Sipping mid afternoon tea, Aleksa and Nino sit side by side on a chaise and wait for Stinger to return from the day's briefings. Nino remarks, "How did Jupiter find a samovar? I didn't think they'd have such a tersie item in this high tech place..."
"Listen to you! A royal for what a few days and already you're speaking funny!" Aleksa ribs.
"Well, I'm grateful for something that reminds me of home. If you'd have let me finish, that's what I was about to say. Speaking of uppity, you're absolutely glowing today and rumors have been flying, sister. And NOT a word about it from you." Nino waggles her eyebrows as she scolds.
Smugly, Aleksa leans back in her chair and sips as she debates if she'll answer.
"I know that look! So you and Stinger are a couple. Ha! I called it!" In her chair she does a wiggle dance of glee. "So what pushed you in the right direction to forgive him?"
"You're always so nosy, Nino!"
She holds up both hands and shrugs, "The stars told me there would be happiness in my family today. It's a good interpretation, no? And besides, you're the one that had it the roughest of all of us. You deserve some happiness. If love comes for me, it'll have to hit me over the head."
Aleksa leans on her eccentric but wonderful sister. "I couldn't have made it through those years without you."
Pushing her off playfully, Nino dodges, "No getting sappy on me, we've had enough crying lately to last a month!"
When they see a group approaching, carrying a struggling fuzzball, Aleksa hollers curtly, "Let the felitant use his own feet, for goodness sake!"
"A house cat? Seriously?" Nino screws up her face in disbelief, then takes a cue from Aleksa's suddenly cool demeanor.
Stinger flies in behind the guards, jogging to meet the ladies first. Putting a hand on Aleksa's shoulder, he mumbles under his breath, "You ready?"
Giving a pat on his hand in affirmation, she can't bring herself to say no. The trial is happening whether she's ready or not.
An ominous collective pound from the guards' staves hitting the ground starts the session. The shaggy collared feline is shoved forward in several sets of chains and his hands bound in front of him. He ends up on his knees, but Aleksa observes he'd rather be standing.
Stinger announces, "Gizmo Shmizmo you will be sentenced for your attempt on Lady Jones'. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Quickly closing her eyes for composure, Aleksa mentally has to question who in the world would name a being so stupidly.
"Why bother? It's just a matter of time until you have my head," he states resigned.
"Will you tell me what your motive was?" Aleksa requests.
"Just get it over with," he hangs his head.
Moving just out of reach of Gizmo, Aleksa crosses her legs and sits down in front of him. "You see the odds always stacked against you, don't you Mr. Schmizmo?"
"Ya, think?" he glares.
"Let me tell you a story. See 25 years ago, there was a young applied math teacher married to the love of her life and pregnant with their first child…" She proceeds to tell her tale to this strange being — from the loss of Max, to her flight from Russia because of the rising violent gang activity, to arriving at a new country but always being a second class citizen and never being able to utilize her mind - just being used for the cleaning service to the privileged and underpaid ta-boot for it. Never able to get ahead or improve her life.
Holding out her rough calloused hands, she challenges, "I may not have been in your shoes exactly, but these hands tell my story. It's only been a few days, that out of a miracle I don't fully understand, I've become what they call an 'entitled'. I don't ask for your pity. But I suspect there's more to your story too. Will you tell me?"
"So you think a little story's gonna make it all better, lady? Things don't change for my kind," his fierce eyes dare her to disagree.
Stinger kneels beside his lady. "Actually she and her family are making a difference in the lives of many of our kind. You've heard of Her Majesty Jupiter Jones?"
"So?" Gizmo remains petulant.
"Lady Aleksa here is her mother. Everyone says 'so and so entitled' is a good person. But in this family's case - it's true. Redemption is possible with this household, even for me," Stinger admits.
"But you're the legendary Stinger Apini. Even a household pet like me knows who you are. You're a bee splice - always honorable. You helped Her Majesty through her ascension. Couldn't have been much…" Gizmo glosses over.
Stinger coughs. "Try turning Her Majesty over to Titus Abrasax in exchange for my daughter being healed."
Gizmo gapes and looks from Stinger to Aleksa who nods, and back again. Gizmo gives in, "Alright, you got me."
Stinger taps the button on the felitant's foot manacles which roll up and drop to the ground. Settling more comfortably on his haunches, he's about to share his tale.
Low rumbling of a sonic boom from an approaching ship entering the atmosphere interrupts him though. He scrambles toward Aleksa, but Stinger catches him by the scruff of the neck and holds him up with a look of disgust.
Shrieking and wriggling to try to escape the felitant howls, "I was throwing myself at her mercy! Just don't let that little monster get me! Anything but that! I'll kill myself first!"
"Take him and Nino inside, quickly!" Aleksa hisses.
Stinger adds, "Remove his locator and get him away from the last signal."
...
The sleek white corvette class personal shuttle glides in at an angle and the design reminds Aleksa of a falcon in flight, tucking in one of its grey wings a bit for a tight turn. Fermion fields keep the 'feathers' in place and each section is highly detailed. Where the eye would be is the cockpit window. (3)
'Feathers' splay and the wings open to slow the ship and kick up vortices of dust, then tuck in as the craft docks 'sharp, pointy beak' first .
Finding herself standing and straining to get a better look at the magnificent vessel, Stinger wraps her arm around his in preparation to present her for greeting their unexpected 'guests'. "Lord Greylock is gracing you with his presence, m'lady. He's 3rd primary for that house and a strong proponent of the sciences. Just so you know. Even before the dust settles from coming into entitlement, you are 4th primary to the House of Abrasax. But your house is more prestigious - so you outrank him."
"But I don't have the slightest idea how to deal with this!" Aleksa protests.
Stinger encourages, "You were born for this, m'lady. Let that Bolotnikov strength guide you."
The head of the raptor ship tilts up and allows Lord Greylock and entourage to descend the extending grav beam gangplank.
"He's straight out of the Jane Austen novels! Nino will freak when I tell her." Aleksa remarks under her breath to Stinger, "I wouldn't mind seeing you in a getup like that…"
Indeed, Lord Greylock is hustling as fast as is fitting and yet remain dignified in his tall top hat, long green frock coat, burgundy vest and ascot, loud plaid pants and knee high boots. He uses a cane, but only for show and tugs a very unwilling little girl in tow. His ebony skin, monocle and carefully shaped mutton chop sideburns only add to his aire. Her pink ringlet curls, that contrast with her chocolate skin, bounce on her charcoal grey duster jacket and her black skirt is so fluffed with petticoats she looks like a goth doll.
As the pair approaches, Aleksa sees the horrid scowl on the child's face and has to bite her lip to keep from laughing as the ridiculous pouting brat is dragged along. Looking to Stinger is no help, he's gone into stoic soldier mode.
Upon reaching the formal porch, Lord Greylock takes a deep breath to gather his wits and tighten his grip on the squirming girl's hand and pass off his cane to a servant. Under his breath he hisses, "Do behave yourself, Portentia. Daddy is quite put out with you."
Stinger intercedes, "Lady Aleksa this is Lord Haversham Greylock." (4)
The gentleman doffs his top hat and graciously greets her, "Pleased to meet your acquaintance Lady Aleksa." At her lack of response and refusal to offer her hand he adjusts his monocle. "Forgive my intrusion on your day, good lady. I should not be surprised that you greet us so coldly, not even meeting us at the dock." Squaring his shoulders, he resigns himself, "It is to be expected, I reckon."
"Lord Greylock, would you please tell me the reason you have barged in on us today? I was just conducting business." Aleksa none to gently inquires to get the ball rolling and to let him know she has other things she'd rather be attending.
Directing his attention to his daughter he prompts, "Portentia… what would you like to say to the good Lady Aleksa."
Mouth pursed and eyes narrowing in an old woman-like scowl she steps forward, though her father still has a death grip on her hand. "Daddy wants me to apologize to you. But why should I? You ruined my life's work! Horrible witch! I want my pet back and you can go to…" A hand clasps over her mouth and her father hands her off to servants that drag her back a few steps.
As if he'd been hit, Greylock's face turns and he grimaces. Mastering is countenance again, he quickly says what should have been in the first place. "Lady Aleksa, I offer my most humble apology to you for the attempt on your life and the wounding of your manservant. Portentia has been working on a similar formula for the past six years, but her actions are inexcusable. She will be punished. Please, let me make it right. I have no wish for our houses to be divided."
Behind them Portentia has squirmed her mouth free and shrieks, "You've ruined my life! My math and my pocket allowance for two months!" before she's quelled again.
With a death stare over his shoulder he counters as his temper finally starts to show, "Six now, my dear. It only gets worse from here. You severely tempt me to cut you out of my will! COMPLETELY!"
A muffled, "I hate you!" is heard before she's actually gagged and her father motions for her to be dismissed.
Greylock straightens his vest and returns his attention to Aleksa, "I guess that leaves one more alcazar for my much more deserving niece." He shrugs. "I should have listened to my predecessor's advice when zhe warned me that my late wife had been a terror as a child. It took her a few centuries to grow out of that phase."
Aleksa still has no words for the sight she's seen. She only hopes it comes across like Stinger's stoic act.
"I am truly sorry for you having to witness this. But I'm a firm believer in owning up to one's actions. I can only hope this lesson today will stay with my daughter for decades to come." Clasping his hands together, signalling the start of business, "What may I do to make this up to you dear lady? Property? Company shares? My ship?..."
She sweeps her hand in a gesture toward the patio furniture. "Would you care for some tea while we discuss?"
He accepts and they volley over the fact that Aleksa isn't sure she wants "things" in return. Taken aback, he wonders what he could possibly offer.
"I take it, you wish to keep this out of court - am I right?" Aleksa's shrewd math skills and experiences overhearing deals made by the rich while she cleaned kick in.
He swallows, "Yes, Lady Aleksa."
A moment passes as he ponders other offers. And something dawns on him, "Lady Aleksa, your manservant did not share your surname, so I might know your rank and be able to offer proper compensation. Records on the planet only state that it's in the process of transfer. So I am at a loss."
Folding her hands primly in her lap she states brusquely, "I am Aleksa Bolotnikov Jones, mother of Her Majesty Jupiter Jones the recurrence of Seraphi Abrasax and I am the 4th primary for the aforementioned house. Anything else you need to know, Lord Greylock?"
The blood drains from his face. It surprises Aleksa that a man with such amazing dark skin could look so pale. "N...no, my lady. Th...that is sufficient. Thank you."
"Listen, it's a trivial detail." She waves it off. "What I would like from you is an alliance - between our houses — so that we can avoid such... unfortunate occurrences in the future."
Perking up at this, Lord Greylock eagerly accepts, "A most excellent and agreeable suggestion, my good lady! The tax penalties alone would discourage my daughter from further attacks. It would also further both our positions. If only I could get my Portentia to have such insight. But she is only 11, you know. Shall I have my people contact yours to work out the details?"
"Yes. I'm sure we can make this work." Aleksa rises and offers her hand - finally feeling like she can get into the formality of this crazy situation now that it's almost over.
He follows suit and grasps her hand in a hearty friendly manner. "I look forward to the alliance between our houses, good lady." Still holding her hand he intimates with a smile that reaches his eyes, "And perhaps more in the future."
Out of the corner of her eye she sees Stinger's minute scowl. Aleksa manages to stifle her response and murmur only with a smile, "Good day to you, Lord Greylock."
Evidently pleased enough with that, he bids her adieu. "No need to see me off dear lady." He starts toward his ship and turns as if remembering some detail. "Oh, and Lady Aleksa, please… do not feel any need to return the felitant."
When the ship leaves dock, Stinger puts a hand on her shoulder and squeezes, "All in a day's work for a brand spankin' new entitled, hey m'lady?"
"You're just glad he's gone," Aleksa tuts mildly as she pats his hand, and hears a little huff. Indicating the cushion beside her, she requests, "About that garden..."
…
When the coast is clear, Nino runs out and hugs her big sister as she peppers her with questions. "Aleksa! Where did all of that decorum come from? And how did you know all that would come from an alliance? And what about that little devil girl who thinks she already has a 'life's work'?"
Aleksa rolls her eyes. Which question does she answer? "I imagined I was in Pride and Prejudice - which you've made me watch more times than I can count! I had no idea. And I don't want to know. No more questions now for a while, sister. Please."
Seeing the servant who's become her favorite (in her eyes Stinger will never be a servant), she asks, "Takul, would you please let the guards know it's safe to bring Gizmo back."
"As soon as the neural override control collar is removed, Lady Aleksa," he informs.
Palm going to her face, Aleksa sighs. "I assume that's what made him try to kill me."
"Yes Lady Aleksa. We contacted his splicer. Mr. Schmizmo's not genetically programmed for such violence. The splicer verified that it took the override to force him into it."
...
Moltka joins them a few moments later and splashes his feet in the pond while playing with the remote control holo projection boat he found in his closet.
Gizmo is brought before the lady of the house and Aleksa tries to shoo Moltka off, but he stops in his tracks when he see's the felitant.
"But Aleksa! The cat! He's standing and I heard him talk! Please, let me stay! He looks just like the fluffy Siberian cats you used to show me pictures of! I want to meet him! Please cousin!" the boy pleads.
Fur goes up on the back of Gizmo's neck and his back arches warily.
"Moltka, this is Gizmo. He's had a hard life - worse than what we've been through. He won't be going back to his old home. And we can't keep him as a pet," Aleksa explains.
"But…" Moltka protests.
"He's a sentient being. Would you want to be treated as a pet?"
"No. And he looks scared." Moltka sympathizes. Crestfallen, he asks, "He's lost his home just like you and mama and papa did. Where will he go?"
"That's what we're trying to figure out," Aleksa admits.
Moltka slowly walks over to Gizmo and sits down several feet away - all eyes on him. "Mr. Gizmo… you need a friend like I do, don't you."
The felitant's head tilts ever so slightly, so Moltka presses on, "Did they even ask what youwanted?"
"No, they didn't kid," Gizmo grumbles.
Aleksa pipes in, "Then what do you want?"
"To be free," is the cat splice's choked reply.
"Would you like to do the honors Moltka?" she asks and uses a finger to write a message on the boy's hand.
Reluctantly, the boy nods. It's obviously not what he wants. Reaching out slowly and non threateningly he puts a hand on the felitant's shoulder. "Wish granted."
Adding to what her young cousin said, she fills in the important details, "You may claim up to ¼ acre anywhere you choose off the palace grounds and make your own home. On this planet you will have protection. I'll make sure of it."
Gizmo's eyes widen and he drops to his knees for a moment mumbling something about a miracle. When he can speak sensibly, he places his paw-like hand on Moltka's shoulder and his whiskers move forward in a friendly manner, "Thanks kid. Might see you around, if her ladyship allows it." Then with a leap of joy he bounds off on all fours, ready to explore his new world.
Moltka watches him go, astonished at Gizmo's grace and sees the felitant's wink as he deftly leaps to the first floor roof and over the palace wall.
Notes:
(3) My image of the ship resembles the Black-shouldered kite
(4) Haversham Greylock is a dapper gent with fabulous mutton chops and wears loud clothing like this (because he's so suave can get away with it)
