Previously:
Private Residence of Kemal Pamuk, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, May 2199
"Oh Matthew! Yes! Fuck me!"
Kemal smiled and watched the bank of monitors set out before him. He moved from one camera to another, changing the angle until he found one he liked. The overhead shot from above Mary's bed gave him a full view of her naked body sprawled out on the blankets. Her hand was working over herself, her moans clear and loud as she enjoyed a session with Captain Crawley from the Andromeda.
Kemal still got a smug sense of pride when he was proven right. Lady Mary Crawley was more than just a beautiful woman and a smart captain. She was a minx in private, coming up with heated words and impassioned cries that would rival some of the best escorts he had sampled over the years. While it was hardly surprising that she would enjoy sex with her boyfriend, there was that same dark edge that he had picked up on before, now fully on display for him. She was passionate and depraved and dirty. The veneer of the aristocratic, prim and proper British woman hid a wanton woman beneath and he was thrilled to see it for himself.
He sighed and watched on as she continued to pleasure herself, oblivious to his cameras recording her every move. Mary was far more than just a woman who enjoyed sex, of course, but this side of her that was so opposite from the sophisticated image she presented normally in public would help him unlock the defences in her mind and bend her to his will.
All he had to do was get her into the bathhouse after his birthday party, and the programming would do the rest.
"You gorgeous English beauty, you," he chuckled, shaking his head as she flew apart on the large screen. "It's but a matter of time now."
Chapter 15:
Paradise Vista Restaurant and Lounge, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
"You'll come out of the lift here and there will be cameras along this wall," the assistant explained, pointing to the far wall as she escorted Mary and Kemal down the long hallway. "We'll announce your arrival and there will be music and lights and applause."
"Let's try and have it be a song from this century this time, please," Kemal noted, smiling at Mary.
She grinned in reply.
"Yes, Minister," the assistant acknowledged. "Now, you'll wind your way through the crowd along this path and up to the head table. You'll pause here on the stage and wave. The guests will come forward and the music will keep playing, we'll have the dip and you'll then sit down."
Mary blinked. "I'm sorry, the dip?"
"That's my fault, I should have explained," Kemal sighed. "It's traditional here for a couple to put on a bit of a show at the beginning of the party. A dip is generally the accepted polite way of answering the requests of the guests for the couple to kiss."
"A dip," Mary repeated. "You're going to dip me, are you?"
"We don't have to," Kemal shrugged. "We can skip that part."
"The guests will expect something," the assistant chimed in. "Perhaps you can just kiss her hand, Minister?"
"Fine," Kemal nodded. "That will work."
"No," Mary protested. "A dip is perfectly all right. We aren't so old that a kiss on the hand is all we're capable of, rather."
"Mary, it's not necessary, really," Kemal began.
"I insist," Mary smiled. "I don't think I've ever been dipped before."
"So you'll do the dip, smile and wave to the cheers of your guests, then go and sit down," the assistant finished.
"Sounds easy enough," Mary nodded, smiling at Kemal.
"It'll be over before you know it," Kemal assured her.
"My, are your kisses so easily forgotten?" Mary teased.
Kemal chuckled and shook his head. "I think you'll find the consensus is that they are quite disappointing, yes."
Mary shared in his laughter before another staff member approached them.
"Minister," he called.
"Yes," Kemal nodded. "I'll only be a moment, Mary."
"Of course," Mary nodded.
He squeezed her hand before releasing her from his grasp and heading off with the staff member.
"There's always a meeting," Mary muttered.
"The Minister has some emergency strategy to review," the assistant remarked.
"Emergency?" Mary questioned. "That sounds serious."
"It's not pressing, but it is serious," the assistant replied, turning her tablet around and passing it to Mary. "The recent poll numbers haven't shown a jump in the government's approval ratings as we hoped."
Mary took the tablet and reviewed the charts. There was an increase of a few percentage points since she and Kemal announced themselves as a couple, but the overall trend was still below the ratings from before the accord between New Byzantium and Britain was signed.
"It has only been a few weeks," she mumbled, though she knew as well as anyone that polls could change in a day, let alone weeks.
"There is some good news. The Minister's approval ratings have risen, as have yours," the assistant pointed out.
Mary's eyes narrowed as she saw the increase in Kemal's numbers, as well as hers, a more recent metric that had been measured in recent weeks.
"I suppose that's something," Mary frowned. "I don't know if the people's opinion of me will sway them on the agreement itself, though."
"It will help," the assistant nodded. "It would help much more if we leveraged your popularity, but the Minister refuses to do so."
Mary blinked. "Why is that?"
The assistant glanced across the room nervously to make sure that Kemal was still wrapped up in his discussions. She stepped towards Mary and lowered her voice.
"The Minister doesn't want you to be bothered, but there are ways we can enhance your profile – interviews, charity appearances, this party tonight, for example – make the public see you as your own woman separate and apart from the Minister," the assistant explained.
Mary nodded. "And the more they warm to me, the more they may warm to the idea of my people being here."
The assistant nodded. "Exactly, Lady Mary. He feels its inappropriate to ask more of you beyond what you're already doing, so I haven't raised it."
"Leave it with me," Mary instructed. "I'll speak to the Minister."
"Yes, ma'am," the assistant nodded, taking her tablet back and stepping away as Kemal came back over to join them.
"Sorry about that," he apologized, smiling at Mary. "Apparently it's impossible to avoid work even on one's birthday."
"That's quite all right," Mary smiled, taking his hand. "You have responsibilities."
"Well, for the rest of the day and all of tonight I am going to be responsible for enjoying myself and not focusing on how old I'm getting," he smirked. "You with me?"
"Lead on," she nodded.
"Let's review the menu," he stated, turning to his assistant.
"The executive chef is standing by for you, Minister," the assistant acknowledged gesturing towards the kitchen.
HMS Andromeda, Mothership Class Spacecraft, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
Matthew frowned in concentration, his eyes flitted back and forth across the virtual reality model of the attack on New Byzantium, recreated to painstaking detail here in the one of the ship's simulation suites.
"We know that the missile launcher was automated, fired by remote," Alex commented, pointing to the image of the office tower across the street from where they were standing at Commemoration Hall. "Targeting would have been precise."
"They wouldn't have fired at that spot unless they wanted to, is what you're saying," Matthew nodded.
"I don't think so, no," Alex replied gravely. "Which mean Evelyn could have been a target."
Matthew shook his head. "I doubt it. Why use rockets? A sniper would have done the trick far more efficiently."
"They used the rockets as the beginning of their attack. Computer, play simulation," Alex continued, pointing down the street.
The scene around them shifted as he let the simulation run.
"Hold it there," Alex called when the tank appeared down the street.
"What's the play?" Matthew asked, walking towards the tank. "Fire into the crowd, do as much damage as possible, bring the tank in with troops….to what end?"
"Hostages?" Alex shrugged. "They wouldn't need manpower if they just wanted to kill everyone."
"If they wanted to kill everyone, they could have aimed better with the rockets," Matthew muttered, looking at the tank before turning back to the stairs. "The space is far too open to contain with even the number of soldiers they brought in the tank. Let's say they get inside. Think about how many exits they have to cover, all the windows, the weak points. Once the electronic pulse effects lifted, they would be slaughtered, hostages or not."
Alex frowned. "What do you think?"
Anna came over and followed his line of sight. "I think we have more questions than answers weeks later."
Matthew nodded. "It's an insurgency group. What's their goal?"
"Anarchy?" Alex suggested.
"Anarchy," Matthew accepted. "Doesn't matter how many people they kill, they just want to cause chaos and throw Britain into disrepute. That still doesn't explain why they sent the tank."
"When we were being held captive, the terrorists used a new Ottoman Empire as their front for their activities," she raised. "They might have had a demonstration prepared once they took the building."
"You're assuming that they would want to get out alive also," Alex added. "Could be they sent a suicide squad. Hit hard to get everyone's attention, go in and take hostages, broadcast their message, then blow everything to hell."
Matthew sighed and looked around the scene slowly. "I don't know. It seems trying to make sense of it is just leading us in circles."
"Making sense of a senseless attack sounds like a futile exercise, yes," she agreed.
They watched as the simulation continued to play, each of them lost in their own thoughts and emotions. Standing as witnesses now still didn't let them forget how their heartbeats raced and every nerve was on edge during the attack, one wrong step possibly meaning the end of their lives.
"Hold it there," Matthew called suddenly. He turned and walked over to the virtual model of Kemal Pamuk. The Minister was holding his rifle aimed at the soldiers emerging from the tank. Matthew didn't need to watch the rest of the simulation. He remembered everything with startling clarity – how Mary was in the line of fire and he wasn't close enough to get a clean shot at the assailants. Only Pamuk's intervention saved them.
"I wasn't aware that government officials were trained in firearms," Anna stated.
"He spent three years in the military following school, according to his profile," Alex explained. "They don't have mandatory service on New Byzantium so he's one of the few that you would say is competent handling a rifle amongst the government officials who were there that day."
"Thankfully for us," she nodded.
Matthew circled the Minister, glancing at him from different angles.
"What rifle is this?" he asked finally pointing to Kemal's weapon.
"I don't know," Alex answered.
"It can't be standard issue," Matthew frowned, looking more closely. "The stock, the clip, the targeting sight, they're all wrong from what is used by New Byzantium military."
"New Byzantium doesn't have much of a military to speak of," she shrugged.
"Exactly, which is why a high-powered assault rifle seems out of place," Matthew replied. "Besides, where did he get it from? He couldn't have picked it up off of a security staffer. There were no heavy weapons on site from what I recall."
"What are you saying?" Alex asked.
Matthew looked over at him. "I'm saying that I want to know what this is and how it got into the hands of the Minister."
"Do you suspect the Minister of anything nefarious?" she questioned.
"No, but we just said that none of this makes sense, so if we can take one piece and make some sense of it, maybe that will help," Matthew replied. "The insurgents we can only guess about. We don't know them. We know Pamuk, so let's look into this."
"How?" Alex laughed. "We can't very well walk up to him and interrogate him about this."
"They're trying to put the attack and any mention of it behind them as much as possible so they can save the deal," she added.
"I don't want to talk to him," Matthew shook his head. "I want to find out what this rifle is and how he got a hold of it."
"I'll get on it," Alex confirmed.
"It's the Minister's birthday party tonight," she reminded Matthew. "You're invited, Captain."
Matthew frowned. "I already sent my regrets. Partying the night away with Kemal Pamuk and his adoring public is hardly my idea of fun."
"It may help maintain our diplomatic image," Alex suggested.
"Mary's got a handle on that, don't you think?" Matthew answered as he turned for the exit. "Let me know once you find out anything on that rifle."
"I will," Alex replied, glancing at Anna.
"Thanks," Matthew called as he left the suite.
Private Residence of Mary Crawley, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
Mary turned to her left and looked at her reflection on the screens placed in front of her. Cameras captured her image from every angle so she could see how her dress fit without spinning about. For Kemal's birthday, she had chosen a traditional gown that matched the local fashion better than what she had worn when making appearances with him thus far. The deep blue dress featured a sleeveless and backless sheer translucent bodice with intricate beading and designs that ran across her chest and down to swirl over her hip. The form-fitting silk creation featured a long skirt that flared at her knees and had a high leg slit to allow her to move comfortably. It was quite exotic looking and with her long brown hair tied up in an intricate twist, she did not appear as a British Captain at all, which was partly the point. While this was another official function, it was still his birthday party and she wanted to show a fun and playful side to the public and media.
"Lady Mary, these are the jewels that we've chosen for this evening for you," Kemal's assistant called, bringing over a long tray and holding it up in front of her.
Mary blinked in surprise as she examined the sparkling diamond pieces set out on the dark velvet.
"Oh my," she nodded. "These are quite spectacular."
"We want you to make an impression," the assistant nodded. "The other appearances called for something more conservative, but tonight you can let loose a little."
She smiled and nodded, running her fingers over the diamond earrings shaped like crescent moons. "That sounds lovely."
She put on the earrings and the matching bracelet before adjusting the choker around her neck. The final piece was a thin diamond headband that sat across her temples with a single diamond teardrop gem that was to hang down over her forehead.
"Allow me," the assistant offered, setting the tray aside and using a small stool to stand over Mary and adjust the headpiece so it sat comfortably in her hair while still holding tight around her head.
"There. What do you think?" the assistant asked.
Mary looked at her image and smiled. She looked like Royalty.
"I like it," she nodded.
"Very good," the assistant smiled. "I'll just go and check on the Minister. I updated your notes for the evening so you're aware of the itinerary and some of the symbolism behind the food, the dancing and so forth, as you requested."
"Thank you. That will be most helpful to ensure that I don't make a fool of myself," she laughed.
"You'll be brilliant, Lady Mary," the assistant assured her. "No one will be able to take their eyes off of you."
Private Residence of Kemal Pamuk, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
The assistant closed the door behind her and walked briskly through the large living room and into the bedroom, her high heeled shoes clicking on the marble floor. Kemal was standing on a raised platform while attendants moved about him, adjusting his suit and brushing it clean.
"Lady Mary is ready," the assistant announced.
"What did she think of the jewellery?" he asked, not looking away from his own reflection.
"She loved them," the assistant replied. "She didn't suspect a thing."
"Good," he nodded. "Did you test the transmission strength?"
"Well within normal operating range," the assistant nodded. "We'll give her small pulses during the evening. That should make her quite uninhibited by the time she gets to the bath house. She's studying those notes that you drafted now."
"Excellent," he smiled. "The suggestions will have a better chance to take root when her mind already accepts the basis of them as being for a higher purpose."
"I'm surprised that she doesn't find some of our traditions objectionable, considering that she is a woman in a position of power over her own people," the assistant commented.
"Centuries ago, she would have been, yes," he agreed. "The British used to colonize entire countries and tried to make them more British. Now, they are respectful to a fault in their approach. It's ingrained in her training not to question our customs and to accept them as part of our culture. That is why I pushed so strongly during the negotiations that we would maintain our own identity and not become a British outpost. She certainly won't agree with all that we do, but she will not question it."
"And that is how you expect to turn her," the assistant summarized.
"By the end of tonight, she will be on her way to becoming exactly what I want her to be," he grinned.
HMS Andromeda, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
'Incoming call from Captain Crawley….'
Matthew looked up from the screens on his desk and glanced over at the far wall where the call from Mary was waiting. He quickly swiped his hand across the screens to darken them, then stood up and walked out into the living room and settled on the couch before answering.
"Accept call."
Mary's smiling face appeared before him. He smiled back.
"Hello, darling," he nodded.
"Hello," she replied. "I was hoping to catch you before I headed out. You're sure you can't make it?"
He sighed. "I've had about enough of seeing you on the arm of Kemal Pamuk. It would be better if I sat this one out, I think."
She paused to weigh her words. "Matthew, I know this is hard on both of us, but I was looking forward to seeing you tonight."
He pursed his lips and ignored the tightening in his chest. "Mary, it isn't as if we would have very much time together, if any at all. You're going to be watched very closely. I'll just be a distraction."
"You're a very delightful distraction, when you aren't in one of your moods," she smirked.
He huffed but gave her a playful smile. "The media would love it to see the star Minister's girlfriend caught in a compromising position."
She arched her eyebrow. "Is that so? And what position would that be?"
He grinned. "You know exactly what position, don't you?"
She smiled and nodded. "The one that you love to put me in."
"The one that you love being in," he countered.
She glanced down for a moment, still smiling. "It's cruel of you, rather, to get me worked up like this and not follow through."
"Perhaps now you know how it feels," he replied knowingly. "Those photos and videos that you send me each day are the very definition of cruel."
"I could always stop if that would help," she challenged.
"Don't you dare," he snarled.
"All right," she nodded, laughing smugly. "What are you up to tonight?"
"Your sisters are having me over for dinner," he replied. "They're taking pity on me, I expect."
"Hardly," she scoffed. "They adore you."
"And what about you? Do you adore me?" he smirked.
"Generally, yes," she retorted, arching her eyebrow. "I'm less fond of you at the moment, however, given that you are leaving me to fend for myself amongst this lot."
"I'm not fond at all of this entire situation," he muttered. "But you know quite well how to work a room."
She gave him a pointed look.
"I don't want to have a row," he shook his head, raising his hands in conciliation.
"Neither do I," she agreed.
"What is that you're wearing?" he asked.
"Do you like it? It's a traditional evening gown," she explained, stepping back so he could get a clearer view of her figure.
"It's quite intricate," he noted, trying to act unperturbed that the top left her virtually naked save for the strategic designs covering her breasts and winding down her body to the coloured skirt.
"It is, the beading is all done by hand, actually. It's quite unbelievable," she marvelled.
"That's not your jewellery, is it?" he questioned, taking in her sparkling diamonds.
"No, they were provided for me to wear," she answered. "Likely borrowed for the occasion."
"Ah," he said. "Well, you look beautiful."
"Thank you," she smiled. "Matthew, I wish I was with you tonight. It's just that I…"
"Have a job to do," he finished, nodding tiredly. "I understand. Call me later."
"I will. Love you," she smiled gamely.
"Love you too. Have fun and be safe tonight."
"Good night. Tell everyone I said hello," she signed off.
He sighed as the screen went blank. Shaking his head, he went back through to his office and sat down at his desk. Waving a frustrated hand to turn the displays back on, he sighed and resumed reviewing the data scrolling before him.
Paradise Vista Restaurant and Lounge, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
Their arrival was so much different from the rehearsal.
There were barriers set up around the entrance to the tall skyscraper, crowds of people standing by as well as a mob of photographers and media drones. A visible police presence kept the onlookers under control, not that they were unruly to begin with. Kemal's fans – if a politician could have fans – were usually well-behaved, showing up to see a smile and wave from him, though he often paused for photos and autographs before his staff pulled him away.
Mary smiled as she took his hand and emerged from the limousine. She automatically nodded and waved to the cheering throng, settling in at his side as they walked towards the red carpet leading to the glass lobby. The restaurant was on the top floor, towering high above the city with brilliant views in all directions.
"You look beautiful, Mary," he said softly, leaning in and smiling at her as they strolled.
"Thank you," she replied, tilting her head towards him as she spoke. "You're quite handsome yourself, old man."
He laughed and squeezed her hand. "When a man's girlfriend teases him like that, he could say something about how he's going to punish her later."
She grinned and nodded, aware of the cameras following their every move. They always had to be careful as microphones could pick up even whispered conversations. "That's true. The girlfriend may reply that she would enjoy that."
He grinned. "Thank you for the present. You really shouldn't have. How did you know that was my favourite singer?"
"I have my ways," she smiled. "It was quite difficult locating the full set of his entire career. Apparently, some of the material was only released in limited editions. I hope you enjoy it."
"I most certainly will," he nodded. "I've been looking for that set for years and to have it now is just fantastic."
"I'm glad," she smiled.
They arrived at the glass doors leading into the lobby. Turning around in a practised move, they waved to the crowd one last time, the cheers growing louder all around them.
"To tonight," he said, turning his head and kissing her cheek.
"To tonight," she replied, smiling brilliantly and accepting his kiss as their adoring audience applauded ever louder.
HMS Andromeda, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
"I hope that dinner was to your liking," Sybil joked, sipping her wine. "I'm sorry that it wasn't the ten-course banquet you were going to have tonight."
Matthew laughed and took a swig of his beer. "Dinner was delicious, darling, thank you. I'll take a night in with you and the rest of them over a fancy feast for Kemal Pamuk anytime."
"How much longer do you suppose Mary will need to keep this up?" she asked.
"Until our popularity with the locals improves," he grumbled, leaning on the terrace and looking out across the port to the gleaming lights of the capital. "The plan is for Pamuk to push for a ratification vote in the coming weeks. We're just waiting for the polls to improve, really."
"What does the split in the parliament look like at the moment?" she asked.
"It's hard to say. There will always be those voting with their party positions so it won't ever be unanimous," he shrugged. "I'd say there is a group in the middle who are leaning our way. As long as they can be assured that there won't be a backlash from their constituents if they vote our way, we'll be all right."
She nodded. "So, the polls need to swing to gain them that assurance."
"Precisely," he confirmed. "The plan is working to a degree. They love Mary and they approve of her being with him. It's how that bump translates to the agreement as a whole."
"I hope it works out," she sighed. "Evelyn worked so hard. It would be so unfair for the thing to fall apart now."
He frowned and took another sip of his beer.
"I think your husband may be jealous of how much time the two of you spend alone," Edith teased, coming out on to the terrace carrying her Martini. "He sent me out here to check on you. Dessert is almost ready, by the way."
"Tell him to get his arse out here and he can pick up some pointers, then," Sybil shot back, rolling her eyes and taking another drink of wine.
"No, don't tell him that, please," Matthew chuckled.
"Don't be modest, darling," Sybil laughed, leaning into him. "Mary has told us all about what a beast you are in bed, and I did get to see all of you while you were in stasis. Most impressive."
His face flushed crimson and he glared at her, though he hugged her to him all the same. "You're absolutely incorrigible."
"She's joking, partly," Edith laughed, coming to her sister's side. "This view is quite lovely. It's nice to see it for real instead of relying on images projected on to the walls of our rooms."
"Tom and I are headed to the beach tomorrow," Sybil announced. "Apparently the water is quite rejuvenating."
"It is," Edith agreed. "Bertie usually hates swimming, but even he had fun when we went."
The sisters continued to chat away while Matthew remained silent, his eyes drifting to one of the taller buildings along the skyline. There were coloured spotlights pointed into the night sky and the top floor was lit with activity.
"Anyone up for dessert?" Tom called, poking his head outside.
"I'm in," Matthew answered immediately, turning back to the ship.
Paradise Vista Restaurant and Lounge, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
"Have you ever considered doing endorsements?"
Mary blinked and looked at the woman before her incredulously. Hiding her smirk, she took another sip of her drink and composed herself before replying.
"What do you mean?" Mary asked.
"You're popular," the woman nodded. "I have clients who would love to have you associated with their products."
Mary laughed now. "I'm not here to film advertisements or appear on billboards, if that's what you mean."
The woman laughed and shook her head. "No, of course not. It would be subtle, of course. We could have you carry a particular bag or accessory; have you visit a specific restaurant or spa. There are ways for you to enhance the profile of a business without actually pitching for them."
Mary nodded in understanding. Her fashion and lifestyle choices did receive rather intense scrutiny. Whatever she wore each day was immediately analysed and commented on, and apparently, a gym that she went to one time saw a spike in memberships the following day.
"I'm quite satisfied at the moment," Mary replied evenly. "We have a lot of work to do to ensure this alliance is a successful one. Where my clothes and shoes come from isn't exactly a priority."
The woman laughed. "Nevertheless, they are important. Really, Lady Mary, think about it. The public isn't going to read over the pages and pages of the accord. They will gather their impressions of our new allies based on what they see. Right now, you're what they see. Your dress, tonight, for example. It's gorgeous, and you're seeing a positive response because you used a local designer."
Mary blinked in surprise as the woman took out her handheld mobile and showed her a headline from a popular fashion website. The commentator gushed over Mary's dress, calling it 'the look of a Queen we can all love'. Another headline shouted 'Lady Mary sparkles in diamonds at boyfriend's birthday party.'
"You have power," the woman continued. "Use it."
Mary arched her eyebrow and sipped her drink.
"Pardon me," Kemal interjected, smiling at the woman as he appeared at Mary's side. "Might I interest you in a dance?"
"You may," Mary smiled. She nodded to the woman and gave her empty glass to a waiting server before taking Kemal's hand and following him to the dance floor.
"Did you need rescuing?" he asked, speaking softly in her ear as the music reverberated around them.
"No, not at all," she laughed. "I was enjoying the conversation."
"Well, I shall try and keep your attention, then," he smiled.
They came out to the middle of the dance floor and began to move, the beat and rhythm fast and thrumming. The high leg slit of Mary's dress allowed her to dance unimpeded and she raised her arms and moved to the song. Her diamond bracelet sparkled in the flashing lights and she revelled in the pulse of the music washing over her.
Kemal danced smoothly and effortlessly, his steps fitting the faster tune perfectly. He kept his eyes on hers, stepping towards her before pulling back, reaching for her before moving away.
She could feel eyes upon them, knowing that everyone around them had turned to look the moment they stepped on to the floor. There were photographers and camera drones still in the restaurant from their arrival, meant to take candid shots of the party to show the celebration of the star Minister.
Her head buzzed delightfully from all the sensations flying about her. Dinner had been delicious. Kemal had explained each dish before it was presented to them, the presentation so much more elaborate and impressive than when they had their sample tasting just yesterday. She was enjoying all the attention they garnered, the cheers when they emerged from the elevator, the shouts of their names as they went up on stage, and the crescendo of applause when he dipped her and kissed her in front of everyone. It was so much fun to let loose and truly get into the party mood, so very different from the conservative and staid tone of the official functions she had attended with him to date.
She stepped towards him and turned her back to him, her arms still raised above her head, her hips shifting side to side as she kept dancing. Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled at his surprised expression, moving back until she felt the warmth of his chest against her bare skin of her back exposed by her dress.
"Come on, Kemal," she teased. "The cameras are watching. You should look like you're at least pretending to enjoy yourself."
He swallowed and moved his hands along her sides before they came around her waist. They soon moved in time together, his breath warm against her skin as he kissed her cheek and moved to whisper in her ear.
"Thank you, Mary. They've gotten plenty of footage of us already. We don't need to perform anymore if you don't want to," he said.
She laughed and leaned back into him, arching her eyebrow at his reaction.
"I want to dance," she declared.
"Then we will dance," he smiled, keeping her in his hold.
HMS Andromeda, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
Matthew glanced at the time once again, a slight frown on his face as he saw it was well past midnight and he still had not heard from Mary. He expected that Pamuk's birthday party would go well into the late-night hours but a part of him hoped the Minister's well-maintained image would have him retiring early.
Apparently not.
The media coverage and tracking of Mary's signal still placed her at the restaurant, which gave him some comfort. He didn't expect there to be any danger to her tonight, but with recent events, nothing seemed too irrational or far-fetched now. Kemal's spotless reputation was growing more revered by the day. He would be considered a high-value target for any group wanting to disrupt the government further and terrorize the masses.
But he and Mary seemed to be safe and partying until dawn.
One of the screens on his desk lit up as a message from Mary came in.
'Still at this party but I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you. Good night, darling. Love you!'
He answered with a quick 'Good night. Love you' and switched off his screens. He didn't expect to have a chat with Mary tonight, but he was still hopeful they might do more than just swap messages. Shrugging his shoulders, he left his office and walked through the living room and into the bedroom.
"She's just doing her job," he mumbled, shaking his head before lying down to another fitful sleep.
Paradise Vista Restaurant and Lounge, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
The guests cheered as they left the restaurant, the place still mostly full even at this late hour. There was still a crowd outside when they reached the ground, cameras and media following their short walk to the limousine. Mary's ears were ringing when she settled into the spacious cabin of the car, the calm and quiet a stark contrast to the constant noise she had bathed in all evening.
"Still with me?" Kemal asked, leaning back in the seat next to her as the car moved away from the kerb.
"Of course," she smirked, glancing over at him. "The night is still young."
He laughed. "I imagine you shut down a few pubs in your time."
She nodded. "A few, yes."
"I hope you didn't find the party boring by your standards, then," he smiled.
"Not at all, it was quite lavish," she noted. "There seemed to be many references to your virility, from the food to the entertainment and the presents."
"It's a tradition amongst my people," he explained. "Every birthday is another year of siring strong sons, as was the belief centuries ago. The unforeseen consequence, of course, is that it implies that we need trinkets and prayers to be any good in bed."
She laughed and slapped his arm. "Stop."
"Don't act like you didn't think so," he smirked.
She laughed and nodded. "Some of those charms that you were supposed to use seemed rather complicated and could even hurt if you weren't careful!"
He chuckled along with her. "Sometimes we must endure a little pain in order to achieve satisfaction."
They kept laughing as the car wound it way down the streets, the Entertainment District still alive and buzzing even so well past midnight.
"Thank you for coming tonight, Mary," he said. "I know it was your duty to be here, but I appreciated your company all the same."
"It was quite fun. I enjoyed myself immensely," she stated.
"Well, I have a few more stops to make, but I'll have the driver take you back to your suite first," he informed her.
She frowned. "I thought we were heading to the bath house now?"
He nodded. "That was the plan but we've given the press more than enough fodder already. I'll have my staff leak that we went to the bath house and had a wonderful time. That will be enough."
She blinked and looked away.
"Unless you actually want to go?" he raised, glancing over at her.
She turned back to him. "I did enjoy myself there the last time you took me. It would be nice to get out of these shoes. My feet are quite aching."
He smiled. "As you wish. We'll make sure you're feeling like a new woman by the time we're done."
Cloud City Bath House, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
Mary stretched her arms above her head, arching her back as she felt twinges of soreness bubble along her spine. Her legs were a bit weak, her feet suffering from all the dancing she had done in her high heeled shoes.
Kemal assured her that the bath house was empty save for them and she was pleased for the exclusivity. As much as their relationship was a ruse for the media and public, there were perks to being the girlfriend of such a powerful man. Not having to deal with anyone else as she unwound from the day and evening's festivities was most welcome.
She felt the tension melt away as she let her hair down and shook her long dark brown tresses free of the twist she had held the entire night. Next came her gown, and she was careful to hang it up without damaging any of the delicate fabric. A shiver ran through her from the cool air of the dressing room sweeping across her bare breasts and down her body. Admiring her reflection, she smirked as she moved her fingers along her flat stomach and across her chest, pausing to massage the sensitive flesh and touch herself playfully.
"Mmm, if only…" she grinned, wondering if sending Matthew another naughty photo would be pushing him a bit too far. He appreciated her small tokens of affection, but she also knew that she tended to tease him too much, showing him what was still well beyond his reach while she was away on her mission.
She turned around and appraised the rest of her body, drunken pride warming her as she gazed at her slim waist, her toned legs and her tight bottom, the results of constant fitness and diet on full display.
Her smile remained when she removed her thong and changed into her robe, the caress of the silk against her bare skin luxurious and smooth. She wandered down the hall and over to the massage room, nodding politely to the three women waiting for her. Removing her robe and lying down on her front, she was soon covered in soft towels as her hands, arms and feet were worked on first, the scented oil filling the room with a floral note that caused her to close her eyes and smile.
She didn't notice that she was still wearing all of her diamond jewellery and none of the attendants made any mention of it, either.
Kemal watched the monitors attentively as Mary was turned on to her back and her massage continued. He smirked at the sight of her bare breasts that he knew so well from spying on her the past few weeks. As the three women worked her over, he grinned at the sound of the pleased sigh leaving her open mouth. The massage itself was quite thorough and therapeutic, legitimately helpful for easing away stress and relaxing a person. It also helped lower her guard so that the subliminal suggestions being transmitted to her through her diamond jewellery could take root in her brain more easily.
"The Captain seems to be enjoying herself," his attendant noted.
"She is," he agreed. "We won't know the full extent of how deep we get into her head until later, however. Is the rest of her treatment plan sorted?"
"Yes, Minister," the attendant replied. "We've isolated what memories to use and what emotions to enhance and what others to stifle. By the time she reaches the cold room, you should be able to approach her without opposition."
"Good," he nodded, looking over at his assistant darkly. "Now get me ready."
The assistant grinned and lowered herself to her knees before him. She kept her eyes on his as she reached up to undo the belt of his trousers.
"Yes, Minister."
Mary lay back against the cushion, her hair splayed out behind her. The bubbles of the hot pool jumped all around her, the water covering her up to her bare shoulders. It enveloped her, massaging her skin and surrounding her in warmth. She wiggled her toes and smiled, the seat below her comfortable and moulded to her naked body. She closed her eyes, content to doze in such a private setting.
A grin crossed her lips as she recalled the last time she brought Matthew to a bath house. It was so much fun to just spend time with him isolated from the outside world. It was there, as they relaxed together, that he told her he wanted to marry her, and she was filled with so much joy that she thought she would burst. They hadn't brought it up again since, but she was so confident now at the prospect of their future that she was in no hurry to plan anything. After so many trials that they barely survived together, to emerge on the other side more united than ever was thrilling.
"Matthew," she sighed, a hand ghosting beneath the water to caress her thigh.
These past weeks of separation had been hard on them, only catching glimpses of each other at certain functions, their intimacy limited to trading texts or the odd virtual reality session, which were steamy to be sure, but nothing compared to being together for real. She grinned at the idea of all the making up for lost time they would do once her mission was over. The travel time from New Byzantium to whichever outpost they would be assigned to next would take days at a minimum. She intended to have Anna oversee the ship as much as possible. She and Matthew would sequester themselves for as long as they could get away with.
A playful smile bared her teeth as her thoughts wandered to Kemal. God, what he would give to see her now, she laughed mischievously. He was off in his part of the spa, probably carousing with some friends, enjoying these last hours of his birthday until the sun rose.
"I wonder who he would rather be celebrating with," she joked.
The Minister was a talented politician and a wonderful conversationalist. She could see why so many women wanted him. He was handsome, rich and ambitious, and had a way of speaking that made a person feel as if she had his undivided attention.
"We do look good together, rather," she mumbled.
If Matthew had never emerged from stasis or if he had eventually transferred off the Andromeda as he threatened, she would have explored her talks with Kemal further. Now, though, he would have to occupy himself with this fake relationship. She almost pitied him, being able to get so close to her as he surely desired, and yet unable to achieve his ultimate prize.
"Poor thing," she chuckled, squirming a bit from the heat of the water.
Of course, he still wanted her. That was obvious from his glances and efforts to touch her whenever possible. She shook delightfully imagining how he must fantasize about what he could do to her if only he was given the chance. They were living next door to each other, after all. How many times did he wish her good night then head back to his suite and jerk himself off to the idea of her naked body?
"So close, yet so far," she laughed, shaking her head as her eyes remained closed.
The contrast in their skin was as striking as the differences in their culture and backgrounds. She wondered if that was part of their appeal as a couple. Did the public see them and picture the native son, the olive-skinned, dark-eyed conqueror and his pale-faced, British consort? He was far too polite and reserved to admit to such a thing, she knew, but in private, did that make his blood rush? Was the idea of taking a white, sophisticated foreign aristocrat to his bed and making her his wanton slave exciting to him? She imagined that was what made her unique compared to the women he had dated before.
"He wouldn't be the first to want me because of that," she smirked, turning her head and relaxing against the cushion.
Beneath all of those tailored suits she imagined he was quite fit. His body was lithe and he moved easily. He probably had the build of an athlete, muscled and tight. Men who had a history of dating beautiful women were presumed to have significant prowess. She expected that Kemal was no different.
"He's probably quite big," she smirked, sighing contentedly as her muscles loosened.
An image appeared in her mind from earlier in the evening. The two of them danced throughout the night and unlike previous events they attended, the music was mostly fast and fun. She exhaled slowly and she heard the music in her mind, the warm bubbles of the water washing over her like the bass of the song. His hands were on her hips, guiding her back and forth. She grinded back, pressing her ass against him. His breath was warm against her cheek, his hard arousal pushing shamelessly against her as they danced. He was controlling her, fitting her to him, displaying her as his for all to see.
"Mmm, Kemal," she mumbled.
Her hands drifted beneath the water, one teasing her breast while the other rubbing lightly between her legs. She felt like she was floating, the water all around her comforting and adding to her pleasure. A pleasing floral scent drifted in the air, the music from earlier in the evening played in her ears. She was dancing with Kemal, allowing him to lead as she followed.
All felt right in her world.
HMS Andromeda, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
"Report," Anna called, rising from the Captain's chair and leaning forward over the console.
"Captain Crawley is still at the same position," the officer replied. "She's been there for almost two hours now."
"And Minister Pamuk is with her?" she asked.
"Yes, Commander. He hasn't left the spa since they arrived and his car remains parked outside. The driver hasn't gone in," the officer replied.
Anna stared at her display, seeing Mary's transmitter flashing.
"Well, it is his birthday. He's likely celebrating with his mates and she's tagging along," she nodded. "Two hours isn't overly long to spend in a spa. Some of their treatments last for five or six."
"We'll keep surveillance active, Commander," the officer nodded.
"Do that. Alert me once they leave and when she returns back to her suite," she ordered.
"Yes, Commander. Good night, Commander," the officer confirmed.
"Good night," Anna nodded, turning and heading for the lift.
Cloud City Bath House, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
Kemal glanced at his watch as he walked down the long hallway. It was nearly 4 a.m., three hours after they arrived at the spa. Dealing with the human brain, particularly the subconscious, was an imperfect science, even with all of the technology at their disposal. Each subject was different and responded to different stimuli. Delving into a person's thoughts, let alone manipulating them, was an intricate puzzle. The reward for unlocking a person's mind, however, was priceless.
He grinned. Lady Mary Crawley was an intricate puzzle, indeed, and one of the finest treasures he ever aspired to capture. Even tonight, her talents shone through so vividly. The way she moved naturally and easily through the party, greeting guests, smiling, laughing at jokes, charming her way from one person to the next. She knew how to draw attention and yet step back and allow him the spotlight. Her elegance and class were the perfect complement to his drive and ambition. The fact that she was British and exotic to the citizens here was invaluable, making her a rare bird, and he all the more noteworthy for having her by his side. A finer prize he could not imagine.
If he had more time and circumstances were different, he would use his wit and charm to seduce her properly. They had gotten along from their first meeting and he knew there was an attraction between them. Unfortunately, the presence of her boyfriend and the urgency of saving the accord with the British robbed him of the opportunity to do this without intervention. He needed to move fast to sway her and keep his momentum going. His popularity and approval ratings had never been higher. The chance to seize power that he had been carefully and slowly building towards his entire career was now upon him.
All he needed to do was grab it.
He opened the door and slipped into the cold room, sure to lock it behind him. He had the cameras turned off to ensure complete privacy. Tugging at the tie of his robe, he pulled it off and left it in a lounge chair, walking naked across the smooth tiles.
She was lying on her back with her eyes closed, the massage and hot whirlpool had relaxed her considerably and dulled her senses. He came over to her and waved his hand over her face, smiling as she did not react. Checking his watch, he saw that her pulse was moving slowly and easily, the brainwave activity showing that she was in a light sleep, soon descending into a dream state.
His eyes wandered along her body, the silk robe doing nothing to hide her wonderful curves. Her alabaster skin peeked out from the vee-neck, her bare thigh showing through the parted robe. He dared not touch her. Getting her back here would be difficult. Only the excuse of his birthday convinced her this time. They needed to use this time to lower her defences as much as possible and allow their methods to work.
He grinned, his hand moving down to stroke himself as he watched her sleep. She was still wearing the diamond headband, earrings and choker, seemingly so out of place in a spa and yet she hadn't removed them. As he watched them sparkle on her creamy skin his arousal flared. Yes, he would restrain himself now. These jewels would do their work and soon he would be able to touch her as much as he wanted.
Soon she would beg for his touch.
"Yes, how may I help you?" the personal shopping bot chirped merrily, smiling at Mary and waiting for her answer.
"I'm looking for a birthday present. It's for a man," Mary stated.
"What is your relationship with this man?" the bot continued.
"I'm his girlfriend," Mary nodded.
"And is this the first birthday you have celebrated together?" the bot questioned.
"Yes. The first of many, I expect," Mary smiled.
"And are you looking to convey a message of love or something more playful?" the bot probed.
Mary laughed. "Why not both?"
"May I recommend then, this set of massage oils," the bot said cheerfully, bringing up a boxed set of vials on the screen. "They are entirely organic and hypoallergenic, designed to bring couples closer together with both medicinal and aphrodisiac qualities."
"That's perfect," Mary grinned.
"Say something, please," Matthew urged her, concern beginning to slip into his eyes.
"What do you expect me to say to that?" Mary asked, glaring at him, her eyes narrow and suspicious.
"I don't expect anything," he shook his head. "I would hope that it would make you happy."
"Happy?" she exclaimed, seizing her hands back from his grasp. "You told me it was over between us. Twice. Now you come to me and tell me that you love me and I'm supposed to be happy?"
He gritted his teeth to stop the response that immediately came to mind. She stepped back from him, her eyes clouding over in anger.
"This wasn't how tonight was supposed to go!" she snapped. "We were just supposed to fuck and that was it! Break-up sex! That's what we agreed upon! There was no mention of dressing up in fancy clothes, giving me expensive champagne and playing with my emotions by taking me to Downton for a stroll through our memories!"
"Mary," he called, raising his hands in front of him.
"You don't get to do this!" she snarled. "My happiness, my well-being, my feelings are no longer your domain or your concern! You forfeited every right you ever had to speak of such things when you turned me away mere moments after you woke up. I gave everything of myself and more to bring you back and you threw me over the first chance you got!"
He recoiled as if she slapped him. The truth cut him deeper than any blow possibly could.
"If you had never recovered, you would have left me with the memory of you telling me it was over between us and that you were going back to Lavinia. Did you ever try and understand how devastated I would have been to know that we parted on such terms?" she demanded.
He let out a defeated breath and nodded.
"You've got a nerve," she accused, her lips curled in fury. "Everything you've put me through and you dare think that one 'I love you' is enough to have me fall into your arms."
"I don't expect you to fall into my arms," he retorted, trying to keep himself composed. "I don't expect anything from you. I didn't expect break-up sex. You were the one who brought it up. I'm not asking for your forgiveness because you're right – I have no claim, nor any right to your heart anymore. But I had to tell you. I had to tell you how I felt because, as you said, I couldn't leave things the way they were. I couldn't leave you believing that you were at fault in any way for what happened between me and Lavinia and I couldn't leave you believing that I don't love you. What you choose to do now is your choice alone and I will abide by it. I love you and I want you and that's what tonight was all about – trying to show you where we've been, yes, but also to let you know that there's still a future for us if you want it."
She scoffed and shook her head. A few tears spilled down her cheek and it only angered her more to cry in front of him. She wiped her face quickly and kept her glare on him.
"Well, now I know and now you know that it's far too little, far too late," she sniffed, spinning towards where she thought the door was.
He ended the program and his study returned to normal. She stormed out and headed for the foyer.
"Far be it from me to give you any advice, but I wouldn't give up on that transfer request just yet," she said quickly, not even bothering to look back at him.
"I really don't know what to say," Kemal smiled. "I will forever regret what you had to endure here. I hope it does not ruin your impression of our city, but I expect that it will."
Mary nodded at the Minister's image on the screen. "I wouldn't say it's been ruined. There were parts of my visit that remain positive memories."
"I'm relieved," he nodded. "You must let me know when you are back this way, and I shall let you know when I next go back to Earth. In the meanwhile, I'd like to keep in touch, Mary. I know you're busy but if you should ever want to talk or perhaps even meet over VR, I could show you places that you didn't get a chance to experience this time around."
She smirked. "Is that an offer through official channels, Kemal?"
He chuckled and shook his head. "No. It's entirely personal. I am quite impressed by you. I know you lead a very busy life, but I should like to know you better, if you're up for it."
"Oh, I've never been one to close off an option entirely," she smiled. "One never knows where life could lead. I'll be in touch, Kemal."
"Promise me," he demanded.
She smiled. "Pardon?"
"Promise me," he smirked. "Say, 'Kemal, I am not blowing you off and giving you a token vow to keep in touch when I really don't mean it. I will be in touch and I am greatly looking forward to getting to know you better.' Tell me that."
She laughed. "I will be in touch."
"Then you shouldn't have any problem giving me your promise," he teased.
She shook her head. "Very well. Kemal, I do mean it when I say that I will be in touch. We will speak soon and yes, I am very much looking forward to getting to know you better, outside of official channels."
"As am I. Safe travels, Mary," he smiled before signing off.
She sat back in her chair and thought of their fun night at the baths. It was the first time she had gotten a chance to truly relax and unwind. Kemal was right. Maintaining any kind of relationship – even it was just the odd chat here and there – was near impossible for her. Still, the idea of sharing a VR program with him and seeing if they had any real chemistry was enticing, particularly given that she had put off any kind of social life for over a year now.
"Kemal," Mary whispered.
There was a murky haze across her vision preventing her from focusing. She saw bright colours and heard murmured voices, picked out shadowy forms and caught high-pitched laughter. Her closed eyelids fluttered quickly, though all she saw were the blurry images in her mind.
"Kemal," she repeated.
He was here somewhere. She could sense his presence, so familiar and discernible amidst the chaos. She didn't know where she was. She was surrounded by a mob of strangers, but Kemal was here, and that calmed her.
"Mary."
His voice was like a beacon and she drifted towards it, the other shapes and colours fading away, leaving just the two of them together. Her vision remained clouded, but the cacophony of noise had died down entirely. There was warmth and safety and him.
"Kemal," she smiled.
Private Residence of Mary Crawley, New Byzantium, Milky Way Galaxy, June 2199
"Thank you for everything, Mary," Kemal smiled, escorting her down the hall. "Thank you for coming out tonight. Thank you for enduring the crowds and the media. Thank you for the present. Thank you for being here on my birthday."
"Of course. Where else would I be?" Mary laughed, hanging on to his arm and leaning into him as they walked. She was feeling delightfully sated from her treatment at the bath house and the thought of curling up in her bed sounded wonderful.
"Thank you all the same," he nodded.
They reached her door and he took her key, opening the door as she leaned against him patiently.
"Good night, Mary," he smiled, his arm around her shoulders.
She tilted her head and kissed him lightly. "Good night. Happy birthday, Kemal."
"It's technically past my birthday now," he shrugged.
"Ah, well, happy belated birthday, then," she giggled, swaying slightly as she stepped over the threshold.
"Thank you," he chuckled.
She gave him a smile before closing the door.
Her suite was dark, almost all the lights turned off according to her preferred settings for this time of the evening. She kicked off her shoes gratefully and made her way down the hall to the bedroom.
Removing her evening gown was a bit of a chore, particularly in the dim lights of the bathroom, but she managed it, leaving it draped over a chair to be dealt with in the morning. Smiling at herself in the mirror, she removed the diamond headband and set it aside, shaking her hair out gratefully. The earrings and bracelet came next, but when she went to remove the choker, she found she couldn't catch the tiny snap on the back of her neck.
"Bother," she muttered, sighing as she decided to let the attendants assist her later with it.
She wandered out of the bathroom and across to her bed, slipping beneath the covers, the linens soft and cool against her naked skin. Closing her eyes, she drifted off immediately, the last thought before darkness swept her up was the feel of Kemal's hands on her hips and his body pressed to hers as they danced.