There it is. “This Jolphyr, he is the one who took you from your parents?”
Sabrina’s pupils contracted with anger. She picked up her fan and whisked it at her face. “He brought me in chains to the palace like a common whore. But he had ill luck that day. The Warlord was passing by. He saw me and took me for his consort.”
“That was fortunate for you, mistress. Jolphyr would not dare to go against the will of the Warlord.”
“True, he no longer has the power to threaten me any longer.” Sabrina swayed from side to side, her eyes perfect circles. “Enough, we will talk no more of this. It is unseemly for females to talk of politics.” She stared a moment at Hickory. “Although sometimes I could almost wish…”
Hickory decided to press the issue. There was a reason Sabrina was acting out. She needed to touch her at the core of her being. She ransacked her mind for the quotes she’d memorized in high school and varied the words to suit. “Mitanni women feel as Bikashi women do, Mistress Jane. We both need to exercise our minds and find some outlet for our intellect, equally as much as our spouses do. Human wives and lovers don’t want to be confined to making puddings and knitting stockings or playing the piano and painting. We want to forge careers in business or finance, and yes even politics.” She curtsied then bowed her head and stared at her feet, waiting. I might have blown it.
The concubine plumped down on the edge of the bed. “What…what did you say? How is it you speak the very thoughts that have seared my heart these past two years?” She sprang up and gripped Hickory’s arm. “Bertha, I should not have encouraged you. Speak no more of this if you wish to remain alive. Were Lord Kabutai to hear of this, you would be taken from me. And I wish you to stay.” She glanced around and lowered her voice to a whisper. “I would like to talk further of the thoughts we share, but you must be careful.”
“Mistress Jane, isn’t it just as dangerous for you to seek to do more or learn more than Bikashi custom has deemed necessary?”
“Deliciously dangerous, Bertha. I have yearned for one such as you to share my innermost thoughts. If the price of being caught is banishment, it will be worth paying. I would rather be happy and free to think and express myself than be consort to Lord Kabutai and be forced to endure a heart filled with silent desperation.”
#
Later, in the dormitory she shared with the other palace servants, Hickory went over in her mind the conversation she’d had with Sabrina. Was she the only female Bikashi to resent her station in life? Hickory thought it unlikely, but Sabrina’s imprisonment by Jolphyr, and the manner in which the Warlord had selected her for his own would no doubt exacerbate her feelings. Could it be just a coincidence Jolphyr was Sabrina’s nemesis and also that of Sikona? Hickory thought Sabrina might well be the younger sibling Sikona had referred to when he’d talked about his family. She tried to remember if he’d mentioned her name but couldn’t recall. She didn’t know if the pair were connected, but she would find out at the next opportunity.
She reviewed each step in her plan to liberate the Sword, looking for flaws, afraid it would all come to nothing. If Kar failed in the end, why should I think I can do better? The moment the Ark detonated in a flare of white light was imprinted on her mind. Nothing could survive that. Not a black box nor the Sword nor a life pod preserving the body and spirit of the alien she had cherished. His final words echoed. “I will be with you always.” But he wasn’t, was he? It was merely one of those stupid things people say when there’s nothing you can do, and no time left anyway.
#
“You saw the Sword?” Jess couldn’t contain a grin.
“Not as such. I saw the Ark’s escape pod which I’m pretty sure contains the Sword, although we won’t be certain until it’s opened. Jolphyr was puzzling over how to do just that.”
Jess nodded several times as though adding things up in her mind. “It has to be the Sword, I agree. Even if it isn’t, it will be worth looking inside.”
It didn’t seem quite so cut and dried to Hickory. The chances of success had risen from near-impossible to remote in her mind. “Not going to be easy. There’s a lot of politics being played out here, and the chances of us slipping through undetected are pretty slim.”
Just then, Gareth joined their SIM link. Hello. Chief bottle washer and promising sous chef here. What’s been happening in the upper classes?
Hi, Gareth, Hickory smiled. Sorry I had to cut you short earlier. They told him of their experiences to date.
Gareth was ecstatic. Great work, guys. Now, all we need do is grab the Sword and dial up the Admiral.
Afraid it’s not going to be so simple, Gareth. Maybe the Sword of Connat is in the casket, maybe not, but we’re going to have to work out how to open it. That won’t be easy, or Jolphyr would have done it already. She paused, feeling her heart hammer. And there’s something I haven’t told you two yet.
Gareth let out a long breath. It’s never as easy as it first appears, is it? Murphy is always around the next corner waiting to trip you up. What other disaster do we have to overcome?
Hickory glanced at Jess. She reached for her arm and hesitated. “I’m sorry, Jess. It’s my fault.” She pursed her lips then continued via her SIM. The Admiral has refused to re-settle the Lakedwellers and won’t sanction us releasing the Yatzi. In fact, he’s mandated I do nothing that might arouse the suspicions of the Bikashi that Earth is involved in the theft of the Sword.
So, what, we’re just supposed to leave these people behind? Gareth’s voice rose.
Gareth, be quiet for a second. Hickory’s trying to tell us something.
Hickory mimed a thank-you, then continued. There’s something strange going on. She told them of the Politburo’s interference and her suspicions. She wondered if she was being paranoid. I don’t know who’s behind it or what their real objective is. I do know what I’m being instructed to do, and I don’t like it. She moistened her lips. I told the Admiral I won’t deliver the Sword of Connat to him unless he resettles the Lakedwellers on Earth. She hurried on, afraid of hearing their opposition. He says I’m being stupid. Maybe I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. I wouldn’t blame either of you for not going along with my scheme. Especially you, Jess. She waited for them to speak. There must be a million questions and doubts, she thought.
Jess fidgeted uncomfortably beside her. Especially me? Why so, Hick. Every day I remain on this planet is a gamble. A gamble for the future of my family. I realize that. Mack knows it too. Have I the right to take the gamble? I could go mad trying to work out the answer. What I know is I have to do what’s right and hopeּּ—no, not hope—bloody work hard to make things work out because otherwise, life isn’t worth living, is it?
There was silence for a few seconds, then Gareth said, Is it my turn to talk now, mother? I can’t abandon these people here either, and I won’t let Anyar down. I’d never forgive myself. I don’t think we have any choice. I have one question, Captain. What’s the plan?
Idiot boy, said Jess.
Relief flooded through Hickory like a fresh mountain stream. Our objectives are first to get the Mitanni out of here. Anyar and her Yatzi will create a distraction while I sneak into Jolphyr’s lab and grab the Sword. We all head off to confront the Admiral, threatening to unleash Armageddon if he doesn’t relocate the humans to Earth. Hopefully, he agrees and we all live happily ever after.
A bit short on detail, isn’t it? said Gareth.
Look, the fact is we don’t have a plan. I’m making it up as we go along. There are too many unknown variables at this stage. However, we know what we want to do. We need to find out how to open the casket and pray there’s a Sword inside. If there isn’t, nothing else is workable. She paused while the consequences of failure sank in. Sword or not, you do understand what I’m proposing is more than disobeying a direct order? We could all be court-marshaled for this. The penalty for mutiny in the service is still death.
She didn’t mention she was considering how she might use t
he Sword herself if her conjecture about the Orwellian agenda of the Politburo turned out correct. She wasn’t sure they’d go along with it, and in any case, that part of her plan would keep for another time and place.
Jess and Gareth agreed in principle with the plan outline Hickory had devised, but both identified several glaring omissions.
Gareth homed in on the problems. How do we get them out of the city, then off the planet and transport them to Earth, if the Admiral doesn’t come to the party? Also, Bikashi transport is made to carry twelve plus two in the cockpit. We’ve got, how many?
Jess counted them up. Fifty-two humans including we three, plus there must be over a hundred Yatzi, she said, not to forget the two hundred or so Lakedwellers at the village.
Gareth groaned. We can’t spirit so many away from the city without the Bikashi noticing. Are you sure you can’t change the Admiral’s mind? Do you think he would really leave us here if we don’t bend to his wishes, Cap?
Hickory sensed Gareth’s increasing frustration. The problems seemed insurmountable. He hadn’t given up, nor had Jess, but they were both worried by the numbers and the sheer size of the challenge. There were only three of them after all. The Admiral has no choice but to follow his orders. We can’t rely on the cavalry to save us. We need to break this down into smaller pieces. Getting the Lakedwellers out is the start. We have a fair idea of how to do that, so a tick there. Let’s work on how we get off the planet next. When we know how we’re going to do that, the rest will fall into place. She wished she felt as confident as she sounded. Let’s keep thinking about it, folks. Come back to me with any ideas.
Hickory took a deep breath. In the meantime, Gareth, you had something you wanted to tell me earlier?
Um, yes, but it’s a bit of a long story.
Just the synopsis, junior, said Jess. We’ll read the book later.
Okay, two things. I met Ishnu’s son, Aslexis, and he’s keen to help. I asked about weapons. He knows someone who works as a cleaner in the citadel security office located on the ground floor. Apparently, there’s a small weapon store there. His friend could get us access.
That’s great news. Where does the boy work? Asked Jess.
Level one underground. He’s learning to operate the convection system supplying fresh air and vents exhaust for the whole citadel.
Could be handy. Hickory stored that piece of information away for future use. What else?
I’ve discovered what’s ailing the Yatzi. Their food is being drugged. One of my less onerous tasks is to prepare the hash they feed to the prisoners. It’s just a mix of meat and vegetables, boiled then solidified. They’re cut into protein blocks for today’s consumption or stored for future use. The Yatzis simply add water and eat. Not great flavor, but not bad nutritionally. One of the kitchen hands kept checking the barrels where the mash was solidifying, so I kept a watch on her. Turns out she’s doctoring the food supply. I don’t know what with specifically, but it keeps the Yatzis subdued.
Shit, said Jess. A Lakedweller? Anyar’s not going to like this.
The good news is I’ve made friends with two of the chefs, and it’s been sorted. We found where she kept her supply and substituted the drugs for sugar mixed with flour. The Yatzi should be back to normal in a few days. He paused so long Hickory thought he’d finished. There is one other matter to report. I’ve seen Sikona. He was with a squad of security guards, dressed as one of them. I almost didn’t recognize him. He slipped an ear communicator to me as we passed each other. His call sign is 1469SKODA.
#
Calm down, Anyar, Hickory said. She was using her SIM to amplify the telepathic reception and transmission between them. Anyar was having a difficult time controlling the volume as well as the passion conveyed by her thoughts.
<
Only one Lakedweller, my friend, and she was forced into it by the Bikashi. If she hadn’t complied, she and her family would have been tortured at the very least. The girl is filled with remorse for her actions and will face the village justice system to answer for her crimes.
<
We will, Anyar, but there are over fifty thousand troops in this city. We must not show our hand too soon or we will die, and you, Jess, Gareth and I will have achieved nothing. We must wait until Gareth has done his work and the poison leaves the bodies of the Yatzi.
<
I am still unhappy about the Yatzi’s role in this, Anyar. It will be very dangerous for you and your people.
<
I can think of no other way, and Anyar…
<
You must explain to your people they may die.
The Yatzi was silent for a moment. <
Free or slave, it makes no difference. You must let them know the consequences of rebellion. It is a choice each alone must make. The Bikashi will be ruthless. It is possible they will slay all. Hickory did not want their deaths on her conscience.
<>
Remember, we are aiming to commence our action in three days from now. It doesn’t allow much time for you to consult your people and develop your tactics for the day, but it will take that long for the poison to leave their bodies. I will contact you when the time is right.
<>
#
Sabrina lay propped up in bed having her facial skin scraped by Anitta. She was in a foul mood, having had to wait longer than usual for her breakfast to be delivered from the kitchen. “What were they doing down there to take so long, Eliza? Remind me to send a note to the head chef. I’ll rattle his bones. It’s most unusual.”
“Yes, ma’am. Most unusual.”
The concubine’s features changed to a snarl, and she grabbed the girl’s wrist. “Do you mock me, Eliza?” She twisted the scraper toward Anitta and wiped the dead skin onto the girl’s cheek.
Anitta whimpered but did not respond.
Hickory approached the Bikashi, a smile on her lips, and spoke soothingly. “Mistress, do not alarm yourself. Eliza meant no wrong. “Ma’am” is an old-fashioned term meant to convey respect and admiration amongst the Mitanni.”
“I have not heard of it before.” Sabrina tilted her head and examined the girl. “Very well. You are fortunate, Eliza. I forgive you this time, but make sure to address me as Mistress in future. Be off with you. Bertha will finish my toilet.”
Hickory took the scraper from Anitta and massaged some ointment into Sabrina’s skin.
“Ah, you have a deft touch, Bertha. Fan me, I feel a little warm.”
Hickory flapped a paper vane. “Mistress, pardon me if I am too presumptuous, but I have heard it said you once lived on a farm. What was it like?”
Sabrina emitted a deep thrumming sound from the back of her throat. She glanced toward the exits. Hickory could sense a battle taking place in her mind. Her pupils dilated then shrank, indicating a moment’s anger, then she drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “This is a very personal question.” She stared unblinkingly at Hickory.
Hickory’s pulse leaped. Apparently, she had touched a sensitive spot. There’s no doubt she was in a farming family before Jolphyr seized her. She bowed low and did not return the consort’s gaze. “My apologies, mistress. I did not mean to cause you distress. I mention it because I spoke with an Aurigan worker on my way to Kaffur. He told me he had been a farmer before his parents sent him to work in a factory, and I was struck by the similarity of his eyes to yours. He too had bright yellow irises. But I will speak of it no more and beg yo
u to forgive my intrusion.”
Sabrina grabbed her arms with both hands and pulled her close so their faces were almost touching. “Who…what was this worker’s name? Tell me.” She shook Hickory so hard her teeth chattered, and then abruptly she let her go. “Oh, Bertha, forgive my roughness. I am sorry, I did not mean to hurt you. You and I share the same spirit even though our bodies are quite unlike. Please, tell me this worker’s name.”
Hickory had heard Sabrina pleading on one other occasion. In the bedchamber with Kabutai, she’d begged him for news of her family. This was the moment Hickory suspected Sikona and Sabrina might be siblings. The Warlord had refused to tell her, Hickory assumed, because he craved control over Sabrina. The constant monitoring of his underlings was further proof of his insecurities. Withholding this information from Sabrina gave him a sense of power over her. It showed the fragile nature of Sabrina that she now pleaded with Hickory. Hickory felt compassion for her and a strong impulse to help. “He called himself Sikona.”
The concubine placed a hand to her mouth in a very human-like gesture. “Sikona was my brother’s name. Is it possible…Where did you see him—is he near?”
Hickory glanced around, then whispered. “Please, mistress, we must be careful. We don’t know who might be listening. I fear the Warlord may have a camera in this bedroom.” It would explain why so many maids had been replaced if he was monitoring Sabrina’s private conversations. She signaled Sabrina to follow and led her into a remote corner of the room. “Sikona is in the city. I don’t know where, but I will find out. You must trust me with this. Warlord Kabutai must not know he is here. Trust me, Mistress Jane. I will find him and bring him to you.”
Sabrina shivered and tears welled up in her eyes. “My name is Sabrina, what is yours?”
Hickory smiled and reached for her hand. “My name is Hickory.”
Sabrina extracted a promise Hickory would continue to enact their pretense in public. Any deviation from the norm would attract the attention of the Warlord and place her, as well as Hickory’s plans, in jeopardy.
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