Into the Flames - Chapter 7.5

     “My lady, the University is a small city all on its own. It’s two hundred and ten kilometers full of towering structures, smaller buildings, and a whole network of underground transit tunnels. The last enrollment count was 75,000.”

     “That does not seem a large number of students compared to the size of the campus,” Fiera said.

     “The University isn’t just a home for students, my lady,” Jonette said. “It also houses one of the largest research and development labs on the planet, and is where the main trauma care training center is. Those don’t have anything to do with the University students, unless they go into a science or medical field and get enough seniority in both career tracks to earn the privilege of attending the more advanced training.”

     “This is something I did not know,” Fiera said. “Is this a fact that is well known?”

     Jonette shook her head. “I wouldn’t have known about it if Master Linden’s husband wasn’t in the R&D lab on the campus as one of their mid level researchers. I asked him about his job one day and he explained about what the campus was really like, including the enrollment numbers. The University really is a fairly elite school, my lady. That 75,000 is culled from the hundreds of thousands of applications they get every term. Only the best and the brightest are allowed in. Not even all the wealth in the twin sectors will get you a slot if you don’t have the academic and physical prowess to match their requirements.”

     “I know my mother was convinced I would not be accepted here,” Fiera said thoughtfully. It wasn’t a lie either. Alena Rezouac was convinced that her daughter would never make it into the University, which would mean that she’d never be sent to Bouarus. She knew Fiera’s mission was vital to the resistance, but a mother’s love sometimes overrode the desire for freedom. She didn’t want Fiera to die so she begged the stars to keep Fiera on Sorus. It hadn’t worked and now the eldest Rezouac daughter was here, at risk of instant execution, and prepared to risk it to serve her people.

     “My lady, what track are you studying at the University?” Jonette asked. Fiera told her. The girl from Nohiri’s eyes widened. “That’s going to be very hard, my lady. Are you sure you can do it?”

     “Not entirely, but I intend to try,” Fiera said. “If I must, I will drop one of the two tracks and focus solely on one.” She paused. “I need to complete my registration however if I wish to start this autumn. I also need to contact someone to remedy my current state. Jonette, can you cook?”

     “I can, but I’m not very good at the foods someone of your caste would be used to,” Jonette said.

     “Right now I only ask for a simple meal. I am still quite agitated and I think the foods common to the elite would only serve to irritate my stomach even more,” Fiera said. “You attend to the meal while I make some inquiries and comm calls.”

     “As you wish, my lady,” Jonette said. She scampered downstairs.

     Fiera walked over to the console that sat in the corner of the bedroom. She picked up her pad and opened a new note screen. She pulled up all of the information on the University first. She registered for all of her classes, and then made notes on how she would have to go down in person before the twentieth to file the actual, physical paperwork to complete her registration.

     Once that was resolved, she turned to the city directory. She read through all of the listings for the clinics that repaired UV damage to skin and noted the ones that had the highest ratings. Then she went looking for salons. She found several that looked promising and jotted down their contact information as well.

     When she was done, she headed downstairs. Jonette was humming to herself as she worked, a song Fiera recognized as a love ballad common all across the Duyelia sector. Her own sister Morana sang it frequently. The twelve year old girl was just getting interested in boys, much to Eire and Alena’s dismay, and the song was one of her favorites.

     “You have a lovely voice, Jonette,” Fiera said as she went to the comm.

     “Thank you, my lady,” Jonette said. “Dinner will be ready in about half an hour.”

     “Good,” Fiera said. “I am going to make some calls. I wish to be rid of this hideous damage as soon as possible.” She sat down and put in the comm code for the first clinic.

     It took the full half hour and beyond to find both a clinic and a salon. The first available appointments for both were the next day, something she didn’t really mind. Fiera was exhausted and didn’t think she had it in her to go out again that day. She glanced at the clock and realized that it was nearly 22:00. “My lady, is it okay if I go to bed now?” Jonette asked. “I’m really tired.”

     “I was just about to recommend that very thing as I am on the way to bed myself,” Fiera said. “Make certain you are awake no later than 0500. I wish breakfast to be ready by 0600 since I will be leaving at 0700 for my first appointment of the day.”

     “Yes, my lady,” Jonette said. She turned and went to her room. She paused. “My lady, I know this’ll add to my debt, but could we please buy me some clothes tomorrow? I have nothing. All my possessions are still at Master Linden’s house.”

     “Of course,” Fiera said. “I will take you with me when I go out and we will rectify the situation.” Jonette nodded and disappeared into her room.

     Fiera headed upstairs. She stripped out of her clothes and pulled on one of the new nightgowns. She crawled into the bed and closed her eyes. She was out like a light in less than ten seconds.

     The next morning the alarm she set woke her as it increased in both volume and speed. She shut it off and rolled off the bed. She took a fast shower, wincing as several strands of hair broke off on her hands when she washed it. She got dressed and headed downstairs.

     Jonette was up with breakfast already made. Fiera caught a whiff of something absolutely divine. “You found coffee?” she asked.

     Jonette grinned. “Yes my lady,” she said. “I made just enough for you to have a cup. It’s really expensive here and I don’t want to run you out of it too fast.”

     “An excellent notion,” Fiera said, taking the small mug from her servant and sipping it. “This is a very good bean and you brewed it perfectly.” Jonette beamed. “What else did you procure for my morning meal?”

     “I made oatmeal, my lady,” Jonette said. “A large, hearty bowl is ready for you. It’s full of dried fruit and nuts, with some cream and brown sugar.”

     “That sounds quite lovely,” Fiera said, sitting down at the bar area. Jonette handed her the bowl and Fiera ate quickly. She noticed Jonette was eating the same thing as fast as she could. “Do not choke yourself, Jonette. The limousine will not be here for another forty five minutes.”

     “I’m sorry, my lady,” Jonette said. “But Master Linden and his husband insisted on doing all the cooking, and neither of them were very good at it. This is the best food I’ve had in months.”

     “Jonette, you are not that close to my size, but at least one of my shirts and a drawstring skirt would fit you. It would give you something clean to wear as we shop,” Fiera said as she looked the younger woman over. “Let me get them for you. I will not charge you for the use of them as this is an emergency situation. It is Master Linden’s fault, not yours, that you do not have anything and this displeases me greatly.”

     Jonette nodded and Fiera went upstairs and retrieved the clothing she’d been thinking of. She took it down to the more slender woman. Jonette took it into her room and changed. Fiera gave her a spare comb and Jonette was able to make herself look a little more presentable.

     “Thank you, my lady,” Jonette said. “You’re far nicer than a lot of those in your caste.”

     “I find kindness and compassion go a lot farther than cruelty,” Fiera said. “If you treat those who are in your service well, they are more willing to provide you with exceptional work.”

     “I’m so happy Master Linden sold my contract to you,” Jonette said. “You’ve already shown me more care than anyone else since I became indentured.”

     Fiera settled down on the couch and turned on the holo. She watched several newsbytes while checking the balance of the chip on her pad. Satisfied everything was as it should be with her credits, she focused more on the news. A flash of Ayaka and Matic’s faces caught her attention and she was riveted to the screen.

     “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Councilwoman Ayaka Medved and her husband of sixty three years, Matic Slusarski,” the newscaster said, a sorrowful look on her dark face. “Councilwoman Medved was discovered dead outside the Assembly Hall yesterday morning, her throat slit and several obvious wounds from two different projectile weapons. Mr. Slusarski, a financial advisor of exceptional talent and luck, was found dead in their townhouse. It appeared he was executed by a professional assassin, most likely the same group who murdered his wife.”

     Fiera buried her face in her hands. “Poor Ayaka and Matic,” she murmured.

     “My lady?” Jonette asked.

     “I spent a great deal of time with the councilwoman and her husband on my journey to Bouarus and we became friends,” Fiera said, looking up. She felt a few tears slide down her cheeks. “Matic was also my financial advisor. We were going to set up even more investments to keep my credit balance growing. Ayaka was a consummate politician, but she also still held onto the shreds of her honor and common decency, though it was obvious she was still bought by a few people.”

     A chime from the comm unit told her the limousine was there. She shut off the holo and quickly splashed water on her face from the kitchen sink. She dried it with a hand towel and the two women headed out.

     Fiera was grateful to see it wasn’t the same driver as the previous day. She and Jonette slid into the comfortable backseat. “Good morning, my lady,” the driver said. “I’d like to confirm the first address on the list, if I may?”

     “Please do,” Fiera said. He read off the information for the UV damage clinic. “That is correct.” The driver punched in the confirmation and was soon out on the main road.

     Jonette and Fiera talked more about Sio and what went on in the city, the driver inserting his own comments from time to time. The conversation was lively enough that Fiera was caught off guard when the driver pulled into a long, narrow parking slot. “We’re here, my lady. I have instructions that I’m to wait for you, no matter where we go today. I’m also yours until 20:00, should you choose to keep me that long.”

     “Very good,” Fiera said, opening the door. “Come along Jonette.”

     “Yes my lady,” Jonette said.

     The two women walked into the clinic. “By the twin suns, what happened to you?” the middle aged man behind the counter asked. “And can I get your name? Do you have an appointment?”

     “I am Lady Fiera Sung of House De’Mont Na’Sung,” Fiera said. “I was assaulted by rogue agents in the Port Authority. Their betrayal damaged me greatly. As for an appointment, I would not be here – wasting my time – if I did not have one.”

     “Forgive me, Lady Sung. I wasn’t aware we had someone with such severe burns coming in today,” the man said. He checked something on a panel on the console in front of him. “Ah, here you are. And I see you are set up for one of our most intense treatments. My apologies then, my lady. Let me get Sadiye for you. She’s our specialist who deals with cases like yours. Please take a seat and I’ll have her with you in just a few moments.”

     Fiera sat down as the man hurried through a door into the back. True to his word, a few minutes later he returned with another heavy worlder. She barely came to Fiera’s shoulder, and had the expected stocky, muscular build. Her hair and skin were pure white, but her eyes were the brightest blue Fiera had ever seen.

     “Lady Sung, I’m Sadiye. You look awful. What happened?” Sadiye said, her voice carrying the huskiness of a woman used to a much higher pull on her organs.

     “An assassin disguised as a Port Authority officer tried to kill me using the decon chamber,” Fiera said. “When that did not work she attempted to use a more direct method, but the director prevented it from happening.”

     “Director Fiscella is a very clever man and does at least try to take care of those who come through the port,” Sadiye said. She looked at Jonette. “Is this your servant?”

     “Yes,” Fiera said.

     “She’s going to have to wait out here,” Sadiye said. “I’ve only got room enough for two people in my station, and those will have to be you and me.”

     Fiera handed Jonette her pad, which she’d fastened in the sling on her belt before leaving the house. “You may use this to educate yourself in anything you wish that is free access. Do not open anything that requires payment. If you do, the cost will be added to your debt.”

     “Yes my lady,” Jonette said, taking the pad. Sadiye led Fiera back while Jonette settled in to read..

     “My lady, the treatment you’re going to receive today will resolve the issue,” Sadiye said. “It won’t look like it right away, but within three days your skin will be back to normal.”

     “Will I appear to get worse before I show any improvement?” Fiera asked.

     “Oh no,” Sadiye said. “In fact, you’ll start showing some changes by later this evening or early tomorrow morning.” Sadiye led her to a private room. “You’ll have to remove your clothing and any jewelry you might be wearing, my lady.” Fiera stripped down until she was standing in front of Sadiye with nothing but her hair covering her. Sadiye opened the lid on a strange looking bed. “Now, lay down on this please. Your head goes here, my lady. Thank you.” Once Fiera was in position she closed the lid again. She pressed a few buttons and the machine started humming.

     Fiera’s skin started itching. “Am I supposed to feel as if a million insects were crawling over my naked flesh?” she asked.

     “Yes,” Sadiye said. “You’re going to feel like that until the treatment ends. Unless you want me to put you under? That will put you at risk of being killed, my lady. I’m not going to sit in the room for the next three hours when I can be helping other patients.”

     “If you are leaving, then you can retrieve my servant and have her watch me,” Fiera said.

     Sadiye shook her head. “She wouldn’t know what to do if you went into cardiac arrest or respiratory distress because of the anesthesia,” she said. “I’m sorry, my lady. You’re just going to have to wait it out.” With that, Sadiye walked out of the room.

     Fiera was certain that the three hours had stretched into thirty by the time the specialist returned. The machine shut itself down just as Sadiye stepped up beside it. “Is this all that we need to do?” Fiera asked.

     “You’re going to take a shower and wash with the soap I give you, my lady,” Sadiye said. “But after that you’re free to go get your hair fixed, since I’m sure that’s your next stop.”

     Fiera took the shower and pulled her clothes back on. There was a faint, residual itch in a few places but the feeling quickly faded. She rejoined Jonette. “It is time to go, Jonette,” she said.

     “Yes my lady,” Jonette said, shutting down the pad after marking a spot on a website. She handed the pad back to Fiera. “Thank you for letting me read, my lady. I really enjoyed the article on the history of the Aureliya sector I was reading.”

     “You will get a chance to continue it when we reach the salon as I am certain I will not need you while they work on my hair,” Fiera said. The two women returned to the limousine and headed to the salon.

     The salon took far less time than Fiera thought it would. The hair treatment was simpler than the body one, and they were able to recreate the ombre effect she liked so much, though they told her she would most likely never get her natural color back. It infuriated her, but there wasn’t much she could do about it so she accepted the news with a curt nod but didn’t say anything.

     Once she was done, Fiera took Jonette out to lunch and then to several different shops to get the clothing and toiletries the young woman needed. “My lady, this is going to add nearly a thousand credits to my debt,” Jonette said as they loaded the last of their purchases into the limousine.

     “No it will not,” Fiera said. “This will be an invoice I send to Linden Fiscella as I do not appreciate being forced to purchase those necessities he should have provided you with before I took over your contract.”

     “He won’t pay it. He’ll send it back and tell you to add it to my debt. If you try to take him to court the judge will decide in his favor, no matter how wealthy you are,” Jonette said bitterly. “It’s just the way they view the indentured here in the Core.”

     “There are some things about society I will never understand, even though we do have them on Coenus as well,” Fiera said. “The indenturement program is one of them.”

     “You’re a very good woman, my lady,” Jonette said. “I just hope you’re not destroyed by the University and by the high society events you’ll be required to attend as a member of your caste while you’re here.”

     “I do not intend for that to happen, but one cannot always see into the future,” Fiera said, knowing there was a chance that she could lose many of her colonial tendencies until she was just a shell of her former self. She would still be her father’s spy. But she wouldn’t have the deep and passionate love of her home she’d begun this venture with. The thought made her shudder – to become so adept at life on Bouarus that she forgot what it was to be a colonist both appalled and frightened her.

     They got back to the house about the time Fiera’s stomach started growling. Jonette heard it. “I’ll go put my things away and then I’ll get lunch started,” she said.

     “Thank you,” Fiera said. She glanced over at the comm and saw a rapidly blinking light. She frowned. “I have a message? I did not think anyone would have the code as of yet. I have not given it to anyone.”

     She went to the comm and hit the replay button. Councilman Jaumet Kolyanchev’s face popped up. “Lady Sung, I wanted to let you know I have procured quite a large amount of money for you to help you replace your wardrobe. I also got word from a man named Aleksander Hayashi. He is bringing your hevelono here. She is being made quite comfortable and will be here in six weeks. Please contact me at the Coenus embassy to discuss the transfer of funds. The comm code is embedded in this message, so all you will have to do is reply and I will either answer or you can leave me a message telling me to call you back this time.” The screen went blank.

     Fiera tapped the reply command. The comm began to chime. A few moments later, Jaumet answered. “Lady Sung, I am pleased you could call me back so soon,” he said.

     “I did not wish to delay the contact,” Fiera said. “You say you have credits to help me replace those things that were destroyed?”

     Jaumet nodded. “I was able to raise 183,000 credits on my own,” he said. “Then I received word about Ayaka and Matic’s deaths, as well as the procurement of their wills.” He paused. “Were you aware of their deaths?”

     “I saw it on the news this morning,” Fiera said, her voice cracking. “That hurt. A lot.”

     Jaumet nodded. “I was the one who found Ayaka,” he said quietly. “It was not a pretty sight.” He took a few deep breaths. “The authorities found their wills on file with the planet and the Assembly. They were changed the day we all arrived in Sio.” He stopped again. “Lady Sung, they both named you as their heiress. Their credits and property are now all yours.”

     Fiera just stared at the comm. “You are certain of this?” she asked finally. “I considered them friends, but I was not aware that they thought so highly of me.”

     “If you will transmit your account information to me, I will facilitate the transfer of all the credits to you,” Jaumet said. “I know you already have your own townhouse. Would you care to inspect Ayaka and Matic’s houses and the financial advisory business Matic ran? Or do you want me to initiate the liquidation of their physical belongings?”

     “Go ahead and sell their physical items, including the business and the house,” Fiera said. “I have no need for them.” She slid her credit chip into the comm. “I am transmitting the financial information now.”

     Jaumet glanced off to the side, and then did something with his hands. The comm unit beeped loudly and in the corner a pop up box showed her that her balance had gone up by a significant amount.

     “I will need this information again once I have auctioned off their estate,” Jaumet said. “If it also includes their off world belongings, I will sell those and give you the profits from that as well.”

     “Thank you, Councilman Kolyanchev,” Fiera said. He nodded and ended the call.

     Fiera pinched the bridge of her nose. She had a good idea of who was being sent to her. She was another refugee from Coenus that fled to the colonies when she escaped from Seldanor like Eire. In fact, she was a nursemaid from one of the Traditionalist families. It would be easy enough for her to slip back into that role. Fiera had never met the woman, but Eire spoke highly of her quite often.

     Jonette looked over at her. “My lady, did the councilwoman and her husband have any children? Or other family members?” she asked.

     “Not that I know of,” Fiera said. “Even if they did, I doubt they’d argue with a councilman. Or the Assembly if Councilman Kolyanchev can convince other councilors to support this. Ayaka was well liked, from what I could tell from the conversations she and Councilman Kolyanchev I overheard. Even Matic was utterly besotted by his wife and quite happy with her Assembly record.”

     “What will you do now?” Jonette asked.

     “Eat and get ready to see my hevelono again,” Fiera said. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen her that I can barely remember what she looks like.”

     “How old were you when she left your family’s service?” Jonette asked as she stirred something on the cooking surface.

     “I was thirteen, the appropriate age for I ceased being a child at that point,” Fiera said.

     “My lady, what will you say to her? She isn’t going to be happy to have been pulled out of retirement to come bring you things,” Jonette said. “Or is she?”

     “I doubt Trishna is retired,” Fiera said. “I am certain she has found some kind of employment, even though it may not be as a nursemaid. She is a very honest woman who does not hesitate to tell anyone – even the master of the house and his core family – what she thinks. My father threatened to dismiss her on more than one occasion, but I refused to let him do so each time.”

     “She sounds really interesting,” Jonette said. “Is she someone from your caste?”

     Fiera shook her head. “She is of the servant caste as you are. I have a feeling the two of you will become quite good friends.”

     Jonette smiled. “It’ll be nice to have a friend. At least for a little while,” she said. She brought over a plate of food. “Here you go, my lady. It’s some poultry with mashed roots and a green vegetable I don’t recognize but discovered that it tastes good.”

     “Thank you, Jonette. Be certain that you eat some too. I do not wish you to become weak with hunger,” Fiera said.

     “Thank you, my lady,” Jonette said. She grabbed her food and sat down at the counter. The two women ate in companionable silence as Fiera tried to come up with a plan for how she was going to deal with another colonist in her house without giving herself away.