The Sculpted Ship

  “I can live with that. It will take me a while to repay the Torrells' advance, but I'll do it. I've got the University job.”

  “No, I'm not going to let you do that to yourself, at least not without a fight.” Naomi stopped and thought for a moment. Then she pushed Anailu toward a chair. “Look, you just sit here and wait. I'll go talk to Dodato and see if maybe there's some alternative that allows you to keep your promise to the Torrells. Will you do that for me – will you promise to wait while I see what I can do?”

  Anailu's anger dropped a notch. She really didn't want to lose the job or disappoint the Torrells. She liked them both. “Yeah, I'll wait.” She sat down.

  “Good. Hang in there.” Naomi went back to the salon and closed the door behind her.

  Twenty minutes later, Anailu had calmed down, but she was just as determined. She had been thinking about leaving for about five minutes. Finally, Naomi came back out, closing the salon door behind her as she came. She knelt down in front of Anailu. “OK, I think I have a solution. I've convinced him to offer you another design of his, and for a lot less. I think you'll like it. The thing is...he won't give you this other design unless you take the first design, and he won't discount that one at all.”

  “You mean that if I want a useful uniform, I gotta buy that thing – and I have to pay him more just for the privilege?”

  “Well, sorta. But just think of the total as the cost of getting your uniform in time, because that's what it is. Remember, if you don't accept his design, you still have to pay half, just for his time.”

  Oh, boy. This sounded like it might blow out her budget. “How much is it?”

  Naomi gave her a quick hug. “I had him send a quote to your comm.”

  Anailu pulled out her comm. A new message was there, though it was actually from Tombes & Tollas. When she looked at it, she realized that if she paid this bill, there was no way she could buy the expensive comm system she wanted. There wouldn't even be enough left for the flaky system. “This isn't good. I still need to buy a comm system, and if I pay this, I won't be able to buy one that's meets the requirements.”

  “Well, if you don't buy an outfit, you won't have to buy the hardware, will you? Maybe you can ask for a bigger advance?”

  “I don't know.” Anailu thought for a minute. “What's this other design like?”

  “It's pretty conservative. Dodato doesn't think much of it, but I think you'll like it. It's worth a try, isn't it?”

  “OK, fine, let's go look at it.”

  “Yay! Oh, there's a couple more things. As soon as we go in, you will have to apologize to him for calling his design crap.”

  Anailu frowned.

  “Remember your training. Whatever you really think of it, you just don't say that sort of thing, especially not to an artist like Dodato. You especially don't shout it in their face.”

  “I suppose I could have handled that better.”

  “What about apologizing?”

  Anailu nodded. “OK, I'll do it.”

  “Good. The second thing is, you will have to promise to keep his masterpiece safe, and you have to promise to wear it.”

  At this Anailu raised her eyebrow.

  Naomi rolled her eyes. “You don't have to be specific about when you will wear it. I'd suggest promising him that you will wear it 'when the time is right.' He's an artist, so he'll want you to wear it where it will be appreciated.”

  Huh. The time will never be right, but I don't have to say that to his face. I just have to sacrifice a corner of my closet. I can do that.

  When Anailu was ready, they returned to the salon. Anailu walked up to Dodato. “Master Dodato, I apologize for my outburst. What I said was an expression of my shock and surprise, not my true feelings about your masterpiece.”

  Well, that was sort of true. I don't really think it's crap, I think it's shiny frou-frou garbage. Totally different.

  “Thank you for your effort and artistry in creating this special masterpiece for me. However, I don't think it's the right time for me to wear it yet. Is there any way you can assist me?”

  “My dear captain, no apology is necessary. This is not the first time my art has had a shocking effect upon first viewing. Before we discuss the other matter, I wish to bring some special details to your attention. I believe you, especially, will find them of interest.” He walked with her toward the silver-feathered monster. “I intended for these feathers to be made of silver-chrome, the same material as the classic hull plating of the ship you showed me. It is not very common. I was only able to acquire a small sample of it, enough for two feathers, so I made this long feather, here, on the right hip, and the matching one here, on the left hip – these are made of silver-chrome armor. As part of the repair instructions, I will be including instructions and specifications for replacing the rest of the silver feathers with silver-chrome.”

  Anailu had to admit that was...actually sorta cool. It was also a little insane to do that just for clothing. Silver-chrome armor wasn't used much any more because of the cost and difficulty of working with it, when there were much cheaper alternatives that were almost as good.

  Dodato picked up the cloak from another clothing stand. “You might also note that the feathers of the cloak are made of iridium-plastic ceramic, the same material as the Silver Queen's hull.”

  That was a nice touch too. It was also insane. Even Untsala knew that IPC was hard to work with. If only it wasn't feathers on a crazy cloak...

  He placed the cloak back on the mannequin. “The primary release for the cloak is this bio-locked control, here on the collar.” He touched the control, and the cloak fell again, this time into his hands. “You may also configure it for wear under a spacesuit.” He touched another control, and the silver jumpsuit transformed. The wings folded in to cover the open back, the high heels of the boots disappeared into the sole, and all the dangling skirt-parts pulled in to conform to the legs of the suit. Anailu hadn't noticed before, but the long wig of the mannequin actually had silver-feathered wraps around it at intervals. At the same time the suit had transformed, the hair had actually wrapped and coiled itself up into some complex hairdo that might actually fit in a suit helmet.

  OK, that wasn't entirely impractical, but still, a wig? How to be polite about it? “I prefer to display only my own hair.”

  “Ah, yes, I apologize for the misunderstanding, I was just coming to that. My design accommodates most any hair length, this is merely a wig for the mannequin to demonstrate the accessory.

  “I designed a full suite of accessories, but I was only able to construct a few of them. The hair controller is based on a design I've used before, to great success. I also completed these.” He reached behind the screen to a small table, and turned back holding a pair of silver-feathered holsters – with pistols in them. As he brought them toward Anailu, he suddenly hesitated, as if he was having second thoughts about handing them to her. Naomi intercepted him and took the holstered pistols from him. “Oh, these are wonderful, Anailu, don't you agree?”

  What, did they think i would shoot Dodato? Of course I wouldn't! OK, I probably wouldn't....

  Aloud, she said, “Oh, yes, they're very well made.”

  Naomi handed the holstered pistols back to Dodato, who placed them back on the table, picking up another item and handing it to Anailu. It was a silver-feathered captain's wallet, much nicer than the plain one she'd bought. She almost hated to admit it, but she actually liked this one small piece of Dodato's design. Quietly, she said, “I...like this very much.”

  She held onto the wallet.

  Naomi raised an eyebrow at Dodato, who jumped a little. “Ah, yes, well, the rest of the ensemble's designs will be included in your dataset, so you may consider them at your leisure. Perhaps it's time to move onto the...alternate...design.” He touched a control, and the holographic Anailu was suddenly wearing a soft, fairly plain dark gray top and pants, with normal, black belt and boots. The arms, legs, and torso were fully covered. The t
op was a little loose, but not overly so. The pants were form-fitting. As she looked, she noticed there was a subtle, silvery pattern of feathers in the belt. Then she saw it was continued in the cloth and boots. It was subtle enough that she hadn't even noticed it at first.

  Dodato gestured to the holo. “This was a design that came to me early in the process. I respected that inspiration by completing the design, but even as I worked, I realized it was an insufficient, only worthy of a lesser designer, not a true Artist. It never would have seen the light of day, were it not for the...guidance...of your companion and your immediate need. Perhaps this is something appropriate for your upcoming affair?”

  Anailu nodded slowly, still looking at the holo. Yes, this was the type of uniform she'd been hoping for. Professional. Classy. Low-key. “Yes, I like it.”

  Dodato sniffed. “The facilities on your ship are capable of constructing this design, including weaving the fabrics required.”

  Wait, what? Anailu hadn't realized the ship's laundry could make fabrics.

  Dodato was continuing. “In light of my error which required the exhumation of this unworthy design, I shall give you full rights to this ensemble.”

  Naomi gasped.

  Anailu wasn't sure why Naomi thought it was a big deal, but just in case, she said, “Thank you for your generosity.”

  Dodato nodded slowly. “And now, if you ladies would retire from the salon, I will prepare my masterpiece for transport.”

  Naomi took Anailu's hand and guided her out of the salon. As soon as the door was closed behind them, Naomi whispered. “I can't believe he gave you full rights! I've never heard of any top-level designer doing that.”

  Anailu asked, “Why is that important?”

  “I'll explain when we're done here. Now, this is when we pay him, through Mr. Tombes. In theory, the artist is giving you his artwork, unsullied by commercialism. That's why you don't mention price to him. In reality, you pay the artist through an agent.”

  They came back to the main area of Tombes & Tollas. Mr. Tombes was waiting there, and guided them into another small sitting room. Once they were all there and seated comfortably, he presented a normal credit reader. “Madam, I apologize for the confusion. I should have instructed you in what to expect from an artist such as Dodato, and how to guide him. I am pleased that you were able to reach an understanding with him.”

  The invoice had only one item which merely read “Services,” but the amount was the same as the quote she'd looked at before, so she signed it.

  Mr. Tombes said, “Thank you, Madam. I believe Dodato has a package ready for you. Do you wish us to deliver it somewhere?”

  “No, I'll be taking it with me.”

  “Very good, madam. Then Dodato is ready in his studio, if you please.” He gestured toward the main room.

  All three got up and returned to the main room. Mr. Tombes led the way back to the salon doors and opened both doors for them. Inside, Dodato was awaiting them next to a tall chest with the Dodato logo emblazoned on the side. He returned Anailu's personal scan and hair sample, thanking Anailu for allowing him to borrow them. Then he gestured to the chest. “I present to you a gift of my art, made for you and you alone to wear.”

  Anailu thanked him. He came toward Anailu, who put her hand up for a handshake. Instead, he embraced Anailu and kissed her on both cheeks. Anailu was still in shock as he stood back and bowed. She recovered enough to return the bow. Mr. Tollas took the handle of the storage chest. That activated its CG, and he pulled it along behind Anailu and Naomi as they went out through the still open salon doors, across the front room, and out the front doors, which were being held open by the butler. Outside, the van was parked with the cargo door already open. Mr. Tollas slid the chest into the van. Anailu thanked him, got in the van with Naomi, and left.

  Chapter 15: But Wait, There's More

  On the way back to the University, Naomi explained that at the top level of fashion design, it was very rare for a designer to completely give a design to anyone. If the ensemble was intended to be unique, they gave use-rights to that one person, with enough rights and data to repair the clothes, as well as to duplicate the ensemble for personal use.

  If a design was not intended to be entirely unique, such as allowing uniforms for staff or crew, then that specific permission was included in the rights transfer. A top level designer giving away full rights to a design was rare.

  Anailu was curious about why Dodato was on Doran, but Naomi didn't have an answer for that. She thought it was most likely some personal matter. Naomi pointed out that she had chosen to come to Doran herself.

  At the University, Anailu unloaded the storage crate from the van. Naomi was excited for Anailu to go and try on her new Dodato so she could see it.

  Anailu was a little nonplussed. “Naomi, it's going to take time for the laundry to make it. I don't even know how quickly it can weave the cloth, much less tailor the uniform.”

  “No, no. I mean the real Dodato, the other one.”

  Anailu frowned, annoyed. “We already went over this once today. I said I wasn't wearing that thing until I was 'in the right mental state.' Well, I'm still not in the 'right mental state' and I don't plan to be in the 'right mental state' anytime soon!”

  Naomi was disappointed. “Oh. I thought you just meant you wouldn't wear it out in public. I'm sorry, Anailu.”

  “It's alright, just don't ask me to wear it.”

  “Noooo problem. Um, do you mind if I come with you and help you navigate through your new things for the first time? That chest is more than just storage for clothes, you know.”

  “Um, what? No, I didn't know. What do you mean?”

  Naomi looked gleeful. “Oh, you'll see. Let's go to your cabin and I'll show you!”

  They took the storage chest up to Anailu's cabin, though the chest was large enough that there wasn't enough space for both of them in the lift with it. When they put the chest into her closet, she realized there must be standard dimensions for chests, because it fitted right into the closet matching up to lockdown points and a power outlet.

  At Naomi's request, Anailu unlocked and opened the chest. The front split down the middle, opening wide.

  Naomi nodded in approval as she surveyed the contents. “There's Dodato's masterpiece. You see the separate sealed, climate controlled spaces for each piece of clothing. This chest has spaces for the second ensemble and all of the accessories.”

  Naomi took a closer look at the empty clothing compartments, then opened it. “Wait a second. Now, that's cool! I think he packed in all the raw materials for the second design.” Naomi got out the containers of materials and handed them to Anailu. “If this is everything, your laundry should be able to get started as soon as you load them in.”

  There were also two smaller boxes down in the bottom. On seeing these, Naomi rubbed her hands together and cackled evilly. “When I went in to talk with him, I tried to channel Mother, since she's good at getting Artists to do what she wants. You don't try to get them to discount their art, but you can convince them to throw in free extras. Since he gave you the double-size case and the raw materials, I succeeded even better than I hoped.” Naomi leaned down and pulled out the two boxes. “But these are what I really wanted to get Dodato to include. I, ah, sort of assumed you might not have your own. Besides, even if you already had them, every girl can use more than one.” She carried the boxes over to the dressing table. The boxes also appeared to match mounting positions on the table, each with its own power feeds. “My dear, these are the tools that make life as a civilized woman truly livable: your painter and your styler.” She activated each box, and they opened up into what first appeared to Anailu to be specialized torture devices. Then she realized she'd actually seen something like them before, once or twice.

  The “painter” was an automated system for facial care and makeup application. The user rested her head on the device. It would scan the face, and if it was close enough to the programmed face,
it would proceed to follow the selected program, applying skin treatments or makeup automatically, all based on a program. As your face changed over time, or if you wanted to set it up for another user, you would alter the program or load a new one.

  The “styler” followed the same idea, but for hair. It could automatically clean, condition, color, cut, style, and dry hair. It could also attach or remove hair extensions, or manage entire wigs. It handled each hair individually, and could even apply different treatments to different parts of a single hair. It worked best when it was programmed based on a detailed analysis of a specific person's hair.

  Many women in the Empire used tools like these; they weren't limited to the upper crust. The tools were available in a wide range of costs, and it wasn't hard to set them up yourself. It just wasn't something Anailu had concerned herself with before.

  Naomi explained that a bespoke fashion design typically included one or more hair and makeup patterns, customized to that person's face. The designs might even include user controlled variations, so that, as Naomi put it, “you can decide exactly how hot you want to be that night.” Anailu rolled her eyes at that.

  Anailu's dressing table included a small, high resolution holo and camera. Naomi activated this system, explaining these were to allow you to both preview your hair and makeup selections, and to check after application. Anailu had just assumed they were there for making private communications from this room of the cabin.

  Naomi brought up the pre-programmed hairstyle and makeup options for both of the outfits. There were several designs for each, ranging from the fantastic to the regal, and from sultry to professional. Anailu blushed to see a simulacrum of her own face looking so strange and fanciful. She knew that she'd be keeping those sliders all the way over to “professional” and “minimal.” She was willing to accept a little makeup, especially if it helped to ensure people didn't mistake her for a kid.

  Naomi oohed and ahhed as she went through the selections. When she was done, she commented, “There's no doubt that Dodato is one of the finest artists in the Empire.” She brought up the general hair and facial care programs. “Look here: he also designed facial and hair care programs for you. Wait, no, it looks like there's not really a facial care program, just a note here. 'Your skin requires no specialized care.' Whaaat? You're so lucky!