The Indoctrination

by K. L. Bone

  “What?” I asked in a weak voice.

  “I’m all right,” Kavra informed me. “Just tired.”

  “Trading hosts so quickly has left him exhausted and the host is still recovering. I tried to convince him to remain with you for a while, but he was most stubborn. He insisted on allowing you to return to freedom as quickly as possible.”

  “You should have forced him to stay until it was safe.”

  “You know how he is,” my father laughed. “He insisted.”

  I turned and vomited yet again. “Lie still,” Kasar cautioned. I nodded, then regretted it.

  “God, she is really taking it badly,” I heard Kavra say. “I am so sorry.”

  “People really react like this?” God my head hurt.

  “Yes,” Kasar replied. “Normally it is not this bad, but the rephta made it worse. Lying still will help and I will kill the lights which should help some more. You will feel better after some rest.”

  I spent the next few hours falling in and out of sickness. At some point, doctors came in with Lord Kasar to take my temperature. “It is still rather high,” the physician said before giving me an injection. “It will help you sleep.”

  When I awoke again I felt much better. I called for a maid and asked for a bath. I kept the water lukewarm to help keep the headache from returning. I dressed in a simple pair of slacks and a comfortable long sleeved shirt of deep blue. I was informed that the battle was finished except for last minute details so I pulled a chair next to the still sleeping Kavra.

  A few days later an official surrender was given by the Sentiles. I was still sitting in my chair glancing over the recent battle reports. Casualty reports estimated that the enemy had lost nearly half their force, thirteen thousand five-hundred ships, while our side had lost just over eight-thousand. Harars thirty and fifteen had achieved the honor of dying in battle, while Harars nine had been injured. Where the ground forces were concerned, of the sixty-five ships that had been under my command, we had lost twenty-four.

  As I was reading, the light dimmed as a shadow fell across the room. I looked up to see Lord Kasar standing over me. “My Lord?”

  “Chrissalynn,” he replied. “I thought you might want to know that the official numbers have come in concerning the number of native lives lost in the battle.” My heart started beating faster, my mind racing with all types of horrible things he might say. Then he said, “Zero. Not one single native to Palta was killed or harmed during the battle. Not one.”

  “Oh my…that is.”

  “Marvelous,” he finished. “Congratulations, Chrissalynn.”

  “Thank you,” I replied, almost unable to believe that what he said was true. We had saved them all. It was unreal.

  “Tell me,” he said, taking a seat beside me. “When communications went down, what was your first thought?”

  A moment of silence followed, then I answered, “There wasn’t much thinking involved. I turned to my commanders, issued orders, learned what needed to be done, and did it.”

  He leaned forward and kissed me while taking my hand in his own. Then he said, “When those communications went down, I wasn’t worried about the planet. I realized that there was no one I trusted more with my army than you. You have made me very proud, Chrissalynn; very proud.”

  “Thank you, father. I was…”

  “Well, what do we have here?” I was rudely interrupted by a loud, rough voice. We both turned as a Horde walk through the door. He looked like all Hordes, with a pig-like nose, dark grey fur and an ugly, wide mouth. At eight feet tall, he towered above us in our seated positions. The doorway he stood in was on the opposite side of the room. The bed stood between us and the door. The loud, unfamiliar voice brought Lord Kavra out of his sleep. Kavra turned his head toward the new visitor.

  “Lord Jetreal,” my father addressed him.

  “Kasar,” he replied curtly, then to me in a mocking tone, “Lady Kasar.”

  I was confused. Lord Jetreal should not have been here. The council had stationed him in the Rementil quadrant. That was at least a three-day journey, even at top speed. “What are you doing here,” then added, “my Lord?”

  “He was found on planet,” my father answered for him.

  “I came to help,” he made the word sound like something foul.

  “He arrived when the communications were down,” this from my father, whose eyes were studying Lord Jetreal intently.

  “Yes, engaged in battle anyway, and crashed onto the planet. I spent three days down in that filthy place. Evidently, I’m not as important as some people.”

  Kavra started to say something, but I rushed in and cut him off.

  “My Lord I assure you, had I known that you were stranded on that planet we would have sent scouts after you as well.”

  “Like you knew that Kavra was stranded?” he asked. He started walking towards the bed. I stood and moved quickly to the other side of the bed, placing myself between Lord Kavra and Lord Jetreal.

  “You would dare,” he asked, stopping within arm’s reach. “I am a titled Lord.”

  “This is not your ship and you are not the highest ranking person in this room; you’re not even the second.”

  “And what are you?” he asked. “You hold no title, you are not even a member of this Empire.”

  “Oh really? I would have sworn you just called me, ‘Lady Kasar.’”

  We glared at each other, then I said, “Tell me, my Lord, on the planet you wouldn’t have happened to see anyone else, did you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  I stepped to the side so I could see both my father and Lord Jetreal at the same time. “Lord Kasar, the device that was destroying communications between our ships had to be programmed to the exact frequency we use in order for it to work. It was my understanding that only our commanders of Lordly rank know that particular frequency.”

  “You dare,” Jetreal moved a step closer.

  Behind me, Lord Kavra and Lord Kasar both called, “Jetreal!” in a warning tone. He froze and stepped back.

  “That’s enough,” my father said. “I’m sure Lord Kavra is touched by your concern for him, but he really must rest now.” Lord Kasar walked him out of the room.

  “Chrissa,” Kavra said softly. I turned around.

  “Don’t worry about it,” I assured him. “You just rest now.”

  He nodded. “Thanks for getting me out of there.”

  “My pleasure.”

  He closed his eyes while I returned to my seat by the side of the bed and took his hand in my own.

  The following day, Lord Kavra was transferred to the Setianta. Lord Kasar put me in charge of the infestation of the captured Sentile forces. I was just completing the job when I was summoned to appear before the High Council.

  Chapter XX

  I was taken back to Setianta. When we landed, I was led immediately into the council chambers. I was dressed in a pair of black slacks with a red silk blouse with gold buttons. It had long sleeves synched tightly at the wrist. I added a strand of black pearls, a gift from my father for the occasion and dangling pearl earrings. As I reached the door, I was sure the council members would be able to hear my heart pounding clear across the room. Lord Kasar walked me to the door, but would not be allowed to accompany me inside. “I will see you back at the mansion,” he told me.

  As I entered the chamber, I knelt down to the ground and bowed my head low until a voice said, “Arise.” I stood in one movement, but it was far from graceful. In front of me sat the thirteen Councilors all dressed in black.

  “My Lords, my Ladies,” I said in a voice far too soft. “You sent for me.”

  “Yes,” a feminine voice replied from the left. I turned to see a tall woman dressed in a floor length black gown. Her eyes were piercing emeralds. “Lord Kasar tells us that his recent victory over the Sentiles was actually the result of your leadership. Would you agree?”

  Startled, I had to pause before responding, “My Lady, I was i
n charge of the ground forces. Lord Kasar led the main fleet.”

  “Yes,” Councilor Vektor cut in, “but you did get communications back up once they had failed, lost only twenty-four of sixty-five ships fighting a force larger than your own, saved Lord Kavra’s life and somehow managed to not lose a single native in the process. Is this information incorrect?”

  “It is correct, my Lord.”

  “Do you know why you are here?”

  “No, my Lord.”

  “Then allow me to enlighten you,” Councilor Vektor continued.

  “We have summoned you here to inform you that we are aware of what a glorious job you have been doing and the superior training you have received. Your quick thinking and strategy on Palta saved the entire fleet. Lord Kasar believes you are ready to venture out on your own, despite your youth. What do you think of this evaluation?”

  “I…” I took a breath in an attempt to keep from stuttering, “I am not sure what to say.”

  “Then I will tell you,” he replied. “This council has gathered and come to the same conclusion as Lord Kasar. We believe you are ready to lead not only on your own, but with the rank and title deserved by one who has successfully given us not one, but two successful victories over major opponents to the Empire. As of this moment, Chrissalynn, we bestow upon you the title of Lady Dehartra Kasar and you are hereby granted the fifth highest commission within Setian command. In addition, Lord Kasar shall also be promoted to the highest position available under the council, for his extraordinary work with you.”

  Silence followed this statement as I stood dumbfounded. Councilor Vektor broke into a smile. “I knew you were one to watch since that crazy ‘infest their pets’ plan you came up with all those years ago.”

  “Thank you,” I finally managed to say. “Thank you so much.”

  Councilor Vektor stepped down from the panel and walked towards me from across the room. “Come with me, Lady Dehartra.”

  I tried not to stumble from the chambers as I walked down the long corridor behind him. After a few turns, we stepped through a pair of large black doors and entered a vast lounge. A large couch stood near the center of the room and a small wooden table stood on the left side. Grey carpet covered the floor and the walls were painted pale blue. Portraits of the current and past council members lined the walls on both sides.

  A bottle of champagne sat upon the wooden table with crystal flutes on either side. I took a seat beside the table while the Councilor proceeded to pour the golden liquid into the sparkling glass. I picked up the glass and eyed the Councilor. “Congratulations, my Lady,” he leaned forward and touched the side of his flute to my own.

  “Thank you, Councilor Vektor.”

  “I wanted to offer my personal thanks to your success in battle, and, of course, for Lord Kavra’s life.”

  “You don’t have to thank me for that, my Lord.”

  The Councilor nodded.

  Then a third man stepped into the room. He stood just shy of six feet tall, and had golden eyes and bronzed skin. His light brown hair was cropped short. He wore a black dress shirt that buttoned up the front and matching black slacks. He appeared no more than twenty-five. I did not recognize him.

  “My Lady,” Councilor Vektor addressed me. “This is Councilor Sorid.”

  “Oh,” I was caught off-guard. “Forgive me, my Lord. I did not recognize you in the new host.”

  “Quite all right, my Lady. I am still getting used to it myself.”

  I turned to Vektor expectantly.

  “My Lady,” he said. “Do you remember what I once told you, about choices and the consequences that follow?”

  I started to feel uncomfortable. “Yes, my Lord.”

  “Well,” he replied as though selecting his words carefully. “Sometimes, there are also rewards.”

  “Rewards?”

  He nodded.

  “For the victory you gave us,” Councilor Sorid stated, “it is customary for you to name your reward.”

  I looked at Sorid, then back to Vektor who gave the slightest of nods.

  I stood from my chair and knelt down to one knee before the Councilors. “Prior to this promotion which you have so graciously seen fit to bestow upon me, I was set to assist in the conquest of future Setian Colony 428. With your permission, my Lords, I would like to continue with these plans, and request that Lord Kavra be sent there as well.”

  This seemed to surprise Vektor. “428. Are you sure, my Lady, that this is your wish?”

  I did not hesitate. “Yes, my Lord.”

  “As you wish,” Sorid informed me, “So it shall be.”

  I stood from my kneeling position and said, “Thank you, Emperor.”

  He nodded and turned toward the large black doors. “We expect great things from you,” he said before leaving the chambers.

  “He is not one to grant such requests lightly,” Vektor informed me.

  “Thank you, my Lord.”

  “Chrissa,” he broke formality. “Do you remember what I said about having to make a choice?”

  I looked up at him. He placed the glass on the table and stood from his chair, walking over to where I stood. He then leaned forward and pressed his lips softly to my left cheek. “You just made it.”

  Chapter XXI

  When I left the Councilor’s chambers, I was informed by a guard that Kavra had requested my presence at his own estate on Setianta. A far cry from Lord Kasar’s gothic castle, Lord Kava’s manor was a modern marvel. With large, glass dome ceilings to filter the light of Setianta’s three suns, the rooms were filled with brilliant color, sporting walls from bright yellows to dazzling blues and neon greens. The only fireplace in the entire house was in my room, which Kavra had created especially for the visits I had taken as a young girl.

  As I arrived outside the large glass doors, I was quickly ushered inside and into a large bedroom. Dressed in black slacks and a crimson shirt, Lord Kavra was sitting on the bed against the wall just left of the room’s entrance. He was leaning over some status reports as I walked into the room and called his name.

  He looked up from his reports and smiled. “Hello, Chrissa.”

  “You sound much better.”

  “I am better, thanks to you. Though, I still resent you giving me orders when I clearly outrank you.”

  “You mean you clearly outranked me.”

  He stared at me, tilting his head slightly to the left. “You mean…they finally?” I nodded. “Well it’s about time!” He gave a mock bow from his seated position. “My esteemed Setian Lady…”

  I laughed, then said, “Dehartra Kasar.”

  He straightened on the bed. The lines of his face tightened. “Dehartra?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well,” he cleared his throat. “I suppose a more serious level of congratulations is in order. No one has been given that name since the Emperor himself. It is the highest of honors.”

  I smiled, “Thank you.”

  He motioned me forward. “I have something for you, Lady Dehartra.”

  I walked towards him and sat down in a small blue chair beside the bed. “My sister, as you know, died a few years ago,” he held out his hand. I leaned forward in the chair to get a better view of the small, golden ring held in his palm.

  “This ring was my sister’s. It was very special to her because it was a gift from a young woman whose life she once saved. My sister wore it every day until the moment she died. I have carried it with me ever since.” He shook his head, smiling. “I called you here because I would like for you to have it.”

  “Kavra,” I answered, “I can’t.”

  “Yes, you can. My sister received this ring as a gift for the life she saved. During this battle, you did the same for me. I know it is only a simple gold circle, but to me it holds a world of meaning; meaning which I know you will understand. It would be my honor if you would take this from me.”

  I stared into his pale blue eyes. “William,” I used his first name, “what yo
u are offering means more to me than you can imagine.”

  He reached for my left hand and slid the ring securely onto my thin finger “A perfect fit.”

  I looked up from the golden band. “I want you to know…” but my words failed me.

  He shook his head and leaned forward, offering a soft, chaste kiss. Then he pulled back, unable to hide the sorrow from his eyes.

  I moved from the chair and slipped down to one knee, kneeling beside the bed. Kavra touched the side of my left cheek and I pressed his hand firmly against my skin. With my eyes closed, I drew a deep breath, and forced a smile upon my lips before tilting my head meet Kavra’s gaze. “Thank you, my Lord. I shall wear it always.” I then stood from the floor and left the room without another word.

  I left Kavra, but did not return to Kasar. Instead, I took a transport down to the Setian beach; my final request to Councilor Vektor. It was mid-afternoon and the first of Setianta’s three suns was beginning to lower itself from the sky. I removed my shoes and walked slowly towards the water’s edge. When I finally reached the waves, I closed my eyes and allowed my mind to wander back to that day long ago.

  “Will you make me a Princess, Daddy?” I asked again.

  The next wave crashed upon the golden sand. “A choice to make,” Vektor seemed to whisper. “A human heart with a Setian soul.”

  “You are mine,” Kasar’s voice rose on the edge of the cold ocean wind.

  “A real Princess, Daddy?” The wind blew harder, whistling the fleeting words in my ears.

  I ran my fingers through my long dark hair. Then it was Kavra’s turn. “I’m sorry, my love.”

  “Stop it,” I said, tears beginning to gather in the corner of my eyes.

  “A human heart with a Setian soul. A choice to make.”

  “Stop it!” I said again.

  “A Setian soul.”

  “Stop it!” I screamed. My voice carried across the empty beach by the powerful Setian winds.

  I knelt down into the coarse sand. I have no idea how long I sat there, staring into the blue water as the wind saturated my skin. I closed my eyes and could suddenly see my tall, handsome father; the light in his golden, brown eyes. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I can’t be your Princess anymore.”