Closing Circles

By David R. Dorrycott

1996

Sana Erex, Companion to Lady Mectherim Prisschan, sat quietly at an old wooden table overlooking a great drydock beyond. Her gaze was out the wide view port yet her eyes were unfocused as she concentrated, pen in one hand, paper before her. Suddenly she was writing, seemingly never to have started moving so smooth were her actions.

Earthfyre,

Star rise,

Child is born

"Kahlon again?" came the question behind her.

Sana smiled, laying her pen aside as she stood to bow before the ancient woman behind her. "Lady Mectherim, it came to me as I slept" she explained. "I simply had to find its purest form.” She automatically stepped away from the table to assist her employer. “After thirty cycles in you employ you still slip behind me. You are a wonder to me. Will you tell me now why we are here?"

The older woman smiled as she stepped to the view port behind Sana’s table. "Yes, I think it is time" she agreed. Before her stretched a giant bay, stars burned steadily in the space beyond its unsealed walls. Cradled within, covered with hundreds of workers was a huge dreadnought being prepared for her maiden voyage. "SORCERESS, the largest warship ever built by our race" she whispered. "We have come for her birth, and to see my Great Granddaughter one last time. One last grand intervention."

Sana slipped beside the frail woman, silently slipping an arm around her waist as she automatically took up part of the effort her charge needed to stand. Following the others gaze she looked out at the deadly warship, its workers appearing as dust mites on her skin. "Which one Great Lady," she asked. "You have so many even I have trouble remembering them all."

Lady Mectherim waved her hand towards the ship. "The most dangerous of my childrens childrens children" she admitted. "Perhaps, in the long run, as dangerous to those that stand before her as that ship and her crew will be to our enemies." She sighed, turning away from the view. "A seat please" she whispered. Even in privacy Lady Mectherim tried to hide her bodies weakness.

Sana slid her other arm around her, lifting the older woman like a child. Carefully she carried her Lady to an overstuffed couch then, laying her carefully down she pulled a waiting light cover over her.

Lady Mectherim looked up into the larger women's face, suddenly stern and serious. "You are ordered not to react to anything she says while she is here. Nor to record anything that occurs."

Sana stepped back, slightly amused. "Nothing that occurs will be recorded. Nor will I react." she agreed.

Lady Mectherim nodded. "Then a drink please. Choore juice would be nice. Sha will be here in a few minutes."

Sana turned to the small kitchenette, a slight shudder rippling down her long frame. 'Sha Prisschan' she thought. That name congered up images of more trouble than one being should be able to create in ten times the normal lifespan. 'This may be a memorable day' she decided. Across the room she could see

Lady Mectherim silently laughing, her frail frame rocking silently under the cover. “May I inquire as to the reason for this meeting?" Sana asked, not really expecting an answer. To her surprise one was forthcoming.

“Sha is here to challenge that ships Captain. I cannot allow such a challenge" the elder woman answered. Her voice soft yet serious. "Sha's lady was stationed on the original FIREWAND. When it was lost... She feels that the Captain dishonored her." She paused, curling up into a smaller ball of fur and cloth as Sana offered her the warm drink. "Sha is good, probably the best in this or even my generation. Still she would never survive such a challenge, even though she would easily kill her target." She sipped her drink, enjoying the rich taste for a moment. "Besides. I have proof that there was no fault by that person and that such a challenge can only bring dishonor upon our clan."

Sana sat quietly on the floor at the others feet, folding her long legs neatly under her as she leaned slightly forward. "I am well aware there is an ancient debt between your Prisschan and Ironclaw clans" she said. "Could this be the real reason for the challenge?"

Lady Mectherim shook her head slightly as she answered. "No, the lover was an Ironclaw herself. Of all of Sha's faults and disappointments she has never been one to hate without reason. Our old Clan feud goes back to First Flight days. Most have long forgotten it. I know of no one who remembers the reason. In any case during war such feuds are forbidden by Imperial law. Sha bends laws but I have no solid proof she has ever broken one." She took another drink then sat the glass aside. "She is here."

Sana stood, reaching the door moments before a light rap came from the other side. Opening the door she looked down at the woman before her. Hardly over four feet tall she was a head shorter than Sana. Her relaxed stance warned the taller woman of her combat experience while vibrant dyed red-orange fur showed where it wasn't hidden by old worn clothing. Her hair a natural darker red, almost black in places.

"Well" she said, looking up into Sana's eyes. "Am I allowed in or should I just pose seductively for a few days?"

Sana stepped back amused, silently motioning the other to enter.

Sha fairly flowed through the door, taking the entire area into account with short sharp glances. Satisfied she stepped over to Lady Mectherim, quickly falling to her knees. "Well, I'm here Gram" she announced. "What was it you wanted?"

Lady Mectherim sighed. "Forty plus years and you still ignore all protocol" she sighed. "There are several reasons for this meeting" she continued as she beckoned to Sana. "First. Your planned challenge is forbidden."

Sha head snapped up, her eyes burning with an inner fire. "Why" she asked, watching Sana hand the other a small envelope from the ancient table.

Lady Mectherim drew several thin sheets from the envelope. Glancing at them she handed two to Sha. "Proof your lady died in combat, not as you have been led to believe as a prisoner. Your challenge would be baseless. Thus dishonorable."

As Sha read the papers her hands began to tremble slightly, looking up at the older woman she sniffed slightly. "If you are right I withdraw my actions. But why would anyone lie to me. There is no gain." Without a word Mectherim handed Sha a second set of papers, old and cracked.

Sha squinted slightly, working to read the faded print. "Reeshal?" she murmured. "Oh Marth" she suddenly exclaimed, looking up at Lady Mectherim. "If I kill Captain Ironclaw then Reeshal will challenge. Doing so will force her to respond with her true Clan name. That would bring dishonor on all who strand with her, both our clans. Even Sector Command and the Admiralty will be tainted." She paused for a breath, a sound of ancient paper crumbling carried slightly. "Does Ironclaw know?" she asked.

"As did your lady" Mectherim answered. "She was Seelsa's Ironclaw’s youngest sister, not much was kept from her. Reeshal cannot change who she is, but she is without the pathogen and serves with honor. I so trust in her that I have personally arranged that she will command the next FIREWAND. This is all anyone can be asked. Even if their Clan is Outlaw by ancient decree, their life forfeit upon discovery." She reached out to touch Sha's cheek, running fragile claws through her fur. With a smooth motion belying one of her age a thin stiletto appeared in her hand, its point against Sha's throat. "There are so few of them left now. Within three generations there will be none. Only you, I, and Sana know this information. All others are now dead" she whispered. Then in a harder, darker voice she asked "What is your choice?"

Sha laughed, reaching up to touch the blades edge with one finger. "I never really wanted to fight her, even though winning would be easy. I've studied her ladies practice sessions and she would easily take me." She slid her finger along the blades edge, a thin line of bright orange trailed behind. "Even if Ironclaw was guilty I couldn't possibly challenge. Such a loss to our race would be too great." She pulled her hand away, slipping her injured finger between her lips for a moment. "No, I think your blade has tasted all the blood it will today. I stand with you."

Lady Mectherim sighed, her blade dropping to the floor as she sat back. "You are one of the greatest our Clan has produced in two generations, perhaps three. It would have been a hard loss had you decided otherwise." She looked up to Sana who stood quietly just out of Sha's reach. "Keelef please. For all" she ordered. "Tell me Sha. Just why did you quit the military?"

Sha giggled like a little girl, "Now in that there lives a tale" she admitted. Settling back down she leaned against several pillows on the floor. "But in all truth it just got boring. I mean, combat is fun and the thrill of a clean kill races in the blood. But I lost too many friends, too many missions where I was the only one to get back. Besides fighting isn't all that interests me. I love the ancient studies as well." She reached up without looking, accepting a steaming cup of Keelef from Sana as the servant returned. "Besides, there aren't any pilots over the rank of Senior Lieutenant and if I stayed in they were going to promote me. Desk jobs" she sighed in complaint. "I'd rather die."

"I've heard rumors about Teflarn Castle" Mectherim murmured over her cup.

"Wasn't there, got pics to prove it. Don't know anything about the Teflarn jewels' Sha responded.

Lady Mectherim laughed again. "Then I take it that ring is a re-creation?" she asked.

Sha lifted her hand, grinning slightly, "Opps" she whispered, then laughed. "That's what I told Customs and they believed me" she answered, her voice filled with humor.

Lady Mectherim sat her half empty cup down, again looked down at the younger woman. Her voice suddenly became as serious as before, all hint of humor gone. "What will you do with your life" she asked. "Where will you go?"

Sha settled slightly, her voice softer, slightly hollow as she answered. "I don't know, I never planned after the challenge. You see I knew I wouldn't leave this station alive. I mean, kill THE most respected Captain in this sector and live?" She paused, gathering herself together. "Ironclaw has to be aware of my intentions. I'll have to go apologize. After that, well I really don't know. Probably go mess with that strange energy field near Cahifala. If I can get a ship." She stood, handing her now empty cup to Sana. "Mind if I borrow the bath a few moments gram?" 

Lady Mectherim nodded, watching as Sha disappeared from view. Handing Sana her cup she looked away. "She's carrying a suicide pill. I thought she might."

Sana looked in the direction Sha has gone. "Why?" she asked.

"To insure she didn't survive" Mectherim answered, "She loved that little girl more than life. Now with honor clear she can't follow. Not with honor, and Sha has been nothing if not honor itself. So she will hunt another way to join her." She stretched, bones cracking from too long in one position. "Your contract ends tonight. How would you feel if about a life contract with that one?."

Sana started, "My contract is valid for twelve more years, or your death. Certainly you have a long life ahead" she answered.

Lady Mectherim pushed herself up, accepting Sana's automatically proffered assistance. Swaying slightly she leaned against her companion for a moment, then stepped away. Returning slowly to the view port she again looked out at the great ship below. "No, you have been with me too long not to know the signs. Sha was my last responsibility, now I can rest." She smiled a moment. "Shenar knows I'm 187 years old, I've served Prisschan Clan as Clan Chief over ninety years. Its time for a rest." She placed her hand against the cold crystal of the port, drinking in the warship below. "Sha is right, war isn't everything. Your Kahlon writings are proof enough of that, if nothing else. We may be the new warriors as the word Naorhy means, but there is so much more to life than war." She turned away, putting her back to the ship. "Sha is going to be something else. I can feel it. She and those two are going to have a long relationship. Bumpy at times, but a long and useful one. Peace will come. Not in your lifetimes but certainly in your grand children’s. Sha will need a new anchor in reality. Someone to help keep her useful, find new goals. Someone to turn her from this path of death she is running through. Will you accept such a contract?"

Sana looked down at the two cups she held, one marred by Lady Mectherim's lip paint, the other clean. "It is not often a Companion accepts a lifetime contract, still less from a third party" she answered. "Are you sure you want this? The cost, even the Guild cost alone will be extreme." She looked down into Lady Mectherim's eyes. "You have been much like a mother to me. I have never seen you error. If Sha accepts I will take the contract." She turned and walked back to the sink, placing the fragile cups down without a sound as Sha returned.

"Thanks Gram" she said. "Got a little tight there. I had a rough night."

Mectherim turned to her, holding out her hand. "Our time is over for today. It was good of you to come. Will you be seeing Ironclaw soon?"

Sha stopped, taken by surprise. "Yes. Tonight. Are you really that tired?" she asked, concern in her voice. "You had mentioned a game of Var."

Mectherim smiled. "I would enjoy that. It has been a long time. But you are correct, I am very tired. The trip was long and I am getting older. Maybe I should retire, take it easy for a while."

Sha laughed, "You? Retire? You'll be Clan Chief long after I have my children and settle down. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?"

Mectherim shook her head, "No, but if your up too it would you consider visiting again tomorrow night. For dinner?"

Sha perked up. "You had me worried for a moment gram, but yes I will be happy to have dinner with you. What time would be good?"

Mectherim nodded, "Fifth moon will be fine. Sana will expect you then."

Sha smiled and gave Mectherim a gentle hug, nuzzling her throat for a moment. "Thank you for your caring, and for clearing my heart" she whispered. Then with a rush she was out the door and gone.

Sana looked up at Mectherim as she retrieved the forgotten blade. "Fifth moon?" she asked. "Isn't that awful late for dinner."

Mectherim nodded an affirmative, "But then, you will need the stillness to explain to her. Come, we have a contract to fill and very little time to do so." She moved to sit sat at the old table Sana had used, pushing the papers there aside as she searched for what she needed. Sana stepped over, silently opening a thin folder to draw out a honey colored sheet. Lady Mectherim nodded, taking the paper without a word and began writing. Behind her Sana retrieved the crumpled pages Sha had left. Taking them to the sink she pulled out a candle lamp. In moments the papers were cooling ash being flushed down the drain.

                                                                =====

Sha stood before the door. She knew something felt wrong but it was the appointed time. Fingering one of her hidden blades she tapped lightly at the door. It was several seconds before it opened, causing Sha more worry. Ever before it had opened even as she knocked. Had someone been foolish enough to attack, in this place? Yet the door soon opened. Sana stood aside as she always did, motioning her in. Behind her it was dark though Sha could see several candle lamps burning. Their crystal goblets were tossing rainbow colors everywhere. "My Lady?" she asked, fear creeping into her voice.

"Gone Beyond" answered Sana. "You will attend?"

Sha sighed, seeming to fold within herself a little, her hand falling away from the ready blade. "Yes. I am honored" she answered, stepping quietly into the room. A table of food awaited, she had been invited to dinner after all. Sha soon sat quietly, picking at her food. "Has my Clan been notified?" she asked, not quite looking into Sana's eyes.

"Yes, this morning. It was the final duty of my contract."

Sha looked down, closing her eyes against the pain. "She always seemed to have time for me, even when Council was in session she would talk with me. Do you know you were the only Companion to hold more than a minimum contract with her?"

Sana nodded, "Eight Companions in nine years. When I was accepted the Guild warned me not to expect more, but I was interested in why she refused continuations. After thirty cycles I still don't know." She stood smoothly, leaving her untouched meal on the table. "She left these for you, almost the last official actions before her death. Her last was to name her successor. You need to know, for she is Hissah Kell." She held out two envelopes to Sha.

Sighing Sha accepted the envelopes, noting one appeared to be a letter while the other held several sheets. “Kell was close to gram, she’ll make a good Chief but not as good as gram. I’ll miss her.’ She opened the letter, silently reading the few lines as Sana waited silently. "Queel, even in death she holds my hand" Sha exclaimed. "Ah well, I've never known her to be wrong, at least for me. Let's see what traps she left for me this time." With a little more energy she opened the second envelope, pulling the three sheets out and unfolding them. She read all three in silence as Sana waited, still standing on her side of the table. Sha giggled, then stood. "She leaves me a ship, fine. Then a stipend to insure I always have a few coin in my pocket, ok." She stopped, holding the honey colored paper up for SAna to see. "Then she saddles me with you. Not for a cycle, not for thirty cycles but for LIFE." she shouted the last word. Sha moved over to Sana, looking up at the taller woman. "What in the lands of Queel did I ever do to get stuck with you?" she demanded.

Sana reached down, putting her hand lightly on Sha's shoulder. "I don't know. It was her desire and she paid all costs from her private account." She shook her head, wisps of unbound hair floated around. "She told me that you, and those around you, might be the key to peace in the future. For that prize I am happy to bear your anger."

Sha shook with rage for moments, then took a deep breath. "Gram never did anything to hurt me and she was always right about her feelings." She folded her papers, "Its been a long day. Captain Ironclaw wasn't was bad as I thought although Reeshal scared the furel out of me." She rubbed her face as she walked to the door. "I better get some sleep. I’ll see you at Bay 79 in the morning or never again. It’s your choice." She yawned, opening the door as she stretched. "If you come you can show me this ship then."

Sana watched her new employer leave, then turned to clear the untouched meal. It was certain she would be in Bay 79 at the appointed time. After all her few possessions were already aboard the ship. Yet, as she cleaned dishes, Sana couldn’t help but wonder. Why had Lady Mectherim kept her on so long, and why this life with Sha? There were hidden paths within the ancient ladies actions, Sana knew it would take time to walk them all. As she sat the last plate aside she looked towards the now sputtering candle lamps. She would have a lifetime to walk those paths.