Disclaimer!

This is a rewrite of the story Cinder with a mix of the Count of Monte Cristo in it. I have use selections of the original story of Cinder as part of this version, some have been modified, but I do not claim ownership, merely a tribute. I did it as an exploratory writing exercise for new character in the universe of the Lunar Chronicles. This story is what would have happened if something different happened in the life of my character. Enjoy or despise, it is your choice.

The Dame of Vesta

Chapter 1: Fixing Hope

Kai's life had been one worry after another recently. Queen Levana of Luna had sent her head thaumaturge, Sybil Mira, on a 'diplomatic mission' to the Eastern Commonwealth that had been nothing more than an opportunity to throw thinly veiled threats at Kai face to face.

Kai was largely naive to the ways of international relations, but even he could see that the thaumaturge's presence was merely one more reminder of the political and military superiority of the Moon. What better way to flaunt your power than to send a messenger to the court of your enemy and insult him without fear of reprisal. How Kai hated it!

Then the problems got worse, his father Emperor Rikan had contracted the dreaded letumosis disease. Letumosis was a plague that was close to ravaging the Earth. As of yet it was incurable, the longest anyone had lived was two weeks. His mother had died from it and now his father had it! Kai feared being left alone, with a kingdom to run and no kindly, wise father to counsel him.

Technically, with his father ill, he was in charge. Though his father had left him with a trusted advisor, Konn Torin, but it was still Kai's responsibility to deal with the Lunar Queen.

That led to his last problem, he had an idea how to handle the queen. Everyone knew the queen had killed her sister to seize the throne, but the deceased queen had a daughter. Princess Selene was rumored to have survived the attempt on her life and escaped to Earth. If she had survived, she would be the only one able to overpower Queen Levana.

The problem had been finding her, but Kai had put that task to his old tutor android, Nainsi. She was making progress until she broke down. He had immediately taken her to the royal mechanics, but they had tried everything to fix her without success.

What was he going to do now? Nainsi had information that could be vital to the survival of Earth and he couldn't get it. Being a royal android, Nainsi had several security measures that prevented her memory from being removed while shut off. The only way to retrieve the information was to get her fixed.

The royal mechanics had given him a list of other mechanics in the city that might be able to help, but they were doubtful. Kai would have to meet them in private, trusting no one with such an important task, but there was so little time.

Even if someone could fix Nainsi and she had the information he hoped she had, there was no tell how hard it could be to find Princess Selene and convince her to help them. That was of course assuming she was in any condition to help, all they had found in her fire wrecked nursery was a charred hand and leg. She could be a vegetable for he knew, but he still hoped.

Enough thinking, he had to get Nainsi to the first, and most promising, mechanic. It was hard ditching his bodyguards, but worth it. He wouldn't attract much attention as a lone guy carrying a broken android, lucky for him Nainsi wasn't a very flashy model.

When he arrived at Mr. Yan's shop, he was ready to lose the hoody although it help conceal his identity, it didn't help the heat. He recognized Mr. Yan from his public file record, he was the stereotypical mechanic, older, balding, with grease all over his jumpsuit, in a large shop that looked like it doubled as his warehouse.

Business looked good, as several repair projects weren't being handled by outnumbered employees. Mr. Yan was himself working on a robotic arm, replacing fingers by the looks of it. A bell ringed at the door to announce Kai's arrival. Mr. Yan looked up at Kai's with a flash of annoyance at being disturbed from his concentration, but was quickly replaced by a friendly smile.

"Welcome sir, to Yan's Android Works!" The gruff voice still managed to sound cheerful. "How may I be of service?" Kai hesitated to approach, knowing he might be recognized, but this had to be done.

"I have an android that I need fixed right away," Kai did his best to sound casual. "I was told you are the best in the business outside of the royal mechanics."

"That I am sir, bring it over here and I'll have a look at it." He gestured to the counter in front of him. Kai hauled Nainsi over to the counter, relieved to have her dead weight out of his arms. Mr. Yan paid little attention to Kai, instead focusing on Nainsi. "Now what seems to be the problem?"

"She just stopped working one day and I can't turn her on. My usual mechanics did everything they could think of, nothing. They said to try you." Kai responded. The mechanic, opened the access port on Nainsi's neck and plugged in a readout machine. The screen stayed blank.

"Well that is odd. Have you thought about getting a new one, this model is pretty old, it may just have been its time." Yan unplugged the readout and opened Nainsi's rear hatch. "Odd indeed, you get it regular maintenance? It is in remarkable condition, nearly new."

"Yeah, I can't figure it." Kai replied. "So can you fix her, I kind of need her right away."

"Oh I don't know, I might have to take it apart if that is what it takes." Yan sighed in exhaustion in spite of himself and looked at Kai. "Are you sure you don't want a new one, it might be... Wait, do I know you from somewhere?" Kai felt a pang of panic, he would prefer not to be identified, even to a handful of mechanics. He decided confess to keep his profile low.

"Yeah, you probably have, keep your voice low, please. I like to be discreet if possible." The old mechanic squinted for a moment before his eye went wide in recognition. He almost stood up, but remembered the prince's request. In a lowered voice he asked Kai why he was here alone. "It's kind of a personal matter, Nainsi has been with me since I was young. Sentimental I guess." The old mechanic smiled.

"No need to explain yourself, you'd be surprised how many people attach themselves to machines. Me, I got an old toaster I call Bernie, been in the family forever, and I do all the repairs myself. I understand Your High... I mean boss. I'll put it at the top of my list, no worries."

"Are you sure you can fix her?" Kai asked. "Money is no object, if you need to hire any other mechanics..." Mr. Yan chuckled.

"Boss, you are more attached to this android than most. Don't worry, if I can't fix her, I'll find someone who can, just be sure there is enough money in the treasury." The old mechanic joked. Kai left his contact information and bid farewell and left the shop, leaving his kingdom's best chance for survival behind.