The Tourney

by Juliet Sem

  The door chimed as she ushered them to the dining hall. "We might as well sit down before the rest of your group come in, or Vahin will have fits about protocol, and we can use a break from all the officiousness."

  Keestu greatly enjoyed the informal dinner with her aunt, who chatted with her about trade matters as though she would understand all the intricacies.

  "Of course," Shina was saying, "I'm inundated with samples of goods vendors would like to see shipped to Sandar. Most of the samples I send home on the military frigate for charity, as I and my staff can't possibly use up the quantities they heap upon me. Some of the foodstuffs I send on to the palace, so the cooks can experiment with it, but many foods require additional ingredients in order for them to taste right, so I donate those to kitchens for the unfortunate so they can have more foods to cook with. Some venders seem to think I don't realize they are trying to up sell me by giving me only some of the ingredients I need to make a dish they are advertising."

  "Other things, like this cheese soufflé," she swept her hand out to indicate the dish, "Require minimal ingredients, and this one is actually low-fat. You will see it on Sandarian tables soon enough, since this particular Uriel vendor packages the cheese with the recipe printed on it, so prospective buyers can see what else they need to incorporate this into a meal, and since they are all very easy to find and inexpensive ingredients, I'm going to approve it for sale on Sandar."

  "I just don't see how you can keep your figure eating all these samples, Aunt Shina," Keestu said, having enjoyed only a very small portion of the enticing cheese soufflé, "Even if they claim it's low-fat".

  "Great Rentham, Keestu, I have to run five kilometers every other day myself. Compulsory physical training is required of all royals. I thought you knew that! Besides, the opportunity to sit down for a meal like the ones we've had is a treat for me. Most times I usually jam something down while I'm checking manifests that don't match. You'd be surprised how many don't match what the vendor was approved to ship. First, my staff runs the manifests and bills of lading through the computer. Then, when a problem is found, the computer has to track down the ship's captain, and I need to personally get an answer for the discrepancy. Most things are minor, but I can't let any slip though, so others don't start thinking they can get things past my staff and me. I swear most days all I am is a glorified paper pusher. But, if it wasn't so necessary for Sandar, and my dear brother hadn't appointed me, Rentham only knows where I'd be."

  Keestu couldn't help but smile. Complain though Shina might, Keestu knew that she loved living on the Hub and handling trade for their planet. Keestu knew it was as complicated a job as Korin's position as Uriel Senator, and more responsibility than the Counts and Countess had running their continents at home, and while it wasn't the crown, it came a close second, as did Korin's job representing their planet on Uriel. She thought that her brother Kang would be greatly suited to becoming Sandar's senator when Korin retired, while Hemda could take over for Shina when she retired. Skomer, as everyone said, would do well as admiral of the space fleet or the general who was in charge of Sandar's ground forces. Finding that line of thought comforting, Keestu turned her attention back to her aunt, who was extolling the virtues of another import she'd recently approved.

  Chapter nine

  Keestu awakened to the infocom's alarm the next day. She started gathering her things for the bathroom as she listened to her aunt's narration. "Keestu, we have received the ring schedule for your fly-through of Rillul space. Your luggage will be transferred back to the Jewel today, and you will leave just after the midday meal. King Ismer and Queen Mewa send their regards via the military capsule and wish you a pleasant journey."

  As she exited the bath, she saw Rue carrying one of her new dresses. It was semi-formal, but should be comfortable for her to travel in. She was showered and dressed by the time Keestu had tidied up her room and repacked her bags.

  Gontu and Tenget joined them for breakfast again, and Keestu did her best to try and be alert to everything going on around them, though she knew she was probably safer on the Hub than in public on Sandar.

  They chose a Uriel restaurant for breakfast, and this time, Keestu correctly guessed where Tenget and Gontu would recommend she sit.

  "So what security rules do you observe while in a foreign ship?" Keestu asked Tenget as she sipped her second mug of spiced javene.

  "Pretty much the same rules for being in a strange house at home. Make sure you know where your exits are, what would make good cover, and in addition know who and where your allies are. Always be courteous to the Captain and his crew, so you can expect courtesy in return. When in your quarters, learn as much as you can about the equipment, both location and use, so you can quickly activate safety equipment in the event of an emergency."

  "And," Gontu added, "Make sure you lock your cabin door at night, as well. Amorous crew on a long flight might find an unlocked door irresistible. If there is no lock, find a way to jam it closed and devise an early warning device."

  "How do I do that?"

  "A metal box, string, and an assortment of noisy items will do. Suspend the string across the doorway at about mid shin level, attach it to the box, and fill the box with the noisy items. Your makeup kit box has handles on the sides, so it would be easy to tie a string or shoelace to it. Fill it with Units and Parts and you have an alarm device made from items you have with you in your luggage. Someone coming in is unlikely to see the string, trip on it, and send the box and money flying, creating a racket and alerting you to an intruder. You hear that, you scream bloody murder, and we are sure to hear you."

  "Wouldn't it just be easier to have you sleep on a cot in my room?"

  "Certainly, but the ship's safety protocol may not allow for it. In addition, in most cultures, as it is as home, it would be too unseemly to have a commoner in the room with either a handmaiden or a Crown Princess. So better I tell you how to rig your room with a manual alarm now than for you to have to ask me later should your door either not lock or you worry about someone on the ship circumventing it."

  Tenget nodded agreement. "Try and make sure you are quartered together or next to one another. Say the Crown Princess needs her handmaiden close at all hours. This way, if they manage to separate us from you, you still have each other and all the training you've received. Just remember these rules of combat: There is no such thing as a fair fight. Anything is a weapon. Once your assailant is down, kick or otherwise club him or her to make sure they aren't going to get back up to attack you when your back is turned. Remember to strike as hard as you can at all the vulnerable places you were taught during training. And be very careful of this Prince Dinus and his crew. They dress and act like they are used to hand-to-hand combat as a matter of course. Avoid a fistfight if you possibly can, but if it comes down to it, hit fast, hard, and fight as dirty as you can, as they will probably not be expecting it. Find out if there are any lifeboats on board and their location. If you can, insist on a location close to one 'for the sake of your bloodline' since you can always run to that and lock yourself in until the captain can be awakened by the alarm that should be triggered by its activation."

  They were done with breakfast and went back to Shina's. They found that Shina's staff had already removed their luggage, and the escort to Dinus's ship was waiting for them.

  It was a big affair, for all the men Keestu had seen onboard the ship on Sandar were there to escort Rue to the ship. She saw Vahin and Tenget nod approval. Keestu realized that they were formally assuming responsibility for Rue's safety and were making a strong statement that she should be completely safe while in their charge during her visit.

  Taking her leave from Aunt Shina, Rue smiled shyly at the warm hug she was given, then paused, giving Aunt Shina an opportunity to say goodbye to Keestu.

  "Oh, Rue, I almost forgot," Shina said to Keestu. "King Ismer gave me last-minute instructions for your visit, so please come with me." Keestu followed her aunt into a bottom flo
or office. When the door closed, Shina relaxed all at once, turning to her niece with tears in her eyes.

  "Oh, you've grown so much. That's the one thing I miss being on Sandar. I get regular updates, but it's not the same as seeing you myself, dear."

  Keestu hugged her aunt, also feeling remorse at not seeing her aunt very often, then brightened. "Now that I'm old enough to travel on my own, maybe I can come visit after my trip? Surely, as Crown Princess, I should understand more about how Sandarian trade is handled on the Hub. I know you'll continue to handle it expertly, and should you retire before I take the crown, I'm certain whoever you choose to train will be an excellent choice. But, I think should at least have a working understanding of all the facets of your job. So maybe we can arrange an internship sometime soon?"

  Shina hugged her fiercely. "Of course, my dear! That's an excellent idea. I know Ismer and Mewa will agree that an internship showing you how I manage Sandar's interests on the Hub would be wonderful. You'll have to decide if you want to stay in my closet of a guest suite or have temporary housing of your own." Shina frowned. "Probably you'll need your own housing, since everyone at home will no doubt be watching your every move while you're here, though I think it will make an excellent infocom story when they find out you recommended the internship yourself. Shows that you are taking your training seriously and gives the commoner a glimpse into the great responsibility you shoulder being a planetary leader."

  "Well, I won't be running Sandar alone, as many assume, and I think it will be good for you to get some recognition for all you do for Sandar. I would have never thought that you would be involved in something so simple as approving foodstuffs for import based on whether they are made of affordable ingredients or not."

  "Affordable for most people on Sandar. It makes sense to not have warehouses full of the stuff at home when only a select few can afford to use it, especially when having something that elitist can foment resentment towards the upper class. It doesn't mean the palace doesn't get shipments of exotic stuffs; everyone there is expected to live a cut above. However, my goal is to make sure all the other imports are within the reach of most of Sandar. Some will have to save up a little to buy some of the ingredients I approve, but I've found making sure things that are reasonably priced for nearly everyone with a few more expensive luxuries mixed in keeps off planet trade in good favor with most of the populace."

  Shina sniffled, wiped her eyes, and checked to make sure there was no evidence of her emotional outburst showing on her face. "I'm afraid that's all the time we should take. You have fun on your trip, and know that I'll want to hear all about it when you get back."

  Keestu wiped her own eyes, checking her reflection to make sure she, too, was presentable. "Hemda, Kang and even Skomer already told me to give them details on any unmarried royals and nobles in their age group."

  Shina was laughing as she opened the door. "Oh that's a wonderful idea. Be sure you let me know of any you meet that might interest me," she kept her statement cryptic as they were back in mixed company.

  Shina gave Rue another hug and saw them off.

  Keestu found herself in crowded into a lift with half the Autocracy's guards and Tenget while Vahin and Gontu accompanied Rue and Dinus with the other half of the guards to the passenger ship level. Their lifts didn't stop on other levels as the sensors detected full loads, so they were quickly let out on the docking level and met up with Rue and Dinus. Rue was blushing while Gontu was frowning in disapproval, and Keestu found herself wondering what Rue and Dinus had discussed on the lift. She noted that Gontu had moved a little closer to Rue than was considered proper, and Tenget edged closer to Keestu so a discrepancy would not be noted by their hosts.

  Once they were back at Sandar's Jewel, Dinus took his leave of them. Keestu and Rue hurried aboard the Jewel while Gontu stomped up the Jewel's boarding ramp behind them. Once the hatch closed, he turned his fury to Tenget. "Tell me again I can't break that Prince's arm for being too familiar with our 'Princess'."

  "What happened, Gontu?" Keestu was concerned, for she never had seen Gontu lose his composure before.

  "That oaf had the audacity to put his arm around Rue's shoulders!"

  "Oh dear," Keestu said. "Apparently, the Autocracy doesn't know that touching royals without permission is forbidden."

  "But, I'm not a royal," Rue said in a small voice.

  "He doesn't know that," Gontu growled.

  "Well they do things differently in the Autocracy, Gontu," Tenget said. "So in this case, it's up to Rue to discourage unwanted touching. Perhaps a private word with Prince Dinus will suffice."

  Captain Nebo suddenly appeared, "Come on! We have to leave now or we'll miss our exit window!"

  They rushed to their seats and were still belting in as Nebo gave the command to lift off. Keestu saw on the screen that the Autocracy ship was already making its way through the force fields to exit the Hub.

  "Yes," Keestu said after a minute of silent consideration. "I think you should privately inform Prince Dinus that touching a Sandarian royal without permission is considered illegal. There has never been a law formally passed against it, but our customs have forbidden it for generations. If someone with the infocom were to have gotten an image of a royal with a foreigner's arm around him or her, well think of the scandal it would cause at home."

  "Fortunately, we were in the lift, where only the Hub's security cameras saw us."

  "Let's hope no one on the Hub is savvy enough to recognize our Crown Princess's handmaiden, or the infocom could spin it into a foreign intrigue/spy scandal before we've exited the system," Tenget said.

  "Well, we won't find out until we come back," Keestu fretted as they left the Hub. Captain Nebo, she noted, had considerately split his view screen to show the Hub retreating behind them in addition to what was in front of them as they built up speed while moving to the ring.

  When the intermittent beeping began from the buoys, Keestu turned her attention to the operation of the ship. She found the routine to be comforting, if a bit boring, while she listened to the com exchanges. She was thrilled when their forward view screen was magnified to show the Autocracy ship going through the ring. As the ship broke the plane, the wormhole generated by the ring snapped open and shut, sucking the Autocracy ship through and out of sight so quickly that if Keestu had blinked, she'd have missed it. The afterimage she had was of a silver and yellow misty vortex that was spinning counterclockwise. Hearing a gasp from Rue, she realized that her handmaiden had also seen the Autocracy ship's exit.

  "So that's what it looks like," Rue breathed.

  "Yes," Vahin informed them. "But you only see it if you are behind a ship going through. Your onboard screens always show nothing but chaos, being unable to fix on anything stationary in hyperspace, so you only see this momentary view of a wormhole when watching an exiting ship from directly behind; oblique views show nothing of the vortex."

  They put on a last burst of acceleration as the ring was reset for them and followed the Autocracy ship after twenty minutes since the Rillul and Autocracy Station rings were set up to send and receive ships at twenty-minute intervals.

  Once they were in hyperspace, they had one subjective day before they would emerge at Autocracy Station. Being unable to communicate with Prince Dinus's ship in transit, Vahin set about educating Keestu and Rue about the Autocracy. They remained on the bridge so that they had access to the main computer and the crew could also be educated on what was known about the Autocracy. Vahin moved to an open crew station and used the view screen to project the information for everyone to see as he lectured.

  "As you already know, the Autocracy is a feudal monarchy system similar to our hereditary monarchy. However, instead of a ruler inheriting his or her crown, every fifty years, the Autocracy holds a tournament in which their top-ranked nobles fight for their crowns. Each planet is locally controlled by members the noble class who come from different families native to those planets, though intermarriage of
ten takes place between the nobles of all the planets so their genetic stock is not weakened by inbreeding. Rank within the nobility is entirely based on fighting skill regardless of sex. There is a strict hierarchy maintained from the least effective fighter to the planetary ruler, and fighters must work their way up one challenge at a time, so someone with a much lower rank cannot issue challenge to the ruler without having first challenged and beaten everyone between their rank and the ruler.

  "Keestu was partially right in that color is indicative of status as well. The information given to us by Prince Dinus indicates that the ruler, their second in command, and all the members of the rulers' extended families will wear their planet's main color with a contrasting colored stripe in the planet's minor color, while all other nobles on the planet will wear the opposite color scheme with the contrasting color dominant and the main planetary color on their stripes. For some reason, which we did not have time to inquire about, all Autocracy nobility will wear only bold bright colors, so all nobles on all Autocracy planets will be wearing these colors: Black, red, purple, blue, green, gold, and silver in bold tones; you will see dark and bright light greens, but not an earthy shade of green like sage.

  "Now, about their languages. Per Prince Dinus, most people you will run across will speak Unity to some degree. There will be, however, local dialects that you will not understand. This is to be expected on any exoplanet you visit, and for this, we have been provided translator cuffs courtesy of Uriel's electronics division and language files provided by Prince Dinus."

  Vahin opened a compartment at his station and pulled out the cuffs. They were relatively flat, but wide; Keestu judged hers to be about five and a half centimeters wide. The electronics consisted of a large curved display screen with a small rectangular scanner on one side of the face and a microphone and speaker on the other. She put it on and adjusted the straps until it was a comfortable fit.