"A pattern was made yesterday?"
"Yes, when the palace dressmakers came to measure you, a shoemaker accompanied them. It was just after breakfast."
Jenetta said foggily, "I don't even remember eating breakfast yesterday."
"You were quite sleepy, My Lady. Vronnesa had to feed you."
"I definitely don't remember that. What else happened?"
"Nothing. After you were measured, we helped you get to the beauty spa. That's all."
"Was I dressed or undressed when I was measured yesterday?"
"Dressed, of course."
Jenetta groaned to herself. That probably meant the new gown on the bed would have the same waist size as the other gown.
Before being dressed in the new gown, Jenetta's new hair was carefully groomed. The three girls combed and brushed it until it sparkled, then applied makeup to her face. Since first meeting aboard the Prometheus, the three handmaidens had adopted the same skin coloration as Jenetta. The make-up they used now was designed for Terran coloration.
As they helped her into the new gown, Jenetta's worst fear was realized. The new gown seemed even tighter than the original. Groaning to herself as Tkusa used the controller to make the corset constrict, she stood patiently as the three handmaidens fussed and pulled at the fabric of the gown while the zipper was closed. Ensuring that her gown looked as perfect as possible was a matter of great pride to the handmaidens, because their own status within the palace depended upon Jenetta's groomed appearance. After carefully arranging her hair, they used several ribbons to hold it properly in place.
When the three girls were done fussing, Jenetta was escorted out to the sitting room where her breakfast was waiting. Not only did the new gown seem tighter than the other one, Jenetta felt that her walking had been restricted even more, and it seemed to take forever just to reach the small table where she had been taking her meals.
The dishes were cleared away as soon as breakfast was over and Jenetta was prepared to receive the first of the day's tutors. The history tutor from yesterday arrived promptly, and by midmorning Jenetta's eyes were crossing from the struggle to remember dates, names, and historical events that every schoolchild on the planet was allowed to slowly absorb over many years. She was grateful beyond words when the tutor announced that his time was up. Jenetta smiled as he stood, pressed his closed hand against his chest, and bowed his head. Before leaving he remarked that he had seldom had such an interested and intelligent pupil. Jenetta, in time-honored diplomatic fashion, replied that she'd seldom had such a learned tutor. The tutor smiled widely at her compliment and left. As the door closed behind him, Jenetta rolled her eyes and sighed in relief.
With a ten-minute break before the next tutor was scheduled to arrive, Jenetta leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. She must have fallen asleep because she never heard Vronnesa approach and wasn't aware of her presence until she felt her arm being gently shaken.
"What is it, Vronnesa. I was just resting my eyes."
"Of course, My Lady. I'm sorry to disturb your rest, but Prince Chazurz wishes an audience."
Jenetta came instantly awake. She knew from her lessons that Prince Chazurz was the youngest son of the King and Queen. "How soon?"
"He's waiting in the corridor."
"What do I do?" Jenetta asked nervously.
"You should be standing when he comes in, My Lady."
"Yes, of course. Help me up, please."
With Vronnesa assisting, Jenetta was able to rise from the chair and walk to the middle of the room. Tkusa and Znanna worked furiously to brush her hair and straighten her gown as Vronnesa fixed her makeup. In a matter of minutes they were ready. As Jenetta stood in the center of the room with her head suitably bowed and her hand held against her chest, Tkusa and Znanna moved to the side of the room and assumed their proper stance. Vronnesa went to the door to admit the prince.
Jenetta stared down at the carpet and stayed like that as a pair of uniformed legs moved into view about a meter in front of her.
"Kareer a Nordakia, Hetrowd," a male voice said. (Welcome to Nordakia, Captain.)
Jenetta, surprised at hearing the familiar voice, replied, "Zrand Chekkora u Lyuddro." (It's my honor to be welcomed here.)
Still using Dakis, the prince said, "Your Dakis is as excellent as I've heard, Captain."
"I'm sure that it's not nearly so expert as your excellent Amer, your highness."
The prince laughed, then said, "Please raise your head, Captain. I wondered if you would remember my voice."
Jenetta looked up at the handsome Nordakian Prince now in his mid-thirties, and smiled. He had temporarily adopted her skin color. "I didn't know that Captain Phuth Yuixotical of the Nordakian Merchant Fleet was a prince of the realm."
"It's a closely guarded secret. I'll tell you about it, but first…"
Prince Chazurz turned to the handmaidens, who were still standing with their heads bowed. "Would everyone leave the room, please?" The three girls immediately turned and walked towards Jenetta's bedroom, but one of the half dozen men that had entered with the Prince stepped closer.
"Your highness, security regulations require that at least two guards remain by your side whenever aliens are in your presence."
"Major," Prince Chazurz said slowly and deliberately, a definite edge of anger in his voice, "Captain Carver is soon to become a Nordakian citizen and has my complete trust. With citizenship she becomes an Azula, and a Lady of the Royal House. I already owe my life to her, and she certainly isn't a threat to my safety. Please leave us."
The security officer opened his mouth to speak, then thought better of it. He placed his hand against his chest and bowed his head before backing out of the room.
Prince Chazurz turned back to Jenetta. Shaking his head and scowling, he said, "And mother wonders why I spend as much time away from here as possible."
"I understand completely, your highness," Jenetta said smiling.
The Prince brightened and took a good look at Jenetta. "You're much taller than I remember, Captain, but still just as beautiful."
"Thank you, your highness. I'm wearing stilts in the form of shoes with thirteen-centimeter heels. But I've also grown six-inches since we last met, courtesy of the procedure the Raiders performed on me while I was their captive."
The Prince's face turned serious. "I read the report about that. They were trying to mold you into their idea of the 'perfect' Terran woman?"
"Yes. Since I was destined for their brothels, they wanted to maximize the rate they could charge for my— attentions. The procedure that they developed will completely rewrite my DNA over an eight to ten year period, with most of the reshaping taking place during the first two years. It's been twenty-six months now so the changes have slowed considerably, but the doctors believe I'll grow another inch."
"We never suspected while we were busy repairing our damaged ships that you were in such danger."
"There wasn't anything that you could have done, and things worked out well in the end."
"Much more than just 'well'. There hasn't been a single Raider attack in this part of the galaxy since the Battle for Higgins. We've been sending a convoy of supplies to Obotymot every three months and we haven't even seen another ship on any of our runs. Like most freighter operations in this part of space, our AutoTect equipment is now active from departure until arrival at our destination. Its use has lowered stress levels aboard ship immensely, especially when we cross the busy shipping lanes between Earth and Higgins."
"That's wonderful. You promised to tell me about your secret life, your Highness."
"It's really quite simple. As a possible successor to the throne, I'm not permitted to actively serve in the military, but, since I have two older brothers, my father allows me to captain a freighter. The press cooperates by keeping my secret and never publishes my picture, while I maintain a low profile by spending as little time as possible in the palace. Visitors don't really associate me with the Royal Family
unless they see me walking around in my royal uniform or with the security detail. Now you know my horrible secret. I yearn for a life in space."
"That's a yearning that I can both understand and appreciate, since I share it. You told the Major that I was soon to become a citizen of Nordakia. Why did you say that?"
The Prince looked surprised. "Aren't you? That's what I was told. Earth, Space Command, and the Galactic Alliance Council have all given their consent and approval for you to have dual citizenship. Much of the intensive training that you're undergoing is preparation for the citizenship ceremony."
Now it was Jenetta's turn to look surprised. The information did finally explain the intense lessons in history, religion and protocol. They should not have been required as part of her participation in a medal award, no matter how ritualized the ceremony. From her first day at NHSA, Space Command had been directing her life without consulting her, but she had agreed to that when she applied for entrance to the Academy. They had the right to post her wherever they chose, assign her whatever duties they wished her to perform, and promote her or demote her as they deemed fit. But telling her that she should pledge allegiance to a foreign power was pushing her over a line she never thought she would cross.
"Apparently everyone knew except me, although I did begin to wonder how I could be an Azula and Lady of the Royal House without being a citizen."
"The honor is only bestowed upon Nordakian citizens, and only serving Space Force officers, noncoms, or ratings can receive our Tawroole Medal."
"I see. But even if I receive dual citizenship, I'll still be a Space Command officer, not a member of your Space Force."
"But you're also to be commissioned in the Nordakian Space Force."
"What? I can't. I'm a Space Command officer. I can't join another military organization."
"Apparently the details have all been ironed out. You're to be commissioned as an officer in the Nordakian Space Force, on permanent loan to Space Command, where you are to be treated as a regular member of that service. But, you can demand assistance from any Nordakian military vessel, will have all the rights and privileges of any Space Force officer, and will have real authority over any Nordakian commercial vessel. Technically, you'll outrank me while I'm Captain Phuth Yuixotical."
"Forgive me if I appear a bit flustered. I really didn't appreciate the full extent of the commitment that I'd be making by accepting the medal honor."
"I thought that you would be pleased. A Nordakian Space Force commission can help you in your work."
"My work?"
"In your position as an intelligence operative."
"My what?"
"There's no need to hide it any longer, Captain. Our own intelligence section has concluded that's it's only possible answer for the things that they've learned about you, although Space Command Intelligence continues to deny it. Don't worry, I have the highest security clearance and I'll never reveal it to another soul outside of top military circles."
"They've been investigating me?" Jenetta asked indignantly.
"It's standard procedure. It's all part of the process for you becoming a citizen and Space Force officer."
Jenetta relaxed and nodded. "Yes, of course. I understand."
"They were most baffled when one of our investigators reported that the real Jenetta Alicia Carver was dead, and even sent pictures of the plaque on the 'Wall of Honored Dead' at the Space Academy cemetery in Nebraska. But they concluded that it must have been arranged so you could go undercover at one time."
"I've been meaning to get that WHD plaque taken down," Jenetta said with a sardonic grin. "It's unsettling to have some people think that I'm deceased. That was put up back in 2256 following the explosion of the Hokyuu. When they missed finding my escape pod, they assumed that I'd been lost in the explosion."
"I see. I'm sure that an intelligence officer will be stopping by to interview you before your commission is issued, so that any missing details can be filled in, or misconceptions corrected. For instance, they know that you captained the GSC Heavy Cruiser Song at the Battle for Higgins, and that you continued in that capacity for the past year. But since only GSC line officers holding the official rank of captain can hold such posts, they don't understand why your official designation is presently just Lieutenant Commander. They suspect that it has something to do with an upcoming mission."
"I'll be as honest and forthright as my oath to Space Command allows."
"I'm sure that you will. That's a lovely gown you have on, Captain. Except for your skin color, you look every bit a regular member of the court."
"Thank you, your highness. My handmaidens have worked very hard to perfect my appearance."
"Would you care to perambulate about the gardens with me? I'd love to hear more about your part in the Battle of Vuazlee and the Battle for Higgins."
"I'm afraid that I can't walk very well in this gown and these shoes."
"That's quite alright. I'm used to strolling with mother, and her gowns are the most restrictive in the palace."
Jenetta smiled. "Your Highness, if you can stand the slow pace, I'd love to tour the palace gardens with you."
The protocol tutor was kept waiting for more than two hours, but being the protocol tutor he knew better than to complain about the Prince taking Jenetta for a long walk in the gardens. Jenetta enjoyed the tour and was happy that she finally had a chance to clear up some of the myths that the Prince had built up in his mind, but he continued to call her Captain Carver, even after finally acknowledging that she was, in fact, just a Lieutenant Commander in Space Command.
The protocol tutor had responsibility for instructing Jenetta in the role she must play when receiving the Tawroole medal, so he tried to make up for lost time by remaining until the religious scholar arrived, who then kept Jenetta busy until dinnertime. She was extremely relieved when her lessons were over for the day. Dinner arrived shortly after the religious scholar left and the three handmaidens quickly prepared the small table in the sitting room for Jenetta's meal. She again invited them to dine with her but Vronnesa told her that they had eaten while the tutor was working with her. As before, they surrounded her, watching her eat and catering to her every need. They then took turns reading to her from Nordakian poetry books until bedtime.
As the handmaidens prepared Jenetta for bed, Tkusa opened the closet to hang up her gown. Spotting other garments in the closet, Jenetta hurried over and flung open the doors. At least two dozen magnificent gowns, hung from the clothes bar.
"Where did these come from?" Jenetta asked.
"The palace dressmakers delivered them today while you were walking with the Prince," Znanna said. "They also brought shoes, undergarments, and accessories."
Opening another door, Tkusa showed Jenetta a rack full of shoes. Jenetta noted that not a single pair had heels less than thirteen-centimeter high. That was entirely understandable, because if she wore shorter heels her hair would touch the ground, an unpardonable sin in this society. If her hair was then trimmed to accommodate lower heels, she wouldn't be able to wear the higher heels again, and she also knew the value that was placed on height in this society. She sighed and reminded herself once again that it was just temporary, and would all be over in less than a month.
During the next five days Jenetta spent her mornings and afternoons with the tutors, learning the things that she needed to know, both to become a Nordakian citizen and to attend the formal state dinners. When her tutors agreed that her knowledge was adequate, Jenetta was taken on a series of tours to prominent places of historical, cultural, or military significance. Each day presented many wonderful new opportunities to embarrass herself, but she managed to impress the ministers who accompanied her by not creating any awkward incidents.
One entire day was spent answering questions posed by a group of Intelligence officers who arrived early at Jenetta's suite and stayed until dinnertime. They were ultra polite, addressing her as My Lady the entire time, and Jenetta answered th
eir questions as truthfully as she could. Space Command had given them a complete dossier and they spent the day probing details, as if trying to disprove the information.
Jenetta attended her first state dinner at the beginning of her third week on the planet. It was a formal affair being held to honor the planet's top agronomists, and Jenetta was finally introduced to the members of the Royal Family and the Royal Court. The protocol tutor had spent a significant amount of time preparing her for that moment and she didn't make a single solecism during the entire evening. The Queen sent for her the following morning.
Jenetta's handmaidens insured that Jenetta's appearance was impeccable for her private royal audience and then escorted her to the Queen's chambers where Jenetta was met by the Queen's private secretary. Jenetta stood where instructed to await the Queen's entrance, then bowed her head and performed the traditional salute with her hand when the Queen appeared.
"Good morning, my dear. You may raise your head."
As Jenetta lifted her head, she saw that the Queen had adopted Jenetta's skin coloring. Although now in her middle-aged years, the queen was still as beautiful and vibrant as she must have been as a young woman. As with the three handmaidens, her lack of external ear parts was hidden by her hair, and with Jenetta's skin tone she looked very much like a Terran.
"Good morning, Your Majesty."
"Have you been enjoying your stay on Nordakia?"
"Very much. Nordakia is a beautiful planet; and much like Earth."
"We've never been there, but we've seen images and there are many similarities. We believe that we have a greater proportion of land to water."
"You do. Earth is almost seventy percent covered by water where Nordakia is only sixty percent covered."
"Come sit with us and tell us about yourself."
Jenetta followed the queen to a small alcove where a tea service waited on a table between two chairs. Although Jenetta preferred a good cup of Columbian, the strong, nutty flavored tea that the Nordakians enjoyed had begun to grow on her. As they walked, Jenetta had a chance to observe the Queen from behind, and saw that, as expected, her glistening ebony hair dragged ever so slightly on the floor, and her gown was even more restrictive than Jenetta's. The tiny steps gave her a regal look as she walked with her head perfectly erect and her back ramrod straight. Jenetta estimated her age to be about seventy, but she appeared the picture of health and fitness. Jenetta waited until the Queen had taken her seat and then sat also.
The Clones of Mawcett Page 9