Chapter 17: Chapter Sixteen. The Viewing.

Walking to the club after a breakfast she barely tasted, Cami could only just suppress her excitement. An option! Both Lin and Nia had been excited for her and even the other two roommates had said that they were impressed.

Arriving at the club, even before she had a chance to change, the manager had called her over, she was to be viewed that very afternoon. The news both excited and terrified her. What if they said no?  Talking to the manager, she learnt that she would be called at the proper time and she should just try to treat this as any normal day. Excited and scared both, she got changed and ready for the day.

The day went fast and Camis shift was in its last period when she was called to the viewing room. She shivered knowing that her future was at stake, then raising her chin and taking a deep breath, she entered through the door to the viewing room.

*********

It was the next morning that Rentap Dressiler read over the contract for Cami sis Nep, something that he did not have the opportunity to do the night before. As he read the file and viewed the images of her, he smiled. Cheaine had scored a rare beauty both physically and in training. Her potential was excellent and she could reach great heights with the proper encouragement and he had complete faith in his wife to help her achieve just that. Going through all the personal information attached, he noted that she scored high in adaptability and in deference to superiors without servility. Both desirable attributes in the rigid Ti Lepus society.

“You have picked a rare and beautiful young lady, darling.” Cheaine smiled at the infrequent compliment.

“Indeed, actually I received the suggestion from Lorena. It was her idea originally.”

Rentap’s head came up. “I had forgotten that you said that the two of you met yesterday. You never actually said why.”

Taking a sip of her special blend of flower scented rolled tea, Cheaine considered her answer. With a sign she looked up and met her husband’s frank gaze. “We discussed the news items about the Empire.” Holding her breath, Cheaine waited for Rentap’s response.

“You did what!” The comm unit Rentap was holding hit the table, the contract forgotten. He stared at his wife, unable to believe what he had heard. Finding it difficult to articulate what he wanted to say, he came to his feet and strode across to the living room window. Looking out at the same spectacular view as yesterday, he sought to calm himself before speaking.

At last, he turned to his wife. “I am astonished that you met with her and discussed this. What would the two of you have to say about these … fanatics?”

“I did some research. Found out some information. It is interesting. We discussed it and Lorena also told me something interesting.”

Rentap dropped down onto the couch. It seemed that his legs could not hold him any longer.

“Please tell me.” He waved his hand at Cheaine. “Then I will tell you what I have learned.”

Cheaine spoke briefly, giving a concise description of what she had learned. When she had finished, her husband looked at her with a strange expression, as if he was unsure who his wife was. He shook his head.

“I don’t know...” his voice trailed off. Looking towards the window, he spoke softly. “I too have learned much. I was considering how to tell you.” He stopped. “But first, why did you do this? This is not how a women of status, of Ti Lepus, should act?”

“It was you my love, so upset, I wanted to see what was so upsetting for you. That is why I arranged to meet Lorena. So that she could support you! Researching the reports was just like a school project. I used precautions of course. I did not want any of them to report on us!” She snorted.

Rentap gaped again.

“Kirkrup di Frim, I have read of him before. He is a nasty one. So is his wife Nikie, she is slippery. I knew her as a student and saw how eager she was to snag a high status man. Too eager, she tried to organise us so we could each snare a man but we all saw through her. I think that is why she hates us. One reason anyway.” Cheaine pursed her lips. “I wonder if she remembers me.” Shaking off the thought which she had unconsciously repeated from yesterday, she continued, “I am sure that they are using this ‘Free Writer’s Club’ for their purposes. Maybe you can get your policeman and the Grey to check this out if they haven’t already done so.”

Realising the truth of his wife’s words, Rentap nodded. “I will get in touch with them and see what they know.” He paused and took a breath. “Now, you must listen to me.”

Taking his wife by the hand, he led her to a couch. “The meetings I had yesterday, first with the police and second with the Minister, I was given the same message. We are potentially in danger.” Watching her carefully, he saw the doubt in her eyes. This was followed by a dawning comprehension, then puzzlement.

“Danger, how? How could we be?”

“They have weapons, the people behind the agitators. They will, unless they are stopped, at some point use them to create a crisis.”

“Why? Why would anyone want to do to do that? The people, they are all happy with their lot, aren’t they?” Cheaine looked at her husband with the question in her eyes. He grimaced.

“Apparently not, according to the Minister, and he is one who should know.” He sighed. “The Empire is only an excuse to incite the distrust and dislike of anyone who is not born here of pure blood, as it were. That is latent in all of us.” He looked at Cheaine. “If I am truthful, even I feel it, when I deal with the outlanders.” With a bitter laugh, he stood. “I think that I could understand the low status people who work for us, and how they hate the outlanders. I have been careful. Only I go off world and deal with them, the entities who supply us with their goods. Yes, I could be an agitator.” He laughed again.

Coming to her husband’s side, Cheaine stroked his arm. He looked at her, admired her beauty. The flimsy robe that she wore in their private quarter’s barely concealed her slender but rounded figure. Rentap admired her flowing black hair and perfect face, highlighted by the intelligent eyes. He smiled as he remembered how he resolved to have her for his wife, from the first time he saw her as a young woman. She frowned at his strange expression.

“What are you thinking now?”

“Just how beautiful and intelligent you are. I am very lucky.”

“And I know just how to cheer you up! We will view that girl today!” She kissed him as he laughed.

“That’s better. I will set it up and send you a message.” Cheaine smiled.

Returning her smile, Rentap picked up his comm unit, placed it in on standby and collected the papers that he had brought the previous night. With “I will wait to hear from you,” he left for his business, unworried for the moment.

Cheaine watch her husband leave, a winsome smile on her lips. The smile left at the thought that her beloved husband could be as xenophobic as those writers and their comrades. It had her worried and questioning herself. Then with a shake of her head, she tossed the thought aside as she donned her casual indoor clothes.

“Jean!” Summoned the housekeeper. “The children?”

“All ready, finished the morning meal and ready for school, mistress.” Jean informed her

“Very good, now I will be out today for some time. When I will return I do not know. There is a contract my husband and I wish to investigate and it may take some time. You understand?”

“Yes mistress, the children were excited about it this morning.” Jean permitted herself a smile. “I did point out to them how upset you and the master would be if they were to discuss family matters outside the home.”

Cheaine smiled. “Well spoken, I also will speak to them before they leave. We want no gossip, certainly not at this time.” A frown furrowed her forehead. “When I get back we will talk Jean. There are things that you need to know.”

Jean was puzzled, but hid it with the training of a lifetime. “Of course Madam.” She paused. “Is there anything else?”

“Not now, thank you.”

Jean bowed and left.

Engaging her comm unit, Cheaine contacted the Trigon Club. Arranging a time for the viewing with her husband was quickly done to her satisfaction. Sending the information to Rentap, along with a place for them to meet, took only a fraction more. This left her with plenty of time to reinforce the housekeeper’s words of caution. No undue threats were necessary. The children of Ti Lepus were trained from birth to understand the importance of status. There would be no boasting, no showing off. They would uphold their family’s status.

Satisfied, Cheaine saw her children off and turned to her own matters. Going to her private study, she checked for messages. There was nothing of importance. Her husband’s mistress had sent nothing, but this did not surprise her. It was too soon for them to contact each other. She considered contacting other wives, but soon rejected the idea. Even with the wives she knew well, she could not be certain of trust.

Leaning back in her chair she sighed. There was no fear of attack in her mind, it was just too remote an idea for her to consider. An attack, threats, such things might occur on other planets, but not here. No! Their status might be threatened. Now that was a real possibility, one that cut fear into her heart. But an attack, with weapons? Never!

Checking her time she saw that she should leave soon. Changing once again into clothes suitable for the public, Cheaine left to meet Rentap.

Exiting the tower, which was their family home, Cheaine walked to the conveyance she had waiting for her. Entering the address, a café near the Trigon Club, she settled in for the ride.

*********

Working her shift through the day was an ordeal for Cami. Luckily, it was quite busy which helped Cami to concentrate on taking the orders and serving them along with her other duties. Her shift was in its last period when she was called to the viewing room. Taking a deep breath, she entered through the door.

*********

Rentap had a good morning. No calls from the Minister or the police! Just the usual day to day hassles, all of which were handled by his staff. None were brought directly to his attention, although he was aware of them. No one ever wants their superior to think that they could not handle a problem, after all. Unless it was absolutely necessary.

At the same time that his wife left their apartment building, Rentap met with Rakhman ra Tyrrel.

“Any profound thoughts on the message the police brought to us?”

Rakhman shook his head. “No, but in some ways I am not surprised. I may even have seen this coming if I had thought about it.”

Rentap, to Rakhman’s surprise, nodded in agreement. “I said something similar to my wife myself this morning.” He smiled at Rakhman’s expression. “Are you surprised at my agreement or the fact that I discussed this with my wife?”

“Both I think. Although you have a very clever wife. Many admire her.” He paused. “On the occasions we have met, I thought that she was an asset to you and the business.” He stopped abruptly wondering if he had gone too far. Rentap was watching him quizzically.

“If I have displeased you sir, I apologise.”

“You have no need to seek an apology,” Rentap spoke softly. “I well know how lucky I am. Ours is a love match.” He looked away then back. “You know, it was my friend, the Minister, who introduced us. She is a close cousin.” He smiled again, later De Markus had also introduced Lorena, Rentap’s mistress.

“Yes, sir.” Rakhman was unsure how to respond to this sudden revelation. Never had they discussed such private matters. For some reason he felt uncomfortable.

Seeming to sense this, Rentap sat up and spoke briskly. “The Minister came to me last night as you know. He gave me certain information and tasked me to continue with our work. However, this may become dangerous so I want you to know that we may become targets for fanatics.”

Rakhman smiled at this. Rentap looked at him sharply. “This is what the police told us yesterday. What you’re saying is that the minister just confirmed it.” Rakhman commented.

Rentap laughed. “Yes of course. I almost forgot.” He sobered. “But what little extra he had to say pointed to involvement at the very top, possibly even some of the Ministers may be involved.” He looked hard at his private secretary. “You must understand, if this is true, then they will stop at nothing to conceal their identity, to protect themselves from arrest.”

There was a shrug in reply.  Then Rakhman looked at his employer. “Did the Minister ask anything of you specifically?”

“Yes, he asked me to continue to import products from the Empire and to distribute them as normal.”

Rakhman nodded. “So, business as normal then.” He stood, “I will keep you informed of the status of all imports.” As he moved to the door, he turned, “Was there anything else, sir?”

Rentap shook his head. “No. Oh, I will be out for a while, perhaps all afternoon. Cheaine picked up an option on a contract yesterday. I have to review it with the girl in question this afternoon.” He grimaced, thinking that his son was growing up too fast, stood and went to where his coat was hanging. “If I approve it, well you know how long such things take.”

“Only from the other side, yes sir.”

Rentap stopped. He looked at Rakhman, eyebrows raised. “You disapprove?”

“All these contracts, especially with young children. It seems wrong to me.” Again he looked uncomfortable.

To Rakhman’s surprise Rentap nodded, “In some ways I agree with you about the girl. I only hope that it makes her life better.” He turned to his secretary, looking him straight in the eye. At his next words, Rakhman’s mouth opened in shock. “The best thing I ever did was to keep your contract when I took over the company. Say the word and you will be free. No recriminations or remorse. You will have earned it. Also you will stay in this company and both your salary and your position will be open for negotiation.”

There was a surge of emotion in Rakhman’s chest. “Sir, I don’t know what to say.”

Rentap smiled. “Think on it and let me know.”  He walked to the door and left.

*********

Also taking an automatic transporter, Rentap joined his wife at the agreed café. Exchanging greetings in the approved style (no touching) they sat for a short time chatting while Cheaine finished the drink she was enjoying. Done, they stood and walked to their objective.

“We should do this more often.” Cheaine smiled.

“I agree, we do not get out enough.”

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“It is lovely. I so enjoy the early spring weather.”

“And I remember how much you and the children enjoyed the Green Leaf celebrations. You glowed afterward.” There were four major festivals celebrated by the planet’s population, each spread equally throughout the year. The Rains Festival after summer. The Snow Festival next, followed by the Green Leaf and lastly, the Sun Festival. Each in their turn celebrating a different season of the year. While there were other festivals celebrated locally as well in different areas of the planet, the four seasonal celebrations were celebrated nationally. The celebrations were well supported by the government, aware as they were of their importance to the population.

As they walked side by side, Rentap asked his wife about the girl they were going to see.

“She is quite sweet, you will see.” His wife replied confidently.

Rentap hesitated before asking his next question. “Do you think we should really do this?”

Cheaine gave her husband a quick glance. “Oh yes!” She replied artlessly, “Cami is a delightful subject. You’ll see!” She knew the real reason for the question. Contracts for business was one thing, this was different, Rentap had in the past made comments which equated selling cattle to the display of girls for sale which was just what they were going to do. I guess that he just can’t see it from a girl’s perspective, Cheaine thought.  She remembered being a mentor to a younger girl and how eager that girl was to learn. Looking at her husband, she noted the frown. He will accept it one he sees her. The confident thought calmed Cheaine.

It was halfway through the fourteenth period that Rentap and his wife entered the Trigon Club. Looking around with interest, he had never been there before, he noted the seats and tables where several people, mostly women although there were a couple of men present. “Do we take our own seats?” He asked his wife. 

 “No, this is the open part,” came the smiling response, “I have another place to go to, I am a member. But we won’t go there either.”

“Oh.”

Guiding him to a counter, discreetly located around a corner and out of sight of the front room, she spoke to the modestly dressed woman standing there. “I have a viewing appointment.” Cheaine said, giving her name when the woman switched her eyes to her husband.

“Of course. Sir, madam.” The concierge made a note on the display screen. She waited a fraction then, with a smile that had been absent before, pointed towards a door Rentap had not noticed. “Room number seven, sir, madam.”

The room, they found, was well furnished in a modest but comfortable style. Instructions on a placard beside a comm unit on the low table placed in front of a couch, told them to sit on the couch and the girl to be assessed would enter onto the dais on the other side of the room. They were clearly instructed to not approach the dais or alarms would sound. Also, they were advised that the girl would not be allowed to leave the dais or again there would be alarms. Further instructions told them what to do next and how to finish the viewing.

Satisfied with the instructions they seated themselves on the couch and entered their names and the name of Cami sis Nep into the com unit installed into the table. After a fraction, the young girl entered the room onto the dais, scantily dressed as before with hands held demurely behind her back and eyes downcast.

“Sir, madam,” she said nervously. “I am Cami sis Nep.”

“Hello, I am Rentap Dressiler and this is Cheaine Dressiler, my wife. You understand why we are here?”

“Yes, sir. I do.”

There was silence for a fraction as Rentap looked the girl over. Cheaine noted that she was wearing the same dress as the day before. “Do you supply all your clothes Cami?” She asked. “And do you have other, public clothes?”

“Yes, madam I do, although not many. This uniform is supplied by the club.”

I will have to take her shopping, Cheaine thought, Perhaps Kapat would like to come along and help.

“Turn around please, slowly.” Rentap asked. Cami complied until a command from Rentap stopped her. Cheaine was right to option her, she is a rare beauty, Rentap thought, he pointed.

“There is a chair over there, please bring it to the center of the dais and sit down.”

Cheaine hid a smile as her husband’s eyes followed the young girl as she moved. She is indeed a beauty, she thought.

Finally seated and facing the two across the room, Cami felt anxious. She was somewhat uncomfortable sitting in front of the pair, this was not something that she had ever done before but she knew how important this was to her future. Discrete enquires had made her aware that the two now sitting in front of her were of high status and the husband was successful with highly placed contacts. All this was of great importance to the young girl so she sat still and composed herself as best as she could.

“Tell me about yourself,” Rentap requested Cami.

Cami launched into the all too common tale on Ti Lepus, of a young girl plucked from her family and school and effectively displayed for sale to interested parties.

“You are from Libus Re, that’s a long way away.” Rentap commented. “How do you find living in Lepus Mal?”

“It was very confusing at first sir.” Cami replied. “But I found my way around after a bit.” A shrug of youthful shoulders followed. “I don’t have much time for sightseeing, what with the club and school.”

“Have you continued your studies?” Rentap asked.

“Of course, sir. All the usual courses and I run, I am training in The Jump.”

“The Jump, that’s a tough race, do you do well in it?”

“I did at home, but here, not so very well, sir. The competition is harder here, but I try.”

“I see.” Rentap said thoughtfully, “And your other courses, what are you studying now, and where?”

Cami recited the curriculum and named the school. “It is The Lepus Mal Service Girls Institute No. 1245 sir.” There was a wide-eyed earnestness about the young girl that almost made Rentap smile. “It is a good school, sir! The instructors, sir, are firm, but not harsh.”

“I am sure.” He paused. “And how are you in mathematics, science and history?”

With growing confidence, Cami laid out her accomplishments before the two. She did well in math, but science was a little more difficult. History was boring; all those places, names and dates! But she applied herself as her marks showed. Other subjects were then touched upon.

“Your family, they are comfortable with you coming so far away from your home and having an open contract?”

 “Oh yes, sir. When I left, they told me to apply myself and get a good position.”

“And you think that we are a ‘good position’?” Rentap was working hard to not smile, as was Cheaine. They were both certain that the staff, who would be listening, were groaning and silently begging Cami to stop.

“Indeed, sir. The very best. Why when I asked about you with the mistress here and searched on the … com …” her voice trailed off and she suddenly looked stricken.

Both Cheaine and Rentap laughed. “That was a smart thing to do.” Said Rentap. “Don’t worry, we are not displeased.”

“No, not at all.” Cheaine smiled. Cami looked relieved. Rentap and Cheaine looked at each other. Cheaine nodded and Rentap nodded back.

“We accept you and your contract.” Rentap stood and spoke with customary formality. Stooping, he entered the appropriate command into the comm unit.

Cami jumped up from her chair and danced a little jig on the dais while Rentap and Cheaine smiled. Cheaine stood as the club manager entered and bowed. She first spoke to Cami, “Return to your duties, Cami. You will be contacted once the formalities are completed.”  Cami smiled and left, still dancing. The manager turned and then addressed the Dressiler’s. “Congratulations sir, madam. Let us now complete the contract transfer. Please follow me.”

They all smiled as a round of shrieks of delight echoed from the back of the stage. The cheers came from what they all knew was a bevy of excited young girls, each hoping for the same result.

Leading them out door the manager came in, they walked down a corridor, turning into a small, almost empty office.

“Please forgive the sparse nature of the office. It is not normally used for these transactions, but the regular office is being repaired due to a recent incident.”

“I am sorry to hear that. There have been too many such incidents lately. I hope that no one was hurt?” Cheaine was distressed. As a club member, she had heard of an ‘incident’, but not the details.

“No, no one. It was just a fanatic of the usual sort. The patrol are dealing with it.” The manager opened Cami’s file and turned to Rentap, wanting to move on from an obviously embarrassing situation. “You have already read the contract I presume sir. Note that the usual clauses apply. One quarter of what you agree to pay the subject goes to her family and one quarter is to be held in trust for her future?” Rentap nodded. He had already reviewed the financial obligations.

“Good, and the balance goes to her, in an account you agree to set up.” Again, a nod of understanding.

“Now her current contract is for one hundred Konna a month. That is to be increased to one twenty five on her contract being purchased and then two hundred on completion of her first year. The standard provisions apply regarding satisfactory completion and safety, of course. Finally, you agree to house her, keep her safe and provide all necessities of life.” The manager paused and smiled. “Do you have any questions?”

“No, all that was very clear. Now your commission?”

“That is the usual amount, equal to twelve months of the first year’s salary. Twelve hundred Konna,” the manager replied. “That is payable in monthly payments and stops if the contract is not completed.” She paused. “Or you can pay in full, Subject to the usual satisfactions, of course.” Like some of the other aspects of the empire, the reason why it was twelve months and not fourteen, was lost in the mists of time.

“Off course, and I think that is what we will do.” Rentap replied. “Cami seems delightful. One question is her schooling. We know where her school is now, but I think that it would be best if we enrolled her into the academy that our children go to.”

The manager looked pleased at the payment, as indeed she might. “Wonderful. And I agree with your thoughts on her schooling. I am sure that you know best there. Now let us complete the transfer.”

Finalising the details took longer than expected, but soon the Cami sis Nep contract had the Dressiler’s signatures on it and it was formally passed over to them.

*********

Shortly afterward, an obviously delighted, and properly dressed young girl along with an older couple left in an automatic rental. Cami could barely keep still and Rentap smiled to himself while maintaining a somewhat aloof and solemn air as he watched his wife instruct their new charge on preserving an outward appearance of composure. She is going to keep Cheaine on her toes, he thought with amusement. I wonder how soon I should introduce her to Lorena. Not for a few months, let her settle in first. I will discuss this with Lorena, she will know from her own experience. And he put that thought aside.

Once at the apartment spire, they took their private elevator to their floor, after signing Cami in with attention to all the necessary details and biological samples that their security demanded.

If Cami was excited before, she almost lost control and dissolved into tears when shown her spacious new room which she found out she would not be sharing with anyone. “I never had a room to myself before,” she stuttered. Cheaine smiled, understanding what that meant to the young woman.

“You have one now.” Cami gave a tearful, but beautiful smile at her new mistresses’ reply.

Stowing her clothes, including the possessions that had been collected from the home for working girls where she had been staying, was the work of just a fraction. Cami could not stop looking around her new room.

“Shopping will be high on the list of activities for you,” Cheaine told the young girl. “We will include Kapat, my daughter. She will be your mentor and is just a few months older then you.”

Cami was delighted. A girl of high class and her own age as her mentor! She had not considered that. A thought occurred to her and she turned to Cheaine and Rentap, “Tonight, may I call my parents please, they will want to know?”

“Of course you may and we will speak to them as well.” Rentap replied. “As they are far away and in a different time zone it will be necessary to set up a timetable that is suitable for both you and them.” Cami was even more delighted, she could talk to her family and give them the news.

When they arrived back from their school, Dinis and Kapat were just as delighted as Cami was. For once the rules went out the window and Kapat took Cami into her arms and hugged her. Dinis, as befitted the son and oldest child, was more formal, thinking back to the discussion with Kaput the previous night, but his delight was clearly equal to Kapats.

The three quickly got to know each other and Kapat was soon organizing a shopping trip, in order that Cami should be dressed in the proper manner that befitted her new status. Dinis was in agreement. Of course he did not explicitly say so, but copied his father’s lead in acknowledging that new clothes would uphold the family’s status!

Rentap was quietly pleased and sat back enjoying the show when he remembered Rakhman’s reaction earlier that day. Sitting back in his chair, he found himself disturbed by the unspoken questions that Rakhman had raised. I must speak again to Rakhman about releasing him from his contract. Not straight away, that would not be wise. Rakhman will need time to assimilate the idea himself. But soon. He thought.

Noticing her husband’s change of mood, Cheaine gave him an expressive look of enquiry but he just shook his head at her look. I will find out later, she thought turning to the children.

“Enough. Cami needs to settle in and start learning her duties. And you two,” indicating Dinis and Kapat, “You need to take care of yourselves as well. Yes, this is an exciting time, but we all have duties to attend to and homework to complete!”

Reluctantly, Dinis and Kapat left and Cheaine turned to Cami. “Your first and most important lesson is one you already know. You must never forget your position and status. What you say and do impacts on all of us. Don’t be frightened, just remember it.” The frightened look that had appeared slowly ebbed from Cami’s face. “Now come with me. Jean ne Pator, our housekeeper whom you have already met, will instruct you in the workings of the house.”

The two walked to the kitchen, the domain of Jean, the housekeeper.

 

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