Refugio, an arrival, and a meeting…
The small ship from Port had waited offshore for daylight to navigate the entrance to the harbor. As the small coastal ship approached the opening to the sheltered caldera, they lowered the sails to use the small motor to get past the reefs and into the harbor. The original opening had been created with explosive weapons off the transport ship. It was controversial among the engineers and scientists of the first settlers. After the first strong seasonal storms, they agreed. A safe harbor entrance was needed. However, in the years since the stranding, coral growths had made the entrance risky under sail. The electric motor gave more control. The ship docked using its small electric motor and was met by an escort with several air cars.
Tony wanted Mandy to stay with Sarita and Rita, as he suspected they would be going to the Residence rather than the hostel. Blackie objected and was able to convince Tony to let her join them, so the diplomatic group could be maintained.
“That is probably best, Blackie,” Tony said. “If she is to represent your people, it is better she is not staying with the Overlord. She seems more like another of my nieces most of the time. We will see you again soon, Mandy.”
Rita was amused at her brother’s tenderness toward the woman from Port, but he was sentimental at times. The ship’s crew was taken to the same hostel as before but got a much nicer welcome this time.
***
The air cars delivered the group to the back entrance of the Residence rather than the formal front. Tony was relieved. The less exposure, the less chance his brothers would come looking for him. They were quickly escorted to the family section and the guest rooms there. The days at sea had left them all wanting a bath and clean clothing. After time to clean up, they were escorted to the patio where a simple meal was waiting. It was comfortable for a fall evening.
“Rita, I was so happy to hear you still lived and have done well in Utopia.” Marta was met with an embrace from Rita.
“I remember you from the Lady Day gatherings. So, since Francos is here, the trance training is no longer secret?”
Francos bowed to Rita. “I am finding that my understanding of my own house was very incomplete. And this is Sarita? I recognize the family resemblance. However, Ser Antonio, you spent so much time there that you look like a man of Port. Will you be representing them?”
“I have to admit, I have helped with finding what can be traded, and my bare face is proof of that, but I want to save that until everyone meets. There is much to discuss.”
Marta motioned them to find some food and then enjoy the soft cushions since the night was warm. The three recounted their kidnapping and what happened in Port, but not Sarita’s rape. They had decided it would be privately revealed to the Overlord.
“I understand now that the shipping agent we contracted with was from Port rather than Utopia,” Francos said. “I will need to let the traders in Northwest know that she cannot be trusted. The actual captain of the ship was killed in Southmost. From the reaction of the Port residents, he won’t be missed.”
“Ser Francos,” Rita said, “one issue we saw in Port is very disturbing to me.” She startled him when she addressed him directly. “They have a growing population and food is a problem. They even have times of the when it is rationed. Trade with Utopia must be begun as well as trade here.”
“Excuse me, but I am still getting comfortable with women being of a full mind. Marta has explained the trance state to me, and I am finding that I really have not been aware of what is going on in my country. As for the trade issue, yes, it is time we ended this policy of the former crew demanding support. We have three settlements that should be acting together, but there is much resistance.”
“I would expect that, Ser Francos,” Sarita said. “I have seen it in Utopia. There is a tendency among elders to not disturb the status quo. My foster father has long wanted to explain about what the book Utopia is actually about, but he too was reluctant.”
Francos was surprised by her boldness but pleased as well. This young woman might be just the partner his son was seeking. “Again, Sera, it is unsettling having you speak directly to me, but you are correct.”
Marta could not keep from laughing. “Fran, Fran, are you sure you are ready for this major change?” She shook her head and Rita joined in the friendly laughter. “What we are about to do is to disrupt Refugio and Port, and maybe Utopia too.”
“At last!” Tony joined in the laughter. “I said to Sarita’s foster father that bringing her to Refugio as a possible wife might bring interesting times, and it seems it is coming. I assure you, Ser Francos, it is difficult to know how to react to having the women contribute — but once the newness is over, having these wonderful women taking responsibility, ah, it has been a blessing. Whatever I can do to be of help, please believe I am at your service.”
“You were aware of this ability, Ser Antonio?” Francos was skeptical.
“Not at first.” Tony paused to think. “I saw the women of Utopia running businesses, directing work, and being a huge part of their economy and society. I, at first, thought they were just women with no psy powers, as some of our women are. I found quickly that was not the case. I didn’t believe it was the same with our women until just before we left. My own wife, Leah, did not want to return to Refugio. She and my steward have started a business making and selling our pod silk to line the jumpsuits. I had to accept that we have been wrong, and as my sister says, things have to change.” Francos looked at the group and saw he had to address other issues.
“Ser Antonio, I believe we have issues we need to discuss. Will you join me in my office?” Francos was concerned that Tony’s involvement in the trade negotiations might be tainted by his long stay in Port. Then there was the issue of the missing credits from the trade envoy.
***
Francos motioned Tony to a seat as he took his own behind the formal desk in his office. He was suspicious not so much because of the time the man had spent in Port, but how his appearance had changed. All men of Refugio had facial hair. Despite their metallurgic work, steel fine enough to hold an edge as a razor was not being produced.
“First, Ser Pesch, have you any information about the credits for this past year that should have been sent several months ago?”
Tony was taken aback. This was the last thing he expected. He was fortunate in that he had an answer.
“Alam was preparing the transfer when I last was in the office. However, your request for information about unmarried daughters caused him to panic. He acquired a quantity of a strong drink made in Port and drank himself into a stupor.”
“He was that frightened of me? But why get drunk?”
“One of the things I learned in Utopia is that if you are drunk, you can block any mental intrusions. My friend Simon tells me that was why they only drink watered wine and do not import the stronger drinks from Port — and because they know it works that way, it is banned.”
Tony was surprised the Overlord was not aware of this since strong alcoholic drinks were common in Refugio. “I am not certain, but I suspect Alam is afraid that the family will find out Sera Rita is still alive, and he lied about her death.” How ironic, Tony thought, this all was started by that simple request.
“That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.” Francos was becoming angry. “Is the man that much of a fool? This is at least the fourth time the credit transfers are late.” He slammed his hands on his desk then closed his eyes and did a quick calming exercise. “My apologies, Ser Pesch, I have lost patience with your brother.”
“As have I, Ser Morales, I suggest you contact his assistant. He does most of the work for Alam, and given permission, can sign for the credits.” Tony was happy to reward the younger man who had helped him often when his brother was incapacitated. It also bypassed his brother’s deputy, who Tony knew would skim some of the credits into his own account.
“I did not contact him directly,” Francos said, “but through a family member by way of a marriage broker. Is he that worried about what the family knows?”
“It is the impression I got from his reaction, Ser Morales. I have not been back to Refugio for quite a while, so I wonder if there are financial issues with the family as well as with your office. Alam still plays cards for credits and his luck has not gotten better. In fact, some of the men he played with here moved to Trade City to continue their games.”
“An easy mark to be exploited,” Francos sighed. “Now, are you representing the Port settlement in these trade discussions, or shall we move to the marriage contract?”
“Port has very competent negotiators. They will handle all that. There is something I must discuss with you, Ser Morales. It concerns Sarita and the marriage contract.” He paused to ensure he had the full attention of the official.
“When we were first taken to Port, Sarita was raped by one of the officials of Port. She was drugged so that she would manifest her powers. It was done to aid the man who raped her, as he was unable to shield his own telepathy. He has written a letter to Ser Megal explaining why and asking that you do not hold this against her.” He watched the Overlord’s face closely as he finished. “If the contract is to be voided, I want to know as soon as possible, so I can make arrangements for my sister and my niece.”
Francos was taken aback but not surprised. “Is Sarita well? How did she deal with this horrible thing?” He again had to resort to the meditation techniques he had been taught, but it seemed to be getting easier each time he did. He had feared this might happen to the women captured with Pesch. It was a common practice in Port according to his intelligence sources.
“She is dealing with it better than either her mother or I expected. She was drugged, so there was no violence, but she did manifest her powers. Rita had taught her the trance that the women of Pesch use to keep from expressing too strongly.” Tony tried to be as truthful as possible. “To block Spacer, she built a shield.”
Francos knew Megal was also aware of what often happened in Port and called him to the office from the other room. Tony handed Megal the letter from Spacer.
“I was aware of this practice by the men of Port,” Megal said softly. He opened the letter and read it while his father and Tony waited. “This man did this because no one had ever taught him to build a shield? How do they handle their psy powers if they have no training?”
“Ser Morales, they have some training,” Tony said. “But as I understood, no one had been able to get Spacer to understand how it was done.” Tony had been puzzled by Spacer’s lack of training, but when he questioned him, the man was evasive. “Spacer would not admit to me that he resisted training, but what Sarita did during the act created a shield. He was able to maintain it afterward. He agreed to the conditions Sarita made before she would say she understood why he did it and offer forgiveness. I did not read the letter he wrote you, but I know he was worried you would not accept her.”
“In a way, this might be for the best,” Megal tucked the letter back into the fish skin envelope. “I have been told by some men that even if the first time was a bad experience, the second time with an experienced women was easier. If she has manifested, it might be easier for me.”
“My son’s first experience was a bad one, Ser Pesch. This is difficult for him.”
“The story of what happened was widely known, Ser Megal, especially since your father punished your brothers. I know there was great sympathy for you among your peers. My eldest son was a year behind you in the gymnasium. What is also true is Sarita is a caring and intelligent young woman. I have not told her the story I heard. I leave that to you. I also have to say, I am pleased you are tall. Come, stand by me,” Tony walked to him. “Wonderful, you are taller than Sarita. I had two wives who were taller than me and it is not pleasant.” Both Francos and Megal burst out laughing.
Francos was direct with his son. “So, do we go ahead with this marriage contract, or do we seek another?” He wanted this settled.
“As I said, Papi, that may be for the best. But I think I want to meet her and explain my own experience. Is that possible?” Few men of Refugio ever saw their bonded wives prior to the ceremony.
“She is here at the Residence. I see no reason to stop you. I would have preferred to have met with my last wife. Given what happened with her, I may have called it off.” Tony and Megal looked at him and burst out laughing. He grinned and suggested they join the others in the family area. “We will discuss the trade issues when Captain Okapie and his group are available. Ser Pesch, my only plea is you remember where you were born.” They found that the women had moved to the harem, so they spent the next few hours discussing the problems Tony had seen in Port.
***
The next morning, Sarita and her mother joined Marta for first meal in the harem, rather than the central dining room. Marta led the way onto the open terrace where they had visited the night before. “We get our exercise here and have some gardens to raise fresh vegetables. Everyone is anxious to meet you.”
“Are all of these women part of the family?” Sarita was surprised, since there were more women and girls than she could quickly count.
“We have a network of fostering, so the girls can learn skills in the many different needs of a family. It also allows us to keep track of how the psy powers are changing among the women.” Marta motioned to a tall, blue-eyed girl. “This is Isabella. She is our youngest blood family member. I think you are about the same age, and she can help you understand how the harem system works.”
“Welcome to Refugio,” Isabella said. “We all have so many questions about Utopia and Port, but Sera Marta has warned us to help you understand how we live first.” Her smile was impish. Marta rolled her eyes.
An older woman walking into the terrace cried out. “Oh Rita, you are alive! I had heard a rumor, but my sister at Pesch was sure it was not true. It is a shock, but then I don’t think you remember me.”
“Of course, I remember you, Josie.” Rita moved quickly to embrace the elderly woman. “Alam lied about so many things. I am surprised Emiliano believed him.”
“Come, sit with me and tell me everything, and I will tell you about your sisters,” Josie said. She led the way to a covered area where cushions were scattered around as chairs.
“Knowing Josie,” Bella whispered to Sarita, “that is going to take a while, Sera Sarita.”
“Please, just Sarita. If I am to live here, titles are unnecessary.” They joined a group of younger women and girls in the cushioned area.
“Then, I am just Bella. if you call me Isabella, I think I have done something wrong.” Sarita laughed but was not surprised when she was handed a spindle and a bag of fiber, as all of them were busy with their hands. Fortunately, she knew how to spin thread. The next hours were spent chatting about life in the harem and the many questions Sarita struggled to answer about both Port and Utopia. She was surprised at how little the girls knew about the other settlements.
“Do you really have to find your husband yourself?” one asked. “How do you know who is not related or the family is well off?” The young woman was of an age that she should be getting married soon.
“Utopia is more open than here,” Sarita said. “We must have clearance from the Population Office to have children, but our families try to keep tabs on who you meet. We must partner with someone who is psy compatible, but you don’t need to stay with them if you are not household compatible.” Sarita struggled to explain the very complicated system in just a few words.
One of the older women who had been listening gasped. “You can choose another, all by yourself?”
“Yes, as long as you have permission from the Population Office if you want children. That is where we must get clearance. We are still careful to avoid being too close on the genetics.”
“No family involved?”
“Well, the person will have to be someone who is of value to the family, or you will be valuable to their family. We must all work on the farms. Each time we move, we learn a new craft or skill. The Kearney family is moving from a farm where we made cheese and meat products to a place where we will process cloth and sew clothing. It takes so much thread to make enough cloth that everyone knows how to spin. That is why I know how to use the spindle.”
***
A servant entered the door from the main area of the house. He motioned to Marta, telling her that Ser Francos wanted Sarita to come to his office. As Marta searched for her among the women talking on the patio, she realized Sarita had manifested. She was no longer a virgin. Her psy powers were many and strong. Did Francos know?
“Jose, I need to speak to Ser Francos before Sera Sarita meets with him. Please escort me.” Tradition demanded that a wife of the First Successor be a virgin. There was no actual law about it. It was just tradition, but the sequestering of all physically mature females made it easier to enforce. Francos was surprised to see her.
“Fran, Sarita has manifested. She is powerful but seems not fully aware of her powers. Were you aware of this?”
“Ser Pesch has revealed last night what happened in Port.” Francos sighed. “It was rape, and your technique of trance saved both her and the man who raped her from damage. The man sent Megal a letter explaining what happened and asking Megal to understand that she did not give her consent.”
“So, you are going to go ahead with the marriage?”
“Megal wants to meet her and explain his past. She is not aware of how he manifested. Given what happened to him, it may be for the best. At least that is the way he feels. Can you please accompany Sarita to this first meeting? I am due at the discussion with the Port people about the trade. They need supplies because of this last storm, and Sera Rita wants to have them sent as soon as possible.”
“Of course, I would be the chaperons even if you had not asked. Where are you having them meet?”
“Use your office.” Francos rose to go. “Changes go much too fast, Marta. I must be careful that I am not too quick. There will be an outcry when the betrothal is announced. Wait, you are a sensor of psy powers?”
“Fran, of course, we have to be aware of each woman’s powers. My poor husband. There is so much you must learn.” She gave him a quick hug.
Leave a Reply