Shalia's Diary #3 Read online

  The container had some pretty good stuff in it. Soft, fuzzy slippers that made my feet want to just wallow in contentment. A robe to match. Pretty hair adornments that I’ll have to get Candy to do for me since I’m pathetic with styling. Extra soft linens for my sleeping mat. Some exotic foods from other planets like nellus from Plasius and drocori cubes from Joshada.

  “You guys know how to spoil us girls,” I told Betra.

  “I’m glad you are happy with the items,” he told me with a placid smile. “How are you feeling?”

  I decided to nip that one in the bud. “I’m perfectly fine. I feel terrific. I’ve never felt better in my life. There are no words to describe how wonderful I feel.”

  Betra blinked at me. “Oh. That’s wonderful, Matara. I’m glad to hear it. You will let me know if there is anything you require? Anything at all?”

  “Sure,” I said.

  I thought that would be the end of it, but he had something a little less pleasant to ask me. “I have been informed that you should visit our medical facility for a checkup. When should I tell them to expect you?”

  I almost growled like a Kalquorian myself. Dad was poking his darn nose in again, comming others to bug me with his worries. Then I got a little emotional, thinking how sweet he was to still be so concerned over my welfare. I miss him.

  I just shrugged at Betra. “I’ll think about it and let you know.” After all, I really had to check my social calendar, ha-ha.

  Lucky for me, he accepted that. “All right, Matara Shalia. I’ll schedule it when you get back to me. I’m heading back to my office right now and I’ll be there most of the day, so that’s where you can contact me.”

  Off he went. Curious to know if the other women all got the same things as I did, I went to Candy’s quarters. I took my hair stuff with me, hoping to get her to put my hair up in a pretty chignon, accentuated with one of the sparkly gem pieces in my new collection. Maybe the curved spray of blue and green stones set in gold metal, I thought.

  She answered her door almost right away. “Oh good, now I don’t have to go to you,” she said. “I was wondering what we could do before I die of absolute boredom. What’s in the little box? Ooh, how pretty! Where did you get these?”

  “They were in the container Betra brought me. What did you get?”

  Candy stared at me in amused confusion. “What do you mean, what did I get? I didn’t get anything. Betra gave you these?”

  It was my turn to be confused. “Yeah, along with some other nice stuff. Slippers, robe, fruit. He didn’t bring you anything like that? I thought we were all getting something.”

  Candy’s brows were raised far enough up to crease her forehead. “Betra didn’t bring me anything. Shalia, you are like catnip for Kalquorians. Kalnip. That’s it; that’s what I’m calling you from now on. Kalnip.”

  I frowned. “Maybe he just hasn’t gotten to you yet? Maybe he’s about to bring something?” But he’d said he’d be in his office, not delivering goodies like some Kalquorian Saint Nick.

  “Come on,” I said, angry suspicion raising its head. “I can’t be the only one who got a bunch of free stuff.”

  I headed out the door, Candy at my heels. “Where are we going, Kalnip?”

  “Don’t call me that,” I said. “We’re going to check with Ms. Popularity herself. If anyone is getting presents, it’s going to be Katrina.”

  “Katrina? Wait, Shalia. What if she’s not alone? What if she’s ... entertaining? You know. A man?”

  That almost kept me from going on. I sure didn’t want to interrupt Katrina with one of her young conquests. But I had to know that I wasn’t the only one benefitting from Betra’s generosity. So I kept going until I reached her door.

  “It’s Shalia. Are you in there, Katrina?” I called.

  “Shalia! Hold on.” A second later, her door slid open. Katrina stood there looking delighted to see me. She was alone, thank the Trinity. “And Candy! This is great, girls. Come in. Let’s have some drinks.”

  “Drinks?” Candy followed me in and goggled at Katrina’s purple and gold fabric-draped quarters. “I haven’t even had breakfast yet. Wow, this place is really something.”

  There were seating cushions scattered everywhere on the floor, along with the sleeping mat. Katrina certainly had ample places to do her ‘entertaining’ as Candy had phrased it.

  Katrina smiled. “Thanks. Cozy, isn’t it? I love being comfortable. No breakfast? How about some juice then? The boys have been kind enough to supply me with a citrus-type beverage that is reminiscent of orange juice. A splash of vodka will start your day off right.”

  “What the hell,” I agreed. “Set me up. Hey, speaking of boys supplying things, did Betra bring you a container of items? Like slippers or nellus or—”

  “Or these,” Candy interrupted, yanking my box of hair accessories from me to show Katrina.

  “Oh, aren’t those lovely?” Katrina breathed with appreciation. “Very nice. No, Betra does not give me presents. He must like you.”

  “They aren’t presents,” I insisted, taking my box back. “He didn’t say they were, anyway. I assumed everyone was getting things.”

  “Afraid not,” Katrina said with a knowing grin. She handed both me and Candy our drinks. “I think you have an admirer.”

  “Kalnip,” Candy said with a smirk. She sipped her juice. “Ooh, this is good, Katrina.”

  “Damn it,” I grumbled. I had a swig myself. The drink was delicious. I stalked over to a seating cushion and carefully flopped down so I wouldn’t spill any of it. “I am not getting involved with any more Kalquorians until I choose my clan. Do I have to give the container back though?”

  Katrina sat next to me. “Well, it might encourage him if you don’t. However most of the men are cognizant that our flings with them are only temporary. Betra isn’t clanned, so he knows the futility of pursuing you for more than sex.”

  I groaned, thinking of Nang. “I don’t even want that. Some of them don’t get that being an impossible clanmate should keep them far away.”

  Candy sat on the other side of me and patted my knee. “You can’t help being so irresistible,” she said. “Oh, don’t give me that mean look. I’m only teasing you, you know.”

  I sighed and took a sip of my drink. “I know.” My fingers played with the pretty hair accessories. “I really like these. I like all the stuff Betra gave me. I’m getting so greedy in my old age.”

  Katrina waved me off. “Keep the stuff then. It’s his own fault for giving you presents without first finding out if you’re interested.”

  “I wouldn’t feel right about it,” I said. “My stupid conscience won’t let me.”

  My stomach twisted a little. My drink, already half-gone, suddenly seemed too sweet. I put it down and had another thought.

  “Do you think Betra would be insulted if I give the gifts back? I don’t want him to have a bad attitude towards me,” I said.

  Katrina waved off my concerns. “He would know better, I hope. Giving you or any of us trouble will get him into trouble. For the most part, Kalquorians are determined to not give their would-be Mataras any reason to not join the Empire.”

  “All right, I’ll give him his stuff back then,” I said. My guts churned a little more. I suppose I was so nervous about telling Betra to shove off (even though I planned to do it nicely), that it was making me a bit nauseous. Plus I really, really liked the goodies.

  “At least I can enjoy a little of it for one day,” I decided to cheer myself up. “Put my hair up for me, Candy? Put this one in?” I held up the blue and green jeweled hair embellishment.

  “Sure,” she said agreeably.

  My stomach took a little while to settle from its nervous fit, but otherwise, we three had a nice day together. I really like Katrina, and even Candy seems to be getting used to her outrageous comments. Our older friend invited us to join her ‘salon’ after dinner, which would include the company of half a dozen young Kalquorians. Candy giggled in
a screamy sort of way, squealing, “Oh no!” However her fascinated gaze as we bid Katrina’s newly arriving guests goodbye has me thinking she won’t be resisting Katrina’s parties much longer. Curiosity is getting the better of my nervous friend.

  As for me ... nope. No more nonsense. Instead I’m enjoying my one night with the soft slippers and nice robe. I even took a vid still of myself with my hair done up nice and pretty with its jeweled piece making me look like a duchess. Tomorrow the stuff goes back to Betra with my thanks (and private regrets).

  December 10

  I didn’t get the opportunity to return Betra’s gifts today because I couldn’t get him alone. I didn’t know if it would embarrass him for me to give his stuff back in front of others, and I just couldn’t stomach the thought of humiliating him. I know how awful I would feel if I gave someone I liked nice presents only to have them toss them back at me in front of an audience. Eek.

  What kept him (and me) busy today was a tour of the common areas of the transport. Betra showed up in our little dining room during our breakfast. As I think I’ve mentioned before, he’s in charge of ten of us. I saw him talking to two of his charges, then he moved on to a group of five. Candy and Katrina also noticed.

  “I wonder what’s up?” Katrina said, sounding anything but interested. She was back to patting alien hineys that wandered past her. Today the guys smiled at her, nodded to me and Candy, and kept going. Katrina looked put out.

  “Hey Kalnip, your boyfriend is talking to other women,” Candy teased.

  “You know, I’ve heard ronka milk is wonderful for your hair,” I responded, holding my cup threateningly over her head.

  “Just kidding!” she squealed, ducking away. “Don’t, Shalia!”

  “Mataras.” Betra’s voice ended our little squabble.

  We turned to him. He looked at us with amusement.

  “Hi, Imdiko Betra,” Candy said. “What’s the scoop?”

  He gave her a confused look. “Scoop?”

  “We saw you talking to the others. What’s going on?”

  “I’m going to take you around the common area today, if you wish to go. I believe you’ve already seen that area, Matara Katrina?” Betra looked his most amused as he looked at the eldest of our little group.

  She returned the grin. “Oh, I’ve seen some of the sights there, all right. I’d still like to come along and see you explain the pleasure club without blushing.”

  Betra’s face went beet red. He sighed, as if he’d expected her to embarrass him. “We leave in an hour.” His gaze went to me and I stiffened. “How are you feeling today, Matara Shalia?”

  “Fine, Betra. Thanks.”

  He nodded and left. At least he didn’t do his deep breathing exercises around me for a change.

  Curious and with little else to do (though I REALLY need to work on the clanning ceremony vid), Candy and I went on the tour. Katrina did too, a secretive smile on her face. In fact, all of the women under Betra’s care went along. I’m not really acquainted that well with the rest of our gang, but the other women are Bethany, a former waitress; Franny, a student before Armageddon and just barely twenty years old; Ginger, a widowed housewife; and Linda, Megan, Paula, and Vonda – I have no idea what they did in their Earth lives.

  Two corridors down from my quarters, we crowded into a intership transport system – a glorified elevator, in Earther parlance – with Betra. It was a tight squeeze for all of us, but we managed. The ride took all of five seconds, so it wasn’t so bad.

  We stepped out into an open circular area. Betra called it a promenade. In the center, it had a hologram of a sun circled by several planets. I counted fifteen, and most of them had little moons revolving around them. It reminded me a little of our own solar system. That gave me an idea.

  “Betra, is that the Kalquorian Empire’s space?” I asked.

  “Yes,” he said, smiling at me. That Imdiko is weird, but he’s a stone-cold cutie when he smiles. I couldn’t help but return the expression. “The tenth one from the sun? That’s Kalquor itself.”

  “It’s not as blue as Earth,” Candy said, looking at the smallish orb Betra had pointed out. “It’s got a green tinge.”

  “Our oceans are green, but the atmosphere makes them appear a little more blue from space,” our guide affirmed. “We’ve got colonies on most of the other planets and moons. Not the gas giants, though.”

  There were open doors and windows all around the open space. Illuminated signs in Kalquorian hieroglyphics probably told what they were. Since I don’t read Kalquorian, I had to rely on what I saw through the openings. From what I could tell, I guessed most of them were stores and places to eat.

  “The shops are geared mostly for Kalquorian men. I’m afraid most of them would be of little interest to Earther women,” Betra told us. “They sell men’s clothing, weapons, that sort of thing.”

  “Like a military base’s exchange,” I murmured to Candy.

  Betra continued. “However, you might enjoy browsing through the stores that offer beverages, foods, games...”

  “Speaking of games,” Katrina broke in. “What about the club, Betra?”

  “Yeah, where can we get in on some lemanthev shows?” I asked. “Candy is looking for a band to join. She’s an awesome valit.”

  Betra blinked, and a surprised grin spread over his face. “Is this true, Matara Candy? Do you howl?”

  “To great amusement,” she answered dryly, giving me a dirty look. “A large amount of alcohol has to be involved.”

  Betra was laughing now, doing his stunning Kalquorian thing. I was glad to see I wasn’t the only one who seemed a little star struck by his good looks. The man needs to laugh more and sniff less often.

  He told Candy, “I would love to hear that sometime. Yes, we do have a club where the bands the ship’s crew have formed like to perform. If you enjoy lemanthev music, you’ll be well pleased.”

  “Enjoy is such a strong word,” I whispered to Candy and Katrina. I was trying to keep upbeat, but the thought of lemanthev had me remembering Dusa, Esak, and Weln again. I wondered what they were doing right that moment. It made me sad.

  “Come on, Betra. Tell them about the other club,” Katrina insisted.

  “I think perhaps you could tell them more about it than I could,” he challenged her, but his cheeks had gone pink.

  Our ever-bold Katrina took him up on it. She pointed to a small doorway, through which we could only see blackness. “That’s a very interesting place, girls. It’s called a pleasure club.”

  “Pleasure?” I cocked an eyebrow at her. “Why do I have the idea you’re talking of the carnal variety?”

  “Because I am,” Katrina grinned. “You can watch or be watched.”

  Ginger’s face went as red as her hair. “You mean ... sex?”

  Katrina snickered at our shocked faces. “Betra, take a still. I want to remember these looks forever.”

  He shook his head at her, but he wore an indulgent smile. “You are more woman than should be allowed to walk around free, Matara.” He turned to the rest of us. “The playrooms are glassed in, so you can go in and watch people indulge in sexual intercourse. Some of it can be rough, so be warned before you let your curiosity take you inside. There are those who enjoy being restrained and even marked by straps or whips.”

  Bethany was pale. “Are people raped?”

  Betra shook his head emphatically. “Absolutely not. What happens in there is strictly consensual. The staff of that club makes sure everyone who plays does so willingly. If you do choose to visit the pleasure club, no one will force you to do anything.” His gaze flicked to me, and he quickly looked away. “However, I do not recommend you go in alone. Just to be safe, I would ask you to remain in a group of at least three, especially if you are impairing yourselves with alcohol. One should remain sober enough to look out for the rest.”

  There were many worried glances exchanged. Only Katrina looked delighted at the prospect. Candy looked a bit curiou
s, but she also seemed a little scared. I was curious too.

  Katrina had another word for the wise. “You should also remember that there are more men than women on this tub, and very few, if any, of us gals go in. I have yet to hear of any women playing. It’s all men with each other.”

  Betra nodded. “That’s right.”

  Candy leaned close to Katrina. “You mean you haven’t gone in there and given them all a show yet?”

  “I haven’t found anyone who will go in to chaperone me so far.” Katrina sighed wistfully. “Like Betra said, it’s best to not be the only woman among a bunch of men who don’t get to be with females too often. I’m free with my pleasures, but I’m not stupid.”