Chapter 2: Chapter Two. An Anniversary and a Wedding.

Rentap Dressiler smiled to himself at the comm message he had just received from his close friend Trem de Markus. It was an invitation to a commemoration of Trems father’s wedding anniversary. This was the Ti Lepus manner of stating such an event. ‘Has it been more than ten years since we were volunteers?’ he mused to himself, thinking on the memories. He had seen and dined with his friend many times since then. Even providing assistance, as a friend does at times unspoken, even rare emotional support, necessary in this tightly structured society.

Now the sole owner of his importing business, the agreement having worked out in his favour, Rentap had renamed it Ti Lepus Imports. Trem had persuaded his family to support the venture and Rentap’s had been able to provide several items that, while rare and expensive on Ti Lepus, were considerably cheaper, if not necessarily abundant, in other solar systems.

This had led to other contacts in the business community, essential in a society where such contacts needed a sponsor. Rentap was a man of Ti Lepus, on the rise with his status secure. All he now needed was a wife and a mistress, both considered a necessity for men of high status. Any man who did not have both would be considered unmanly and suffer loss of status within the group.

*********

“Welcome friend.” Trem greeted Rentap with the two-handed handshake customary between close friends. “I am glad that you could come. I don’t know if I could have survived without you.” Rentap took off his wide brimmed hat and handed it to the hovering attendant. He did not need a voucher, a chip in the hat would identify it for him. Wearing his best shirt and suit, along with a neck covering similar to a cravat, he looked little different from others in the room. As this was a formal occasion, over his shoulders he wore a stole, the decorations of which revealed the family history to the educated eye. Under this he wore a richly decorated cope with openings in the side for arms. The decorations on both were an indulgence that was tolerated amongst those of high status. Lower status citizens were not permitted to wear stoles or the cope.

During the work day, the cope was replaced by an ordinary coat and the stole was usually omitted. There were several varieties of both, depending on the days expected activities.

Rentap did not laugh openly at his friend’s comment. In the rigid society they were part of, restraint, self-discipline and control of one’s self were considered the most desirable attributes. Open displays of emotion were frowned upon and could cost a person status.

“Come, there are some people I wish you to meet.” Trem led his friend into the meeting room set apart for the commemoration. In accordance with the de Markus family’s status, this was taking place in one of the finest and most discriminating resorts in Lepus Mal, the capital. The room was large and well furnished. The space was also well filled with guests and family, all dressed in a similar fashion to Rentap.

Taking Rentap to the greeting area where Trems family was sitting, Rentap was formally presented to Tirum de Markus, who was dressed almost identically to both of them.

“Congratulations, sir.” Rentap gave the formal bow traditional at such times.

“Thank you, Master Dressiler, your presence here pleases us.” Tirum made the required formal bow of response. Eyes still sharp, Tirum noted the markings on the stole. It was with satisfaction he saw that the Dressiler family was well connected as this reflected well on Trem. Formalities over, the two chatted pleasantly for a fraction before others approached. As was the custom, Trium’s wife did not speak, but she did give Rentap a smile. None of the family present spoke either, however they gave bows of greeting to Rentap as he left.

There were several distinct areas, subtly separated. The people of Ti Lepus did not need barriers to separate themselves into groups, they knew where they were expected to go, such distinctions were drilled into them from childhood. It was to one of these that Trem guided his friend. Rentap gave a look of surprise when he realised that this group was one reserved for cousins and other closely related family members.

A secretive smile played on Trems lips as he approached a young woman. “Cheaine, here is someone I would like you to meet.” Rentap never heard the rest of the introduction.

As she turned around, Rentap swallowed, a beautiful smile was graced by expressive eyes. Large dark eyes that seemed to swallow him. Even under the standard layers of clothing required by tradition, Rentap could visualise the slender body of the woman in front of him; tall as she was, she could almost look him in the eye. The cope was finer, more feminine as were the decorations on it and the stole she wore. Under this were the outer garments that consisted of her jacket and long skirt.

Trem could not hid his delight at the reaction of his friend.

“I have heard much of you from my cousin, Master Rentap. It is my pleasure to finally meet you.” A hand was not extended, they didn’t know each other well enough for that, yet.

That Rentap was rendered speechless was clearly obvious. He finally came out with, “The pleasure is mine, Miss Cheaine.”

As the two continued to gaze at each other, Cheaine with a somewhat bemused smile, and Rentap with a silly smile that he tried to hide, Trem de Marcus quietly withdrew, a satisfied look on his face.

*********

Several months later, Trem stood with Rentap before a Peace Giver. Cheaine stood beside Rentap and close members of both families were there as well. The formal words were to be spoken and Cheaine and Rentap would become husband and wife.

Peace Givers were a strange part of the life of Ti Lepus. Only people of either sex from a remote mountain district could be Peace Givers. Neither priests nor religious, yet with certain aspects of both, on reaching the age of eleven both boys and girls were taken to a monastery/temple where they received training in law, tradition, medicine and science, along with extensive physical training. Operating outside the normal rules of Ti Lepus society, they had no status and did not require any. Their birth name was also dropped and a new name, spoken only between the Peace Givers, was taken. Yet they were honoured by all citizens and, by tradition, they were authorised to preform legal acts such as weddings and funerals or to act as judges in trials for minor offences. Even a very rare divorce. It was normal for most high-status people, along with as many as possible of those of other status, to be married by a Peace Giver.

Wearing brightly colored robes that were traditional only to them and usually bareheaded, the men sometimes wore beards with longer than normal hair while the women kept their hair in long braids, they were unlike anyone else on the planet. They could go anywhere and no one would bar them entry, no matter whether they were men or women. Other than their accustomed duties, they had no interest in any part of the life of the planet. They even escaped being barcoded and having the standard identification chip implanted, unlike all other inhabitants.

After confirming both their names, the senior Peace Giver, a man in this case asked the usual ritual questions, “Why do you come before me?” A second Peace Giver, a woman stood to one side.

Cheaine and Rentap answered together, “To be joined.”

“Are you both free and clear to do this?” the Peace Giver asked.

Looking at each other they smiled and answered that they were.

At “Are either of you aware of any impediment to the joining?” Both firmly replied that there was none!

The question, “Do the families accept this joining?” Brought cries of ‘Yes’ from other members of the families, the demonstration allowable only on such occasions as this.

A bell was rung, the Peace Giver clapped his hands. With slow and solemn movements the Peace Giver accepted a tea pot and two crystal cups from the female Peace Giver and placed it in front of the pair. “I offer you tea,” he said, spreading his hands.

Maintaining a solemn demeanor, Rentap filled a cup and offered it to Cheaine. She accepted it and sipped a small amount. Putting the cup down, she picked up the teapot, filled the second cup and offered it to Rentap. He took the cup and sipped. Giving a smile he could no longer conceal, he put the cup down.

Giving another clap, the Peace Giver smiled, “You are joined.” He said. Applying a stamp to the official documents, Peace Givers never used comm units, he handed them back to Rentap who accepted them with thanks. With a final “I wish you happiness and peace,” both the Peace Givers bowed and the little ceremony was complete. The families clapped, further demonstration was not required and would have been frowned upon.

Following custom the bride and the groom now separated and Rentap would not see Cheaine until later that evening. Leaving the Peace Giver’s premises, none took notice of a man dressed in dark clothing, a cloak flowing from his shoulders, watching from a distance, a frown clouding his unremarkable face.

Settling in the conveyance supplied for this occasion, Trem turned to his friend. “I wish you all happiness my friend.” He said sincerely.

“I am the one who should be thanking you,” Rentap said, “You have given me a gift beyond compare.”

“The gift was never mine to give. It belonged in the hand of the one you joined today. I merely had a small part in bringing you both together.” There was no smile on Trems face. That changed suddenly. “But tonight, it is for celebration! So let us join the other male members of our families and celebrate!”

Rentap’s two brothers and father surprised him by piling into the same vehicle. “Let’s go!” They shouted. At this open display of emotion from them, Rentap stared. “Well it’s the only time you are going to get married isn’t it?” His father spoke defensively. The vehicle pulled away to the sound of unaccustomed laughter.

*********

Several years later, Trem de Marcus punched in the code that would allow him entry to the elevator which would take him to his floor. In this private part of the building in which he lived, he could allow the smile on his face at the news from Rentap. A boy, a son, an heir; something every man secretly wanted.

There had been no overt celebration between the two men. A handshake sufficed in this world. Trem had gone to personally give his own good news, a marriage contract between Lesse Nakee, who he had been introduced to and found suitable. His mistress, both men had one, also approved.

Still ecstatic, Rentap had congratulated Trem and promised to stand with him at his joining. “Of course I will, who else could you ask?” he had said.

Trem smiled as he exited the elevator to his private quarters. His manservant, the only domestic that he used, was back at his quarters, leaving a meal ready for Trem in the chiller.

I will have to get used to a different life style. The thought ran through his head. It was just over twenty years since Trem had been a volunteer for the Student Volunteer Service Corps. Now he was soon to be married and Rentap had even begun to urge him to run for public office. A member of the Council of Ministers, the thought intrigued Trem.

Going straight to his private dressing room, Trem crossed though the open living room, half way across, he stopped and slowly turned to his right.

“How did you get in?” was spoken in a whisper.

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Lounging in a chair, the man regarded Trem with calm blue eyes. “It is good to see you again, Master Trem de Markus. You look well.”

“You look unchanged.” Markus got his frozen tongue to work.

A soft laugh was the reply as the man stood. “We have been meeting now for many years, what do you have to say about our conversations?”

Recovered from the surprise of seeing his unannounced guest, Trem replied immediately. “Rather depressing. You show great insight into our workings but you are also extremely pessimistic about our future. I am uncertain as to why you should feel that way.”

The man turned and looked out the floor to ceiling window, “A great view of this city. What would you say if I told you that in about fifteen years it could be in flames?” The reaction was expected.

“I would say you are mad!” Marcus blurted.

Turning, the man regarded Trem sadly, “That is what I see, unless it could be changed.” He continued after a pause while Trem de Markus stared in horrified fascination. “There are forces at work, forces that don’t even know that they are working together. Your friend, Rentap Dressiler, he suggests that you should run for one of the seats on the Council of Ministers?”

“He has, several times.” Trem stared in sudden suspicion. “Are you a grey?” The reference was to the Secret Police. They were called that as, on rare ceremonial occasions, they wore a grey uniform.

“No.” The man looked at Trem with a quizzical expression. “The thought of who I am must have occurred to you. As I have never entered your mind or looked at your thoughts, I do not know.”

Trem stumbled backwards and sat on a nearby chair. He had wondered about his mysterious visitor many times. The nature of the visits and the ability of his guest to come and go as he pleased had intrigued him. Never before had he thought that it might have been the Dark Lord, the absolute ruler of the Empire. The Empire of which the people of Ti Lepus were a part, even if only reluctantly.

“Why me?” he stuttered.

“You were young and, unlike many others, willing to learn, to listen.” The Dark Lord answered, sitting back in another chair. “You are not the only representative of your world that I have spoken with over the course of many years.”

“What do you want from me?” Trem demanded.

“Myself, nothing.” The Dark Lord said continuing to face Markus. “For your people, much.”

“I don’t understand.” Trem was even more confused.

The Dark Lord sighed. “I want you to be, in a sense, my agent.” He paused while Trem absorbed that comment. “I will not ask you do anything against Ti Lepus or its people.” Trem smothered his incipient protests. “Indeed, I will not ask anything of you. I have given you information and insights.” He considered the man sitting across from Him. “Have not others urged you to do the very thing that your friend Rentap has asked of you?”

“There has been suggestions made by others.” Trem admitted.

“And is not your family business in good hands?”

“It is, my Lord.” In a rather detached manner, Trem noted that the honorific had come easily.

“Apart from your coming marriage, you have nothing to encumber you?” The Dark Lord pressed.

“No, nothing.” Trem admitted.

“I think that your future lies clear.” The Dark Lord smiled, the smile lightened his rather plain, almost forgettable face. “But I will not press you to put your name forward. It must be your decision.” With a sudden motion, he stood. Trem stood with him.

“I will consider your words carefully, Sire.” The thought ran through his mind that he would be going over all their discussions again! “Are there any words of counsel you might offer?”

“One, be careful who you align with. There are many who would want to be associated with the name of De Markus and should not. In particular be careful of Leja Leves, I see that he is only interested in the power he would gain.”

“Leves, I know of him, but not a great deal.” Trem considered the advice. “I will watch all who approach me carefully.” He gave a rare smile. “I know nothing of how to organise for such an undertaking. I will have to do some homework.”

The Dark Lord laughed. “In that I am of no help.” He sobered. “I wish you farewell and good health.”

Startled by the formal words of parting, Trem was speechless for a fraction. “Will we not meet again sire?”

“Only once more.” The words were delivered in an expressionless tone. He left through the main door.

Trem stood still for a fraction, then continued on his interrupted journey to his dressing room. He changed his clothes and returned to his living room where he poured himself a drink and settled in a comfortable chair. He remained there for a long time. Finally giving a sigh he picked up his comm and selected a number from a list.

“My friend, I am going to need your help.” He said to Rentap.

*********

It was a rather somber Dark Lord that entered the study. The Ladies took note of his demeanor and only one spoke up.

“Well, are you going to let us in now?” his companion asked. At the question he stopped and nodded.

“I have been to a planet that may be heading to disaster. I have been taking steps to stop the rot.” He answered, then, after a pause he added, “I hope.”

The Ladies exchanged glances. Dana frowned, “If it isn’t too much trouble, which planet?” She asked.

“It is Ti Lepus.” He replied.

“Ti Lepus!” At the name, a hiss of breath, mixed with some nods and grunts ran through the room.

A slight smile touched the Dark Lords lips as a question came to him.

“OK, who won the pool?”

A good half dozen answered and pointed, “She did!”

Sydney laughed. The Dark Lord’s smile broadened.

 

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