by Robin Roseau
“And yet, I have no intention of telling you.”
“I am not consenting to a Galatzi Trade. I require you to clearly state you will not consider this permission to trade me.”
“I cannot trade you without your clear permission,” Sartine said. “The Imperial Governor would be quite angry with me.”
“Then I require both of you clearly stating you aren’t trading me.”
“I won’t let her trade you without clear permission,” Cecilia said. “However, I might let her engage in the same sort of drama as your sister experienced last night. Frankly, such games are below my official notice as governor, and then I am myself a Galatzi Wife. In fact, it’s not a matter of letting her. I had absolutely no authority over that and couldn’t have stopped it, although if I’d throw a fit, Sartine might have stopped. Or she might have gagged me again.”
“I will not trade you without your clear permission,” Sartine said. “And not the fake permission we took from your sister. We gave you your assurances. Three times, quite clearly, Serenity.”
She nodded. “All right, Vendart.” She shook her head. “Your planet has some very strange customs, Vendart. And I suppose I should ask you how I will become fluent, Vendart.”
“Thank you,” Cecilia said. “We have a verbal agreement. Do you both agree?”
“I agree,” Tranquility said.
“I agree,” Serenity said.
“Yes!” I said. I ran over and hugged both of them, then Cecilia and Sartine, and while I was at it I got Mother and Margotain and Kalorain and Pippa, too.
“Serenity,” said Sartine. “You have a choice. Did you wish to return to your host for one more day? Or would you like to transfer to your new host for the coming months?”
“She expects me back,” she replied. “If you want to transfer me now, I’d like time to thank them for all their help.”
“Then we will do this,” Sartine said. “Return to Estalarn now and stay with her as long today as you want, but unless you are sharing a bed, plan on spending tonight here.”
“I could have her as escort to the dance tonight?”
“Yes, although I imagine we’ll trade around like we always do.”
“All right, then,” Serenity said.
“Good. In the morning, you are to turn yourself over to Margotain.”
“I knew that letter was about me!”
“Maybe it is,” said Sartine. “Or perhaps seeing to your education is my price for a completely unrelated request. Regardless, you are subject to her authority regarding your language and cultural lessons until you convince me you no longer require further immersive education.” Then she softened her tone. “We’re being playful, Serenity. If we’re offending you, that is not our intention.”
“I’m not offended,” she replied. She turned to look at Margotain, who couldn’t contain her smile. “My language and cultural lessons,” she echoed.
“That is correct.”
“I would like to understand the breadth and limits of such authority.”
“Hmm. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any specific examples that illustrate the edges. Perhaps you would like to ask specific questions?”
“If I see someone I’d like to take to dinner, do I need to ask her permission?”
“Oh, that sounds like socializing,” Sartine said. “Which would fall under cultural education, learning about the people of Talmon.”
She turned to me. “Are you okay with this?”
I shrugged. “If you’re not, explain that to Sartine and see what she says.”
“I don’t understand the rules of whatever game they’re playing.”
“Maybe that request is Margotain asking for an opportunity to learn the sort of authority a vendart might have,” I said. “She is a vendart’s daughter, after all. Maybe it would be awkward to ask her father, so she asked Sartine.”
“Maybe, hmm?”
“You’ve been in the room the entire time since that envelope appeared. Did you see me read it?”
“They spoke a language you understand.”
“They spoke awfully rapidly, and perhaps you’ve noticed how slowly Kalorain speaks to me.”
“Uh huh,” she said.
I shrugged again. “This is easy, Serenity. If you’re put off, tell Sartine and see if she pushes this. But I don’t think you’re at all put off. I think you’re amused as hell. It’s a game, not that different than the dance game, and you love games.”
“Margotain hasn’t stopped grinning.”
“She’s a terrible card player,” I said. “So she’s pleased. She gets to tell Doctor Hope what to do. And she gets to fly around with us when we go visiting. You understand that before we arrived, most Talmonese never traveled more than a half day from their villages. She’s twenty years old, and she’s being given some fairly significant responsibility. And she’s Talmonese. They love spending time with new people.” I shrugged yet again. “If you can’t stand learning from someone this young, ask for someone else.”
“Margotain, do you have any idea how old I am?”
“Cecilia is over a hundred,” she replied. “Are you that old?”
“Half that and a bit,” Serenity replied.
“I’m just a kid to you.”
“You’re a very nice woman, and I have enjoyed your company.”
“I very officially asked for this,” she said. “But if I’m too young for you to enjoy my company, I understand.”
“No, Margotain. You’re not at all too young for company.” Serenity nodded. “I will deliver myself into your care in the morning at breakfast.”
Margotain’s smile grew even wider. “Thank you, Serenity.”
“Vendart,” Serenity said. “I expect my teachers to be tough on me. Does this one understand that, and is she qualified?”
“She is daughter to Sudden Vendart,” Sartine replied. “I can think of very few people who would be more qualified. Luradinine perhaps. Valtine, of course. Possibly me, but it is possible and perhaps likely that Margotain is more qualified, although I am perhaps more accustomed to authority. If you truly wish her to be tough, you’re going to need to respect her authority. Margotain, do you understand what she just said?”
“She wants to learn everything properly,” Margotain replied. “She doesn’t want me to let her slide by.”
“That’s right. However, I do not recommend some of the procedures I implemented,” Sartine said. “Unless you come to your own agreement with her directly, I am not giving you authority to discipline her.”
“I think I’d like to understand that,” Serenity said.
“In this home while we were learning English, or Cecilia was learning Talmonese,” Sartine replied, “Speaking the wrong language carried consequences.”
“Father implemented similar rules in our household,” Margotain said.
“And I did in ours,” Kalorain added. “Until I decided it was a mistake to let others tell me how to treat my Galatzi wife.”
“Margotain, I believe you will find Doctor Hope to be extremely motivated,” Sartine added.
“Oh, yeah,” Tranquility said.
“Do you require consequences, Serenity?” Margotain asked.
“Unlikely, but if I appear to be ignoring gentle correction, I will accept your authority.”
“Did you just give me permission to apply consequences if I deem them necessary?”
“Yes, but I don’t intend to give you cause to come to that conclusion.”
Margotain nodded. “All right. Sartine?”
“She gave permission, Margotain. I’m surprised. Serenity, if this combination doesn’t work for you, we’ll investigate others.”
“Thank you, Vendart. Governor, does this mean Tranquility and I are now Talmonese citizens?”
“Ah. We are citizens of the empire,” Cecilia explained. “There is no legal definition of being a citizen of a particular planet. We’re residents of wherever we live.”
“So no
one here thinks of herself as a citizen of Talmon?”
“We think of our selves as Talmonese,” Sartine said. “And we currently think of you as a star person. For that matter, as much as they have become women of Talmon, both Cecilia and Maddalyn remain star people, even in their own eyes, although Maddalyn especially likes to refer to herself as a good Talmon girl.” Sartine smiled. “She’s clearly a woman, but on this, she calls herself a girl.”
“That’s how I think of how I want to be,” I said. “It started when I decided to buy my carriage. I wanted a good carriage for a good Talmon girl.”
“How is Maddalyn doing in those regards?” Serenity asked.
“Exceedingly well,” Kalorain said.
“All right. Margotain, that is part of my goal,” Serenity said.
“All right then. We have much to teach you. But I do not want you to forget your roots, either, so we won’t be throwing away the clothes you brought with you, and there will be times you will wear them.”
“Did someone say ‘shopping’?” Tranquility asked.
“I suppose I did,” Margotain replied.
“There is little need to shop here until autumn,” Sartine said. “I recommend Sudden or Beacon Hill. Are we settled, Serenity?”
“I believe we are.”
“Almost,” Margotain said. “Serenity, you will present yourself to me no later than prior to descending for breakfast in the morning. I will allow not one word of English from that moment forward, until we agree that rule is no longer necessary. I would rather you give yourself to me sooner, but you should give your hosts here the last day. They have been good to you.”
“They have,” she said. “But I will begin the no English rule at the conclusion of this conversation. Sartine, if I begin my duties at the rejuvenation center, does Margotain’s authority extend into that time?”
“No. Then it will be like Cecilia or Maddalyn. The authority switches. You become Doctor Hope.”
“Then I will use my judgment regarding language, attire, and anything else.”
“That’s good,” Margotain said. “But if I take you to lunch, then you’re mine during that period.”
Serenity nodded.
“Good,” Sartine said. “And then there was one.” Every pair of eyes shifted to Pippa.
“Are you giving her to me?” Mordain asked.
“No,” I said. “I have something else for you. Don’t be disappointed. You’re going to be pleased as punch.”
“I don’t even know what that means.”
“It involves flying,” I said.
“Oh.” She grinned. “All right then. So what are we doing with Pippa?”
“Don’t even think I’m calling you ‘Vendart’, Sartine,” Pippa said.
“If you change your mind,” Sartine said casually. “What do Lishbain and Metarine expect?”
“I should head back to them soon, and they’re coming to the dance. I would like the expectation to be that I should share my dancing widely, and I would prefer entreaties to monopolize my time to be denied.”
“Ah,” said Sartine. “All of you, this is our last dance here for at least several weeks, and I would like you to share your dancing as widely as you are able.”
“Yes, Vendart,” said the sisters. Pippa nodded.
“Pippa, I believe it best if you stay here tonight,” Sartine added. “Tomorrow will be early, and we have a few things to discuss before you go.”
“I’ll make sure I say my goodbyes.”
“Has it been a good experience, Pippa?”
“Yes. Absolutely. I like both of them.”
“They are good people,” Cecilia said.
“I haven’t wondered about a relationship. I knew this was temporary. I don’t know what I would want if I were going to live in Indartha.”
“So you haven’t decided you’re returning to Tarriton?” Cecilia asked. “But you haven’t asked me to make an offer, either.”
“I haven’t decided,” she said. Then she turned and pointed to the rest of us. “Please don’t pressure me.”
“Then we’ll see all of you for the dance,” Sartine said.
* * * *
It was a lovely, lovely dance.
Beacon
We gathered at the jumpers, parked near the lake not far from the consulate. Cecilia came to see us off, but we’d be back soon.
Nalatine eyed the jumpers nervously and finally said, “I’ve never been away from Indartha.”
Sartine pulled her to the side and talked to her. I left that to her and helped to load the jumpers. I was just closing the hatch when Cecilia stepped to my side. “We have a wrinkle.”
“Can it be ironed?”
“Nalatine doesn’t want to go. She’s begging Sartine not to make her.”
“Oh,” I said. My heart went out to her. “Then of course she doesn’t have to go.”
“And she’s begging Sartine to let her keep Tranquility here, at least for a while longer.”
I glanced over. Tranquility was standing with Serenity and Margotain. With a glance at Nalatine, I saw she was near tears. “Is she in love?”
“She knows this is for now, but she’s having fun, and she isn’t ready for it to end. She’s exploring a side of herself she didn’t know existed. Frankly, I think it will be good for her, and I think it’s good for Tranquility, too.”
“I don’t think Tranquility wants forever.”
“No, but I think she needs Indartha and Nalatine. I don’t know why.”
“Neither do I, but you might be right.” I nodded “All right.” I strode forward. “Margotain I am sorry, but I need an English conversation with your student. Please take Pippa and go chat with the twins for a few minutes.”
“Yes, Maddalyn.” She and Pippa walked over to join the girls looking at the still-frozen lake, although Pippa looked over her shoulder, then pointedly looked at Nalatine. I nodded to her then turned to the sisters.
“Tranquility,” I said.
“I know.”
“Are you ready to move on from her?” Serenity asked.
“It wasn’t my first choice,” Tranquility replied. “And I know. She’s not my type. Maddalyn, have you ever had a vacation fling?”
“There were these four women on Tarriton,” I said. “It was an 18-month vacation.”
They both smiled, although Tranquility’s was a little forced.
“I don’t know what to do,” she said.
“What’s not to know?” Serenity said. “Give us a hug, grab your bag, and go to her.”
“It’s not half that simple,” Tranquility said. “Is it going to be any easier in a few weeks? I might be able to commute from anywhere within an hour of the rejuvenation center, but I can’t commute from here. I can’t stay here forever, and I want that job.”
“Could you see long term with her?” Serenity said.
“Not if she’s a scared rabbit,” Tranquility said.
“If in spite of how scared she is, if she climbs into one of these jumpers, does your answer change?” I asked. “Because if so, it’s not going to be a temporary Galatzi relationship anymore. Well, I assume you’re letting her lead.”
“Yeah,” she said. “I am. It’s different for me. It’s a vacation fling. We both agreed from the beginning.”
“Do you think that’s changing for her?” Serenity asked.
“I don’t know. Clearly not enough, or she’d get past this.”
I shook my head. “She’s never been out of this valley. You can’t put Tarriton standards on her.”
“You’re right,” Tranquility said. “I’m getting my back up because she isn’t begging me to stay.”
“No. She’s over there begging Sartine to make you stay. And Sartine is holding her off while you decide what you want to do.”
“Are you serious? How do you know that?”
“Sartine used her implant to tell Cecilia, who then told me.”
“Sis, I promise I won’t have any undue fun without
you,” Serenity said. “Margotain is going to make me study, study, study. It’s going to be boring as hell.”
“You’re going to dance, and you’ve got all the best partners leaving with you.”
“Seriously?” Serenity said. “That’s the line you’re using?”
“No,” Tranquility said. “But it feels like you’re telling me to pick her instead of you.”
“I’m telling you to enjoy the vacation.” Then Serenity grinned. “And I like the idea of you remaining a bath girl for a while. I’m going to ask for a massage next time.”
“You know, I’ve given my share of massages, but until we came here, I’d never given one in a hot tub before. Are you sure?”
“I need you at the rejuvenation center,” Serenity said. “Is this going to complicate that?”
“No. What about our club? I want to be there when we talk about that.”
“We’ll conference you in if we do anything,” Serenity replied. “Maddalyn and I will find your bag.”
She nodded then pulled her sister into a crushing hug. I stepped away and began digging through luggage compartments. I finally found Tranquility’s bag. When I turned, she and Nalatine were hugging tightly. I hung the bag over my shoulder and walked to Sartine. Cecilia joined us. I nodded to her, and then I closed the remaining distance to the two lovers. I set a hand on one shoulder of each. Slowly they broke apart and turned to me. I pointedly set Tranquility’s bag down near her feet then pulled her into a hug. “We’ll be back, but Kalorain said I can’t take a massage from you.”
“So let me give her one.”
I laughed. “I will.”
We separated, and I turned to Nalatine. “Nalatine,” I said. “Unless you can move to Sudden, this is temporary.”
“I know,” she said. “But I wasn’t ready to let her leave. I’m sorry, Maddalyn.”
“Don’t be sorry. I appreciate what you’re doing to help my friend.”
“It’s not exactly a burden,” she said.
“I want you to ask something. Is it the trip you’re afraid of, or being away?”
“I don’t know. I think it’s both.”
“So if I could get you to Sudden without you even knowing it, that doesn’t help?”