Chapter 14
Garret stared at the distant orange glows that had nothing to do with the setting sun and let out a deep sigh while he fidgeted with the heavy collar of his formal attire. His apartment had large bay windows in every room that gave a spectacular view of New Prejat, although they were well-polarized so that even if someone was high enough to look in, they would see nothing. This high up, he couldn’t hear the wails of fire engines rushing to the distant fires, but he knew they were heading towards the latest blazes caused by rioters, just before the sunset curfew went into effect.
“Are you dressed yet?” Masako’s voice came from the doorway of his bedroom and he turned away from the newest damage caused by rioters and faced the woman who would soon be his wife. She’d gone on a shopping spree as soon as they’d stepped off the shuttle from the Adamant, and she was now wearing one of the robes she’d purchased two weeks ago. Its cut was reminiscent of a traditional robe from her home planet, but the colors were something she’d never worn before today.
Her black hair was done up in a tight bun with two sticks through the bun. She’d explained what they were before, but Garret hadn’t really been paying attention at the time, and he’d be damned if he asked her again. Her robe matched his attire in color, as was appropriate since the court decision came down this morning. It was midnight blue with small silver emblems sewn into it over and over. The silver emblems were the sword and microscope patterns of House Atrix. His denim jeans were dyed midnight blue, and he wore a matching tunic with flowing sleeves and a single silver Atrix emblem on his left chest. A half-cape, a totally useless garment in his opinion, but expected in formal attire for his new House, draped over his shoulders attached by a too-tight collar.
“I’m dressed.” Garret’s voice held a hint of his distaste for the outfit. He felt like a dandy dressed like this.
“I see that.” She replied with a smile. “Davin says our guests have arrived downstairs and will be up here shortly.
“Then we’d best be ready to greet them.” Garret stated, moving away from the windows and turning his thoughts, at least for the moment, away from the rioters demanding a real representative democracy. He’d had to bide his time for the last two weeks, but this morning the courts had granted his claim to the status of heir to House Atrix.
Fortunately he’d not sat there, twiddling his thumbs while waiting for the courts to go through the evidence and reach a decision. There had been dozens of meetings with various important people, establishing a game plan for when the courts ruled in his favor. Only one person had filed a protest with the courts against his recognition as Garret Atrix, cloned replacement of the original Garret Atrix, and Heir to House Atrix. The single protester had been surprising because it was Mirek Jarlan, one of the public leaders of the Democracy Movement. His protest had been based on the fact that the creation of a replacement clone was illegal.
The Democracy Movement was using Timat Lars’s illegal use of the MX program to create Garret as a rallying cry. From the time of Admiral Richardson’s death, until a day after his funeral, the Democracy people had lain low. The day after the funeral, they’d held a rally in Newhaven protesting the ‘unfair’ penalty against Timat Lars for breaking the law. The demonstration had turned into a riot when several of the march’s leaders were arrested. Mirek had been on the holo networks the next morning proclaiming the arrests as another example of how the Great Houses were treated differently than ordinary people.
“Garret, you coming?” Masako asked, drawing Garret back to the present moment and he nodded before joining her at the doorway to his room. His apartment was large, more than big enough to handle the guests that were coming for dinner. He didn’t have a permanent staff at the apartment, mostly because he had never planned to be here for more than a week, but Masako had been able to acquire temporary staff to cover their needs. The staff were all local people, hired on a temporary status while they remained on Peladon.
“Sir, your guests have arrived.” Devin said as they entered the foyer. Garret couldn’t decide whether to smile or frown. Devin and Davin had leaped on the chance to change their outfits again. Now they were sporting midnight blue short pants, knee-high black boots and silver tunics. He’d known they’d gone shopping several times over the last week, but he’d still been surprised at their new outfits. They’d waited until Garret had returned from the court hearing to put them on, and had declared the outfits were their new uniforms as guardians for the head of House Atrix. The pride, and pleading look in their eyes had worked, and Garret had just nodded in resigned acceptance.
Some might call them dandies, but he’d seen them in action twice now, and knew they were every bit as deadly as advertised.
“Show them in.” Garret said after taking a deep breath. Masako was holding onto his arm gently, in the appropriate gesture for the fiancée of the leader of a House.
“Son.” Marja Lars said as she entered the room on Timat’s arm.
“Mother.” Garret said as he stepped forward and they kissed each other’s cheeks. Then he turned to Timat and repeated the gesture. “Father, it’s good to see you both.”
“We wouldn’t miss your celebration tonight for anything.” Timat said with a proud look. The conversation between the two of them had been uneasy two weeks ago, but they’d persevered several times since then, saying what needed to be said, and now Garret found himself feeling close to TImat, closer than he’d really ever felt before.
“Thank you for helping make it possible.” Garret said softly, to both of them, and Timat nodded in acceptance. The front door opened again, as Devin appeared to escort the Lars elders into the reception area. Garret turned and felt a bigger smile form on his face.
“Garret!” Billy’s voice was happy as he entered, in his formal dress uniform. Imaline was hanging on his arm, a woman nearly as short as Garret, dressed in a simple gray skirt and brown blouse. She looked plain and severe next to Billy in his dress grays, every bit the stereotypical Christian woman. Even as Billy embraced him in a hug, Garret noticed the frown on her face. Sure, Billy and Garret had both been busy the last few weeks, but Garret suspected she’d done her best to keep Billy’s free time occupied so that there was no time for Garret at all in Billy’s life.
“Brother!” Garret answered as they broke the hug. “Let me introduce you to my fiancée. Masako, this is my brother, Billy Lars, and his fiancée, Imaline Couturo.”
“It is an honor to meet you at last.” Masako said as she held her hand out for Billy to take it gently and kiss the back. Then she turned to Imaline, and took the slightly smaller women in a gentle embrace, putting her cheek against Imaline’s. “It is good to see you again, Imaline. Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you.” Imaline said in a light voice that was far too beautiful for Garret’s taste. She also relaxed slightly. “I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me from the one time we’ve met before.”
“I don’t think many could forget you.” Masako said in a sweet tone that Garret now knew meant secret laughter from Masako. There was a story there he hoped he’d get to hear soon.
“Sir, Madame, we have refreshments inside for you.” Devin said as he magically appeared at Garret’s side. His timing was impeccable, and Billy smiled at Garret before following Devin out.
“She didn’t even pretend to be interested in greeting you.” Masako’s voice was deadly with its scorn. “You’d think she’d have learned her lesson last time.”
“What lesson?” Garret asked, but the front door opened to admit Masako’s parents, and there was no more time at the moment to hear that story.
Garret and Masako had just talked with her parents earlier in the day, and so they just shared a short greeting before the next guests, Admiral Lumbardon and his wife, entered together. After that came Marjaan from his company office, and it was time for them to join their guests in the reception room.
“Your son could not make the dinner?” Garret asked Marjaan as they were served a white wine by one of the caterers.
“No, his wife is in labor.” Marjaan’s smile was coy as she answered.
“We would not have been offended if you’d chosen to be with them at this important time.” Masako said with a slight frown.
“It is the fourth time I have had a grandchild born.” She said with a shrug. “I usually wait a few weeks before taking them into my arms. By then the new mother is more than glad for some free time.”
“I’ll have to remember that when my time comes.” Masako said with a weak smile. We’d both already provided the necessary samples to the doctor, and right now the genetic engineering was taking place. By the end of next month, she’d be impregnated, and nine months later our first child would be born. While they were working on the first child, the doctors were preparing the other three embryos for the rest of our children. As Masako would be impregnated with one, the other three would be frozen until she was ready to bring them to life in her womb.
“I’ll enjoy spoiling your children as well.” Marjaan said pleasantly as Speaker Ito approached.
“We will all enjoy spoiling the children.” He said in a slightly loud voice. Garret could see the frown on Imaline’s face from where she hung on Billy’s arm, sipping a fruit juice because her religious beliefs forbade alcohol.
The small gathering chattered on as Marjaan moved off to talk with Marja. Billy, with Imaline still hanging on his arm, was talking with the retired Admiral and his wife while Garret and Masako chatted with her father and mother about the Deliberatorium’s proceedings of the last week.
So far, they had managed to stall any real hearings on the replacement of Fleet Admiral Richardson as Supreme Commander of the Republic’s Armed Forces. The first week of meetings had deliberately focused on other topics as they waited for an appropriate period of mourning. Then the hearing had been delayed by ‘retirement’ of the current Chief Speaker. That retirement had been pushed forward from its planned date towards the end of the session.
Now the Deliberatorium was deep into argument over who would replace the outgoing Chief Speaker. Speaker Ito was the most popular candidate still, and would likely win confirmation during the early morning vote scheduled in two days. It was the weekend though, and the Deliberatorium was recessed until then. Garret was pleased to hear how confident Toshiro was of his victory.
It factored heavily into Garret’s new plans, now that he’d been acknowledged as the heir to House Atrix.
“Dinner is ready.” Davin announced after the group had managed to finish off most of their drinks. Garret, with Masako on his arm, led them into the dining room with its city view out of the bay windows. Fortunately this set of windows was on a different side of the building, and the orange glow from the fires wasn’t readily visible, although the smoke cast a pallid image on the horizon, despite the darkening skies.
“A toast.” Marja said after the sparkling wine had been poured. She rose as she spoke, the soft lighting making her white and silver dress gleam warmly. “To both of my sons, and the beautiful women they are adding to our family. Also, to Garret’s success in making his rightful claim to House Atrix.”
“Here here.” Toshiro said firmly as everyone except Imaline raised their glasses in salute before sipping the wine. Garret raised his own glass to Marja first, and then to Billy before taking his own sip. It was slightly obvious how everyone felt about the cold reaction of Billy’s fiancée, but everyone was too polite to react overtly.
As people began to eat the first course, a salad popular on Calos, the room was mostly silent. Garret sat at one end of the table, facing Masako, with his mother and father on his immediate left, and Billy on his left, with Imaline on the other side of his brother. Normally the table would be abuzz with conversation, but his brother’s fiancée was like a hull breach sucking all the oxygen out of the room.
“Imaline, my old friend, how are you enjoying your work with the Lars genetics team?” Masako finally came to the rescue as hired servants began to clear away the mostly empty salad plates. Another team brought in platters of coconut shrimp from Melos and frapez from Gamon.
“It is a good team.” Imaline answered with a stiff nod towards Timat. “Before my future father-in-law’s indiscretions forced him to step down from his position, he put together a good team. Now they are quite content to work under my discretion.”
“Pardon me, dear, if the question seems offensive, but I thought you were a Christian.” Admiral Lumbardon’s wife said in a soft voice.
“I am a Christian.” Imaline said with a hint of pride in her voice. “I don’t know why you might think I’d be offended. It’s part of our duty to spread the word of Christ whenever someone asks.”
“Oh, yes I understand that.” Irene Lumbardon said with a giggle. “I’ve known several Christians over the years and had them go through their whole spiel about Christ at least once or twice a year. What I was curious about was how you’re working in genetic engineering. Isn’t that against your belief system?”
“Human genetic engineering is a sin against God.” Imaline was actually smiling, and her face took on a much warmer expression than Garret had ever seen before. It gave her a beauty he’d not thought she possessed, and he thought there might be hope for Billy’s home life not being totally horrible after their marriage. “However, the Bible says that God gave mankind dominion over the Earth, over all the animals and plants on the Earth. Exercising genetic engineering on animals, so long as we don’t try to turn them into something with near-human intelligence, is not an abomination. It’s exercising our God-given right to dominate all the lesser animals on the planet.”
“How interesting.” Irene said with a genuine smile. “I’ve never heard it explained like that.”
What followed was far more than Garret ever wanted to know about Imaline’s faith, but as the topic progressed, the atmosphere in the room lightened, and the dinner became almost enjoyable. Towards the end of the meal, when most everyone had finished the main courses, the topic changed to the riots. With the darkening night, the orange glows of the fires were more visible, even though the fires were not directly visible.
“Tell me, if you would, what you think of those things out there.” Masako said, having dominated the conversation with Billy’s fiancée. As she spoke, she pointedly looked out the huge bay windows towards the orange glows.
“It’s horrible.” Imaline said with a shudder that Garret was surprised to believe was genuine. “It is a perfect example of why democracy is too flawed to ever work.”
“Really?” Toshiro Ito said with a raised eyebrow. Apparently he was as surprised as Garret was to hear her say that.
“I’m a Collier Fundamentalist, not one of the Rosiers.” Imaline practically snorted at the latter name, and Garret had to call up a data file on the major denominations of Christians in the Republic. Fortunately, he’d loaded them in preparation for yesterday’s discussions with Toshiro and Marja.
Collier Fundamentalists were followers of a denomination formed by Richard Collier after what they called the Great Exodus from Earth. Arnaud Collier, a descendent of Richard, had been a vocal advocate of the Republic’s emergence and its composition. Although he could have applied for Great House status, he’d chosen not to do that, saying that he had no interest in being part of the Republic’s governance. Rosiers were far more vocal in their desire to be active in their government, but few of their number had ever been economically successful enough to qualify for Great House status. Ten years ago, the one Minor House that followed Rosiers belief systems had lost their status for refusing to contribute to the war effort.
“Forgive my ignorance, but there are few who follow any of the Christian faiths on Shinawa.” Toshiro said politely.
“Our missionaries have never been welcomed there.” She had bitterness in her voice at that.
“The local government follows the Republic’s laws when it comes to the freedom of religion.” Toshiro’s voice was almost defensive.
“Yes, they do, but the people make it clear they want nothing to do with the Word of God.” She said so that the capital letters were very clear. “Colliers believe that a person must come to Jesus through a personal desire, a personal belief. They cannot be forced to that decision by laws. You have some familiarity with the Christian bible, do you not?”
“Yes.” Toshiro was interested now, as were most of the people at the table.
“Richard Collier taught that the bible had been corrupted over time, used by men to push their political agendas.” Imaline continued and Garret’s eyebrows nearly shot through his forehead. That was not in his files! “An example he often cited were the re-writes of the bible in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. The debate about homosexuals raged during those times and many of the fundamentalist sects pushed new versions of the bible that used the word ‘homosexuals’ where before other words had been used. They did this to help their fight against homosexuals, which they used effectively for many years in the American democratic system.”
“I’ve never heard that before.” Marja said while everyone looked at Imaline with both surprise and respect. She took the looks graciously, barely nodding her head. Garret noticed how straight she was sitting in her chair, and the slight smile on her face. He also noticed the look of pride forming on Billy’s face.
“Most people who haven’t taken the time to talk to us are ignorant of that.” Imaline’s voice was neutral, not condescending as Garret might have expected. “That is why the core of our faith resides in the first four Gospels, telling of our Lord, Jesus Christ’s time on Earth. The rest are used as examples of how Christians have dealt with the challenges of different cultures and times. Every ten years, we meet in Convocation, where the elders of our faith review the times and cultures we live in, and make decisions on how we should proceed as a people of faith from there.”
“Wasn’t the last of these five years ago?” Garret asked and she looked at him sharply before nodding.
“Yes, that was when my family applied for Minor House status, and I entered studies to become an animal geneticist.” She answered, although her mouth now quirked downward in distaste, most likely for having to speak to a clone. “It was decided that we should have a greater voice in the dealings of the Republic, although we still feel an aversion to actually controlling the course of the Republic and the non-believers who make up so much of the population. It also provides us with greater visibility, and more opportunities to spread the Word of God, like right now.”
“What do you mean?” Timat asked softly.
“How many times have so many in such influential positions of the Republic government sat and listened to someone of my faith?” She asked with a wry grin and a twinkle in her eye.
“I, for one, look forward to more conversations.” Toshiro said, and Garret understood why. So far the biggest problem in unraveling the knot of problems from this Democracy Movement was that so much of their thinking was totally foreign to the leaders of most of the Great Houses. She might not be of the same branch of faith, but Imaline appeared to have a deeper understanding of them than anyone else in the room.
“I do as well.” Marja said with a pleased smile. Maybe this was one of the reasons why she’d encouraged the marriage proposal. She’d pretty much rammed it down Billy’s throat, Garret knew, but now it looked like she’d had something like this in mind all along.
“As for democracy, we remember its weaknesses quite well.” Imaline returned to answering the original question. “We remember how the Jordanites gained control of the Americangovernment. With less than forty-three percent of the population voting in their favor, they achieved enough victories to take control of both Congress and the Presidency. They carefully moved their supporters to all the right districts to achieve victories in enough of them so they could assume control. Then they got rid of that country’s First Amendment, destroying the separation of church and state. They promised it was not to get rid of rival religions, but the first thing they used it for was the destruction of the Mormons. Millions of Mormons died in those days so that now they are all but a dead faith. In the end, democracy is little more than mob rule, and we do not want to see what is happening out there to those buildings happen to the whole of the Republic.”
As dessert was served, Imaline actually became quite animated in her conversation, and the topic switched back to some of the tenets of her faith. Both Marja and Toshiro took the lead in asking her questions, and Garret was surprised at how much more comfortable things seemed as the meal came to a close.
“I… I wish to thank all of you for giving me this opportunity to share my faith with you.” Imaline said as the last of the dinner was cleared away and Garret was preparing to stand, as expected of the host. He was surprised that she turned to him and spoke directly after doing her best all evening to ignore him. “I also wish to thank our host for a wonderful meal.”
“You are welcome.” Garret said with a polite incline of his head. There was no trace of disgust in her voice this time.
“If you will excuse me, I need to be heading back to my hotel for the evening.” She continued and Garret stood, moving to join Billy in escorting her out. Imaline surprised him again by showing no discomfort as Billy stood between them.
“Thank you for coming tonight.” Garret said politely as they reached the door of the apartment. Billy was giving him a look he couldn’t mistake for anything other than urging him to say something.
“I found it surprisingly pleasant.” Imaline said with a trace of happiness in her voice. She stopped and turned to look at Garret directly. “I won’t mince words with you.”
“I’d appreciate that.” Garret said firmly, and with a smile.
“Good, because I believe you, and all clones, are abominations before God.” She said firmly, a hint of the distaste tracing its way back into voice. “I pity you, because you will never know his grace, or his salvation. You, even a replacement clone like you, do not have souls, and will never know the grace of the eternal afterlife.”
“I… I appreciate your candor.” Garret stumbled with a response to her bald statement.
“Imaline.” Billy spoke up for the first time, really, that evening. She looked at him with an arched eyebrow as if challenging him. “You accepted the invitation tonight because you wanted an opportunity to show my family they were underestimating you and your fellow Christians. Don’t undo the gains you have made.”
“You’re right, husband-to-be.” She said after a moment of thought. With that, she turned back to Garret. “Whatever my opinions of you might be, my fiancé loves you like a brother. I’m sure you love him too; in whatever way you might be capable of loving a real human. He’s been honest with me regarding the… nature of your past relationship, and he tells me he has told you that anything of a physical nature between the two of you will never happen again. Make sure it does not, or neither of you will like the result.”
“Don’t be insulting.” Garret snapped angrily and was pleased at the look of surprise on her face. “If Billy’s chosen to accept your conditions, neither of us will gainsay that choice. I have no illusions that you and I will ever like each other, but for Billy’s sake we should at least be polite with each other.”
“Very well.” She said with a slow nod of her head. “Fare well, brother-in-law-to-be.”
“Safe journey.” Garret said formally as she turned to leave.
“William, I will see you in the morning for the trip home.” Imaline stated before she turned to leave. Both Garret and Billy let out sighs of relief.
“You’re actually going to marry her?” Garret snorted and Billy looked offended for a second before a rueful smile formed on his face.
“She’s good at genetic engineering, and we need her for the projects Dad and Mom have going.” Billy answered. “It’s not been easy, but things are getting better and we’re finding a middle ground for the marriage to work.”
“I hope she’s good in bed.” Garret muttered and Billy let out another rueful chuckle.
“So do I, bro.” Billy stated. “To date I’ve only gotten a few kisses. She’s quite adamant about staying chaste until our wedding night.”
“Lucky you.” Garret’s voice dripped with irony.
“How are you doing in that regard?” Billy asked.
“Luckily, my wife has no desire to share my bed, and doesn’t care one bit about who does share my bed as long as it’s not plastered on the news holos.” Garret answered and Billy gave a throaty chuckle.
“I’ve noticed your two new bodyguards.” Billy said with a sly grin. “Don’t tell me you haven’t bedded them.”
“They’re good.” Garret said with a sly grin of his own. “Remind me to introduce you to one of my warrant officers next time you’re onboard the Adamant. Lukas has legs you wouldn’t believe.”
“Don’t tempt me.” Billy said with a grin and a shudder.
“How’s your new job going?” Garret asked as they began to move back into the apartment where the rest of the guests were now standing and chatting with each other as waiters made sure they had drinks.
“Awful.” Billy said with a frown. “Leonev is making sure I have very little to do right now, mostly because of the delays in the confirmation hearing. His officers are all over the place, and they’ve made it very clear Academy graduates might as well resign because they’ll never get a real command.”
“I don’t understand that at all.” Garret shook his head. “We’re some of the best officers in the fleet. Why are they so keen on getting rid of us?”
“It’s because we’re more loyal to the Republic and each other than we are to the powers-that-be in the military command structure.” Billy answered as they came into the room. His voice was loud enough that most of those in there heard it clearly. Masako came and stood by Garret, handing him a cup of coffee she’d been holding.
“All too accurate, Commander.” Toshiro said with a nod towards Garret’s brother. He was frowning too. “Leonev seems to believe those under his command should have loyalty to him first and foremost. He has been courting House Argus, and the other Great Houses that are ready to turn over the Republic to these ‘democrats’, and winning their support.”
“Why is Argus, and the others, so willing to give up the system of government we’ve had for so long?” Garret asked rhetorically, but his mother had an answer.
“It’s because of this damn war and what it has done to not only the economy, but to the Great Houses.” Marja answered soberly.
“That’s what I don’t understand.” Garret said. “Before the war it seemed like everything was going fine economically.”
“It was, but we took a very foolish course of action when the war ended.” Toshiro said with a shake of his head. “We cut back military procurement too fast. That caused a shock wave in the production and construction industries. All of the Great Houses have been economically weakened by the continual outlays of funds. Instead of raising taxes, wherever possible, we paid for military procurements out of our House treasuries, and so when the war ended we didn’t have ready funds to do the usual funding of economic development grants and loans.”
“I’m sorry, my question was more rhetorical.” Garret said and got a short bark of laughter from the older man. Garret knew all those facts, and he’d been working with Toshiro on finding solutions using his soon-to-be-realized position as Speaker of House Atrix.
“Good, now let us discuss what we will be doing when the Deliberatorium reconvenes, and what you will be doing to prepare the groundwork over the weekend.”
Garret smiled as he took a sip of his coffee and organized his thoughts.
This was going to be fun.
Several hours later, the last of their guests had left, and Masako had headed into her own room with a cute young woman who had been among the staff serving their dinner. Garret declined both Devin and Davin’s offers to join him in his bed. Sure, he enjoyed the physical pleasure of having them in bed with him, just as he enjoyed Lukas and Gary, and the others he’d let share his bed in the last few weeks.
They just weren’t the same though, because even those he liked didn’t evoke as much of an emotional response as Billy always had. It had been difficult, after the bitch left, to not touch Billy affectionately. In the hours before he’d left, Billy had become much more animated and had actively participated in the discussions, offering good advice, and good information about the inner workings going on at the military’s headquarters. He had even hugged Garret farewell, and that had been tough. Sleep was a long time coming that night, but it did eventually come, leaving Garret to wake up slightly groggy early the next morning.
Masako ate breakfast with him, and they both discussed their day ahead. She would be going to a museum in Larkspur, one of Peladon’s other cities and would not be returning until the next morning. Garret was surprised when he realized he would miss her. His fiancée was becoming a good friend, and a constant presence in his life.
After breakfast, he made his way down to his BGL corporate offices. Marjaan was there already, standing at the reception counter, talking to Imelda. Both women were dressed sharply, and Garret was glad he’d worn his denim suit today. One thing that did surprise him was that men and women, mostly young, all of whom appeared busy with video calls or other business, occupied several of the offices. To be honest, he’d not visited the offices since his return, having conducted most of his business either in his apartment suite or in Newhaven where he’d been spending most of his time.
“Welcome back, Gospedene Atrix.” Marjaan said as she straightened up and smiled.
“Hello Marjaan, Imelda.” Garret said to them and then cocked his head towards the back of the office. “When did you hire an army?”
“A few of them were hired while you were away.” Marjaan’s smile never faltered. “As for the rest; I hired them in the last week after you discussed your long range plans for the business once we’re folded in with the House Atrix operations.”
“I see.” Garret couldn’t help the frown that flitted across his face. He hadn’t known so many people were required, but he should have guessed.
“Your first appointment is here and already in your office.” Marjaan said as she took a pad Imelda was handing her. She scrolled through whatever was on the pad for a moment before nodding, marking her approval and handing it back. “If you’ll follow me, we can introduce you to everyone after your morning meetings. I’ve scheduled an office lunch for that purpose.”
“Lead on.” Garret said with a sigh as Davin moved to take up a position in the lobby so he could screen anyone who entered. Devin followed him as Marjaan led the way back to his office. An older man was waiting in the office, and he rose as Garret entered.
“Master Atrix, it is good to see you in person.” Harv Melstein said as he bowed his head to Garret. The bow was returned politely as Garret moved to sit behind his desk.
“It is good to meet you in person as well, Gospedene Melstein.” Garret said as the man also sat down. Marjaan sat in a chair further back in the room since she was ancillary in this conversation. “Let me once again proffer my compliments on your handling of the Atrix Estates as their conservator.”
“My family has always served House Atrix.” Harv said with sorrow in his voice. “I was a young boy when the Lady Laura ended her life, and I still remember the horror of that day. She would have been proud of you, you should know. Her commitment to the Republic was strong, and what you’re planning is something she’d have approved.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Garret said with a little surprise. “I thought you’d be opposed to the spending of so much of the money you’ve safeguarded over the years.”
“Not when they’re being used for a good purpose and not spent rashly.” He said with a shake of his head. “If you were wanting to build a huge palace suited only to preening your vanity, I’d have a few choice words, but you’re wanting to do something good with that money, and I approve.”
“Your help in this will be invaluable.” Garret said in total honesty.
“I hope so, young master, and I hope you will see fit to continue using my services.” Harv said. “If I wanted, I could retire and live comfortably, but I would like to serve House Atrix when there really is a House to serve instead of to guard. My grandson Mika has been training with me to take my place as conservator, and has asked that you might consider retaining him as well.”
“I will be honored to have your continued service, sir.” Garret said and was happy to see the smile on Harv’s face. The man knew all of House Atrix’s secrets, including the location of their ‘bolt-hole’, and that was part of what they had to discuss today. “Now that the courts have accepted my claim, I’d like to begin moving on some of the plans I’ve shared with you, Harv. Have you approached the banks yet?”
“Yes, and they are largely amenable to the propositions.” He said with a wry grin. “I won’t lie, they’re not too happy about seeing so much money moved out of their accounts, but they also see the economic benefits to the Republic as a whole. As you know, part of the funds are encumbered as security against the public debts of the Republic, but they’re only going to require four point two billion credits remain in reserve to cover that. The remaining twenty-three billion will be made available in stages of two billion per quarter until the full amount has been discharged. All interest from non-dispersed amounts will be forwarded into the House’s operating accounts. There will also be a one-time three billion credit disbursement for your new commercial venture, the funds of which will be available on the first day of the business week.”
“We’ll also be filing the legal paperwork for switching BGL over to House Atrix at that time.” Marjaan added.
“I’d like the two of you to work closely on that venture.” Garret said after a moment of thought. “I’m meeting next with the Voices for Calos and Melos, so hopefully we’ll be able to include them in our announcements.”
“Excellent.” Harv’s face was split with a wide grin. “I’ve also prepared a proposal for the disbursement boards, and included both of those planets. My son should forward it to you later today. Have you yet made a decision regarding Atrix Manor here on Peladon?”
“I’m leaning towards making it into a museum since we’ll be moving Atrix business operations off-planet.” Garret suggested, and was surprised at the man’s nod of approval.
“Much better than selling it.” Harv explained his nod of approval and Garret let out a sigh of relief. There was no way he’d be able to stay on the planet once he claimed his status as a Speaker. Peladon already had five Great Houses while there were two planets with no Great Houses, and several with only one.
The rest of their meeting went by fairly quickly. Everyone in the room seemed pleased by the things they’d gone over, and the preparations that had been made for both the near, and long-term future. Once the decision had been made regarding the final location of House Atrix, there would be more discussions on the building, or acquisition of appropriate facilities, and the hiring of a much larger staff. Garret was determined that those discussions would take place with Masako present, since they’d affect her every bit as much as anyone else.
“It is an honor to serve.” Harv stated as he left the office. Imelda buzzed in at that moment to tell him that his next appointment had arrived, and Marjaan let the room to greet them and escort them into the office. She would not be staying for this meeting.
“Gospedene Atrix, may I present to you Kyle Morevan, Voice of Calos, and Marlena of Clan T’rel of Melos.” Marjaan said after showing a rather tall middle-aged man, who had dark hair and a slight paunch, and a tall, dark-skinned, athletic-looking woman into the room. Garret stood and gave them an appropriate bow of his head.
“Please, make yourselves comfortable.” Garret said as politely as he could. Imelda appeared as Marjaan backed out of the office and Garret went over to the small, round conference table. For this meeting, it was better to not sit behind a desk, especially with two people who could help make or break his efforts in the Deliberatorium.
“Sugar and cream, please.” Marlena of Clan T’rel said as they all three sat down and Imelda put a tray of tea on the table. She already knew their preferences, as well as Garret’s and was soon backing out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
“Last time I saw you, you were barely twelve.” Kyle Morevan said with a friendly smile towards Garret. His eyes didn’t express that friendliness, just the slight curve upwards of his lips.
“We’ve never met.” Marlena stated flatly.
“No, we have not.” Garret agreed with her before turning to Morevan. “Last time we met sir, you were calling my adoptive mother ‘a self-serving whore of a politician’. I hope to escape the wrath of your tongue in this meeting.”
“I’ve calmed down over the years.” Morevan laughed. Garret knew more than most people about the Calosian culture. Since the Empire occupied their world, the Calosians preferred direct speech, and direct action. They were scornful of flowery words. Marlena, on the other hand, came from a society were flowery speech and anything but directness was considered rude, at least between themselves. When it came to ‘outsiders’, they were as blunt and rude as any Calosians.
“We’ve never met before.” Marlena said flatly. “Why have you asked us here?”
“I’m sure you’ve figured out for yourself my primary reason for asking this meeting to take place.” Garret said just as flatly and she nodded.
“You plan to make your claim for House Atrix to be restored to the Deliberatorium.” She stated. “Already you have persuaded the courts that you are the rightful heir of that rich House, and won it from conservatorship. Peladon has five Great Houses already, and the Deliberatorium will not be in favor of it having a sixth. You wish one of us to welcome you to our planet since neither Melos nor Calos currently have any Great Houses.”
“Melos has never had a Great House, nor seen a need for one.” Garret stated when she finished and knew he’d scored a point from her sharp nod.
“Yet you’ve asked for her to be here.” Kyle Morevan stated.
“It would be impolite to open discussions with Calos without including Melos.” Garret answered the implied question. “Calos is called the ‘Gateway to the Republic” because it is the core world closest to the Empire. The Empire occupied Calos fifteen years into the war, and kept Calos in its grasp for thirty years before the Republic liberated the planet. By that time, both Great Houses were extinct, executed to the last person with all of their bloodlines.”
“Liberated.” Kyle snorted derisively. “You won it back, but we were the prize in a great big tug-of-war. You served on the Braxix firebase, I know. That was some of the most horrible fighting. Millions of our citizens died in the nuclear and gas attacks from both sides. Our shipyards, once the pride of the Republic changed hands so many times that they’re now the laughing stock of the universe.”
“That’s about to change.” Garret said with a soft smile that surprised the Voice of Calos.
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“Marlena, your world was never ravaged by the Empire, but now it has suffering nearly as badly as Calos with the end of the war.” Garret changed the subject for the moment, leaving Kyle Morevan hanging for the moment. “Calos has nearly forty-percent unemployment currently, and Melos has nearly forty-four percent unemployed.”
“Melos has a population of less than twenty million!” Kyle Morevan snorted. “Calos has nearly eight-hundred million. Hell, before the war we had over a billion!”
“Very true.” Garret admitted. “The fact still remains that the unemployment rates are proportional.”
“We have always depended on tourism for much of our industry.” Marlena stated slowly, as if she was carefully choosing each and every word. “Before the war, many space liners stopped in our star ports, carrying thousands of tourists to our shores, our hotels, our beaches, and our restaurants. Most of those ships were built by the Calosian shipyards, and were destroyed in the early days of the war as the Houses of Calos used them for troop transports. During the war, the influx of troops on leave kept us going, but left little margin for savings. They were decent years, but lean, and so when the war ended and the constant stream of troops on leave no longer came, our businesses suffered. We’ve had some increase lately, including two stops by ships from your own company, Garret Atrix, but we do not see a quick end to our problems. Are you about to offer one?”
“Not a quick end, but a resurgence over the next few years.” Garret admitted. “House Atrix needs an industry to bring in new revenues. As I am most familiar with shipping and transport, that is where I have chosen to focus the efforts of House Atrix. In the next two weeks we will be contracting with O’Leary Shipyards for the production of eight starliners, comparable to the Adamant in size and capability, but with more emphasis on passengers than cargo. Each will be able to carry up to fifteen hundred passengers. They will run on established schedules between all the core worlds, including Melos. Our preliminary estimates are that three ships will visit Melos each month.”
“That will help, but not totally revitalize our economy.” Marlena spoke slowly as she thought things through. “Forty-five hundred tourists each month will help, but it won’t keep our economy afloat, and these ships will take time to build.”
“The first will launch in one standard year.” Garret told her. “The next two will launch in two standard years, and the others will launch at the rate of two per year after that.”
“Like I said, even if all of them were operational now, it would help but not be enough to revitalize our economy.” She reiterated.
“Of course they won’t, and they won’t do anything to help Calos either.” Garret said with a shrug. “What will make the difference is the other order for ships we’re placing. I have in mind a new type of ship, about the size of a medium freighter that can carry up to five hundred passengers, and a small amount of cargo. They need to be fast ships, as fast as Imperial Blockade Corvettes. Obduros has good shipyards, but they can’t accommodate orders in the amount we need. The military has cancelled most of their construction contracts with everyone but Obduros, and they’re current contracts are requiring nearly one hundred percent of the Obduros capabilities.”
“The Imperials of Earth used Calos to build Blockade Corvettes during the war.” Kyle said with a smile that implied he knew where Garret was going. “Part of our problem is that our shipyards have been switched back and forth between Republic and Imperial designs that they’re almost useless for producing pure Republic or pure Imperial ships. Our shipbuilders, some know Imperial tech, others Republic tech, and putting together a team for one or the other is difficult.”
“Yes, so your Calosian Shipbuilding representatives told me.” Garret said with an answering smile. “They expect to have designs I’ve requested ready for review within two months. The starliners being built by O’Leary will be works of art, inside and out. These new ships, they are going to be workhorses. Not necessarily ugly or uncomfortable, but utilitarian, built for the purpose of moving people between Republic worlds as quickly as possible. I’ve accepted tentative pricing of forty-million each for these ships, and I will be ordering twenty-five of them, to be built eight per year.”
“How much… how often will they go to Melos?” Marlena asked softly, with a gleam of hope in her eyes.
“There should be one ship arriving in Melos orbit every five standard days, once the first eight are built in one standard year.” Garret answered her question and saw her take a deep breath as he continued. “Once they are all built, you can expect them to arrive every other day or so. Understand, these are just our estimates, I can’t guarantee it will actually work out that way, but it will be as close to that as we can make it happen. You do have my word on that.”
“And the price of this actually happening is that one of our planets accepts House Atrix as being theirs?” Marlena asked with a shrewd look in her eyes. “Or are you wanting both of us to accept your leadership of our planets?”
“Neither of you have to accept House Atrix in order for this to happen.” Garret said as he took a deep breath. Both of them were watching him like hawks. “House Atrix is doing this regardless of your answer. Both of you can deny House Atrix guardianship over your planets, and House Atrix will continue with this plan with the same determination and fervor as if you had accepted. We are doing this not to buy your support, but because it is what the Republic needs, and what your worlds need.”
“So you’re saying we tell you no right here and now and you won’t retaliate by pulling this offer from the table?” Kyle’s voice held a strong note of disbelief.
“I’m telling you this is not an offer, the contracts are being drawn up right now and the funds will begin to be disbursed by the end of next week.” Garret said with an edge of anger in his voice. “I want to ask both of you to consider accepting the guardianship of House Atrix, but this business deal is going forward unless your planetary governments vote to stop it from happening. The two are not reliant on each other. I’m not going to lie, House Atrix will be announcing a massive amount of economic development loans and grants if we’re accepted back into the Deliberatorium. Traditionally, Great Houses give these during times of economic recession, but with the war most Houses can’t afford them. That’s why half of the funds available to House Atrix will be going out Republic wide, to help the entire Republic. The other half will be to whatever world accepts Atrix as its guardian.”
“That’s a hefty bribe.” Kyle whispered and he actually smiled. “You are Marja Lars’s son, alright, in spirit if not body. If word got out I could bring that money into Calos and had turned it down, I might be lynched in the streets.”
“Melos has more pride than to bow its head to any House for the sake of a few billion credits.” Marlena said and Garret bowed his head to her.
“I never expected Melos to do otherwise.” Garret said cordially. “Nor would I insult you by not at least placing the offer for your consideration. I wish no ill will between Melos and House Atrix. I would expect the businesses of Melos, though, to at least consider applying for grants from the Republic-wide funds.”
“We will, pride can only go so far.” She stated. “Besides, we’d be proud to accept the help of a noble house whose leader has shown respect for us.”
“Respect given is respect earned.” Garret quoted and she nodded before turning to Kyle Morevan.
“Are you going to be so foolish as to turn this man’s offer down?” She asked him and he looked at his feet.
“Do you know the pro-democracy movement has many supporters on Calos?” He asked Garret.
“Yes.” Garret answered.
“I… I am picked for my position by the voice of the people in an election, and they push now for me to have more power in the Deliberatorium, but I know that were Voices given the vote, I would not be the Voice for Calos much longer. There are things I know, that the leaders of Calos know, that we have not shared. If we are to accept your offer, we will need to… discuss things with you before you move to our planet.”
“I stand ready to have whatever discussion you feel necessary, sir.” Garret said slowly and carefully.
“Thank you for sharing what you have with us.” Kyle Morevan said as he stood. “I must confer with my planetary government and I must warn you that you may not know our answer until the Deliberatorium reconvenes.”
“If that’s what is necessary, then I will deal with it.” Garret said as he stood to clasp arms with Kyle and then with Marlena.
“I look forward to hearing you in the Deliberatorium, Garret Atrix.” She said as a farewell, and actually bowed her head briefly to him. “I do believe that your voice will shake its foundations in the years to come.”
“I look forward to hearing your voice as well, my lady.” Garret said with a return bow. Both of them left his office, and he sighed with relief. That had gone far better than he had any right to expect. He turned back to his desk after they had left and sat down at his terminal.
He wanted to check through any messages he’d received, and prepare a little for his next meeting. He started off with a few basic messages that he’d hoped would be there, and scrolled through the news feeds about last night’s fires. Those worried him, but he didn’t have time at the moment to do more than that about the civil unrest. His plans would hopefully alleviate that problem…
“Garret, I’m sorry to bother you.” Imelda’s voice came over the office’s intercom and he flicked on his side of the intercom.
“What is it?” He asked, wondering why she would need to bother him, and be sorry about it.
“There’s someone here to see you, someone without an appointment.” She said with a very worried tone. If they didn’t have an appointment, why was she bothering him?
“Who is it?” He asked with a sigh.
“It’s Speaker Tremere, sir.” She answered in a near breathless tone. That shocked Garret and he shook his head as if trying to get rid of cobwebs. What was Tremere doing here?
“Send him in.” Garret said slowly after a long pause. There was only one way to find out what the man wanted, and that was to see him. Besides, Tremere held a vote in whether House Atrix would be recognized by the Deliberatorium.
“He’s on his way now.” Imelda said before shutting off the intercom. Garret stood, and readied himself for what was likely to be a very interesting, if unanticipated meeting.
As with all my stories, E provides immeasurable input, grammar checking, and all those other lovely editing thingies that make the story so much better!
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