Scerior Part II

by Jilly Bowling

  Some of the vineyards had survived, although left in a wild state while humans avoided the Xenorrii, and new batches of wine were being bottled. Along with a few rare wines from before the invasion young wines were also served with some courses. One light fresh rose wine was proving to be popular even with the Sceriae and slowly as the evening progressed the heads of state and their wives relaxed and started to talk freely among themselves.

  Rebecca was sitting between Allorus and the Prime minister of Great Britain, who had been one of Acorus’ staunch allies from the start, having thrown what was left of his armed forces into the battle alongside the Sceriae. Britain had been one of the countries that had defended themselves and their neighbours in a combined effort as soon as the Xenorrii attacked, so they had never been overrun by them as some of the weaker countries had. Their cities had been destroyed and many millions killed but none of their citizens had been taken as blood milkers by that evil race, so they did not have such desperately traumatised people as less fortunate countries did. Prime Minister Freeman was therefore interested in the work being done by the Escorii to mend the broken minds left behind by that enemy and Rebecca had been one of the people who helped in their recovery so he was interested in her views on the subject.

  “Tell me, Lady Rebecca, is it true that the Escorii can completely eradicate all unwanted memories without damaging the patient’s brain?”

  “Well, if the patient was strong before they were taken it works like that, but if they were weak minded or of a nervous disposition before the Xenorrii got them they usually die. Their brain just seems to switch off”. Rebecca tried to explain.

  “Then it’s a dangerous unproven procedure”.

  Rebecca sighed “Have you ever seen someone who has survived the Xenorrii. If you had you’d know that death is preferable to those memories, of multiple rape, being bitten then hung like a carcass while each day your blood is drained from you bit by bit. The trauma of knowing that you are being fed your fellow captives, when they die from lack of blood and you can do nothing about it, is enough to drive a person mad. I sat with such people as they screamed and begged to die thinking themselves still captives, so I tell you unproven or not it is better than anything else that was tried. A very few who had only been captive for a very short time, we did help conventionally, but they will have nightmares for the rest of their lives. I know that I would prefer to take my chance with the Escorri. They have managed to return seventy five per cent to a `normal` life and we couldn’t manage twenty per cent, so dangerous or not it’s well worth it”.

  “I see” Freeman nodded his head “It was a time that changed mankind forever”.

  “It was, but with the Sceriae’s help it will be a change for the better”.

  “You seem certain of that, you trust the Sceriae completely, don’t you?”

  “Yes, they are the most honourable race you could ever find”.

  “And yet they stole girls like you from Earth and enslaved them!”

  Frowning Rebecca asked “What would mankind have done if their race was about to die out for lack of women. Would men have treated another species as well as the Sceriae treated those girls? I think not. And then when Lady Joanna was taken by Lord Acorus they only took girls who were being enslaved by men, in fact they rescued them from sex slavery and gave them a life as treasured mates”.

  “You are a great ambassador for the Sceriae, and you’re right. I fear man would not have been as careful of another species, our history proves that we have not always been honourable to those weaker than us”.

  “It was a terrible time for the Sceriae and of course for the first girls, I don’t know how they survived, but they did and worse things have been done to girls on Earth than was done on Scerior. Luckily the girls, who survived, are now women, happily living a probably more fulfilling life than they might have on Earth, knowing what they came from. Some are on the council, others have their own business or are training to be doctors, engineers etc. How many from the sex trade would have accomplished that on Earth? Those who don’t want to work don’t have to and are free to stay at home and just have babies, as few or as many as they want, and all have the same standard of living. It would be good, now that our galaxies are safe, for some of Earth’s premieres to visit Scerior and see it for themselves”.

  “You speak eloquently yet you have never been there”.

  “No, but I have spoken with those who have including Lady Joanna. She is the reason that Earth is now safe as she showed the Sceriae what they owe to us”. Rebecca pointed out.

  “I would like to visit Scerior once my country is completely stable. It is something we must consider for the future”.

  Allorus had heard what they’d been talking about and leaned over to say “Any who wish to visit Scerior are more than welcome to go, you will enjoy it as there are many things on Earth that my people have enjoyed, especially me”. At this he put his hand over Rebecca’s and smiled. “The other planets in our galaxy are worth visiting too, as many are strange but very beautiful”.

  Freeman replied “It is amazing to think of so many inhabited planets in your galaxy, when we are the only one in ours”.

  “It is because we are all equidistant from our star, while in your galaxy some are too close and some too far away from your star, the sun. However that does not mean that in the next few millennia life won’t become viable on your empty planets. Of course that could mean that life on Earth ceases to exist”.

  “That’s a gloomy idea, Lord Allorus”.

  “It is logical, but now humans will have space flight not such a dire thought as you could go elsewhere as the Escorii did all those millennia ago”. Allorus pointed out.

  Freeman gazed at him in surprise “Will the Sceriae aid us in travelling into space?”

  “Of course, some of your soldiers are already on Scerior and a quarter of our population is human. The human gene will be in our race forever even though the plan is to dilute it in each generation”.

  “You mean to stick to the plan that the half human females will only be allowed to marry full Sceriae males”.

  Allorus frowned “Of course, we wish to keep our race as pure as possible”.

  “Mmm, on Earth we are all just human no matter what race we are”. Freeman argued.

  “Yes, you are all human only from different cultures. You all have the human gene. We used to be the same but, as hopefully humans will become one race in the future, we became one race millennia ago. Humans and Sceriae are different species, compatible, but not the same. Our females only bred at certain times, yours breed all the time and our young were only carried for fifteen weeks, growing quickly, while yours take thirty six weeks to grow. Our young mature quicker than yours and are bigger and stronger than yours from birth,” Allorus stopped talking as he realised that everyone was listening to him.

  Prime Minister Freeman said “We realise that we have much to learn about your people and look forward to it”. Then he diplomatically changed the subject and everyone started chatting again.

  Rebecca leaned closer to Allorus and said “We will have to take it very slowly. Different cultures on Earth are still very touchy, colour still causes some problems”.

  “Yes you’re right as usual. If I looked around a banqueting table on Scerior all the males would look very alike. Dark hair, blue eyes, big and athletic, here no two look anything like each other. If I wanted to be controversial I would say we are all pedigree, you are all mongrels!”

  Rebecca’s mouth fell open “Oh that’s dreadful, you big headed bugger!”

  “Pardon?”

  “You heard me, I’m no mongrel and I’m disappointed with you for saying such a thing”. Then she turned away and engaged Freeman in conversation once again.

  Allorus glared at her about to bring her to heel, how dare she swear at him in public, then he
thought better of it. He would have it out with her in private.

  Rebecca ignored him for the rest of the evening and as the banquet came to an end he was at a loss with how to deal with her. She had always been so sweet and acquiescent, never arguing with him and certainly never swearing at him. Now she had called him` a big headed bugger` in public and he didn’t like it. He kept his cool Sceriae face on until they had said goodnight to their guests and made it back to their quarters. She had remained aloof and while being polite to their guests, all who knew her were aware that she was angry.

  When they reached their quarters Teha was waiting to help her undress and get ready for bed, but Allorus dismissed her saying that they would manage by themselves.

  “I needed Teha to let my hair down, it’s not up to you to dismiss her”.

  “I am your mate and master of Earth, it is up to me what I want to do!”

  “Huh!” Was all she said as she went into the bathroom and shut the door in his face. His face a mask of shock and anger he went after her.

  “Don’t you dare walk away from me and shut the door on me. You overstepped the line tonight, how dare you speak to me like that in public. Bad enough you are showing me no respect now but to do it in public!” he roared.

  Rebecca turned to face him and admitted to herself that he was very frightening. She knew that Acorus had a bad temper but Allorus had always been so placid and gentle with her, it shocked her that he could be like this.

  “I am your wife, not a slave and I have a mind of my own. Get used to it or get out” she found herself yelling at him. The horror on his face nearly caused her to give a nervous laugh but she managed to hold herself in check and glare at him convincingly.

  In two strides he had her in his arms but when he shook her he was surprised to receive a stinging slap across his cheek.

  “Don’t you dare touch me. Why would you want to? A mongrel, hardly good enough for your pure blood. Well that’s easily settled. I’ll leave you, go find a pedigree to mate with!” Then she realised what she had said and was ashamed, knowing that all the Sceriae females were extinct.

  Allorus let her go and stood back “You think I called you a mongrel and meant it as an insult?

  “You did” Rebecca was close to tears now. She rarely lost her temper, but when she did, like most girls she could be nasty, then she’d regret what she’d said and end up in tears.

  “I was trying to explain that all humans no matter what colour, race or creed are humans, while we Sceriae are a different species with different genes and bodies. If we just breed willy nilly on Scerior we’ll be neither human or Sceriae but another species altogether. Some will, inevitably, be like that but it would be nice to keep some nearly pure Sceriae, getting purer with each generation. There will be many races arise from our breeding with humans and they will maybe be better and stronger than the Sceriae, after all our females didn’t die out for no reason. Many of your cross breed dogs, cats, etc. are stronger than the pedigree animals but you still keep those pedigrees”.

  Rebecca frowned “You made it sound as if you Sceriae despised us humans for not being pure”.

  “But don’t you understand, you are all pure, with only human genes and no other species in your history”. Allorus pulled her closer to him “It is not like you to be so touchy my love. You know I love and respect you and like humans and Earth I chose to stay here with you rather than be heir to the throne of Scerior”.

  Rebecca bit her lip “I’m sorry, I don’t know what was the matter with me tonight”.

  “You are tired, you work too hard and perhaps I expect too much of you. I forget how small and delicate you are when I want your body, maybe too often. For the next week you will rest and I will not bother you”.

  “Don’t” she murmured “I like you to want me, it makes me feel so special when I know how much you want me. I will rest but you will not leave me alone or I shall have to grab you and rape you!”

  Allorus stood back “What? My stars I’ve spawned an insatiable witch!”

  “Please don’t tease me not tonight”.

  “Ah, love, you really are exhausted. Come let me help you get ready for bed,” and he raised his hands to her hair and started pulling her hair pins out. Once her hair was loose he undid the back of her dress and helped her out of it, ignoring his aching shaft as he did so.

  “Go wash and I’ll turn down the bed” he said pushing her gently towards the bathroom.

  When she returned to the bedroom he tucked her into bed then he too used the bathroom, hanging his uniform up for his batman to see to, and joined her in the bed. He lay down behind her spooning into her.

  “Go to sleep my love” he said kissing the back of her neck.

  “Goodnight. I’m sorry I swore at you in public!”

  “Mmm, I’ll have to think what your punishment will be” he grinned as he pulled her tightly against him.

  “Yeah, yeah” she murmured as sleep overcame her.

  Chapter 27

  When Rebecca awoke the next morning Allorus was gone and Teha was sitting by the bed.

  “Oh, where’s Allorus and why are you there” she asked sitting up and pushing her hair off her face.

  “Lord Allorus has gone to say goodbye to your guests from last night. They are travelling back to their countries today and he wanted a final word with them before they left. I am here because he has left instructions that you must rest completely until he returns. You are to eat well, have a long soak in the bath and then a massage. You are not to leave the starship today”.

  “What? He can’t tell me what to do. I was going to a new township in South America today, it’s all arranged. So get me a smart tunic and trousers, I’ll have a shower, get dressed and eat”. Rebecca ordered swinging her legs off the bed.

  “I’m sorry my Lady, but I have my orders. Lord Allorus has sent a message to say you are unwell and unable to visit that township today”.

  “I am your Lady, do as I say” Rebecca snapped and went into the bathroom expecting the normally obedient Teha to do as she was told.

  Teha shook her head “I’m sorry, I would not upset you for anything, but I’m afraid that even if I agreed to do as you say, you would not be allowed off the starship”.

  “Nonsense!” Rebecca grabbed her robe and going through the bedroom opened the front door of her quarters. The two Sceriae guards who were standing there turned to her.

  “Can we help you my lady?” one asked.

  “Yes, fetch me my breakfast and tell my pilot to ready my transport for South America” she ordered.

  “I will order your breakfast but I’m afraid we cannot allow you to leave the ship. Lord Allorus has left specific orders that you are to remain here until he returns”.

  Rebecca stamped her foot “Do as you are told or I will have you disciplined!”

  The guard looked at her gravely “I’m afraid that Lord Allorus’ orders supercede all others. I must obey him, I’m sorry my lady,” then he firmly shut the door.

  “AAHH,” Rebecca screamed slapping the door hard. Then she turned to Teha, “get out, I don’t want a massage, I thought you were my friend”.

  “Rebecca, I am your friend, Lord Allorus thinks only of your well being”.

  “Just go Teha, you have both upset me. I’ll have it out with him later”. Turning away she went into the bathroom to shower.

  Sighing Teha left, warning the guards that she had been dismissed and Lady Rebecca was very angry. One of the guards sighed, he had been there on occasions when Lady Joanna had been angry with Lord Acorus. He had thought that Lady Rebecca was of a meeker temper, he could only hope that she was!

  In the shower Rebecca soaped herself vigorously, She’d never known herself to feel so angry. Allorus was treating her as if she were subservient to him. Had she allowed him to domina
te her too much? She loved him so much that she had just gone along with what he’d wanted her to do, not realising that she’d allowed him to rule her. She had been so innocent where sex was concerned that she hadn’t thought to question anything he did to her in bed, in fact had enjoyed it all, but her acquiescence must have spread into everyday life too. She was angry with herself as well as him and was determined to have it out with him.

  Once she was dry she put on a tunic and trousers and went through into the bedroom where her breakfast had been laid out on the small dining table. There were fresh croissants, which she loved, butter, jam, different types of fruit and a pot of coffee. As she ate she pondered over how to deal with her husband, she could understand why Jo had lost her temper with Acorus so often. The problem was that Sceriae males were used to being dominant over all species and having never lived as man and wife with their females, only coming together to mate, were not used to being argued with.

  However she knew that she was not as strong as Jo, she doubled that few were, so she would have to find a different way to manage her husband, her way. She made plans in her head then discarded each one; knowing herself well she knew that if she lost her temper she’d end up in tears, of frustration. The only thing that had got her through the last few years was keeping calm and being determined to sort each problem out as they arose. Now that problem was her husband, the one person who meant more to her than any other, but this did not mean that she would allow him to treat her as a possession, ordering her to do something and expecting no argument.

  Finishing her breakfast she rang for the Escorii to clear it away and sitting on a sofa opened the Sceriae version of a laptop. Sure enough there were piles of mail for her to sort out, usually her secretary did that and gave her the important ones to deal with first, but today she worked her way through each one. She knew that if Allorus had given instructions that she must rest her secretary would not dare to come near her, so she would do it herself.

  The Escorii came to tidy the rooms and she ignored them. They kept looking at her worriedly and she knew that they too had been told that she must rest. However being Escorii they did not intrude on her space knowing that they’d get short shrift if they interfered with her. She hated being like that with them as she loved and respected each one, especially Teha, who had not returned with her sisters. Rebecca had obviously upset her badly and that was something else she blamed Allorus for.