I shrugged at Betra. “I’ll think about it and let you know.” After all, I had to check my social calendar, ha-ha.
Lucky for me, he accepted that. “All right, Matara Shalia. I’ll schedule it when you’re ready. I’m heading to my office now. I’ll be there most of the day, so that’s where you can contact me.”
Off he went. Curious if the other women all received the same items as I did, I wandered to Candy’s quarters. I took my hair accessories with me, hoping to wheedle her into styling my hair and, accentuating it with one of the sparkly gem pieces in my new collection. I leaned toward the curved spray of blue and green stones set in gold metal.
She answered her door immediately. “Oh great, now I don’t have to go to you,” she said. “What can we do before I die of absolute boredom? What’s in the box? Ooh, how pretty! Where did you score these?”
“They were in the container Betra brought me. What was in yours?”
Candy stared at me in amused confusion. “What do you mean, what was in mine? I didn’t get a container. Betra gave you these?”
It was my turn to be confused. “Yeah, along with some other nice stuff. Slippers, robe, fruit. He didn’t bring you a care package? I assumed everyone else would have one too.”
Candy’s brows were raised far enough up to crease her forehead. “Betra didn’t bring me anything. Shalia, you are catnip for Kalquorians. Kalquorian nip. Kalnip. That’s it; that’s what I’m calling you from now on. Kalnip.”
I frowned. “Maybe he hasn’t gotten to you yet? Maybe he’s about to bring something?” But he’d said he’d be in his office, not delivering goodies like some Kalquorian Saint Nick.
“Come on,” I said, angry suspicion raising its head. “I can’t be the only woman who received a bunch of freebies.”
I left my quarters, Candy at my heels. “Where are we off to, Kalnip?”
“Don’t call me that,” I said. “We’re checking with Ms. Popularity herself. If anyone is drowning in presents, it’ll be Katrina.”
“Katrina? Wait, Shalia. What if she’s not alone? What if she’s...entertaining? You know. A man?”
That almost kept me from showing up at her door. I sure didn’t want to interrupt Katrina with any of her young conquests, but I had to confirm that I wasn’t the only one benefitting from Betra’s generosity. I determinedly went to her door.
“It’s Shalia. Are you in there, Katrina?” I called.
“Shalia! Hold on.” A second later, her door slid open. Katrina stood there, delighted to see me. She was alone, thank the Trinity. “And Candy! This is great, girls. Come in. Let’s have some drinks.”
“Drinks?” Candy followed me in and goggled at Katrina’s purple and gold fabric-draped quarters. “I haven’t even had breakfast. Wow, this place is something.”
Seating cushions were scattered everywhere on the floor, along with the sleeping mat. Katrina had ample places to do her ‘entertaining’, as Candy had phrased it.
Katrina smiled. “Thanks. Cozy, isn’t it? I love being comfortable. No breakfast? How about some juice then? The boys have supplied me with a citrus-type beverage that is reminiscent of orange juice. A splash of vodka will start your day off with joy.”
“What the hell,” I agreed. “Set me up. Hey, speaking of boys supplying things, did Betra bring you a container of items? Some slippers and nellus or—”
“Or these,” Candy interrupted, yanking my box of hair accessories from me to show Katrina.
“Oh, aren’t they lovely?” Katrina breathed with appreciation. “Very nice. No, Betra does not offer me presents. He must like you.”
“They aren’t presents,” I insisted, taking my box back. “He didn’t say they were, anyway. I assumed everyone was getting things.”
“Afraid not,” Katrina said with a knowing grin. She handed both me and Candy our drinks. “You have an admirer.”
“Kalnip,” Candy said with a smirk. She sipped her juice. “Ooh, this is delish, Katrina.”
“Damn it,” I grumbled. I had a swig myself. The drink was scrumptious. I stalked over to a seating cushion and carefully flopped down so I wouldn’t spill any of it. “I am not involving myself with any more Kalquorians until I choose my clan. Do I have to return the container, though?”
Katrina sat next to me. “It might encourage him if you don’t. However, most of the men are conscious that our flings with them are temporary. Betra isn’t clanned, so he realizes the futility of pursuing you for more than sex.”
I groaned, thinking of Nang. “I don’t want even that. Some Kalquorians don’t understand that being an impossible clanmate means they should stay away.”
Candy sat on the other side of me and patted my knee. “You can’t help being so irresistible,” she said. “Oh, don’t give me that mean glare. I’m only teasing you, you grouch.”
I sighed and sipped my drink, playing with the hair accessories. “I want these. I want to keep all of it. I’m greedy in my old age.”
Katrina waved me off. “Keep it, then. It’s his own fault for giving you presents without first finding out if you’re interested.”
“I wouldn’t feel right about it,” I said. “My stupid conscience won’t let me.”
My stomach twisted. My drink, half-gone, suddenly tasted too sweet. I put it down and had another notion.
“Would Betra be insulted if I don’t accept the gifts? I don’t need him to have a bad attitude towards me,” I said.
Katrina waved off my concerns. “He would know better, I hope. Giving you or any of us trouble will land him into trouble. Kalquorians do not want their would-be Mataras to have any reason to run from the empire.”
“I’ll give him his stuff back then,” I said. My guts churned. I was so nervous about telling Betra to shove off (though I planned to do it politely), that it was making me nauseous. Plus I really, really liked the goodies.
“At least I can enjoy it for today,” I decided to cheer myself up. “Put my hair up for me, Candy? Put this in?” I held up the blue and green jeweled hair embellishment.
My stomach took a while to settle from its nervous fit, but otherwise, we three had a terrific day together. I adore Katrina, and Candy seems to be growing used to her outrageous comments. Our older friend invited us to join her ‘salon’ after dinner, which would include the company of half a dozen young Kalquorians. Candy giggled in a screamy sort of way, squealing, “Oh no!” However, her fascinated gaze as we bid Katrina’s arriving guests goodbye has me guessing she won’t be resisting Katrina’s parties much longer. Curiosity is getting the better of my nervous friend.
As for me...nope. No more nonsense. Instead, I’m enjoying my night with the soft slippers and cozy robe. I snapped a vid still of myself with my hair done up pretty. The jeweled piece made me as grand as a duchess. Tomorrow the presents get returned to Betra, with my thanks (and private regrets).
December 10
I didn’t have an opportunity to return Betra’s gifts, because I couldn’t corner him. I was afraid of embarrassing him by giving them back in front of others. I couldn’t stomach the thought of humiliating him. I would feel awful if I gave somebody I liked wonderful presents, only to have them rejected in front of an audience. Eek.
What kept him (and me) busy was a tour of the common areas of the transport. Betra showed up in our dining room during breakfast. As I’ve mentioned before, he’s in charge of ten of us. I saw him talking to two of his charges, then he moved on to a group of five. Candy and Katrina also noticed.
“I wonder what’s up?” Katrina said, sounding disinterested. She was patting alien hineys that wandered past her. The guys smiled at her, nodded to me and Candy, and moved along. Katrina looked put out.
“Hey Kalnip, your boyfriend is talking to other women,” Candy teased.
“I’ve heard ronka milk is outstanding for your hair,” I responded, holding my cup threateningly over her head.
“Just kidding!” she squealed, ducking away. “Don’t, Shalia!”
We turned to him. He eyed us with amusement.
“Hi, Imdiko Betra,” Candy said. “What’s the scoop?”
His expression was confused. “Scoop?”
“We saw you talking to the others. What’s happening?”
“I’m taking you to the common area today, if you wish to go. I believe you’ve visited that area, Matara Katrina?” Betra looked at the eldest of our group with expectant delight.
She returned the grin. “Oh, I’ve seen some of the sights there, all right. I’d still enjoy coming along and hearing you explain the pleasure club without blushing.”
Betra went beet red. He sighed, as if he’d expected her to embarrass him. “We leave in an hour.” His gaze went to me and I stiffened. “How are you, Matara Shalia?”
“Fine, Betra. Thanks.”
He bowed and left. He didn’t do his deep breathing exercises for a change.
Curious and with little else to do (though I REALLY need to work on the clanning ceremony vid), Candy and I went on the tour. Katrina did too, a secretive smile on her face. In fact, all of the women under Betra’s care went along. I’m not acquainted that well with the rest of our gang, but the other women are Bethany, a former waitress; Franny, a student before Armageddon and barely twenty years old; Ginger, a widowed housewife; and Linda, Megan, Paula, and Vonda – I have no idea what they did in their Earth lives.
Two corridors down from my quarters, we crowded into an intership transport system–a glorified elevator, in Earther parlance–with Betra. It was a tight squeeze for all of us, but we managed. The ride took about five seconds, so it wasn’t too bad.
We stepped out into a large, circular area. Betra called it a promenade. In the center, it had a hologram of a sun circled by several planets. I counted fifteen, and most of them had moons revolving around them. It reminded me of our own solar system. That gave me an idea.
“Betra, is that the Kalquorian Empire’s space?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said, smiling at me. That Imdiko is weird, but he’s a stone-cold cutie when he smiles. I couldn’t help but return the expression. “The tenth planet from the sun? That’s Kalquor itself.”
“It’s not as blue as Earth,” Candy said, peering at the smallish orb Betra had pointed out. “It’s got a green tinge.”
“Our oceans are green, but the atmosphere makes them appear bluer from space,” our guide affirmed. “We have colonies on most of the other planets and moons. Not the gas giants, though.”
There were open doors and windows circling the space. Illuminated signs in Kalquorian hieroglyphics told what they were. Since I don’t read Kalquorian, I had to rely on what I saw through the doorways. From what I could tell, I guessed most of them were stores and places to eat.
“The shops are geared chiefly for Kalquorian men. I’m afraid most of them would be of little interest to Earther women,” Betra said. “They sell men’s clothing, weapons, that sort of thing.”
“Like a military base’s exchange,” I murmured to Candy.
Betra continued. “However, you might enjoy browsing through the stores that offer beverages, foods, games...”
“Speaking of games,” Katrina broke in. “What about the club, Betra?”
“Yeah, where can we check out some lemanthev shows?” I asked. “Candy is searching for a band to join. She’s an awesome valit.”
Betra blinked, and a surprised grin spread over his features. “Is this true, Matara Candy? Do you howl?”
“To great amusement,” she answered dryly, giving me a dirty look. “A large amount of alcohol has to be involved.”
Betra laughed, doing his stunning Kalquorian bit. I’m glad I wasn’t the only gal who seemed star-struck by his adorableness. The man needs to laugh more and sniff less.
He told Candy, “I would love to hear you howl. Yes, we do have a club where bands made up of the ship’s crew perform. If you enjoy lemanthev music, you’ll be pleased.”
“Enjoy is such a strong word,” I whispered to Candy and Katrina. I was trying to keep upbeat, but the thought of lemanthev had me remembering Dusa, Esak, and Weln again. I wondered what they were doing at that moment. It brought a moment of sadness.
“Come on, Betra. Tell them about the other club,” Katrina insisted.
“Perhaps you could tell them more about it than I could,” he challenged her, but his cheeks had gone pink.
Our ever-bold Katrina took him up on it. She pointed to a small doorway, through which I only saw blackness. “That’s the place, girls. It’s called a pleasure club.”
“Pleasure?” I cocked an eyebrow at her. “Why do I have the idea you’re talking of the carnal variety?”
“Because I am,” Katrina grinned. “You can watch or be watched.”
Ginger’s face went as red as her hair. “You mean...sex?”
Katrina snickered at our shock. “Betra, take a still. I want to remember these expressions forever.”
He shook his head at her, but he wore an indulgent smile. “You are more woman than should be allowed to walk free, Matara.” He turned to the rest of us. “The playrooms are glassed in, so you can watch people indulge in sexual intercourse. Some of it can be rough, so be warned before you let your curiosity take you inside. There are those who enjoy being restrained and marked by straps or whips.”
Bethany was pale. “Are people raped?”
“Absolutely not. What happens in there is consensual. The staff of the club makes sure everyone who plays is willing. If you visit the pleasure club, you won’t be forced to do anything.” His gaze flicked to me, and he quickly glanced away. “However, I do not recommend you go in alone. Just to be safe, I ask you to remain in a group of at least three, especially if you are impairing yourselves with alcohol. One of you should remain sober enough to watch out for the rest.”
Worried glances were exchanged. Only Katrina was delighted at the prospect. Candy appeared curious, but she also seemed scared. I was curious too.
Katrina had another word for the wise. “You should also remember that there are more men than women on this tub, and very few, if any, of us gals go in. I have yet to hear of any women playing. It’s all men with each other.”
Betra nodded. “That’s right.”
Candy leaned close to Katrina. “You mean you haven’t gone in there and given them a show?”
“I haven’t found anyone who will go in to chaperone me so far.” Katrina sighed. “Like Betra said, it’s best to not be the only woman. Remember, we’re with a bunch of men who don’t bed females often. I’m free with my pleasures, but I’m not stupid.”
“Well, I’m not going in there,” Candy muttered. “Surrounded by all those men...wanting to do stuff...tying a girl up...having sex in front of a bunch of men...no way.” She shivered and licked her lips.
Which will Katrina convince Candy to do first–attend one of her orgy parties or the pleasure club? Our eldest grinned at me behind Candy’s back. I could see the wheels turning in her head as she no doubt wondered the same.
December 11
I am going to com Dad and give him what for. He is an absolute busybody! The ship’s medical department commed me this morning, asking me to report as soon as possible for a checkup. What a pain in my ass. Plus, my dear old dad still hasn’t fessed up about whatever floozy he and his clan have been entertaining. When I get hold of that man...
Speaking of people trying to push me around, Candy is bugging me to fill out my clanning questionnaire so that the lottery can start matching me up to worthy men. Ugh, the thought makes me ill. I’m talking physically ill. I woke up this morning mulling over fielding hopeful clans, and I felt downright queasy. I couldn’t think about breakfast. I pushed the food on my plate and never took a single bite.
Candy shook her finger at me, reminding me of a mommy talking to her naughty five-year-old. “It has to be done, and you know it. The sooner you get it over with, the sooner you don’t have
to deal with it anymore.”
“No, then I have to deal with the deluge of supposed matches to sift through. What are you up to, a thousand clans?”
“About fifteen hundred.”
I gaped at her. “Jesus, Mohammed, and Moses. You’d need twenty years just to meet them all.”
She waved off my concerns. “I make myself go through a hundred possibilities every night before I go to bed. If they are less than perfect, I order the registry to delete them from my queue.”
“So how many Triple Mister Rights have you discovered so far?”
Shalia's Diary Omnibus Page 42
