by Gian Bordin
"They must have removed it. I thought it was beautiful. It looked like my mother — maybe it was her. I will have it put back."
She saw his amused look. "Just laugh, Atun. I will make it happen."
"I don’t doubt it."
They walked down the road to the villa. The ten-foot high intricate iron gate displaying the Chinese symbol for Shen removed all doubts that this was her mother’s house — her own house. They were looking through the gate when she suddenly heard a harsh voice coming from a small balcony upstairs and sensed the irate contempt of a man and the frightened mind of a young woman.
"You useless oaf. Can’t you ever do anything right?" The sound of a hard slap was followed by a cry of pain, followed by more blows.
"You’re fired and I’ll make sure you’ll never find a Foundation job again," the same voice yelled.
"Please, Mr. Young, let me stay. Dock my pay for the cost," pleaded a woman’s voice, between sobs.
"Even a year’s pay couldn’t cover it, you stupid girl."
"Please, Mr. Young, I’ll do anything you want, but let me stay."
A lecherous laugh followed. "Suddenly willing, are you, you slut… We’ll put this to the test tomorrow. Get back to work." A door was slammed. Only the sobbing of the young woman remained.
When the first wave of terror of the girl hit Yuen-mong, she closed her eyes. It was only Atun’s firm grip on her hand that kept her from scaling the gate and rush to the young woman’s rescue.
"Come, let’s go. You can’t right every wrong, Yuen-mong," he murmured, pulling her along.
After a few steps, she stopped and said: "No, I cannot, but this girl may be useful to us. I felt a kinship with her, as if she were a strong empath. Let’s stick around and wait until she quits work."
"And then do what? I don’t think we should take any more risks. We were lucky so far, and I’m for getting out as quickly as possible before we’re caught."
"Look, it’s already five thirty. Don’t the commuting domestics have to be out by six?"
"How do you know she’s not a live-in?"
"Because he said ‘we’ll put this to the test tomorrow’. If she lived in, he would abuse her tonight. Look, Atun. I can feel it if somebody gets suspicious about us, and we can then disappear. And don’t worry, I will wait until she is outside before I approach her."
"But let’s move on. It’ll look suspicious if we linger around."
"Yes, we can wait at the service gate. I will recognize her when she comes."
"How can you? We didn’t see her."
"No, but by her state of mind."
They had no difficulties finding the service gate. There were regular signs at all major street intersections giving directions. As six o’clock approached, there were throngs of people rushing to the gate to get out before the curfew time. They stood near the gate. Yuen-mong kept her eyes closed. A bell sounded as some last stragglers ran to get out.
"She hasn’t come yet. What happens if somebody is late?"
"They get two warnings and the third time they’re fined heavily. Two fines and they’re barred from working in the Sanctum."
"How do you know all that?"
"It’s all spelled out on the board behind you. Why did you ask me in the first place?"
"Because I knew that you knew." She smiled at him and he responded, shaking his head.
"I should have known," he mused. "Let’s go."
"No, I think it’s the girl hurrying up the street. She is agitated. It’s probably not the first time she is late. Let’s meet her and take her through our gate."
She did not give him a chance to protest and went to intercept the young woman.
"I can feel that you’re distressed," she said softly, letting her feel compassion, trying to soothe her fear. "I will help you get out without a fine. Come, trust me." She put her hand on the girl’s shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly, and led her to the residents’ gate farther over. The attendant nodded politely as Yuen-mong presented her thumb to the reader and the other two did the same, and they passed through unhindered.
Once outside, the young woman could not manage to hold back her tears. "Honorable lady, I don’t know how to thank you."
"No thanks are expected. What’s your name?"
"Anouk Olsen, my lady."
"I’m Yuen-mong Shen and this is Atun Caruna. I would like to talk to you." She instantly sensed Anouk’s renewed fear and let her feel empathy.
"I really thank you from my heart, but my mother will be worried if I’m home late."
"Anouk, I know that you’re frightened. Can you not feel my goodwill toward you?"
The young woman looked at her surprised.
"Don’t you know that you are an empath? … Listen to my mind. What do you feel?"
"I don’t understand."
"Close your eyes, and let your heart sense the feelings that reach you. What are they?"
The girl reopened her eyes in sudden understanding. "I feel warmth."
"And what feelings did Mr. Young convey to you this afternoon that were worse than his words and his blows?"
The girl burst into tears.
"You see. You can sense the feelings of other people around you. You can sense that this man over there," she looked to the right, where a man was standing, apparently waiting, "is impatient and annoyed without even seeing his face. Right?"
Anouk nodded.
"I could sense your distress and the horrible thoughts of Mr. Young this afternoon too when I was standing outside the gate, and that’s why I want to help you."
Anouk’s eyes opened wide and then she lowered her gaze in shame, biting her lips.
"It’s all right, Anouk. Don’t go back to Mr. Young tomorrow."
"But I need work and he threatened —"
"I know. I can offer you work. I will teach you to develop your skills as an empath and then you will help me." When she sensed again the girl’s heightened fear, she added: "We only arrived in Androma two days ago and need somebody with local knowledge. Do you want us to talk to your mother about it first?"
The girl nodded again.
"Then take us to her."
She still hesitated.
"You can trust Yuen-mong," said Atun, smiling at the girl, "she means you no harm."
That seemed to sway her. The words of a man carry more weight than empathy of a woman, mused Yuen-mong.
"I take the underground. Maybe the lady and the gentlemen would prefer a taxi."
"No, we follow you. I have never been in the underground … and Anouk, please call me Yuen-mong."
The girl blushed deeply and then led the way. She remained anxious, avoiding eye contact, but readily answered their questions. They learned that she lived with her mother and older brother, both employed by one of the UniCom manufacturing subsidiaries. The job with the Young’s was her first — she had only started a few weeks earlier — and everybody had told her how fortunate she was to get such a good job. Yuen-mong had no need to probe further to sense the girl’s fear of Mr. Young and her despair.
Half-an hour later, they exited in one of the IC townships. When Anouk entered the apartment, they heard a woman’s voice. "Anouk, is that you? You’re late. Did you get fined again?"
"No, mother," she replied and then turning to Yuen-mong and Atun, she said: "Please, come in. I apologize, but our apartment is very small." She shifted two chairs from the dining table, pointing at them: "Please."
A middle-aged blonde woman appeared at the opening that must lead into the kitchen. "Who’s this? Haven’t I told you not to talk to strangers?"
The girl looked down embarrassed, again biting her lips, and Yuen-mong came to her rescue: "Mrs. Olson, this is not Anouk’s fault, but ours. I’m Yuen-mong Shen and this is Atun Caruna. We happened to be at the gate when your daughter just missed the curfew because Mr. Young had not allowed her to leave on time." She did not know whether this was the case, but it seemed highly likely. "We also witnessed how Mr. Young abuse
d your daughter —"
"You again didn’t do your job properly, you clumsy girl," the woman interrupted, looking sternly at her daughter.
Yuen-mong sensed the mother’s mixture of fear and annoyance. "Mrs. Olson, I don’t think this was the reason. Mr. Young seems to have rather dishonorable designs on your daughter —"
"You naughty girl, what did you do to cause that?" the woman shouted at her daughter.
The girl literally shrank back. Yuen-mong again put her hand reassuringly on her shoulder. "I know you behaved properly," she murmured and then turned back to the older woman: "Mrs. Olson, I ask you not to interrupt me again until I have said what I want to say —"
"Who’re you to barge into my apartment without being asked? I’ll deal with my daughter how I see fit."
"I’m Yuen-mong Shen, the granddaughter of Chen Young, and I ask you to show me the respect that I show you."
The woman’s posture instantly slumped into subservience, and she dropped her gaze. She bowed several times, while the girl looked at Yuen-mong with frightened eyes.
"Please forgive me, honorable lady. I didn’t know. Anouk’s still so young she sometimes forgets to show proper respect. Please, tell me what you want from us."
"Anouk showed us proper respect, Mrs. Olson. She is a good girl. And what I would like from you is not to send her back to Mr. Young. We only arrived on Andromatis a few days ago and need help. We would like to have your daughter work for us and to prove that our offer is serious, We are willing to pay six months wages in advance." She could sense the woman’s greed momentarily get the upper hand before fear reasserted itself. "And don’t be afraid of Mr. Young. I will deal with that myself."
"Honorable lady, I humbly thank you for your gracious generosity. If you’ll advise Mr. Young, my daughter will be happy to work for you."
"Mrs. Olson, it’s your daughter who has to decide that for herself." She turned back to the girl, who was crimson, her eyes cast down. "Anouk, look at me. Are you willing to work for us?"
"Yes, my lady," she murmured, dropping her gaze again.
"Good, I’m glad… How much did Mr. Young pay you?"
"Fo —"
"Fifty credits per day," interrupted her mother.
Yuen-mong knew that the mother was lying. She also sensed the daughter’s increased distress and smiled at her. "We are willing to pay the same." She turned to Atun. "Do you agree?"
"Certainly."
"Then it’s settled. Anouk, come and see us tomorrow at the Androma Interplanetary at around nine in the morning and we’ll arrange the transfer of your wages and talk about your duties.
"Yes, my lady. Thank you, my lady."
"Whom do we have to contact about giving notice to Mr. Young?"
"The Foundation domestic employment service, my lady."
Both women bowed and thanked repeatedly, as Yuen-mong and Atun left.
"Are you sure you did the right thing? What if she’s unsuitable?" asked Atun, as they walked back to the underground station.
"I’m confident she will work out well, and if she doesn’t, we have saved her from my cousin’s clutches."
"Yes. I must admit I had no idea that the common people on Andromatis were so much at the mercy of the Foundation. You only had to mention the name Young and the mother almost went down on her knees."
"Doesn’t that name get the same reaction on Palo?"
"No, it gets polite respect, but no more."
"I think I might like Palo better than Andromatis. Will you take me there and show me around when we have finished here?"
"I would love that." He kissed her cheek. "Am I right to think that the mother lied about the daily wage rate?"
"Yes, but it doesn’t matter. Once the girl has developed her skills as an empath, I’m sure she will find much better paying jobs. I remember my mother saying that they are sought after for counseling and if my father’s invention works, she will be in even higher demand. This reminds me, shouldn’t we look for other accommodations, at least until I can move into my own house?"
"Are you thinking of somewhere in the Sanctum?"
"No, in the BD."
"Yes, a place that offers good security and several paths of escape if need be."
"Ah, you are thinking survival too… Maybe Syd Twan could help us."
"He may want to know why we need security. I’d rather not involve anybody else, and we still know little about him."
"I guess you’re right. I added him to my list."
"Why?"
"He was deeply in love with my mother and —"
"I see, jealousy."
"Yes, although I have a good feeling about him."
"I hope not too good."
"Do I detect jealousy too?"
"Yes. I noticed that he eyed you with more than just casual interest. He seemed to be completely taken with you … and he’s rich, influential, and a Foundation member. He can offer you all that."
"I sensed that his interest was more than casual, but I think it was only because of his love for my mother. Don’t you think he’s married?"
"No, he wasn’t wearing a ring, and as far as I know Foundation Families strictly stick to the practice of wearing wedding bands."
"Atun, please don’t worry. I chose you." However, she felt that he remained perturbed.
13
The hotel reception notified them at exactly nine o’clock that Anouk Olson was asking for them. A few minutes later she knocked at their door.
"Did you sleep well, Anouk?" Yuen-mong asked her, somewhat surprised that she was wearing the uniform of a domestic.
"Thank you, my lady. Yes, much better."
"Please, don’t call me my lady. I’m hardly older than you. Call me by my first name, Yuen-mong."
"It wouldn’t be proper, my lady."
"Even if I wish it?"
The girl blushed.
"Atun will now arrange for the transfer of your first six-month pay."
"Yuen-mong …" Anouk started hesitantly, "my mother lied when she said I got fifty credits."
"I know, Anouk. We empaths always know when somebody lies. However, We are willing to pay you fifty a day." The girl smiled embarrassed, but visibly relieved.
Yuen-mong watched Atun make the transfer. Then she said: "Anouk, I would like that you wear normal clothing when you are with us, not this uniform. Let’s go shopping." When she sensed her concern, she added: "I will pay for it."
Anouk’s expression was a cross between gratitude and embarrassment.
They went to the big department store underneath the hotel and bought elegant slacks, a skirt, and several tops. When they returned, Atun looked at her in surprise. The transformation was indeed startling. Not only was the girl beaming with pleasure, but the clothes enhanced her good figure and made her look taller.
While Atun searched the business directory for firms that might be able to produce the equipment necessary for instantcom, Yuen-mong took Anouk through a series of exercises she had done with her mother to strengthen empathic perceptions. It quickly confirmed that the girl had an exceptional talent and, what was more, that she enjoyed doing the exercises. They laughed a lot. Yuen-mong gave her a number of additional exercises to do on her own and dismissed her around noon.
In the afternoon, she accompanied Atun on checking out a number of small electronics outfits. While he assessed their technical ability, she checked out their emotional credibility and trustworthiness, assets that were at least as important if not more.
When they returned from this errand in the late afternoon, there was a message for them to contact Syd Twan urgently. It turned out that he had arranged to introduce Yuen-mong to her grandfather, Chen Young, and several other close relatives that Friday evening at six o‘clock. She checked whether it was for a meal and he said "yes". They agreed that he would pick her up in the hotel lobby at five thirty.
She sensed that Atun was apprehensive about it. "Atun, this first time I will go alone, but from then on, it wi
ll either be both of us or neither."
"Oh, it’s only fitting that you meet them alone. It’s not that. I’m just uneasy about the whole thing. I don’t trust them and I’m afraid of what they might try to do."
"Syd Twan will be there. He will protect my rights."
"Yuen-mong, I don’t put much trust in that. I think that you’ll have to do it yourself, but then nobody is more capable to do that than you."
She went to him and put her arms around his neck. "I’m glad I’m your woman." She offered him her lips. "Let’s relax in the spa pool and then find a good restaurant."
She disengaged, laughing when he tried to hold on to her, and started undressing him.
* * *
Friday morning, Atun went to a medical center to get a six-month sterilization shot, while Yuen-mong continued her training of Anouk, including changing her posture to a healthier upright stance. By the time they separated, she already noticed a visible increase in the girl’s self-confidence. Even Atun remarked on it after Anouk had left.
They spent the afternoon inspecting half a dozen apartments in some of the quieter districts of the BD. In the end they settled on two luxury units in the same building, one for themselves offering a quiet view over a park, the other for Anouk facing another building. Access to all apartments was from an open courtyard, and the two apartments were located on opposite sides on level three. The building had four staircases and four sets of lifts, all located at the corners of the building, offering thus several escape routes.
The idea was that Anouk would rent the unit independently on her own account, its rent refunded by them, and they would use her second bedrooms as their office and workroom. To overcome Anouk’s lack of credit rating, she would pay three-months rent in advance. By being sufficiently circumspect, they hoped that this arrangement would remain undiscovered and, if any attempts were made to raid their unit, nothing about their quest would be found.
* * *
At 5:30 Yuen-mong was waiting for Syd Twan in the hotel lobby. She had her hair done again in a French bun with two long white pins forming a cross, and she was wearing her mother’s ceremonial dress that fitted her perfectly.