialize transport.” Madaug ordered.
Barbara felt a tingling all over her body as the transport initialized. The second wave of sensation was a warm flow across her body. A brilliant light flashed before her eyes and as it ebbed away, a new scene emerged in front of her.
“Not too bad, was it?” Madaug asked, assessing Barbara’s reaction to transport. “Welcome to Delv’vi.”
“It was much easier than I thought.” Barbara said touching herself all over her body to ensure she was really there. “I thought we were going to Denez 1?”
“Delv’vi is the sacred city under the surface of Denez 1.” Madaug said realizing Barbara could not have known the difference.
“Oh.” Barbara said as she took in the sights around her. They stood in the middle of a great plaza where multitudes of people moved about between the towering buildings and vendors. The great buildings rose up toward the ceiling of the chamber that seemed to have no end.
The tallest buildings reached up into the darkness that lay above the city, obscuring the chamber’s ceiling. The buildings were a smattering of brown concrete in the landscape, dotted with colored murals.
“Come, we have business to take care of.” Madaug said, taking Barbara by the arm and leading her toward one of the great buildings.
“These large buildings are dedicated to the Great Houses of Heechaba. Each building serves all the people of the Imperium, so that vassals of any of the Great Houses may seek asylum in the land of another Great House. They also gather to discuss successes and failures to learn from each other.”
Barbara listened to Madaug as he explained the role of the great buildings, focussing on the idea of asylum. She wondered if she could be sent back to Earth if she pleaded her case. They walked up the steps of one of the great stone structures, spires reaching up past Barbara’s sight. The archway of the entrance was bedecked with a relief of a ghoulish face. The face taunted Barbara in her mind as she walked under it.
“You now fall under the umbrella of the Maxge Clan, the clan I was born into. This is our temple.” Madaug said stopping at a bowl just inside the entrance. “Do what I do.”
Madaug placed two of his fingers in the bowl and drew a circle on his forehead. Barbara mimicked his behaviour, dipping the same fingers into the water and creating the circular symbol on her forehead. She looked back at him as if waiting for the next instruction.
“This water is from the sacred Maxgetachin River. It is named after the first leader that our clan gets its name from.” Madaug explained as he led Barbara further into the temple.
The walls of the temple were of the same brown concrete she had seen many of the buildings made of. The passage wound around and led to a great room that opened up before them.
Barbara saw groups of people clumped around the great room.
They sat at round tables on the floor, some groups spoke quietly, while others had individuals gesturing wildly. In the centre of the room was a round pool of water filled with living flowers.
“Follow me.” Madaug said pressing into the room. He led Barbara through the groups toward the central pool. Barbara noticed the eyes of many of the men following her as they made their way through the room. They looked astonished.
“Madaug, I see you have made your way here without incident.” An elderly man dressed in long plain robes said as he hurried over to the pool to meet them.
“Yes, it was a fairly uneventful trip from Tsai’i Station.” Madaug said, crossing his hands across his chest and bowing to the man.
“We welcome you home.” The man said, touching his fingertips to Madaug’s temples.
“This is Babara…”
“Yes, the Imperial Gift. We have been awaiting you. There has not been an Imperial Gift in this temple in centuries. I am Master Zelash of the Maxge.” Zelash said as he looked over Barbara.
“It is nice to meet you.” Barbara said, mimicking Madaug’s crossed arms and bow to his astonishment and delight.
“It is an honor for me to receive you.” Zelash said, touching Barbara’s temples. “I will take the Imperial Gift away to be properly prepared.”
Madaug nodded and watched Barbara follow Zelash into another room. She looked over her shoulder before she disappeared, and Madaug nodded encouragement to her. Barbara was not afraid of Master Zelash; however, she felt a fear in separation from Madaug. He was her only touchstone.
“Now, to business.” Madaug thought as he scanned the room for Durran.
#
Barbara followed Master Zelash into the adjoining room. The Master’s inner sanctum was lit with candles and smelled of rich woody incense. The same sculpted face from the entrance archway hung on the wall of the Master’s chamber. Barbara feared asking what the face symbolized.
“Do you know why you have been brought here?” Zelsah asked, motioning for Barbara to have a seat on the floor at the table.
“No. I really have no idea what is going on.” Barbara said bursting into tears. Waves of emotion washed over her. Regret, fear, longing, and rage swelled from within her.
“Drink this, my child.” Zelash said, pouring a cup of tea for Barbara. “It will help relax you.”
“It’s all very surreal.” Barbara said as her sobs slowed. “I didn’t even know aliens were real.”
“I know my child. To qualify as an Imperial Gift, you must have both innocence of mind and body. You must be an adult virgin of a pre-galactic faring people. Imperial Gifts are incredibly rare. It is even rarer that one of the Great Houses claims one.” Zelash said, pouring himself a cup of tea.
“Can you help me get home?” Barbara blurted out. “Madaug told me that individuals could seek asylum on this planet. I just want to go home.”
“This is why you were brought to me. You are too valuable for Madaug to mistreat. If any other slave had asked these questions, they would likely be beaten. Make no mistake, that you are his property. Those seeking asylum must be citizens of the Imperium. You are still a slave. No one would back your claim.” Zelash said pointedly.
“That said, I am here to help your spiritual transition. Madaug’s ship will be able to interface with you, and provide you with any answers you need. Be wary though, it will be fiercely loyal to Madaug.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Barbara said through her silent tears.
“I serve all souls of the Imperium. You are an honored guest in this temple, and I want to make sure that you are able to live a long life. You will be afforded special consideration as an Imperial Gift. You will have the privilege of living as a citizen. You are an important part of Clan Maxge. You are a boost to its image, and will give Madaug a boost in personal power. Do not throw that away for your ego.” Zelash said calmly.
“If the stars say this is your destiny, who are you to deny it. You were born in the light of a star. You are blessed.”
“So, I will no be harmed as long as I play my part?” Barbara asked to clarify.
“That’s a good girl. You are wise.” Zelash said with a smile.
“Any time you visit Delv’vi, be sure to come to the temple. It will be expected of y
ou. There will be a statue of you placed in the central pool of the great chamber for the duration of your life.”
“A statue?” Barbara asked in contemplation. She looked down at her curvy body and imagined what it would look like as a statue. She felt ridiculous. “This can’t all be happening.”
“You will be alright, child.” Zelash said, reaching out a hand and touching her on the shoulder. “We all have our parts to play. I am sure you arrived at the station with other women. Did you see how they were treated? I would guess it was not pleasant.”
“Yes.” Barbara said, hanging her head thinking about the other slaves. “They were treated horribly.”
“And I would guess that you would want to avoid that treatment. Serve Madaug well, and he will be sure to reward you in kind. If you make his life more difficult, you may find yourself imprisoned within these walls. You will become a secret reward for his squadron. No one outside of the clan will know. But the result for you is the same.” Zelash said, leaning back in his chair. “I will not lie to you.”
“I understand.” Barbara said, wiping her face and drinking her tea. The warm liquid soothed her from the inside. A glow grew from inside her that melted her worries.
“Like I said, you are wise little one. Do not let your wants exceed your needs.” Zelash said, rising from the table.
“Now, I think you deserve something more befitting of your position to wear.”
Master Zelash opened an old wooden wardrobe in the corner of the room and pulled out a golden chain with a pendant dangling from it. He handed it to Barbara who saw the same ghoulish face on the pendant as on the wall and the entranceway. She grimaced at its features.
“The pendant is of Maxge, the first leader of the clan.” Zelash said to Barbara’s reaction to the image.
“That makes sense.” Barbara said with a shrug. She put on the necklace and the pendant bounced atop her breasts.
“I will call in the Daughters of the Temple to help you with your clothes.” Zelash said, touching a screen on the wall. In moments, four women appeared dressed in silk gowns. They gathered around Barbara and whisked her out of the room.