Commander X1's ship came into docking much like the blimp that it is. It was an awkward and lumbering process and the Royal Martian Fleetship had one or two near misses with other ships leaving the harbour. The Martian Commander X1 and her crew disembarked to a great deal of fanfare; trumpets, luxurious red carpets and as many Martian citizens as could cram themselves onto the docks, all clapping wildly.
Commander X1 was polite if stoic, she didn't smile and she didn't wave though many members of her crew did. She nodded courteously and thanked the people for their welcome.
Of course, she showed just as little courtesy over her assigned escort.
"I seem to have fared well enough alone on many strange and distant planets; I think I'll manage in my own home-city." She replied snarkily to Tyr'ahnee's comment on how much the city has changed.
"Be that as it may, Coercian, X2 will nonetheless be your guide." Tyr'ahnee's hands were tight around the arms of her throne and her voice slightly above normal talking volume. I could tell that this would end in a fight if Coercian pushed this any further.
"I don't intend to do any sight-seeing anyway Tyr'ahnee," X1 seemed not to hear Tyr'ahnee's words, "I'm here for the wedding and then I'll be off again."
"You will do as I say, Coercian, and nothing else! Do you understand? I am Queen!" Queen Tyr'ahnee fumed, slamming her fists upon the arms of her throne.
For a moment it looked like Lady Coercian might scream back, I held my breath and tensed to protect the Queen from any suddenly airborne items. But she clenched her teeth, so hard I thought I could hear the grating sound, and bowed her head ever-so-slightly.
"As her majesty wishes." She replied, not without a hint of sarcasm. Tyr'ahnee seemed placated somewhat by this.
"Commander X2. Show Lady Coercian to her chambers." My Queen ordered testily.
"Yes, my Queen." I hastened to comply. Lady Coercian was already at the door as I hurried after her. Halfway down the hall, with her leading, she whirled around and faced me.
"My chambers are the same as they have ever been; I know where the kitchen is, the throne room and the great hall. I don't intend to leave the palace, at all." She was slightly shorter than her younger sister, which I found odd, and built in a broader, more muscular manner. "I don't need your assistance Commander, so leave me alone. That's a direct order." She emphasised. I could see she was angered by this whole event but couldn't possibly understand why a simple escort would enrage her so.
"With all due respect, Lady Coercian, the Queen's orders outrank your own." My patience was wearing thin.
"I said, leave me alone." Her voice held much threat and, though I knew it was empty, I had to take a breath to steady myself before replying.
"As I said, Lady Coercian, our Queen has spoken." I kept my voice as level as I could. I don't think Lady Coercian could have summoned anymore disgust than she held upon her face in that moment.
It wasn't an ugly face; she could have been just as pretty as the Queen herself, if she weren't so dirty and weary from a Commander's life. Her broad build, I noticed, was beset with curves that softened her generous frame, I imagined the hair beneath her helmet was as long and sleek as Tyr'ahnee's also, and her vibrant green eyes looked suspiciously lilac all of a sudden. Her voice brought me out of my horrifying daydream.
"I'll ask again, would you like to lead the way, Commander?" she was asking in an impatient but polite tone.
"Yes, sorry Lady Coercian, this way." The anger from her face had gone and she suddenly looked very pale and weary.
"I am sorry X2, I know that this is not your fault, you are simply following orders. Perhaps that is what makes me so angry." She explained enigmatically.
"It's forgotten, my lady," I assured her as we headed towards the royal chambers. She was so rigid mere moments ago but now her shoulders slumped and I wondered what kind of heavy thoughts might be going through her mind. There was a lot that I did not know about Lady Coercian that I had only ever briefly considered before. Where had she been all these years? Why did she never return to Mars? And now, meeting her, there were new questions to be considered. Why was she so angry at Tyr'ahnee? Why had Tyr'ahnee never spoken to me about Lady Coercian?