Seven Sisters

by Eileen Troemel

  “The programs assess the knowledge level and then start the person at a level where they can succeed,” Lydia said.

  “I’m sure you’ve been told the outline,” Morgan said.

  “I’ve used them,” Lydia said. “I stopped attending school at eleven when the plagues began. When I came to Mycos, I was on the streets for six years. I missed a lot. I used the programs to catch up and now I’m working forward at what we consider a college level.”

  “What are you studying,” Eldred asked.

  “Hylatian law and culture,” Lydia said. “I’m covering the basics of math, literature, science and a few other topics.”

  “You care for your sisters,” Morgan said. “You do all this charitable work and you’re in school. When do you have time?”

  “I have help,” Lydia said. “Mycos and the men help with the girls. Mycos, Gregor and others help with the charitable work. Many of the men who accompanied him here help out. Elaxus assists with the educational programs. Justinian helps with the medical.”

  “She sees a need and we help her fill the need,” Mycos said.

  “Because your race is so generous,” Morgan asked.

  Mycos snorted. “My people are proud, stubborn, arrogant and determined,” he said. “Lydia makes me see the needs. Her sisters, the way they were treated, influence me.”

  “You won’t claim an altruistic motive in order to get on the better side of me,” Morgan asked.

  “No because you would see through such a claim,” Mycos said. “I came to this planet for one reason only.”

  “To find your mate,” Morgan said.

  “Yes,” Mycos said. He put his arm around Lydia. “She is the single most important person in my life. Followed closely by her sisters.”

  “Interesting,” Morgan said. “Once you found her, why haven’t you taken her away to your planet?”

  “Because she needs to remain here for now,” Mycos said. “They need to feel safe and secure with all of us before they go through more big changes.”

  “You know people say you’re grooming them to be sex slaves and other unsavory things,” Morgan said deliberately provoking Mycos and Lydia.

  “People can talk all they want,” Lydia said patting Mycos subtly on his leg. “Mycos, his men, his family have all treated us with respect and care. They love the girls as much as I do. They would die for them.”

  “You are not what I expected,” Morgan said.

  “Milord, lady,” Gregor said from the doorway. “Trinity and Alexander are here.”

  Lydia rose with Mycos to greet them. Lydia hugged both of them. Mycos didn’t like her hugging Alexander but he understood her need to do it.

  “Senator,” Alexander Wykes said. “Why haven’t you made an agreement yet?”

  “We’re considering it,” Morgan said rising to receive a kiss on her cheek from Alexander while evading a commitment to his demand.

  “Still disbelieving,” Alexander asked.

  “It’s hard to believe a machine can show all you say it does and other machines can fix what you find wrong,” Morgan said. “I think you’ll find most people skeptical.”

  “Justinian said he’ll demonstrate,” Trinity said.

  “Do we have any idea what the long term effect of these devices are,” Morgan asked.

  “They accelerate the healing processes in our body,” Trinity said.

  “Shall we go to the healing room,” Mycos said. “Justinian has the technical knowledge to answer these questions.”

  “All right,” Morgan said.

  Mycos led the way.

  “Are your people generally healthy,” Eldred asked.

  “It varies,’ Mycos said. “Healing is available to all on our worlds.”

  “You have more than one world,” Eldred said.

  “We have thirteen worlds,” he said. “Each family has its own world.”

  “If it’s one family per world, how do you have genetic diversity,” Eldred asked.

  “Their family is made up of more than a single genetic group,” Lydia said. “Initially, it was a family in charge with all of the support families who aided the main family.”

  “How do you know,” Morgan asked.

  “Through my studies,” Lydia said. “Their word for family is closer to clan or community rather than family in our sense of family.”

  “Interesting,” Eldred said. “Do you plan to go to their worlds?”

  “In time,” Mycos said.

  “Will someone come to take your place,” Morgan asked.

  “It will depend on how relations develop,” Mycos said.

  “Justinian,” Lydia said. “Morgan and Eldred are here for a demonstration.”

  “I’m happy to aid them,” he said looking at the couple. “Morgan, would you like to be scanned?”

  “Can’t you do it on someone else,” Morgan asked.

  “What better way to understand the equipment than by using it yourself,” Alexander said challenging her.

  “Very well,” Morgan said. “What do I need to do?”

  “Please lay here,” Justinian said. When she lay on the table, he asked, “Please place your hands at your side.”

  “We’ll turn the monitor so you can see it,” Trinity said. On the screen Morgan saw an outline of her body and layers of tissues, muscles, bones, fluids.

  “Morgan, have you had problems,” Alexander said as he looked at the screen.

  “Why,” she asked not admitting anything.

  “There appears to be scar tissue in your uterus,” Trinity said. “Justinian is this something which can be fixed?”

  Justinian shifted the view, focused on the uterus and other reproductive organs. “It looks like there was an early injury which caused this damage. I believe it is repairable.”

  “It isn’t,” Morgan said. “Several doctors told me I won’t have children.”

  “The damage is severe,” Justinian said. “However, I believe I can repair it.”

  “Morgan,” Eldred said stepping to her side, taking her hand.

  “What’s the worst that could happen,” Morgan said. “Go ahead.”

  Justinian gently lay one of his pads on her stomach. “There will be slight discomfort when it begins but the area will warm as the healing process commences.”

  Trinity watched the screen. “You can see here how the area is being repaired,” she said pointing to the screen.

  “How long will this take,” Morgan asked.

  “Not long,” Justinian said.

  “Will she be able to have children,” Eldred asked.

  “Yes,” Justinian said. “Trinity, mo chroin, is that what it should look like?”

  “This area still needs work,” Trinity said smiling at the endearment.

  “I feel a little light-headed,” Morgan said.

  “This is a normal reaction,” Justinian said putting his hand on her forehead. “Please take a few slow breaths for me.”

  Morgan did as he asked, closing her eyes. “That’s better,” she said.

  “Justinian,” Trinity said. “It looks clear now. Do you want me to zoom in to make sure?”

  “Yes,” he said.

  Trinity adjusted the screen, turned the view. “It’s good and healthy.”

  “Excellent,” Justinian said. He lifted the device from her stomach. “You need to lie still for a few minutes. We will leave the two of you alone. Please remain as you are until I return.”

  “Thank you,” Morgan said.

  “It is my pleasure,” Justinian said.

  ***

  Morgan and Eldred walked hand in hand through the school. "How many do you have here now," Morgan asked.

  "Enrollment is up," Emily said. "We're at nearly six hundred. We’re the only public primary school in the district now. The last one in the area closed under pressure from the parents. The school board decided paying for transports was a better option. Lady Lydia and Lord Mycos generously provided more equipment. The teachers from the othe
r schools are attending training with Elaxus and his team. They’re nearly up to speed with the technology."

  "This seems very organized," Morgan said. "What's the best part of the technology?"

  "The benefit to the children," Emily said. "It's amazing how they pick things up. When a student doesn't understand or struggles with a concept, we're seeing much more collaboration among the students. Particularly on the playground, they talk more about their studies. I've seen groups consisting of a wide age range of our students gather to discuss lessons."

  "What's the worst part of it," Morgan asked.

  "The older students in the district don't have access to this. The rate of crimes and violence in their group is high," Emily said.

  "You think having this type of program in the schools will reduce the rate of crime and violence," Eldred asked.

  "I've got twelve year olds who are finishing secondary levels," Emily said. "They’re serious about continuing to upper levels."

  "You're speaking of college level instruction," Morgan said. "I'm sure you have a few gifted students."

  "Not a few," Emily said. "Their records show no tendency towards gifted. But since they started this program, they’re jumping forward by leaps."

  "You've not had the programs all that long," Eldred said.

  "I know," Emily said. "The students stay later, voluntarily. Most of them have parents who work later than the traditional release time. The students stay and work on their education. This has them moving forward."

  “It is a benefit to the gang situation,” Elaxus said

  “Because the parents pick up the children,” Emily said. “We have the school open from six in the morning until six at night.”

  "Your teachers don't mind staying later," Morgan asked.

  "They aren't spending as much time outside work grading papers and such," Emily said. "They come in early and stay late in order to facilitate the children’s needs but they actually spend less time doing tasks because the program tests the children as they go. We use a rotation. Some of our teachers like the early morning and some like the evening."

  "You think this would be a good addition to our schools," Morgan asked frowning.

  "Not good, great," Emily said. "These students who are ready for college and have a strong idea of what they want to study will go far. Think what that could mean to our society."

  "If our knowledge base grows, our society advances," Eldred said.

  "It does," Morgan said. "Can we participate in one of the sessions?"

  "Yes," Emily said. "Elaxus will show you what's needed."

  ***

  "He lost his position," Gregor said reading the report on Grant Weatherton. "It sounds like he will end up in prison."

  "It is a start," Mycos said grumbling. Lydia met with the high council while Mycos and Gregor reviewed security.

  "She will be out soon," Gregor soothed.

  "How are you doing with Sally," Mycos said.

  "She wants to talk to Lydia about something but she will not tell me what," Gregor said. "I'm worried she is unhappy about the baby."

  "Not from what Lydia tells me," Mycos said.

  "Are you hoping Sally being with child will make Lydia want children sooner," Gregor asked.

  Mycos considered his question. "I find I am happy with how things are. I can see her gaining confidence. She is almost as demanding as one of our women," he said. "With the life she has had, how has she kept her sweetness? I do not know but I find I am not ready for children. I am glad to have her and her sisters."

  "This is quite a development," Gregor said with a smirk on his face.

  Mycos nodded, "What makes you think Sally is unhappy about the baby?"

  "She has been crying," Gregor said.

  "Have you asked her," Mycos asked.

  "I do not want to upset her more," Gregor said.

  "You have to be honest with her," Mycos said.

  "Milord, are you giving me advice," Gregor asked eyes widening.

  "It works with Lydia," Mycos said. "The more honest I am with her, the more she gives back to me."

  "I will consider it," Gregor said.

  ***

  Colonel Brown strode up the drive and knocked on the door. Heidi opened the door. “Hi,” she said shyly.

  Colonel Brown smiled at the girl. “Are you supposed to open the door,” he asked.

  “Manere’s here,” she said looking over her shoulder at the young warrior. She smiled, “He keeps me safe.”

  “I’m sure he does,” Colonel Brown said. “Is Lord Mycos available?”

  “He’s not risen yet,” Heidi giggled. “He and Lydia aren’t usually up this early.”

  “I have an appointment,” Colonel Brown said.

  “Oh, you sure,” Heidi asked. “They didn’t join us for breakfast.” Behind her, Colonel Brown saw the young man speaking into what he assumed was a com.

  “I’m sure I have an appointment,” Colonel Brown said.

  Manere stepped forward and whispered something in Heidi’s ear. “I’m supposed to let you in and take you to Mycos’ office,” Heidi said. She stepped back, opened the door wider. “They’re in a meeting with Avia and have been delayed.”

  Manere cleared his throat. “Avia is grandmother, sir,” he said softly.

  Heidi led the way to the office. “Will you discuss strategy,” she asked.

  “I believe we are,” Colonel Brown asked.

  “Is there a particular strategy you favor,” Heidi asked

  “In general, no,” Colonel Brown said. “I think it’s best to be flexible until you know what you’re up against.”

  “Trayo Bellisa wrote extensively about this,” Heidi said. “He was a warrior for the Bellistian family nearly a millennium ago.”

  “You study their history and strategies,” Colonel Brown asked as she opened the door to Mycos’ office.

  “We will live there eventually,” Heidi said looking at Manere. “It’s best to know as much as possible about them and their world.”

  “Are you afraid to leave Earth and go there,” Colonel Brown asked.

  “No,” Heidi said. “They don’t have pollution or street people. I’m learning their language. The men are strong but gentle. I think it’s good.”

  “You like your new circumstances then,” Colonel Brown asked.

  Heidi put her hand in Manere’s, smiled at him. “I do,” she said. “Here’s Lydia and Mycos.”

  “Thank you,” Mycos said. He gave Manere a stern look. “You saw to her safety?”

  “Yes, milord,” Manere said.

  “How are you coming on your studies,” Mycos asked gently of Heidi.

  “Manere and I discussed his ancestor,” Heidi said. “I understand him much better now. I have to take the assessment and then I want to study botany both here on earth and on your planets.”

  “You are ambitious,” Mycos said. “Manere will see you back to your room but remain in the hall.”

  “He never comes in my room,” Heidi said. She hugged Mycos and Lydia. “See you.” She held Manere’s hand as they left.

  Mycos watched them leave. Lydia gave his hand a tug. “It’s fine,” she said. “She’s not interested yet. Hand holding is important for him.”

  “Agreed,” Mycos said. “I will speak with him. He is young as well.”

  “I want to sit in on the conversation,” Lydia said.

  “Of course,” Mycos said.

  “Forgive us,” Lydia said remembering Colonel Brown. “How are you today?”

  “We’re settling into our quarters,” Colonel Brown said. “I want to discuss having some of my people inside your compound.”

  “Why,” Mycos asked.

  “Familiarity between our two groups will make it so if there’s a conflict, we work better together,” Colonel Brown said.

  “Will your people submit to Hylatian laws,” Lydia asked.

  “We’re still on earth,” Colonel Brown said.

  “But this property
is Hylatian,” Lydia said.

  “What is your biggest concern,” Colonel Brown asked.

  “We have a number of them,” Mycos said. “There are a number of mates who are here regularly. We do not want a repeat to any degree of what my Lydia endured.”

  “We have both men and women in my squad and they have been briefed,” Colonel Brown said. “If anyone acts inappropriately, we will remove them immediately.”

  “There are security concerns,” Mycos said. “How much access do you want?”

  “I understand this concern,” Colonel Brown said. “Perhaps we could start small.”

  “In order to build trust,” Mycos said. “I am familiar with this strategy.” He smiled lovingly at Lydia who leaned forward and kissed him.

  “Perhaps a regular training session,” Lydia suggested.

  “Daily,” Colonel Brown asked.

  Mycos frowned but Lydia said, “The girls train daily. Joining the girls’ training may work.”

  “All of the girls would be exposed to the squad,” Mycos said. “Are you sure you want them to be?”

  “Our men will be there,” Lydia said. “You know how protective they are.”

  “I can assure you my squad will not harm your sisters,” Colonel Brown said.

  “Trust is an issue,” Lydia said. “More, Abby is hesitant around strangers.”

  “Abby is the youngest? She’s seven,” Colonel Brown said. “You allow her to train in fighting.”

  “We allow her to train in self-defense,” Lydia corrected. “It helps build her confidence.”

  “May I observe this training,” Colonel Brown asked.

  “Abby will not train if he is there,” Mycos said.

  “I’d be happy to meet her ahead of time,” Colonel Brown said. “The same goes for my squad.”

  “Lunch,” Lydia said. “Bring your squad to lunch today. We’ll see how it goes.”

  “Noon,” Mycos said. “I will let cook know.”

  “A buffet will be easier,” Lydia said. “How many in your squad?”

  “We have twenty,” Colonel Brown said. Mycos used a handheld to send a message to the cook.

  “Why are you in charge of such a small group,” Lydia asked. “Colonels typically oversee a battalion made up of around two thousand people.”