I stared off into space as a breakfast platter of pastries and a carafe of recaf was delivered, this time by a human bellhop. Null easily noticed that more of my hair had changed. A quarter of my hair was a stark ivory, and it emerged from much of my crown and along the left side of my scalp. At least it was changing asymmetrically so I didn't look like a giant human skunk. Alberich asked what had happened, and I quietly (but evasively) described that I had experienced another long and graphic vision. I revealed the devastation that I had seen with Rhadabus, but I did not talk about how the Rhadabans had built an idol of me, and that they were calling me the "God-Empress".
"Let us hope it was just a nightmare," Null proposed quietly as he drank from his mug. When his facial implants were withdrawn, and his mouth was visible, it was unsettling to see him actually speak with his lips and jaw. His skin was grey and had a faint metallic sheen, so I guessed it wasn't actually natural human skin anymore anyway, considering his age. "Dreams can simply be dreams, even concerning someone like you," he stated with a sniff.
"My hair changed, so I'm pretty sure this nightmare was special. I really hope it was just a dream, but I think I was actually on that world as a projection or something," I said, nibbling at my fruit pastries and sipping my warm mug of recaf. Recaf was close to coffee, but had more of a chicory taste to it.
Suddenly, I felt a pang of guilt, and put my mug down on the table. I felt as if I had to come clean with what I had seen. Keeping things like this away from my crewmembers all the time felt wrong, and this felt big enough that it would eventually come out if I didn't tell them. "Those people were calling me 'God-Empress'. When I was there, it felt like I was a giant gold ghost, like over twice my normal size, and people were praying to me and crying everywhere." I shook my head, not enjoying the memory. Alberich had the slightest hint of a smile on his beak, and Null was busy translating for the witnesses. I should also probably let everyone know about the Inquisitor I killed too, I thought with reluctance. "And... another thing. I, uh, I didn't tell you guys this, but I torched an Inquisitor a couple days ago when I was mapping our route here. He was burning this innocent little boy to death. When I saw it happen, I lost my temper and killed him."
As Null heard this, he whipped his head toward me, and his mechadendrites reared up. "What? You killed an Inquisitor?!" the tech-priest said, his animated eyes wide with shock. "Are you certain?"
"I don't know, but I'm leaning toward that I did. I wasn't sure if it had just been a vision, but then I felt the Divine Retribution pull his soul from the Key to eat, and then, I definitely got a sense of who he was. I didn't mean to do it. I just... I don't know. I snapped. I felt like I had to do it, almost like I was following an instinct or an imperative."
Actually putting it to words made it even more disturbing. Was I really the kind of person that would "snap" and actually kill someone? Apparently I was, and I had to not do this anymore. Null looked away from me, processing this heavy information.
I took a deep breath. "Okay, I'm sorry for not telling you this, everyone. Here's the whole Rhadabus story summary: I was pulled back to that planet last night in my dream, but I think I was actually there as a tall projection. I was drawn to the place where I had burnt the Inquisitor a few days ago. And there, I saw that the survivors of the Inquisitorial purge had... they had built an idol of me! They were worshipping this statue, and they were going to execute this one guy who protested their actions until I showed up again and commanded them not to hurt him. They could see me, and they all stood praying around me, crying and shouting. They called me 'God-Empress'. That's what happened."
Null was now staring at me with wide animated eyes, and I looked away, upset at my behavior. I did not like this. Maybe other people would like to be seen as gods, but something deep within me found it very wrong. I shook my head, not saying anything. I consciously suppressed my Corona. I needed to keep myself together!
Slowly, the tech-priest spoke. It appeared he was carefully considering what to say. "Perhaps you know of this already from your universe, but there are rumors of your predecessor, rare and secret stories that I was privy to in my lofty station, that said that He found the title of 'God' uncomfortable, even if His deeds appeared god-like," Null quietly offered.
More than simply uncomfortable, I remembered. Old Emps absolutely hated being called a god and punished people who called him that. I had newfound empathy for his situation now, but not to the point where I felt the need to punish people for saying the wrong thing. Being called a god was viscerally upsetting to me. The pause was getting too long, so I said, "Yeah, yeah. I know, I know... I'm sorry I didn't tell you all the whole truth earlier."
And I still hadn't told them that Tzeentch himself had also been ruthlessly stalking me, I thought distantly.
"If what you say is true, this is bad news for us if we wish to be secretive. No doubt the Inquisition will return to that world and discover what has happened to Rhadabus, and they will soon be on the hunt for a daemon masquerading itself as a 'God-Empress'."
Null was totally right here, and I had to find a way to rein myself in when projecting. "I shouldn't have interfered in the first place. I should never have killed that first Inquisitor. This is my fault," I groaned, letting my halo slightly leak out around my head and shoulders. I closed my eyes, wanting to shut out the reality of my situation.
The tech-priest translated for the two witnesses, and Alberich then spoke up. "I am missing something, perhaps? Why is this a tragedy? You tell us that you burned a wicked man who was executing a child, and then you saved another individual from being burned at the stake. It sounds like they saw you for what you were, and wanted to show their appreciation. To be a divinely anointed figurehead should not be something to be ashamed of, my leader."
"No. I'm not this weird gold thing," I protested, reaching up over my head and put my hand through my glimmering Corona. "I don't want it. I don't want it at all. I just want to be normal and go home. I don't want to be stuck here," I complained, feeling my halo warmly lick around my crown as I became emotional. I could see that I was emitting a soft gold light from the reflective surfaces in this room, both from my Corona and from my eyes. I pulled it back in again. Control yourself, Erika...
A beep from my vox transmitter device distracted me from my angst, and I pulled it out of my pocket. It showed that Lian had left me a message, and that he had sent it when I was asleep. "Hold on," I said, attending to the call.
"My order requests to meet with you tomorrow morning," the message said simply. It didn't offer a time or anything. The masquerade ball was also tomorrow, but in the evening. We could do that. Intuitively, I still felt as if these Fallen didn't want to hurt me, and it would be good to have allies somewhere, despite the danger of associating with them. My intuition was pointing strongly that I should be friendly with these renegades. Before asking for approval from my companions, I hit the button to contact Lian.
I stood up, and paced as I waited for the Fallen to answer, which he did in a quiet voice. "Greetings," he said to me. "Tomorrow?" he asked curtly.
"Sure. I have somewhere to go tomorrow night though. How will this work?"
I received a quick mental image of Lian placing his vox down, and quietly speaking to three other large marines in a dark, candlelit room. He came back to the vox, and said, "I will contact you in the morning tomorrow. We will speak then," the Fallen said mysteriously.
"Okay, not too early. Not before dawn, alright?" I requested.
"Thy will be done," Lian said quietly before hanging up.
I put the vox-phone-thing down, and saw Null watching me with disapproval. The tech-priest shook his head. "I still do not approve of this. You tell us that you desire to keep a low profile, but then you associate with dangerous people. But I suppose if this is your wish, then it is your wish."
"Well, it is my wish," I said, pouring myself another cup of almost-coffee (I think it was called recaf, but I wasn't sure). I decided that I was done thinking about upsetting things for awhile, so I changed the subject and asked Null, "So, when is Nimmie coming to pick you up? And what is this Tower of Reason place? Alberich and I have that appointment at the costumery soon."
"Magos Amee told me that she would come by this afternoon when she has a gap in her schedule. The Tower of Reason is the unofficial Adeptus Mechanicus satellite presence here on Tar Vigaz, Their communications with Mars are irregular and sparse due to the remoteness of this location. It is not far, but it is further along the outer rings of the city of Evna. If it is possible, I would like to remain here and wait for her transportation."
"You sure you can trust her, Null? She won't just turn around and tell the Imperium about me, will she? A thousand years is a long time, and people can change, you know," I replied to him.
Null nodded. "Yes, I can trust her. Magos Amee and I share many of the same interests, and if tell her to not discuss this with Mars, she will not discuss this with Mars. She has promised me this. She is not due to report in for another three years, she has informed me as well."
"Okay, well, like you always say, be careful and don't draw attention to yourself," I said, my eyes drawn to a nearby clock. It was about 9am. "So, Alberich and I will head out in a little while. We'll get Talbot to figure out how to get there."
Null tapped his gold fingers against the table, and Jiminy the mantis drone clambered out of one of his pockets. With metal ticking noises, the contraption skittered its way over to me, and then, fluttered up to perch on my shoulder. I noticed now that Jiminy had gold wings, which made him look fabulous. Null hadn't asked me if he could further strip the hull of the Divine Retribution for more spare metal, but honestly, that drone had broken twice already. If this reinforced Jiminy and made him less likely to break, then I was fine with it.
"I'm sending Jiminy along with you. Do you think you'll need these two ladies today? I would like to keep up our language lessons. I am using covert hypnotherapy to speed their learning. I'm still working on a translator, but for now, it is good if they know some words in Low Gothic."
"I think I'll be fine," I said, finishing my recaf. "I'm not as weak as I used to be back on Levant, so I think I can fight back if I need to."
Alberich chuckled, and sipped his mug. "She punched a dent in the hull of our ship a few days ago. She means it, Null."
The tech-priest briefly gave Alberich a dirty look before turning back to me. "Good, but of course, don't go looking for trouble!" The tech-priest then translated what had happened to Ennoia and Morai, and detailed that today, they'd be working on vocabulary.
"Not getting into trouble is definitely a command for everyone here," I spoke to everyone as I fumbled with the calming chain currently wrapped around my neck. Maybe my memory was faulty, but this chain felt shorter than it had been before, and it now pinched my skin a little. Not thinking about it, I ran my fingers across its dark links, and in response, I felt my nerves calm. I stood up, and motioned for Alberich to follow me. "You ready for some new digs, buddy?" I asked. A fun costume party would be a nice distraction from my burgeoning body horror.
"Digs?" Alberich answered me as he stood up, confused.
"Clothes! Costume time! If we're going to a costume shop before a masquerade ball, you should be thinking about what you want to dress up as." I responded, brandishing the transmitter that Talbot had given me. This little device worked just like a primitive cell phone, and I was easily able to figure it out. I pressed a "call" button where Talbot's name was located, and I heard a dial tone. I began to walk back upstairs to my room, wondering what I should take with me on my outing today.
"Good morning, Ms. Romanov! How can I be of assistance?" Talbot's smooth voice asked.
"Alberich and I need to get to the costumery place for our appointment today. How do we get there?"
"Excellent news, my lady. Silk-Hand's Costumery is a mere half kilometer down Paradise Boulevard, where this hotel is located. The weather forecast calls for a pleasantly warm day with lots of sunshine. Transportation could be arranged, but a guided walk down Paradise might be pleasing to you. There are many shops and attractions along the way."
"Hold on a minute, Talbot," I said to the vox.
"Want to walk there? It's not far," I asked Alberich from atop the stairs near my bedroom. The beastman was now peering out the windows, watching the city. He turned to me and eagerly nodded. "So yeah, let's do that," I said. "I've got to take a shower, but we'll be ready in about a 30 minutes, so just come by and get us then."
"Very well! See you soon, madam!"
After a luxurious shower with fancy perfumed bath products, I blow-dried my full and glorious mane of black and white hair. I decided to pack my magic scissors, and placed them in one of my trouser pockets, just in case we had trouble. I quickly braided my hair again into two long Dorothy Gale-style braids, and emerged from my bedroom. Alberich appeared ready as he sat on the sofa, also having washed and dressed himself cleanly. I could see that he held the matchbook we had been given by the Tzaangor in his hands. When he saw me watching him, he put it away, and stood up.
"I am ready when you are," the beastman bowed slightly. Jiminy fluttered up to my shoulder again, and clung to me with his metal legs.
Almost as if on cue, I heard a knock at the door. Looking through the peephole, I discovered Talbot's mustachioed and fanciful form, this time wearing a dark blue velvet suit. I opened the door, and he bowed in greeting. "Good morning, my lady! Are we ready for the walk to Silk-Hand's Costumery?"
"Sure thing," I said with a smile. "Let's go!"
We were now on our way back downstairs on the elevator, and Talbot looked at me. "You are leaving your party behind? Why wouldn't they wish to come along?"
"Null has been here before, and he wants to teach the women with the masks Low Gothic."
"Ah, I see," our guide replied. "They're quite comely, if I do say so myself. Exotic, even, and to someone like me who has seen much in the way of humankind's variation, that means a great deal. Are they newcomers to the realm of civilization, perhaps picked up as spoils on your travels across the frontier? Excellent acquisition, if so." Talbot said as the elevator doors opened. His assumptions were a little sleazy.
"Yeah, they're new to general civilization, I could say," I replied as we started walking through the lobby.
The front door opened automatically as we passed the sexy (and very creepy) dress-wearing female servitor, who wished us a good day. A rush of warm dry air washed over us as we began walking outside. It was a sunny morning, and perfect for a walk. "I must say, as interesting as they are, I can't say that I recognize their particular manner of dress and those strange gold masks. Are they artists? Dancers?" Talbot asked me as we began to walk down a small footpath that led to pedestrian gate out of the hotel property. A large shadowy figure with broad shoulders passed us as he made his way to the hotel after swiping a key card at the gate. Was that an alien or a space marine, I wondered?
"They're actually bodyguards, and uh-" Would I tell him that Ennoia and Morai were blanks? I opted to keep my mouth shut about this. "They're super tough. They might not look it, but they're really very strong."
"Beauty and brawn! How interesting! You and your companion must be strong if you feel confident leaving them behind." Talbot opened the gate outward, and we were now standing on busy Paradise Boulevard, the main city center of Evna.
"We're both strong, yes," Alberich spoke up, walking along my left side. Talbot stopped as he received some sort of incoming call, and motioned for us to stand aside on the sidewalk to wait a moment.
Evna reminded me very much of a darker, slicker Las Vegas, with towering casinos, theaters, restaurants, and other leisure attractions lining the long wide street. Large animated screens advertising gambling and food specials plastered some of the buildings, along with what appeared to be magic and stage show promotions. This city appeared quite futuristic, as small flying craft and humming grounded vehicles (that looked like slick ultra modern cars) busied the scene before us. There were many people of many shapes, sizes, and even species walking down the roads, and more than a few seemed to be obvious tourists. On one screen, an advertisement for space Tucker Carlson's newscast was lighting up a street corner. His news show was apparently called, "Right Talk with Rukken", so I assumed that his name was Rukken.
As I stood taking in the sights of metropolitan Evna, my eyes were drawn to two elevated metal railings that resembled narrow rail lines that ran parallel and above the sidewalk down the street at a height of about three meters. I wondered what these railings were for, considering that they were way too thin and narrow for a train or monorail. My curiosity was slaked by seeing what appeared to be a quadrupedal "Wheeler" security battle servitor zip down the narrow railway at a high speed, making a faint squeaking sound as it moved.
The odd fast servitor was wearing a black rubbery suit, and each of its hands and feet had been replaced by sharp wheels that enabled it to glide quickly along the elevated rail line. Its head had been replaced (or just covered) with some kind of wide boxy square monitor, and I didn't catch what its face displayed, or if it had a face at all. No one on the street seemed alarmed by seeing this creature, and I watched the Wheeler switch a track and jump a corner to race down a side street. This servitor variant was definitely extra creepy. If I ever got to sit down and talk to Null's contact, I would have to ask her what drugs she was on when she made Wheelers.
Alberich tapped my shoulder and brought my attention to a large screen on the side of a casino advertising a cheap buffet. It was another clip of the Divine Retribution soaring in the sky, and afterward, reaction shots of people marveling at it from below. The beastman smiled at this, and he telepathically whispered, We have caused quite a stir!
Yeah, we're cool, I responded to Alberich as Talbot spoke on his vox transmitter device. Our guide then held the device to his chest as he turned to us again.
"Silk-Hand is expecting us, but there is a little bit of an inconvenience. He has a busy schedule today, so first he wishes to take your measurements, and have you come back in a few hours after he finishes with another last minute client. After that, he will only serve you for however long he needs."
"Tell him that's fine. We don't really have anything else to do today," I replied as I casually watched the foot traffic on Paradise Boulevard. There were so many things to do, and I even spied what appeared to be a waterpark with a tall fountain a few wide blocks away. I observed a group of people that were too tall, pale, and thin to be human as they laughed together, holding what appeared to be large cups of booze as they walked. Even more incredible was seeing what appeared to even be an ork in a gaudy Hawaiian shirt walking on the opposite side of the street. Hah, this place really was a space Las Vegas!
"Look, my leader!" Alberich pointed out some kind of sexy feline catgirl holding a large placard advertising a slot tournament outside a casino called "Cat's Meow". There was a large neon sign of a cat with a blinking green eye on the side of this building.
"They have catgirls in the future!" I said with a laugh.
Talbot continued speaking on his small vox-device. "They agree," he said into the device, before hanging up and turning back to us. "So, we will now walk to the costumery. It should not take long, but I regret to inform that Silk-Hand wishes to take us as soon as possible, so any sight seeing will have to wait until after your measurements have been taken."
"Not a problem at all. The walk isn't so far, right? Let's go!"
Alberich, Talbot and I walked along the festive street as I spent my time watching all the people (and aliens) that Evna seemed to have. It was absolutely fascinating. We passed an alleyway, and I spied a group of Kroot in black leather clothes holding a sign that said "for hire". Was that how you hired mercenaries in this reality? As we waited for the light to change, Alberich let me know in mind that I was being watched. I turned around, and momentarily spooked, my Corona briefly flickered into existence, scaring the normal human mother and causing her two children to scream. Jiminy briefly fluttered into the air at the altercation before settling on my shoulder once again with a cheep. Luckily, I brought myself under control, but not before feeling terribly guilty for using my Empress powers to frighten children.
At least I was just scaring people and not impulsively murdering them, the intrusive thought welled up within me.
We continued on our way. I definitely wanted to explore more here, and I told Alberich as much as we turned off the main drag, and down what appeared to be a wealthy side street filled with clothing stores. "Fashion District! Notorious for having the most modern fashions in all of the Conglomeration of Ev! Silk-Hand's Costumery is right down here."
After a short walk, we approached a very glitzy storefront decorated with mannequins wearing colorful elaborate lace gowns. A heavily-built kroot stood watch outside the costumery. This was my first time seeing a kroot up close, and he was very intimidating. The guard was taller than both Alberich and I, and he had a heavy sharp beak which was positioned in somewhat of an underbite. His solid body didn't appear to have an ounce of fat on him, resembling a heavyweight boxer with broad shoulders. On his head, he had long tendrils that appeared to be dreadlocks, and his greenish skin was scaly and irregular, almost crocodilian. The kroot was dressed in light black body armor, but his sleeves were rolled up to display his huge corded muscles as he stood guard. He was leaning against the wall to the right side of the door, holding his scaly arms crossed over his chest. The guard saw us looking in with watchful brown eyes, and said in a croaking voice, "Store's closed, private appointments only today."
What in god's name is that creature?! Alberich telepathically protested next to me. Before I could explain the kroot, Talbot began speaking.
"My good man, we have an appointment. This is the younger Sinclair's VIP, Erika, and her escort, Alberich."
The kroot nodded with a sniff, and then, walked inside the shop (after needing to duck his substantial height through the door). We now stood waiting as Talbot began to fiddle with his vox device.
What was that thing? Alberich asked me again, disturbed.
It's an alien, Alberich. It's called a kroot. This one is a guard. You should get used to seeing more aliens in this galaxy. We'll probably be seeing a lot more.
I felt the beastman calm down, and after a short time, the kroot guard emerged again. "You have been expected. Silk-Hand awaits."
A bell rang out as the three of us walked inside the costumery. A short human woman wearing a bright blue wrap dress, red heels, and a smile welcomed us as she emerged from a beaded curtain in the rear of the shop. "Welcome! Please be seated. Silk-Hand is very busy today, but he will see you shortly."
We sat down on a green plush bench, and I began to observe this place. There were various mannequins outfitted with strange costumes that resembled lions, medieval knights, something that could be a Tyranid, and even a Space Marine. Bolts of cloth were hung haphazardly around the shop, giving it a cluttered, but intriguing appearance. My nose detected notes of faint camphor and cedar, reminding me of an old closet.
Talbot stood up, and was now on his vox device again, speaking in hushed tones. He appeared upset. Before I could become curious about that, he placed his device down, and turned to us, his expression deeply apologetic. "I'm so terribly sorry once again, my friends, but I have been called away on an urgent order at the governor's palace. I must leave here."
"So no guided tour?" I asked. Aww. I was looking forward to that!
"I can arrange a proper tour another day if you request, but I have been personally summoned by the planetary governor. The walk back to your hotel is not unsafe, but if you wish, Silk-Hand here can arrange transportation from here to your hotel."
I glanced at Alberich, who was taking in the sights of the lush costumery. The beastman shrugged. "If we are here for a short time, we can have our tour later. I do not mind."
"Alright. You do what you gotta do," I responded to Talbot. This was a little disappointing, but we were going to be on this world for a little while, so we had time to get the tour later. Our guide spoke to the woman in the blue wrap dress, and offered her a small card before he quickly departed. The woman (who I was now assuming was an assistant) then went back behind the beaded curtain once again, and I could hear her speaking to someone.
After sitting for about ten minutes, the assistant reappeared as she escorted a smiling young man wearing a foppish purple suit out of the back room. He was carrying two boxes wrapped with gold bows. The woman said, "You'll be the beau of the ball, Alan! It looks fantastic!" and led him out the door.
The woman then turned around, and smiled at us. "Silk-Hand will see you now, my friends. Your name is Erika?" she asked me. I nodded. "And this beautiful bird is Alberich?" The beastman also nodded. I saw that she briefly checked Alberich's ear. The Tzaangor uprising had to have been terrible for them to take such extreme caution against bird mutants. I'd have to figure out exactly what happened later.
The assistant woman vanished back behind the beaded curtain, and I could hear her speaking to someone. Then, a figure emerged from the back room. An unusual, decidedly alien figure.
It was a tall, willowy, blue-skinned creature with no nose and weird hoofed feet. His (I was assuming they were a "he" by his well-fitted black pinstripe suit), eyes were bright blue, and almond shaped. On his forehead, he had a strange vertical slit just above where his nose would be. Atop his head, a long braid of black hair was wrapped in a short bun.
"A tau?" I blurted out in surprise. Jiminy made a curious metallic chittering sound on my shoulder, and I briefly wondered if Null was watching this entire encounter remotely.
"Why, yes! Very good! I am a tau, yes. Air caste, if you'd like to be specific. I'm far from home, and not under the influence of my kin," the figure said with an amused smile. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Erika and Alberich. I am Silk-Hand, costumer and clothier extraordinaire of Evna, and I am at your service." The tau bowed dramatically and somewhat flamboyantly before us. He straightened up again, and then said, "You are both in need of a beautiful costume for tomorrow's ball, I am understanding?"
"Yes, we are," I said watching Silk-Hand as he walked right into my personal space, almost as if he was studying me critically. He kneeled as he first studied my legs, and then, slowly rose as he examined my midsection. His keen eyes critically observed my shoulders and arms, and when he got to my face, he paused. "My goodness!" he exhaled, holding a slender blue hand to his open mouth in an indication of surprise.
"Uh..." I didn't know what to say as the tau stepped back, and grinned brightly.
"I had heard that your physical form was imposing, and that your eyes were somewhat striking, but what I did not hear was the undeniable beauty and power of your unusual gold eyes, my lady Erika."
"Thanks, I grew them myself!" I joked. I guessed that I had made a good first impression with Evring for my reputation to precede me this way.
Silk-Hand took the jest in good humor, briefly chuckling. "And that little drone is quite an accessory as well, painting a portrait of an enigmatic and powerful woman. You will be a delight to outfit, my lady."
The tau then observed Alberich in the same way as he studied me, but with less enthusiasm. "And you, sir. You are some sort of human bird mutant, am I correct in this, my lord Alberich? Your ear holds a clear mark as if you were a Tzaangor, but you do not seem to be blue, or horned, or overly beastly in appearance."
"I have changed in appearance. I was an incompletely changed Tzaangor until only recently, but an experience left me this way. I do not complain."
"I wouldn't either. You also look quite striking. Not as much as my lady Erika, but your white feathers and gold-rimmed blue eyes are quite interesting. Both of you have given me excellent canvases to work with!" Silk-Hand clasped his hands together in glee. "First, we will establish your measurements. I regretfully have a client coming in very soon, but come back later today, and I will be all yours. This is rather short notice. I am a very busy and in-demand artisan."
"That's fine," I said with a grin. I really liked listening to this guy talk. His voice was very dynamic, and he had a faint trilling accent as if he was almost singing his speech. "We'll take a walk and come back."
"Excellent. Now, let us get down to business! Step into my workshop of delights and beauty, my lady! Your companion can stay behind a room divider to protect your modesty, if you wish."
Silk-Hand led us both through the beaded curtain, and into a room filled with mirrors surrounding a raised grey carpeted dais. "Please remove your outer garments and shoes. I need to get an accurate measurement of your form." The tau motioned toward a tall privacy screen in the corner, and said, "Please wait here, my lord Alberich."
The beastman nodded politely as he made his way behind the room divider.
The tau fussed with a few bolts of fabric as I began to unbutton my clothes, hanging them up on a nearby rack. I placed Jiminy atop my hung clothes, and he perched facing me, watching curiously with his ruby-eyed marble insect head. Silk-Hand tutted to himself with, "No, this won't do. No, no. Need more gold."
I was now standing in my very plain white brutalist Imperial brand underwear, and Silk-Hand guided me to the dais, where he quickly began to take measurements with a piece of measuring tape. The assistant woman had reappeared, and she held a notepad and a quill. As the tau was measuring my ribcage, he got to my Key, and looked at it curiously. "I say, that bauble of yours is certainly beautiful. Is it enchanted or...?"
I figured that revealing that it was the Key to a powerful intelligent spaceship was a bad idea, so I just replied, "Yeah, it has a little magic. Nothing bad or harmful, but I don't like taking it off."
"Mmm," Silk-Hand murmured, looking at the Key with his hand on his chin. "Pallai, please write down that the client wears a distinctive and beautiful jewel around her neck. Disk of opal that shines in many colors, gold setting and gold chain. Size classification, seven, I'd say. My lady, do you prefer to keep this adornment on or off when you wear your costume?"
"On," I said instantly. "But I usually wear it under my clothes. Sometimes it glows."
"Understood. Note that, Pallai," Silk-Hand responded. "So, this question is for later, mostly, but do you both have an idea on what you'd like to be? This will be quite a rush job for me, but I believe I am up to the challenge, considering both of your lovely forms."
"You should go as an Empress," Alberich joked nearby from behind the screen. "I'm sure you'd make a big smash."
"Mmm, not a bad idea," Silk-Hand responded before I could protest. "Take out your braids, please. We'll need to do something with that white part of your hair, and right now, I need to see how your hair falls."
"I don't know if I could do that justice," I said, quickly undoing my two braids. Silk-Hand quickly took his measuring tape, and measured where my hair fell to my chest, which was about mid back.
"Your gold is quite distinctive, I must say. I could do a lot with it. An Empress of Humankind is a difficult look, but-" Silk-Hand went back to examining my face and eyes. "-in this case, I think I could do it."
"Is there anything else I could be that's gold and interesting? I really don't think I could pull off that look." I asked. "I mean, Empress is cool but it's intimidating." It also felt a little weird to dress up as what I was forcibly transforming into. Would a real werewolf dress up as a fake werewolf at a costume party, I randomly wondered.
Silk-Hand pulled away, and tapped a long finger against his chin in thought. After a moment, his eyes lit up with an idea. "Oh! I know just the thing! So, I'm sure you're aware of the beautiful gold bird that flew over the city yesterday evening, correct? Everyone saw it!"
"Yeah, I saw it. Up close and personal too. I was even right next to it on the tarmac."
The tau seemed delighted by this information. "Oh my goodness! Were you at the port when it came in? Did you see who the pilot was? There was a rumor that it was an Aeldari corsair prince, and that he's here for the costume ball!"
"Well..." I sputtered, not really knowing if revealing this would make any difference. We had a Writ of Confidentiality, but would it really hurt if this clothier knew? I decided to keep it a secret to be careful, so I said, "I really shouldn't say."
"Ah, you are under one of those secret 'Writs' I take it, so you probably do know who owns it, but cannot say! Interesting! Well, the suggestion I have for you is an interesting one, and it requires some creative interpretation on my behalf. How would you feel going to the ball as the glorious gold bird that flew through our skies yesterday? The whole of Evna is just alight with wonder about it, and for you to show up at the costume ball dressed as it, well, you'd turn heads, certainly! Oh, and you can dress yourself again. I'm finished with your measurements."
That actually sounded pretty cool, but then I remembered Alberich, who actually had a bird's head. "So, Alberich is actually a bird man. Wouldn't that be a better costume for him?" I asked, pulling my trousers back on.
Silk-Hand made a frustrated noise. "I suppose, yes, but I'd much rather utilize your form for what I am imagining. But, think about it before you come back today. I don't need a commitment just yet. And, I will now measure your companion. My lord Alberich, please come out and undress."
I wasn't even quite finished putting my clothes back on, and it did seem that Silk-Hand was in a hurry. I took my shoes back behind the room divider and continued to dress myself. Jiminy fluttered over and perched on my shoulder again, lightly pinching me with his metal legs.
After a short time, I could hear the sound of the tape measure being pulled over Alberich's body, and measurements were being called out. "Such beautiful white down. So unique! And your black beak and mystical eyes. You must be a hit with all the females of your race!"
I sensed Alberich had become uncomfortable at these words, but Silk-Hand continued talking as he measured the beastman, noting his features and measurements for Pallai to note. "I am thinking you might be an excellent griffin or a hippogriff. But, both of you should consider what you'd like to be before you come back this afternoon! You will have my full and undivided attention later! I am finished with your measurements. You can now get dressed, Alberich."
This was actually a bit fun, and I found myself looking forward to a fancy costume party instead of fleeing an apocalypse for once. I spoke up over the room divider: "This all sounds great, Silk-Hand. Alberich what do-"
I was struck with an odd psychic shiver just as the bell of the front door rang. I peered behind the room divider to see Silk-Hand's assistant hastily making her way to the front of the shop. The tau sighed dramatically, "Goodness, so busy! My appointment seems to be here, but please, come back in three hours time. Then I will be all yours for as long as you both need me! Oh, I am greatly looking forward to this!"
Alberich had hastily buttoned his shirt back up, and we both said our goodbyes to Silk-Hand. The tau bowed politely before us. I took out my little vox-device-phone thing and set an alert to return in three hours. The two of us were both in a good mood as we made our way to the front of the shop. I stopped briefly to tuck in my shirt and pull back my loose hair, and behind the beaded curtain ahead of us, I could now hear faint arguing.
"I have an appointment," a man rasped. "Grigori made it. Check your book. It's me. It's been a rough few days, so I'm not looking my best. Tell your bodyguard to have better manners."
Alberich and I both emerged from the rear of the shop through the curtain.
"You're welcome, but we'd prefer you didn't just barge into the shop without checking with us first," Pallai protested to a tall dark figure who stood over her with his back turned to us.
Alberich and I began to make our way out of the shop when I felt another psychic shiver. It felt as if someone had walked over my grave, and I turned, looking for what had caused me to feel that way.
My heart sank as I discovered what had been triggering my intuition.
The newcomer was an uncannily familiar tall man wearing rough but colorful leather robes, and wearing a bright red bandana around his forehead. He turned as I walked past him, and made pointed eye contact with me. A faint miasma of liquor surrounded him, as did an aura of hate. Sensing this, we couldn't get out of there fast enough!
Outside on the street, Alberich turned to me and spoke to me in mind as we stepped out of the shop: Was that the same man we saw yesterday on the other ship with the spoiled prince? The drunk had a red bandana, and it almost seemed like he knew you. I've seen that look before in a man's eyes. Even someone with no psychic ability would feel his hatred. Do you know him at all?
No, I don't think so, I said, a nervous quiver in my telepathic voice. I looked back over my shoulder and into the shop, but I couldn't see the mysterious figure from here. Shit. I was in public so I couldn't use my Sight right now to figure out what was bothering me about that man. How had I already made enemies, I wondered with distress. I have no idea who that guy is. But, he's familiar. That's all I definitely know.
He is strangely familiar to me too, I must say, but other than that, I do not know, Alberich mentally responded to me with fluffed feathers as we began to walk aimlessly down the street. With no guide, where would we go? Shit! We had forgotten to ask Silk-Hand for transportation!
I sighed. Maybe I was just being overly anxious and sensitive again? Having your whole life upended by a Chaos God and having your humanity slowly bled out of you was bound to screw up your mental state. Maybe I just needed to relax?
"Let's take a walk. We can explore on our own," Alberich said to me, patting my shoulder in a reassuring way. "This city does not look all that dangerous. A walk will clear your nerves."
"Yeah," I replied, taking a deep breath. If I got too upset or nervous now my Corona would come out, and I couldn't have that. "That sounds like a good idea. I mean, this city can't be all that bad compared to what we've been through, right?"
Right?
.