Vilantia Prime

The Throne rested in their chambers, contemplating the events of the day and the next - finally there was quiet with their husband and wife after a fashion. They sat in the middle, reading a tablet and making a slight motion for when the oil braziers were running low.

The slight knock from a side door known only to a few. The Throne's husband stood and walked to the door with a goblet of wine in hand for their guest.

Said guest was wearing a dark brown cloak that concealed her facial features and most of her scent. After settling in a thick chair, she spoke.

"My Throne, I have words for your ears."

"I would hear them, Lead Servant."

"The Greatlords are highly discontent - and their discontent has begun to take a form. They move with their allies to call a procedural challenge to the very purpose of the Common House."

"Curious - what procedure are they calling upon?"

"The Twenty-First Throne; after the Famine of the Twentieth Generation, the Throne crafted an agreement which saw the Great Lords given a hand in keeping peace in exchange for a veto over excesses. Certain of the Great Lords intend to use that agreement to pass legislation without it being passed through the Common House."

"Why?"

"The Common House is not as obedient as they believed it would be. They return legislation with comments, addendums that the House of Nobles feel impinge upon their honor."

The Throne stood and paced, looking thoughtful. "Are there specific instances where this may be true?"

"Who can know what is in another's heart? The legislation forcing Terran aid to be distributed proportionate to population did cause an uproar. The nobles saw it as the Commons having a lack of trust." The Lead Servant was somewhat non-committal.

"The Commons legally questioning the judgment of the Lords must have stung." The Throne chuffed softly, reflecting. "Perhaps I was hasty in crafting the Common House. But now that the commons have had a sup from the spoon of governance, I doubt they will let it pass without complaint." There was a pause as the Throne paced, sipping from there wine. "We must have fewer lines. We divide by clan, Great Clan, Noble House. These divisions are part of who we are, and yet they will destroy us. We must...blur the lines in some way, recognizing that Vilantian prosperity depends on not setting ourselves apart."

The Lead Servant paused for a moment. "Perhaps an old title - Freelord. A commoner with the standing of a lord, but no lands or Greatlord to owe fealty to. It is used often with the Hurdop when spaceship captains develop a following but there is only one known Vilantian, and possibly a few others who could claim that title." There was hesitation in her scent. Despite her charge to speak freely, it was still a privilege rarely exercised.

The Throne shook their head, chuckling softly. "Well then. We should begin to introduce such a thing, but gradually. I will speak to the Minister of Culture regarding this. My thanks for your service."

The Lead Servant took her cue to exit.

___________

Homeplate

The morning dawned with multiple urgent messages. First, the cargo expansion modules had been secured to the ship. Second, there was a message from Reilly requesting her quarters be moved to the bridge conference room for the duration of the mission. Lastly, there was a message from Colonel Sinclair indicating that the elder Reillys had arrived and had paid the appropriate fees for their ship to be parked next to the Twilight Rose.

After breakfast, there was a short span of quiet time as everyone dressed - Gryzzk had a brief memory-flash as he fixed his spurs into place. Kiole seemed to be having similar memories as she secured her hand in place, as if watching a memory through a haze. Once out in the living room, the three who were leaving allowed Grezzk to inspect them before they all made their way to the ship itself, with Nhoot being very attentive to her sister. Finally at precisely ten in the morning as Homeplate reckoned time, Gryzzk called the company to attention. Reilly was nowhere to be seen, and in her normal place holding the company flag stood Carinda as the company was given a general briefing.

Among the usual ring of family watching and seeing the company off were three Terrans in clothing that seemed performatively outlandish. The woman was wearing a dress that seemed painfully tight at the torso and flared to an explosion of cloth and rainbow-dyed lace that appeared to be several (Vilantian) paces in diameter. To her right was an older man wearing a suit of a deep purple, with thin stripes of silver that was woven into a crest on his pocket.

The third one was a youth about Reilly's age, wearing a suit of similar style but shifting in color with a collection of odd gears and electronics woven in. The ensemble was completed with a flat topped porkpie hat along more gears and sets of goggles attached. The only static thing about him were several prominent emblems on his chest Their collective scent seemed to be some sort of flower, and Gryzzk felt a pang of sympathy for the poor troops nearest to them. He could smell it distinctly - those nearer were probably feeling like they'd been punished for a sin.

Gryzzk filed the knowledge away and took a breath before speaking. "Troop, this job is going take us to four systems. We will be going first to the systems of Vilantia, Hurdop, and Moncilat. We will be spending two days at each world while our employer surveys and selects appropriate pieces for safekeeping at our final destination, Anchiano colony in the Centauri cluster. There is the possibility of danger - that's why we were hired. Take care of your duties, take care of each other, and we'll all have a drink at Sparrows when we're home safe. Sergeant Major, dismiss the company to stations."

O'Brien growled softly. "You heard the major. Get your asses on board, get to your spots and then fuck off until departure."

There was a beat before a quiet voice asked, "How shall we fuck off, Sergeant Major?"

Gryzzk shook his head at Terran humor before leading the way into the ship and promptly went to the bridge to confirm all the squads were in, and the engines were warmed up and ready to get them out. He settled on the bridge with the day-squad coming in after him to do their checks - Reilly had come in last, and Gryzzk wasn't sure where she'd been hiding. Directly ahead of him was a ship registered as the Salvator Mundi. Gryzzk was far from an expert on ships, with the bulk of his experience being with cargo haulers on Vilantia and the ships used and repurposed by the various mercenary companies, but even he could tell this ship appeared to have been built for the express purpose of signaling to the viewer just how expensive it was to build. Gold and precious gems were the bulk of it, with wing-flares and struts placed strategically about to catch the eye and make one admire the expense of it all. The gemstones would pulse intermittently, throwing out colors in some sort of pattern Gryzzk did not have time to discern.

Hoban was shaking his head as he took it in. "Thing probably handles like a pregnant yak."

Edwards was similarly critical. "Sensors are probably a trainwreck."

O'Brien's opinion was succinct. "Looks like they shoved a buncha neon tubes up a peacock's ass."

There was silence from the communications station, as Reilly was a mixture of emotions being held in check through focus on her station.

Gryzzk glanced at Rosie. "XO, have you had an opportunity to speak with their ship's AI?"

Rosie smirked. "Claudio is...unique, Freelord Major. He spends computational cycles on the strangest things that he shouldn't. Much ado about nothing, really." She shrugged. "Seriously, he asked me if the latest structural addition made his engines look fat. I gave him the latest fanfic batch and he hasn't spoken to me since. I think he's reconsidering his entire existence."

Gryzzk made a soft hrm sound. "Well, I suppose that's something for thought. Can we confirm everyone's aboard?"

Reilly spoke softly. "Major, I have a request from security for our presence at the aft dock."

"Our?"

"Yes. Yours and mine." Reilly sighed. "We haven't even left the dock and it's beginning."

"Advise security that I'm changing, and we will be along momentarily."

Rosie had a tiny giggle. "Oh, this is gonna be good."

Gryzzk changed into his normal shipwear and after putting his hat and spurs in their proper place made his way to the aft deck where chaos of a sort was reigning. Reilly had taken the opportunity to change into her cleaning-the-bridge-with-a-toothbrush uniform, which was a mess of holes, solvent stains, and ship-grunge. It seemed as if Reilly was not unarmed in this war that was brewing on the ship.

They arrived to a somewhat chaotic scene - the dock was strewn with containers that were being ignored in favor of printmass crates being loaded. Security was standing by with stun weapons that crackled when the woman got too close to the actual work being done. Overall, they were nervous about being in front of such excessive personality and perfume. The two males were standing passively watching while the female was speaking to everybody and nobody in a strident voice.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Excuse me, but I ordered you all to carry these necessities to the hold." She looked around and saw Reilly slouched against the airlock. "Chastity Lavinia Reilly, make them move our things."

Reilly flushed before looking at Gryzzk. "Sir there's nothing I can do here. Permission to return to station?"

Gryzzk nodded. "Granted Sergeant."

Reilly left with a level of relief, which seemed to send the woman into something of a tizzy as she pointed at Gryzzk with a shaking hand. "You there. You there. Come here."

Gryzzk was familiar with certain displays of authority - and despite the fact that this woman was theoretically footing the bill for this, some things had to be maintained. "You are Delia Reilly, I presume?"

There was a huff. "Obviously. Now come here."

Gryzzk maintained his place and posture as he called out calmly and clearly. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance; my name is Gryzzk, major of the Terran Foreign Legion. You may address me as Major, Major Gryzzk, or if you prefer the title gifted to me by my company, Freelord. 'You there' is most inappropriate and dare I say it, vulgar. If it is your desire to have my company obey your commands, you may join the Legion by speaking with my XO or reporting to our recruitment office on the eighth floor's eastern wing. After joining all that you will need to do is attain a rank superior to mine, and you may expect your orders to be followed by myself and my company. Now, with respect to your...luggage - I am quite certain that the personnel responsible for moving it from your ship to the dock are quite capable of completing the journey to our cargo hold. You may direct them to do so, or you may leave it where it is."

As Delia stormed across the catwalk to place herself directly in front of Gryzzk, there was a faint familial scent connection to Reilly buried under the layered cloth and acrid perfume that he noticed even as she pointed an imperious finger at him. "Excuse me? I am the employer here. Do as I say. And widen this... this doorway, I cannot have the lines of my dress abused by metal."

Gryzzk had a moment of extreme concern as old reflexes of obedience threatened to take over - he took a deep steadying breath to re-order and assert himself. He'd realized he'd made a mistake approximately half a second into the action as his nose was rendered useless by the combined assault of every flower ever evolved, resulting in a sneezing fit.

Whatever misery Gryzzk was undergoing was seen as a minor victory of sorts by Delia as she smiled - her smile was an emotionless farce, as she continued speaking casually.

"These items are required for transport. The intelligent thing to do would be to simply do as you are told."

Gryzzk straightened, his eyes tearing up slightly from the aftereffects of the nasal assault. "Miss Delia. With respect, I must repeat myself. We are here to carry you and personal items that you require. You are responsible for the shipment of those items to the hold - this is per your request."

Delia's face purpled and she was fully prepared to retort before Reilly returned with a small hand-held fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher was promptly put to use, covering Delia in a flame retardant foam that also mercifully smothered the perfume. Gryzzk wiped his eyes and nodded gratefully to Reilly who stood there admiring her work.

Delia flicked her hands about to clear her vision, becoming irate as she saw Reilly standing in front of her. "Chastity!? What exactly was that?"

Reilly's expression didn't change. "Performance art, Delia. Call it 'Woman who doesn't understand what her perfume is doing to the highly scent-sensitive species around her and needs help in order to not be in material breach of contract.' Ditch the weaponized perfume, get your stevedore-bots to hike your crap to the cargo hold and then find your bunk so we can get the fuck out of here." There was a pause and a very faint smile. "Please."

The expression of shock, horror, and sheer anger on Delia's face was muted - mostly due to the layer of fire-retardant foam that now covered her face. Gryzzk took advantage of the moment to fill the silence. "Respectfully madam, it is as my sergeant says. For our collective safety, minimize your use of artificial scent while aboard. We await your return."

As Gryzzk returned to the bridge, he found the entire bridge save Reilly in various stages of amusement.

"Wait. Chastity? Really?! Ohmigawd, ironic." Hoban was pounding the edge of his console.

Reilly glowered. "Why do you think my name is Jenassa."

Edwards shook her head with barely disguised mirth. "It just keeps getting funnier every time someone finds out."

Rosie had other items on her list. "Freelord Major, I believe Claudio is having a panic attack. Delia has returned and is in the midst of holding up her end of the contract. She is highly put out by this, however when I reminded her that her continuing to wear perfume in the amount she was would result in the breach of contract clauses being enforced with the result of her being forced to pay the entire amount due and being blacklisted from future contract work, she saw things our way. Mostly. Delia has requested strict enforcement of the meal clause requiring Sergeant Reilly to have one meal per day with her parents and a 'plus-one'. I have been advised that they will be monitoring this closely. Apologies sergeant, but you'll have to eat with your family."

Reilly looked sour at the thought. "I don't see Mama Grezzk or Lomeia."

"Genetic donors?"

There was a snort. "Between Delia and Chuck, they're responsible for about forty percent of my genetic structure." She waved her hand angrily. "That's a whole different story. Can we get them on board and get gone already?"

There was a pause from Rosie. "Their luggage has been stowed appropriately. Our passengers are boarding."

Gryzzk exhaled softly. It was going to be a long three weeks. "Alright squad, relax - as much as you can. XO, have all sections reported readiness?"

"They have, Freelord."

Gryzzk exhaled. "Secure hatches; Captain Hoban - show me the stars." Gryzzk glanced at his tablet. "And if it's possible to make up the time from the earlier delays, please do so."

"Can do, Major." There was a tiny snicker from the helm. "Who wants to go fast today?" Hoban grinned and answered himself. "I wanna go fast."

As soon as they'd cleared the dock, Hoban threw the engines to near maximum, ignoring the wails from Engineering. Gryzzk settled in to re-read all the terms and determine if there was some way he could get Reilly out of what was obviously going to be a difficult time. He finally came upon something.

"XO, I see that the meal clause can be overridden by needs of the ship. What if we were to have Sergeant Reilly and Yomios exchange shifts while we are in R-space?"

Rosie considered. "It would work - however we would have to have legal explain it."

"Simple. The bridge requires a senior non-commissioned officer in addition to a senior officer. Sergeant Reilly could fulfill that role temporarily, and while we are within a system Corporal Larion would fulfill that role. Thoughts?"

Edwards grunted. "Pain in the ass but doable. Remember how I gotta live with her?"

Rosie cleared her throat. "That does not prevent them from altering their schedules to match."

There was a nod from Gryzzk. "True. However it should serve to remind them that I am actually in charge. And it may prevent them from getting into mischief in R-space."

O'Brien gave her console one more look before turning. "Why don't we just invoke safety of the ship clause and confine them to their quarters?"

Gryzzk pointed at his tablet. "Because that comes with a twenty-five percent reduction in fees even if it is with cause, and I would not be surprised to see them force us to spend more money than it's worth to prove that the action was valid. I'd rather not invoke that clause if I can avoid it."

The discussion was tabled as Rosie interrupted. "Freelord Major, Miss Delia is outside the bridge demanding entry. She attempted to access engineering to ensure the atmosphere was balanced and harmonious, with the result being predictable to everyone not Delia." Rosie paused. "I do love that man."

Gryzzk exhaled. Yet another shot had been fired, and somehow it was worse than the first one. He tapped his tablet.

"Tuckers Louvre, Lube, and Massage - oil paintings, oil changes, and oil rubs, what's your happy ending gonna be today?"

"Chief Tucker I am given to understand there was an event of sorts recently?"

"You mean the dim bint who caught a foam bath after trying to walk in and change the life support to emit sandalwood? Yeah, I suppose that qualifies."

Gryzzk winced. "How far did she get?"

"About three feet. Morisk caught her and hit her with foam to get her out. It was either that or fire a ten-millimeter socket at her and we try to keep assault charges to shore leave. She dropped the data tab, and it looked like she wanted the O2 dispensers to kick out sandalwood in concentrations more suited to a house of ill repute."

"Good thinking. Have Morisk report to Lieutenant Gro'zel for a hug at his earliest convenience."

"Thank you Major. Tucker out."

Gryzzk took a breath as he stood. "XO, let her in."

The door opened, revealing Delia in a mood. She had changed into a sleek dress that covered her from neck to ankle and appeared to be highly restricting with respect to movement. She locked onto Gryzzk and then Reilly in succession before speaking to Gryzzk.

"Captain, I must report a violation of my person. This, this - the engineer, foamed at me!" Her scent was not perfumed, which made life bearable. For the moment.

Gryzzk looked over to the helm. "Captain Hoban, please take her report as soon as duty permits."

Delia reddened, the skin tone change only visible after she wiped foam from her face. "You."

"Then I remind you to address me as Major when attempting to engage me. I will see you in my conference room. Immediately." Gryzzk moved toward the conference room without waiting for a response. A few memories invaded of times when Lord A'kifab was doing truly foolish things and needed to have something explained quietly.

Once inside, Gryzzk went to the printer for two cups of tea. One was set down in front of Delia as she arrived in silent rage, and the other was reserved for himself.

"Miss Delia, this ship and company will extend every possible courtesy to you. However you will respect the fact that certain spaces are off-limits to all company personnel not assigned to those spaces as well as passengers - specifically food preparation and engineering. Mistakes there can lead to disastrous consequences. Now, kindly explain why you were attempting to enter engineering."

Delia was sullen as she sipped her tea for a moment. "You don't know what it's like."

"That is quite likely true. However, according to my Chief Engineer you were attempting to access life support?"

She nodded. "Of course I was, why else would I be in that dreary hideous place? Sandalwood was Chastity's favorite scent as a child. I wanted to remind her of our home."

"You may do that within your own quarters. You may also wear sandalwood perfume if you have consideration for the two-thirds of the company that have exceptionally sensitive noses. However, any subsequent entry into restricted areas will result in my taking action to ensure company health and safety."

Delia blinked. "What sort of actions can you take? And what are you going to do about this?!" She pointed at her clothing.

Gryzzk took a deep breath. "I have options in front of me as a result of this. The first is to confine you to your quarters when we are not at a location that requires your presence. The second option would be to have you chaperoned by security whenever you are not in your quarters and have a guard posted in front of your door. The third option would be to place you in the stockade for the duration of your time aboard this ship. My final option would be to consult with the XO and department heads, and if there is complete agreement among the department heads the contract will be canceled for cause - you may read your copy of the contract at your leisure if you have any doubts as to what I can and cannot do." Gryzzk stood fully, his eyes boring into hers. "As for your clothing, consider it a reminder that restricted areas are restricted for a reason. Due to the contract, you are a guest here. On my world, that requires both parties to adhere to standards of behavior. Kindly adhere to those standards or discover how a poor guest is treated."

Delia sipped at her tea and made a disdainful face as she considered her options. "I will agree to being guarded only by Chastity with her presence in my quarters."

Gryzzk kept his voice deliberately neutral. "Forgive me, but there is no Chastity aboard this ship. Additionally, given your behavior thus far I am not inclined to entertain any personnel requests - particularly those involving Sergeant Reilly. Now per our contract, dinner will be in one hour. Kindly prepare yourself, as Sergeant Reilly will be present as stipulated."

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