by Zena Zion
Chapter 4: The Imperial Sphere
Madaug returned to the pool when he concluded his business with Durran. He stared into the water and thought of his meeting. The message had to be delivered orally, in fear of information leak. He feared his next mission would be more perilous than returning to war with his squadron. He was being called to rise.
Deep bell tones began to ring throughout the temple. Madaug sighed in relief, as the bells meant one thing: Barbara was ready to be presented to the temple. He was eager to get back to Casaugh, and delighted in this marker of completion.
Master Zelash appeared from his chamber door, behind him a procession of temple daughters surrounded Barbara. They held a sheer fabric over her, so that she may not be seen by onlookers.
“Madaug, I present the Imperial Gift, Barbara.” Zelash said arriving at the pool.
The temple daughters removed the fabric, and the room gasped. Barbara walked slowly to Madaug, wrapped in a form fitting black silk dress. Her blonde hair was swept up into a bun decorated with pink blossoms. The golden chain of the Imperial Gift of Clan Maxge hung down between her breasts and swayed with each step.
“I hope I am pleasing.” Barbara said, testing out the boundaries of her role.
Madaug stood, mouth open, at Barbara. He had felt an attraction to her before, but the weight of his mission had blinded him to his true feelings. Madaug had toyed with the idea of presenting Barbara to the Emperor.
While he wished to bring greater favour to his clan, all thoughts of parting with Barbara melted away. She was his. He may not gain greater favour with the Emperor, but he would be select amongst the clan.
“I could not have imagined such beauty.” Madaug said, extending his hand for Barbara to take. “I will present you at the Imperial Sphere as my clan’s greatest treasure.”
“You bring honor to your house.” Master Zelash said, bowing his head to Madaug. The men and women visiting the temple all grew quiet and bowed toward Madaug and Barbara.
“And now, I will bring that honor to the Imperial Sphere. The other houses deserve a chance to see what it means to be Maxge!” Madaug exclaimed as he led Barbara from the pool. The people of the temple cheered, and the bell rang as they left.
“I’m starting to understand why I was so important to you.” Barbara said as they exited the temple and walked out into the plaza. Heads turned as they made their way across the plaza to the transport zone.
“I told you no harm would come to you if you remained honorable. Is this not better?” Madaug asked, stopping in the transport zone.
“I am not afraid.” Barbara said, unsure of what her future may hold.
“Bring us up Casaugh.” Madaug said into his communication device.
“Acknowledged. Prepare for transport.” Casaugh replied. Barbara braced herself for transport, and almost immediately she felt the familiar tingle in her skin.
#
“Take us home.” Madaug said as he and Barbara materialized on Casaugh.
“Yes, Madaug.” Casaugh replied in acknowledgement.
“The trip to the Imperial Sphere will take several of your Earth days. You may engage in what ever activities please you. Casaugh is at your disposal for interphase. And don’t worry about wearing that outfit on Casaugh. It is only for public appearances. Casaugh can make you more appropriate voyage clothes.” Madaug said, taking a seat at a computer station.
“O.K.” Barbara said, looking nervously at the bio-chair. She did not have a bad experience with the chair, however, she feared the time loss that she experienced the first time. It had been unsettling. “Casaugh, can you take me on a tour of… you?”
“Yes Barbara, please take the blue door out of the control room.” Casaugh instructed.
Casuagh toured Barbara through a labyrinth of passages and specialized rooms. Barbara was dazzled by weapons storage, the scientific study labs, and by the fact that Casaugh was meant to carry more passengers. There were several personal chambers to choose from.
“Why aren’t there more people aboard?” Barbara asked as she tried to decide which quarters she wished to claim as her own.
“Madaug has no mate and no children. He and his brothers grew up aboard me when his father was in command. I miss the collaboration that used to take place on our missions. Now I only get to meet new people when we are engaged in war or delivering passengers.” Casaugh remarked with a feeling of disappointment.
“Why doesn’t he hire a crew? It must get lonely out here by himself.” Barbara asked, choosing her quarters based on its proximity to the mess hall.
“Madaug is a complex person. He is much like his grandfather. They both are more interested in protection than exploration. Madaug’s father enjoyed exploring the universe and teaching his children about the different cultures of the galaxy.
His father commanded during a time of more relative peace. Its a luxury that neither Madaug nor his grandfather enjoyed.” Casaugh lamented.
“His father volunteered for assignments to transport dignitaries and scientists. He wanted to expose his children to everything.”
“That doesn’t really answer my question.” Barbara stated intently. “Why does he want to be out here all alone?”
“Madaug is involved in many dangerous missions. We are usually engaged in war, and he brings soldiers aboard for tactical missions. It is not usually a place for family here. Madaug has chosen the military life.”
“It sounds less lonely when you put it that way. I imagine it must be interesting having soldiers around.” Barbara offered.
“I do get to spend time with the soldiers in the interphase, but mostly they work on drills and strategy. I prefer when there are scientists aboard.” Casaugh said as Barbara made herself at home in her quarters. “Your quarters are equipped with a bio-chair for easy access to the interphase.”
“Thank you.” Barbara said laying down on a sofa. She looked up at the ceiling. She closed her eyes and hoped for sleep.
#
Barbara spent the next few days between the interphase and reality, taking time to learn about the Imperial Sphere before arriving. She did not want any more surprises than she had to deal with. Casaugh showed her the landscapes and cityscapes of the Imperial Sphere, which shocked Barbara.
The cities were made of metal and glass, and each building housed a variety of plants as well as people. Casaugh did not show Barbara the Imperial Sanctum that would have been her destination had she not been saved by Madaug.
When Barbara experienced reality aboard Casaugh, she tried her best to stay out of Madaug’s way. They ate meals together when Madaug was available, and discussed the politics of the Imperium. The little conversation they had made Barbara feel important.
When she was growing up, the men in her life used to tell her to play when they would talk. They believed that women had an important role in life; however, it was that they should stick to only. Madaug heard her. She felt respected.
#
“We have entered the Imperial System.” Casaugh reported. “We will reach the Imperial Sphere momentarily.”
“We will be leaving soon.” Madaug announced through the communication system to Barbara.
“I am almost ready.” Barbara said, redressing herself in the fine clothes she received at the Maxge Temple. She felt different while primping herself for the Imperial Sphere. She had little reason to dress up on Earth. Every day was either jeans or sweats.
“Acknowledged.” Madaug replied as he transmitted their arrival to the Imperial Sphere.
“Should I refuel while you visit the Imperial Sphere?” Casaugh asked excitedly.
“Yes, you may visit the star.” Madaug said, knowing full well that Casaugh wished to visit other Herres that would be in the system. The Herres were far from their home territory, and most never were allowed to return. They fuelled themselves from star radiation, and enjoyed flying through the energy field in groups.
“Thank you.” Casaugh replied as she began to scan th
e star for signs of Herre activity. “We are in transport range when you are ready.”
Barbara emerged from the passageway into the control room. The golden pendant of Maxge swung from her neck and allowed her to feel as if she were not a slave. She watched Madaug’s eyes widen as she entered the room.
She had done her hair differently than the Daughters of the Temple. She had swept her hair into a loose french braid. In each of the twists of hair she placed a blue origami flower that she folded herself.
“It appears you are ready to visit the Imperial Sphere!” Madaug said with excitement. He was happy to show Barbara off at court. With years of unending war behind him, Madaug relished the idea of visiting court for reasons other than tactical updates. “Casaugh, transport us to the Imperial Palace.”
“Acknowledged.” Casaugh confirmed before sending them to the surface.
“It seems less scary each time.” Barbara said, acclimating to the experience. She turned around in the small room they occupied. It felt like an elevator to Barbara. “Where are we?”
“This is the transport room. With so many people coming and going from the Imperial Palace, special rooms were set aside specifically for transport.” Madaug said, hitting a button next to the door.
The door opened and natural light cascaded into the room. Barbara sighed as she felt the sun on her skin for the first time since her removal from Earth. She looked up at the vaulted glass ceilings, and the trails of vines that grew up the walls toward the sky.
“Even thought I visited this place in the interphase, it is not the same as being here.” Barbara said walking in wonder. In the simulation, the palace was empty, but now bustled with citizens of the Imperium.
“The Imperial Palace is the crown jewel of the Imperium. Some say it never stops growing; they believe there are new rooms and passages added every year.” Madaug said leading Barbara out of the transportation room and into the crowd. The people parted as they saw Barbara sporting her golden necklace.
Barbara walked next to Madaug as she learned to do from Casaugh. Other slaves were forced to walk behind their owners. She followed him to the stone steps that led up to court. Before they could ascend, a Daughter of the Temple ran ahead of them, and began tossing flower petals in their path.
Madaug and Barbara climbed the stairs toward the large golden doors at the top of the stairs. Two guards stood at the doors, who opened them without question when Madaug and Barbara approached. As the doors opened, Barbara saw many eyes turn in their direction. All stopped to watch the entrance.
“Do not speak until the Emperor or Empress have finished speaking.” Madaug warned. “It would not be pleasant to lose you already.”
“Understood.” Barbara said, closing her mouth.
“Welcome Comet Squadron Leader Madaug. I see you have brought along your Imperial Gift. It pleases me that you wish to share her likeness with the Imperium.” The Emperor said, pointing his sceptre toward the approaching couple.
Barbara did her best to avoid eye contact with the Emperor and Empress. They sat at the end of a deep blue carpet on silver thrones. Both were wrapped in silver robes decorated with the blue flower emblem of the Imperium. Barbara had added blue flowers to her hair to show her respect to the Imperium.
“Tell us your name.” The Emperor commanded to Barbara.
“Barbara.” She said, bowing her head to the Emperor.
“Unusual. Do you find her pleasing, my love?” the Emperor asked the Empress.
“Her golden hair is beautiful, perhaps I will have mine done in the same manner. I am sure she will bring much honor to your house, Madaug.” The Empress said, allowing her disdain for Imperial Gifts to flow through her tone.
“Yes, well,” the Emperor stammered in response. “I am sure you will enjoy bringing her to the House of Maxge, so that she can meet your people.”
“It is our next destination. I could not visit the Imperial Sphere without first paying my respects to our blesséd rulers.” Madaug added, bowing to the Emperor.
“You are well received Madaug. Enjoy your time away from the war.” the Emperor said nodding to Madaug that they may leave.
“Thank you Emperor, Empress.” Madaug said bowing to both rules. Barbara silently mimicked his gesture and followed him back out of the chamber. Flower petals rained before them with each step until they walked back out of the golden doors.
Chapter 5: Intoxicating
“We must transport to Maxge Hall from here. The journey via vehicle would take many hours.” Madaug explained as he paced back toward the transport room.
“Will that be where I am left when you return to war?” Barbara asked stepping into the transport room.
“No, you will stay with me. I had initially desired to present you to the Emperor as a gift from Clan Maxge. I now desire to keep you to serve me. If I go to war, you go to war.” Maxge stated as he closed the door. He let his eyes drift over Barbara’s body and he felt himself stir with longing. He pushed the feelings aside remembering his mission.
“I need someone to assist me on Casaugh. I can not operate all of the functions of the ship by myself. I have tried, and there are always things that do not get done before I bring troops aboard.”
“O.K.” Barbara said, feeling her heart sink. Casaugh had led her to believe that she would be left behind in Maxge Hall as a centrepiece while Madaug was at war.
“Prepare for transport.”
#
Barbara opened her eyes in Maxge Hall, surrounded by deep wood tones. A large room spread out before her, a massive carving of Maxge adorned the wall. Weapons adorned the walls denoting the warrior tradition of the clan. The room smelled like cedar to her.
Barbara felt anxious as she thought about returning to Casaugh. She knew Madaug as a brilliant warrior, but one that also headed up deadly missions. She imagined Casaugh exploding in space and her pulse quickened.
“Are you O.K.?” Madaug asked, noticing Barbara catch her breath in her throat.
“No, I’m alright. I just felt light headed for a second.” She lied. She held onto her role. She was ready to play her part as long as it appeared that she had no other choice. She looked at Madaug’s rugged muscles and she felt safe. His dominance reassured her that he could get in between Barbara and those who may wish to harm her.
“Madaug! You return!” A voice called from across the wooden expanse.
“Ghiram, I bear blessings for our house.” Madaug said, gesturing toward Barbara.
“The Imperial Gift.” Ghiram said approaching. His face bore a scar that twisted its way from his right eye to his jawline. Barbara watched Ghiram warily. She could tell he wanted to impress Madaug, presenting a window into Madaug’s status for Barbara. “You bring honor to our house.”
“Thank you.” Barbara replied unwilling to give up any information about herself.
“We must have a celebration in honor of the Imperial Gift. I will begin the preparations…”
“In good time Ghiram. Let me have some time to myself before I am paraded in front of the whole house. Perhaps, you can plan the celebration for a few days from now.” Madaug said as he began to walk toward a doorway. Barbara followed, not wishing to be left behind.
“Yes, sir. It will give me more time to plan.” Ghiram said as Madaug took Barbara into the next room and closed the door.
“This is my wing of Maxge Hall.” Madaug said as Barbara took in the scene. It was obvious to her that no females occupied the space. It was also decorated with weapons and what appeared to be trophies of war. Torn emblems that she could not identify were tacked to the wall. “Your room will be there.”
Barbara looked at the plain door that shielded her room. In her mind, she had expected to experience more opulence than was being offered. She remembered the words of Master Zelash, and pushed her ego aside. It occurred to her that having her own room meant she would not be forced into Madaug’s bed against her will.
“Thank you.” Barbara said, nodding to Madaug.
She opened the door to her room and closed it quickly behind her. She wished that she were aboard Casaugh, so that she could have someone to talk to.
The room was as Spartan as the door had been. There was a bed, window, computer terminal and table. The walls were bare save for a painting of Maxge that stared back at Barbara from above the door.
#
“Will you join me in the dining hall?” Madaug’s voice echoed from the computer terminal, waking Barbara from her sleep. She had taken time at the window before laying down. The view from her window was of a lush garden that trailed toward a dark forest. It was a tranquil scene juxtaposed against a home filled with war.
“Yes.” Barbara replied. “I’ll be one minute.”
Barbara took a moment to fix herself up before venturing out of her room. She wanted to look her best, for it was what she viewed as the vehicle to be treated the best. She had pulled the origami flowers from her hair before laying down, and left them on the table. She did not have the time to place them properly.
“I thought you may wish to dine here tonight.” Madaug said as Barbara emerged from her room.
She turned to see him shirtless and glistening. His hair was wet with perspiration, as if he had been out working in the sun. Barbara moved her eyes slowly over his muscular chest before responding.
“Thank you. I am happy to meet your people, but you are right - some time to adjust is appreciated.” Barbara said with thanks. “What have you been up to?”
“I cooked us some food out in the sun oven. I’m used to being in space. I find it too hot here.” Madaug said, smiling down at his shirtless torso. “I guess I should have told you to bring some other clothes with you. I didn’t even think of it.”
“I’m alright.” Barbara said, feeling seductive in her silk dress. Secretly, she knew that he was right about that too. She knew that the silk dress may feel good now, but it would become tiresome quickly.