They both started speaking together, then they laughed and said “You go first” “No you go first” Then Jo shook her head and insisted that Kylie told her what she was thinking.
“Jo, I love you like a sister, so please don’t be upset about what I say. I love Acorus, over the years I have gradually learnt to enjoy sex with him. But mostly I love him cuddling me and making me feel safe, safe from anything. He is kind, funny, generous and a great companion, but he doesn’t love me, not in the way I love him. He is in love with you. You have got all of him even the parts that I or any other female have never seen. I want to be your friend, sister if you like, but I envy you and that is not good for me. Me living here makes him think he can come to me if you two have a disagreement, it’s not fair to you and it’s killing me. I think that if I don’t live here, I’ll be happier and you and Acorus will have a better chance of getting to know each other properly”.
Jo started to deny what Kylie was saying, but then decided that it was better to be honest.
“I’m sorry, but I think that you are right. I could lie to you, but I think too highly of you to do that. Acorus says that he loves me, but he is so used to doing exactly as he wants, who knows what the future will bring. Like you I have to make a life for myself. If I ever can do anything for you, I promise you I’ll be there. I hope we’ll be sisters for ever”.
Kylie got up and going to Jo hugged her hard “I’m so pleased that I told you how I feel. It isn’t your fault that Acorus doesn’t love me; he needs somebody strong like you. I could never stand up to him like you do, but whatever you need me to do to help, I’ll do it”.
Jo hugged Kylie back and was about to speak when the door opened and a Sceriae soldier stood there. As he moved into the room he removed his helmet and Jo realised that it was Belain. Turning from Kylie she smiled and said “Hello Belain, what can I do for you?”
“Lady Jo-Anna, Acorus has asked me to take you to have your armour fitted. He wanted to do it himself, but he is very busy, so has asked me”.
“Armour” Jo asked in surprise “How can I wear armour? I’m changing shape daily”.
Belain looked embarrassed and said “It will be explained by the armourers. I would be grateful if we could go as quickly as possible”.
Jo went through to her room and searched for her outdoor clothes. As she was opening her cupboard Tchu and Tjai rushed in. Tjai took a tunic and trousers out of the cupboard and helped Jo into them, while Tchu brushed her hair, then fastened it into a tight bun on the back of her head. It felt very tight and severe to Jo, but she thought that Tchu must have her reasons for doing it.
Pushing her feet into some soft but sturdy ankle boots, Jo hurried back into the main chamber. Belain was sitting talking to Kylie but when Jo appeared he jumped to his feet and put his helmet on “Oh good, that was quick, I didn’t know that a female could dress so quickly” he joked.
“Shall we go” retorted Jo “I’ll see you later Kylie” and she kissed her on her cheek.
Hurrying out Jo led the way to the outside door, the guards standing aside and saluting her. Surprised she just managed to bow back. Stepping out of the door she was surprised to see that a black vehicle like Ileya’s was waiting for her. Her surprise must have transmitted to Tchu as she ‘said’ “You are Lady Jo-Anna now, don’t forget”.
Belain helped her into the vehicle, then he went to sit in the front next to the driver. Jo didn’t want to question him in front of the driver so she sat quietly looking out of the window. They travelled in the direction of the retail part of the city where she had shopped with Ileya. Turning left into a side street they came to a stop outside a large imposing building, that took up the whole of the right hand side. Belain jumped out and hurried round to help Jo, holding her hand he said “Step carefully Lady Jo-Anna, there is a road stone there”.
Looking down Jo saw that he must mean kerb, his English wasn’t as perfect as Acorus’s.
“Thank you Belain, but please call me Jo. After all you are my brother now” He bowed and taking her arm led her into the building, with Tchu and Tjai following close behind.
Inside was the usual round lobby, with lots of doors leading off it. A Sceriae male, dressed in tunic and trousers came forward to meet them, accompanied by two Escorii males. Bowing to Jo he said “Welcome Lady Jo-Anna, this is extremely unusual. We have not had to make armour for a lady before, but we are prepared and will keep you as comfortable as possible”.
Jo frowned, was this going to hurt? She wasn’t prepared to allow anything that might harm her baby.
“Thank you, you must tell me exactly what is going to happen. I am concerned for the child I carry, if anything will harm her, I will not allow it”.
Bowing again the male hurried to reassure her saying that nothing would harm her or the child, and that Lord Acorus would not order anything that might harm them. He explained that sometimes, with the helmet, it could feel a little claustrophobic.
“Right, let’s get on with it; I don’t suffer from nerves or claustrophobia”.
Leading the way he opened a door and ushered Jo through. They passed into an antechamber provided with a seat and hooks on the wall to hang clothes. Turning to Jo the Sceriae apologised for not telling her his name and introduced himself as Hersa. Then he explained that she was required to disrobe, and apologised that there were only males there, but many were qualified doctors, so she must not feel embarrassed.
Before she could reply, Tchu ‘talked ‘rapidly in Sceriae to Hersa. She sounded very fierce to Jo, who put her hand out and said “Don’t worry Tchu, I am not embarrassed. If something has to be done, then so be it”.
“I’m sorry, Lady, but it has never been needed for a female to have armour” Hersha stammered looking askance at Tchu.
“That’s alright Hersa. I will do whatever is required” and Jo started to unbutton her tunic.
Belain who had been standing in the doorway, said “I will wait for you outside” and quickly withdrew.
Hersa opened the door into the treatment room and said “Once you are disrobed, please enter”.
Jo quickly undressed, but Tchu held out a large towel that she’d had the foresight to bring. Smiling her thanks Jo wrapped it round her and entered the treatment room. As she stepped inside, her bravery faltered, the room was very steamy with a strong odour like mouldy grass, with a hint of disinfectant. In the middle of the room was a cabinet, similar to the steam baths at a gym. However it wasn’t short and squat, but tall and narrow with a hole at the top, surrounded by what looked like rubber.
Hersa left the two Sceriae he had been talking to, and asked Jo to get into the box, remove her towel, and they would begin. When she asked what would happen, he explained that once in the box, the body armour would spray onto her, so that it was like a second skin. When she said that her body was changing daily, he explained that the body armour would grow and adapt with her. Then she asked how she would get it off and he explained that once formed it would be opened at the back, in away that meant it would weld together again when required.
Feeling nervous, but assuring herself that if Sceriae soldiers could do it, so could she, she stepped into the cabinet. There were two footprints for her to stand on, then she handed Tchu the towel and Hersa shut the door. The rubber seal fastened tight, high on her neck stretching her head up. Hersa asked if she was comfortable and when she said she was, he told her that powerful air jets would make her float. When the jets came on it stretched her neck even more, and she breathed deeply, not to panic. Hersa told her to let her arms hang loosely, slightly away from her sides, and relax.
She controlled her breathing and made herself relax, and Hersa told her that she was behaving perfectly. In her head she could feel Tchu reassuring her that all would be alright, so she allowed herself to transfer her thoughts to her. With Tchu’s help mentally, she remained absolutel
y still and Hersa nodded to the technicians and suddenly Jo felt gossamer threads moving around every part of her body. It wasn’t uncomfortable but felt very strange.
As she felt it at the top of her legs and groin, then between her legs, she worried that females were different to males, and it would go where it shouldn’t. Then she was giggling at Acorus’s reaction if she was sealed off there! Suddenly realising that Tchu would know what she was thinking, she glanced at her and blushed but Tchu was studiously avoiding her gaze.
In that stretched uncomfortable position it seemed to last for ever but in fact was only about fifteen minutes. Then the threads disappeared and the jets of air stopped. Hersa opened the door and helped Jo step out of the cabinet. Looking down she could see that her body was now a dark copper colour. She was almost afraid to move in case she couldn’t. However as she slowly moved forward it felt as if she was naked. Flexing her hands and arms, the armour behaved as if it was her own skin. Hersa led her to a massage table, and indicated that she should lie on her stomach. She was doubtful, in case it hurt the baby but he assured her that the armour would cushion her body, so she did as she was asked. Surprisingly it felt as if she was lying on soft feathery cushions.
Worried about what would happen next she clenched her fists. Immediately scales on the back of her fingers stood up, hard and sharp. If she were to hit someone with them she could cause serious injury. Both Hersa and Tchu told her to relax, and she did her best. The technicians approached the table and she felt heat down her back bone, across both buttocks and down her legs to her feet. She felt the armour open and Hersa asked her to get off the table while the armour was held open by the technicians. Tchu held the towel ready to cover her up. When she was decently covered, she turned to look at the table.
The arms and hands were complete as she had simply pulled hers out through the shoulders. The back, across the buttocks, and down the back of the legs were open and the technicians were doing something to the seams. To Jo it looked like a plaster cast, and she felt disappointed. The Sceriae’s armour looked like their own skin, not a cover.
However Hersa and the technicians looked very pleased so she didn’t say anything.
Hersa bowed to her and said “Very, very good Lady Jo-Anna. I am afraid that the helmet is not so easy, so it is suggested that you are tranquilised”.
“What! I don’t want to be doped. Do you dope your males?”
“My Lady, with all deference, you are not male or a soldier” Hersa retorted.
“No, but I am an English woman. We took on the world, with a parasol” Jo quipped “Come; we don’t have time to fuss about. Tell me what I must do”.
She could feel that Tchu was concerned so she opened her mind to her, and let her know that she was fine. Hersa led her to a small cabinet hanging from the ceiling; it could be moved up and down to fit any height. He explained that she would have oxygen tubes in her nose, that would enable her to breathe. Jo could see the tubes inside the box, she would have plugs in her ears and her eyes and mouth taped. She could feel her heart rate accelerate but felt Tchu reciting a calming mantra and she made herself relax.
“Very well” she said “Let’s get on with it”.
Hersa looked worried but did as he was told. Plugs were put in Jo’s ears, and tape covered wads of felt over her eyes and mouth. As the tubes were pushed into her nose she felt a flicker of fear, but she listened to Tchu in her head, and relaxed as Hersa helped her into the box. She felt it close round her, the seal tightening around her neck, and concentrated on standing there relaxed.
The gossamer threads came once more and weaved round and round her face. After fifteen minutes the tubes were pulled out of her nose and she felt her nostrils being covered. Feeling panic she moved her arms and Tchu took hold of her hands and transmitted into Jo’s head ‘This will last seconds. Do not be afraid’. So Jo held her breath and calmed her mind. Then Hersa released her from the box. Her face was still covered, as were her nostrils, but to her surprise she could breathe easily. Thinking of how Acorus’s helmet could shut over his nose and mouth she felt quite relaxed.
The technicians once again gathered round her and she felt the helmet being cut, then removed. The tapes and pads were removed from her eyes and mouth and she could see and breathe easily. She took the plugs from her ears and Hersa said “You are very brave Lady Jo-Anna; we will talk about this for a long time”.
“Thank you, Hersa. It was nothing” Jo said wishing she could sit down as her legs were shaking.
Tchu quickly brought her a chair and a drink, and Jo thanked her gratefully. Hersa explained that the armour had to go through more procedures, so would be brought to her later. Jo went into the tiny antechamber and put her clothes on, and when she was ready she went into the large hall, where Belain was waiting. Looking at her in surprise he said “That was quick. How do you feel? You don’t look sedated”.
“No, I wasn’t sedated and I’m fine thanks”.
Frowning Belain said “Was your helmet made?”
“Yes, of course it was, no trouble. Right let’s go” and Jo led the way out of the building, high fiving herself.
When they got back to the villa, Belain excused himself and departed to go back to the star ship. In her bedroom Jo shakily sat down on the bed, feeling washed out. Tchu and Tjai fussed round her and finally persuaded her to have a shower and massage. She managed to make it back to the bed, before she fell asleep, but the second her head hit the pillow she was fast asleep. Tchu pulled the cover over her and with Tjai, tiptoed out of the bedroom. Jo slept for less than an hour, waking up to the sound of her bedroom door opening. Looking up blearily she saw Tchu bustling into the room “Ah good you are awake.
I have just been told that the Queen plans to visit you, here. I have ordered lunch, so that you have plenty of time to eat before she arrives”.
Feeling fuzzy-headed Jo asked “The Queen. What does she want?”
“It is not up to us to ask what the Queen wants” Tchu scolded “It is enough that she deigns to visit you. Normally you would be sent for!”
Jo sat up and stretched “Alright Tchu, don’t get uptight. Find me something to wear, not too fancy. I’ll just clean my teeth and wash my face and I’ll be ready”.
After washing and dressing Jo brushed her hair vigorously and left it to hang down her back. Tchu had chosen a pretty, floaty, tunic with loose harem pants, and Jo felt very comfortable in them, as well as looking attractive. Going into the main chamber she saw that it had been cleaned and tidied. Tjai was just moving Kylie’s easel and brushes, but Jo told her to leave them as the Queen was interested in Kylie’s art. When Tjai looked to Tchu for permission, Jo told her to do as she was told, which she did very quickly.
As lunch was brought in Kylie came out to join Jo. Tchu ‘spoke’ to Tsera who then suggested taking Kylie’s lunch into her room.
At that Jo got angry, “Kylie will have her lunch with me. This is her home and Queen or no Queen; I’ll not have her chased out”.
Kylie said that she didn’t mind but Jo said that she did, she wanted company for lunch.
Telling Tchu, Tjai and Tsera that they could manage, Jo sent them to have their lunch and a break. When Tsera asked, “What about Anna” Jo snapped “I’m sure that we can cope between the two of us!”
When they had gone Jo sighed “God, they mean well, but sometimes I feel smothered”.
Kylie nodded agreement “Yes, sometimes they make me feel totally incapable”.
Then she asked what it had been like having armour fitted. When Jo explained what happened, she shuddered and said that she’d never be able to do that, and Jo told her that she was braver than she thought. They chatted about everything and enjoyed themselves, just being girls for a change.
When Anna started to cry, Jo said she’d get her and going into Kylie’s room picked her namesake up. Picking
her up and smelling that lovely baby smell Jo suddenly felt a broody feeling so strong, it shocked her. She felt a longing to hold her own baby, surprising herself as she’d always thought she could take babies or leave them.
As she carried Anna to her mother, she stopped crying and looked at Jo with her beautiful blue eyes. Jo smiled at her and to her delight Anna smiled back and blew air bubbles.
“Oh Kylie she’s so beautiful and so bright”.
“Yes, she’s lovely except when she cries all night” Kylie took her from Jo and started to feed her.
They were still sitting at the table, and when the door opened they thought it was their Escorii. However a cheerful voice said “Hello Jo, can I come in?”
Jo leapt up and Kylie pulled her kaftan shut causing Anna to wail. Going to the door Jo met the Queen, halfway, and said “You, surprised us madam. Please come in and sit down”.
Andea said “I’d rather sit at your table and meet that gorgeous baby” and with that she crossed the room to the table.
Kylie tried to stand up while holding her kaftan closed and placating Anna.
“No no, please sit down, don’t disturb your baby” and Andea smiled sweetly at Kylie and sat next to her. Andea’s guards had also entered the room along with her Escorii, so she told them all to wait outside. As they left Anna’s wailing grew louder, so Kylie pulled her kaftan aside and started to feed her again.
“Can I offer you a drink, madam? I’m afraid we’ve loitered over lunch” Jo said.
“Yes I’d love a drink, thank you. Don’t worry, after the morning you’ve had, you deserve a leisurely lunch” Andea replied “Now tell me what it’s like having armour fitted”.
So once again Jo explained the process of armour making. Andea was horror struck at the helmet process, saying that Jo should have had the sedation. When Jo said that anything a man could do she could do too, Andea clapped her hands in delight saying
“Oh it’s wonderful; Acorus has got his just deserts. You will certainly keep him on his toes”.
Scerior Page 28
