Heroine of Zenina Page 4

  “Marina, you’ve tabled a motion on blood donations?”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Gold blood reserves are dangerously low. The demands have only been moderate and if donations had been made in accordance with legal requirements there’d be storage problems not a shortfall. There’s a new outbreak of Space Leprosy which is a mutated strain. We are tracing all contacts and vaccinating them against infection. The strain is virulent and might infect Rubies, if it reaches Zenina unchecked. It is imperative Gold blood supplies are stock-piled because this could cause a serious pandemic.” She waited while some of the members shuffled their papers in front of them.

  “You’ll find a summary of donation records of all Golds in front of each of you. I recommend all Golds and Silvers who’ve not caught up with their legally required blood donations within six months be fined one twentieth of their property, unless they show good reason why they’ve not done so. The Silvers have been loyal, their donations run over 95 percent of possible donations. Five percent of Silvers carried children full-term during that period, the donations adjusted for pregnancies and lactations result in a Silver donation rate of a 108 percent. The Gold donation rate is less than 50 percent. There’ve been less than ten Gold pregnancies so this is not acceptable. It sets a bad example to the population to whom these figures are available.” Marina sat down.

  “Vellina, do you have any comments?” Kerina enquired.

  “Yes, ma’am the fall-off in donations has meant research has been cancelled, non-urgent operations postponed. This is very serious. Preliminary tests done on the Leprosy strain indicate it is very infectious. We expect requests from all over the universe to deal with the epidemic. We have insufficient blood supplies to inoculate Empire Planets. I think Marina is over generous in waiting six months before penalising these laggards. I’d bring the full weight of the law down on each and every one. Swingeing fines now and a tithe of their property in three months’ time should they fail to catch up!”

  “Any other comments? Vote”

  “Eight votes all. We use our casting vote in support of our daughter Marina’s motion. We note the three Golds voting against the motion are all behind in their donations. We trust that will be swiftly rectified. It doesn’t look good when Ministers break the law, particularly when one is our Chief of Police. Both our daughters and Serengia are donating more than the legal requirement as we do ourselves, as should all Golds. My consort Kabaneev, a man for whom there is no legal requirement, donates blood regularly.”

  Zadina, Klivina and Irzina were far behind in their donations and Kerina’s rebuke silenced them. Folada and Lamaza who were also a little lax in their donations voted against the motion as had Perlza, Xanda and Rusenza. Gepa and Dalla voted for the motion. Gepa voted that way because of the alleged risk to Rubies, and Dalla because she was loyal to the crown.

  “There are three minor matters on the agenda. Xanda says something will have to be done about the problem of loose dogs in Hemithea. The Hemithean Town Council has no power to deal with the matter. We propose to make Xanda head of a sub-committee on dogs, co-opt Lamaza, Dalla and Querella to it, to draw up some regulations and empower the Town Council to deal with the matter. Any problems?”

  “I think there should be a farming representative on the dog sub-committee. Loose dogs are a problem for us too, ma’am,” said Perlza.

  “Are you volunteering?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Fine include Perlza in the sub-committee all agreed? Good, Next!”

  Chapter Five – Help Needed

  Heneran Bromarsh had been examining his files at Marina’s department of Internal Security and the information he had discovered gave him a lot to think about. He believed he would think better with a drink. He had promised Marina he would transport straight home from the hospital and not go out without an escort. However, he did not feel like going straight to her home, he wanted a drink and he wanted to drink it surrounded by other people likewise engaged. He thought he would enjoy sounds of raucous chatter in the background and perhaps a little smoke for atmosphere.

  “What I want is a bar. I know Zadina will be in the Council Chamber with Marina. What harm can I come to?”

  He found the bar Charles had taken him to without difficulty and ordered a beer. He took it over to a booth to drink in solitude. A few sailors were drinking with some Zeninan ladies, but there were no Zeninan men around, as so many Zeninan men were seated in Mermaid Square.

  Princess Marina in the Imperial Council Chamber caught a glimpse of his thoughts, and realised he had not gone home, so she was concerned for his safety. Lahoda was free but she was not a particularly skilled fighter. She called her anyway, briefly explaining the problem. Lahoda would go looking for him. Marina narrowed her search area by telling her the exact direction of his thoughts and distance. Letinza too was unoccupied and she was tough. Marina told her as well. She would seek out Bromarsh and protect him.

  So far Bromarsh thought he had not attracted the attention of any of the ladies therein. Unaware of the cavalry racing to his rescue, the Colonel was slowly finishing his beer. He found the first beer very pleasant but not quite enough, a second was definitely called for, and then perhaps a bite to eat. He carried his glass to the bar and the server poured him another. He returned to his table but this time was observed.

  A Blue woman watched from where she sat across the room with a group of her colleagues. She was just off duty and still wearing her yellow customs uniform, as were her friends. She had worked four shifts of four hours in the last 27 as her colleague Ketla was still incapacitated, as a result of her injuries from the pelozia match.

  She recognised Bromarsh, as the man Ketla had stripped and searched earlier that week. She thought he had stripped rather well and even having served Marina one night, doubled a man’s value. Marina trained her men so well. She doubted he would recognise her, there was little making her stand out from other Zeninans. She strolled to his table and asked to join him. He started to say he would prefer to be alone, but his natural good manners stopped him. He found himself welcoming the young lady and chatting politely with her. She offered him another drink and though he wished to refuse, found himself politely accepting.

  Her name was Zada and she seemed charming. Quite a pretty girl, but she was intruding into his reflections. He could not think of a tactful way to rid himself of her, the longer he talked to her, the clearer it became what she wanted from him.

  Bromarsh realised he would have been wiser to go home like he had promised Marina. He was out of his depth. He was not sure if this woman was safe or not. He found her quite attractive, but whose side was she on? He was not much in the mood anyway. He would say his goodbyes and transport straight home. That would be the most sensible thing to do. So he thanked Zada for the drink. He told her it had been a pleasure to meet her and headed at speed for the transporters.

  Zada was not going to be bilked of her prey. She caught Bromarsh’s arm and asked him what the rush was.

  He pulled back, repeating, “I was very pleased to meet you but I’ve got to go.” He backed away in the direction of the transport.

  “Why don’t we go somewhere together?” asked Zada. “What can be so important it can’t wait for a few hours?”

  He did not stop moving towards the transport, just a few more yards and he would be safe, but Zada had not given in. She realised he would resist all persuasion and changed tactics. Her new tactics were direct. She picked him up; put him across her shoulder, carrying him towards the stairs. Bromarsh was no longer being polite, but no-one was interested in interfering, as he yelled to be put down. Zada had a firm grip and for all he pushed and thrashed about, she reached the stairs.

  ***

  Queen Kerina raced through the general business, reaching the matters she wished to discuss. Although cognisant of her own impending death, she was determined to do her best for Zenina to her last breath. There had been a strange pattern to the attacks believed to have been
carried out by Kurgians. There was no obvious motive for most of them and little proof of their involvement except conjecture.

  No attacks had been within the Zeninan Empire so whatever they were up to it was not directly aimed at Zenina, although some of the attacks could be seen as preparatory. The attacks had been against Zigan and Markaban settlements and even against one Federated Planet Colony. Kerina told the Council about the supposed Kurgian actions and asked for comments.

  Vlama suggested King Ga’Mishrin was gearing up for war against the Zigans, but Lamaza thought it unlikely. The Zigans had mutual support treaties with the Markabans and the Kurgians would not risk taking on both at once. Serengia said the Kurgians had some recent scientific developments, but were being secretive about them. Irzina thought they were going to band together with the Federated Planets for a full scale war, but against whom she made no guess.

  “What about the attack on Hugganeit?” Rusenza asked.

  “Probably renegades,” Irzina replied, “Perhaps that Ga’ Riyal as the Kurgians said it was.”

  “It’s only in-fighting between the various Princes who hope to become heir to the throne, they’re showing off their prowess simply to get in Ga’ Mishrin’s good books. Zenina shouldn’t interfere and has nothing to worry about,” Zadina suggested.

  Xanda thought they should be warned off from disrupting Zeninan trade and Rusenza complained too many Kurgian goods were reaching Zeninan Empire shops. It was damaging to Zeninan trading interests.

  Marina said nothing, but noted Zadina’s views. She had an idea what the Kurgians were up to, but would not reveal her intelligence in open Council. She would explain her fears to her majesty later in private. No mention of Prince Ga’ Mikkal and his so called Trade mission was made. Zadina was relieved she did not want any questions about his activities. Marina was instructed by the Council to gather information about Kurgian intentions.

  “We wished to discuss pirates operating just outside and in Zeninan space. Recently there have been a number of incidents within Zeninan space. What action is the army taking against pirates?”

  “Five pirate ships have been taken this month, ma’am. The army boards any ship suspected of carrying female slaves in Zeninan space. In addition to the pirates caught, we detain slavers. But unless they have Zeninan slaves on board, the slavers are freed with their ships without their cargo. Two slave cargos were released last month, 85 ships carrying female slaves in total this year. Of these, eleven were Kurgian vessels. We’ve no brief against pirates as such. If pirates aren’t carrying female slaves and have not attacked ships in our space, we’ve no orders to move against them.” said Vlama.

  “Are known pirates allowed to operate in Zeninan space?” asked Plavina.

  “We don’t allow attacks on shipping in our space. Known pirates do come into Zeninan space to sit out a Kurgian or Markaban search. If they come to rest or trade, we don’t interfere, unless they commit a local crime,” said Marina.

  “Do you keep surveillance on them? What is Zeninan Security doing to protect our merchants from these pirates?” asked Rusenza.

  “We track their positions in our space and on land keep their officers under surveillance, but it isn’t a small task. Hundreds of pirate ships operate outside our space boundaries. Much of their income is spent in the Zeninan Empire. If we crack down on pirates who’ve committed no crime in the Empire, where do we stop? Irzina couldn’t deal with all those wanted for crimes on other planets. I myself have broken laws and heads on other planets,” said Marina.

  Irzina nodded agreement. She did not want Marina agreeing extradition treaties; it would make too much work. Other people’s criminals were the Zeninan Empire’s respected citizens. Amongst the different societies of the Empire there was room for all kinds of people. Most eventually found the right niche.

  Princess Zadina had very little to say, which Marina found suspicious. Marina was aware of her involvement with Ga’Mikkal and was receiving regular reports on both their movements, so she merely noted it as confirmation that she was up to no good.

  Kerina was bringing the meeting to a close.

  “Was there Any Other Business not included on the agenda?” she enquired.

  Marina stood up and formally handed over the petition to her majesty with a flourish.

  “We thought that display outside, might be to do with you, Marina. Care to explain it?”

  “The slaves feared I would back down without their moral support, ma’am. Rather pretty, don’t you think?” she said wandering over to a window.

  Kerina got up and joined her daughter.

  “It’s very effective. Did you organise it?”

  “Not directly, ma’am. I agreed to present the petition after it was reworded a little, but the demonstration is mostly their idea. The chains are rather a master stroke. I’d never have thought of that. It’s foolish to treat slaves as dumb animals. With proper training they can think for themselves.”

  “So what are we to do about this?”

  Kerina moved into the window which opened out into a balcony, and stepping onto it showed herself to the crowd. She was holding the petition and the slaves stood and cheered her, calling her name. Then they sang out “Marina! Marina! Marina!”

  Kerina beckoned her over. The cheering was louder. Marina quietened the crowd, embarrassed by how she enjoyed her power over the mass of men.

  “I wish I had that effect on men,” said Plavina a little plaintively.

  “Don’t we all?” said Lamaza, forgetting to address her correctly. Others hummed agreement. Marina had not answered the question. Something was wrong, but she could not identify what. So she attempted to answer Kerina’s question.

  “The citizens of Zenina are not ready for the abolition of slavery although I strongly believe in liberation; it cannot be foisted on them without consultation. It would bring down the Monarchy. The people need time to accept men as equals and they’ve no opportunity to demonstrate that equality. The slaves need a gesture of good will, a sign we’ll consider their views and a direct link to Government. Most are generally happy but feel powerless and of little value to the state. I’d recommend a house for male representatives built with a public gallery where their deliberations can be heard; a talking shop to advise us on matters that concern the male population of Zenina. Let their votes be registered, even if they’re not taken into account, so they know we know what they collectively feel.”

  Marina waved and smiled to the square and then turned away from the window.

  “I don’t propose dramatic change immediately, but change must come. Look out of the window. The slaves of Zenina will not always be in chains. How would we deal with them, if they were armed? “

  Marina never finished her speech. Vellina collapsed to the floor. Marina dashed to her side. Ripping open the exoskeleton suit and applying the force of her mind and hands to Vellina’s heart. Her heart restarted but faintly. The other Council Members clustered around her. Kerina looked at Marina, questioning.

  “Her body has worn out,” replied Marina “I can keep her alive but only for a few days, everything is breaking down. She’ll have to be operated on tonight or die.”

  Vellina, her mind barely conscious accepted her decision. “You operate Marina,” she said, “I put myself into your hands,” and then allowed herself to drift back into unconsciousness.

  Marina transported herself and Vellina straight to the hospital and Plavina went out on to the balcony to talk to the men.

  “My sister Princess Marina has presented your petition. We make no promises presently but to consider what you demand at some future date.”

  A yowl of dismay went up.

  “Princess Vellina has collapsed and is desperately ill. My sister, Princess Marina has taken her to hospital and the Council meeting has been adjourned. I am sure at this sad time; you’ll forgive us postponing further discussion of your demands until Marina can present your case in person. She’d wish you to disperse peacefully s
o she can concentrate on preserving Vellina’s life.”

  “Please separate yourselves quietly and return home. Princess Marina and yourselves can be assured of my support in ridding Zenina of the excesses of cruelty to slaves, although I’m not in favour of the immediate abolition of slavery.”

  There were jeers from the crowd at this statement.

  “But it is time Zeninan slaves had some rights; Zeninan slaves are superior to most free men in the universe. Your views should be heard and I support your right to be heard.”

  Loud cheers echoed through the square.

  “Now go home and keep Princess Vellina in your hearts and minds.”

  The slaves began to unlock the chains and to leave in twos and threes.

  Chapter Six - Moral Support

  Kazimira and Jessina enjoyed their afternoon together. Kazimira discovered Jessina was far more mature than she first realised, away from other children and her brother in particular. They spent the time chatting, listening to music and learning about each other’s life-styles. They got back to Father O’Flaherty’s before the return of the picnic party and sat drinking fruit juice in the shade of a large tree in his garden.

  Jessina had a swim in the fresh water pool and was drying herself when they returned. The picnic basket, the twins and the servants had been left at Marina’s house, but Konsky and Orina were with the others. Father Debenden was exhausted and his skin was red and blotchy, despite the lotions provided by his host against the ravages of the Hemithean climate.

  The young priest made his apologies and went straight to his room. Sebie and Orina looked as fresh as if they had been on a quiet stroll. Father O’Flaherty’s tunic was slightly stained and crumpled but he was cheerful. Floren looked tired and a bit grubby, but nothing a bath would not fix. They were pleased to see Kazimira and Jessina and started to tell them at once of the excitements of their day. Kazimira did not look at Sebie, who was trying to get her attention and by looking past Sebie, noticed Konsky. Yes, she thought, why bother with boys.