The Search for Ulyssa

by Heidi J. Leavitt

  “But we’re safe enough in the International Complex, right?” Kendra asked nervously.

  “Yes, safer here than anywhere else. But,” she eyed Kendra sternly, “that is not true of anywhere else in Roma. Do not go off-complex, do you understand? Not right now, especially not with the election coming so soon.”

  Kendra hesitated.

  “Promise me,” Aunt Andie insisted, her eyes locked on Kendra’s. It was as if she knew that Kendra was planning to skip her classes and sneak off to the Palace. Was she some kind of mind reader?

  “I promise,” Kendra said, her shoulders slumping.

  Patience, Kendra, said Dina cheerfully. I’d rather we both stay alive than run into any of Mikal’s more fervent associates. Our time will come.

  Kendra sighed softly. I was looking forward to seeing the Palace too.

  10. Spring Fever

  To Kendra’s surprise, Mikal and his friends were not expelled from the university. She thought that attacking someone with a knife—even if no one was injured—would be grounds for immediate dismissal. Zara had an explanation for it though. She shared that her mentor confided to her that there was a “suggestion” from Mikal’s father to the dean that it was just a prank—thoughtless perhaps, and past the line of appropriate campus behavior, but just a result of “high youthful spirits.” Since Mikal’s father donated very generously to the university every year, his opinion was given a great deal of weight.

  “So they’re not kicking him out because they still want his father’s yearly donation,” Kendra summed up.

  “That is the crass and direct way to describe the traditional system of influence, but yes,” Zara agreed. Instead, Mikal was placed on probation. He was warned to steer clear of anything even approaching violence toward anyone in the complex in the future or he would be expelled.

  “Really truly expelled?” asked Kendra skeptically. “Or only technically expelled until his father decides to fund a new building wing?”

  Zara pursed her lips. She thought Kendra’s open observations were too forward. One should only hint at such things, never speak of them openly. One of the ethics rules, Kendra was sure, though she wasn’t sure how ethics came into it at all.

  The crazy incident with Mikal aside, the gloomy atmosphere on campus finally started to lift. The spring days grew long and beautiful, and it was warming up quickly. Kendra’s second term finished in a flurry of exams that were nearly impossible to study for—the weather outside beckoned temptingly. The complex had several large multipurpose sports fields as well as the biodiversity gardens, and there was enough novelty that Kendra wasn’t yet tempted to break her promise to her aunt and venture out of the complex.

  When she received her schedule for her third term, she was delighted to learn that she would be starting dancing lessons. She had loved to dance by herself—or with Dina providing a partner built of fallen leaves—when she was a child, but she had never had the opportunity to dance with a real partner. The Denicorizens preferred very formal, stylized dances with complicated steps, and when the university hosted its quarterly ball, it rotated between music and styles prevalent on each of the nine Union council planets as well as Corizen. This term was supposed to be the Denicorizen-themed ball (if they didn’t end up canceling it again), and so all the first-year students were assigned a dancing class so they could learn the steps.

  The first day of dance class, Kendra joined the girls huddling together on one side of the large assembly room. They looked around in anticipation, many shooting glances at the young men who were slowly filling the chairs that lined the far side of the room. Some of the Terran boys slunk in, as if they were afraid that someone might see them and accuse them of something shocking, like wanting to learn dance steps. Others among the Citizens seemed eager—these boys, like the girls giggling to each other, had apparently figured the lessons would be an excuse to hold a girl’s hand and flirt with her and have it count as class time. The locals, both boys and girls, were far more practical about it. Master Terune explained that in his parents’ day, only Patrone caste and above ever attended formal balls and learned the traditional dances. But since the Revolution, everyone was free to learn the dances, and they were very popular. Many of the locals had learned them young at home or with friends. Private tutoring always included instruction in dancing.

  Kendra kept glancing at the door every time it opened and then swallowing her disappointment when yet another vaguely familiar local walked through the door.

  There have to be at least three times as many locals as Citizens here, Kendra observed despondently.

  Since when did dancing with Denicorizens bother you? Kendra could hear the amusement behind Dina’s words.

  It doesn’t! protested Kendra. I was just hoping to know someone since Zara is assigned to a different class.

  Look, there’s Aceline.

  Aceline does not count. Remind me to stand as far across the room from her as possible. Or I’ll have to spend the whole class not only dodging her dirty looks but probably dodging her outstretched foot as well. She’d love to see me sprawl on my face.

  Aceline had not forgotten that incident at the beginning of the year, where Kendra had “helped” her slip and land in Bren’s spilled food mess. Though she had no way of knowing that Kendra had actually caused that accident to happen, she still blamed her for it. Her acidic tongue mocked and criticized Kendra anytime she was in earshot. So generally Kendra dealt with it by avoiding Aceline as much as possible.

  Oh, and there’s Hugo, noted Dina.

  Kendra almost growled. Lovely. Hugo and Aceline in the same class. Now all we need is Mikal and our torture will be complete. Who did the class roster?

  When Mikal sauntered in a mere two minutes before the class started, Kendra could only laugh and shake her head. But then she caught sight of Bren following Mikal into the room, and her laugh caught in her throat, choking her. Her stomach flipped, and she ducked behind a knot of local girls who were whispering together. They were all tall enough to shield her from view.

  Dina’s peals of laughter filled her head. What are you doing?

  I don’t want him to see me!

  A minute ago you were anxiously hoping he would walk in the door. Now you’re going to hide from him? You two are going to be in this class together all term.

  Kendra tried to stealthily peek around the elbow of the girl in front of her. I’ve changed my mind. I don’t think I can stand to face him twice a week if he still thinks I’m such a stuck-up, selfish brat.

  The arrival of their dance instructors put an end to Dina twitting Kendra about Bren. Luckily, Dina was just as interested in learning how to dance as Kendra was; it kept both their minds occupied. Kendra listened avidly as the male instructor introduced himself as Master Baels and his co-instructor as Madame Caret. Then he began to list the different dances they would be learning and where they would need them. They would be starting with the Blue Promenade, a simple dance that was one of the oldest and most traditional Denicorizen dances. Master Baels switched on some music, and the couple demonstrated the dance for two full rotations.

  Kendra stared at them, for the first time inspired by something she saw on Corizen. It looked so simple, but the symmetry of the motions, the way that Master Baels held Madame Caret’s hand lightly and guided her around in a square resonated deep inside her, in a place where she had no words for the feeling. Was it anticipation? Desire? Fear? Excitement?

  I want to learn that, Kendra said eagerly.

  Well, that’s why we’re here.

  However, when they divided into groups (men to one side, women to the other) and their instructors tried to teach them the basic square movements, it no longer seemed simple and symmetric. Instead, it seemed stilted and awkward, especially with a whole bunch of beginners. Her only consolation was that when she glanced over at the men’s side, they seemed to be in even wor
se shape. Of those men on their feet, most were stumbling around, not even remotely hitting the steps in the rhythm that the instructor was loudly tapping out with a stick. Some, of course, had already proclaimed their defiance and kept to their seats. Either they were supremely confident that they already danced so well this was a waste of time, or they were so against dancing that they weren’t going to stand up at all.

  Bren was still sitting. He stared at the floor, not even pretending to watch the dancing instructor. Kendra’s heart lurched. He was not sitting down because he already knew the dances so well. She was certain that he was afraid his clumsiness would embarrass him in front of everyone. But he could do this. She knew he could. Part of her wanted to slip from her side of the room and tug him forward, teasing him into joining the class until he forgot his self-consciousness.

  Then she remembered. He thought she was a pushy brat who never listened to him. She sighed and turned her attention back to the steps she was learning.

  Dina sighed too.

  At the end of the class period, Kendra looked up to see that Master Baels had gotten around to making sure none of the boys avoided physically practicing the steps, Bren included. She could just see his head bobbing stiffly among the others. Not the most graceful, it was true, but at least he hadn’t tripped or knocked any of the other boys over. Hopefully he would feel more confident the next class.

  Hopefully someone else will get a shot of confidence as well, Dina added pointedly.

  ♦

  The next dancing class period, the instructors arranged all the girls into one circle and the boys in a larger circle outside the girls. Master Baels explained that they would be rotating partners, practicing the small square before they were organized into the larger promenade formation. Kendra found herself dancing with a local partner who already knew the dance quite well. He skillfully led her through the steps, making her feel graceful and accomplished. When the music stopped, she watched him move on to the girl next to her with regret. Her next partner was local also, but that was where the similarities ended. He was much shorter and stouter, and he was clearly still winded from the first practice session. He wiped his palms on his pants before taking her hand, and Kendra tried not to shudder. It was still warm and moist. He stared at his feet the whole time, counted out loud, and twice turned her the wrong direction. Kendra knew that she should be patient—at least he was trying—but she was still relieved when they changed partners again and he moved to the right.

  She turned to find herself facing Mikal. Swallowing her disgust, she gingerly took his hand and waited for the music to start again. Mikal didn’t speak, though he stared at her through the entire pattern.

  Um, this is weirding me out, Kendra complained as he led her in the turn but still kept his eyes on her face.

  It seems unlikely he would be attracted to you, seeing as how he thinks all Citizens should be driven off the planet, agreed Dina.

  So maybe he’s plotting how best to carve me into pieces? Kendra said with a shudder as Mikal’s hooded gaze traveled the entire length of her body.

  Which would you prefer? Mikal is attracted to you or Mikal is plotting your death?

  Ewwww. Third option, please!

  The pattern ended at last, and they switched partners. Kendra watched him go with even more relief than when the guy before him had moved on. Apparently, she had gotten the best partner first. If it kept going downhill from here, she was in real trouble.

  Bren moved into place in front of her.

  She swallowed nervously and held out her hand. For one eternal moment they stood there facing each other, Kendra hopefully holding her hand out and Bren staring at his feet. Finally, he met her eyes and took her hand. His hand felt warm and calloused and strong. The instructors started the music again, and Bren started to lead her in the wrong direction, colliding right into the boy on his left.

  “Sorry!” he apologized hastily. Then he glanced down at his feet again and over at Mikal, who was calmly leading his partner through the pattern. He tried once to get back into the groove of the dance, but after that, he gave up, waiting in place while the music continued. He tried to drop her hand, but Kendra clutched at his fingers.

  “I don’t think so,” she said firmly. “I had to suffer through a couple of awful partners to get to you. You’re not getting out of this so easily.” Then she smiled hopefully at him. He stared at his hands.

  “I’m surprised you are willing to talk to me,” Bren said, though he still didn’t look up.

  “Of course I am.” Kendra kept her tone light. “When else do I get to talk to a Kratian giant? And everyone knows Kratian giants are the best conversationalists.”

  Bren raised his eyes to her face at last and frowned.

  “Kendra, I said some terrible things to you.”

  She dropped the flippant act.

  “Yes,” she agreed quietly. “But I said some awful things too.”

  Then the music cut out and Master Baels called, “Last pattern! Men, rotate to your right.”

  Kendra watched Bren move to the right and wondered if that counted as a reconciliation or not. She no longer felt like she needed to hide from him—but she still hadn’t gotten the chance to say everything she wanted.

  It’s a start, Dina said with satisfaction. There’s time to smooth things all the way over.

  ♦

  At the end of the dance class, Kendra collected her jumpbag from the storage lockers and hurriedly pushed her way through the crowd. She wasn’t going to wait to talk to him this time, just in case he changed his mind. She had to fix this. Whatever it took. Bren had already stridden out the door; she could see the back of his head towering over the students in front of her. She sighed, exasperated. Once he got out of the building, she would have to sprint to catch up to him. She couldn’t quite bring herself to elbow the other students aside, though.

  Once she worked her way through the door, she could see that he had already made it almost the whole length of the building.

  “Bren!” she called, hooking both arms through her pack. “Bren, wait up!” She was just about to dash after him when Mikal stepped right in front of her, and she skidded to a stop. A couple of his ever-present followers sidled up beside him.

  “Excuse me, Mikal,” Kendra said politely, trying to peer around Mikal’s form. She needed to catch up to Bren!

  He didn’t budge.

  Kendra stepped to the side, hoping to get around him. But Mikal moved too, still blocking her way.

  What now? Dina was exasperated.

  “So Kendra,” he said casually. “I thought maybe you could drop by my room sometime.”

  Kendra froze, her mouth dropping open.

  Well, I take that back. I guess a human can be attracted to someone they’d also like to slice into pieces.

  Before Kendra’s brain ground back into action enough to answer either Mikal or Dina, Mikal spoke again. “I figure some frontier Citizens might not be half bad,” said Mikal. “Look at Bren. I thought I should get to know you. You could even come out with us sometime.” He gestured at his friends, though they looked less enthusiastic at the idea. One of them was frowning, and the other had his lip curled in disgust.

  “Um,” Kendra said, flailing around for something to say that would extricate herself from this mess.

  Tell him you’d rather eat Caliguan squid!

  You really think that would help this situation?

  No, but it would make me feel better. You need to get away from him, most of the other students are gone, and I don’t trust him. Let’s bring up some wind.

  Don’t you think that would be too conspicuous? The shield affected the weather patterns—there was never any strong wind inside the complex. It was exactly the kind of thing that might draw unwelcome attention. The last thing Kendra wanted was more attention from Mikal or his friends.

&nb
sp; “Thanks for the invitation, Mikal,” she said finally. “I’ll see if I can drop by sometime.”

  “What about right now?” Mikal asked, his eyes glinting.

  Kendra swallowed.

  “Kendra, where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you.”

  Her heart soared at the impatient tone. Mikal turned, and she saw Bren standing right behind him. She caught one worried glance from him, and then his gaze took in the three young men standing between them.

  “Hey, Mikal, Reyon, Pitte.” He nodded at them. “Sorry to interrupt. I need to grab Kendra. She and I are already late. We’re supposed to be at the Ambassador House right after class today. She’s got a family thing.”

  “No problem.” Mikal’s voice was creepily satisfied. “Another time, right, Kendra?”

  “Sure,” she said. Not in this lifetime, contradicted Dina grimly. Then Mikal moved to the side just enough for her to slip through, though not enough that she could avoid brushing his arm with her own. She stifled a grimace and joined Bren, who immediately set off at his bruising pace down the path.

  She followed him silently for a minute, only flicking one glance backward to make sure that Mikal and his friends were not right behind them. When she judged they were safely enough ahead of the others, she spoke.

  “Thanks, Bren,” she said fervently.

  He shrugged. “It looked awkward.” He hesitated for a moment and then added, “Maybe you should avoid being alone with him. I’m not trying to run him down, but some of the stories he tells . . .”

  He is worried about me! Kendra exulted.