The Price of Power Read online

  “Marriage?”

  “It’s a social crutch, I know, but it levels the playing field. You’ll need to find a sponsor eventually, and that is your ticket. Men might believe they hold all the power, but all citizenship does is burden them with obligations. Snarking is the currency of women and the road to a matrimonial union you choose. But it’s not the only road. A smart woman only ever trades up in sponsorship. Her intended husband is very much aware of the need to keep her happy. For those of us who will never see the matrimonial bed, well, the snarking pad keeps us civilized.”

  A snarking pad? Elise still didn’t understand what a snarking pad did.

  Jeena placed a hand on Elise’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m going to show you everything you need to know about the snarking pad. Dove is going to help. You need to learn because it’s the only way you’re going to entice a jump-jet entrance fee out of a man dying for a chance at matrimony.”

  “Jump-jet entrance fee?” Elise turned around. “What’s that for?”

  “You have been kept in a cave, haven’t you? Jump-jets?”

  Elise couldn’t be more puzzled.

  Jeena continued, “Only the most highly contested race in the empire?”

  Elise shook her head.

  “I see you have much to learn. For a novice like you,” Jeena poked a finger at Elise’s chest, “a win in the ship’s finals, or even placement in the top ten, will give you enough money to live for a very long time. Long enough to disappear from your no-good sponsor.”

  “I don’t even know what a jump-jet is, let alone how to fly one.”

  “But you have something none of the other pilots have.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “Aw, kid.” Jeena put her hand over her chest in an expression of mock hurt. “You have the best, and craziest jump-jet pilot in the empire and Imperial Circuit Winner for ten straight seasons on your side.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “And, I’m a damn good instructor too! A bit unconventional, but good. Besides, I know your competition inside and out.”

  Elise’s eyes lit up. She thought of the WOR-skill; her failure and her success. “I’m good with unconventional.”

  “Then it’s set. That flimsy is everything you need to know about the jump-jet. Take it with you and study. It has basic simulations on it. Are you a good student?”

  “I’ve been told I have an aptitude.”

  Malice came out of the darkness and purred in the background.

  “Good, you’ll need it.”

  “You said you had three things to give me and one to show?”

  “I do.” Jeena wiggled her finger. “Kid, you are going to pilot my jump-jet. Want to see it?”

  “Hell yes!”

  “Good, it’s on the way.”

  “On the way to what?”

  “Dove is celebrating his 6th. I promised I would be there when he took his rejuv shot.” She jumped up. “And, we need to get going or risk being late!”

  “His 6th?”

  “Yeah, can you believe it? I feel old and I just celebrated my fourth century a few years back. He’s up to his sixth. Not many citizens are selected for rejuv past their fifth. Except for the lor’ and vlor’ lords, of course. Dove is special though. He has talent! Best damn teacher I’ve ever met.”

  Whimper hissed. How old is Gregor?

  I can’t ask her that! Elise pulled up short. “Jeena, how old do the lords get?”

  “A few are into their first millennium. The vlor’ are guaranteed that much. The highest ranking officials are pushing way past that.”

  “How long ago did your fiancé die?”

  “I stopped keeping track after my second rejuv. I wasn’t much older than you. A pre-rejuv. Young and sentimental. Full of life and vigor. I remember those days well.”

  The flutter in her heart, thankfully, did not translate into her words. “I’ve always wondered how old the emperor is. He’s interesting.”

  “I don’t know a single woman who’s not dying to snatch that man into her matrimonial bed. Now there’s someone who can make a woman’s heart sing. There’re several contenders, and I hear he’s received a serious offer, but he’s delaying until he can get the Earth WOR trained. It’s all rumor, of course, but who doesn’t follow the vlor’ social gossip?”

  “Hm. But do you know how old he is?”

  “Young! Just into his 1st rejuv, plenty of life ahead of that one. Many think he’ll live long past his father’s 22nd rejuv. Lord vlor’Malita has worked hard to fill his father’s shoes. If anyone can bring us through the S’Lorek threat, Lord vlor’Malita is the man. I’d go to hell and back again for him. If he asked me to jump, I’d sail to the stars and never look back.”

  “Will he?”

  “What? Ask me to jump?” Jeena asked absently.

  “No, train the Earth WOR?”

  Jeena placed a reassuring hand on Elise’s shoulder. “We’re all scared, kid, but he’ll get them trained, and there are rumors there’s a WOR prodigy in the batch. He’ll take care of us. He’s vlor’ after all.”

  “How long is that going to take?”

  “To train a WOR? It depends on Rank. Rumor on board is they culled nearly a thousand WOR from Earth, and hundreds are s’vlor. Those should take a bit longer, a year perhaps. WOR training is realm of the Tenders, and they’re a closed mouth group. I think they’re getting desperate now that the S’Lorek is close.”

  “Yes, the S’Lorek.”

  What the hell is a S’Lorek? Whimper crawled forward. And why does that word frighten your friend?

  I don’t know, Whimper, but I can’t just ask. I’m expected to know what everyone else here knows. Her lack of knowledge about the Vendel would cripple her, or worse, expose her for what she was…an Earth WOR.

  “Come,” Jeena said, “enough of doom and gloom, Dove is probably getting anxious looking for me. You’ll be a delight. He’s missed you, been worried and all.”

  Jeena’s comments made her want to retch as her head spun with new knowledge. She allowed Jeena to drag her out of Champion’s Riot and down the long rows of ships.

  Yet again, she’d underestimated the Vendel. Life extension? These weren’t the hundredth-odd generational cousins of Earth. They were much more recent.

  Elise struck gold with Jeena. All she had to do was not screw it up with her ignorance. But how would that work? The age-old question surfaced in her mind. How do you know what you do not know? How can you ask questions about the obvious? She skated on thin ice. Below her feet, the frozen water shifted, cracked and threatened to swallow her whole.

  Damn. Why is nothing easy?

  Because, Whimper said, it wouldn’t be fun if it weren’t hard.

  There’s nothing fun about this, my sister.

  Not for you. Whimper fled into the darkness, her cackles reverberating in Elise’s head.

  What else lurked out there that she didn’t know? That she didn’t think to even ask?

  “How long will it take to learn the jump-jet? To get good enough to race?”

  “Depends how badly you want to get rid of your sponsor,” Jeena replied with a wink.

  “Now,” Elise replied glumly.

  Jeena tugged on Elise’s messy bun. “I can get you ready for the qualifications in a few months. You may or may not make it past the Gambit’s qualifiers and earn a spot in the circuit. It depends on how badly you want it. If you’re any good, and are determined, you may just have a shot at the fleet circuit. Most of your training will be in the am-net training simulators. Since we can’t guarantee when you’ll make it back here regularly, I loaded everything you need on that flimsy. When you manage to get away, Dove or I will take you out in the jump-jet. You’ll get palms on training!

  Palms on training?

  “I’m determined to get you placed in the circuit. It’ll get you a large enough purse that we can start looking at getting you off the Gambit. Is your sponsor a permanent resident on Gambit or was he hired for this exp
edition?”

  “Can we not talk about him?”

  “Sure thing, kid. Come, I see Dove.” Jeena broke into a trot and waved a hand over her head. “Dovey,” she yelled. “I’ve got a gift for you.”

  Chapter Four

  Elise trailed behind Jeena, lost in thought. Ahead of her, the rows of bullet-shaped ships ended. A large space, filled with round tables in neat little rows, was crowded with people. Mechanic blue and pilot red predominated, but grey and white peppered the crowd.

  She was going to have to learn the uniform color code. In her exploration of the ship with Gregor, she hadn’t paid attention to the multi-colored jumpsuits. Didn’t realize it was important. It must have been so commonplace that Gregor hadn’t thought to mention it.

  A couple hundred people milled about. At the front, large yellow stripes decorated an elevated platform. Six to be exact. To the far left of the stage, Dove’s stocky form bent low to listen to the shorter man beside him. When Jeena called out, he straightened and his face broke into a broad grin. The smile softened his features and he looked, if not handsome—Dove would never be called handsome—rather beautiful. Beautiful, because his inner light shone so brightly it overshadowed his physical ugliness.

  Or maybe it had to do with how he looked with Jeena in his arms? The broad man had lifted the lithe pilot by her wrists and hoisted her up onto the platform. She hugged him and pecked him on the cheek.

  Jeena searched for Elise in the crowd. When she spotted Elise, Jeena whispered in Dove’s ear. He followed her outstretched arm and located Elise. He grinned anew and waved. Elise waved back, but remained where she was, waiting for the celebration to begin.

  A man in a green jumpsuit bumped against her arm. “Exciting isn’t it. Dove’s earned this.”

  Elise glanced at the man. His green outfit was tailored, and like all the other Vendel men she’d met, he was tall, muscular, and fit. He had brown hair tied at his nape into a ponytail that dangled down his back. Green eyes flashed with excitement and matched the green of his clothes. A name-tag on his breast pocket identified him as Carek Tusel, Neural-Mind Conclave Member, Level 5.

  “Yes,” she replied without encouragement, and stepped to the side.

  “You’re new here,” he continued, “and young?” He closed the distance between them.

  “Yes.” Oh shit.

  Elise struggled for an exit. Unfortunately, just at that moment, a hush fell over the crowd as two men stepped up to the platform. A serious looking man in pilot’s red followed the first fat man she’d seen since joining the Vendel. Mechanic’s blue draped his frame and he waddled as he walked. The coarse stubble on his face was evident even at a distance. In his hands, he carried a black box with great reverence.

  Carek Tusel put a hand on her elbow. “Come, follow me. We’ll get a better view.” He pulled her through the crowd and ignored the protests of those they passed.

  Carek waved at Dove, trying to get his attention. Jeena, standing beside Dove, elbowed him when she saw Carek. Dove, who was desperately trying to look serious as the two men approached, gave her an annoyed look. She elbowed him again and pointed.

  Dove jerked his chin in acknowledgement when he saw Carek, then did a double take when he noticed who Carek dragged through the crowd. His eyes widened.

  The actual ceremony was relatively quick. The men stopped on the right side of the stage. Dove and Jeena stood on the left. The man in pilot’s red opened the case and the one wearing mechanic’s blue took out a slim white rod. One of the injectors Elise remembered from the processing room.

  A shiver passed down her spine as she remembered the square white room, the little red circle in the middle, the braklav, and…all the rest.

  Carek misinterpreted her shiver for a chill and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She did not protest.

  The fat man raised the injector up, presenting it to the crowd, and said a few words. Dove looked solemn, and ignored the little jabs in his side that Jeena inflicted with her finger. He stepped forward and the man pressed the injector against his arm.

  Elise jumped when everyone around her hollered, whistling and yelling wishes of good cheer. Carek removed his arm from around her shoulder to whistle. The ear-splitting shriek had her covering her ears.

  Despite her troubled thoughts, the mood of the crowd infected her with a profound joy. She found herself smiling. It had been a very long time since she’d felt anything but gloom, despair, anger, confusion, and pain. Every step she took balanced on what would cause the least pain. That easy emotion of joy no longer existed in her world.

  It feels good to smile. When Shriek had come out to watch Elise didn’t know, but she had to agree.

  Yes. I almost think I forgot how.

  And these are our enemy? Shriek looked upon the gathering. They don’t look like the Tenders, or the WOR-guards, or even Gregor.

  No. They don’t.

  But they were Vendel and each of them were responsible for what happened to Earth. She couldn’t allow herself to forget that.

  One by one, everyone filed on the stage to congratulate Dove.

  Jeena stood by his side and Elise wondered exactly what sort of relationship the two shared. She watched the parade, uncertain of her anticipated role, and felt a little lost.

  It was only when Carek nudged her elbow that she realized he was still there. He leaned down to whisper and she caught his clean, fresh scent. It surprised her, because, so far, everyone else managed to smell a little like the grease or metal of the ships and hangar bay.

  “Come, the line’s almost done. How do you know Dove?”

  “We just met,” she said, again without encouragement. Who is this man?

  “Are you available?” Before she could respond, he guided her to the side and up the steps to where Dove and Jeena were saying farewell to the last person in line.

  Dove glanced at Elise. His expression odd. A mixture of pleasure laced with wariness filled his deeply lined and pockmarked face.

  She had been paying attention to the men and women congratulate him and felt comfortable leaning up to kiss his left, then right cheek and finally his forehead. The men had all just kissed the forehead, but the women did all three.

  Carek kissed Dove’s forehead, and then slugged Dove in the arm. “Congrats, cuz! To another century full of invention and…” His eyes raked up and down Jeena’s outfit. “…passion. Hi, Jeena.”

  “Glad you could make it,” Dove replied with a twinkle.

  Jeena flashed a grin at Carek. “I see you’ve attached yourself well.” She lifted her brow and cocked her head toward Elise.

  “I have.” Carek draped his arm around Elise.

  She held very still, uncertain if it was rude to shrug it off.

  “I’m assuming,” he said, “this is the chickadee you’ve been going on about, cuz?”

  “And you will do well to treat her kindly, Carek.”

  Jeena stepped between Carek and Dove and extricated Elise from Carek’s arm. Carek snorted, but flashed his teeth and dipped his head in a bob. “Well, cuz, where’s my drink? I came all the way over for this auspicious event and I’m thirsty.”

  “What did you bring?” Dove crossed his arms over his chest. “We’ll drink that.”

  “Tsk, tsk, cuz, where’s your hospitality?”

  “With you, I’ve learned long ago to let you buy the drinks,” Dove said.

  Carek considered for a moment and glanced sideways to where Jeena had pulled Elise off to the side. “Tell you what. Not only will I pay for all our drinks, but I brought a case of Malbean spirits. It’s yours for a proper introduction to your little chickadee.”

  Dove glanced at Elise. “Kid, how much time do you have today?”

  Elise looked at the clock at the top of the stage and did a quick mental calculation, converting ship’s time to Confinement Deck time. “Two hours, but no longer. I need to be back in plenty of time, before…”

  “There you have it, cuz.”

  �
�Supernova!” Carek exclaimed.

  Dove spoke with half a smile. “It is my pleasure to introduce Carek Tusel, Neural-Mind Conclave Member, Level 5, my cousin. He finds it difficult to express himself. Be careful, chickadee. Carek Tusel, may I please formally introduce you to…ah…Elise. She’s a special interest of mine.”

  Carek’s eyes widened. He said, “Just Elise?”

  Elise straightened, unsure of the social dance.

  Jeena rescued her. “Yes Carek, this is just ‘Elise.’ No fiancés waiting in the wings, no long-term entanglements. She’s young, prejuv, available, but not looking for anything serious right now.” Jeena glanced at Elise and said, “You have to be very specific with Carek, lest he get the wrong idea.”

  Carek’s eyes flashed with amusement. He thrust out his hand. “Elise, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. Ignore my cousin and his girl. Anything bad they have to say about me is rubbish. Anything good is probably true.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Tusel.” Elise took his hand tentatively. It was warm and he shook her hand in a firm grip.

  He rolled his eyes in dismay and clasped his hands over his heart, “Oh, no, no. That won’t do. You wound me horribly. You must call me Carek. Mr. Tusel is way, way, too formal. Would you care to join me for a drink? Unfortunately, Dove and Jeena will have to join us. We’ll pretend to celebrate Dove’s 6th and then ignore them while we get better acquainted.”

  “I was going to show her my jump-jet.” Jeena smoothed the front of her jumpsuit and lowered the zipper a fraction of an inch.

  Both men paused to watch.

  “Carek is buying, luv. Perhaps it might be worthwhile to introduce our little chickadee. She should start making connections among potential backers.”

  Carek put a finger in the middle of Dove’s chest. “No, you don’t. If I’m buying then it’s a private party, for four. Not for the entire pilot conclave.”