CHAPTER 10

Kikola was lost as to what to do. At first, she waited for a while, hoping Tehvay would come back home. When an hour passed and Tehvay still had not returned, she grabbed her coat and started walking straight to the Veilans' house, because that was where Tehvay most likely had gone. Halfway there, Kikola thought it better to give Tehvay some time to cool off.

She kept walking and walking, trying to make sense of what she had said to make Tehvay storm out of the house. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that when Kikola finally realised how far she had walked, she was only about a kilometre away from where Rikana lived. As bizarre as the reality was, Kikola was coming to see Rikana as something of a friend.

Kikola covered the distance quickly, but once at Rikana's door, she found herself hesitating to announce her presence.

What if she's not home? What if she laughs at me? What if—

Kikola's hand took on a life of its own and knocked. She waited. She was about to give up and walk away when the door opened. Rikana stood there wearing a short skirt and oversized shirt; her hair was loose and wild.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I was in the neighbourhood," Kikola replied.

"This isn't your neighbourhood."

Kikola conceded. "I was out taking a walk and I ended up here."

"Shouldn't you be home with Miss V.? Let me guess… she didn't like the flowers."

Kikola lowered her eyes at the mention of the flowers. "The evening didn't go as planned. I— I didn't…" Didn't what? "…know…" Know what? "…where else to go."

"What is it with you and Veilan? Does my door have a sign that says 'ring for counselling services'?"  Rikana asked in her usual sarcastic tone.

Kikola breathed an internal sigh of relief at seeing a way out. "I am sorry. I will leave."

"No, wait." Rikana reached for a jacket hanging on a peg. "Come on. Let's go for a drink, and we can talk."

For a moment Kikola saw Rikana drop her defences. The brash exterior fell and revealed the person underneath.

The moment didn't last long. "I think we're both going to need to get drunk for this one." She cackled.

The drinking establishment was near Rikana's home. It was large, with various sized sections, some elevated, some sunken, around the central bar. It was also very quiet – only a handful of patrons were seated around the place.

"Sit there," said Rikana, pointing to a table in an elevated portion. "I'll get the drinks."

"I will just have a water."

"I said, I'll get the drinks. Sit!"

Kikola was already regretting it, but she did as she was told. The area where Kikola sat was big enough for six people. Despite its elevated position, the majority of the bar was hidden from sight by panels of coloured, frosted glass. With the muted lighting, this gave the large establishment, a cosy and private feeling. A short while later, Rikana returned with a tray. On it were four small glasses containing a clear liquid, two large glasses of dark gold beer, and a glass of water.

"Drink this first." Rikana placed one of the small glasses in front of Kikola.

"What is it?"

"Livatten. Now drink." Rikana picked up one of the remaining small glasses off the tray and downed the contents in one go.

"What's livatten?"

"It'll make things bearable. Drink!"

Kikola obeyed. The colourless, odourless liquid burnt as it slipped down and left a rather pleasant fruity aftertaste. Rikana took the beers off the tray and placed one in front of herself and the other in front of Kikola. Rikana took a long sip of her beer and poured one of the livatten into it. She nodded for Kikola to do the same.

"So talk," said Rikana.

Kikola took a drink and started talking. "Tehvay and I had—" she blurted out and stopped herself.

Rikana shot her a wary look. "I don't think I need to know that. Whatever you get up to with each other is your business."

"What?" Then it dawned on Kikola what Rikana was insinuating. "No! Not that! We had an argument."

"Oh, is that all."

"It's the first time."

"It happens. It probably won't be the last time." Rikana tipped her glass of beer and drained the glass.

Kikola took a deep breath. "It might be; she left."

Rikana sighed. "How drunk am I going to have to get to cope with this?"

"I don't know," replied Kikola. "I am new to this situation." She frowned as she noticed another tray of drinks on the table. Rikana was knocking back a shot of livatten with her right hand and taking a beer off the tray with her left. Kikola glanced down at her own beer; she had barely drunk a quarter of it.

"Go at your own pace," said Rikana. "But you're going to need more than that to get through this."

Kikola picked up her beer and took a drink.

The alcohol was having its affect. Kikola was not a big drinker, and after a couple more sips her head was buzzing. "I don't think I should drink more." She reached for the glass of water.

"Why? It's not like you're going to get anything else tonight!" Rikana cackled and placed a shot glass in front of Kikola.

"Hey, Rikana," a voice called out from the shadows nearby.

Kikola turned to look at who had spoken. The young man was dark and swarthy. A few days growth of beard clung to his face. He stood with a half full glass of beer in his hand. "Thought I saw you come in. Want some company?"

"Not tonight." Rikana jerked her head towards Kikola. "Busy."

"Who's ya friend?" He looked at Kikola with a smile and a winked.

"I—" Kikola started to speak. Rikana's cold hand covering hers made her stop.

"She's my friend. Find your own?" Rikana's voice was light and playful.

The man smiled and gave a little laugh. "Didn't know you liked your own kind."

"Well, I'm diversifying." Rikana's thumb stroked the top of Kikola's hand. "What she lacks in one department, I'm sure she can make up for in others."

The man's laugh grew louder. "Have fun. See ya 'round." He wandered off.

"See ya," said Rikana. When the man was out of sight, she removed her hand.

Kikola stared down at her own hand. The feel of Rikana's light touch still lingered on her skin. Strange thoughts she didn't want to think started creeping into her mind. She picked up the glass of livatten and took a dainty sip of the liqueur. Surprisingly the livatten tasted smoother and sweeter with every drop. She lifted the glass and finished it in one swallow.

"Okay, so what made her walk out on you?" Rikana returned to the reason they were there.

Kikola struggled to make sense of the situation, and the alcohol wasn't helping her clarity. She tried answering Rikana's question, but all she could think about was Rikana holding her hand. "I am not at all sure…" Is she flirting with me?

Rikana was staring at her over the top of the glass as she drank her beer. "Come on," she said as she put the drink down. "Spit it out."

"What was the question?"

"Why did Miss V. walk out on you?" Rikana uttered a small laugh. "If I was her, I would. You're not my type after all." She cackled. "Though if I was Miss V. you would be my type." Rikana looked up at the ceiling and frowned. "In which case I wouldn't leave. Though you can be annoying." She paused. "But, would you be annoying if I was her?" She shrugged and looked at Kikola. "So spill."

Kikola concentrated on what she remembered. "She wanted to go to Inosa with the PPG and I thought she shouldn't. Only it might not have come out quite as I intended it. She said something about 'master and slave' and me wanting to control her body."

"Oh, so you go in for that kinky stuff, eh?" Rikana teased.

Kikola looked aghast.

"Relax, you're secret is safe with me." Rikana winked. "Though it's nothing to be ashamed of. We've all dabbled a little! Do you use your cuffs?"

"No, it's nothing like that!" Kikola was almost in a panic at the easy way her words could be twisted against her.

"Hey, I was just kidding. You don't look so good."

"I'm not feeling all that well–" Kikola's stomach began to spasm.

Kikola remembered Rikana dragging her from the seat and quickly getting her outside. The chilly air woke her up for a moment, but then the grogginess took over again. The rest of the night was a blur.  

~~~~

Tehvay went to the only place she could, to her parents.

"What's the matter?" asked her father.

Tehvay didn't know how to answer. She was still trying to process the situation herself. All she could do was sit there and cry.

Her mother whispered something to her father. He nodded and left the room. Asta sat down next to her. "Talk when you're ready, dear."

"I just…" Tehvay could say no more.

A few moments later, Yuniph popped her head around the door. "What's going on?"

It only took a look from her mother to tell Yuniph to leave. When Asta wiped the tears off her daughter's face, Tehvay broke down in fresh sobs.

"Come on, let's get you to bed. Sleep now and we can talk in the morning. That'll be better."

Tehvay allowed herself to be led upstairs to the spare bedroom.

Yuniph came to give her a set of nightclothes. She gave Tehvay a brief hug and left.

Tehvay looked around the small room and remembered the last time she had slept in it. It was when she and Kikola had first arrived on Trengos and stayed with her family until they got a place of their own. What am I doing here? she asked herself. And why hasn't Kikola come looking for me? Tehvay changed and got into bed. It was a long, miserable and seemingly sleepless night.

The next morning, Tehvay knew she would have to give her parents an explanation. Reluctantly, she came downstairs dressed in Yuniph's nightclothes, expecting to find her parents and sister seated at the kitchen table – the scene of many conversations she had had with them over the past few months. When she walked in, only her mother was there waiting for her.

"Has Kikola called?" Tehvay asked.

"No," Asta replied. She rose from the table and poured Tehvay a hot cup of dyodpeth. "Would you like something to eat?"

"No thank you, Ima. My stomach is feeling a little unsettled. I'm not sure I could tolerate any food."

Asta returned to the table and placed the cup in front of her daughter as she sat down.

If Tehvay had to say which of her parents she favoured in looks, she would have said her father – the square chin and rectangular shape of her face were clearly his. Or maybe Tehvay thought that because she spent so much time with him. As she studied the face of the woman seated opposite her, she saw her own deep-set eyes and rounded nose. Thin lines creased her mother's brow and her cheeks were a little fuller, but Tehvay recognised the beauty her mother must have been and still was.

"Do you want to talk about what happened between you two?"

Tehvay's eyes gazed down into the steaming cup of dyodpeth. "Kikola and I got into an argument last night."

"What was it about?" Asta asked.

Tehvay took a sip – a stall tactic as she tried to decide how much to share with her mother.

"Trujilon and Ellovene asked me to be part of a delegation that is going to Inosa to discuss starting a PPG there."

"I see. And Kikola wasn't supportive of this?"

Tehvay's emotions came flooding out as she recounted the argument. "Not only was she not supportive, she actually forbade me to go to Inosa!"

"She forbade you? That doesn't sound like Kikola."

Tehvay felt a little betrayed by her mother seemingly siding with Kikola, but quickly realised that she might have overstated the truth. "Okay, forbade might be a bit strong," Tehvay admitted, "but in essence she said I couldn't go, which is the same thing."

"Why do you think she reacted that way?"

"I don't know…" Tehvay paused. "Because she wants to control me. She practically admitted she'd prefer it if we went back to being owner and slave!"

Asta sat back in her chair. "Hmm, did she say those exact words?"

Tehvay recalled what was said, as she remembered it. "Not in those exact words, no. But that's what she meant. She said that it was a time when she felt she had control."

"I see." Asta took a long sip of her dyodpeth. "Then what happened?"

"Then I said that if she felt that way then perhaps we needed to re-evaluate our relationship, and then I left."

"Do you think, just perhaps, Kikola was voicing her concern for your safety, and rather than wanting to control you, she just wants to protect you?"

"I need her love and support, not her protection." Tehvay looked away. She could feel a build-up of anger that she couldn't explain.

"I think she's proven her love and support, don't you?" Asta tilted her head to get into Tehvay's eye line. "And as for wanting to control you, are you certain you aren't projecting your own fears?"

"How do you mean?"

"I mean, Kikola is bound to feel like she's not in control of her life anymore, and she might even be missing her old life as an Elit. And that scares you."

"Scares me? How?"

"You're scared that as you embrace your newfound freedom, Kikola may not embrace the person you are becoming."

How did she know that, when I didn't even know it? Tehvay thought. "Maybe you're right, but I am not going to give up my independence for anyone, ever again. Not even to help Kikola feel more in control of her life."

"Nor should you, but a relationship is give and take. If you go off to Inosa, she will be here alone worrying."

"She won't be alone. She'll have you. You'll look after her, won't you?" Tehvay suddenly felt worried about Kikola being alone.

"I'll look after her, of course," replied her mother. "However, I'm not you. I'm not the one Kikola gave up everything for. She gave it up for you. And as I've got to know her, I know she would do it all again. But that doesn't mean it was easy for her, or that she doesn't miss the status she once had. She walked away from it all to be with you. I'm not saying you should give up your involvement with the PPG, but don't forget to make time for Kikola. Is it imperative that you go to Inosa?"

"I wouldn't say imperative, no."

"Then perhaps you should rethink going– for Kikola's peace of mind."

Tehvay stared into her cup of dyodpeth. "Yes, I could do that, but it might be too late."

"How do you mean?"

"She didn't stop me from leaving. She didn't follow me, and she hasn't called. So what am I to think?"

"This is the first serious relationship for either of you, yes?"

Tehvay nodded.

"In any relationship, there are bound to be misunderstandings. Kikola doesn't strike me as the type to pack up at the first sign of trouble, and neither do you. The two of you have some things to work out, but you will."

"I suppose so." Tehvay brought her cup it to her lips and finished the last of the beverage.   

Asta retrieved the pot and poured her daughter another cup. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?" she asked.

"No, Ima. I have no secrets from you. Ask me anything."

"It's about your love life." Asta shifted in her seat and a slightly embarrassed look came over her. "Does Kikola take control… in the bedroom?"

Now it was Tehvay's turn to shift in her seat and look embarrassed. "Well, you see… the thing is… Kikola and I are not exactly… what I mean is, we're not… we haven't…"

"Oh! I'm sorry. I just assumed that your relationship was intimate."

"It is intimate," Tehvay said, "sort of. It's not for lack of wanting. It's just that we get to a certain point, but then all these painful memories come flooding back and I just can't." Tears welled up in Tehvay's eyes.

Asta reached for her daughter's hand. "My poor child. You never said anything."

"I thought it would've resolved itself by now."

"What about Kikola?"

"She's been very patient and never pushes for more than I am capable."

"I am glad to hear it. She is a remarkable woman, your Kikola."

"Yes, she is." Tehvay smiled, then her face became sombre again. "She never complains, but I know it must be so frustrating for her. And the more time that goes by, the harder it gets for me. Not only do old memories get in the way, but there's the disappointment I know Kikola must be feeling." Tehvay hung her head.

"Maybe that's the key for both of you."

"What is?"

"New love is fraught with insecurity," Asta said. "Physical intimacy bonds two people in a way that no mere words can ever do. And with that bonding comes the freedom to shed one's fears, to trust, to feel in control."

Tehvay listened intently to her mother's wisdom as Asta continued to explain.

"Maybe by getting past this impediment to your intimacy, you will free yourself of painful memories that hold you back from enjoying the indescribable pleasures that two people in love can share together."

"I will try. Thank you Ima, thank you." Tehvay leaned over and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek.

Asta smiled and pointed to Tehvay's cup. "Drink up, and then go home to Kikola."

Tehvay drank. The beverage warmed her inside, but there was another warmth there: the warmth of having a mother to turn to in times of trouble.

~~~~

It must be morning, Kikola surmised since she was waking up in bed.

How did I get home?

She ignored the pounding in her head and looked around.

This isn't home!

There was movement on the other side of the bed.

"You're awake," said Rikana.

Kikola stared in shock and sat up. "What? Wh— how? What?"

Rikana cackled and got out of bed. "Breakfast?"

Kikola averted her gaze from her naked colleague. She looked down at herself, and she too was naked. By reflex, she pulled the sheets up to cover herself. "What time… what happened?"

"What do you remember?"

"Drinks. Talking. You and I leaving the bar."

From the corner of her eye, Kikola saw Rikana pick up some underwear, study the article of clothing intently for a moment, then discard it.

"Anything after that?" Rikana pulled on a skirt and top.

Kikola thought hard. "No."

Rikana cackled again. "Woo, if only you could remember." She made a purring noise.

Kikola turned back to face the young woman. "We… did we… no we didn't. Did we?"

"We? Do you remember what I said? I only accept one way traffic." She waved a finger at herself and Kikola. "So there was no 'we'. You on the other hand…" she let the sentence trail and allowed a smirk to curl her lips. "You were… unstoppable."

Kikola's eyes grew wide with disbelief. "No! It can't be. It… never… I… wouldn't… I haven't… Tehvay…" Kikola stopped when she saw Rikana laughing.

"Tehvay, exactly. You couldn't stop talking about her. How beautiful she is. How magnificent she is. How you feel you don't deserve her. How she completes you. I could have got down on my knees and begged you for a fuck, but even in your drunken state you would never betray her that way." Rikana paused. "Not that I did get down on my knees and beg you. I was just being hypothetical."

"So nothing happened?"

"Plenty happened. You talked about Tehvay. I listened. Now that you're sober, well, more soberer, it's my turn to talk and your turn to listen. You're a meathead. You had a little disagreement with your girlfriend, and now you think the Spur is going nova. Get over yourself and go talk to her."

Kikola reflected on the situation. She hung her head. "She left."

Rikana tossed a wadded up ball of Kikola's clothing at her. "She was probably pissed off at you. It happens. It doesn't mean she doesn't love you or doesn't want to see you ever again. People argue."

"Not us." Kikola detangled the mess of clothing and found her shirt. There was something encrusted on it that might have been vomit. She impotently held it out towards Rikana. The young woman chuckled, opened a drawer and tossed a clean shirt at her. It landed on Kikola's head. "Thank you," she said and put it on.

Rikana sighed. "Look, I'm going to put this down to you being an inept inbred idiot. Couples argue. They say things in a way they don't mean, and sometimes they walk away from each other to create a space that they need before they really say or do something bad. They get over it. You'll get over it."

Kikola slipped on her underpants. "Really?"

"Really."

"How?"

"By not boring me with this shit!"

"Is this some sort of reverse psychology?"

"Huh? In what way?" Rikana asked

Kikola rubbed her temples. "I don't know. I have a headache." Kikola grimaced. "And an awful taste in my mouth."

"That taste ain't me." Rikana cackled.

"I need some water. May I have some, please?"

"Sure." Rikana left the bedroom and returned with a glass of water. She handed it to Kikola.

"Thank you." Kikola took a sip of water, then drained the glass. She glanced at the chronometer. "We should be going to work."

"Not today, we'll call in sick." Rikana retrieved the glass from Kikola.

"That would be deceitful."

"How do you feel?"

Kikola's stomach did a slow roll. "Not very well."

"So you won't be lying then."

"I suppose not. What about you? How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I just need something unhealthy for breakfast before I start the day. You'll need some, too. Then I'll call you a taxi so you can go home and make up with Tehvay."

"Thank you. That's very kind of you."

"I'm doing this for my benefit. I want to make sure I don't have to listen to you feeling sorry for yourself again." Rikana grinned. "Though having you sharing a bed has its benefits." She raised two fingers in a V shape in front of her mouth and licked them.

Kikola finally started to understand the young woman's humour and smiled.

The breakfast did little to settle Kikola's stomach, but a hot shower somehow made her feel a bit better. Rikana called her a taxi while she got dressed. A few minutes later the taxi arrived.

"Okay, off you go," said Rikana.

Kikola stared blankly, her head still pounding.

The young woman nodded towards the door. "What are you waiting for? A goodbye kiss? Go home!"

~~~~

The house was eerily empty and joyless. At least that's how it felt to Tehvay as she came through the front door. Kikola must have already left for work. That was to be expected; however a small part of her was hoping that Kikola would have been there, sick with worry, waiting for her to return. Better still, thought Tehvay, I wish we hadn't quarrelled in the first place!

Tehvay noticed the bouquet of wilted flowers still lying on the kitchen table – the one Kikola had brought home to surprise her. She located a vase and put them in water, taking pains to arrange it, hoping the flowers could still be saved – like their relationship.

She sighed and headed upstairs. As she entered the bedroom, Tehvay noticed that the bed had not been slept in – no evidence that Kikola had spent the night or went to work that morning. Tehvay's heart sank a little, but she didn't want to jump to any conclusions. Right now, all Tehvay wanted to do was get out of the clothes that she had been in since yesterday and get cleaned up.

She stood in the shower, allowing the hot water to wash over her body, rehearsing what she would say to Kikola when she saw her. Maybe I should give Kikola a call now to let her know that I'm back home, Tehvay thought. Oh, but I don't want to get into a discussion over a comm device. We need to talk about it face to face.

As Tehvay towelled off, she heard a noise downstairs. She quickly put on a dressing gown and went to investigate. She was surprised to find Kikola standing in the kitchen holding another bouquet of flowers.

Tehvay noticed that Kikola looked a little worse for wear. She wasn't at all the spit and polished officer without even a strand of hair out of place. Instead Kikola had dark circles under her eyes, and she was wearing a strange shirt; oversized, bright pink and red diagonals, something that Kikola would never own.

"What are you doing home? You weren't here when I got home this morning. I assumed you had already gone to work."

"I didn't go to work today. I called in sick. Here, these are for you." Kikola glanced down at the wilted flowers on the table. "A fresh bouquet for a fresh start."

Tehvay accepted the proffered flowers and inhaled their fragrant aroma. "They're lovely. Thank you." She couldn't let the shirt go unremarked. "Where did you get that shirt? It looks like something Rikana would wear."

Kikola looked down and pulled her jacket closed. "It is Rikana's. I spent the night there. My shirt got… it was… dirty."

"Tehvay, I am not exactly sure what happened last night, but if I said anything to upset you, I am very sorry."

"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have walked out on you last night. That was wrong of me. Forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive. I should not have said you couldn't go to Inosa with the PPG. It is not my place to say where you can and cannot go."

"No, you do have a right to voice your concerns. This is a partnership, and when we have disagreements, we don't argue and we don't run. We sit and talk things over – work things out."

"It's not that I want to control you or return to being owner and slave. I don't. I just want to keep you safe. It's all I have ever wanted." Kikola broke eye contact and glanced down at the floor.

"I know that," said Tehvay. "I apologise for not listening to you, for not giving you a chance to explain your position more clearly." Tehvay raised Kikola's chin and held her gaze. "I owe you so much. You gave up everything – your career, your position, your family – for me. I didn't stop to think how that would make you feel. Of course it must've made you feel like you had no control. And I can't blame you if you do resent all the time I have been spending with my family, Trujilon and Ellovene, the PPG."

"No, I am happy that you spend time with family and friends. I suppose I was a little jealous of the time the PPG takes away from us. But you are passionate about it, so I should be more supportive."

"You are… very supportive. And you have been very patient. Not at all demanding."

Kikola gave her a half-smile. "I am more than willing to be patient, for as long as it takes. I just want you to be happy and fulfilled."

"And I want the same for you. Starting now." Tehvay took Kikola by the hand and led her upstairs.

I will not allow anything spoil this for Kikola or for me, Tehvay silently vowed. She let her dressing gown fall to the floor and joined Kikola on the bed.

"I want you to just relax. I'll do all the work."

Kikola was about to protest the need, just as she had done many times before, but Tehvay stopped her with a kiss – a kiss that deepened with each breath. Tehvay liked to kiss Kikola. Her lips were so soft and yielding – nothing like the owners who had filled her mouth with rapacious tongues and other things.

Her lips took a meandering path to Kikola's breasts. As Kikola responded to her caresses, Tehvay felt the pleasure she was giving Kikola reflected back to her. It was heady and arousing in ways Tehvay had never before experienced. For the first time, she felt empowered to discover what making love truly meant.

Kikola's hips rose up to meet Tehvay's mouth as her tongue lavished long broad strokes through moist folds. Kikola's gentle moans were becoming more urgent. Her clit was pulsing with arousal. Tehvay knew it was time to explore uncharted territory.

She moved up to kiss Kikola's abdomen as her fingers replaced her tongue. She hesitated for a moment. Her mind flashed back to the last time she was made to perform a sex act: her owner laying beneath her, telling Tehvay what to do and how to do it; the threat of a beating hanging over her if she got it wrong. This is different, she thought. This is the woman I love.

"Are you okay?" Kikola asked with concern. "Do we need to stop?"

Tehvay glanced up and smiled. "No, I'm fine. How about you?"

"Fine, yes… better than fine."

"You ready for this?"

"Yes! So ready."

"Good." Tehvay inched one finger inside and let it come to rest.

"You might feel a little discomfort, but it won't last. Okay?"

"Yes! Anything! Please."

She took Kikola's nipple in her mouth and sucked on the hardened nub as her finger pushed past the thin membrane. Kikola grabbed hold of Tehvay and held on until the twinge of pain had passed. Once Tehvay felt Kikola's vaginal muscles relax, she slowly withdrew.

"Are you finished?" asked Kikola.

Tehvay smiled. "No, I've just begun." Her finger went in deeper, but not too deep. Kikola whimpered as Tehvay gently moved inside her – slowly withdrawing then entering again. Kikola gasped as Tehvay quickened her pace. Kikola's hips met each thrust with urgency.

There was much more Tehvay could have done to prolong it, but as this was Kikola's first time, she didn't want to make her sore. So when she sensed that Kikola was close, Tehvay plunged in as deeply as she could and used her thumb to stroke Kikola's hooded pearl. That sent Kikola over the edge. She let out a guttural cry as her body stiffened and shuddered.

Tehvay held Kikola in her arms and listened to her breathing return to normal. A feeling of elation and relief washed over her. It had been such a long journey to this moment for the two of them. There were times when it appeared they might never get here: so many obstacles – some seemingly insurmountable. Yet through it all, Kikola had been steadfast in her determination that the two of them were meant to love each other.

Tehvay suddenly felt quite overcome with emotions. Tears started welling up in her eyes.

Kikola leaned up and wiped away a tear that had rolled down Tehvay's cheek. "You are crying. Are you all right?"

"Yes, yes I am fine. How about you?"

"I'm better than fine!"

Kikola wanted to kiss Tehvay and asked her permission. "You never have to ask me that," Tehvay said. And to prove it, she pulled Kikola into an embrace and allowed Kikola to take the lead.

Kikola was careful not to cover Tehvay with her whole body as she leaned over Tehvay and kissed her. Tehvay parted her lips, inviting Kikola to deepen the kiss. She welcomed Kikola's tongue to explore her mouth, to taste her own essence on Tehvay's tongue.

Tehvay's pulse quickened to feel Kikola's hand softly caress her breast. Her abdominal muscles clenched involuntarily when Kikola's fingers traced a path to Tehvay's hips. Tehvay so desperately wanted to feel Kikola inside her, to experience a flood of desire coursing through her bloodstream and the indescribable pleasure of joyous release. But Tehvay hadn't felt aroused by another's touch or by her own for a long time. That thought brought up memories of the last owner who abused her. Gallish, the woman Boran killed. She would order Tehvay to masturbate in front of her but not allow Tehvay to reach orgasm. If Tehvay showed any signs of pleasure, Gallish would order her to stop and administer an electric shock to herself. The shock did no lasting damage, but it hurt a lot. Sometimes it would cause her to lose bladder and bowel control. Tehvay quickly conditioned herself not to react to genital stimulation.

Tehvay touched Kikola's arm. "Kikola, stop."

Kikola looked up, "Am I doing it wrong?"

Tehvay pulled Kikola in close and held her in the crook of her arm. She stroked Kikola's dark brown hair and kissed her temple. "No my love. You were doing it right. It's just…"

How can I explain it to her? That her touch doesn't excite me, no matter how much I want it to, Tehvay thought. I can't tell her, because none of it is her fault. She only wants to love me, and my broken soul won't allow it.

"Did it bring up bad memories?" asked Kikola.

"Maybe one or two, but those have been replaced with one very good memory." Tehvay gave her a knowing smile.

"I am glad. I hope it will be nothing but good memories from here on out."

"So do I. But I need to take things one step at time. There are some things I can't talk about yet. One day, maybe."  

"I understand."

Do you really? Kikola had said she understood many times, but Tehvay needed to hear Kikola proclaim it again.

"You know I will never force you to do anything you are not ready for," said Kikola, her voice was small, almost pleading. "All of this is on your terms. I only want to be with you."

Tehvay languidly closed her eyes and invited Kikola to join her in a kiss.

They remained wrapped in each other's arms for several minutes. Finally, Tehvay loosened her hold and looked down at Kikola.

"I want you to know that I've decided not to go to Inosa."

"Really? That's… if you are sure."

"Yes."

"I love you, Tehvay."

"I love you too, Kikola."

Tehvay was feeling the effects of the sleepless night she had and wanted to close her eyes. She pulled Kikola in closer, leaned over and gave her one last kiss, and then started drifting off to sleep. The last thing Tehvay remembered was Kikola's arm wrapping around her waist and their hands entwined together.

CHAPTER 11

The shift on the interceptor had been routine. Kikola sat in the galley staring into a glass of water. All she could think about was Tehvay and what finally happened last night. She knew the mechanics of sex, but had never experienced the intensity that making love offered. She closed her eyes and relived the sensations her body felt – the spark of desire, the warmth of Tehvay's skin, the longing at her core. Self-pleasuring paled in comparison to having Tehvay touching her so deeply, so intimately for the first time. And Kikola felt Tehvay's tenderness and love with every kiss, every stroke. The only thing that would have made it perfect was if she could have given Tehvay the same gift. That will come in time. We've taken the first step, she thought.

Kikola was startled by Yuniph's voice from the comm. "Officer Karthen, report to starboard airlock. We've got an unapproved ship. They've agreed to let us board."

"On my way."

Kikola took a final swig of her water and hurried to the airlock. Yuniph was already waiting there.

"How many on board, Sergeant?" asked Kikola. Both of them liked to keep it formal while on duty; one of the few areas in which they both felt comfortable.

"Six," Yuniph replied. "They claim to be here on a personal matter."

"Have you called for backup?"

"They've been compliant so far, but I've called in Interceptor Four just in case."

Kikola nodded and turned her attention to the airlock panel. The contact light came on just before she felt the slight judder. Once the seal light came on, Yuniph opened the door. Kikola took point and led the way.

The door to the other ship was open and a man and woman stood there waiting for them. The man rushed past Kikola before she realised what was about to happen.

The man grabbed Yuniph. The sergeant's defence training kicked in, and she threw him to the floor. Her IPB appeared in her hand, and she pointed it at the man's head.

"No! Sergeant Veilan, stop!" Kikola shouted.

Yuniph shot a look at her.

"It's all right." Kikola gestured at Yuniph to put the weapon away. "He just mistook you for Tehvay."

"You know him?"

"That's Boran Zerbilla."

Yuniph released him and stepped back. "I'm sorry, but you shouldn't try to grab a security officer like that."

"My mistake," said Boran. He climbed to his feet and smoothed out his trousers and casual button-down shirt. "Would someone like to explain?"

"This is Yuniph, Tehvay's sister," said Kikola. "Tehvay's twin sister."

"Twin sister?" Boran looked baffled.

"It is going to take some explaining," said Kikola. "It looks like I am not the only one with explaining to do." She turned away from Boran to the impeccably dressed woman in the airlock. "Mother, what are you doing here?"

Mariantha walked slowly towards her daughter. Kikola could see moisture in her eyes and a lot of conflicted emotion on her face. "Kikola. It is so good to see you again."

Kikola could not resist it; she closed the gap between them and enveloped her mother in an embrace. "I have missed you."

Yuniph's voice interrupted the reunion. "Officer Karthen."

Kikola took a step away from her mother and turned to face her colleague. "Yes, Sergeant?"

"I take it you can vouch for these people."

"Yes. They are not slavers. This is my mother, Mariantha ap Karthen, and Boran Zerbilla, a good friend."

"Welcome to Trengos," Yuniph said. "You may continue on your way." She turned to Kikola. "Officer Karthen, we must return to the ship."

It was ingrained in Kikola that an order from a superior officer had to be obeyed. Yet she hesitated.

"Sergeant, might I have permission to accompany them to the surface? There is so much I need to tell them."

"We are still on duty," Yuniph stated.

Kikola glanced at Boran, who was looking at Yuniph. She could tell he was trying to make sense of it all, but she had her orders.

"Yes, Sergeant."

Mariantha glared at Yuniph. "I have come halfway across the Spur to see my daughter. She will return to duty when I am finished speaking with her."

Her mother could be a force of nature that was impossible to resist. As a judge, Mariantha commanded attention in her courtroom. Outside the courtroom, she could adopt a tone of voice that demanded everyone stop and pay attention to her. The voice, coupled with a glare and a stance that made her seem twice as imposing, was enough to freeze Yuniph. Even Boran took his cue to slink back inside the airlock.

The sergeant took several heartbeats to recover. She blinked slowly. "A minute," she muttered, and retreated back to the interceptor.

Mariantha's stance softened when Yuniph left, and she turned back to Kikola.

"There's been a change in The Council," her mother told her. "Ambra ap Lentol has taken over. She has declared herself Bren."

"Ambra? Bren? Nobody has claimed the title Bren in over a thousand years."

"Well she has, and she has expelled the founding families from The Council – declared them all Fethusal. I decided to flee rather than stay and suffer the humiliation." Mariantha paused. "Your Uncle Toman is dead."

The news hit her like a gut punch, but Kikola retained her calm façade.

"How did Uncle Toman die?" Kikola asked her mother.

"He took his own life," her mother replied. "He was the primary speaker against Ambra. He also organised an attack on her ship that failed, and it shifted The Council's favour in her direction. He must have felt disgraced, and Ambra wouldn't have let him live anyway, no matter what promises she might have made to the contrary." Mariantha shook her head sadly.

"That is… regrettable." Kikola shook her head. "And Rephon?"

"Your brother is safe. At least he was the last time I spoke to him. Ambra promised that no one would be harmed during the transition."

Kikola tried to process what she was hearing. "How did you come to be with Zerbilla?"

"Jenissa ap Taliss told me about him." Her mother glanced over her shoulder. "She is here with me. Her slave… Ambra ap Lentol had it killed."

Kikola felt a pang of sorrow for the young woman. She knew how much Jenissa loved Menari. "I must get back to work. We will talk later."

Her mother's demeanour changed from soft to hard. "How can you take orders from that woman? She's not Elit. Why aren't you in charge?"

"No, she's not Elit. Neither am I, here. And now, neither are you." Kikola squeezed her mother's arm. "I really must go. I will come find you after my shift." She glanced past her mother to Boran. He was flanked by a man and a woman Kikola recognised as Boran's trusted advisors, Tremothen and Marleen, who had helped in the plan to rescue Tehvay. Kikola gave a welcoming nod in their direction and hurried back to the interceptor.

~~~~

Tehvay was anxiously awaiting Kikola's return from work. Memories from the previous night were still foremost in her mind: the sounds Kikola made, the smoothness of her skin, the taste, the emotions. Ima was right, thought Tehvay. Physical intimacy does bond two people… and with that bonding comes freedom. Tehvay wanted to be free of her demons from the past and free to give herself to Kikola fully. So, she had their evening planned out from the moment Kikola would walk through the door to the moment they would finally drift off to sleep in each other's contented embrace.

Tehvay was in the kitchen preparing a nice meal for Kikola, made with fresh ingredients from the market, not the food dispenser. She stirred the pot, careful not to spill the sauce on her favourite green dress. She wore it especially for Kikola, because she knew Kikola liked it, and she wanted the evening to be perfect.

Tehvay was so engrossed in what she was doing that she didn't hear the front door open. Her heart leapt when Kikola came into the room.

"You're home!" Tehvay stopped what she was doing and greeted Kikola with a kiss.

"Look," said Tehvay pointing to a pot on the hob. "I've made dinner to surprise you."

"And I have got a surprise," said Kikola.

"A surprise?" Tehvay was intrigued. "It isn't flowers is it? Because I got some for you this time." She pointed to a lovely bouquet that dominated the centre of the table.

Kikola smiled. "No, not flowers. Even better. Follow me."

Tehvay turned off the hob and followed Kikola into the lounge.

When she entered the room, Tehvay was surprised to find they had guests. She was a bit disappointed, because it meant the romantic evening she had planned for the two of them was over. However, her disappointment changed to celebration when she recognised the gentleman with the designer suit and broad smile standing before her.

"It can't be… Boran?" Tehvay launched herself at him and joyful tears flowed as Boran swept her up in his arms.

"Hey there," he whispered. "No need for tears now."

"I thought I'd never see you again," said Tehvay.

"It seems Orion had other plans," Boran replied.

Tehvay finally pulled back from Boran and noticed Kikola standing with a middle-aged woman in a form-fitting, knee-length green dress, with flowing black hair, polished nails, and the same determined brow as Kikola.

It took a moment for Tehvay's brain to register that the woman was Judge Mariantha ap Karthen, Kikola's mother. "I don't understand. What are you doing here?"

"I am here to see my daughter," Mariantha remarked.

She crossed to the other side of Kikola, revealing someone else from Tehvay's past that took a moment for her to recognise. The usual glorious golden curls fell lankly over her shoulders, and the simple plain black dress was light years from her usual finally detailed attire.

"Hello Tehvay. How are you?" asked Jenissa ap Taliss.

Tehvay was struck dumb. She never expected to see her former owner ever again. "I—I'm fine, Ma'am." Tehvay cringed inside at how easily she acted like a slave again.

"Jenissa." The young woman bowed her head. "You may call me Jenissa if you wish – anything but Ma'am. You are not my slave anymore."

"Um… I…" Tehvay struggled to find her voice. "Is Menari with you?"

At the mention of Menari's name, Jenissa broke down.

Boran laid a hand on Tehvay's shoulder. "I'm afraid Menari is dead."

"Oh. I am sorry." Tehvay was conditioned never to ask what happened to a slave and discouraged not to form emotional bonds with other slaves. Still, she knew how much Jenissa loved Menari, and felt genuine sadness for the young woman's loss. Tehvay observed Kikola's mother placing an arm around Jenissa's shoulders in an effort to comfort her. She thought it strange to see the judge demonstrating compassion like that. Where's her compassion for her daughter? Tehvay wondered.

Tehvay directed their guests to make themselves comfortable. Mariantha and Jenissa sat in two armchairs. Tehvay settled down on the settee between Boran and Kikola.

"I cannot believe you gave up everything for this tiny hovel." Mariantha looked around the room with disdain.

"Mother! You are forgetting; you too have given up everything."

"Yes, but I will not lower—"

"It's so great to see you again." Boran said loudly, curtailing Mariantha's speech. "Marleen, Tremothen, and Tana send their regards."

"Are they here on Trengos?" asked Tehvay.

"Yes, though they remained on the ship. I thought it would be too much if we all turned up at once, but they can't wait to see you."

"I can't wait to see them, and I can't wait for you to meet my family!"

"I'd love to meet them, though I met your sister earlier. Yuniph is it?" Boran replied.

"You did? Yes, Yuniph. How? When?" Tehvay was still a little overwhelmed, and the questions came tumbling out.

Kikola explained. "Yuniph and I were on an intercept mission when we encountered Boran's ship."

"And let's just say there was a case of mistaken identity that nearly had me arrested!" added Boran.

"Did you choose this backwater planet for your exile because your family was here?" Mariantha asked Tehvay.

Tehvay was taken aback by the judge's question. It felt like she was being cross-examined. "I, uh…"

"We didn't know Tehvay's family lived here," Kikola responded. "It was a happy coincidence."

"I don't believe in coincidence," said Mariantha, "and I don't believe you are happy with a low-rank security job instead of the prestige and glory that being the next Rivelor would have brought to you and to the Karthen family."

"Mother, I assure you I am at peace with my decision to choose love over prestige."

"Well, I am glad you are at peace with your decision," Mariantha replied with obvious sarcasm. "My life and that of the rest of the family are in ruins, your uncle Toman is dead, and Ambra is now Bren, all because of your carnal feelings for a fugitive slave!"

"Tehvay. Her name is Tehvay," Kikola reached out and took Tehvay's hand. "I truly regret the trouble I have brought to you and the family, but I do not regret my decision. I love Tehvay with all my heart and we are content in our life together here on Trengos. I will be even happier if that life includes you."

Tehvay listened to this exchange with mixed emotions. She had never stopped to consider how their actions had affected Kikola's family. She could almost feel empathy for Kikola's mother, especially for the loss of Kikola's uncle.

Kikola's mother said nothing in response, and for a few moments no one spoke. Eventually Tehvay broke the silence. "Who's Ambra?"

"There's been a change of power in The Hegemony," said Kikola. "Ambra ap Lentol has seized control of The Council."

"Is that bad?" asked Tehvay.

"Yes," said Mariantha curtly.

"She has declared herself Bren and is purging The Council of those opposed to her," Kikola explained to Tehvay.

"Bren?" queried Tehvay.

"It's a title once given to the supreme leader of The Hegemony," said Jenissa. "I remember it from history class," she added when the others turned their attention towards her.

"About three hundred years after the founding of The Hegemony, Narish ap D'Angel was declared Bren," said Kikola. "It was meant to be a title shared among all families, handed over every ten years. However, he abused his powers and made it an hereditary title. For over two hundred years the D'Angels ruled The Hegemony. The other Elit families were marginalised. Eventually the old order was restored, and the position of Bren abolished. The D'Angels agreed that they would concentrate their efforts in more artistic roles for being allowed to remain in the Elit."

"Is that why you came here? Because this Ambra has taken control?" Tehvay asked Boran.

Boran nodded. "The political turmoil in The Hegemony was becoming bad for business," he said. "I had already begun to liquidate some of my holdings when Mariantha and Jenissa arrived on Shibato. Jenissa remembered me from when we rescued you and thought I could help them. So, to make a long story short, here we are." 

Tehvay regarded the group sitting in her lounge: the judge that had returned her to slavery, her former owner, and her very dear friend. It was almost overwhelming to think of what it all would mean to their lives going forward.

Tehvay needed a moment to collect her thoughts, soshe went to the kitchen to get some refreshments. A bowl of peeled namida fruit sat on a worktop. Tehvay had planned for her and Kikola to feed it to each other. She could just imagine sucking the juice off Kikola's slender fingers. A noise behind her pulled her out of her reverie. She turned and saw Judge Karthen standing in the kitchen doorway.

Tehvay was unsure what to say to her. This was the woman who had spared her life, and unwittingly, given her a new and better one, but Tehvay was still reluctant to consider her an ally.

"I met your sister earlier on," said Mariantha. "A rather wilful creature, ordering my daughter about. I recall you were quite wilful at your trial. I hope you do not order Kikola about."

"And what if I do? Does it offend you?"

"She is Elit, you are a slave. How she could lower herself to—"

"Oh! She lowers herself quite easily when I tell her to get on her knees and lick me." Tehvay hissed, keeping her voice low. "Is that what you want to hear? Is it?"

"If you are trying to shock me, you will not succeed."

"What do you want from me then?"

"I want you to understand. Kikola was tutored and mentored and shaped into the perfect soldier, fit to be not just any aloyd, but the Rivelor. She was to ensure the Karthen family name would be remembered for eternity. When she told me that she was in love with another woman, I was disappointed. Had she had fallen for some respectable Fethusal senior officer, that sort of thing can be tolerated if knowledge of it is contained within a family, but if it became widely known it would be an embarrassment. I even hoped she would find a man to marry, even if it would only be to keep up appearances. Through all of it, though, she would still be my daughter and I would support her. But a slave? I should have had you executed when I had the chance. If I had, none of this would have happened."

Tehvay felt the sting of the judge's rebuke, and she wasn't going to leave it unanswered. "My parents told me they remembered you from visits to the Lentols. They said you weren't a very nice person. I see you haven't changed."

"The Lentols? Your parents were slaves to the Lentols?"

"Yes."

"They were freed?"

"Yes. When my mother was pregnant. However freedom was only for them and one child. I was taken into slavery."

Mariantha studied her carefully. "The Lentols should have had your mother put down instead of freeing her."

~~~~

Kikola heard what sounded like a slap and went into the kitchen.

"What's going on?" she asked.

The red mark on her mother's cheek told her what had happened, but she asked the question anyway.

"Nothing," said Mariantha. "Nothing that I did not deserve."

"I thought you wanted to use the toilet?"

Offering no reply, Mariantha turned and walked into the hallway and up the stairs.

Kikola looked at Tehvay. "You slapped my mother?"

"Yes," said Tehvay. "I'm sorry, but she said a few unkind things about me which I tried to ignore, but when she said the Lentols should have had my mother put down instead of freeing her, I just reacted."

Anger boiled up in Kikola. She had tolerated her mother's rude behaviour towards Tehvay for the sake of decorum, but this time her mother had gone too far. "I am going to have a word with her." As she turned to go and confront her mother, a hand on her elbow stopped her.

"Don't," said Tehvay. "You heard your mother. She said she deserved it. Confronting her won't make the situation better, only worse."

Kikola's voice was raised. "She cannot talk to you like that!"

Tehvay's voice was barely above a whisper. "I've been spoken to worse." 

"That doesn't excuse her behaviour."

"Please, let it drop," Tehvay pleaded. "For me."

Kikola felt the anger dissipate and hugged Tehvay. "If that is what you want."

"Go back in and see to our guests," said Tehvay. "I'll bring in the refreshments."

"Are you sure? Do you want me to help? You go back in, I will get—"

Tehvay placed a finger over Kikola's lips and kissed her on the cheek. "Go on." She gave a smile and nodded her head in the direction of the door. "I can manage."

I am glad one of us can, Kikola thought.

Kikola was still irked at her mother's behaviour, but she let the matter drop and returned to the main room where Boran and Jenissa were left waiting. Kikola wasn't sure if Boran and Jenissa had overheard the commotion in the kitchen, but she didn't mention it. She tried to engage Jenissa in conversation, however, the young Taliss woman only replied with a monosyllabic 'yes' or 'no'. She was almost grateful when Mariantha returned to the group, and relieved that the red mark from Tehvay's slap had faded and nothing more was said.

Tehvay came in bearing a tray of snacks and something to drink.

Kikola poured everyone a glass and offered them to their guests. Jenissa passed on anything to eat or drink. Boran was happy to try it. Then Kikola came to her mother. Mariantha took the glass and smelled the drink before she tried it.

"It is called seidfalr," explained Tehvay, "a fermented cider that my father makes from the fruit of the fala tree. He's quite a good gardener."

"Is that so?" replied Mariantha. She brought it to her lips and took a small sip. "It's not in the same class as the cider back home." She took another small sip. "Still, not bad," she conceded.

"I will tell him you liked it," said Tehvay.

Boran tasted it and said, "This really is good. Perhaps your father would consider going into business together."

"I'm not sure. He might," Tehvay said thoughtfully. "He doesn't produce a lot of it."

"Even better! If it's rare we can charge more for it!" Boran raised his glass and took another swallow of the seidfalr.

"Perhaps you can discuss with him when you meet my parents."

"I will," Boran said. He emptied the glass of every drop.

Mariantha put her glass down. "I think we would all agree that it has been a very eventful day. Perhaps we should call it a night."

"Not yet," said Kikola. "I would like to know more about the situation in The Hegemony."

"Why the concern?" Mariantha asked with thinly veiled bitterness.

"I am curious," Kikola replied. "And I care."

"I'll be happy to tell you what I know," Boran said, "but I agree with Mariantha. It has been an eventful day."

"I have an idea," said Tehvay. "Kikola, you have a day off work tomorrow, don't you?"

 "Yes."

"Why doesn't Boran come back tomorrow morning? You can talk about it then."

"Sounds good," said Boran. "I'll bring Tremothen and Marleen along," Boran offered.

"That would be wonderful! I'm anxious to see them again," said Tehvay. Not wanting to seem impolite, Tehvay asked Kikola's mother and Jenissa if they would like to come back tomorrow. Answering for both herself and Jenissa, Mariantha begged off, saying it had been a long journey and they needed to catch up on their rest.

Tehvay turned her attentions back to Boran. Her excitement to have him here in the flesh was almost overflowing. "I would love for you to meet my parents then, as well!"

"That would be great," said Boran.

"Good, I'll arrange it." Tehvay touched Kikola on the arm. "I'll send a message to Tru and Ell to see if they can come. I'd like them to meet everyone as well."

Kikola nodded, and Tehvay excused herself and left the room. She returned a few moments later carrying her comm unit. "Trujilon says he can come tomorrow morning. Ell can't make it. She has to work."

Kikola's mother rose from her seat, which prompted Jenissa to stand as well. "It is getting late. It is time we returned to the ship."

"Right," said Boran, taking his cue from Kikola's mother. He turned to Tehvay and gave her a fatherly hug. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

Tehvay and Kikola watched from the doorway as Boran, Mariantha, and Jenissa drove off into the night. 

"That's not the evening I had planned for us," said Tehvay.

"Nor I," replied Kikola.

"Is what your mother said true? Did you rescuing me and giving up your career lead to your Uncle Toman's and Menari's death?"

"It might have played a part, but no, we are not responsible for their deaths. Ambra ap Lentol is responsible. She used us as an excuse to overthrow The Council and seize power."

"What happens now?"

"What do you mean?" asked Kikola.

"I mean, your mother didn't come all this way just to see where we live. She's come to try and convince you to go back and stop Ambra."

"Perhaps," said Kikola, "and perhaps she and Jenissa came to start a new life. Who knows, they may grow to love it here as much as we have."

"Well, at least one good thing has come out of it. They brought Boran with them."

"True," said Kikola with a smile. "'So what happens now?' you ask." Kikola took Tehvay's hand. "Now, we go upstairs and let tomorrow take care of itself."

~~~~

The ship was quiet. Everyone else on board had retired to their cabins for the night. Boran, having traded his suit for more comfortable lounging slacks and long-sleeved shirt, settled into the darkened cockpit, cradling a drink. He looked out at the lights of the spaceport. The port authorities had told him it could be several months before he'd get a covered hangar, maybe longer. In the meantime, he'd secured a remote open bay away from the general passenger terminal. If he squinted he could make the lights look like stars and pretend he was in space.

Maybe I should just have a hangar built, he thought.

"Thought I'd find you here."

Boran turned to look at his daughter, Tana, who was framed by the cockpit doorway. She was wearing a jumper and form fitting slacks as though she had just come from exercising, though Boran had never known his daughter to be a fitness buff. Shopping was more her sport.

Tana entered the cockpit and sat in the co-pilot's chair.

"How's Tehvay?" she asked.

"She's good. She's happy. I'm going to see her again in the morning. She's taking me to meet her parents. You can come along."

Tana shook her head. "We're going to need an income."

Boran's finances were not foremost in his mind. "I've—"

"We're perfectly placed to take advantage of the local haulage market."

Boran frowned. "We are?"

"I did a little research while you were out. Everyone around here is independent. 'Inter-planetary distribution network' appears to be an alien concept around here. We talk to suppliers. We talk to customers. We hire pilots. The market will be ours in no time."

"Simple as that," he said, nodding and smiling.

"If you want it. You're better at the negotiations than me."

"Don't underestimate yourself."

"I don't." She looked offended by his words. "I can do it, but I recognise that you're better at it."

Boran was silent for several seconds. "Do we ever talk about anything other than business or money?" He looked at his daughter earnestly. "What's the last book you read?"

Tana looked confused by his change of subject. "I don't know. Some crappy fantasy novel. What's that got to do with anything?"

"Maybe it's about time I got to know you better." 

His daughter stood up. "It's late. We're on a planet in the arse end of nowhere. And you want to talk books." She shook her head slowly. "I'll make some contacts and get back to you." She headed for the exit, stopped, and turned back. "I don't hate you. I know you don't hate me. Let's not complicate things, okay."

"Tana, I… Now that Tehvay is back in my life. I'm going to put her back in my will."

Tana shrugged. "I figured as much."

"It'll just be a payment, and if you keep the business running, a percentage—a small percentage—of the profits."

"Then I better go and get us some business." With that, Tana left.

Boran leaned back in the pilot's seat. After seeing Tehvay again, the thought of settling down on Trengos seemed a more acceptable idea. About forty percent of his business involved trade coming from or going to the Graelands, so Trengos would be a convenient place to set up shop and wait for the winds of change in The Hegemony to blow his way again. Pan Willam on Argos Station would still be a useful contact for trading wholly within the Graelands, Boran thought. This could work.

He stood and finished his drink. Rain started to patter against the cockpit windows. I should find somewhere drier to build a new estate.

~~~~

Tehvay opened the front door as Boran's surface vehicle pulled up outside the house. Two people hurriedly exited the vehicle and headed towards her, pausing only to close their coats to protect against the chilly morning air.

Before she could utter a word, Tehvay was lifted off her feet by Tremothen's enthusiastic embrace.

"Put her down, you big fool," said Marleen. When her husband obeyed, the small woman crushed Tehvay in her own hug. The three of them stood on the pavement, hugging and grinning at each other, while Boran stood a short distance away smiling at all of them.

Kikola came out of the house donning a light jacket, and joined Tehvay and her friends. "It's good to see you both again," she said to the couple.

"Good to see you, too," said Tremothen.

"It is chilly standing out here," Kikola said, gesturing towards the house. "Come in."

Marleen nodded at Kikola, took her husband's arm, and started to walk towards the entrance.

"Wait," said Tehvay. "I was going to take Boran around to meet my parents before they go to work this morning. Why don't you two come with us?"

"We'd love to," said Marleen. "But we wouldn't want to impose."

"It is no imposition. They'd love to meet you," said Tehvay.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Tehvay assured them. "They don't live far from here. I thought we'd walk."

"Sure," replied Boran.

Tehvay turned to Kikola. "We won't be long. If Trujilon comes before we get back, be nice to him."

"I will. Give my regards to your parents."

Kikola went back into the house while Tehvay, Boran, Tremothen, and Marleen set off on the short walk to her parents.

Tehvay led the way, with Boran beside her and Tremothen and Marleen walking behind.

"Are we going to meet your sister this morning?" Tremothen asked.

"No, Yuniph had already left for work when I called my parents this morning," Tehvay replied.

"What's it been like for you, being reunited with your parents and sister?" Marleen asked.

"Is it 'reunited'?" Tremothen asked his wife. "I mean she never knew them before."

"You know what I mean." Marleen hushed her husband.

Tehvay glanced over her shoulder to answer Marleen's question. "Finding my family has been wonderful, though it's been an adjustment for all of us, especially my sister."

"Oh, why is that?" Marleen asked.

"She found it a challenge suddenly having a twin sister she knew nothing about. She felt excluded by the attention I was getting. Everything is fine between us now though."

"I'm glad to hear that," Marleen replied.

Boran chimed in. "I'm happy that you have found your family."

Tehvay noted a sadness to his tone. She stopped walking and turned to him. "You are still my family, Boran." She looked at Tremothen and Marleen. "You are my family, too. Kikola is my family. We are all family now."

Boran smiled at Tehvay affectionately, and then he reached out and ruffled her hair. "I'm used to seeing you in short hair."

Tehvay ran a hand through her hair to smooth it down. "Yes, when you freed me, I got it cut because it was my choice. Now… I don't know, I've been letting it grow out a bit. Again, my choice. That's freedom," Tehvay said. "I—Your moustache! You've shaved it off!"

Boran laughed as he rubbed the stubble over his lip.

"It'll be back before long!" said Tremothen. "He gets rid of it every few years. Within six months it's back."

"Am I that predictable?" asked Boran.

"Yes," Marleen agreed. "Your hair is lovely, Tehvay," she added. "Unlike mine." She pointed to her greying hair.

"I didn't marry you for your hair." Tremothen patted his wife on the bottom.

"And you think I married you for yours?" She returned his pat with a slightly harder one as he smoothed out his bright red hair.

They continued on their way. Before too long, Tehvay led them up a garden walk of a semi-detached home that was similar to Tehvay and Kikola's house a few streets away. "Here we are."

Tehvay opened the door to her parents' house and entered. Her father appeared, already dressed in work clothes for his first landscape job. Pallin smiled at his daughter and stepped aside to allow Boran and the others to enter.

Pallin took everyone's coats and put them in a cupboard under the stairs. Tehvay observed her father's facial reaction to the vibrantly coloured clothing their guests revealed as the coats had come off. His eyebrows registered the bold shade of purple of Boran's suit jacket, Marleen's flaming red dress, and the broad green and blue striped shirt Tremothen sported. Tehvay's parents favoured more practical attire in shades that didn't make them stand out. The contrast between business people and ex-slaves was not lost on Tehvay.  

"Come on through," said Pallin. His manner was polite but aloof.

Tehvay frowned at her father's unexpected reaction. It never occurred to her that her parents wouldn't immediately warm to her friends.

In the kitchen, a large pot of tea sat on the table. Asta, who was also dressed for work in her factory uniform, picked up six cups from the counter and placed them on the table.

"Boran, these are my parents. Asta and Pallin. Ita, Ima, this is Boran."

"It's so good to meet you," said Boran. He gave their hands a quick shake. "Tehvay… well, she deserves every happiness, and finding you… wow! Amazing! You should be proud of her. When I first met her, she was… well, you don't need me to tell you… anyway, she's… blossomed into a… a… I'm babbling. I'll shut up."

Tehvay introduced Tremothen and Marleen. They kept their greetings to a minimum.

"Tea?" asked Asta.

"That will be lovely," said Boran.

"Yes, thank you," said Marleen.

"That would be great," said Tremothen.

"Sit down," said Asta as she poured.

"Boran, Tehvay has told us so much about you," said Pallin. "Everything you did for her, taking her out of slavery, searching for her when she was recaptured, helping her escape with Kikola. We can't thank you enough."

"No need for thanks. Tehvay is like a daughter to me. I'd do anything for her." He took Tehvay's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Don't take this the wrong way," Pallin briefly glanced at Asta. "What exactly are you doing here? I mean what are your intentions?"

"Ita!" Tehvay was surprised by the odd questions.

"Intentions? I'm not sure I understand."

"We've just found Tehvay," said Asta. "Now you've turned up. We're concerned that—"

"Oh, I see," said Boran. "You're worried that I've come to take Tehvay away. I assure you that's not the case."

Tehvay suddenly felt distanced from everyone. The conversation was about her, but she was not involved. It was like being a slave and hearing your owner discussing a price for you.

Her mother must have sensed Tehvay's discomfort and reached out to take her hand. It snapped Tehvay back to the moment.

"We're sorry," Pallin said to Boran. "But we had to ask."

"I understand," said Boran. "No offence taken. In fact, you asking that question allays any fears I may have had about you accepting Tehvay. I know all too well how hard it is to accept—to know how to understand—a child you didn't raise from birth."

"Tehvay said you have a daughter of your own," replied Asta.

"Tana, yes. Her mother raised her on her own for seven years, then gave her to me."

"Why?"

Boran scrunched his face up in thought. "She didn't say. Sadly, we were not very communicative by that stage."

"And you had trouble accepting your daughter?"

Boran lowered his head. "Yes. My ex-wife could be difficult to get along with at times. She created a perfect replica of herself in Tana. I had trouble looking past that. In time, and with Marleen and Tremothen's help, Tana and I found a way to make this father-daughter thing work. She's twenty-four now and she's still with me. We… we… have an understanding."

"What sort of understanding?" Asta asked.

"I'm not sure," said Boran and chuckled. "But she came here to Trengos with me, so we must be doing it right. I like to think I did a better job with Tehvay." Boran looked at Tehvay, his brown eyes sparkled. "And she did a good job with me."

"We owe you all a debt of gratitude that I'm not sure we can ever adequately repay," Pallin said. "If it weren't for the three of you, Tehvay would have never escaped slavery, would never have made her way to Trengos, and would never have been known to us." His eyes began to fill with tears.

Tehvay leaned over and gave her father a hug, and then looked around the table at the people she loved all gathered together. It was an emotional moment for everyone. Tehvay could see Boran's lip quiver slightly. Marleen was wiping away a tear. Her mother searched her pocket for a tissue. The only one not crying was Tremothen.

"I know one way you can thank us," he said.

"Oh, and how's that?" Asta said, wiping her nose.

Tremothen smiled and pointed to the counter. "You could give me a slice of that cake!"

Marleen slapped her husband's arm while everybody shared a good laugh, even Marleen.

Asta brought the cake over to the table and served everyone a slice. By the time they were finished, Tremothen had her parents laughing at his bad jokes. Asta offered more cake, and Tremothen said yes, but his wife said no. Marleen had glanced at Tehvay, who reluctantly acknowledged that it was time they departed – her mother had a shift to get to, and her father had a couple of landscaping jobs scheduled. There were hugs and handshakes all around as the group left the Veilans' house.

As Tehvay waved goodbye to her parents, Trengos' twin suns were breaking through the cloud cover. The suns were noticeably closer to each other than when Tehvay had first arrived on the planet. She linked arms with Boran, closed her eyes and smiled as the suns' light kissed her face. Life is perfect.

~~~~

After Tehvay and the others had left, Kikola closed the front door and retreated into the kitchen. The food Tehvay had been cooking the previous night still sat on the hob in a covered pot. She wondered if she should dispose of it, since it had sat out all night, but decided to wait and ask Tehvay.

She made herself a cup of tea and sat down, noting the vase of flowers in the centre of the table. She was so pre-occupied last night that she hadn't taken time to stop and admire their beauty. She recognised that these were flowers Tehvay and her father had grown themselves, not some bouquet purchased at a market stall on the way home from work. A home-cooked meal and fresh-picked flowers, Kikola thought. How different their evening had turned out.

As she sipped her tea, she wondered how the life she and Tehvay had made for themselves here on Trengos would be affected with the arrival of her mother and Boran, and moreover, how the political upheaval in The Hegemony might cast a long shadow of uncertainty for all of them.

The house's sensors alerted Kikola to someone being at the front door. It was Trujilon.

"Come in," said Kikola. "Would you care for something to drink?"

"No, thank you. I've just had breakfast," replied Trujilon.

Kikola showed him to the lounge. When he removed his jacket, she took note of how smart he looked in dark blue slacks with a crisp white shirt that contrasted his dark skin. He dressed to impress, she thought.

"Tehvay will be back shortly," said Kikola. "She just went round to her parents."

"So, who is it that Tehvay wants me to meet? She wasn't specific in her message."

"Friends of hers from Shibato. Boran Zerbilla and his associates Tremothen and Marleen Scows," replied Kikola.

Kikola wasn't one for small talk, but Tehvay had asked her to be nice. It wasn't that she disliked Trujilon, or his sister; she had nothing in common with them.

After a minute of awkward silence, Kikola spoke. "How are the plans for the trip to Inosa going?"

The question caught Trujilon by surprise. "Huh? Oh, okay. I'll be going on my own by the looks of it. Everyone else has commitments."

Kikola knew he meant Tehvay. "It's not that I don't want Tehvay to be involved, but…" Kikola trailed off. She didn't want to expose her insecurities.

"That's okay. Tehvay explained everything." His mouth turned up in a quick smile, that he held for slightly too long. "Um… I mean… you were concerned for her safety. Not that you'd be lonely if she… the weather looks like it might turn out nice today."

"Yes," Kikola agreed, relieved that he changed the subject. "Cold, but dry."

"Actually it should be quite mild later," he replied.

"I grew up in a desert, so it'll be cold for me," said Kikola.

"Right." Trujilon licked his lips.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like a drink?"

"No, thanks."

Kikola tried to think of another topic of conversation. The silence drew out and she decided to let it continue. Mercifully, the others returned before the silence became painful.

Tehvay introduced Trujilon to the Shibatoans and soon they were all chatting like old friends. Kikola sank back in her chair and half listened and half wished she could slip away. That changed when Boran mentioned to Trujilon about the current situation in The Hegemony.

Being reminded that Ambra ap Lentol had declared herself Bren and assumed control of The Hegemony, Kikola's aloyd training kicked in and her mind had begun clamouring for more information to better assess the situation. Not that she planned to return to The Hegemony to take up arms against Ambra; however, she might be able to offer her brother Rephon some practical methods of defence, should it come to that.

Kikola waited for a pause in the conversation and then spoke. "Who has control of the military?" she asked.

"Lentol has most of it," said Boran. "Hila is her lap dog, or so it seems. From what information I could gather before leaving, Lentol had been moving aloyds loyal to her into strategic positions. Those likely to be opposed to her were allocated desk jobs or sent to distant outposts."

"What do you mean by most of it? Fifty-one percent? Sixty? Seventy-five? Ninety-nine?" Kikola pressed.

"I don't have the figures," Boran replied. "What does it matter anyway?"

"Significant resistance takes time to put down. The longer it takes, the weaker Ambra becomes. If her advantage is greater, then the resistance will be put down quickly, and she can turn her attention elsewhere." Kikola paused. "She might think she doesn't need a Rivelor to fulfil the plans to conquer the Graelands."

"If there's resistance within The Hegemony, the PPG would want to know," said Tehvay and looked at Trujilon for confirmation.

The young man nodded. "Anything we can use to hurt The Hegemony is a plus."

"I am not sure any resistance to Ambra will share the same ideals as the PPG," said Kikola.

"Why not?" asked Tehvay.

"Those opposed to Ambra will be the ones in favour of maintaining the status quo," Kikola explained.

"Maybe not," said Boran. "Yes, the Elit are at war with each other for control, but this could prompt open opposition among the rest of the population." He gave Kikola an embarrassed look. "There is almost universal hatred of Elits among the Quernal."

"I'm aware of certain factions that would love to see the Elit toppled," said Tremothen. He turned to Trujilon. "Perhaps your PPG can contact one of these groups, find out what's going on, and what they can do to help them rise up. How large is it?"

"How large is what?" asked Trujilon.

"The PPG."

"Oh, very big," said Tehvay. "Hundreds. Maybe a thousand."

"Tehvay," Kikola said softly. "They're not big enough."

Tehvay looked crushed.

"Maybe not," said Trujilon. "But it's a start."

"It's a start to suicide," said Kikola. "You can't hope to succeed."

Trujilon conceded with nod of his head.

"All revolutions start with one idea by one person," said Marleen. "Lentol did it, there's no reason we can't do the same."

"Ambra is Elit," said Kikola. She sounded more defensive than she meant to and the looks from the others told her they had noticed her tone. "What I meant is that she already had more power to begin with than we do. Now as Bren, she has even more power." Kikola rubbed her temples in thought. "It pains me to say it, but the best thing is for Ambra to take control without resistance."

"What?" All but Tehvay cried in disbelief.

"The Hegemony must appear strong to its rivals, otherwise they will attack. The Losper Empire, or the Andantian Republic, could seize the opportunity to regain systems they have lost, and more. That will only complicate matters. Right now it is a conflict contained within the Elit and Fethusal castes. If a hostile power tries to take advantage and forces Ambra to fight a war on two or more fronts, the lower castes will be caught in the crossfire. Millions more people will suffer." Kikola considered what she was saying. "It is always better to face one enemy at a time."

"Surely we want Lentol to face opposition from all sides," said Tremothen.

"Yeah," agreed Trujilon. "We might be small, but our best chance of success is if she's distracted."

"Your best chance is still close to zero. You are an idealist with grand plans, but little experience of doing things on a planet-wide scale, let alone a Spur-wide scale."

The young man looked like he was about to protest, but knew Kikola's assessment, though cutting, was true. "Yeah, you're right," he muttered.

"There is one chance," said Kikola. "Ambra has made a fatal mistake in declaring herself Bren."

"What's that?" asked Boran.

"She made herself Bren," Kikola replied. "The beauty of the Elit ruling The Hegemony was that no one single person held all the power. Any insurgent had no single target to assassinate, so could not cut off the head of government."

"So she's made herself a target," said Boran.

"Yes," agreed Kikola. "Though don't underestimate her. She is probably a well-defended target. If she thinks she has enemies, she'll remain a well-defended target. If she thinks she's won and any opposition negated, she might relax her guard. A single person could take her out."

"That sounds like a good plan to me," said Trujilon.

Tremothen and Marleen voiced their agreement.

"Um," Tehvay looked around the group. "This might seem like a silly question. But if this Ambra is killed, who'll take over?"

"That's the most sensible question I've heard today," said Kikola. She saw Tehvay blush with pride. She looked around the assembled group. "You can't go in unprepared. You can't start a conflict until you have the forces to achieve your goal. And most importantly, you can't start until you know how you want it to end."

CHAPTER 12

Ambra looked out of the shuttle's window at the Relentless. It was not the latest class of heavy cruiser, but she knew it to be the best. When she took control of Military Operations, an initial order for a new class of heavy cruiser was a done deal. One was already in service and a further nine were already in various stages of assembly. However, incompetence by her predecessor had allowed construction to begin before all the problems were ironed out. Ambra only wanted perfection. She had cancelled production of further ships, but had to accept at least six of the new class into service. It would be another seven years before the first of her new and improved heavy cruisers would be built. In the meantime, she had instigated a programme to retrofit older models with the latest systems. Thus she chose the Relentless as her flagship.

The Relentless filled the view from the shuttle. Dark grey ablative armour, no windows. Bold angles, no curves. It looked like what it was meant to be, a weapon.

The shuttle pulled alongside an opening in the side of the ship and smoothly entered the shuttle bay.

It took several minutes before the landing protocols were completed and Aloyd Falentha came out of the cockpit. The aloyd looked less than pleased to be playing the part of Ambra's personal shuttle pilot. I will have to make sure she still knows her place, thought Ambra.

Gral'hilanth opened the exterior door of the shuttle and stood aside. Ambra climbed from her seat and walked to the exit. Sarray followed quietly a few paces behind. Two security guards followed the slave.

Ambra paused once she had exited the shuttle and dismissed the security detail. They saluted her and Aloyd Falentha, and then marched away.

"You're awfully quiet, Aloyd Falentha. Nothing to say?"

"No. Bren."

Ambra noticed the pause before her title and smiled inwardly. She knew it wasn't because Gral'hilanth was still getting used to it. It was because the aloyd hated being subservient to her, and only tolerated it because Ambra promised her a way to take revenge on Kikola ap Karthen.

Dealing with the former aloyd was on Ambra's list of things to do, but a long way from the top. Karthen posed no immediate threat, but she was an embarrassment and a blot on Ambra's reputation. So while Karthen was not high on Ambra's list, she was there somewhere, even if it was only as a carrot to dangle in front of Gral'hilanth.

Karthen had been Ambra's first choice for her right hand. Who better than the next Rivelor to help Ambra usher in a new era? Ambra had recognised the subtle signs in Karthen that she had discovered in herself. Signs that Ambra thought she could exploit, but the former aloyd had seemed oblivious to Ambra's overtures. Maybe I should not have been so subtle, she thought.

Despite her obvious shortcomings, Gral'hilanth was proving to be an acceptable alternative to Karthen. Even more so, because Kikola ap Karthen, as it turned out, had a troublesome streak of morality. Falentha had proven she had no such scruples. Now that Ambra had won the vote, taken control of The Council, and declared herself Bren, all that was left to do was root out any remaining opposition.

"I have some good news for you, Aloyd." Ambra reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box. She handed the box to Falentha.

The aloyd tentatively took the box.

"Open it."

Falentha did as instructed. "Aloyd, First-Class rank bars," Gral'hilanth said as she opened the box. "For me?"

Ambra laughed. "No. For your father. I am abolishing the rank of lunguseth. Your father is Elit. He deserves the rank of aloyd."

"Thank you, Bren. He will be honoured."

"He will outrank you, for now." Ambra took back the box and started walking.

"For now?" asked Gral'hilanth hurrying after her.

"Your position of Aloyd, Third-Class will suffice – for now. However, once any resistance is dealt with, I will think of a suitable position for you." Ambra paused outside a lift. "Being in the military is not for you. You're still Hila Llyte inside. A freighter pilot. A Quernal."

"Bren, I assure you—"

Ambra raised a hand to silence Falentha. "I have not yet appointed a new Council Member for Military Operations. Continue serving me well through this transition, and I will consider you for the job."

The door to the lift opened and they entered the lift. Sarray pressed the appropriate button.

"I am not sure I am the political type," said the aloyd.

"You'll be whatever I want you to be. Just as you'll do whatever I want you to do."

"Yes, Bren."

Good girl, thought Ambra.

"Do you know where the main Karthen family estate is on Kalenth?"

"Yes," replied Gral'hilanth. "It is located on the southern continent in the Nevaruk Desert.

"Good. Destroy it. I want it razed to dust. I want to make sure they have nothing to return to. This ship is capable of doing it from orbit. It won't take long. Consider it a reward for your loyalty."

The doors to the lift opened. Ambra stepped out and turned back to the aloyd. "Come to my quarters when you've completed the task."

"Yes, Bren."

~~~~

"Target destroyed."

The tactical officer relayed the information to his superiors. Gral'hilanth stared straight ahead, but from the corner of her eye she could see Captain Eadmon looking at her.

"You have the bridge, Captain," said the aloyd, and left the bridge.

As Gral'hilanth navigated the corridors towards Ambra's private quarters, she thought about what she had just done. This wasn't the first time Ambra had ordered Gral'hilanth to carry out actions against the Bren's political enemies. The promise Ambra had made before The Council, that no one would be harmed, was soon broken.

Since her ascension to Bren, Ambra had launched a campaign against the founding families who opposed her on The Council. She had already ordered the arrest and execution of Chairman Guljein ap Maldan and the forfeiture of his family's estates. Now the destruction of the Karthen estate. There were no deaths in the action she had just taken, but it struck Gral'hilanth as a pointlessly destructive act. Even if it was the family home of her nemesis, Kikola ap Karthen, destroying it did little to quench her thirst for revenge.

There was only one thing driving Gral'hilanth, and that was the thought of Kikola ap Karthen seeing her in an aloyd's uniform and grovelling before her, begging for mercy.

Sarray opened the door to Ambra's quarters and allowed Gral'hilanth to enter.

"This way," said the slave and headed towards the bedroom.

The aloyd's heart sank. It looked like Ambra had another loyalty test for her to endure. As soon as they entered the bedroom, Sarray removed her blue slave's uniform. Ambra stepped up and allowed her hands to wander over the slave's naked body. Her touch varied from gentle to rough. The slave did its best to not react to either.

Ambra pushed the slave face down on the bed. "Come here, Aloyd."

Gral'hilanth moved closer.

"Sarray has been a good slave today. I think it deserves a treat. So, you are going to put your tongue to use and give it an orgasm. I will be in the main room waiting."

It could be worse, thought Gral'hilanth after Ambra had left. She settled on the bed and proceeded to perform her task.

Gral'hilanth thought she might be losing her touch, but eventually the slave's body succumbed and it muffled its cries into the pillow.

Gral'hilanth gave her face a quick wash before leaving the bedroom. On entering the main room, her feet became rooted to the spot. A man in a dark grey uniform, with silver thread woven into the collar, was standing with Ambra. She immediately recognised the uniform of a lunguseth and the man who wore it.

"Father! I…"

"You are probably wondering why I asked you here," Ambra said to Gral'hilanth's father.

"I am curious, yes, but I assume I will find out in due course."

"Indeed you will." Ambra handed a small box to Oalanic and gestured for him to open it. "Oalanic Andor ap Falentha, under my authority as Bren, the rank of lunguseth is being abolished. You are Elit. Therefore, effectively immediately, I am promoting you to the rank of Aloyd, First-Class."

Gral'hilanth's father looked up from the box in his hand to Ambra and then to Gral'hilanth. "I joined the military to serve The Hegemony," Oalanic began. "I did not seek out medals and commendations, or promotions. I believed that doing my duty was its own reward.

"Being promoted to lunguseth was perhaps the worst thing that happened in my career. It singled me out as different. The other aloyds were my social equal, but I could never attain their rank.

"This honour you have given me is beyond measure, and for which I am truly grateful."

"It is a rank you should have been given years ago."

Oalanic stood up straighter as he pinned the insignia for an Aloyd, First-Class – a reverse 'C' with three over bars – on his collar.

Gral'hilanth offered him a smile, then saluted. "Sir." Her father returned the salute and Gral'hilanth relaxed. He saluted Ambra.

Ambra returned his salute. "You will need a new uniform to go with the rank bars. See the quartermaster immediately and have them issue you an aloyd's uniform."

"Yes, sir."

"I prefer Bren," said Ambra.

"Yes, Bren," Oalanic replied.

"And you are to have a new command. The Formidable is a fine old ship, but an Aloyd, First-Class should command a striker group. The heavy cruiser Bulwark has just been retrofitted. You will have command. You will leave for Timar in three days." Ambra smiled. "This promotion deserves to be celebrated with family," she said as an aside. "Good luck, Aloyd. You may go."

Gral'hilanth was about to leave with her father, but Ambra stopped her. "I didn't mean you."

"I—"

Oalanic gave his daughter a slight shake of his head. Ever the soldier, he saluted, turned on his heel, and left.

"Will that be all, Bren?"

"No." Ambra sat down in a nearby chair. "After mentioning a new uniform to your father, a thought occurred to me. I should have a uniform made, so I can blend in better with the crew of my flagship. What do you think?"

"Whatever you say, Bren." Gral'hilanth wanted to get away and was ready to agree with whatever Ambra suggested.

"But not in that drab grey colour you and everyone else wears. I think it should stand out from the crowd."

"Yes, Bren."

"What do you think of red? No, purple. Nothing too bright or garish, mind. And an insignia, one that is worthy of Bren. I know, a dryg. Fierce, powerful, mystical."

The dryg was a mythological creature. It was a symbol used in the early days of The Hegemony, but had long since been consigned to fairy tales and bad fantasy novels. Gral'hilanth was bewildered by Ambra's musings, but played the dutiful underling. "Sounds good. If there is nothing else, Bren, I would like to spend a little more time with my father."

"We are not done here." Ambra stood and walked towards the bedroom

~~~~

Tehvay looked around the table as Boran relayed news of the change of power in The Hegemony to the PPG leadership. There were seven of them, including Trujilon and Ellovene. Tehvay made eight. They had gathered at the home of Szymon, the head of the group's leadership. Their faces were hard to read, except for Trujilon's. He was hearing this for the second time, unlike the others, and was fired up for action.

When Boran finished speaking, Trujilon jumped up from his seat at the table next to Tehvay.

"This is a great opportunity for us to strike!" The young man was animated. "We have a few small ships that can raid The Hegemony border regions."

"To what end?" asked Szymon, an older man with short grey hair atop a round face.

Trujilon couldn't answer him and sat back down.

Szymon addressed Boran from his place at the opposite end of the table. "This woman who's declared herself Bren, is she going to be better or worse than the old ruling Elit? From what you've said, she's removing the founding families from power. That sounds like a good thing to me."

"I don't know her personally," said Boran. "From what I know of her actions, and speaking to Kikola and Mariantha ap Karthen, this Ambra is much worse."

"Well, they would say that. They are opposed to her."

Tehvay spoke up. "Kikola had been chosen as Rivelor to lead the conquest of the Graelands. If the old regime were still in power, it would be another thirty years or more before they were ready with a new Rivelor. Ambra doesn't have the same need for a Rivelor. Once she's suppressed any internal opposition, she'll come."

"Can you be sure?" asked Szymon. "She wants control of The Hegemony, that's obvious. What evidence do you have that Ambra would invade the Graelands?"

Tehvay was stumped and turned to Boran.

"Ambra has seized power in The Hegemony," said Boran. "If history is anything to go by, those that ascend to power that way are seldom content. They always want more."

Szymon rubbed his neck as he thought. "This situation is much bigger than we can handle."

"We need to test oursel—" Trujilon started.

The older man stopped him. "I understand, Trujilon. I really do. But the PPG is not large enough to act on this galactic stage."

"The Losper Empire is," said Ellovene. "We should tell them that The Hegemony is at war with itself. They can take advantage of that. And in exchange for the information, we could ask them for protection."

"Yes!" Trujilon leaned forward in his seat. "If The Hegemony's enemies can take advantage of the situation, the new regime will be too busy to invade the Graelands. It'll weaken them further, and maybe even see them crushed for good."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," observed Tehvay. "Kikola said that it's better for the civil war in The Hegemony to be over as quickly as possible. If the Empire takes advantage, then millions of people will suffer."

Szymon nodded. "It is likely the Losper Empire already knows what's going on in The Hegemony. They probably have spies inside, and if not, they can monitor across the border. It is unfortunate for the innocent civilians, but there is nothing we can do." He gave Tehvay a sympathetic look. "Thank you for bringing this to us. And thank you, Boran. I think the only thing we can do is take it to the government. Let them decide which course of action to take. Is everyone agreed?"

"Shall we propose a course of action that we think they should take?" asked Ellovene.

"I can't see what harm that would do," Szymon replied. "What are the options?"

"Approach the Empire," said Ellovene.

"Any others?" Szymon paused and looked around the table.

"I'd like to suggest, for the moment at least, we take no action," offered Tehvay. "The situation in The Hegemony is still ongoing. I think it'll be better to wait until it is resolved, or at least we have a better idea of what's going on. In the meantime, the PPG redoubles its recruitment efforts, we continue our mission to Inosa, and we recommend to the Dansek government that contingency plans should be developed."

Szymon nodded. "Very well, then let's vote. All in favour of Ellovene's proposal."

Ellovene, Trujilon and one other raised their hands.

"And Tehvay's," Szymon said as he raised his hand.

The remaining three raised their hands. It was a formality, but Tehvay raised her hand as well.

"Okay." Szymon nodded. "I'll take the information and Tehvay's proposal to the government," he said. "We have a public meeting scheduled in three days' time. We'll have a get together before that. We might even have a response from the government by then."

The meeting was adjourned and members started to make a move to leave.

Ellovene came over to Tehvay and Boran. "We're going for drink. Do you want to join us?"

"Ell… I hope you don't… I mean, me suggesting a diff—"

Ellovene laughed. "No, I don't mind. That's what this is all about. For people to have their voices heard."

Tehvay breathed a sigh of relief. She had felt like she was siding against her friends. "If Szymon is only giving the government my suggestion, then your voice is not being heard." That gave Tehvay an idea.

Before everyone left, Tehvay suggested putting both options to the government.

Everyone agreed to present both ideas, then said goodnight to Szymon and filed out into the chilly night.

"So, about drinks?" Ellovene asked.

"I would love to, but Boran is taking me out for a meal tonight."

"You kids can join us if you like," Boran offered.

"That's okay," said Trujilon. "We finally learned our lesson with these meetings and had a big meal beforehand."

Ellovene rolled her eyes. Tehvay chuckled.

"Well, some other time," said Boran.

"Count on it," said Trujilon.

"Good night, Boran," said Ellovene. She reached out and gave Tehvay's arm a friendly pat. "We'll talk with you tomorrow."

"And whatever the government decides, at least we're doing something," Trujilon added.

The brother and sister said goodnight and left Tehvay and Boran standing on the pavement alone.

"You've come a long way," Boran said. "Being part of this group. I'm proud of you."

Tehvay blushed and shrugged.

"Don't be modest, Tehvay. I'm a coward. I ran. You're making a stand. That's brave. You should be proud of you."

Tehvay thought for a moment. "We both ran. And now we're both making a stand." She nodded her head slowly. "I think we're both brave."

"I think we're both hungry," said Boran. "Come on."

~~~~

Mariantha walked into the ship's lounge. It was the top deck of Boran's luxury cruiser. When in flight, the ceiling could be made transparent for stargazing. Mariantha was glad that it was opaque at the moment. She wanted anything other than to see the murky Trengos sky above.

The lounge itself was spacious, several couches and armchairs were dotted around the perimeter of the room. Two tables occupied the central area. Kikola sat in a chair staring out of a window. Jenissa sat at one of the tables staring at the floor. Kikola is more at ease with the people on this planet than she is with her own kind, Mariantha thought.

Mariantha's decision to flee The Hegemony had been a knee jerk reaction, borne from fear for her safety and empathy for Jenissa ap Taliss. During their flight from Yun'thul to Shibato and from Shibato to Trengos, Mariantha had grown fond of the young woman. In fact, she realised she had more in common with the Taliss girl than her own daughter. Seeing Kikola again reminded her how much she missed her daughter and how much she longed for a closer relationship with her.

"I have made a decision. I am going back home," she said.

"Pardon?" Kikola looked at her mother in confusion.

"I am going home – to The Hegemony."

"You can't!"

"I must. Marleen just informed me that the Karthen estate on Kalenth has been destroyed."

"Were there any casualties?" Kikola asked with concern.

"Thankfully, no," replied Mariantha. "Your brother and the rest of the family have made their way to safety."

"Good. You must stay here mother. It will be too dangerous for you to return to The Hegemony now."

"No, my place is with the family."

She looked at Jenissa. "The founding families must work together to defeat Ambra ap Lentol. Do you want to come back with me, Jenissa?"

Jenissa looked up at her. "I am staying. There is nothing for me there."

"Your fam—"

"My family did nothing to stop Menari from being murdered. Besides, they would not welcome me back. I have brought dishonour and shame to the Taliss name." Jenissa glanced at Kikola. "I meant no offence."

Kikola nodded.

"Very well," said Mariantha. "If I can, I will inform them that you are safe and well. I will not say where."

"My thanks."

Kikola stood up and approached her mother. "What do you hope to achieve? You will be going back to chaos. You will not be safe."

Mariantha could read the desperation on her daughter's face. Kikola was worried for her, but could not come out and admit it directly.

"My safety is not important – our family is – and I cannot abandon them to their fate at the hands of Ambra ap Lentol!"

"No! I won't allow—"

"Kikola Mariantha Jacand ap Karthen, you will not tell your mother what she should or should not do."

Kikola fell silent and bowed her head. Mariantha pulled her into an embrace.

"I don't want you to go," Kikola mumbled against her mother's shoulder.

"We don't always get what we want." I wanted to hold you close like this and be your mother so often, it hurt. Mariantha disengaged from the embrace and held Kikola by the shoulders. "Come with me."

Kikola blinked in surprise. "I… can't."

"You can. You must. Your family needs you. I need you."

"I can't go back."

"You were raised to never back down. You were raised to face any difficulty and win."

Kikola shrugged out of Mariantha's hands, turned away, and mumbled something.

"What did you say?" asked Mariantha.

Her daughter turned to face her. "I have faced my battle and won."

"What does that mean?"

"I was raised to be a soldier, an aloyd, the Rivelor. I was not raised to be a person, to be who I am, to be me. I was confronted with a choice, be what was expected of me, or be what I wanted to be. I chose the latter. I chose, I fought, and I won."

Mariantha's frustration at Kikola's obstinate attitude boiled to the surface. "You mean you chose gratification over duty, over family."

Kikola's cheeks flushed. "It is not that. I chose Tehvay because she loves me for who I am, not who I am expected to be."

It was Mariantha's turn to blush. "I guess I deserved that. I know I pushed you to be the perfect daughter, the perfect student, the perfect aloyd. Perhaps I didn't show you as much affection as I should have." A terrible thought came into her mind. "Is that why you crave affection from a female? Is it my fault?"

"No mother. It is not your fault. It is not anyone's fault," Kikola assured her. "I have no explanation for why I fell in love with Tehvay, but it has more to do with who she is and how she makes me feel – really feel. Before Tehvay, my emotions were shut off, compartmentalised. Now I feel all sorts of emotions that I am finally learning to express, thanks to Tehvay."

Kikola is right, Mariantha thought. I raised her to think with her mind, not feel with her heart. It took Tehvay to bring out that side of my daughter, perhaps for the better.

As if her daughter had read her thoughts, Kikola reached out for her mother's hand. "I love you, Mother."

It brought a tear to Mariantha's eye to hear her daughter say she loved her with such sincerity. "I love you too, my daughter," Mariantha replied. "Come with me. Bring Tehvay."

Kikola removed her hand and for a moment looked away. "I cannot ask Tehvay to leave her family—"

That hit a nerve in Mariantha. "What about your family? You left us for her!"

"What choice did I have?" Kikola asked. "Besides, we are considered fugitives in The Hegemony."

Mariantha looked from Kikola to Jenissa and sighed. "We are all considered fugitives now."

"Then stay here with me, please," Kikola said.

Mariantha saw the anguish in her daughter's eyes. She had also seen first-hand just how much her daughter loved Tehvay. And she had to admit, Kikola was a different person because of Tehvay. Mariantha was reminded of her late husband, Strambik, and how difficult the years have been being parted from him. How can I begrudge my daughter her chance at happiness with the person she loves?

"If you won't return with me," Mariantha replied, "then I want you to do two things for me."

"What's that?" asked Kikola.

"Look after Jenissa. Be her friend. And…"

"And what?"

"Hang on to Tehvay. I can't say I am happy that she took you away from me, but she's good for you."

~~~~

Tehvay stood near a wall of windows and glanced out at the steady stream of shuttles and cruisers taking off and landing. It evoked memories of when she had first passed through the doors of the Dansek spaceport with Kikola to start their new life on Trengos, and all that had transpired in the months since that day. Her mind flashed through their chance meeting with Rikana in the market that to led to her being reunited with her family, the PPG, Boran's arrival, and of course her deepening intimacy with Kikola. She was brought out of her reverie when she heard the pilot announce that it was time to depart.

The Dansek government had heard the PPG's proposals and decided to follow their recommendations to approach the Losper Empire for a possible alliance, as well as develop planet-wide defence contingency plans. An envoy was appointed to speak to the Losper Empire, and he was to be escorted by members of the Dansek Security Force.

Rikana immediately volunteered for the security detail to accompany the official. According to Rikana, 'it beats chasing spotty teenagers on the cold streets'. Yuniph volunteered as well and was put in charge. With some persuasion, Yuniph agreed to take Mariantha to the border so that she may return to The Hegemony. Tremothen and Marleen had agreed to go with Mariantha, partly for her protection and also to gather information from their business connections for Boran.

That was why Tehvay, Kikola, Boran, and Jenissa were at the spaceport – to see them all off.

"Ilistan will meet you on the Graelands side of the border," Boran said to Tremothen and Marleen. "The pilot has the coordinates."

"Right," replied Tremothen.

"You may have to wait a couple days, but Ilistan's getting away from Dameb as quickly as he can. He said he's heard rumours of Losper forces gathering along the border, probably in an attempt to reclaim Otopa at least and Dameb with it."

"And how much am I supposed to pay him?" asked the man with the flaming red hair.

"Too much," said Boran. "Eight thousand credits to take the two of you and Mariantha to Gatlor and another eight thousand to transport you two back here."

"Do you want us closing out your accounts on Gatlor?" asked Marleen.

"No, leave one open with twenty thousand credits," Boran said.

"Will do," replied Tremothen.

"I needn't tell you—"

Tremothen anticipated what his boss was going to say. "We'll be careful."

Boran laid his hand on Tremothen's shoulder. "You don't have to do this."

Tremothen's frowned. "Someone has to make sure Ilistan holds up his end of the bargain."

"Besides, who else can you trust with your money?" the grey-haired woman added with a grin.

Boran hugged his old friends. "Still, steer clear of trouble. I want you both back."

"We will," Marleen replied. "Look after Boran," she said to Tehvay as she gave her a hug.

"I will miss you," said Tehvay. She disengaged from Marleen's embrace and gave Tremothen a hug. "Take care of each other."

"We will," said Tremothen. "You too," he added, glancing in Kikola's direction.

Marleen and Tremothen picked up their bags and made their way to the entry ramp.

Boran put an arm around Tehvay's shoulder, and together they watched Tremothen and Marleen go aboard.

Tehvay felt a tear fall onto her cheek. She had only just been reunited with Tremothen and Marleen, and now they were leaving again. At least Boran is staying with me, she thought. She leaned into Boran and gave him a squeeze around the waist.

Out of the corner of her eye, Tehvay could see Kikola saying goodbye to her mother.

"I suppose I should go and say goodbye to Kikola's mother," she said to Boran.

"Kikola would appreciate that," Boran said, and gave her a gentle push in their direction.

Kikola's mother was just saying goodbye to Jenissa when Tehvay came up to the small group of former Elit. Tehvay drew herself as tall as she could when Mariantha's eyes locked onto her. I can't claim to be sad to see her go, Tehvay thought, but I do feel for Kikola. Who knows when she will see her mother again?

"Safe journey," Tehvay offered.

"My thanks," Mariantha replied.

The older woman turned to her daughter. "Remember what I said: Take care of this one, too." There's was a slight tilt of the head in Tehvay's direction, then Mariantha turned and headed for the ship.

"Did she just say something nice about me?" asked Tehvay.

Kikola blushed. "She thinks you are good for me."

"Ah! So she does have your best interests at heart."

"Yes," Kikola agreed. She appeared to hesitate a moment. "There is something… My mother wishes for me… us to look after Jenissa, help her adjust. I thought…" Kikola glanced to Jenissa. "I thought maybe Jenissa could move in with us. Just for a short time! That is if you agree."

Tehvay did not feel any bitterness towards Jenissa; in fact it was the opposite. She felt sympathy for her over the loss of Menari, but didn't necessarily want her staying in her home.

"I—" was all Tehvay managed to say before Jenissa interrupted.

"That is most kind of you. However, I discussed this with Mister Zerbilla, and he is more than happy for me to stay on his ship. I think that would be for the best. I am sure Tehvay does not wish to have a former owner hanging around."

"That is all in the past. Now you are a friend, and you are welcome to visit us whenever you like," she said.

"Thank you. I will do that."

The doors of the VIP lounge slid open and in walked Yuniph, Rikana, and the government official. The ambassador went directly to the ship, however, Yuniph and Rikana hung back.

Boran and Jenissa politely stepped back to give Tehvay and Kikola a few moments to say goodbye to the officers.

"Have a safe trip," Tehvay said to her sister.

"Don't worry, I will. It's Rikana we have to worry about," Yuniph teased.

"Rikana, please take care of yourself and take care of my sister," Tehvay said.

"She'll be fine," Rikana replied, "as long as she doesn't bore me senseless."

"I think it's Yuniph who will get bored of you first," said Kikola.

Tehvay's mouth dropped open. She was shocked to hear Kikola make such a comment. Then she noticed Kikola smiling and Rikana doing her best not to respond in kind. Did Kikola just make a joke? Tehvay thought. Kikola had made the occasional joke in private, but Tehvay had never known her to make one in public.

"It's time to go," said Yuniph. She gave Tehvay a hug and whispered, "Take care of Ima and Ita. They might be lonely without me under foot."

"I will." Tehvay tried to hold back the tears. "Please, promise me you won't take any unnecessary risks."

Yuniph smiled. "You know me, I'm always careful."

Kikola turned to Rikana and said, "Don't expect me to hug you."

"You wish," Rikana cackled.

Yuniph addressed Kikola. "Officer Karthen."

Kikola's instinctual reaction was to come to attention.

"Relax. I just wanted to say… what I mean is… I have recommended you for promotion to sergeant. See the commander in the morning."

Kikola came to attention again. "Understood."

"Don't I get a promotion?" asked Rikana.

"When we get back," said Yuniph. She turned back to Kikola, "Take care of things until I get back," Yuniph said. "Especially my sister."

Kikola nodded. "You can count on me. Good luck with your mission."

"Thanks." Yuniph was about to leave, but stopped and looked back at Tehvay. She closed the distance between them and gave her sister another hug. "Would you believe I'm going to miss you?"

Tehvay replied, "I can believe it, because I know I'm going to miss you."

Rikana rolled her eyes. "And speaking of missing… we've got a ship to catch. Let's go." She gave Tehvay a friendly smile. "Keep this one out of trouble while I'm gone, Miss V." She nodded in Kikola's direction. "I can't wait to make her life hell when I get back."

Boran and Jenissa left to go back to his ship as soon as the hatch closed. Tehvay and Kikola decided to stay in the lounge and watch the ship move away from the building to the launch area. A few minutes later, it rose steadily into the air and streaked off.

"You and Rikana seem to be getting along," Tehvay said to Kikola.

"She tolerates me," Kikola replied. Kikola slipped an arm around Tehvay. "Come on. Let's go home."

Home, thought Tehvay. A small word that meant so much.

~~~~

With little in the way of entertainment on board the small transport ship, Yuniph and Rikana spent most of the time in the bunkroom they shared. Yuniph sat at the table by the foot of Rikana's bed. Rikana sat on her bed, with her back against the wall and one arm propped on the table.

A holographic projector displayed a game onto the table top. It consisted of coloured hexagons, each colour representing a type of terrain: yellow for sand, light green for grassland, dark green for hills, blue for water, white for snow and grey for cities. Various holographic pieces were distributed around the playing surface. The red pieces belonged to Yuniph; the green pieces belonged to Rikana. The green pieces outnumbered the reds.

Yuniph's finger pushed at the image of a red game piece and it moved from one hexagonal division to another. Rikana cackled, and moved one of the pieces stationed near her capital. A thin beam extended from Rikana's piece to Yuniph's piece. Another beam returned the other way. Yuniph's piece disappeared in a fiery effect.

"Got you on the ropes," Rikana crowed.

Yuniph smiled as a pinging sound rang out. A red piece appeared on one of Yuniph's cities. The one closest to Rikana's capital.

"What? No!" Rikana cried.

Yuniph pushed the new piece to a dark green tile. Multiple beams shot out, three of Rikana's pieces disappeared before they could return fire. Crucially a beam hit the grey tile representing Rikana's capital.  

Rikana sat up straighter. "You can't do that!"

"I just did," Yuniph said with a hint of smugness.

"Pfft! Too much damage. I can't recover from that!" Rikana hit the reset button.

"That puts me four ahead now." Yuniph rubbed her hands. "Another game?"

"Later." Rikana picked up a bottle of beer off the table and took a swig. She looked around the room. "I don't like being this close to Hegger space."

Nor me, thought Yuniph. She felt a billion eyes looking at her, as though The Hegemony knew she was close. She decided to take her mind off the troubling thoughts. "Why did you come with me?" she asked.

"To kick some Hegger arse," Rikana replied.

"No, not now. When I found you sleeping rough."

Rikana took a swig of her drink and stared into the bottle. "It seemed like a good idea at the time. I was cold, hungry, and desperate. I figured you might want something in return - if you get me - and I thought if that was what it took, fair enough. You wouldn't have been the first to proposition me."

Yuniph looked at her with shock. "If I wasn't the first, why were you on the street?"

"Let's just say I was only prepared to go so far to get a meal and a bed. You weren't even the first security officer to find me, though you were the first woman."

"Not the first security officer? Who was it? I will have words with them when we get back."

"It wasn't in Dansek," said Rikana. "He was a sick fucker. And he won't be taking advantage of anyone else again."

"You didn't—"

"No! I didn't kill him, though I bet he wished I had."

Yuniph thought of her sister. If Tehvay had killed those that had her abused her, how would I feel? Pleased, she concluded. But if she had even thought of fighting back, she would have been killed herself, and we would've never known each other existed. Yuniph shook off the thought as unthinkable and regretted having ever felt jealous. Now she felt only gratitude.

Rikana tilted her head back and drained the bottle. She held it above her mouth and shook the final drops out. "That's the last bottle," she said as she placed it on the table. "Should have brought more. Oh well." She let out a long sigh.

"The dispenser stuff is okay," said Yuniph.

"If you like drinking piss. And I'm not talking about it being recycled." Rikana shook her head. "I'll stick to water from now on."

Yuniph stood up, walked the few paces to her bunk and flopped down on it. As soon as her head hit the pillow the comm beeped.

"We've been contacted," said the pilot.

"Our contact?"

"Who else?"

"Are you sure it's them?"

"The code matches."

Yuniph and Rikana headed to the cockpit. Tremothen was standing behind the pilot. He gave Yuniph an odd sideways look for a moment, and then a smile flicked across his lips. She guessed he was still not used to her resemblance to Tehvay.

"Where are they?" asked Rikana.

The co-pilot tapped the display in the centre of the console. A small dot moved slowly towards the middle of the screen. The minutes dragged as the other ship finally came within visual range and made its approach. It was an unremarkable transport ship. It was a standard model, looked to be several years old, but reasonably well maintained, and no distinctive markings. A few minutes later the two ships were docked.

Yuniph assessed the man that came through the airlock. He was in his thirties or forties, medium build, with lank brown hair that brushed the collar of his black and white striped jacket. However, the thing she noticed most was that he was nervous. His eyes darted from side to side, and he licked his lips and looked ready to run. That put her on edge. He flashed a smile and spread his arms. "Is Bo with you?"

"Bo?" Yuniph asked.

"Boran."

"No. He stayed behind," Tremothen replied.

"Oh, right." He grinned for no discernible reason. "So, where's my money?"

"Are you Ilistan?" asked Rikana.

"Err, yeah. That's me!" His mouth snapped into another grin and he shrugged.

"Is that your first name or last?" Rikana pressed.

"What? My first or… yes."

"Yes?" queried Yuniph. "Which one is it?"

"Both." Another random grin and small movement of his arms. He licked his lips. "Ilistan Ilistan. That's me!"

"Ilistan Ilistan!" Rikana half stifled a cackle. "Your name is Ilistan Ilistan?"

"Yeah." He looked confused. His eyes flicked from Rikana to Yuniph and back. "What's wrong with that?"

"It's stupid, that's what!" Rikana didn't bother stifling the cackle.

"Do you have ID?" asked Yuniph.

"No need," said Tremothen. "It's him."

Ilistan grinned and waved his arms. "Money? You've got my money right?"

"You know the arrangement," said Tremothen. "You'll get paid half when you get us to Gatlor and the other half when you return us to Trengos."

"Gatlor? Nobody said nothing about going to Gatlor. You tell Bo, my price has just doubled!"

Tremothen raised his comm unit and showed it to Ilistan. "As you can see, your transmissions indicate that you were informed it would be Gatlor and you agreed."

Ilistan glanced at the screen. "Yeah, okay! But things are different now, that was twelve days ago! You tell Bo, it's double or no go!"

"Wait here." Tremothen and Marleen left the airlock area, leaving Ilistan with Yuniph and Rikana.

"Which one of you is Mariantha ap Karthen?"

"Do we look like Heggers to you?" asked Rikana in her usual confrontational manner.

Yuniph noticed Ilistan's eyes were still darting around nervously. They finally settled on her, and he took a closer look at her uniform.

"You're cops! This is a trap!" Ilistan exclaimed. "You can't hold me! Is this a trap? I know my rights! You can't prove anything!" He seemed to get more agitated, circling his arms wildly.

Yuniph expected trouble at any moment. Her hand hovered near her weapon. She glanced across to Rikana. Her partner was already drawing her weapon.

"Woah! Don't shoot!" He jumped back and put his hands out in front of him.

Mariantha came up to the airlock. "Are you Ilistan?"

"That's me." He grinned and gesticulated with his arms.

Rikana released her weapon's safety and powered it on. Ilistan froze.

"Please. I'm allergic to being shot." He nervously chuckled.

"Put the weapon away," Mariantha ordered Rikana.

Rikana did not take the instruction kindly and scowled at the older woman.

"He's acting weirdly," said Yuniph, drawing her own weapon.

"Yes he is," said Mariantha. "Unfortunately that's not a crime. Put your weapons away."

"I don't trust him," said Rikana.

Mariantha fixed a stern gaze on the young woman. "I am sure that if you shot everyone you didn't trust, there would be a lot of dead bodies. Now, lower your weapons."

"Yeah!" Ilistan agreed. "As she said!"

"Keep your eye on him," Yuniph said to Rikana. "I'm going to check out his ship."

"Check? It's fine! No need to check it!"

Rikana frowned as she watched Ilistan grin and wave his arms. "Can I punch him?" she asked.

"Hey!" Ilistan protested.

"Please let me punch him," said Rikana. "Just a little bit."

"You're not coming with me!" Ilistan looked towards Mariantha as if recognising her authority. "She's not coming on my ship!"

Rikana punched him on the arm.

"Oww! Why do all of Bo's friends keep hitting me?"

"Because you're bloody annoying," said Tremothen as he and Marleen returned. "Boran has agreed to your price, but not a credit more."

Ilistan seemed pleased until Tremothen added, "And you don't get a single credit until Marleen and me are back on Trengos."

The dark-haired man pouted. "Fine."

"I was just about to check his ship," said Yuniph.

"I think that is a good idea," Tremothen concurred. "We'll both check the ship."

"Don't hit him again," Yuniph said to Rikana. "Unless we don't come back."

After Ilistan's ship had been inspected, Mariantha, Tremothen, and Marleen transferred to it. Once it had departed, the pilot set course for the Losper Empire.

CHAPTER 13

The offices of the Council Chairman were situated underneath The Council Chambers. It consisted of a private suite of offices for the chairman, a cabinet office for meetings with heads of departments, and several side offices for the chairman's staff. After she had Chairman Maldan executed, Ambra moved from her offices as Councillor for Military Operations into the Chairman's offices, but only temporarily. Ambra didn't like the subterranean environment – too dark and dreary. She had plans for new offices. They would be the tallest building in The Civic, where she could look out the windows and survey her domain. She would stand tall and proud as a Bren should, not hide away like a pathetic civil servant.

Ambra looked across the conference table to her new personal secretary, Lonnodren ap Onacon. Until recently, Lonnodren had been a successful businessman. However, when Ambra decided that Business was not a suitable role for Elit, Lonnodren had requested a position in the new government. Since the Onacon family had pledged their allegiance to Ambra in The Council, she was willing to give Lonnodren a job on her staff. The Bren only wanted competent politicians in her cabinet, but she saw an opportunity to train him while using his business acumen to sell her new policies to those that were still resistant to change.

Lonnodren was of a similar age to Ambra, impeccably dressed in a dark blue suit that complemented his light brown skin. His hair was softly waved, rising directly from forehead and held in place by liberal amounts of hair product. All done, Ambra suspected, to show off his perfectly straight nose, and clean-cut jaw, with an ever so slight dimple. Only the faint shadow of a few hours beard growth marred what Ambra thought could be an attractive face.

"I can't thank you enough for this post," said Lonnodren. He had mentioned his gratitude several times, yet his gratefulness, while sycophantic, was tinged with a certain charm. "This gives me a great opportunity to contribute to your bold vision for The Hegemony. Who better to learn the business of government from, than the Bren herself? "

"An opportunity that I believe you deserve. In fact, I want you to oversee the construction of my new offices. Do well and I will see that you get a respected position, either in my cabinet, or a governorship." Ambra gestured to his data pad. "See that—"

The beeping of the comm unit interrupted her. Lonnodren hurried over to the communication console and answered it. Aloyd Falentha's face appeared.

"Who are you?" asked the aloyd warily.

"I am the Bren's new personal secretary. Do you not recognise me?"

A moment's confusion flickered across the aloyd's image. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as if she almost recognised him.

"I am Lonnodren ap Onacon."

The aloyd reacted by hardening her features. "I want to speak to the Bren. Now!"

"What is it, Aloyd Falentha?" Ambra asked as she stepped up to the console. She gestured for Lonnodren to step aside and took a seat.

The aloyd took a second to compose herself. "A corvette on border patrol has picked up someone I think we should speak to," replied the Aloyd.

"Who?"

A new face replaced the aloyd's.

"Interesting," mused Ambra. "Come and collect me immediately."

"As you command, Bren."

Ambra killed the connection. She turned to Lonnodren. "You have some sort of history with Aloyd Falentha?"

"We were at school together," he replied.

"School friends, that's nice."

"No, Bren. Not friends. Though it looks like she's had more facial surgery than me." He rubbed his nose.

"Do tell." Ambra instructed as she went back to the table.

"A childish response to a childish insult. She broke my nose."

Ambra chuckled. "Sarray, drinks," she commanded as she sat down.

Sarray hurried to pour and serve the drinks.

"Sit." Ambra pushed a drink towards Lonnodren's seat as he returned to the table. "Tell me more."

 ~~~~

Jenissa had accepted the invitation to dinner, but only out of respect for Mariantha. Maybe if Boran had not been going, she would have found an excuse to decline the invitation. Still, Jenissa had promised Mariantha that she would allow Kikola and Tehvay to help her adjust to life on Trengos, and she realised that locking herself away in her cabin wasn't going to bring Menari back. 

When she and Boran arrived for dinner, Tehvay welcomed them in with a smile and ushered them into the living room. It was an unwelcome surprise to discover that the guest list also included Tehvay's friends, Trujilon and Ellovene, and that Boran had been aware they were invited.

"Why did you not tell me?" Jenissa whispered to Boran after the introductions were made.

"Because you wouldn't have come," he replied.

He was right. Jenissa had no interest in making small talk with strangers, but they were there now. So she pushed down the anxiety she felt and tried to be gracious, or failing that at least not to be unsociable. 

The meal was bland, but palatable, much like the company. Jenissa didn't follow much of the conversation. She found Trujilon to be a bit too sure of his own opinions, as young men are. On the other hand, his sister Ellovene piqued Jenissa's interest. The dark-skinned woman with wavy black hair was soft-spoken, well educated, and had a way of drawing others into the discussion. Ellovene made the mundane seem remarkable, and Jenissa listened more intently whenever she was speaking.

When the conversation circled back to Tehvay's parents and her father's love of gardening, Jenissa noted how Tehvay's eyes brightened.

"Boran, you must come and see!" she said excitedly. "Ita gave me a cutting off his night blooming flower. It should be out now. It's beautiful. It has these purple glowing veins and the scent is like… like… oh, I don't know."

Boran laughed. "Let me smell for myself."

The two of them stood up from the table. "What about the rest of you? Do you want to come and see?" asked Tehvay.

"Sure!" said Trujilon and climbed to his feet.

Kikola stood up too.

"No thank you," said Jenissa. "I will stay in the warm."

"I'll stay too," said Ellovene. "Besides, your father has shown it to me before."

After Tehvay led the others out to the garden, Jenissa and Ellovene remained at the table, neither saying anything, and then Ellovene got up and reached for Jenissa's dish.

"I'll clear these plates away," she said.

The sight of the woman's dark brown hand taking the plate from in front of her startled Jenissa. She thought for a moment it was Menari's hand. Her eyes travelled from the hand, up the arm, and locked on to rich brown irises. Menari's face floated above her. She blinked and Menari disappeared to be replaced by Ellovene. The face was older, the features not as sharp, the eyes sparkled, not with love, but something else, and one corner of the mouth was twisted up in a half smile, not the full, beautiful smile that Menari only showed when they were alone.

"Didn't mean to make you jump," said Ellovene.

"No, you didn't. I was just thinking of someone… something else."

"Do you want to give me a hand?" Ellovene nodded down at the table.

"A hand?"

"Clearing up."

"I…" Clearing up after herself was something she was learning to do. Clearing up after someone else was still an alien concept. "I suppose so."

Jenissa picked up a couple of plates and followed Ellovene to the kitchen. She saw where the woman put the dirty plates and put the ones she was carrying next to them.

Ellovene turned to Jenissa and said, "I guess being Elit, you had slaves to do this for you?"

Ellovene's tone was not challenging; it was almost sympathetic.

"Yes," said Jenissa, unsure of what else to say.

"Tehvay told me that she was your slave for a short time; that you helped in aiding her escape."

"Yes, she was and I did. I am afraid Tehvay has not told me anything about you." Jenissa paused. She could have left the conversation there and retreated behind the safety of the wall she had constructed around herself. But an instinctual part of her decided to make the effort to break out. "Do you have an occupation?"

"I'm a journalist," Ellovene replied.

"What do you write about?" Jenissa asked, leaning against the counter.

"I write about whatever the news wants me to write about, but I'm particularly interested in telling the human story." Ellovene paused. "Actually, I'd like to write about you."

"Me?"

"Yes. To so many here on Trengos, The Hegemony is a huge threat. The Elit who control it are a mystery, a faceless evil. I'd like to write your story. Put a face to the enemy, so to speak. I'd protect your identity of course. But I want to show the people here that you're just like them. You're not all to be feared."

"I don't know," Jenissa responded. She was torn over the idea. Elit did not air their private business in the news, but a part of Jenissa wanted Menari's story told. It was wrong that she should die a nameless slave, forgotten.

"I would be very grateful if you consider it. I've been getting Tehvay's story. I've even got a few things out of Kikola. It would be nice to get another view."

"I will think about it."

"How about I come visit you on Boran's ship some time?"

Jenissa was feeling cornered and wanted to change the subject. "Sure," she muttered.

"Good." Ellovene's face broke into a smile. "I'm tired of writing press releases for the PPG, and my brother's speeches!" The woman chuckled.

The back door opened as Ellovene spoke.

Trujilon came in and took off his coat. "What was that about my speeches?"

"Just saying how well written they are."

"It's my delivery that really sells them." He looked at Jenissa as he spoke and flashed her a broad grin.

The other three followed him in and quickly closed the back door.

"You made the right choice. It's freezing out there," said Boran, rubbing his hands. "Shall I get us all some nice hot dyodpeth?" He headed towards the dispenser.

"Not for me," said Kikola.

"You go sit down. I'm the host," Tehvay said to Boran.

"No, you sit. I can handle it," Boran replied.

While the light-hearted disagreement between Tehvay and Boran continued, Trujilon got five cups of dyodpeth from the dispenser.

"Dyodpeth's ready!" announced Trujilon and carried the cups on a tray through to the lounge. Boran and Tehvay followed.

Ellovene touched Jenissa's elbow and smiled. "Coming?"

Jenissa noticed Kikola hanging back. "I will join you shortly."

Ellovene headed for the lounge leaving Jenissa alone with Kikola.

"Did you enjoy the meal?" asked Kikola.

"Yes, thank you." They both knew Jenissa was lying.

"We have to get used to the taste of food here – that and many other things."

"I appreciate any help you may give, but I do not want your pity," said Jenissa.

"You think we invited you out of pity?" Kikola gave her a shocked look.

"Then what? Guilt?"

"Guilt?"

"Yes, guilt – for ruining my life!" Jenissa exclaimed. "If you had not killed my grandfather, then Tehvay would not have become my slave, and you would not have got me involved in your scheme to free her, and I would not have had to lie about it, and Menari would still be alive."

"I never meant for any of that to happen," said Kikola. "I certainly regret what happened to you and Menari, but nothing can change it."

Jenissa took a deep breath. "We have respected your mother's wishes and made an effort. I think it is best if we do not socialise any further. Another time, another place, we might have been friends. However, please do not think that I consider you an enemy. I just think it is best that we keep our distance. For now."

"If that is your wish. If you change your mind, you know where we are."

Jenissa said nothing more, joined the others, and waited for the evening to end.

~~~~

The Relentless was travelling at faster than light speed. Garin could detect a subtle difference in the vibrations of the deck plating. It was as if the ship was more nervous. She settled back into the chair at the centre of the bridge and observed the crew going about their duties. For them there was still work to do. For Garin it was a matter of waiting. Waiting for something to happen.

"Captain Eadmon," the officer at the communications post called. "There's a call for you from the Vanguard. It's a personal call."

"I'll take it in my ready room."

Garin covered the distance to the corner of the bridge as quickly as she could without breaking into a run. She activated the comm before sitting down. Her brother's face appeared.

"Garin, it's Breena. She's missing," her brother began with preamble.

"Missing?" She sat on the edge of her desk chair and leaned towards the comm display. "Cayle, what are you on about?"

"We stopped at Yerhulin, and I couldn't find her," her brother replied with concern. "There's a record of her arrival, but no departure. She didn't answer her personal comm, and it was impossible to find with a trace. She's gone."

"Gone," Garin repeated. "That's… Keep looking."

"I can't. We've been ordered back to Kalenth. Are you still there?"

"No. We've been ordered away." Garin wanted to tell him they were rendezvousing with a corvette, but with the leader of The Hegemony on-board, she refrained from giving too many details. "What's happened to Bree?"

"I don't know." Cayle's face looked as worried as she felt. "Maybe she was recalled by Aloyd Willenth. I don't know. He was in command of the Fearless. Fleet Command doesn't know where it is. It's gone dark."

"Was the Fearless spotted near Yerhulin?" asked Garin.

"No. I checked with local traffic control."

"Then something must have happened. She wouldn't go back unless the Fearless turned up to take her back. We told her to wait."

Cayle ran a hand through his thinning hair. "I've left instructions with the local security force to keep a look out for her. They'll contact me directly if they find anything out."

"Let me know the moment you hear anything." Garin paused. "She'll be fine, Cayle. Wherever she is, Breena can look after herself."

"I know, but I want to know for certain."

"Keep me informed." Garin terminated the communication. She didn't like this. Her sister must have gone into deep hiding. And there was only one answer to why she would do that: She didn't want to be found. But what side is she hiding from?

~~~~

It was morning on the ship and everyone, apart from Rikana, was up and about. The pilot and the government representative were in the aft lounge having breakfast. Yuniph left them to go back to her quarters and change into her uniform. Technically she was working all the time, but on-board the ship she had relaxed her strict sense of duty and only changed into her uniform after breakfast, changing back into her casual clothes after dinner.

The co-pilot said good morning as he passed her on his way to the cockpit. She noted his uniform collar was not fastened and his hair not combed. Perhaps relaxing my rules on appropriate attire sends the wrong message. This is a government ship on a diplomatic mission, not some pleasure cruiser, she thought. She then realised that she was probably not that influential with the co-pilot.

There wasn't a lot to do other than sit around and play games with Rikana, so Yuniph decided to follow the co-pilot and change later. She stuck her head through the cockpit door. "Do you mind if I join you?" she asked.

The co-pilot turned from his console and shook his head. "Be my guest." He gestured to the pilot's seat and carried on with his task.

Her attention was drawn to the unfastened collar again. Yuniph could imagine the mocking she would get from Rikana if she voiced her opinion about it. It would no doubt end with a critique of her lack of fashion sense. So Yuniph fought the urge to say something about it and slipped into the pilot's seat.

Yuniph had flown the Dansek prisoner transport on several occasions, and while this ship was a good few years older and a different type of ship, the basic layout and readouts were the same. Something caught her eye on the navigation panel.

"Is this right?" she asked. "It's reporting our position to be well within Hegemony space."

"What?" the co-pilot whipped his head around. He punched a button. "Shit!" He studied the screen. "How did that happen?" A couple more buttons were hit harder than necessary. "The initial course calculation was off, but we double checked that!"

The co-pilot swore again. "There's no way it can be that far off." He punched some more buttons. "It's not correcting."

"Is something overriding the input?" asked Yuniph.

"It's… there." He pointed at a screen to his right.

Yuniph stretched in her seat to see what he was pointing at. "What is it?"

"It looks like we got hit by a random cosmic ray burst. It must have been while we were asleep. The shielding on the computer must be damaged and a section of the memory core has been compromised."

"In what way?"

"Some bits are permanently set. We can't change them."

"Can we work around the problem?"

"That depends on how big an area of memory has been compromised and also what else has been affected. I better run a full diagnostic."

An alarm sounded and a light flashed on the console in front of Yuniph.

"There's a spike in the ion flow in engine one," said Yuniph. "Critical."

"Shut it down!"

"Already on it."

The alarm stopped, and the warning light went off.

"Do you feel that?" asked the co-pilot.

"Yes," said Yuniph.

Yuniph could feel a steady thumping through the seat. "That's—"

For several seconds Yuniph thought she was dreaming. Noises and voices sounded but didn't make sense. She tried opening her eyes. What she saw made no sense.

The co-pilot's bloodied face was centimetres from hers shouting something.

"—t! –t—G—out! Get out!"

She coughed as a foul taste seared the back of her throat.

Something was pulling at her arm, trying to lift her from the seat. She turned her head and saw Rikana. The young woman's face had a black smudge on it. Yuniph reached out to wipe the smudge off her friend's face. Pain flared in her shoulder, and it took her a while to realise that the charred and bloodied hand she could see reaching out was her own. The tip of her index finger looked to be missing.

Yuniph cried in pain as Rikana pulled her injured shoulder around her neck and started dragging her out of the cockpit.

"—ip! Abandon ship!" Yuniph winced against the automated voice blaring the warning.

"Come on," said Rikana. "If I die on this thing, I'll never speak to you again."

Fire and smoke were billowing from the aft of the corridor and Rikana appeared to be dragging her towards it.

Yuniph wanted to protest, but a thump and scream from behind her stopped any protest.

Rikana swore and half leapt, half fell on the door release. Before the door was fully open, Yuniph was thrown inside closely followed by Rikana, who swore some more as she punched the control to close the door.

The escape pod was released just as the ship disintegrated. Yuniph watched the shower of debris through the porthole. Her view was blocked when Rikana placed something on her forehead.

"Hold that there."

Yuniph felt her hand being moved and placed on her forehead. She wanted to protest that it was a waste of time treating her. "Don't bother," she whispered.

Darkness overcame her.

~~~~

Yuniph opened her eyes. She was on her back, looking up at an unfamiliar ceiling. Harsh bright lights directly above her made her close her eyes again. She heard voices and opened her eyes again. There were people milling around her. They were apparently treating her. One of them applied a dressing to her burnt right hand, while another attended to her forehead.

She looked around. Dark grey walls, the uniformed guard by the door. This is a Hegemony ship, she thought. Military by the look.

"Hold on a moment." A female voice called out.

The attendants turned to the one who had spoken. Yuniph looked in her direction. Next to the woman was a screen showing Yuniph's face.

No, that's not me, she thought. That's Tehvay. Yuniph studied the face of her sister. There was a subtle difference to the sister she knew. That is what she looked like when she was a slave. When she was beaten and raped. When she was broken.

"DNA confirms this one's a slave. BK2561891. Known as Tehvay. It's a wanted fugitive. However there's a tag on its file that Aloyd Gral'hilanth ap Falentha is to be notified if found. Just give it the bare minimum of treatment and put it in the holding cell."

They think I'm Tehvay.

The attendants stopped treating her, and she was led to a cell. It was difficult for her to walk, but no one offered to help her. The cell door shut behind her with a hiss, a clunk, and a couple of clicks. No point locking the door, I'm in no fit state to escape.

Yuniph staggered to the bunks and laid down on the bottom one. Whatever pain medication she had been given was wearing off. The searing pain in her head made her feel nauseous. If she stayed still and tried to ignore the pain, it was bearable.

Some time passed and Yuniph heard the door open. Then she heard Rikana's voice.

"—of shit fuck. I'll punch your face so hard you'll be shitting your own teeth."

The cell door closed. It sounded like Rikana gave the door a kick for good measure.

"Hey, Veilan. How are you doing?" Rikana's face floated above Yuniph.

Yuniph winced as she moved her head to glance at her shoulder. Her sleeve was ripped and discoloured with dried blood. "I've been better."

"You've looked better."

"What's going on? The ship? The others?"

"The fucking thing blew up. I barely got you to the pod in time."

"The others?" Yuniph asked again, but she somehow knew the answer.

Rikana shook her head. "It happened so fast."

"Where are we?"

"Heggers. They must have picked up the automated distress call."

Rikana moved out of Yuniph's field of view. She heard what sounded like another kick at the door and grabbed her head as the pain reverberated behind her eyes.

"Why are you here?" Yuniph whispered to avoid making her headache worse.

"I head-butted the Hegger scum in charge." There was a pause. "Heggers have such fucking hard noses. So, they threw me in here with you. Why did they lock you up?" asked Rikana. "They wouldn't tell me. Or let me see you. "

"Rikana," she whispered and beckoned her friend closer. "They think I'm Tehvay. We have to play along and let them continue thinking it."

"What? That's insane."

"Why? We're both dead anyway. We know that. At least this way they'll think Tehvay is dead, and they won't go looking for her. She'll be safe."

Rikana shook her head. "No."

Yuniph's head hurt like a rod was being driven through her eyes, but she struggled to lean up. "Please."

Rikana stopped shaking her head and looked down. "Okay. I don't like it, but if it keeps Miss V. safe…"

Yuniph reached out with her uninjured hand and took hold of Rikana's arm. "Thank you." She studied the young woman's face. Tehvay is my sister by blood, but Rikana is my sister in my heart. "I love you," she admitted.

Panic flashed across Rikana's face. "I thought… You don't mean in a 'wanting to do things to my feeta' way, do you?"

Despite the situation, Yuniph laughed. "No, I don't mean that."

"Good." Rikana looked relieved. "I, um, I love you as well. And I don't mean in a 'wanting to do things to your feeta' way either."

"That's settled then," said Yuniph. "We both love each other, but not each other's feetas."

Rikana smiled. The smile faded and she suddenly pulled Yuniph into a hug.

"Finally got to the hugging stage," Yuniph teased, and returned the hug as best she could.

Rikana disengaged from the embrace, making sure her eyes didn't meet Yuniph's gaze. "Just get some rest," she whispered, and retreated to the corner of the cell at the foot of the bunk.

Yuniph slumped back. It was a long time before she fell asleep.

~~~~

Jenissa hated snow. As she watched the flakes fall from the dreary Trengos sky, she recalled the last snowy day she had seen. The day she left Alopan. The day things started to go wrong in her life.

This snow was not the pristine white snow that floated down and covered the gardens of the Taliss estate. This snow was grey and dirty, driven by a strong breeze, and when it hit the ground it melted straight away.

It can't even snow properly here, she lamented to herself.

She turned away from the window in the dining area of Boran's ship and took a seat as far from the window as possible.

In the time since she had lost Menari, Mariantha ap Karthen had become her rock. Someone she could lean on in the dark moments. Someone who understood the depths of her despair. Someone who knew what it meant to have everything taken away from her.

However, Mariantha had gone back to The Hegemony, and Jenissa was now abandoned on a backwater planet. Alone. The life she knew. Gone.

Mariantha's daughter, Kikola, was the closest Elit, but she seemed to have adapted to life on Trengos. She had lowered herself to take a menial job. She was even starting to talk like a Quernal.

If I had accepted Kikola's offer, I would at least have Menari. Sweet, innocent, beautiful Menari.

Tears flowed down Jenissa's cheeks. When her tears eventually subsided, Jenissa looked down at her right hand. She didn't recall picking up the knife.

Another thought from that last day on Alopan surfaced. Tehvay cutting her own wrist. The slave had lost hope. She thought she was lost, abandoned, by the woman she loved.

Oh, Menari, why did you have to leave me?

She broke down in fresh sobs. Cold metal at her wrist brought her focus back.

Do it, there is nothing left.

She tried to push the blade into the underside of her left wrist, but it was as though some invisible force was pulling in the opposite direction.

She relaxed and let out a plaintive cry of frustration.

Do it!

Jenissa took a deep breath and tried again. A small spot of blood appeared at the tip of the knife.

No pain. Do it. Just cut. Quickly!

"Jenissa!"

Jenissa looked up at the sound of her name. Ellovene walked slowly towards her. The woman's eyes were fixed on the knife.

"What are you doing?" Ellovene's voice was calm as she edged towards Jenissa. "Put it down. Please."

"Let me do it," Jenissa pleaded.

"Why?" Ellovene locked eyes with Jenissa. "Things can't be that bad."

"They are," cried Jenissa. "I have nothing. I am nothing. Everything I had, or was, is gone."

"Nonsense." Ellovene smiled. "Tehvay told me all about you. She said you were a strong, vibrant, young woman. You've been through hard times. You've lost a lot. And while things might seem bleak now, things will get better. Become again that woman Tehvay told me about. Live life. Don't throw it away."

"Menari was taken from me. I watched while the life was choked out of her. I watched and did nothing." Jenissa sobbed through her self-loathing.

"There was nothing you could do," said Ellovene. "It wasn't your fault, and your death won't bring her back. But your life will keep her memory alive. All the good times you had. The love you shared. Don't let it die. Honour Menari's life by living yours."

Ellovene was right next to her. Jenissa felt a warm hand envelop her right hand and lift it away. When she felt Ellovene trying to loosen her grip on the knife, she allowed it. The knife fell to the floor with a clatter, and Jenissa was wrapped in Ellovene's embrace.

"You have so much here," Ellovene whispered in her ear. "Friends. A future. You just have to see it and want it. Please! Say you want it! Please!"

Jenissa buried her face in Ellovene's shoulder. She clung to the woman tightly. She felt she wasn't alone.

"I want it," she mumbled against the woman. "I want it."

"Good." Ellovene patted the back of Jenissa head. "If you ever feel that way again. Call me. I'll be here for you."

Fresh tears flowed from Jenissa as Ellovene rocked her gently.

~~~~

They spent days in the cell. Yuniph was not sure how many, maybe six or seven. During that time, no one came to see them. The only interactions she and Rikana had with their captors were the twice-daily meals that were automatically delivered through the dispenser.

Rikana had made a daily ritual of kicking the door in frustration and shouting to get someone's attention. She was just about to start again when the door to the cell opened for the first time. Guards rushed in and forced the two of them to their knees. Yuniph winced out loud from the pain in her shoulder that had gone without medical treatment.

The guards stood close by with their weapons trained on Yuniph and Rikana. They were made to stay in that position for several minutes. Finally a woman in a dark grey aloyd's uniform entered their cell and stopped directly in front of Yuniph.

"Do you recognise me?" she asked.

Yuniph looked up at the woman. Her head still hurt, so it was hard to focus on the officer's face. The tag over her left breast said 'Falentha', but it wasn't someone she had met before.

"Hila Llyte," said Rikana.

"I wasn't talking to you."

Llyte. The name was vaguely familiar. As Yuniph struggled to make a connection, a hand gripped her face and forced her to look up. The information she needed came at once. Hila Llyte. Rikana had suspected her of being a slaver. It turned out she was acquainted with Boran Zerbilla and had helped rescue Tehvay.  More details were coming to her. Yuniph recalled from their mission briefing with Kikola that Llyte had changed her name and was now working with Ambra ap Lentol, the self-declared Bren of The Kalenth Hegemony.

"Yes," said Yuniph, pretending to be Tehvay.

"Where's Karthen?"

Yuniph said nothing.

Falentha nodded, Rikana let out a grunt. Yuniph turned and saw blood trickling from her friend's mouth.

"Don't hurt her!" Yuniph hoped that her imitation of Tehvay's accent was good enough.

"Oh! You care about the cop? Don't tell me you've dumped Karthen for this one!" Falentha laughed, and turned to Rikana. "I am glad I didn't kill you on Argos Station, now."

Yuniph's eyes opened wide as she looked at Rikana, trying to signal her friend not to provoke their interrogator further. But with her usual bravado, Rikana spat blood; it landed on Falentha's trousers.

"I could beat you to the other side of the Spur and back if you didn't have your goons with you," she said. "Go on, try me."

The aloyd nodded again, and Rikana doubled over gasping for breath from being punched in the diaphragm.

Falentha ignored what was happening to Rikana and continued her interrogation. "Did you leave Karthen on Trengos?"

Yuniph remained silent.

"I know slaves are conditioned to say nothing when being threatened with death, but I assure you I know many ways of extracting the information I want that will have you begging me to kill you."

"We don't owe Karthen anything," said Rikana. "She was the one that dumped you remember."

Yuniph frowned at Rikana, wondering what she was playing at.

Rikana ignored her and continued. "Karthen dumped her and returned to The Hegemony."

"Then where did she go?" asked Falentha suspiciously.

"How the fuck would we know?" Rikana continued answering. "She said she wanted her precious life back and left."

Falentha turned her attention back to Yuniph and crossed her arms. "If you and Karthen aren't together anymore, then why were you caught in Hegemony space?"

"We were on a trade mission to the Losper Empire," responded Yuniph. "It seems our ship had an error in the course."

"A big error," said Falentha. "Where you were picked up is a long way from any route from Trengos to the Empire."

"We visited Argos Station first," Yuniph tried to make it a convincing lie.

Falentha nodded to one of the guards. He kicked Rikana and cracked some ribs.

"Just in case you're lying," said Falentha. She turned on her heel and marched out. The guards followed her.

Yuniph rushed over to Rikana.

"Don't fuss, I'm okay," the young woman said.

She helped Rikana to the bunk and sat next to her.

Is this really it? Yuniph asked herself. There must be some way out of here. There must be!

CHAPTER 14

Albenatan, Kikola's art teacher, was not very old, but he looked it. Lined skin, thinning, unruly grey hair, and he was rake thin, as if he hadn't eaten in a long time. He wore dirty white, paint-spattered dungarees over an old, stained shirt. Kikola herself had changed out of her uniform and into trousers and a long sleeve shirt. Unlike Albenatan, however, she wore a smock to avoid paint splashes on her clothes.

The art studio itself was as run down as its owner. The walls that were visible behind the canvases and easels were dirty. The windows were smeared with paint, as was the tiled floor. Kikola had not chosen Albenatan based on his looks or the state of his studio, but it was convenient to get to from work – a short walk – and despite his somewhat irascible manner, he had a lot of patience with her.

The art teacher placed a vase on a table in the middle of the studio. It was an old vase, dark red with a yellow ribbon pattern on the side.

"I have tried this," said Kikola. "It was not successful."

"That's your problem," Albenatan replied. "You look at this as though there is a single, correct result. You spend time trying to replicate what you see perfectly, and when you can't do that, you think you've failed."

"Surely, that is the point."

"No! If you want to see the subject of your painting, then just look at the subject. If you want an exact copy, then take a picture. Art is about capturing the essence of the subject and adding your own essence to it."

He shuffled over to an easel.

"Look! Do you like this?" He directed Kikola to observe the picture.

"Yes." The picture was exquisite. Minute details on the surface of the vase were visible: thin cracks in the glaze, a chip on the lip. It was perfect.

"Compare it to the real thing." He pointed at the vase. "Is it an exact copy?"

Kikola studied the vase -- the cracked glaze, the chipped lip were all there -- only, not quite. The pattern of the cracked glaze was different. On the real vase there was no crack over the yellow ribbon pattern that adorned the side, yet Albenatan had drawn it so. The chip on the painting was larger, more defined, and to Kikola's surprise, in a more aesthetically pleasing position.

"I think I see what you mean," Kikola said. "The vase is not perfect, so it is not possible to capture it perfectly. The crack you painted over the ribbon makes the crack and the ribbon stand out more, draws your attention to the detail and highlights the… the character of the object. And the position of the chip, by moving it to the right side of the ribbon it… balances the whole thing."

Albenatan grinned. "Good. You understand. It's not what I intended, but that's what art is all about. I put into it what I feel, and the viewer gets out of it what they feel. I put the crack over the ribbon, because I enjoyed painting the random lines and went too far. The chip is on the right, because I knocked the vase when I walked past during the session and set it down in a different position. But the point is, it doesn't matter if I paint over the ribbon or put the chip in the wrong place. They are all elements that make up the object, and as long as they are there then I've 'succeeded' as you put it."

"But—"

"But nothing. My instinct tells me if what I put down is wrong, and then I correct it."

Kikola's arched eyebrow registered her surprise.

Albenatan chuckled. "Yes, even I make mistakes. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes, like the cracks, they work. Now you try."

Kikola moved over to her easel. Albenatan took the vase off the table and replaced it with a basket of flowers.

"No!" he called out as he saw Kikola select a brush. "Try it with this one first." He hurried over and selected the largest brush.

"It is too big," Kikola protested.

"You are trying to capture the essence of what you see," Albenatan patiently explained. "Start off by capturing it with broad strokes first, then you can try with greater detail. Remember, the purpose of me teaching you is so that you learn how to paint, it is not about you producing pictures."

Kikola nodded and set to work. The brush was a little unwieldy at first, but her teacher showed her a technique to use it for some finer detail. When she had finished, Albenatan looked at her work.

"Good. Good."

"Is it?"

"Go across the room," he waved her away and started turning the easel.

Kikola walked across the studio and looked at her painting. It wasn't a perfect representation, but from this distance the detail didn't matter. The greenery of the stems and leaves, and the bright colours of the petals, looked like a basket of flowers. Not the basket of flowers that occupied the table in front of her, but a basket of flowers. A smile spread across Kikola's face as she realised that art is in the expression of one's own creativity.

She couldn't wait to get home and share this breakthrough moment with Tehvay.

~~~~

"Tehvay?" Kikola called out as she came through the front door with her artwork in hand.

"I'm upstairs. I'll be right down."

Kikola went directly to the small downstairs room that she had turned into her own home studio. She set her painting on her easel to display it. She was anxious to get Tehvay's opinion of her work.

She heard the fast steps of Tehvay running down the stairs. Like an excited child, Kikola thought. I never ran downstairs as a child. It would have been undignified. I envy how Tehvay embraces simple joy.

"How was your art lesson?" Tehvay asked as she came into the room. She stopped when she saw the painting. "Is that your latest project?"

"Yes. What do you think?" Kikola stepped back from the artwork to allow Tehvay a better look.

"I like it very much. It's different from your others. More – joyful." Tehvay reached out and ran a finger over one of the petals. "Zinlantha. It's perfect."

Kikola stood up next to Tehvay and looked at the painting again. Leave it to Tehvay to see things in a fresh, new way. "I had a bit of a breakthrough today."

"I can see that. It's lovely, Kikola. Your best work to date."

Kikola smiled as she basked in the praise. The smile faltered when Tehvay offered to sit for her.

"Sit? You mean you want me to paint you?"

"Yes," said Tehvay.

"I don't know. I haven't painted a live subject before."

"Then consider it practice." Tehvay sat down on the sofa. "Would you like me, nude?"

Kikola's mind flashed back to Gatlor and her visit to her cousin Trin'hale. Our visit, she corrected herself. Tehvay was a slave then, but she was there. She had persuaded Trin'hale to sketch Tehvay. If Trin'hale had told Tehvay to pose nude, Tehvay would have had no choice but to obey. Kikola would not have liked that, but this was different. This was Tehvay's choice. After a moment of internal objection, Kikola wanted to say 'Yes!', but there was a part of her that couldn't say it. Fortunately for her, the decision was taken out of her hands.

Tehvay grinned. "Go on, just a little bit." She unzipped her dress and allowed it to fall off her shoulders. She reclined on the small sofa in the corner and struck a seductive pose.

Kikola immediately began to paint. With the broad strokes she was making, Kikola felt frustrated that she wasn't doing justice to Tehvay's perfect body. A thought struck her.

"I need to start again," she told Tehvay.

Kikola quickly discarded the canvas, replaced it with a piece of paper and picked up a graphite marker. As her eyes flowed over Tehvay's curves, she captured the essence of Tehvay's beauty in the flowing strokes of the marker.

"May I see it?"

"It's just a rough sketch."

"That's all right." Tehvay got up and stood beside Kikola. "Is that how you see me?"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, my breasts are more ample than in real life and my lips fuller."

Kikola felt her cheeks flush. Tehvay was standing so close. "I, uh… yes."

"It's quite sensual."

Kikola's mouth went dry as Tehvay's sultry voice resonated in her ear.

"Here, let me try painting you."

Kikola went to sit down on the sofa.

"Nude," said Tehvay.

Kikola liked where this was going, but suddenly felt awkward and self-conscious stripping off her clothes. She could not recreate Tehvay's seductive pose, so sat upright at one end of the sofa.

Tehvay picked up a clean brush, but instead of dipping it into the paint, she joined Kikola on the sofa. "Lights, twenty percent."

The lights in the room dimmed. Kikola felt her heart thumping in her chest in anticipation of what Tehvay might do next. As Kikola's eyes adjusted to the low lighting, she could see Tehvay leaning over her. Kikola closed her eyes expecting to feel Tehvay's lips on hers. She opened her eyes wide when she felt, instead, soft bristles brushing a line up the inside of her leg.

Kikola let out a soft moan when the brush traced a path up her torso, across her breasts, and down the other leg. It both tickled and aroused. But when she felt Tehvay's tongue rake across her nipple as the tip of the brush's handle rubbed against her clit, Kikola thought she would pass out from the current flowing between those two pleasure points.

She didn't even know how they got to the floor, but the next thing Kikola knew, Tehvay's fingers replaced the brush between her legs and teased her slick folds in long, bold strokes.

"Tehvay, please," Kikola pleaded. She wanted to feel Tehvay inside of her, filling her.

But Tehvay didn't.

Kikola almost yelped with disappointment when Tehvay took her hand away.

Is Tehvay having a flashback again? Do we need to stop? Kikola was just about to say something when she felt a sudden jolt of carnal need. It took her breath away. Tehvay had taken her hand away and replaced it with her mouth.

Kikola's hips rose up to meet Tehvay's tongue as it darted in and out.  

"…so close," Kikola groaned.

Just when Kikola thought she couldn't take it anymore, Tehvay replaced her mouth with her finger, plunging it in while her mouth captured Kikola's throbbing clit.

Her lungs expelled a guttural groan and her whole body felt like it would shatter from the intensity of her orgasm.

It took a few moments for Kikola's muscles to unclench and for her breathing to return to normal – a few moments more before she could string together a few coherent words. "Who knew painting could feel this good."

Tehvay smiled down at Kikola before relaxing on the floor next to her.

Kikola had experienced Tehvay's love in such a deeply intimate way, and she longed to share that same gift with Tehvay, to feel Tehvay's body respond to her touch. She wanted to hear Tehvay call out her name in passion and blissful release. Maybe this time, she thought.

Kikola reached up to cup one of Tehvay's exposed breasts. Tehvay didn't jump, or try to pull away, which was encouraging. As her hand slipped lower to push the dress away from Tehvay's hips, Kikola saw a flicker in Tehvay's eyes that told her Tehvay was still fighting the nightmares that haunted her. Kikola removed her hand, allowing Tehvay to get up off the floor.

"I'm hungry," Tehvay said, slipping the dress over her shoulders and fumbling for the zip. "Lights, ninety percent."

Kikola had said all the words she could to tell Tehvay that she understood. She understood the journey Tehvay had undertaken just to get to this point, and was grateful to Tehvay for coming this far. All she could do was be patient and wait. She got dressed as Tehvay headed for the kitchen. Just as she was about to follow Tehvay, there was a knock at the door.

"I will get it," she called out. She opened the door and was shocked to find Rikana standing there.

"Rikana! I didn't know you were back. Is Yuniph with you or has she gone home?"

"I—I need some help, I—" Rikana struggled to speak. She looked past Kikola to Tehvay who'd come to see who was at the door. "I'm sorry."

~~~~

Rikana thought she was dreaming for a moment. Reality hit her and all she could do was apologise to Tehvay. She was ushered inside and sat down heavily in an armchair.

"What happened? Where's Yuniph?"

Rikana didn't know who asked the questions. Her mind replayed the incident.

The door to the cell opened.

"On your feet!" a guard barked.

Rikana supported her cracked ribs with her arm as she slowly obeyed the order. The arm was roughly torn away as her hands were cuffed behind her back. A second guard cuffed Yuniph.

The two of them were marched out of the cell, down a short corridor and into another room. There were three people in the room. Aloyd Falentha, a slave, and a blonde-haired woman that Rikana didn't recognise.

The blonde-haired woman spoke. "You are going to deliver a message to Kikola ap Karthen." She looked at Rikana. "That is, you are going to deliver the message." She turned to Yuniph. "Your death is going to be the message."

"No!" Rikana struggled.

The guards took hold of her and dragged her to the side of the room.

"Rikana," Yuniph spoke softly. "This is right. This is how it should be."

Rikana looked at Yuniph. A bright red scar stood out on her friend's forehead. The bruising that had accompanied it had almost faded. The injuries didn't hide the fact that this was the face that had saved her life. All those years ago, cold and alone on the streets, she had given up until Yuniph came along and saved her, given her life a purpose.

"You saved me," said Rikana. "Thank you."

Yuniph smiled and nodded.

"I'll make them pay for this." Rikana's voice broke.

Falentha stepped up behind Yuniph. Light caught the knife blade as it drew a red line across Yuniph's throat. It seemed to take forever before any blood started flowing, but when it did, it didn't stop.

When Yuniph's body slumped to the floor, Rikana's legs went weak, only the guards holding her prevented her from falling. She was thankful that her tears blinded her so that she didn't have to see the lifeless body of her friend.

She was dragged away. When the tears finally cleared from her eyes, she was standing in a hangar near a small spacecraft. Falentha appeared beside her and nodded at the guards. The cuffs were removed. Rikana's instincts were to strike out, but she reined them in quickly.

Kikola's advice came to her. She couldn't win now, so the only option was to win later.

Falentha held out a data chip. "Here's a recording of the slave being put to death to show to Karthen."

Rikana snatched the data chip. "I'll be back, and I'll shove this up your arse."

"I have had worse things shoved up there." Falentha muttered. She nodded in the direction of a small transport ship. "It'll get you across the border before it falls apart. If you ration yourself carefully the protein supply for the food dispenser will last that long as well."

Rikana stared long and hard at Falentha, wanting to remember every facet of the face that she was going to see in pain before she squeezed the life out of it. The thing she remembered the most were the piercing blue eyes that reflected back their own pain.

Rikana choked back her tears as she told Kikola and Tehvay of Yuniph's fate. A thick pall of sorrow filled the living room, and for several moments no one spoke or looked each other in the eyes.

Finally, Rikana turned to Tehvay, who was stunned into silence, the shock clearly visible on her ashen face. "Yuniph could have told them they had the wrong person, but she let them think they had you. She died to protect you."

"Why? Why would she do that? I don't understand," Tehvay said mournfully.

"So you could finally be free. She did it because she loved you."

~~~~

Tehvay had watched Kikola and Rikana leave the Veilan's home and wished she could go with them. She hurt inside at the loss of Yuniph and struggled against the grief, but she knew she had to remain strong for her parents. She went back inside to her parents' lounge. Asta and Pallin sat on the sofa clinging to each other and weeping openly. Tehvay sat on a nearby chair and tried to comfort them as best she could. It wasn't that she didn't want to deal with her parents. She didn't know how. She didn't know what she was expected to do, or say.

"Shall I make some dyodpeth?" asked Tehvay. She stood up, desperate to do something.

"No," said Pallin. "We'll need something to make us sleep. Not keep us awake."

"What about something to eat?"

"We can't eat at a time like this," said Asta.

Her mother's voice was strained. Tehvay couldn't tell if her mother was angry at her or not.

"I just want to help," said Tehvay plaintively. "I don't know what to do."

"Just be here." Her father beckoned her to sit back down.

Tehvay returned to her chair.

"What cruel fate," said Asta. "To be reunited with you. A complete family again. Only for Yuni to be taken away." Her mother reached out and grabbed Tehvay's arm. "We need you more than ever."

"I can't replace her," said Tehvay. She jerked her arm out of her mother's grasp. "She was your daughter."

"You're our daughter too."

"What I mean is, you had all that time together."

"It's not about that," said Pallin. "We're not asking you to be her. We lost you and you came back to us. We've lost Yuni, and she's not going to come back. We couldn't bear it if we were to lose you again."

"You won't lose me," said Tehvay. She didn't know what else to say.

"We might have only met a few months ago," said Asta. "But you've been my daughter your whole life. When you walked through that door, I thought I was seeing a ghost. When I held you, all those years disappeared. You were my child, my first-born. I knew you would become part of our family."

"First born?"

"Yes. You were born first. Yuniph was born a few minutes later."

"How do you know?"

"When they came to take one of you away, I knew which side of the cot was empty when they left. Besides, Yuniph had a small birthmark on her bottom." Asta broke down in fresh sobs.

"Why didn't you tell Yuniph about me?"

"It was easier," said Pallin as he consoled his wife. "We had so much to deal with. We were so busy getting our lives sorted out, work, house, just learning to do basic things that any free person would know how to do. By the time she was old enough to understand, it would've only complicated things."

"There was never a right time to tell her," said Asta. "After so many years, we saw no point in upsetting her. But we never forgot you."

Tehvay recalled her transition to freedom with Boran. It was slow and difficult. It must have been harder for her parents with a baby to look after.

"Now we must never forget Yuniph," said Pallin.

They sat for hours. Finally the grief couldn't hold the tiredness off for any longer, and Asta and Pallin went to bed. Tehvay settled into the spare room, but she couldn't sleep. Eventually she got up and without thinking wandered into Yuniph's room. It looked like Yuniph had only just left and could come back at any minute.

Tehvay sat on the bed and picked up the small stuffed animal from the bedside cabinet. She recalled Yuniph telling her it was a dryg named Idris, a toy Yuniph had since she was a baby.

Tehvay never had a toy to play with when she was a child. She lay down on Yuniph's bed, held the toy to her chest, and let the tears flow.

~~~~

Rikana's revelation of Yuniph's fate had been a shock to Kikola. However, when the younger woman came seeking her support in telling Yuniph's parents, Kikola's aloyd training kicked in, and she forced herself to remain as outwardly calm as she could. Tehvay was obviously upset by the news, though she seemed to take it somewhat better than Kikola expected.

With Tehvay, Kikola and Rikana broke the bad news to the Veilans. Asta and Pallin were understandably devastated. Kikola and Rikana thought it best for Tehvay to stay with her parents, and they left the Veilan family alone to grieve. Rikana didn't want to return to her empty flat, so she went back to Kikola's house.

Rikana immediately made herself at home, helping herself to a drink and slumping onto the settee. Kikola knew the young woman had weeks on the long journey home to come to terms with Yuniph's death, but was still visibly upset.

"Thank you for being with me when I told the Veilans," Rikana said after taking a mouthful of beer. "I couldn't do it on my own. All the way back I was dreading it. I could have called ahead, but…" Rikana wiped her eyes. "Thank you."

"It's what friends are for," said Kikola.

Rikana gave a hollow laugh. "Yes. I took too long to admit that to Yuniph. I'm not going to make that mistake again." She held the bottle of beer up and looked at Kikola. "Friend." She tipped the bottle in Kikola's direction. "Yuniph drove me mad at times. I'm sure I did the same to her. But she never complained. She was always so fucking nice all the time." Rikana tried taking a swallow of beer, but choked on a sob.

Kikola crouched down next to the settee and placed a hand on the young woman's shoulder. Rikana had seemed upset earlier, but now grief and anger really took hold. She gave a scream of primal rage.

"Why? Why her?" Rikana allowed her tears to fall unbidden. "All she ever wanted was to help people. She went out of her way to help me. Me! What the fuck did I do to deserve that?" Fresh sobs overcame her.

Kikola couldn't offer any words, so she did the only thing she could. She pulled Rikana to her and wrapped her arms around her, allowing the younger woman to cry herself out.

After nearly a minute Rikana raised her head, shrugged out of the supporting arms, and reached into her pocket and pulled out a data chip. "The execution is on here." She tossed it at Kikola. "Falentha wanted you to see it."

Kikola caught the chip. "Why?"

"I told you, because they thought Yuniph was Tehvay. They killed her to send you a message!"

The accusation was thrown half-heartedly, but it found its mark.

There were no words Kikola could offer that would have expressed the depth of her remorse. A simple 'Sorry' would be wholly inadequate. A shift of blame would be meaningless. Rikana had lost a friend. No words could make up for that. If Rikana wanted to blame Kikola, she would take it.

Kikola remained silent and looked down at the data chip in her hand. After staring at it for several seconds she walked to the display console.

"I'll wait outside," said Rikana, climbing to her feet. "I can't watch it."

Kikola waited until she was alone before inserting the chip. It wasn't the first death she had witnessed, but it hit her in a way that no other had. She thought back to Gatlor and the two teenagers she had casually executed without a thought. They had been faceless, nameless, inconsequential, but the woman being executed in the vid had a familiar face and a name Kikola knew.

Another name that Kikola knew was the woman in the background of the recording: Ambra ap Lentol. This wasn't just Gral'hilanth taking revenge, this was supported by the leader of The Hegemony. This made it both political and personal.

The tears slipped down her cheeks before she realised she was crying. Kikola angrily wiped her face and ejected the data chip. A few moments later Rikana came back in.

"I am going back," said Kikola. "I am going back and taking down Ambra."

"Ambra? As in Lentol?"

"Yes."

"What's she got to do with this? It was that feeta Falentha that murdered Yuniph."

"Ambra was behind it. She was the blonde haired woman."

Rikana frowned. "That was Lentol?"

Kikola nodded.

An angry look crossed Rikana's face. "The fuck."

"I am going to stop her," Kikola replied.

"Isn't that suicide? You said it was impossible."

"Yes. And Ambra also knows that it's impossible."

"Then why do it?"

"Because I know something she doesn't."

"What's that?" asked Rikana.

Kikola looked at the young woman. "I am going to win."

~~~~

EPILOGUE

Kikola settled into the pilot's seat and made herself comfortable. She wanted to return to The Hegemony alone, but there were two people who wouldn't let her. She looked behind her to the woman she loved. "Ready?"

Tehvay nodded.

Kikola knew that Tehvay was torn between staying with her parents and going with her. Asta and Pallin wanted Tehvay to stay. Kikola felt badly for them, but was pleased that Tehvay was coming with her. If they were going to die, they would die together. Though dying wasn't the plan.

Kikola turned to the woman in the co-pilot's seat, that despite her unorthodox way, Kikola was glad to have by her side. "Ready?"

Rikana grinned determinedly. "Let's go fuck some Heggers."

Clearance came from traffic control and Kikola coaxed the ship off the ground. Soon they were climbing rapidly and the pale blue sky turned dark.

"Course set," said Rikana. "Wait, what's that?"

Kikola looked at the sensor monitor Rikana was pointing at. Tehvay leaned forward between them.

"What's wrong? What is it?" asked Tehvay.

"Whatever it is, it's big," said Rikana. "Fucking big."

Kikola raised her eyes from the display and looked out of the window. There was a brief flash and a Hegemony warship dropped from light speed, filling their field of view.

"Heggers," Rikana spat. She glared at Kikola. "How do we win this one?"

Kikola didn't have an answer.

PART II END

Author's Page Harpy

Author's Page HkdonXetG