by Jac Eddins
"The storm subsided and a sailing ship came at us. Some actually believed we had died and it was a ghost ship to take us to another world." She gave a deep chuckle. "In a way it was. The Aquans boarded us and at first we were terrified of them. They took our wounded aboard their ship and tended them. We didn’t lose another person!
"A big Aquan came and picked me up, as gently as you can imagine. I was curious about his skin and touched his cheek. He laughed and promised me we'd all be fine. They brought us all here. They wouldn’t interfere outside, even though they did sympathize with us, and they wouldn’t attempt to take us back to our own world until the war was over. When it was, they had only one man who wanted to return to the outworld. Funny thing, six months later he returned to Dath with his wife and two children."
"Are there many humans – Terrans – here?"
"There are over a million people in the domes. About a tenth are Terran. Most are descended from people who were rescued from death at sea and brought here, some from as long ago as the seventh century."
Gina gave a low exclamation. "The Aquans have been here that long?"
"Indeed. When they first came here they tried meeting the humans, but they were either hailed as gods or chased as demons. That was the origin of many native legends. The Aquan elders decided to settle here under the sea, out of the way, until the Terrans developed more of a civilization. They like it down here. Our sun is difficult for them to take. It’s brighter than theirs was."
Muriela stood and backed away to get the full view. She scanned Gina from head to toe. "Beautiful, if I do say so myself!"
"I wish I could see it." Gina sighed. Don’t Aquans believe in mirrors?"
Muriela chuckled and went to the control panel where Dano had showed Gina the window knob. A second dial turned and one side wall slid aside to reveal a large section of mirror. "They forget to show you all the little things. I guess because they’re so used to them."
Gina had never owned such a lovely gown. If she had this for her senior prom she would have turned a few heads! Gina turned back to the smiling woman with a slight frown. "How do I, well, pay you for this?"
Muriela laughed. "You don’t. It’s all taken care of. And, if you’ll trust my judgment, you can pick up the rest of your wardrobe tomorrow at my shop. You’ll need more than that one for your stay here."
"But–"
"You’re a guest of Dath! Enjoy it."
Gina shook her head. "It’s hard to believe this is all happening."
Muriela’s round figure jiggled when she laughed. "Just be careful of that rascal, Dano! He’s a heart breaker!"
Gina flushed.
"I’m teasing," Muriela smiled. "But I’d better get back to my shop. Rono’s probably had six cups of coffee already and that means at least a dozen stops on the way back."
Moments later Muriela had gone. Gina smiled at her image, admiring her gown in the mirror. She really liked that woman.
* * * *
A knock on her door turned out to be a messenger with word from Dano to be ready in an hour. Precisely one hour later he arrived, dashing in his black garb with gold trimmed cape. His broad grin let her know her dress pleased him. They took the elevator down to a lower floor where they entered a large room. There a group of Aquans lounged, awaiting the call to dinner.
Other than the tint of their skins, it might have been any elegant dinner party in the home of some wealthy magnate back in the States. Dano greeted several of the couples and introduced her. Without exception they welcomed her with smiles and warmth
An Aquan, in the dark red costume Gina had learned signified those who served the Queen, opened a double door to the dining room and the other guests slowly made their way toward it, still chatting with the partners on their arms. Smiling, Dano took her arm. The entry door burst open with such force the sound caused everyone in the room to pause and look.
A tall Aquan woman dressed in a gown of shimmering metallic gold strode in on the arm of an Aquan officer. She held her head high and surveyed the crowd with an air of disdain. The pair swept past the others who waited, sending them stepping back out of the way. The woman spotted Dano and turned to her escort.
"I see my brother has included some of his pets again."
Many of the other guests bowed their heads in embarrassment, pretending they hadn’t heard. Dano drew himself to his full height, patted Gina’s arm and escorted her, proudly, into the next room.
The formal dining room sparkled with crystal and gold. One table crossed the far side of the room and two more, at right angles to it, stretched toward the door where they entered. Dano led her to the table on their left and seated her in the chair on the end nearest the head table.
In the center of the cross table, slightly raised from the rest, sat a white haired Aquan woman of unusual beauty and presence. She, too, dressed all in metallic gold. At her side, in black, with a short gold cape, sat Alaro. The woman who caused the stir on entering, sat on the woman’s other side. When everyone had found their places a guardsman rang a small crystal bell. All rose and bowed their heads, hands over their hearts.
"To our Queen," the guardsman announced.
Each place setting had a filled crystal goblet before it. Each guest took up a goblet and raised it in toast. Dano motioned for Gina to do likewise.
"To the health of Jorlanda, Queen of Dath," the guardsman said, and all drank.
Gina found the dinner everything a royal banquet should be. She and Dano had a different meal from that of the others and she recalled his comment on Aquan food. He seemed to read her mind, laughed and murmured, "Be glad we didn’t get the same as the others!"
When the meal finished, the Queen rose and all followed her example. While the guests gathered in small groups about the room, servants appeared and quickly cleared the tables, then returned to remove the tables themselves. A servant brought in a cart laden with bottles of liquors and cordials. He served them to the guests according to individual tastes while the guests milled about chatting. The Queen visited a moment or two with each group.
Gina trembled a bit when the Queen approached them. How did one speak to a Queen?
"Well, Dano," the Queen said on joining them, "What mischief have you and my son been up to now? Is this the young lady you abducted and brought here?"
"This is Gina, Mother," Alaro said, joining them. "And I am equally guilty in this."
The Queen reached out and took Gina’s hand. "Are you all right, dear? I want to know if you have any problem during your stay with us. Please forgive these impulsive young men. They meant to protect our people and no harm to you." The Queen looked her up and down with an approving smile, then turned to Dano. "I can see why you wanted to keep her, you young rascal! But misbehave and you will be severely punished."
"We just wanted her to see why she must keep our secret," Alaro protested.
Queen Jorlanda smiled. "I’m sure she will understand."
The younger woman in gold swept up beside them. She gave Alaro a condescending smile. "Are you curious, brother? Is the new one for you or your faithful – companion?"
Alaro’s face darkened in anger. "You will apologize to my guest," he said.
"I will not."
The Queen stepped in. "You will, or you will leave this gathering. That was completely unwarranted."
"Good night, then, Mother." The woman spun on her heel and left the room immediately, slamming the door behind her.
"I apologize for Iola," the Queen said. "She is still angered that I chose Alaro to succeed me to the throne and will do anything to embarrass or hurt him. I hope she will soon outgrow it."
"And if she does not?" Alaro asked.
The Queen shook her head sadly. "I pray it will not come to that."
One of the servants arrived with a message for the Queen and she excused herself. Once she had gone, Alaro spoke to Dano and Gina. "I apologize, as well. I should have known Iola would do something to spoil Gina’s visit here."
&n
bsp; "I just hope that’s all of it," Dano replied.
Gina just stared at Alaro. "You, are the queen’s son?"
Alaro laughed. "That’s what she tells me. Don’t let Iola ruin your evening. The music is beginning and there’ll be dancing. Very few of our people feel as my sister does. Mostly she will hate whatever I love. Come and meet my kyra ... my wife, Kayahla. Enjoy this night."
CHAPTER 11
When the party ended, Dano took Gina back to her door. For a moment Gina sensed he was going to kiss her and her pulses raced. As if he suddenly caught himself, he paused, took a deep breath and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. He smiled wistfully, it seemed to her, and bade her ‘good night’.
Once back in her room, Gina prepared for bed. The evening had been a young girl’s dream, with an elegant gown, a ball, and dancing away the evening with a handsome escort. She turned in the movements of the waltz while she undressed. Once again some inner voice warned her to go more slowly with Dano, but she feared she had already fallen in love with him. Hearts were remarkably resistant to reason.
Before she slept she had to take one more look out over the city to prove to herself she wasn't dreaming. She opened the louvers and found, to her surprise, night had fallen. The lights all along the many tiers had dimmed and the bustle of the market vanished. It solved one problem for her; she could tell day from night after all.
Gina slept well, but woke early and dressed. The excitement and her curiosity had her eager for the day ahead. If only she had a cup of tea, or knew where to go for one.
As if in answer, someone knocked at her door. She opened it to find Dano, again dashing in his black and gold garb.
"Dressed already?" he asked.
Gina had the impression he’d have rather found her in her nightdress. Well, he was a man. "I’ve been up an hour. Do they have breakfast here?"
Dano laughed. "Come along. We’ll have something to eat and then we’ll see some sights. Alaro allowed me a day off from work to show you around."
"Do I lock my door?"
"It isn’t necessary, but you can if you feel better about it. There's a guard on duty and we have very little crime in Dath. Leaving it unlocked helps the housekeepers when they clean and makeup the bed."
Gina left the door unlocked and Dano smiled. They took the elevator to a lower floor and entered a large cafeteria room with booths, tables and chairs. Dano led her to a nicely upholstered booth.
"How hungry are you?"
Gina laughed. "Depends on the menu. Fish and seaweed?"
Dano joined her laughter. "Scrambled eggs?"
"Fine."
He held up two fingers in a gesture to the young Aquan woman approaching them. She turned and went back to the food preparation area. Dano and Gina had little chance to talk before the woman returned with a tray of coffee, cream and sugar, and toast.
"Your eggs will be ready in a moment. Would you prefer bacon, ham or sausage this morning?" the woman asked them.
"Bacon," Dano answered and looked to Gina.
Gina nodded agreement and the woman left them again. "You have bacon? I thought you said–"
"I told you, the palace serves both Aquan and Terran food. Many of the representatives from the outer domes are Terran. It wouldn’t do to starve our lawmakers."
"But, bacon? How–"
"Some of those outer domes are Terran farms. What we don’t raise ourselves we bring in on the Seabird."
"So that’s why–"
"A number of things are easier to import than raise or make here, but mostly we bring in Terran specialties on the ship. Especially wines and liquors. Aquans may not think much of our food, but they do love our drinks!"
They finished an excellent breakfast, then Dano led her back out.
"No check?" Gina looked back to see if an irate waitress followed them.
Dano grinned. "Of course not. This is for the palace staff and those of the government. Even outside, all basic food is free. It’s only when you want special, exotic foods there’s any charge."
They left the palace and took one of the small open vehicles to the Transportation Center. The station lay on the outer edge of the dome along with the various stores and boutiques. It was no wider than any of the shops, but extended a distance sufficient for fourteen gateways with steps leading down to small waiting rooms. Above each gate, in large English lettering, signs announced the destinations: Makresh, Tinoth, Nabib, Chicago.
"Chicago?" Gina asked in amused surprise.
Dano nodded. "Many of the domes have to be reached through exchanges. Chicago is the main transfer station to go on to most of the Terran domes. An American sailor rescued in your World War II suggested that name. From what we’ve learned since, it’s appropriate."
"Is that where we’re going?"
He shook his head. "This time to Makresh."
The couple entered the gate and descended to the lower level by escalator. In the waiting room below, the left side had a long comfortable looking seat. Two Aquan men and a woman sat there. Dano led Gina to an open section of the seat, but, before they could sit down, a bell rang. It reminded Gina of the old timer on her mother’s kitchen oven.
A section of the far side wall slid open and a vehicle of sorts slid into the room. It appeared something of a cross between a small bus and a space shuttle. A door in its side opened and the waiting Aquans hurried to enter it. Dano took Gina’s hand and led her aboard. On one side stretched a row of double seats, on the other side, single seats. They sat in one of the doubles. Another pair of Aquan women came running to catch the transport. By the time they had seated themselves the bell rang again and the car door closed.
The shuttle eased forward and the wall opposite its entry opened.
Gina surveyed the small car with some suspicion. "This isn’t like a roller coaster, is it? I’m warning you, after just eating, it’ll make me whoops all over."
"Roller coaster? Whoops?"
Gina gave a little laugh. ‘Whoops’ is slang for getting sick."
"But, why–"
"A roller coaster is a ride in an amusement park."
"Like Disneyland? We’ve seen that on the television."
"Yes. Like that. They go up and down very fast. They’re very exciting."
Dano shook his head slowly and grinned. "It seems Outworlders love to be frightened when they know there’s no real danger. But this car doesn’t go very fast and it has no sharp drops."
The car had no restraining bars or holding devices and Gina gave a sigh of relief. Dano removed a fuzzy brown blanket from a box built into the back of the seat ahead of them and pulled it over them.
Gina began a protest, but held back when she saw the other passengers wrapping up, too. She still wasn’t sure she wanted to be that cozy with a man she scarcely knew, although she doubted she was in any danger with the other people present. "Is this necessary?"
"Much more comfortable. The transportation tubes aren’t heated and it can get pretty chilly."
"I noticed it’s cool here. Isn’t that odd, considering we’re in the tropic sea?"
"We try to keep the domes about seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit during the day and let it cool to sixty-two at night. The sea temperature outside the dome is about thirty-nine, except near the thermal vents. Those can run as high as seven hundred, but their heat dissipates quickly away from the fissures."
A sharp whistle interrupted them and a speaker blared, "Ready for departure. Please remain seated while the car is in motion. Arrival in Makresh University Dome in forty-five minutes."
"University Dome?"
Dano smiled. "The Aquans came here in three spaceships. Dath was the largest, and it was converted to the city here. University Dome is a little smaller. It’s another short trip from there to the third ship. That one’s where they apply the sciences."
The car glided slowly and smoothly through the opening. The wall closed behind them and left them in complete darkness except for the lights in the vehicle itself.
"Safety airlocks," Dano explained.
"Is there some risk?"
"No, but we don’t take any chances."
The car moved on. It felt as if it sloped down for several minutes before leveling off again. Gina gave an involuntary gasp and Dano slipped his arm about her. She didn’t argue; his warmth comforted and assured her.
"The passages have double walls," he told her, "but they aren’t filled with the gel the way the dome walls are. What you see is the actual ocean. Watch."
Gina turned to the small, porthole-like window beside her seat. He had scarcely said the words when she saw what appeared to be a luminescent string moving along beside them. A moment later a pulsing rainbow of color turned out to be a jellyfish.
"It’s lovely!"
"You can take a nap, too, if you like" he told her. "Other than watching the occasional sea life there’s nothing much to do except listen to the music." He rested his head back against the seat and closed his eyes.
Before she could ask ‘what music?’ the soft strains of a melody filled the shuttle. The other passengers appeared to be doing just as Dano. When in Rome–
She woke to Dano’s insistent call. "Come on, sleepyhead. Unless you want to make the return trip right now."
For all she could tell, the station might have been the same one from which they departed. This time they took the up escalator and emerged into a much smaller transport center. The interior of the dome appeared similar to Dath, but somewhat smaller. The center area, where the market and palace would have been, contained a series of lower buildings, about three stories in height.
One of the first things Gina noted was the presence of children, and she realized she had not seen any Aquan young until now. Several groups of about a dozen, all accompanied by an adult, made their way along landscaped streets between the buildings. They ranged from the size of toddlers to nearly adult.
"This is where you get any answers," Dano smiled. "Makresh is the center of learning. In some of those buildings are computer files with all the records of the Aquans. If they have the information, it’s here somewhere."
A youthful Aquan dressed in a shade of dark amber approached them. "May I help you?"