Moving Adventures, Part Two

Moving is always high stress, but it got worse when Himself told Crazy she wasn't getting rent because we needed to pay our rent/deposit for our new place. We'd already given her our promised that we were getting out as soon as possible, so it wasn't as if she didn't know.

Instead of accepting things and wishing us well, she lost her mind. She swore at Himself and told us we had to be out by Friday at 4. The day she told us was Wednesday night. We'd started packing but we weren't even close to being done.

Himself got angry and started looking up the Fair Housing Act while I went through a few boxes in the closet and started getting things set aside that we weren't going to take with us. After Himself finished reading up on things, he came over and started helping me. We worked late into the night, often running out to the garage grabbing boxes.

The next day we pushed things into overdrive. We shoved things in boxes. We loaded things into our laundry basket. We did laundry to catch up on things. We scrubbed the bathroom down so she couldn't say we left it trashed. We packed and packed.

When we took a break from packing, we loaded some boxes into the car and brought them up to the house. We stopped and with a little money I'd been given for just this purpose, we grabbed some food (foot long Subway sandwiches which we split into two meals each) and got back to packing. We each took a break for a little bit and played around on our computers. Then we got back to work. We took another little break and got rid of the things we weren't going to keep.

Friday came. We started early. We shoved boxes into the car and brought them to the new house. We went back to our old place and loaded the car again. We dropped off a third load at the house. The fourth load got shoved into the car. We stopped to get something to eat and then went to Himself's friends to see if we could get some help moving our furniture and the last few things we needed to get moved. They contacted a friend of their's and got us a truck.

We got the last of our things out of the room. Before we went anywhere Himself vacuumed the room. We got Reidar into his carrier and headed out for the last time. We stopped to give Nice our house keys. He wished us well and we said goodbye to their son. Then we left them behind.

Short Story - Yesabet, Part Two

A new chapter in Yesabet's life has opened. Will it end in death or the possibility of a new life?

___

Someone kicked her in the ribs. Yesabet opened her eyes. A hand seized her hair and yanked her to a sitting position. Yesabet yelped. “Get up,” a harsh voice said. “It's time for the morning meal. You're not allowed to miss it.”

Tears pricked at her eyes. He slapped her hard before letting her go. Behind her, Annukka sat up before he could touch her. As soon as he was gone, Annukka wrapped her arm around Yesabet's shoulders. Another guard pulled her away and this time it was Annukka who was struck. The morning meal was served and once again the women were reminded not to speak.

The next few days passed in this same fashion. Yesabet watched as women were hit, kicked, suffered from having their hair pulled, and a few were even dragged around the room and moved to the other side. They were forced to eat and punished if they didn't. The little caps were used to keep them clean, and they were threatened if they flinched away from it.

One morning everyone was roused early. The caps were used and the women were required to fix their hair. Most of them didn't have brushes or combs. Those who did shared them out until everyone was neat and clean. “I want everyone to stay silent,” Commander Nicotera said. “Lord Fenwyn is coming. If you speak, you will be beaten within an inch of your life.”

A few minutes later, a middle aged man with two younger than him who looked like they could be mage copies of him in his prime walked in. “Commander Nicotera, is this everyone?” Lord Fenwyn asked.

“Yes my lord,” Commander Nicotera said. “You said everyone within easy distance. We went out two sennits and found everyone we could.”

“Good,” Lord Fenwyn said. He turned to the gathered women. “Welcome to my keep. I know you must be frightened and confused. I hope to alleviate some of that.” He watched them for a moment. “You all know my sons are twins. That means to many that they'll go against each other when I've died and that this land will fall into ruin and chaos. This limits their marriage possibilities. So I've brought you here so they can find wives. They will stay together even after my death, and they need women who will prove to be able ladies.”

Silence met his pronouncement. One of the young men frowned. “Commander, are all of them mute?” he asked.

“No, my lord,” Commander Nicotera said. “They've been told that if they speak they will be punished, so they remain silent.”

“Commander, were you not given the order to bring them back unharmed?” the other of the twins asked.

“We were told to bring them back alive, my lord,” Commander Nicotera said.

“Unharmed should have been implied in that as well,” Lord Fenwyn said. “Please, don't be frightened. I won't let them hurt you. Tell me what you think, what you want to do. Is there anyone who has a complaint to make against my soldiers?”

A few were pushed forward. “I am a widow, my lord,” one woman said. “They threatened to kill my children but my parents agreed to take them in.”

“I see,” Lord Fenwyn said. “Anyone else?” More women spoke of the harsh treatments and violent actions of the soldiers.

Annukka shoved Yesabet forward. “Tell him,” she hissed as Lord Fenwyn looked at Yesabet.

Yesabet swallowed hard. “They murdered my mother,” she said, her voice trembling.

“What do you mean?” Lord Fenwyn asked.

“My mother was crippled and ill,” Yesabet said. “I was the one who took care of her. When I brought it up to Commander Nicotera, he sent two soldiers with me. When they saw my mother one of them killed her while the other dragged me out to join the group. Commander Nicotera said now my mother wasn't a burden on anyone.”

“I see,” Lord Fenwyn said. “Commander Nicotera, I do not appreciate having my orders so grossly misstated. I said to bring all marriageable age women if they did not have prior commitments. Killing their families to remove those is not what I wanted.”

“You told me to bring them all, so I did,” Commander Nicotera said.

Lord Fenwyn sighed. “There are days where I regret listening to my late wife,” he said. “My sons will speak to each of you, get to know you a little. They'll single out some of you and the rest will be sent home.”

“My lord, how are we to get back? We have no food, no money, and no protection,” Annukka said. “We were taken with nothing but our clothes.”

“I'll send you back with an escort,” Lord Fenwyn said. He glared at Commander Nicotera. “Those women not chosen are to be returned to their homes alive and unharmed, Commander. That is an order.”

“Yes my lord,” Commander Nicotera said.

“Stanimir, Stian, take some time and speak to each one,” Lord Fenwyn said. “If it takes you a day or two that's fine.” Lord Fenwyn looked out over the group. “None of you will be punished for speaking out today. In fact, there is to be no more harsh treatment of any of these women.”

“Yes my lord,” Commander Nicotera said.

“You two will have to make a decision soon, so don't dawdle,” Lord Fenwyn said.

“Yes father,” Stanimir said.

Lord Fenwyn left the room. The twins started circulating. Everyone sat down. “You shouldn't have said anything,” one of Yesabet's neighbors whispered. “They're going to kill you for it.”

“Lord Fenwyn protected her,” Annukka said.

“They'll do it when they're taking you home,” the woman said. “Commander Nicotera doesn't like being crossed. They beat my sister to the point where she couldn't walk, and then forced her to do it anyway.”

“I was beaten every day,” Yesabet said. “I didn't want to move after my mother was murdered. They made me. If they kill me at least I'll be with the rest of my family.”

“What happened to the rest of them?” the woman asked.

“My brother died of the flux, my sister didn't live a sennit past her birth, and my father was killed when a tree he was chopping fell the wrong way and landed on him and three other men,” Yesabet said. “It was just me and my mother. She was too sick after my sister was born and she never healed right. Then she got winter fever.”

“Morana must hate your family,” the woman said.

“I look on it as Morana wanted them more than she thought I needed them,” Yesabet said. “All except my mother. She was taken without the Guardians' permission.”

“Jaana was a kind and generous woman,” Annukka said. “I know she's with your father now.”

“Thank you, Annukka,” Yesabet said.

Two days passed. Stanimir and Stian made their way through the women until they came over to the back corner where Yesabet was sitting. They spoke with the others first before coming to her. “I'm sorry about your mother,” Stanimir said. “Why didn't your father take care of her?” Yesabet explained her family situation. “That has to be hard.”

“So what is your name?” Stian asked.

“Yesabet.”

“Can you tell us what you did for your mother? We understand you did everything, but what was it?” Stanimir asked.

“There wasn't anything I didn't do to tend to my mother and our household,” Yesabet said. “After father died I was the only one left who could.”

“With your mother bedridden, how did you bring in any income?” Stian asked.

“I spun wool and wove fabric,” Yesabet said. “I even made clothes for some people, though I did that more for us than anyone else.”

“So you do know how to manage a household and finances,” Stanimir said. Yesabet nodded. “How do you deal with people?”

“I try to treat everyone with respect but I will tell people off if they upset me,” Yesabet said. “Those who thought I should have let the healer kill my mother when she came down with winter fever and spoke about it in front of her I would get very angry with.”

“So do you have anyone waiting for you at home?” Stian asked.

“No,” Yesabet said. “I'm alone now.”

They asked her a few more questions and Yesabet answered them to the best of her ability. They left her after a few more minutes. “That was more than they asked me,” Annukka said.

“Your mother wasn't murdered by their father's forces,” the other woman, who they now knew was named Karenza, said. “They were just being kind to her.”

“Maybe,” Annukka said. “Then again, she has a lot more experience than some of us with running a household.”

“We'll have to see what they're looking for,” Yesabet said.

“It's time for bed,” one of the soldiers said. “Shut up and lay down.”

Yesabet was dragged out of a sound sleep by someone seizing her hair. A rag was jammed in her mouth so she couldn't scream. Hands took hold of her arms and dragged her from the room. She was thrown to the ground outside in a sheltered garden. There was a large pit dug. Several other women were lying near her.

“You should have kept your mouths shut,” Commander Nicotera said. “Now we'll have to tell Lord Fenwyn that you all ran away.”

Someone spat out the rag. “Don't you think he'll notice that it's only those of us who spoke up?” she asked.

The woman was backhanded. “He won't remember which ones of you said anything,” the commander said.

“Stanimir and Stian will,” another woman said as she managed to get her mouth clear. “They spoke to all of us.”

“There are almost two hundred of you,” Commander Nicotera said. “How are they going to recall every one they spoke with?”

Yesabet pulled the rag out of her mouth. “How many of us can you kill before we scream?” she asked.

“All of you, since we won't let you,” Commander Nicotera said.

Several of the women took deep breaths. Hands clamped down on their mouths. Yesabet didn't bother drawing a breath. She screamed at the top of her lungs.

Others followed her example. Commander Nicotera ordered them all silenced, but he didn't have enough men. “Shut them up,” Lieutenant Ahearne said.

“How are we supposed to do that?” one of the soldiers asked. “There's too many and there aren't enough of us.”

“Then slit their throats and be done with it,” Commander Nicotera said.

Yesabet's scream grew more frantic. Three women fell. Yesabet closed her eyes, seeing the knife raised towards her. “What is going on here?” The clear young voice echoed through the garden. The hand holding her let go. “Commander Nicotera, what is the meaning of this?”

“We caught them trying to run away, Lord Stanimir,” Commander Nicotera said.

“Then why is there a grave dug in my mother's garden, three dead women on the ground, and several still screaming?” Stanimir said. “Why weren't these women taken back with the others if they were caught trying to escape? Also, why is it that each one here is among those who raised their voices against your treatment of them?”

“What are you saying, Lord Stanimir?” Commander Nicotera asked.

“The same thing I am,” Stian said. Behind him stood their personal guards. “Commander Nicotera, you will release these women. Now.” The soldiers with the commander let them go. Yesabet and the others scrambled behind the twins. “Take these men into custody.”

The commander and his men were relieved of their swords and taken away.

Stanimir turned to the women. “Return to your places,” he said. “We'll make our decision known in the morning.”

“Yes my lord.” The women made her way back into the great hall.

The next morning everyone woke up and used the little caps to clean themselves up. Yesabet didn't bother fixing her hair, but stood with the others. It wasn't long before Lord Fenwyn and his sons entered the room. “Ladies, you should be relieved to learn that Commander Nicotera and Lieutenant Ahearne have been stripped of their places and are up on charges of murder, along with a handful of the soldiers who supported them,” Lord Fenwyn said. “I will be assigning someone to take their places so we can get you home safely.”

“We've made our decisions,” Stanimir said. The women fell silent. Stanimir and Stian recited names. Yesabet was surprised when hers was called.

“All of you step forward,” Stian said. Yesabet joined the other women moving to the front of the room. “You will be treated as honored guests as we continue to work towards choosing our wives.”

“The rest of you will be returned to your families in safety,” Lord Fenwyn said. “You'll be released in the next few candlemarks.” He turned to Yesabet and the rest with her. “Ladies, I thank you for your courage and your compassion. I hope to get to know all of you better soon.” He turned and walked out, followed by his sons.

Short Story - Kayin's Wrath, Part Two

Sometimes people try to destroy what they don't understand. Sometimes it works. Sometimes those things come back to bite them in the ass.

___

 Agata helped Kayin fill a tub with hot water. Kayin took a quick bath before changing into some clean clothes. They were serviceable, though no match for the finery of the mayor. “I think Fenrod missed the valley,” Agata said.

“The valley is the safest place for us,” Kayin said. “We have an easier time defending ourselves. It's also our home. We ran there when we didn't have anywhere else to go. Now we choose to leave only when we're curious and for the most part we are left alone.”

“There are some who fear you mean to use your powers to enslave others,” Agata said.

“Our purpose now is to have and raise children in the service of our Goddess and encourage those with our gifts to come forward instead of hide away,” Kayin said.

“Fenrod said your Goddess is very demanding,” Agata said.

“She's not like the Guardians,” Kayin said.

“Why doesn't your Goddess help protect people like my da?” Yrian asked. “Why does she let them die?”

“She expects us to fight our own battles,” Kayin said. “It's not for Her to step in if we aren't worthy of her attention.”

“Wasn't my da worthy of her attention?” Yrian asked.

“Fenrod was, but again we don't ask Her to save us,” Kayin said. “Our honor depends on standing up for ourselves and our families, protecting all even if it means our deaths.”

“Da shouldn't have died,” Yrian said.

“You're right, Yrian,” Kayin said. “He didn't deserve to die just because he was different. That's how the world works sometimes. You destroy what you don't understand or frightens you. People can be very ignorant when they want to be.”

“Yrian, when Kayin leaves, you and I are going to talk about why men hunt those like your father,” Agata said.

“How many more will the bad men kill?” Yrian asked. “Why doesn't someone stop them?”

“We're trying to,” Kayin said. She stretched out her leg and lifted her trousers a little. “See the scar? I got that fighting for that very purpose.” She gestured to the socket where her missing left eye once sat. “This too. Ours isn't an easy life, Yrian. Things are better now than they were a hundred cycles are. But it's going to take a lot longer before we're seen as equals to everyone else.”

Agata and Kayin talked about Fenrod for a little while before Agata rose. “It's almost time for you to be at the mayor's house. I'll show you the way. Yrian, stay here.”

“Yes mum,” Yrian said.

The two women walked through the streets. “Do you think it would be safer for us in the valley?” Agata asked.

“Yes,” Kayin said. “Agata, it's possible Yrian has the gift. There are those who would kill a child just to prevent him from growing up like us.”

“Will you take us with you when you leave?” Agata asked. Kayin nodded. “When do you want to go?”

“As soon as the meal with the mayor is over. I don't stay too long in one place. For obvious reasons,” Kayin said.

“I'll put together some things as soon as I get home,” Agata said.

“Good,” Kayin said.

Agata left her at the door to the mayor's mansion. Kayin knocked. A servant answered. “May I help you?” he asked.

“Mayor Kolar invited me for the midday meal,” Kayin said.

“You must be Mistress Monette,” the servant said. “Mayor Kolar is expecting you. Please come this way.”

She was led into a rather opulent dining room, far more suited to the house of a noble. Algar was already seated at the table. “Mistress Monette, welcome to my home,” Algar said. “Please, be seated.”

Kayin dropped into the chair that was pulled out for her. “You provide a sumptuous meal, Mayor Kolar,” she said. “There are many foods here I didn't expect.”

“You'll find, Mistress Monette, that just because we are small does not mean we don't have our luxuries,” Algar said. “I trust the valley has something similar for your people?”

“We tend to keep things simple, but I will admit that there are days where we indulge ourselves,” Kayin said.

“Please, enjoy the wine,” Algar said as his servant poured it into her goblet. “It's an old vintage, set down by my grandfather.”

“Thank you, Mayor Kolar,” Kayin said. She took a small sip. She frowned and took another. Her eyes widened and she set the cup down.

“Is something wrong Mistress Monette?” Algar asked.

“Poison,” she gasped.

“Yes, I hoped you wouldn't figure it out so soon,” Algar said. “While I am grateful you killed Siward, I can't have your kind roaming my town at will. Fenrod was enough of a threat that I looked the other way when he was killed. Since I can't do that with you, I knew I would have to come up with a different way.”

Kayin gasped a few more times before breaking down into laughter. “Mayor Kolar, I find your attempt to kill me rather amusing,” she said as she stood up. “Mage made poison. That's certainly a new one for me. It's easy enough to diffuse however, if you know what you're looking for.”

“I see,” Algar said. “Well, I suppose it was worth a try. Perhaps the others I've sent to kill Fenrod's family will have better luck.”

Kayin spun around and hurried out of the house. She couldn't run fast but she was already extending the tendrils of her power, testing the weave for recent death. As she neared Fenrod's house, she heard a scream. She cursed her leg and tried to increase her speed.

Kayin found the door splintered. She pushed past it to find four men advancing on Agata and Yrian. “It'll be your bodies added to the graveyard today,” Kayin said. She reached out and seized hold of two of the men's threads.

She twisted and turned them until they were standing between the others and Fenrod's family. With a tug on their threads, she forced them to attack their comrades. Swords clashed and soon two of them lay dead.

“Let us go,” one of those left standing said.

“No,” Kayin said. She turned him against the other. “Not until you're dead.” A third fell. Kayin turned to the fourth.

“What are you going to do to him?” Agata asked.

“Him I'll spare,” Kayin said. “Carry this message back to your mayor. Those who try to harm us or those we've sworn to protect will soon find themselves under siege. Do not get complacent, for you never know when we'll strike.” She gave him a shove with the weave and he staggered out the door. “Agata, did you get your packs made?”

“Yes I did,” the other woman said.

“Let's go. Before more show up,” Kayin said. Agata pulled on her pack and lifted her son into her arms. Kayin led them out and onto the road.

Short Story - Lycantha Blossoms, Part Two

Ailsa is still grieving the loss of her soul bond. The others struggle to save her from her impending death.
___

“I overheard you ordering that woman out of our House,” Kelledron said.

“If she returns, she's dead,” Thanolos said.

“At least we're rid of her,” Kelledron said. “I wouldn't have put it past her to have me murdered so Ailsa's husband could have inherited House Wintersong.”

“We'd never allow it,” Hania said as she joined them. “Eliana's working something unusual I take it?” Kelledron told her. “If that doesn't work, nothing will.” The three of them retreated to the small chapel dedicated to Illior to pray for the souls of the dead and the life of one young Elven woman.

Ailsa opened her eyes onto a darkened room. She knew without calling her mage lights that she was alone. She rose to her feet and drifted out onto her balcony. She looked down, judging the distance to the ground. It was far enough that she would die when she struck the courtyard below. She rested one hand on the smooth marble rail. Not that way, ne salan, a voice whispered into her mind.

“Torgeir?” Ailsa whispered, her disbelief plain.

The pale spirit of her murdered soul mate appeared before her. Not that way, ne salan, he repeated. Your father seeks comfort from Illior, and he finds none. He will find even less in the sight of his beloved daughter's body should you jump.

“I can't live without you,” Ailsa said. She began to sob. “It feels like my own soul has been ripped out of me. I can't breathe and I feel so cold.”

Illior does not require such a thing of either of us, ne salan, Torgeir assured her. Go to the garden. He faded away.

Ailsa crept out of her door, her slippered feet making no more than a faint hiss against the stone. Kelledron was sleeping in a chair beside the door. She held her breath as she moved past him. She ran down the stairs. There were no servants with prying eyes to see her.

No one was in the hall leading to the nursery. Since her departure from there some seasons earlier, it was left empty. She made her way out of the glass doors that led into the garden. She made her way to her Life Tree, where Torgeir's spirit awaited her. “I'm here,” she said.

Ne salan, Torgeir murmured. He smiled at her. Will you place your trust in Illior?

“Yes,” Ailsa said without hesitation.

Then come to me, ne salan, Torgeir said. He held out his arms. Ailsa trembled as she stepped across the short distance into his arms. As their hands met, she returned his smile. He pulled her into a loving embrace. Soon all she could see was light.

“Father, Ailsa's gone. I can't find her.” Kelledron was frantic. He ran into his father's study. Thanolos and the twins were brought to their feet. “She got past me somehow. I swear I cast the wakefulness charm but something put me to sleep.”

“Illior only knows what kind of strength Ailsa has in her madness,” Thanolos said, absolving his son of any wrong-doing in his sister's escape. “We have to find her.”

The whole family split up, looking for any sign of the missing girl. Kelledron searched the garden. In the corner, next to her Life Tree, he found his sister's favorite bracelet. “Father.” His voice rang through the air.

Thanolos, Eliana, and Hania hurried to join him. Ailsa's Life Tree withered, showing that she was dead. Ailsa's sunstone bracelet gleamed in the light of the moon. “She's gone,” Thanolos said. His voice broke.

“Where's her body?” Eliana asked, tears falling down her cheeks.

Something brushed against Kelledron's hand. He looked down to find himself staring at a flower he didn't know. He called up a mage light so he could see them better. They were delicate blossoms of the palest azure with startling golden centers. They smelled of sunlight and his sister's favorite perfume. Just looking at them comforted him. “Father, look.”

“Where did these come from?” Thanolos asked.

“Lycantha,” Eliana said, her voice full of wonder.

“What is that?” Thanolos asked.

“Illior took Ailsa,” Hania said. “He wasn't going to force her to live without Torgeir. He's left us this flower in exchange for her body. It is called a lycantha blossom, a spirit flower. It will wrap around her Life Tree and flower during the warm seasons. Its seeds can be planted elsewhere, the vines growing up in the garden. A lycantha only grows in the ground of the House the spirit came from.”

 There was nothing else to say. The twins returned to the manor while Kelledron and his father stood beside each other, staring at the blooms. Kelledron reached down and hooked the vine over one of the branches. “There,” he said. “Her Life Tree will continue to live, if only in these little flowers.” The two men walked back to the house.

Fury - Part Two

Well, Fiera's made it to her new home. And she's on her way to making her first friend as a chance encounter turns into just the kind of situation Fiera loves - a fight.

It took an hour to get from the space port to the house her father had procured for her. She stepped out of the cab and just stared. “What does he think I’m going to be doing, inviting half the city to live with me?” she asked. She punched in the security code and walked inside.

Lights came on as she passed through the entryway. The house, what she could see of it at least, was fully furnished. The food prep unit was fully stocked with fresh fruit, vegetables, and non-synthetic protein. That had to have cost her father a small fortune here in the core. Fiera walked through the house, counting bedrooms and checking out the other amenities. When she was finished, she sighed and leaned up against the wall.

She went to the comm unit. She checked the time on Sorus. It was late enough in that planet’s day that her father should be at the house. She tapped in the comm code and waited. Her younger brother answered the call. “Hey Fiera.”

“Hey squirt. Where’s dad?” Fiera asked.

“He’s right here. I’ll get him,” her brother said. He vanished and a moment later her father moved into view.

“So what do you think?” Eire asked.

“I think you’re insane for renting me a house this large,” Fiera said. “I don’t know that I’ll find enough people to share the expenses with.”

“I didn’t rent it. I bought it. And your expenses won’t be that much because that house has all of the latest tech in place to keep costs down,” Eire said. “I thought of the fact that you’d be a while finding housemates to help you cover things. So how did the flight go?”

“I never want to spend that long on a transport ship again,” Fiera said. “It was horrid. Not to mention the sneers I got from people who were forced to sit next to me. I mean you told me that core worlders don’t like colonials but I didn’t realize just how bad it was. I also have no clothes and all my e-vids and holos were destroyed because I’m a colonial.”

“Really? Did they give you anything to replace them?” Eire asked.

“No,” Fiera said. “They told me it was up to me to replace everything.”

“That means you’re going to have to wear core worlder clothes,” Eire said. “I’ll transfer some more money onto your card. You’re going to need it.”

“Frakking core worlders,” Fiera said. “Why am I here again? I could’ve gone to school on Qotania and stayed in the colonies.”

“I put you there for a reason, and you know what that reason is,” Eire said.

Fiera sighed. “Yes dad. I know.”

“I know you don’t like it. That’s why I want you to make friends. Let them do the socializing,” Eire said.

“You know how picky I am about my friends,” Fiera said.

“I know how protective of people you are,” Eire said. “You’ll find friends faster than you think, Fiera.”

“Oh yeah, dad, remember Jontan? I told him if his job didn’t work out to come talk to you,” Fiera said. “He was headed for Aglyyria, to the shipyards.”

“I remember Jontan,” Eire said. “I’m surprised he hasn’t come home yet. Want me to do some checking?”

“Yeah, because I thought he’d be home by now. It’s only two weeks out from Sorus,” Fiera said. “Now I’m worried. Will you let me know what you find out?”

“I’ll call as soon as I know something,” Eire said. “Anything else?”

“No. I’d probably better go get this over with. I hate shopping,” Fiera said.

“Stick to the mid level shops,” Eire said. “The ones with three to four on their rating scale. They’re well made but they won’t break the bank. If you need more money, let me know.”

“I will. Thanks, dad,” Fiera said. “Give mom my love and tell the rugrats to behave themselves or I’ll come home on holiday and beat them all at whatever I feel like challenging them to.”

“I’ll tell them,” Eire said, laughing. “Try to stay out of trouble as much as possible.”

“Yes dad,” Fiera said. She waved to him before cutting the link. She sighed. She went to the other console and tapped in her search requirements. A three dimensional map of the city appeared in the air in front of her, with several buildings highlighted in green and her house glowing red. She frowned as she twisted the map around, looking at all the angles.

There were two shops within walking distance of her house, both on opposite corners from each other. Fiera looked at the fairly simple path to take and decided she’d rather walk than call for one of the auto cabs. She tucked her credit chip into her pocket and walked out of her house.

The first of the shops was closed, but the second was open. She walked inside. A young woman glanced up at her. “Oh honey, colonial wear is so last decade,” she said, coming around. “You really need to modernize your wardrobe.”

“I don’t have a wardrobe,” Fiera said. “That’s why I’m here. The Port Authority destroyed all my clothes.”

“You mean you’re actually a colonial?” the woman asked, a look of horror on her face. “And you’re in my shop?”

“I need clothes, don’t I?” Fiera asked.

“Well, if you need clothes,” the woman said. She motioned for Fiera to stand on one of the platforms. “Let’s see what we have to work with here.” Fiera climbed up the three short steps and stood in the middle of the glowing disk. Light flashed around her. A three dimensional image of Fiera’s body appeared above a panel. “Any particular places you’ll be spending your time?”

“I’m a university student,” Fiera said.

“Then you obviously aren’t as poor as that outfit makes you look,” the woman said, relaxing a little. “Now, I’m not the best out there but I’m far from the worst. What I do is simple but elegant.”

“All I care about is can I move in it, can I fight in it, and is it decent,” Fiera said. “No dresses. I hate dresses.”

“Honey, if you’re going to be a university student you’ll need to attend some of the parties that are thrown,” the woman said. “Trust me, you’ll need at least a few dresses.”

“I’m a fighter, not some socialite,” Fiera said.

“It doesn’t matter. There are social engagements that are required of university students,” the woman said. The woman played with a few things and then nodded. “All right, step down and I’ll show you what I have in mind.” Fiera stepped down and walked over to where the woman was standing. She did something and a series of outfits appeared on the image of Fiera, each one different from the last. “These are what I think would work well for you.”

Fiera argued each design with the woman, changes being made to each of them to suit Fiera’s tastes. Finally Fiera settled on seven outfits and two dresses. “So how long will it take to have these ready?”

The woman looked surprised. “Why honey, they’re ready now,” she said. “I invested in the finest technology so there would be no wait once a final design was decided on. It’s helped me out so much.”

Fiera shook her head. “Sorry, still used to the colony way of doing things. No tech out there. Clothes are handmade,” she said.

“Nothing in the city is handmade,” the woman said. “Well, nothing except what you might get at the really expensive restaurants. You know, the ones where you have to have a reservation months in advance before you can get a seat? I’m pretty sure those are the only places you can get handmade goods in Sio.”

“Interesting,” Fiera said. “I’ll have to remember that.”

The clothing was taken out of the processing unit, all folded and sealed into individual packages. The woman tucked them into bags and handed them to Fiera. “That should do it for you. Now, if you’ll place just tap your credit chip on the pad we’ll have you on your way.” Fiera did as she was told, wincing a little at the expense of the new clothes. She took the bags and started home again.

A terror filled scream stopped her about a street over from her house. She dropped her bags and turned towards the sound. Three men in rough clothing had a petite girl cornered. They were pawing at her and Fiera watched as one of them tore the girl’s shirt. “Frak this,” Fiera said. She jogged over. “What do you scrag heads think you’re doing?”

“Mind your own business, bitch,” one of the men said, turning and glaring at Fiera. “Or we’ll do you next.”

Fiera’s foot lashed out and caught him in the knee cap. He yelped as he went down. She drove her foot into his crotch and whirled around to face the next man. She caught his wrist in a tight grip and turned, flipping him over her shoulder. He too got a boot to the groin. The third man took off running.

Fiera grabbed the swaying woman and looped one of her arms over her shoulder. She went back along the street, stopping only to pick up the bags of clothes she’d dropped. She half carried the other woman to her house. She keyed in the entry code and dragged her inside.

“I don’t understand it,” the other woman said, looking up with fear filled eyes. “Why did you help me?”

“You were about to be raped. I’m sure as frakking hell not going to stand by and let that happen,” Fiera said. “Now, what’s your name and where are you supposed to be?”

“Liliana,” the woman said, pulling the tattered remains of her shirt over her chest. “Liliana Farriday. I was on my way back to the dorms when I ran out of money. They’re not that far. I was just going to walk home. Then those men cornered me and I don’t know. I was scared and I couldn’t do anything.”

Fiera took hold of the other girl’s wrists. “You’d be broken in two if you tried to fight,” she said, turning the thin, delicate hands over. “Where are the dorms?”

“East of here, I think. I got turned around running,” Liliana said, tugging her hands free.

“Well I’m sure as hell not going to let you walk out of here,” Fiera said. “Why didn’t you call a friend to spot you the credits for the cab?”

“I don’t have very many friends. Most people don’t like me because I’m so strange,” Liliana said. “I just try to keep to myself and not bother anyone.”

“Do you have anything that can’t be replaced at the dorms?” Fiera asked, looking around the house.

“No,” Liliana said. “Just my clothes, and tomorrow I can go get my stipend and buy new ones.”

“You live in the dorms. Are you there because of a partner or because you’re a student?” Fiera asked.

“Student,” Liliana said. “I just finished my first year.”

“Then you’re staying here,” Fiera said. “I’m not going to let someone as fragile as you wander around loose without a protector. I’m surprised you’ve made it this long without getting raped or beaten.” Liliana paled. “Frakking hell, you have been assaulted.” Liliana nodded. “Did you ever report it?”

“No,” Liliana said in a small voice. “I’m not wealthy. I’m a Ward of the Planet. That’s how I was able to pay for school and how I get my necessities. No one would have listened to me.”

“You are not going back to the dorms. And we’ll get you some new clothes tomorrow, on my credits,” Fiera said.

“Why are you doing this?” Liliana asked. “Who are you?”

“My name is Fiera Rezouac and I’m starting at the university in a month,” Fiera said. “I’m also now your protector.”

“What if I don’t want a protector?” Liliana asked.

“You want to be assaulted again?” Fiera asked. Liliana shook her head. “You need a protector. Now, either you can take my offer or you can find yourself a boyfriend to do the same.”

“I don’t like men,” Liliana said. “And none of the other women are any better than I am at defending themselves.”

“Then take my offer and stay here with me,” Fiera said. “All I ask is you help with the expenses of the place. And after tomorrow, you’ll take care of your own clothes. Food is debatable. Depends on if my dad is going to keep supplying me with food from the colonies or if I actually have to break down and use the replicator. If dad’s going to keep us fed, then you don’t have to help. If it’s the replicator, you help buy the feeds for it.”

“You just met me and you’re already willing to do so much to help me,” Liliana said. “Why?”

“Habit,” Fiera said. “I tend to pick up defenseless people and want to protect them. If you don’t like the offer, I’ll pay for you to get back to the dorms.”

“No, I’ll stay here,” Liliana said quickly. “I don’t like the dorms.” She shrank in on herself. “Too many boys there.”

“Pick a room and settle in for the night. Oh frak,” Fiera muttered. “I forgot to buy sleep suits. Oh well. I’ll just sleep in my clothes tonight. I can pick some up tomorrow.”

“What am I going to do for clothes?” Liliana asked.

“You can borrow one of my new outfits tomorrow, until we can get you into a shop and buy you new ones,” Fiera said. “You hungry?” Liliana nodded. “I’ll fix us something for dinner. Here are my bags. Pick something that somewhat fits.” Liliana took one of the packages out of the bag and slipped off down the hall.