Bride Price – First appeared in Issue 4: Volume 1
July – July – 2018.
ISBN: 978-1-7753249-2-8

Lorsa & Thallen Clusters, Korlune

“You can drop me here,” Regina Makon advised the family driver. The dark green limousine pulled up in front of Nox, and she stepped out onto the curb. She paid no attention to those who were waiting in line to enter the upscale club, though she attracted many admiring glances as she approached the bouncer. “Has my brother arrived yet?”

“Yes, ma’am, about twenty minutes ago.” He stepped aside and allowed her to enter. She acknowledged friends she encountered with a bright smile and scanned the seated area for her younger brother. She spotted Edric gazing intently at his digipad; his face was an unreadable mask, but she could read the tension in his posture. There were two glasses on the table, one full and the other almost empty. She gracefully wove through the dancers and claimed the seat across from him. “Sorry I’m late.”

“It’s fine; it gave me time to catch up on some work.” He frowned as the song changed. “I can’t believe this is popular – they only use three chords.”

“Not everyone has your ear for music, brother dear, plus, it has a good beat for dancing to.” Regina claimed her drink and sipped it. A sweet smile spread across her face. “Nox’s cocktails are still the best in Lorsa.”

“Tell me that wasn’t the only reason you picked this place to meet?” Edric set the device on the table and activated the white noise generator app.

She winked. “It may have played a role.” Regina lowered her voice. “In truth, we need to be seen doing normal things in the right places or people will begin to believe the rumors are true. We can’t afford that.”

“I’ll just add it to the list of other things we can’t afford.” “Is it really that bad?”

“Worse. I’ve gone through the books, examined all our remaining assets, and just confirmed that there’s nothing left to liquidate except for the family estate and Vend-o-mat patent. We’re going to lose Makondi-Core, the Council seat, and control of Lorsa. I can’t believe the old bastard would do this to us.”

“I can.” Regina’s smile became a hard line for a moment as she reflected on their father. “How much time do we have to salvage things?”

“Two months. I’ve managed to get a stay of execution from the Trade Guild, but everyone will know when the quarterly report is published. I’m at wit’s end, Regina; I don’t know what to do.” Edric’s voice cracked with anguish.

She reached across the table and affectionately covered his hand with hers. “You aren’t in this alone; we’ll always have each other. I’ve been thinking about our situation as well, and I feel it’s time to tap our most negotiable asset. Fortunately, father died before he could squander it.”

Her brother stared at her blankly. “Asset? Do we have a tellium mine somewhere I don’t know about?”

“No. We have me.” Her smile reclaimed its youthful beauty. “I don’t follow.”

“We are the Makons. Our family is the third Ranking family in all of Korlune. Only the Doncasters and Isoldruns have older lineages. We have something valuable to trade through my marriage; social standing. My Bride Price would be paid to you as head of our family, we just need to find an appropriate party for me to marry before our time is up—“

“No!” Edric’s hand strayed toward the digipad. “There has to be another way.”

She reached over and pulled it away from him. “Not one that will save Makondi-Core.”

“I said no. I’m not selling you off to the highest bidder like chattel. That’s… repugnant.”

“You’re not going to be selling me, brother dear. Arranged marriages are an ancient and honorable custom. All of the old alliances were sealed this way.” She casually glanced at the people around them. “Plus, I help decide who’s ‘eligible’.”

Edric downed the rest of his drink. “I can’t believe we’re considering this.”

“Needs must when it’s a matter of survival.” Regina raised her glass as if to toast him. “We’ll have to move quickly if the Trade Guild has only given us two months.” A mischievous grin crossed her face. “A traditional wedding will take at least three weeks to plan. Do you have any suggestions for my groom?”

“Sadly, not many. Alfred Doncaster isn’t interested in women, or he’d be perfect. The Koris heir is little more than a fetus. Gavin Sekkaro is already engaged, but his younger brother, Mike, is single...”

Regina shook her head. “No second born. I’m worth an heir.” Her brow furrowed slightly as she stirred her drink. “There are lesser branches of each of the families, but I don’t want to consider them until we’ve gone through all of the other options.”

The siblings sat together for a time without speaking, letting the club’s down-tempo music fill their silence. A vocal cacophony cut across the smooth rhythm, jarring them both out of their thoughts.

“What the—“ Edric’s head swiveled toward the door as he looked for the source of the singing. “Of course; who else?” He pointed. “Kaspar Isoldrun just walked in with some friends. He’s got Rank, a fortune, and a notoriously keen eye for fashion. Too bad he’s married, ot he’d be a catch.”

Regina turned just enough so she could see him. “He’s very handsome I’ll grant him that, but no. Even if he were single. I’ve heard about his ‘habits’ and they will catch up with him someday.”

“How about his cousin, Jacob? He’s single, and his family is not only wealthy but well connected… on both sides of the border.” Edric waited to see if his sister would rise to the bait. He wasn’t disappointed.

Her lip curled in revulsion. “I don’t know what makes my skin crawl more; the thought of having sex with him, or, having Vega Ason as my mother-in-law.” Regina took a sip of her drink, and then she noticed the third member of their group. “Is that William Harlo Junior with them.”

“It is. They must be slumming.”

Her gaze intensified as she studied him. “The last time I saw him was… last year in Merrow. I’d heard he was stuck serving family detention in some wretched outpost on the border. Did William Senior relent and have him released?”

Edric shrugged and accessed the input pad on the table. “Would you like another drink or some dinner perhaps?”

“I’m famished, and you didn’t answer my question.”

He placed the order before he spoke. “If Harlo-Fyre security shows up and hauls him away, he’s AWOL.”

Regina raised her hand to cover her chuckle. “If anyone in Korlune has an excess of wealth, it’s William Senior. Perhaps he’d be interested in negotiating?” Regina removed a polished compact from her purse and examined her flawless reflection.

“Is he between wives again?” Edric grinned and pulled himself back out of range as she swatted at him.

“Don’t be vulgar, though given his age our wedding night would probably kill him.”

“I’ll bet his last three wives all thought the same thing before they married him.”

“You’re terrible.” Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “But let’s be serious for a moment. William Junior is ideal—“

Edric snorted. “Ideal? I think that’s stretching things a bit. Better a second son… or a third.”

“No. Think about this. He’s exactly what we need.” Regina drew herself up. “While he lacks status, he’s young, bright, attractive, and unburdened by vices. I bring Rank and respectability with me, and he brings Harlo-Fyre, a Council seat, and more wealth than all of the other potentials combined. If William Senior is as socially ambitious as I’ve heard, then we can name our price. You would be able to rebuild Makondi-Core with the proceeds from my Bride Price, and I,” she smiled dreamily, “I would be set to become the next social matriarch of Thallen Cluster.”

Edric caught her expression but said nothing. He studied the trio as they drank shots at the bar. “I still don’t like this, but ultimately, the decision isn’t mine. You’re the one who’s going to be stuck with him. All I ask is that you take a day to think about it. If you’re still convinced he’s the most viable option, then so be it. I—“ Edric’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I see something that will interfere with your plans, sis.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

Edric pointed. “Lyselle Ason.” Even as he spoke her name, William Junior wrapped his arm around her.

Regina studied her competition for a moment, then smiled. “He will soon raise his standards.”

*

“Hello, beautiful.” William hugged Lyselle close and let out a contented sigh.

“I’m so happy you’re back.” She gazed up at him, her silver-blue eyes bright with joy. “There’s something I need to tell you, but not here.

His arm tightened around her as he drew her closer. “We won’t stay long… I missed you so much,” he whispered.

Kaspar Isoldrun turned in time to see William Junior nibble her neck. “You’ve got more restraint than I have, Harlo.”

“Some people know the time and place for things Kas,” Jacob quipped. “Besides, if Will gets too free with his hands, he knows he’ll have to answer to me.”

William Junior looked up from what he was doing, and the corners of his mouth curled up into a grin. “Careful. I’m probably a better shot than you are, now.”

“Did you get in some target practice while you were there?” Kaspar asked. He offered Lyselle a drink.

“No thanks, Kas.”

William Junior nodded. “A lot. The zone they had us patrolling was about twenty kilometers from the Seep, and our captain was a madman. We were out every second night doing sweeps along the border.” He paused briefly to drink his shot. “After the first two weeks, we attracted some unwanted attention. I had no idea that Meerac were territorial or that big. The matriarchs come up to about here on my chest.” He indicated how high by using his hand. “My last encounter was nearly fatal.” He pulled up the corner of his shirt and showed them two reddish, circular scars on his lower left side; each one was two centimeters in diameter. “This is why I got sent home early; I’ve got matching scars on my back.”

Jacob grimaced in sympathy. “Ouch. Did it get away?”

“Almost. After I convinced it to drop me I spent the rest of my ammo putting it down. The kill shot happened at just over three hundred meters.”

“How long ago was this?” Lyselle asked as she examined the wounds.

“Three weeks. They evacced me to Merrow immediately after we got in; the bite had become septic.”

“Topside… ugh.” Kaspar gave an involuntary shudder. “Thankfully I demonstrated early on that I couldn’t be disciplined by military service.”

“Your father tried it?” Jacob asked, incredulous.

“Yes, believe it or not, but I was sent back well before I even cleared basic. I remember it had something to do with an after-hours party in the officer’s club and the colonel’s secretary. Words like drunk, debauched, and destroyed figured prominently in the letter accompanying my discharge paperwork. In my own defense, the secretary was older, attractive, and came on to me first.” He chuckled warmly at the memory. “Another round?”

“No more for me tonight, thanks; I have a date to keep.” William Junior looked down at Lyselle, then kissed her forehead. “Shall we go?”

“See you later,” Jacob said before he finished his shot.

Kaspar grinned. “We won’t see them for a week.”

*

Outside the club, William Junior hailed a cab; his arm still resting around Lyselle’s shoulders. “Where would you like to go?”

“Home.” She leaned into him, softly. “Mother’s in Riva right now, so we’ll have the place to ourselves.”

A vehicle pulled up in front of them, and William opened the back door for her. He slid in beside her and gave the cabbie the address for the Ason estate. They watched in silence as Lorsa moved swiftly past them and reveled in each other’s proximity. The cab turned onto the ramp that took them to the elevated roadway. Green and amber lights of the city glittered above and to either side of them in the darkness now.

As they approached the affluent residential section, the cabbie cleared his throat. “Do you want me to drop you at the front entrance or the main gate, sir?”

William Junior looked at Lyselle. “Your preference?”

“Front entrance, please,” she answered as they pulled into the short driveway. The vehicle came to a stop at the security gate. She rolled down her window a fraction and smiled at the guard. “I’m in for the night, Sela.”

“Ma’am.” The guard opened the gate and nodded to them as they passed.

William Junior paid the fare, then stepped out of the cab, holding the door for Lyselle.

She led the way inside and up to her room. “Sit here. I have a surprise for you.” Her eyes twinkled as she darted into her dressing room.

He sat on the bed, fingers toying with the sleek comforter under him. Although he’d been gone for several months, it felt like it was only yesterday since he’d been here. He knew the details in this room by heart. The ornate, tiled mosaics, stained glass, and woodwork spoke to how old

Lorsa Cluster was. Thallen had little to compare to it. “Shut your eyes,” Lyselle called from the next room.

William dutifully followed the instruction and waited. He heard her light footfalls on the carpet as she approached.

“You can open them now.” She let her robe slide off.

He stared, open-mouthed. Without clothes to disguise her form, she was obviously curvier. “Lys! Are you—“

“Pregnant?” Lyselle blushed. “Yes, six months. I’ve only just started to show.”

William stood, crossed what little distance remained between them, and brought his hand gently up to her belly. “May I?”

“Of course.”

He knelt as he touched her and pressed his ear to her abdomen. After a minute he looked up. “He or she suggests I make my move before you get away from me.” He paused long enough to slide his ring off his little finger and offer it to her. “Lyselle Ason, will you marry me?”

“Yes!” She held out her hand, allowing him to slide the ring onto her index finger. She then took a moment to admire it. The flawless, square-cut emerald sparkled in its tellium setting. “It’s beautiful.”

“Not compared to you.”

*

William Harlo Senior drummed his fingers on the heavy table. He was not impressed, and his expression did not hide that fact. “If we could move things along; some of us actually work for a living.”

The representative from the Trade Guild stared coldly down the table at him but didn’t respond. Instead, he picked up his digipad and set up the presentation. A pale blue interface appeared in the center of the table and shaped itself into a map of Korlune. The features emerged, spreading out from the Evora Basin, then the Cluster Cities, military stations, and finally the Diaspora appeared. “Gentlemen, I’d like to draw your attention to Diasporas Fifteen and Nineteen; the locations of our recent tellium discoveries. We estimate that the sites combined will produce seventeen million tonnes of ore per year. Sekk-Tech, Makondi-Core, and of course Harlo-Fyre are being given first option on investm—“

“Have you located a large ore body?” William Senior interjected.

The guild rep frowned. “Not at this time, but we have surface showings...”

“Are they high grade?”

“Our team’s assessment—“

“Assessment!” William Senior spat the word out like a bitter pill. “Why is it whenever I get audited, you require definitive proof of assets, but now that you’re coming to me for investment capital I’m expected to be content with ‘preliminary results’ and ‘assessments’?” The guild rep started to speak, but William Senior cut him off. “I’m not done, yet.” He consulted his digipad. “According to my research team, the Trade Guild has burdened the CEOs of the big three with an embarrassing number of unprofitable investments over the last decade. While Makondi-Core and Sekk-Tech are long-standing members of this select club, their current CEOs are new to their posts and may not be fully conversant with those facts. He nodded to Edric Makon and Gavin Sekkaro. “I advocate you have your accounting departments dig into the records and confirm this for yourselves.”

Gavin Sekkaro quietly pulled out his digipad and sent a text.

“Harlo-Fyre is new to the big three.” The flustered guild rep began. “You may not be fully acquainted with our long-standing tradition of—“

“The Trade Guild was established to keep the big three in check,” cut in William Senior, “to ensure that everyone had access to resources as they were discovered, and to prevent the Ranking families from warring among themselves. Yes, we have all read our history and understand why we tithe annually to maintain you; the job you do is important. Your income, however, has increased a hundredfold in the last twenty years, as have the salaries of all your top directors. Projects like these tellium mines seem… acquisitive on your part, as the Trade Guild will be the only group to see a profit.”

The guild rep turned red. “None of the Ranking families have taken issue with our practices in the past.”

“That doesn’t speak well for their business acumen.” William Harlo Senior stood, and everyone in the room felt the power dynamic shift. “Times change. How we’re going to do business is going to change as well. It’s reasonable to want proof that one’s return will be worth the investment. Can the Trade Guild guarantee this venture will be profitable?”

“Are you saying that Harlo-Fyre has no confidence in the Guild?”

“No. I simply require something more than your vague assurances that this isn’t a waste of my funds.” William’s smile was all business.

The guild rep looked to the others for support. His gaze settled on Edric Makon and an imperceptible smile formed. “What does Makondi-Core have to say about this? Your family is a founding member of the big three. Your father was one of our favorite investors; he understood the importance of following tradition and allowing us to guide his hand.”

Edric’s eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the man’s words. “Harlo-Fyre’s point is well taken. What does Sekk-Tech think?”

Gavin Sekkaro consulted his digipad. “According to accounting, Sekk- Tech has already invested a fifth of this year’s revenue into Guild activities; we’ve yet to see a profit. I’d say Harlo-Fyre has raised a valid concern.”

William Senior leaned forward and studied the map. “Just out of curiosity, what was the Guild hoping to receive from us, collectively?”

“We estimate that we will require an initial investment of seventy million to conduct feasibility—“

“Hold that thought.” William held up a finger as he placed a call. He set his digipad down on the table and activated the speaker. “Barrows, where are you?”

“Diaspora Nineteen, sir.”

“Have you had time to test the samples you’ve extracted?” “Yes, sir. The ore found at both sites is only fair grade.”

“From your findings, do you think the combined mines would be capable of producing seventeen million tonnes of ore per year?”

“No. Not without a massive upgrade of the existing infrastructure, sir. These Diaspora are old, and the equipment they have to work with was substandard forty years ago.”

William Senior nodded to himself. “Thank you, Barrows. Continue as we discussed.” He disconnected the call and looked down the table at the guild representative. “Those are hard facts. Let the Trade Guild derive the new figures from those and then get back to us.” He pocketed his digipad, inclined his head to the two other CEOs and finally the representative from the Trade Guild. “Contact my secretary when you wish to reschedule. Good day, gentlemen.” With that, he turned and left the boardroom.

Edric Makon followed in his wake, catching up when they reached the elevator.

“My condolences on your recent loss,” William Senior said as the doors opened.

“Thank you.” Edric followed him into the car and waited until the doors had closed before he spoke again. “Your stand against the Trade Guild impressed me, as did your assessment of my skills.”

William pressed the button for the lobby. “You’re young, and from what I’ve been told, shrewd. If you want some free advice, be wary of any deal that appears to be too good to be true and avoid loaning money to family or friends; those things will always cost you more than you get back.”

Edric glanced over at the elder Harlo. William Senior wasn’t a large man, but he gave the impression of filling whatever space he was in. “Sound advice.” Edric nodded. “Are you free for lunch? Considering what I saw upstairs, I believe I have a business proposal that may interest you.”

“Do you now?” The bell chimed as the doors opened. The vaulted space in front of them was largely empty. William Senior started walking. “Sell me on it before I get to my vehicle.”

“Very well. As you pointed out, I’m new to my position and am apt to be taken advantage of while I learn. For instance, I wasn’t aware that the Trade Guild was padding contracts.”

“That’s a part of the learning process. Just do your research, keep your advisors and lawyers handy during deals, and audit your staff regularly to keep them honest.”

Edric nodded in agreement. “Thank you. There is one thing however that I couldn’t help but notice during the meeting, and I think it’s something that you regularly overlook.”

William Senior grinned. “Oh? What’s that?”

“The representative from the Trade Guild actually argued with you when you presented your concerns. That would never have happened if it had been me or Gavin who’d broached the topic.”

William’s Senior’s smile remained, but his eyes darkened in anger.

“You are the wealthiest man in Korlune. Harlo-Fyre has pushed two competitors out of the way to become one of the big three, and yet you are still treated as though you have no Rank.”

“The Harlo family doesn’t.”

“That could be changed, for the right price.” Edric waited for the other man’s reply.

William Senior remained silent until they arrived at his sedan. He turned to Edric as the driver opened the door. “Come, let’s dine at my club.”

*

Two days later, William Harlo Junior returned to Thallen, tired, but blissfully happy. He hailed a cab and slept for the entire trip back to his apartment.

“Welcome back, sir.” The doorman automatically buzzed him in.

William Junior yawned broadly. “Thanks.” He stumbled into his apartment, took a shower, and then changed into a dark blue business suit. He stood, staring blearily into the bathroom mirror, trying to keep the grin from his face. He couldn’t. “I’m going to marry Lyselle Ason,” he confided to his reflection. He reached for his comb, and his digipad beeped. “Guess who knows I’m back.”

“Come by Harlo-Fyre; we have important things to discuss.”

“Hello to you too, father. No, I’m not tired at all, and yes, I’m healing up nicely, thank you for asking.”

“We’ll celebrate your ability to cheat Harkkur properly when you get here. My driver is waiting for you downstairs.” William Senior disconnected.

William Junior took a moment to straighten his collar in the mirror before he went down. He acknowledged the doorman on his way out and got into the waiting sedan. “I’ve been summoned.”

“Welcome home, sir.”

William Junior grinned. “Thank you, Chas. Please don’t take it personally if I doze on the way there; it’s been a hectic few weeks.”

“Of course not, sir.”

He leaned against the headrest and stared out at the city he called home. The morning light that filtered through the pale blue dome was soothing, but the moment his eyes closed he was on patrol again.

He glanced up at the stars in time to see a small, blurry meteor shower pass over them. He wiped his visor with the back of his glove, noting the condensation that had built up.

“The Seep’s started exhaling - follow me,” the Captain ordered.

The squad picked their way down into the rocky draw that skirted the outgrowth.

Sleek forms moved in the shadows, but the creatures appeared to be keeping their distance this time.

Soon, all that could be heard was the torrent of water that coursed along the bottom of the ravine. Signs of a recent flood were everywhere, and the path was littered with debris.

As he ducked a fallen tree, his headset crackled. “Harlo. Meerac matriarch, on your six.” He spun as it lunged, fired his rifle as it sank its fangs through his envirosuit. Its paw pinned him to the ground by his shoulder.

The driver touched his shoulder again. “Sir? We’re here.”

William Junior’s eyes snapped open. “Wha—“ He didn’t remember where he was until he saw the Harlo-Fyre emblem on the side of the building.

“Are you all right, sir?”

“Yes, yes.” He stepped out of the vehicle and watched the sedan pull away from the curb, using the moment to calm down. “It’s just a dream, it’s over,” he reminded himself before he started walking toward the main entrance.

“Mister Harlo, welcome back.” A security guard waved him through the checkpoint.

“Thanks.” William Junior crossed the glass bridge over the busy concourse and took the elevator up to his father’s office. He checked his appearance in the mirror, and silently rehearsed his speech as the car ascended to the top floor. When the doors opened, he walked straight into Edric Makon. “Oh! Sorry about that.”

Edric moved to the side to allow him to pass. “My fault, I’m sure. Welcome home, by the way.” He stepped into the empty elevator and pressed the button for the lobby.

The doors slid shut before William Junior could respond.

“Ah, good. You’re here.” William Senior was standing at the entrance to his office. “You look better than I was expecting. Come in.” He motioned for his son to follow him. “Close the door behind you.”

William Junior chose the seat across the desk from his father’s. “You look well, sir.”

The elder Harlo chuckled. “Sir? You must want something. Very well, you go first.”

“I’ve come to request your permission to marry.”

William Senior’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Oh? Who did you have in mind?”

“I’ve asked Lyselle Ason, and she’s agreed. We have Vega Ason’s blessing, and I’d like yours as well.”

William Senior’s eyes narrowed. “Out of all the eligible women in Korlune, what possessed you to pick an Ason?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t follow?”

“Tyr Isoldrun may have granted Vega full Rank, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s still a By-Blow and her children are regarded as such. It’s going to take generations to purge the Drakkar and Ankor stain from their lineage. I’m not willing to sacrifice you to that cause.”

William Junior sat forward in his chair, not believing what he was hearing. “Pardon me?”

“You heard me. I forbid it. Besides, I have selected a more appropriate bride for you already—“

“You have selected…” William Junior’s voice trailed off. “Oh, gods, who?”

“Regina Makon.”

“No!”

“Once you’re married, we will be recognized officially as one of the Ranking families—“

William Junior stared coldly at his father. “Here’s a thought: why don’t you marry her? I’ll step aside as heir in favor of any child you two produce.”

William Senior chuckled as he sat back in his chair. “Would that I could produce more children. Sadly, I can’t, and that would mean that after my death Harlo-Fyre would fall into Makon hands. No. It’s up to you to take Harlo-Fyre into the next century, and Regina Makon is everything you will need as a wife. This is about creating a legacy for the Harlo family. No one in the history of Korlune has achieved what I have, and it’s up to you to carry that forward, preserving it and adding to it for future generations of our family. I don’t understand why you object to this arrangement?”

William Junior exploded in a rage. “I object because I wasn’t even consulted! I have a wife in mind already; one that will be providing me with an heir and you with a grandchild in about three months—“

“She’s pregnant? That’s unfortunate.”

“Fuck you!” William Junior stood abruptly, knocking his chair over backward as he did. “You have no say in this, you old bastard. I asked for your blessing as a matter of form, but I’m an adult, and I don’t legally require it to marry her.” He started toward the exit and was less than a meter away when he heard the magnetic locks on the door slide shut. He pulled violently on the handles, but the door didn’t budge. “Open this. Now!”

“We’re not done here.” William Senior accessed his list of contacts and scrolled through the names.

“If you plan to send me back to my unit it won’t work; I was given a medical discharge along with my promotion.”

William Senior snorted. “I have no intention of sending you back there; I need you here. Sit. We’ve not finished our discussion.”

“No. We’re done. Open the door.”

“Not until you understand all the facts. Fact one: if you back out of this contract, you leave with nothing. I disown you and name your sister, Cassandra, as my heir. I close your accounts, liquidate your personal holdings, and arrange it so no one will employ you. You will be shunned in every cluster city in Korlune. Without your name or earning potential, you won’t be able to marry anyone.”

William Junior’s trademark grin appeared. “Building up from nothing runs in my blood I’m told.”

“Don’t be glib; this is your future we’re talking about. I can see the wheels turning in that head of yours. You see disinheritance as your opportunity to run off and live in this fantasy of yours. It’s not. Fact two: Vega Ason is first and foremost a businesswoman. If she is presented with an opportunity, she will take it.”

William Junior said nothing. Instead, he turned, made his way to the bar, and poured himself a drink. He didn’t even taste it as he shot it back.

“Pour me some Klyste while you’re over there.”

“Get it yourself… Sir.”

“I suspect you don’t believe me on that second point; let me prove it.” William Junior turned to speak, but the elder Harlo held up his finger,

indicating he wished silence. He typed in a series of numbers on his digipad, and then set the call to display on the large monitor to his left. He turned it so his son could get a better view.

A young woman appeared. “May I help direct your call, Mister Harlo?” “Connect me with Vega Ason.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but she’s in a meeting at the moment.”

“She’ll want to take this. Inform her that I have a proposal for her.”

The young woman never lost her composure. ‘Hold please.“ The screen cut to the Ason family crest.

Two minutes later, the matriarch of the Ason clan appeared on the screen. “William, this is an unexpected pleasure.”

“My apologies for interrupting your day, but there is a matter that involves our two families that needs to be resolved immediately.”

Vega smiled as she caught sight of William Junior in the background. “I have approved the union.”

“I’m afraid that I cannot.”

“Oh?” Vega locked eyes with William Senior and raised a well-defined eyebrow. “You are aware that my daughter carries our collective grandchild?”

“I am, and I’m prepared to make appropriate restitution to your family.”

When she spoke again, there was no mistaking the undertones of menace. “What could be an appropriate ‘restitution’ for dishonoring my daughter, and abandoning her with a child?” Her scathing gaze drifted back to William Junior and threatened to eviscerate him on the spot.

“This isn’t what I want, ma’am. It’s my wish to honor our arrangement.” “Oh?” Vega turned her attention back to William Senior. “What’s your

game, Harlo?”

“William will marry Regina Makon in a month’s time; the contract had already been drawn up and registered before I was aware of our children’s intentions. I’m not going to let the opportunity for that kind of Rank advancement pass us by. While I can’t restore your daughter’s virtue or undo the child, I can pay her dowry to you, in full. Harlo-Fyre shall grant her an income so that she won’t feel as though she’s a burden to her family. Similarly, the child shall have their education sponsored by Harlo-Fyre when they reach the appropriate age—“

“And?” Vega smiled. “You don’t honestly believe that’s enough, do you?”

“Your heir, Jacob, remains unmarried at this time, correct?” “He does.”

“I am not averse to a union between our two families and offer my daughter, Cecilia, as bride.”

Vega’s smile widened to a grin. “And?”

William Senior laughed. “I don’t imagine you’re waiting for me to say ‘my eternal thanks,’ so how about an exclusive first option on any of our out-of-shop shipping contracts for the next ten—“

“Thirty”

“Be reasonable, Vega.”

“Thirty.”

William Senior’s grin matched hers. “Done.”

“I accept your proposal. Send the contract to my legal department, and I will sign it.” The connection closed.

William Junior stood staring at the screen in horrified silence.

“Life is business, son.” The elder Harlo reached under his desk and deactivated the magnetic locks. “But I believe you understand that reality, now. You can go.”

William Junior called Lyselle the moment he was in the elevator, but it went straight through to voice-mail. He disconnected without leaving a message. The chime rang when he reached the second floor, and a young woman entered the car with him.

“Hello.” She greeted him shyly.

“Hi.” He responded with a weak grin. His mind was hundreds of kilometers away, in Lorsa. He exited the elevator and strode out across the foyer in the direction of the tech displays. He crossed to the kiosk that sold digipads and purchased one.

“Would you like to transfer your ID to this one, sir?”

“No, it’s a gift. Thanks.” He paid for it and tucked it in his pocket. William Junior stopped in the public bathroom and swapped the memory cards, then dropped his old digipad in the recycler. Track that. He made his way down to shipping and receiving, grabbed a pair of overalls, and found a seat on a transport heading for Lorsa. He typed in Lyselle’s number and pressed the digipad to his ear.

“This number is no longer in service.”

He tried Jacob’s number and held his breath as it rang.

*

Regina stood perfectly still as the seamstresses pinned her gown into place. She’d chosen to reuse her mother’s wedding dress; she’d said it was to save funds and make a fashion statement, but the real reason was purely sentimental. “Can we adapt this to an off-the-shoulder design and convert the beaded panels into something else?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You look lovely,” Edric commented from the doorway. He had a large box tucked under his arm. “I’ve brought you an early wedding present.”

She turned her head. “Ooo. I love presents. What is it?”

“Uh, uh.” He crossed the room and stood in front of her. “Close your eyes.”

She complied, smiling in eager anticipation.

Edric set a filigree green, orange, and amber-red headdress on her head.

Regina’s hands reached up, and she touched it gently. Her eyes opened in shock. “Is it?”

He nodded.

“How?” She mouthed the word silently.

His grin grew, but he said nothing.

“Everyone - take a break.” Regina waited until the last seamstress had shut the door behind her. “How? I thought it was gone, melted down by now.” She whispered. Tears pooled in her eyes and then rolled down her cheeks.

“You didn’t think I’d let you get married without it, did you? I managed to stash a few other pieces of grandmother’s jewelry before father raided the vault. You’ll have the foundation for—“

Regina pulled Edric into a tight hug. “Thank you, so much.” “Ow, stop! Your dress is trying to kill me.”

Regina let go, still weeping with joy. “I didn’t think anything was left; I never dreamed I’d get to wear—“ Her digipad rang. “Can you get that for me?” She gestured to the fabric festooned dining table.

“If you don’t see me in a week, send help.” Edric went looking for the device and found it by the fourth ring. “William Harlo Junior… Want me to let it go through to voice-mail?”

Regina let out a squeak as she hopped off the platform she’d been standing on. She shuffled across the floor as fast as her narrow skirt would allow.

Edric handed her the digipad.

“Hello?” She felt her heart skip a beat when he started to speak.

“Hello Regina, I’m in Lorsa, and I was hoping you could meet me for lunch at Nox? We have things to discuss.”

She drew a breath and calmed herself. “Of course. I can be there in two hours.”

“Two hours then.” He ended the call.

“You’re actually blushing,” Edric observed. “Just how long have you had an interest in him, sis?”

“Regina’s cheeks reddened further. “It wasn’t appropriate before, but… he attracted my attention last year.” She carefully removed the headdress and handed it back to him.

There was a knock on the door behind them. “Enter,” Edric said.

“Ma’am, would you like us to continue now?”

“I need to go out, but we can finish up later today.”

Edric placed the headdress back in its box and walked past the host of seamstresses as they began separating Regina from the dress. “I’ll leave this in your room. Enjoy your lunch.”

*

William Junior arrived at Nox an hour early and found a booth at the back that gave him a clear view of most of the club. He’d managed to evade the Harlo-Fyre security teams so far, but it was only a matter of time before someone here recognized him. He placed his drink order with a wandering barmaid, then went back to watching.

Jacob Ason walked into the club, and their eyes locked momentarily. He grinned and joined him. “My mother has men out looking for you. They have orders to return you to Thallen.”

William Junior cradled his face in his hands. “I can’t believe this is happening; what a nightmare.”

Jacob patted him on the back in an attempt to comfort him. “We’ll try your plan first, and if that doesn’t work, then we’ll go to plan ‘J.’ I’ve already briefed Lys on the relevant parts just in case this doesn’t work. Do you think Regina will listen?”

“I don’t see why not, and she deserves to know the truth; she’s not gaining anything by this arrangement, and I’m giving her a legitimate way to break the contract.”

“When’s she meeting you?”

“In about an hour. Is she usually punctual?” Jacob smiled. “Fashionably so.”

*

William Harlo Senior sipped his Jalat and re-read his mail from the Trade Guild. All of Makondi-Core’s financial details were laid out in front of him in crimson. As he carefully tallied each line, his expression became grimmer. “You. Lying. Little. Bast—“ His private line beeped, and he pressed the button. “I told you, no calls.”

“My apologies, Mister Harlo, but Miss Makon is on the line demanding to speak with you.”

“Demanding?” He asked. “Yes, sir.”

“You’d better put her through then.” He activated the visual display “Regina! This is a pleasant surprise…” He noted her red-rimmed eyes. “You look upset, my dear.”

“Upset? I’ve just been humiliated! Your son informed me that he has no intention of going through with the marriage! He’s in love with someone else. The announcement has been made. The invitations have been sent out…” Regina’s outrage flared and left her momentarily speechless.

“In love. Did he say with whom?”

“No.”

William Senior brought her image up on the larger monitor and studied her. “All men and women have histories before they marry. I’m sure even you and Edric have secrets you’d prefer to keep?” For an instant he could read it in her face, but she recovered quickly. He smiled. “Perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement, just between the two of us?”

Her eyes widened dramatically. “Are you trying to bribe me into letting William keep this woman? I won’t tolerate a mistress. Either she goes, or I do.” Her tone was imperious.

William Senior chuckled, and her indignant stare grew. “Do you think this is funny?”

“No.” He shook his head. “You truly are a magnificent bitch, Regina. If I were thirty years younger, I’d marry you myself, and Korlune would fall at our feet.”

Her indignation changed to surprise, and she found herself struggling to find a response.

“All right, as my wedding present to you I will ensure my son won’t see this woman again.”

Regina gently dabbed her eyes. “Thank you.” She ended the call.

*

Edric’s digipad beeped and he frowned when he saw the number. “What the hell does he want?” He took a deep breath and slipped into business mode. “Hello, Sir. Could I call you back? I’m on my way to a meeting—“

“It can wait.” William Senior’s voice was like silk. “I’ve just read an advance copy of the Trade Guild quarterly… I never thought I’d see the day where a word like ‘insolvent’ was used in reference to Makondi-Core.” He let his words sink in briefly. “Are you still there, Makon? There’s even speculation that they’ll devalue Lorsa’s currency.”

Edric floundered. “Uh… Sir, we both know that the Guild often blows things out of—“

“I’ll cut to the chase. You and your sister knew about this and have grossly misrepresented yourselves to me. My gain from this union of our families was for Rank. You will lose your Rank when the Trade Guild acts and will drag me down with you. I don’t appreciate being lied to, boy.” William Senior paused to allow the tension time to build up. A cold smile played across his lips when he spoke again. “What matters now is preventing the Trade Guild from following through on this.”

It took Edric a moment to register what William Senior had said, and another to find his voice. “You mean you’re not going to break the contract?”

“Of course not.”

Edric’s head swam. Dizzily, he sat back in his chair and forced himself to breathe. “Sir, I cannot apologize enough for our deception—.”

“You can stop right there; I don’t need my boots cleaned. From this moment forward, we have a new deal: in addition to the outrageous bride bribe I’ve agreed to pay, I’ll personally underwrite Makondi-Core and make this report disappear.”

“Thank you, sir, I—“ Edric began, but William Senior cut him off. “I’m sorry, did you think I was finished? I’ll do this, but now you owe

me.”

“Yes, sir. Anything.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

Edric’s digipad beeped as an encrypted file was received. He didn’t recognize the number.

“You’ve just received your to-do list; the encryption key is ‘Makon’ and the last five digits of the caller ID. I’d get moving on it if I were you, you don’t have much time.” William Harlo Senior disconnected.

*

Jacob Ason read William Junior’s text and then typed in his sister’s new number.

“Well? Is she going to help us? Did she agree to dissolve the contract?” Lyselle asked, tentatively.

“No. Will said she refused even after he told her he was in love with someone else. He’s leaving Lorsa as we speak. We’re going with plan ‘J’ now. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning at zero-three hundred. Pack minimally and wear your envirosuit, there won’t be a lot of room in the shipping crate for luxuries. In two days time, you’ll be in Elune, and then I’ve arranged for you both to be taken to Ankoresh.”

“I feel bad for Regina. Perhaps if I spoke to her, woman to woman?”

Jacob sucked air in through his teeth. “The beloved, pregnant competition going to speak to the rejected fiancée. I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“I was his fiancée first.”

“You’d not gone public.”

“Wait!” She whispered. “I heard something outside my door.” Lyselle tucked the digipad under her pillow as someone knocked. “Come in.”

Vega Ason opened the door and looked in on her daughter. “May I enter?”

“This is your house.”

“I know you must hate me right now.”

Lyselle stared at her mother, her face serene. “Please, speak your mind.”

“What would you like me to say, mother? Tell me, and I’ll comply.”

Vega let out an exasperated sigh. “What’s happened to you is unfair, but there was no way around it. I know your William is equally unhappy about it.”

Lyselle’s hands balled up into fists. She could feel her face redden as her temper flared. “There was no way around it? You could have said no, but you didn’t. You didn’t call me in so I could speak. You didn’t even stand up for your grandchild.”

“Yes, darling, I did. I championed both of you and negotiated the brightest future I could, given the circumstances.” Vega sat next to her daughter and held out her arms. “Sometimes life is unfair, darling, and while it isn’t perfect, this arrangement will work well enough. You and the baby will have everything you need.”

Except for William. Lyselle allowed herself to be hugged but didn’t feel comforted.

“How would you like to live in Riva after the baby is born? You loved the estate as a child; I would give it to you of course.”

Lyselle felt the tears building up and then spill over. She cried silently as her mother continued to hold her.

“Know that you and this child are loved.”

Lyselle sat up and rubbed her eyes dry with the back of her sleeve. “I know.” She managed a weak smile.

Vega ran her fingertips through her daughter’s hair, smoothing the dark curls down, then stood. “I have to be in Merrow for the next few days, but when I get back, we’ll go to Riva and start planning.”

Lyselle watched her mother leave and waited until her footsteps faded down the hall before she dug the digipad out from under the pillow. “Did you hear much of that?”

“Bits. Are you sure you still want to go through with this?”

She stared at the spot where her mother had sat, her heart torn. “Yes. It’s the only way Will and I can be together.”

“Okay then, we’re good to go.”

“What about household security? I know I’m being watched.”

“That’s been taken care of. Just get some rest and try not to worry. You’ll be reunited with Will soon.”

Lyselle choked back a sob of happiness. “Jacob. Thank you. I know what this is going to cost you.”

He smiled. “What are big brothers for?”

*

A few hours later, Jacob helped his sister out of the library window and into the waiting van. “Hurry up and get into the crate on the left.”

Lyselle arranged herself inside the box. “I’m ready.”

He tapped his headset. “Cycle to channel one-three-two dash zero on your comm, so we’ll be able to talk.”

Lyselle typed in the digits and was greeted by the sound of Jacob’s heavy breathing. “Testing. Do you copy? Out.”

“Copy, out.” He grinned. “So, you ready?”

“Yes.” She gave him a nervous salute as he quietly sealed the container.

Jacob climbed into the driver’s side of the cab, soundlessly closed the door, and released the emergency brake. The van rolled quietly down the driveway and into the street. He was a block away before he turned on the lights. “So far, so good. How are you doing back there?”

“It’s a lot roomier than I thought it would be in here. I think I’ll be able to sleep.”

“Good. I’ll have you loaded on the transport train within the hour, then we’ll head to Elune.”

“We?”

“We. You don’t think I’d let you travel unescorted, do you?” He could feel her smile. “Get some rest. I’ll let you know when we’re at the loading dock.”

“Okay.”

Jacob turned left, in the direction of the industrial heart of Lorsa and then took side-streets until the multi-lane commercial causeway loomed overhead. He signaled, turned onto the viaduct, and merged with the heavy, pre-dawn traffic. Fifteen minutes later Jacob signaled again as he left the beltway, slowed and stopped at the lights at the bottom of the hill. Suddenly, the proximity sensor went off; he looked up in time to see the headlights of a transport truck in the rearview mirror. The heavy vehicle slammed into the van and catapulted it out into the intersection.

Jacob’s head snapped back as the safety-belt tightened across his chest. A vehicle broadsided them on the left side and spun them into the cement barrier across the freeway. His head jolted to the side, and the airbags deployed as someone hit them from the right. Somewhere amidst all the noise and chaos, he remembered hearing Lyselle scream. He didn’t feel the fourth impact.

*

Regina entered the study, shopping bags in hand. “Edric? I’m back.” She slung her purchases carelessly on the couch. ‘Sorry I’m late. I—“ She stopped dead when she noticed him slumped back in their father’s chair, staring at the ceiling. The floor around him was littered with empty bottles. “Oh gods, what’s happened?”

His head rolled forward as he tried to focus on her. “I didn’t want to do it, but I didn’t have a choice, honest,” he whispered. “He found out.”

“A choice about what? Who found out what?” She put her hands on either side of his face gently. “It’s alright. You can tell me anything, remember?”

Edric stared blearily up at his sister. “We were both happy. I was going to restore Makondi-Core, and you got your dream—“ He suddenly turned a bilious shade of green. “Gonna vomit.” He did.

Regina found something to clean them both off with, then helped her brother to his room. “What’s happened?”

“Harlo got an advance copy of the Trade Guild report. He knew everything when he called. He owns us now. He made me…” Edric couldn’t finish.

Regina went cold as he spoke. “Owns us? What did William Senior make you do?”

Edric stared at her; tears rolling down his cheeks. “Kill Lyselle Ason.”

*

William Junior sat in the emergency room, waiting. He’d been half-way to Elune Cluster when he received word of the accident, and he’d caught a military train back. None of the staff would talk to him or give him an update, but he knew why; he wasn’t family. He glanced up at the digital display and watched the seconds disappear. Please be alive.

Hours passed, the light shifted, and people came and went, but William Junior remained in his seat, staring at the doors that separated him from Lyselle. There was a commotion over by the entrance, and the alarm went off. He turned to look.

“Yes, they’re armed. They’re bodyguards. Bodyguards carry weapons!

Do you have any idea who I am?”

He watched as Vega Ason stared down the security. “Ma’am, we need you to—“

“You need to let me pass.”

They stepped back as the chief of staff approached. “This way, ma’am.”

Vega turned to follow and noticed William Junior for the first time. Their eyes connected briefly. With a gesture, she directed two of her men to sit with him before she disappeared down the corridor.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said as he resumed watching the door.

An hour later she emerged, looking as though she’d aged a decade. She made a quick call, and then joined the trio. Her gaze pinned William to where he sat.

“What were you thinking?” She asked quietly. “Where did you think you could go?”

“Are they going to be alright? No one will tell me anything.” He looked up at her and fought the tears.

“Jacob is in surgery now; they tell me that they can regrow the damaged portions of his spine. The other injuries, while numerous, aren’t life- threatening. He’ll be spending some time in a regen tank.”

“What about Lys and the baby?”

“Today I mourn the death of my only daughter—“ The dam broke, and William Junior began to sob.

Vega Ason regarded him silently, then crouched down and placed her hand on his shoulder to comfort him. “But, they saved the child. Would you like to come and see your son?”

*

Regina Makon sat in the emergency room, waiting. The receptionist had identified William Junior by description, but mentioned that the Ason matriarch was with him. It took the better part of an hour before he emerged from the intensive care wing. He was disheveled, the dark circles under his eyes spoke to the fact that he hadn’t slept recently, and his expression broke her heart. “William?”

He glanced up at the sound of his name and looked confused when she approached. “Regina? What are you doing here?”

“Lorsa is a small place when it comes to bad news, especially when it concerns Ranking families. How are they?

“Jacob’s badly banged-up, but he’s going to survive. Nothing could be done for Lys.” He choked on her name and shut his eyes to keep from crying. “The surgical team managed to save our son though.”

“You may not believe this but I’m truly sorry for your loss, and I’m glad that your child lived. Through him, Lyselle can be remembered by everyone who loved her.”

William Junior wiped away the rogue moisture. “Thank you.” He managed a shadow of his trademark smile before his stomach growled. “This is Lorsa, you’d think there’d be vend-o-mats everywhere.”

“When did you last eat?” Regina enquired.

“When I had lunch, with you.” He capped the statement with a broad yawn.

“I noticed a café nearby—“

He looked back at the doors to intensive care. “I can’t leave. Not yet.”

“I understand.” She removed her digipad from her purse and went through the hub directory until she found the listing. “Do you trust my ordering skills?”

“Sure. Nothing elaborate though.”

Regina placed the order and then motioned for him to sit. “They promise delivery in five minutes.” She took the seat next to him and let him lean against her.

William Junior was snoring softly by the time their food arrived.

*

Three months later Vega Ason sat in a windowless room, somewhere in the heart of her estate. Thick, sound-absorbing tiles lined the floor, walls, and ceiling. Across from her were three men and two women, all in matching suits. “Good work. We now know the tracker on the company van, my son’s personal digipad, and truck’s autopilot systems were all used to coordinate the attack. Two questions remain: who is responsible, and, will they try again?”

“The truck belonged to Makondi-Core, ma’am.”

Vega shook her head. “You’d have to be an idiot to use anything that could be traced back to you.”

“Are you certain, ma’am? There is the Harlo tie-in.”

“That matter was settled. Edric’s a smart boy when it comes to numbers, but he’s no killer. His sister’s experience lies in assassinating people’s reputations. Besides, there’s nothing to gain by creating a feud between our families, we need each other to do business. There’s something we don’t know yet. Keep looking.”

Vega left the room and made her way to the open kitchen on the other side of the courtyard. She sat at the long, stone table as she checked her messages. The status report from the clinic had come in. A grateful smile crossed her face as the cook brought her tea.

“Good news, ma’am?”

“Jacob is finally able to wiggle his toes, and the baby, Jack, will be able to come home at the end of the month.”

“That’s wonderful. Which room do you want to want to use as the nursery?”

Vega looked up blankly. “I hadn’t actually given that any thought.”

Her digipad beeped, and she checked the number. “Excuse me, Anya, I have to take this in private.”

The cook took her cue and left the room. “Hello, Regina. This is a surprise.”

*

A week later, Regina Harlo rode the elevator up to the top floor of Harlo-Fyre. She admired the view through the glass wall as she ascended, but still found the bluish tint of Thallen’s dome disconcerting. She missed the greenish cast that Lorsa had. She heard the chime and stepped out into the foyer as the doors opened.

“Good day, Ma’am.”

“Hello, Justin. Is my husband available for lunch?”

“I’m sorry ma’am, he was called down to the tech department for a meeting.”

“That’s fine. Is William Senior in?” Regina asked brightly.

The receptionist buzzed her in.

William Harlo Senior stood as she entered his office. “Well my dear, this is an unexpected pleasure. I haven’t seen much of you or my son since the wedding.”

“Between setting up our home, our new social obligations, and Edric’s illness, we’ve been rushed off our feet. I’d hoped that Will and I could claim an hour for ourselves and walk around the concourse; there’s a new art exhibition from Lorsa that I’m dying to see.”

“I would be delighted to fill in for my son on this count. My doctor has been telling me to get more exercise.” William Senior escorted her out of the office. “Hold my calls. I’ll be back in an hour.”

They walked to the elevator, and she pressed the call button. “How is Edric doing?”

Regina waited until they were behind closed doors. “Better. He’s due to be released from the clinic in a few weeks.”

“I guess he took losing your father harder than we thought. If there’s anything I can do to help the lad, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“You’re too kind.”

The doors opened, and they walked out into the lobby. Two security guards fell in beside them.

Regina sighed.

“What’s wrong, my dear?”

“Sometimes I forget that all this is necessary.” She indicated the men with a dismissive gesture.

William Senior grinned. “Sadly, they are.”

Regina shrugged. “I hope they appreciate art.”

They left the building and walked out across the crowded concourse. The installation was set up in the center of the space. Green light pooled around the three-story piece of sculpture.

“Isn’t it lovely?”

“It’s… colorful.” William Senior tilted his head to the side as he examined it.

“My daughter could do better.” One of the guards mumbled to the other.

“What angle is it supposed to be viewed fr—“ The back of William Senior’s head exploded.

Regina screamed.

The sniper pulled back into the shadows and disappeared.