In the time of Oharu

The Second Volume November 1936 to November 1937

Chapter 9

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Spontoon Island created by Mr. Ken Fletcher. Used with permission.

Songmark and other characters (See Appendix A for complete character listing)

created by Mr. Simon Barber, used with permission.

It was a Friday, April second to be exact. It was the last official day of work for a certain English feline. She should have been looking forward to the coming weekend, even though her Tatiana would not be available this weekend. Instead she was worried. At the moment Millicent Holmes sat behind her little desk, thinking carefully of her next step. It was beginning to bother her that she had been ordered to maintain her abrasive personality. And her nasty jokes against others within the English compound. At least until further notice. This had left her with no friends within the compound and gained her at least three very vicious enemies. Certainly Captain Dassher, Major Hawkins and the rest could not be considered friends after all.

Now that she had found Tatiana and had finally found a balance in her life, remaining without friends was proving difficult. So very difficult. There were a few at the Double Lotus, but one never knew if they were really friends, or just hoping to use her in some way. Or just get her into bed. Though the feline hated to admit it, her natural assets had made her quite popular at the Lotus. Added to that, having chosen a woman as her lifemate had turned many of those that she worked with against her even further. Yet now that she had found a path out of the darkness that had been her entire life, there was so much she wanted to share with others. So much of her new life that she wished to talk about. Truthfully, other than half a pawfull of those about her she really did like the people that she worked with. Yet orders were orders, and along with the packet on her battered desk, the paper she now held in her paw was most direct in its orders. That everything was most official she had no doubt, having been given it directly from the handsome Captain Dassher himself not more than five minutes ago. Yet to do this to Maria Inconnutia? Now? It made no sense.

Remembering the whispered addition to those orders the feline suspected that this must be a test. Perhaps a test to see just how well she could follow orders. With a feeling of deep regret she took pen to paper and began to work, knowing that for this to pass all tests, she would have to be extremely careful. She just hoped that Maria would not hate her too much for this, because having met the woman a few times Millicent really liked her. Pulling the three sheets of paper loaned to her as examples to her, the feline turned to her task.

Millicent was quite correct in her thinking. It was a test. A test of her own abilities to follow orders, even when those orders might destroy someone she liked. It was also a test for Maria. A test of the kind that every Songmark girl went through at some time during her three years. Had she known about the test designed for Beryl, she would have understood everything. But that information was not for her eyes. Much to her misfortune.

Thus on the fourth of April, third year student Maria Inconnutia found herself called to Miss Blande’s office. Lately having spent most of her free time at Mrs. Whitehall’s home, studying Killian Whitehall’s papers, she couldn’t think of anything that she might have done wrong. Unless it was about that mugger on Casino Island last week. Still she doubted that anyone would be upset about a criminal with two broken arms. Would they? Perhaps it was an important message from home. Had something happened to her family? Did her Uncle abruptly need her to return? Even with her curiosity at a near fever pitch she followed procedure, soon standing at attention in front of the feline.

“This type of action is absolutely unacceptable” the cat announced, holding up an envelope up for Maria to see. “Completely unacceptable. You will be expelled for this girl. But you were aware of this when you came to us, correct?”

“Exactly what” the bovine asked in confusion, completely in the dark this time. Ice water pounded down her spine in standing waves. Expelled? Nothing she had done that she could think of would demand that horrid action. And along with Amelia, she had done some rather odd things since coming to Songmark. But she was certain that none of the things she was guilty of could be this bad.

Miss Blande simply tossed the opened envelope onto her desk, just within reach of the Itallian. “Are you so stupid as to deny that is your pawwriting?”

Looking at the envelope Maria could see that it was addressed to someone at the American consulate. It was written in her paw, that she was certain of. But exactly what it was about she had no idea. She had never written the American consulate. She had never had reason to. “May I?” she asked, indicating the envelope with only her gaze.

“By all means. Please do refresh yourself with your crime” the feline agreed. “We would not want you to be able to claim that you were unaware of the reason that you are being expelled. Now would we.”

That Miss Blande, and all the Songmark facility were in on this trap would not have surprised Maria. Yet at the moment she wasn’t thinking anything like that. Picking up the envelope she first noted that it had been opened with a very sharp blade. Removing two sheets of paper from within it she started reading. Stopped, restarted from the top and managed to finish before speaking. “I din noh write the thing” she announced, though her voice was unsteady. This WAS her paw-writing. This was the private stock of paper she used for official communications with her Uncle. That she kept locked and hidden even from her dormmates. It was unmistakably her style of work and that was her signature. Complete with the delicate little mark in one corner most would think was a simple ink smudge.

That wasn’t the problem. Oh, she was dead certain that she had never written this offer, would never have written it. “I offer to deliver Molly tah this Two Red Stones upon graduation nigh. Sah for American Citizenship ahn ten thousand English pounds in American money. Miss Blande. Molly is mah friend. I did never write such an evil thing.”

Miss Blande though was unimpressed, she was already sitting back behind her desk studying the student still standing before her. “Surrender your Songmark jacket” she ordered. “You will be escorted off Songmark grounds immediately. I thought so much of you. You showed us so very much promise. Molly will of course be warned of this, as she should understand that you are not truly a friend. Now get out. As of this instant you are no longer a Songmark student.”

Papers fluttered to the floor in response to that announcement. Looking up Miss Blande was hard put to keep her expression even neutral, much less the stern anger she was trying to maintain. Before her Maria stood stock still, an expression of pure terror on her face. “Well?” the feline asked.

“Prove... Pa...” Maria took a deep breath. It was only Songmark’s training and her own experience these last few years that brought her back to her real self. Strong again she faced the woman sitting before her. “Give some time” she begged. “I will prove I had no thing to do with this.”

“One week. Starting now” Miss Blande agreed. “You have one week. Still the jacket remains here, in my office. Return with your proof and I will place that jacket upon you with my own paws. Fail. In one week your personal gear will be sitting outside of Songmark’s gates, a ticket on the next flight to Italy with it. Now take your filthy offer and get out of my sight. You have one hour to be off Songmark property. That includes Song Sodas.”

Removing her precious jacket with its third year note sewn carefully upon collar and sleeve Maria first placed it upon a waiting wooden coat hanger, then retrieved both papers and envelope. Managing a salute to Miss Blande, a salute the cat studiously ignored, Maria turned and left. She had one hour, then a week less that to prove her innocence and drag the vile creature who had done this into Miss Blande’s presence. First to inform her friends, then begin her hunt. There was absolutely no time to waste.

Two days later Millicent found herself standing before Captain Dassher. The hound was finishing a phone conversation with someone, an obviously unimportant conversation as Millicent was allowed to listen. Finally replacing the handset upon its cradle he looked up at the young feline standing across his desk. “Sit my dear. Please” he offered.

Millicent sat, automatically placing her most secret case in her lap, her right paw settling next to her firearms grip. It was a habit Sergeant Proud had instilled in her. Pounded would be the truth, but now it was second nature to her. “Sir?” she asked softly.

“Your little project my dear” the hound answered. “You did pass that test. Have you any idea as to what it might have been about?”

“Those papers. About Maria, Molly and the Americans sir? Yes sir. I assumed it was a test of my loyalty. If ordered, would I turn against someone I liked, that I trusted. Someone I wished to be friends with.”

Dassher nodded in agreement. “That was Miss Blande, of Songmark. Maria was faced with those papers of yours two days ago. She is now hunting ‘the fiend who is trying to ruin me’ as Miss Bland did explain it. She will discover you of course. Should she not, then you have both failed our full test. She, in not discovering who has placed the black robe of traitor upon her shoulders. You by not giving her just that much information to find you.”

“It is there sir, within the text sir.” Millicent shivered, Maria was a third year and known for her bursts of anger. Her own Tatty was only a second year. Though Tatiana had been well trained by the NKVD, Millicent considered the two equals. “Sir. I will not place my Tatty between myself and Maria” she decided.

Dassher actually smiled when Millicent made that announcement. “Very good. You are more than you were my child. Much more. And when Maria begins to twist that pretty neck? When your vision greys, your heart begs your lungs for air? Then what.”

“I do not believe she will do such Sir” the feline answered. “She must need a witness that those papers are not of her construction. I believe that she may rough me up as the Americans describe it, but I must be alive to save her tail as it were. Sir, I shall surrender most calmly, with no attempt to resist. As Sergeant Proud has often said to me. To use force one must first be certain that ones force is superior to the others. Else you are doomed to fail. I could no more hope to defeat Maria in even an unfair fight, than the flutterby could hope to defeat a whale in its natural element.”

Captain Dassher listened carefully as Millicent spoke. This was not the proud, self centered girl that had arrived some time ago. She had changed. No matter what, he had to place a lot of that change in a certain Russian sable’s paws. “I will place your name on the list” he abruptly announced. Noting the confused look upon that enticing face he shrugged. “There is a list dear child. For all things there is a list. Even for entry into Diplomatic Training there is a list. Now go. Be careful. When she comes be most diplomatic.” As Millicent started to leave he stopped her with a word. “And the clue?”

“My name sir. Should she take the first letter of each paragraph, it does spell my name. It is why the letter is so long. My first name. I am, I think, the only Millicent that she knows.”

“Very good. Dismissed.” He watched the feline leave, smiling to himself as he watched her depart. As one of only two holders of a certain photograph it was not the first time that he envied Tatiana. With her constant physical training Millicent was becoming less of a flutterby and more of a woman. Still he thought. Should Tatiana ever discard Millicent he hoped that he was about. His own wife would be delighted to share her bed with such an enticing creature. She had written him that, once his copy of that photograph had reached her. Sadly, the Russian had captured that heart, and nothing short of a full battle group had a chance of prying them apart. Picking up his phone again he spoke. “You heard all? Very good. It is well that we work together on occasion. And Amelia? Yes, yes. It will be interesting to see how she intends to deal with her new position. There are a great many who hope that she will keep the title, and half as many who would try to wrest it away from her. Sadly, we need her there, but cannot officially tell her this. Until Maria discovers the truth then. Goodbye Miss Blande.”

Days later Maria’s muscle heavy body slammed against a buildings wooden interior wall, causing it to shake. Somewhere glass shattered, but that wasn’t her problem. She started to move forward again, only to have her cougar opponent shake his head no. Fighting her anger Maria accepted that, perhaps this time, she was out matched. In fact, as far as she could tell all she had managed to do so far was to give the Amerindian a workout. “Who sent it” she growled, using the time to regain her breath. “We all know why tha transvestite wants her. For his own bed. So who sent tha letter.”

Two Red Stones studied his opponent carefully. Maria was good. In fact she was the best opponent he had sparred with in many a year. Here in the Consulate’s gymnasium they were alone, it being very early in the morning. “Child. I can not release such information.” he answered. He waited calmly, easily spotting the bovines next attack.

An interesting deviation on the side sweep the cougar noted, declining to follow with the standard defense/attack move. Instead he simply reached out, snagged his opponents tail and threw himself in the opposite direction of her turn.

Sometime later Maria was standing quite still as Two Red Stones applied ice to her tail root. “I did warn you I am very unconventional” he reminded her when she winced. “For the record child. Never having read such before you showed it to me I can not know who sent it. I can tell you this though. None of my usual suspects could go that difficult route. None have such delicious talent.”

“Didnah have tah almost dislocate my tail” Maria complained through gritted teeth. “Couldah told me that anytime.

Examining Maria’s swollen tail the cougar nodded to himself after finishing his inspection. “It shall heal child. This time you will not lose it. But next” he shook his head no. “Had I wanted, you would be holding that tail, not wearing it. This was for you, this learning. You will remember. Come the next time.”

Taking a deep drink of warm water Maria forced herself to calm. She had taken the Cougar up on his challenge. ‘Defeat me in physical combat, only then will I solve your puzzle for you.’ It had been a physical challenge, one that she simply could not refuse. Not just because that challenge meant that he could tell her who had written that letter, but he was a handsome side of male feline to boot. “So not your people” she replied. “Someone else. I have only two days now.”

Two Red Stones picked up the same water jug, drinking lightly. “I will give you but one clue, for that is all you have earned. By not defeating me.” He watched Maria’s expression, noting with quite satisfaction that she accepted his decision without complaint. “Two then. For you battled on. Even in great pain. Even thinking that your tail was gone. Two. They are. She has placed her name in open sight.” He sipped again, then picked up a curry comb to straighten his fur.

“Two.. Yes” the Italian bovine realized. “It is a woman. Her name is in plane sight. Not Beryl though. This is beyond even her abilities. At this time.” Gathering her property, nothing more than a loose canvas bag that held her money and the now wrinkled letter, Maria walked towards one of the doors. “This is not over” she added as she walked.

Two Red Stones looked up at the departing Italian, a smile on his face. “When you are ready whitefur. When you are ready.” He watched her walk out, then continued combing himself until a phone next to him rang. “Yes” he asked after picking its handset up. “She has left. Good. Connect me with the English Consulate. Secure line.”

In the open Maria reminded herself as she walked. Taking out those pages again she looked at them. In the open. A code then, but a very weak one. Very old school probably. Abruptly it struck her. “This is a test” she whispered. “Of course this is test. I am Songmark. All things are tests. Even sleeping.” Locating a stone bench that would hold her species she sat, wincing at the pain as she adjusted herself. In open sight. What were the simplest codices...

Abruptly she had the answer. A name, but. She checked her theory again, tried seven other possibilities before accepting her targets name. “Tatiana will kill me if I harm her” she told herself. “If not her, then Honored Mother Oharu will burn my soul. But how? This is perfect. It would take years and years to reach such perfection. Unless.” Maria abruptly sighed in defeat as the answer came to her. Not years and years of study.

The English feline was more dangerous than any opponent the bovine had ever faced. For Millicent was a born natural.

“Good afternoon Captain Dassher” Millicent said in greeting when she found the hound waiting for her. “I rarely do find you in the armory” she continued. “If I may be so bold sir. You are quite the handsome hound today.”

Dassher actually blushed a moment before gathering himself together. He had begun to admire this young woman in more ways than one lately. Having her compliment him, and mean it was a surprise. “Thank you young Millicent” he replied. “I bear bad tidings I fear.”

“Sandra is with pups” the feline asked. Dassher’s aside’s with the skunk Sandra was a semi-open secret. Perhaps six people besides themself were aware of it.

“No she..” Dassher stopped, closed his mouth and counted to ten. Slowly. Backwards. “How long” he asked softly once he had his emotions under control. He watched in silence as Millicent first unloaded, then cleaned her weapon before turning it, and its holster belt over to the armorer.

“Any time now sir, if you keep up your current schedule” the feline answered. “Sandra much desires your pups, but you need not fear her. She is not the kind to expect you to marry her. Two wives would be a strain on anyone’s budget after all. Even with your wife’s own tastes. She will keep her mouth shut. It is the pups she desires. Not a scandal.”

“My wife is aware of my dalliance Millicent. That is not what I asked. And how did you know so much about my wife?”

“No sir, it was not. How long have I known about Sandra sir? Not quite a month now sir. When I confronted Sandra she admitted her love for you. And that she would quietly return home as soon as she was certain. Her father is well off, she is certain he would not disown her. Being as she was conceived out of wedlock herself.” Touching her nose on its left side Millicent smiled. “Like mother. Like daughter you understand. Sir. She does love you. About your lovely wife sir. Tatiana briefed me several weeks ago.”

Dassher remained silent, opening the heavy steel door for Millicent before following her. Besides, the view from behind was just as good as the view from in front. As they walked in silence down the underground hall Dassher made several decisions. “I will so inform my Katherine Miss Millicent. Now as to my news. She has discovered the Winter of her Discontent.”

"Now is the Winter of our discontent. Made glorious summer by this son of York. From King Richard III. I believe Act one, scene one. First line, correct?” She smiled gently towards the hound following her, taking a moment to flick her tail lightly. It was a pleasure to see his eyes follow the movement. She was to be married to a woman, but it was still a delight to know that men desired her even so. “Shakespeare. I do not quite believe that Maria will understand the fullness of that quote sir. Certainly I hold no jealousy anymore sir. I do though have great ambition.”

“Nor are you an ugly hunchback creature whom none could desire” the hound agreed.

Millicent abruptly dropped one shoulder, bending a knee under her skirt to twist her body out of line. “Master. I have the brain as you ordered Master” she quipped before standing straight again.

“You read Shelley as well? My dear Millicent, your Tatiana has no idea what great gift you have given her. What a great prize she has captured.”

Millicent threw her left paw to one side, an expression the hound now knew well. “When one has nothing but time. Then one reads extensively. I do not much like Miss Shelley’s works. Nor do I much like Sir Williams plays. I prefer detective stories and musical history myself. As to Lady Maria, have you any idea as to the time of her arrival?” She stopped at a wooden door, reaching up to tap on it twice in warning to the guard watching its other side. Then opening the door she stepped through, Dassher still behind her.

“Tonight” the hound answered. “She has but until sundown tomorrow to clear her name. She will be in a hurry. But she is Songmark. I have yet to meet any Songmark third year I would consider impetuous. Not even the one who failed.”

Turning to the guard Millicent signed his book before continuing. “Are you truly certain that the Albanian really failed? Now I must prepare for Maria’s arrival sir. If you will allow me?”

Signing the book himself Dassher nodded his agreement. “Be careful. This is a test young lady. Not an experiment to see how long it takes for your body to cool.” He waited until Millicent had walked out of sight before speaking to the guard. “There is, in all of Britain. No more wonderful sight than an attractive young girl. Do you not agree Corporal?”

“SIR” the soldier barked. “On duty I am not to watch the pretty ladies. SIR.”

“No. No you are not. But when you are off duty lad?”

“SIR. It was a sad day when she decided to marry the Russian sir. A sad day for all men.”

Dasher looked back down the now empty hall. “Lad. For once I am going to agree with you. A sad day indeed for most men. A very sad day.” He walked down the hallway Millicent had so recently passed through, thinking. So Sandra desired pups, but no commitment. That just could not do. He would not be known as a man who would throw aside a pretty love simply because she became with pup. A telegraph to his wife then. To settle things as she wanted them settled. After all, Sandra was almost as attractive as Millicent, and had denied him nothing. Not even that night with the Huntress. She was also very available, while Millicent would probably cost him his paws should he touch her. Among other, more delicate parts of his body. Katherine would not be amused. Not amused at all.

Late that night Maria slipped into hiding just across from Millicent’s bungalow, keeping to the shadows as she had been trained. A fast bath with certain herbs had killed her scent for the time being. That time though was measured in hours, not an entire night. A guard walked his post in typical British fashion, a specific number of steps, then turn, walk back the other way. Just as they did in her country. There was exactly seven seconds when the door to her targets home was out of his sight. She waited, counting. At the correct moment she rushed across the lawn, thankful that rain would be coming soon to cover any scent the cat would leave when she was carried out. Reaching the door she rapped quickly, but lightly. Five, six... The door opened and Maria rushed in, turning to grab Millicent before she could scream. “Make ah noise ahn yre dead” she threatened, attempting to push the door closed with her hoof.

Millicent though simply stood still. One paw still holding the door handle, the other held tightly behind her by Maria’s larger, stronger paw. She made no move to escape and to Maria’s surprise there was no fear in the cats eyes. Even when she searched the woman for a weapon. “Quietly” she warned before lifting her paw from the cats lips.

“Quietly” Millicent echoed in a soft voice. “Will you have tea, or coffee with dinner” she continued, again catching the bovine off guard. “I cooked especially for you this time. And Maria, my home is heavily infested with concealed electronic listening devices. Even the water closet.”

“So. They know already?” Plans flashed through Maria’s mind as she examined her position. Plan D seemed the best. “We leave now.”

Somehow Millicent avoided the jab meant to knock her out, but she had no illusions that she could avoid a second. “You are safe here Maria” she explained still in that soft voice. “Our tests are over.”

“Our?” Maria pushed the plump feline to arms length, an act that forced Millicent to release the door knob, and by doing so allowing the half open door to close as Maria released the felines other paw. “Your Tatiana’s chosen wife, or will be quite soon. So I will accept your word. This time.” Besides Maria admitted to herself, it had been a very hard day and she’d only had one fast snack since sunrise song. “Explain.”

“Over dinner. We will travel to Songmark later this evening. No one will attempt to delay our travel. Now, will you have tea or coffee?”

Accepting defeat Maria turned to the waiting table. “I will try your tea Miss. Holmes. Mrs. Whitehall makes good tea.”

“If you will choose a chair please” Millicent offered as she walked to her tiny kitchenette and the waiting Fettuccine al Burro. Having spent half the day on this meal she hoped that she hadn’t missed something.

Within the huge building not far from Millicent’s small apartment three canines relaxed. “Thought she’d rip that girls head off” a middle aged boxer admitted. “Faced ‘er like tha pro you claim she can be. Good training Dassher. Good trainin.”

“Thank you Herbert” Captain Dassher answered, not quite ready to let the man with him know that Maria really had no choice in the matter. “You will arrange for her classes as agreed. Now to dinner. Private, maintain observations. If this goes wrong and you fail me. Then I assure you that the Major will be speaking to you.”

“Sir” was the young sheep hound’s only answer.

Letting the boxer leave first Dassher looked again at the control board. Every building in the compound was served by this board, even his own. Another like it elsewhere served by civilians like the boxer who had just left. He though reported directly to the Home Office. His kind couldn’t understand. Couldn’t understand that Maria was in a corner. If she harmed Millicent the girl would not admit her work. Worse, Maria would then have Tatiana and the Priestess Oharu after her. No, the civilian couldn’t see how Maria had been maneuvered into this position. Only that a large and very dangerous woman was very angry at a smaller much less able clerk. A very desirable clerk. More than likely he had been hoping to hear Millicent’s screams of terror, the tearing of cloth and that final liquid gurgle of a throat filled with blood. No sense of the game, none at all. Songmark might be the best school for lady adventuress that existed, but they were not the only people who nudged young women into the path someone needed them to take. For a moment he wondered about the girl who had failed her third year. Had that truly been failure, or as Millicent had hinted, a blind. Or even Songmark forcing her to learn something about herself. It would be interesting to know the truth.

“Would you have anything else” Millicent ask as she cleaned up the table, scattered crumbs all that remained of the rich carrot cake whose ingredients had cost her almost two full days pay.

“Nothing” Maria answered, releasing the belt she wore more than one notch. “Such a cook. Should I be that kind, I would fight Tatiana for you.” She relaxed as her hostess cleared the table, then returned to stand in front of the Italian. “Yes?”

Millicent hesitated, then brushed her skirt flat before speaking. “We will go to Songmark now? I have been assured that you will not be stopped on the way out, if I am freely with you.”

“We go. Millicent, it was very good dinner.”

“Thank you” the housecat answered before she walked to her front door, waiting until Maria joined her. Turning off the lights the two left.

On a water taxi somewhere between Casino Island and Eastern Island Maria eased up beside Millicent. “Why” she asked.

For her part Millicent didn’t ask what the bovine meant by that question, or why Maria had chosen the slowest water taxi available. A fact that would extend their trip by a good fifteen minutes at least. “I was being tested” she answered. “In many ways. Could I do it so well even you would be fooled. Could I turn on one I thought of as a friend, simply because I had orders to do so. Without asking questions. There were other tests involved Maria, for reasons that I cannot tell you. Perhaps tests I am as yet unaware of. I will hold those within my own confidence.” She looked not forward to the approaching Eastern Island, but back towards Casino Island. “It is my dream to enter the diplomatic service Maria. Had I failed these tests, my dreams would be thrown into the rubbish tip forever. It was my testing as well.”

Maria remained silent for a while, then asked another short question. “Why me?”

Millicent simply held her paws up, palms upward in a sign of defeat. “I honestly have no idea. Your name was given me. Your crime. Examples of your pawwork. I have read your articles. Though I do not agree with all of them Maria, I do agree with enough to understand where you expect to go. That will not be a kitchen with several bambino’s pulling at your skirts.”

Maria laughed, reaching over to turn Millicent’s face towards her. “And why the not” she asked.

The felines next words were spoken in such a low voice that Maria could barely hear them. “Mother Oharu has explained your pain Maria. That there is no man in this world who will truly fill your arms, your heart.” She held her paw up to the bovines lips, causing Maria to hesitate. “I too have a great weakness Maria. In turn for knowing your weakness, I will now tell you why I belong to my Tatty.”

When they arrived at Songmark’s gates it was a troubled Italian who demanded entry. She now knew a secret she dared not expose. Not because Millicent would counter expose her, but because Millicent belonged to a fellow Songmark girl. It was that honor to her, that bonding.

“And ye wish what” the second year girl guarding the gate asked.

“Entry” Maria answered.

“An that would be ah no then” the girl answered. Behind her another girl trotted up from the darkness, a club held lightly in one paw.

“You will not hurt them Maria” Millicent demanded as she placed her paws on the gate. That movement turned the second years attention to Millicent. It was a minor mistake, she could still see Maria but she couldn’t see the sable, who didn’t even pause in her run as she bounced that club off the girls head.

“How. You two r’ mind readers?” Maria asked even as Tatiana retrieved the keys, opening the gates lock.

“I am Tatiana’s” Millicent explained. “Thanks to her adopted mother she is aware when I am in danger, and when I am close to her.” She threw her arms about the Russian, giving her a kiss that would have started a bonfire had there been fuel about. “I love you Tatty.”

“Pravda” Tatiana agreed. Still holding Millicent she turned to face Maria. “You have brought my kitten why.”

“A gift?” Maria asked. She started to step over the line only to have Tatiana push Millicent aside, facing the bovine herself. That club Maria noted was now held lightly in Millicent’s paws. “You would fight me?” Maria asked with humor.

“Is orders. Maria Inconnutia , niece iL Duce. Not to enter Songmark without Faculty permission. You have such?”

“Of course not. Then shall we spar?”

A sound of metal moving, a hammer being cocked caused both girls to turn and face Millicent. The feline was now holding her firearm, the exact same firearm she had supposable turned in that afternoon. That club she had taken with her was now leaning against the gate, useless. “You” the British girl said. “Will not harm my dear love. Or I will most certainly fill that delectable body with lead instead of later exploring it, as it should be explored. Do you understand me clearly Maria Inconnutia?”

“How” Maria gasped. She had searched the girl. Millicent’s dress was simply too form fitting for her to hide a gun. She had run her paws along the felines legs. Then she paused in her thinking. “Not there” she laughed.

“Nyet” Tatiana answered. “My love carries steel there. She is most well endowed, dah?”

“She...” Maria studied the weapon, then Millicent. “Barely. Just barely” Maria admitted. Looking again at Millicent she made to step towards her. Surprisingly the feline made no move to back away, her aim wavered only the smallest. “You would” the bovine decided.

“I most certainly shall” Millicent answered. “I am not a crack shot my Italian friend, yet at this range even I cannot miss that often.”

Whatever else was to be said died in its sayers throat as a door slammed several yards away. Though Millicent did not move Maria did, yet only her head. “Miss Blande” she called. “I have brought my proof. May I enter.”

“Let her in Tatiana. Millicent is it? Please put your weapon away dear. This testing is now officially ended.” She looked at the girl laying unconscious on the dirt. “The other?”

“Bound most well” Tatiana answered.

The feline took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “Go release her, send her here to wake her companion. Then come to my office. We will speak of this later.” Saluting, Tatiana threw her love a kiss, then trotted off. “Millicent, would you have actually shot my student?”

“Center of Mass” Millicent answered.

“I see. Both of you. Please come with me.”

Near sunrise Tatiana escorted Millicent back into her home. “You really to shoot Maria” she asked as the door closed. “And what of promise to explore Italians body?”

“Well” the feline answered, blushing as she pulled out her weapon and placed it in sables paws. “It would have been helpful you understand. Were the weapon real. And I do keep my promises. You told me to explore other ladies, when I was lonely. I would very much desire to explore that bovines secrets.”

Tatiana stared. Turned the weapon over in her paws. It was real, it had to... Then she realized. It was a toy. An very well made toy but still a toy. “When tell Maria” she whispered.

“Oh give it to the poor girl” Millicent laughed. “I bought is specifically for this night. I have no further use for it. Now, one last thing.”

“Is?”

“By Tiki mounted water taxi it will take you exactly forty minutes to return to Songmark from my doorway. Yes?”

“Yes. Less if run hard. You know about such?”

“Mother Oharu told me my last visit” Millicent answered with a smile. “Now, with forty minutes accounted for, how long do you have before you must return to your Songmark.”

Tatiana opened her aviators watch, comparing the time against what was needed. ‘One hour, twenty minutes” she answered.

“How badly do you need breakfast” Millicent asked ,before pressing her lips hard against her loves.

Not much it turned out. Not much at all.

“I have no problem with nepotism, as long as you keep it in the family” Helen Whitehall announced to her class. It was the twelfth, a Monday, the first day of school week and she liked to trip up her students on Mondays. And Fridays. “Opinions?” She was talking to her History class, a group of nearly twenty of Spontoon’s brightest, and students who often pressed her hard to come up with a challenge for them. Near ten paws came up quickly.

“Karal” Helen announced, giving the young Hyena her full attention.

Standing, Karal cleared his throat. “Nepotism. Is favoritism for relatives and friends, instead an objective evaluation of ability...”

Helen held up a paw, stopping his speech almost instantly. “Which has nothing to do with my statement Karal. Landus?”

The hound Landus stood as the Hyena sat, giving his romantic rival a near pitying look before addressing his favorite (and very untouchable) teacher. “In this. You are saying that, as long as nepotism is kept in family. That the leader has no care of...”

“Again. Not on topic” Helen announced. “Landus, if you would spend as much time listening to what I teach as you do staring at my breasts, I believe that you would understand. Hona?”

A rather plain looking vixen stood this time, now regretting having raised her paw. For her opinion had been the same as the previous two. Quickly she searched her mind, but she too hadn’t been paying attention today. Not with Karal wearing that too tight shirt. “Traditionally, nepotism is kept in ones family, and friends” she started, holding up one paw to stop her instructor from shooting her down as quickly as she had the others. “In this statement. Means if family is okay. Not friends. Yes?”

“Exactly, and I agree that Karal’s shirt is much to tight today. You will wear something looser tomorrow Karal?”

“Yes Mrs. Whitehall” the Hyena agreed, though secretly he was delighted. Hona had noticed him, as had the euro teacher. He was ahead of Landus in todays battle for the young wahine’s heart.

“Very good. Now who said this. Anyone? No? Very well then. I want a three hundred word opinion from each of you by next weeks end about that statement. Along with the author of the original line. Individual works please, not the joint battle plan you all turned in last week. Now, regarding todays lesson. I think that we will discuss the value of a Priestess in everyday life. Landus, please how the average Priestess may affect Spontoon by her own simple efforts?”

Late that afternoon Helen’s water taxi reached Meeting Island. As a teacher, she paid nothing for transportation to and from Moon Island. As long as it was school related. Not that the cost would have bothered her, but she was the exception. Every other teacher fought to make ends meet. The Allthing support of paying their daily travel costs kept everyone afloat, financially speaking. Today she shared her trip with Rain Island naval officers headed for some meeting with the Allthing. Other than one, a very handsome Reynard, they had been the model of a perfect gentlemen. Each accepting her polite decline for conversation at face value. The fox, a Captain if she read his rank pips correctly, seemed too dense to understand that she had no interest in him. Her entire trip he continued trying to make inroads, easing closer to her until he was almost pressed against her. Finally, as they reached the Meeting Island pier Helen had had enough.

“Captain” the informed the fox as she stood to exit the now safely moored water taxi. “Although I have quite often tried to ignore you, I fear that you have not understood. Therefore I shall nail it upon your forehead. I am a widow with a son, I have a girlfriend I am much in love with. One who would not like your bothering me. If you do not believe me, please feel free to ask her. She is Miss Catherine Devinski. Of Songmark. Now please. May I continue my journey to my home without your championship, or do I have to ask the police for help?”

“But Madam. What could a woman possible offer you that I can not” he asked, confusion in his face.

Helen stepped onto the dock, looking back at the confused officer. “To start with. Respect” she answered before leaving the water taxi. From behind her she could hear the foxes companions ragging him. After all, being shot down by a woman must have been devastating to his reputation. That she had seen the last of him Helen hoped, but did not really believe. Some people, male or female, simply would never accept no as an answer.

“Should ah arrest tha gentlemahn” a well known voice asked from her left.

Helen started, surprised. Then recognized the voice. She looked down into her friend, police Sergeant Korras’s eyes. “Only should he break the law” she answered the bear. “Then perhaps a night in your deepest, darkest dungeon cell. The one with the Euro drunks? That should open his eyes.”

Sergeant Korras’s expression remained one of disinterest, but his eyes shined the brighter. Helen was aware that he too had a light interest in her, but much respected her vow to her husband, and the hound Devinski’s combat skills. “The darkest we got” he agreed, before returning to his duties.

Helen continued her walk home, a nagging feeling that she had not as yet seen the last of that Rain Island officer.

Two days later at the English Consulate Millicent Holmes was having one of the worst days of her life. Trapped in an office with two much older women, she found herself being forced to help plan her own wedding. “Why do I have to pick everything” she asked, stepping away from a list of music. “I thought the brides family did all that.”

“And to which family” a much older hound asked, “Should we be sending this too? Your Tatiana’s? Her mother is forbidden to be involved with Songmark girls, and many will be here today for papers. This as you yourself informed us. Your family? Your father in one country, your mother another? No dear girl. If you wish your marriage to be anything but a farce. Then it is to you the weight falls. Unless you wish us to let your Tatiana decide things.”

Millicent gasp, lifting her paws to her mouth. “Tattie. Preparing a wedding?” she asked just before breaking into laughter. “Oh... My” she gasped between giggles. “Ask her to successfully invade France. That I believe she could plan. With aid by her sister students. But a wedding? Never. Oh dear me quite never. Quite quite never.”

Her two companions waited patiently until the felines laughter was in control, then the hound spoke again. “Yer wedding is in but six days my dear. Other than the Church, dress and cake you have chosen nothing. This is unheard of my child. Completely unheard of.”

“Sergeant Proud has agreed to be Tatiana’s best Man” Tatiana countered. “Tatiana has agreed. In fact, she has left everything to me. Why, her idea of a marriage was to stand before a local judge. Unheard of. I have also an official photographer, Mrs. McGee has agreed to handle the reception and three friends from the Lotus are my maids of honor. Two of Sergeant Proud’s men will stand as Tatania’s guard. With orders to shoot her in the legs if she decides to run.”

“Not seriously” Millicent’s other companion gasped, the hedgehogs greying head quills rattling as she shivered.

“Quite seriously” Millicent countered. “And I have made quite certain that my Tatiana is quite aware of those orders. I will not be left at the Altar by a frightened spouse to be. After all, it was she who asked the question. Not I.” She returned to the list of music, turning pages as though idly. “This for Tatiana’s entrance” she abruptly announced, waiting until the hedgehog had written the title down. A few pages later she pointed at another title. “And this for myself.”

“You are certain dear” the hound asked a moment later. “These are...”

“I am quite certain. It is time that a statement is made. It is time to step out of the shadows. To make those who will watch cringe in fear. Those songs. You may chose what you wish for the rest of our ceremony. Now, what else must be taken care of?”

It was nearer six than five pm when Millicent took her leave of the two women. Both were quite skilled in their craft, and both guaranteed that though it would be a tight schedule. Her wedding would go without a hitch. All she would have to do was to show up, put on her dress and say ‘I do.’ Then why she asked herself, did she feel like she had just gone ten rounds with Bruce Wells. She was still rubbing her forehead as she walked when someone struck her from behind. Hard.

Staggering forward she managed to keep her balance, turning around just in time to be hit again. Pain flared as she felt a rib compress. This time though she stood her ground, a fact that surprised the vixen Monica Green who had hit her. Behind the vixen were two other young women, an otter and a rabbit. All three started forward as though to continue the attack, each holding an improvised weapon in their paws when Millicent’s deadly little blade abruptly stopped them. They backed up a step, looking into eyes that just before had been surprised, and more than a little afraid.

“You dare” the feline hissed. It was a voice none of the three had heard before, for Millicent’s voice had always been soft. Sweet. This was more the sound of some jungle cat. Not a civilized young woman. “I will put you all into the ground.”

“THAT WILL BE ENOUGH” Sergeant Proud’s voice snapped from behind the three, breaking through all four woman’s concentration. “Stand down that blade Miss Holmes” he continued. “Now.”

Quickly that deadly little blade vanished as Millicent’s entire demeanor changed yet again. “Sergeant Proud” the young feline asked. There was confusion in her voice, as though she were unsure as to what had just occurred.

“She pulled a knife on us” the otter accused, lowering the volcanic stone Tiki statue that she was holding. “A KNIFE! Inside the Consulate.”

Ignoring the enraged otter the Scots Terrier walked past the three to face Millicent. “Major Hawkins office, now.” he ordered. Only after Millicent had left did he turn upon the other three. “Two things Lasses” he growled in a voice that sent ice down the threes spines. “As Most Secret courier, tha lass has orders tah be armed inside tha Consulate. Two, ye started it. Ahn with weapons o’ yer own. So tis tha Red Room for all four oh ye.” He then spun on his heel and marched off, leaving the trio to shiver in anticipation.

Millicent quickly found herself standing in front of the bulldog Major Hawkins yet again. They were waiting as Sergeant Proud made his report, then left to return to his duties. For a few minutes silence filled the office, until Hawkins finally broke it. “You have anything to add Miss Holmes” he asked in a rather calm voice.

“Sir. Only that I remember vaguely from when Monica attacked the third time, my drawing my blade in defense, then Sergeant Proud ordered us to stand down” Millicent answered, fearing what would happen. Fighting within the Consulate grounds was forbidden. There were always serious repercussions to anyone who broke that rule. The young feline had to admit that she had most assuredly broken that rule. Even though it had not been she who had started the fight.

“You remember nothing?” the bulldog asked.

“Not much sir” Millicent answered. “There was a moment I was looking at Monica. She had raised her arm for another swing with that vase. A moment later my blade was out and someone was saying “You dare.” Then Sergeant Proud was ordering us to stop. It was almost as though I were acting as someone else.”

“I see. Very well. It will be the Red Room at midnight. You know the rules. Coveralls will be supplied. No weapons, and that includes that blade of yours. Turn it over to Proud before you enter the room. He will return it to you when you leave. Mr. Dassher will interview those three before this evening. And dear Miss Holmes. Whatever happens in there, this ends there. You do understand?”

“Red... room.” Millicent swallowed, feeling cold water enter her veins. “Yes sir. This ends.”

“Very well. Go prepare yourself. You have a whole five hours to prepare. I myself would suggest sleep. But no food from this point until it is over, and only a sip water before going in. Good day.”

“Yes sir.” Millicent managed to make her way to the door, but it took an effort of will to open it. The Red Room, where all fights started within the Consulate compound were ended. As the door shut behind her she shivered, leaning against the hall wall to regain her composure. She had helped clean that room a few times since her arrival here. Padded walls insured that those within couldn’t be slammed against the wall hard enough to injure. There was a long window along one ceiling. It was behind that glass that sat the witness’s, to insure the fight was fair. That no weapons were brought in or used. And that it never went too far. But never had women been sent there. At least not since Millicent had arrived. And herself? Against three? She could not hope to win. Certain of her defeat the feline, tail near dragging the ground made her way out of the building and back to her bungalow. Sleep the Major had suggested. As if she could.

Yet she managed somehow to sleep a full four hours.

It was very late, almost midnight when the four young women stood within the Red Room. A padded room the size of a standard eighteen by eighteen foot boxing ring, where all fights ended, or you were shipped home in disgrace. Standing uncomfortable next to the door she had entered from the Feline Millicent was nervous. She felt absolutely naked without the blade that she has turned over to Sergeant Proud. One of the Matron’s had inspected her before giving her the faded grey coveralls that she now wore. Inspected most carefully. Her coveralls though were too large by at least a size, yet still tight at the chest.

Across from her, having entered through the rooms only other door, stood the three who had attacked her. The vixen Monica Green came in first. A full paw shorter than Millicent the smaller vixen looked even more nervous than Millicent felt, constantly looking to her companions, then up to the dark glass above them. Melinda Jones was the ringleader of that group. Of this Millicent was certain. The otter had long been known as a trouble maker, but this was the first time that she had ever been caught in the act. Beside her stood a very pretty rabbit. Susan Gordon was the daughter of very rich merchant, and loved to Lady over the other young women. Showing off expensive clothing as though it were nothing but castoffs. Studying the other two Millicent realized that though Melinda looked angry, Susan appeared absolutely bored. She even yawned as Sergeant Proud entered from behind her.

Stepping into the rooms center the very proper and correctly dressed Scots Terrier studied first Millicent, then her opponents. “Ye know why ye be in here?” he demanded.

“Yes sir” all four answered in various tones of voice. Monica, Millicent noted, actually squeaked like a church mouse.

“Very good” At thos words lights were turned on behind that dark glass. Five female forms could be seen, three of which Monica knew. “Yer jury. Tha decide. Rules are simple. Leave tha eyes alone. Everythin else is open tah attack. Touch tha eyes, Aye come in tah show yah why yah shouldn’ Underrstand?”

Again all four said yes, though Susan simply mumbled her answer. Still it was enough. “Ver well. Till only one side stil stand. When tha bell rins, yah start.” Behind him those lights went off. Then the Sargent stepped to each one of them, asking if they would rather talk than fight. Though Millicent expressed the desire to talk, the other three simply wanted to ‘get this over.’ Accepting that nothing else could be done the Army Sergeant shook his head in disgust, then left.

As the heavy door sealed behind him Millicent held her paws out, open palms towards the three facing her. “Please” she said. “Can we not sit down and talk this through” she asked.

Surprisingly, it was the vixen who answered her. “Your still Sapphic. There is no place for a Sapphic woman in this world. No.” She looked up to Melinda, who gave her a smile of encouragement before turning back to face the feline.

Accepting defeat Millicent lowered her arms, gave a prayer to God, then her Tatiana. A few seconds later the lights flickered and a bell rang. She waited as calmly as she could as the vixen rushed her.

Up above, in the viewing room were now a great deal more than five women. “Do you think she’s good enough yet Sergeant” Major Hawkins asked.

In answer the Army man simply cleared his throat. For Millicent had sidestepped the vixens rush. Not as well as one of his own troops would have. Certainly not as well as Tatiana could. But against the felines inexperienced attacker it was more than enough. As was the knee that impacted the vixens stomach, followed a moment later by an elbow strike that laid the vixen flat.

“I see Sergeant. And you taught her that?” the bulldog asked.

“Part sir” the terrier admitted. “Part, tis from her Songmark woman.”

“I see.” Major Hawkins turned to the black furred otter that most were certain would soon be his wife. Though he still wondered. “Odds” he asked.

“Five to one on the cat” Annette Riverstone answered. She sipped her coffee. “And one hundred shells that she breaks a bone in the otters right arm.”

“Her right arm” the bulldog noted. “I agree on Millicent winning, but the arm. Taken.” He turned his attention upon the figures below him. Otter and rabbit were working together, trying to box Millicent into a corner. As he watched the feline feinted towards the rabbit, stepped towards the otter then spun and plowed so hard into the rabbit that Susan slammed her head against the padded wall when she fell. “She has potential” he admitted to no one in particular.

Millicent hurt. Melinda had clawed her arm when she swung wildly, and the wound was distracting her a little. With Monica apparently down and Susan stunned she needed to deal with the otter. What would her Tattie do she wondered, then remembered a trick the sable had taught her.

Sergeant Proud sucked air in through his teeth as the otters tail abruptly popped. Even up here behind the glass that heavy sound of bones separating was audible. Somewhere someone rushed out, probably to lose their lunch. “Tha” he said softly. “Ah never taugh tha lass”

“She’ll lose it” Doctor Riverstone announced. “Right at the root. Did you see the distance it was stretched? I can reset it, but that tail is dead. She has torn the blood vessels that feed it. Perhaps the artery as well.”

“It was both their full weight, going in opposite directions” Major Hawkins noted. “And it is not her right arm.”

“Fights not over” Annette reminded him. Silently the dark furred otter leaned against her companion, allowing her scent to fill his sensitive nose.

Millicent was sick to her stomach. She knew exactly what she had just done, and what it would cost Melinda through her life. Yet instead of backing down the otter screamed, bringing out her claws again as she leapt for her enemy, her lifeless tail now dragging behind her. Adrenaline had kicked in. The otter hadn’t felt the pain of her injury yet. Millicent was still sick to her stomach as something welled up from within her. It was something she had never felt before, and it felt like a pressure in her chest as it took over her reason. Oddly, she could see everything that happened, but as if she were disconnected from her own body. As if someone else was in control.

“Before my wedding” Millicent gasped as she dodged the otters attack. A glance showed that Monica was barely up, still shaking her head to clear it. “You do this before my WEDDING!” She set herself as the Otter attacked yet again.

“That was the right arm” Annette announced as the heavy crack of shattered bone filled their ears. “One hundred shells please.” Her answer was a snort of disbelief from her companion, followed by the rustle of bills as he opened his wallet. Shattered, Melinda had managed to crawl into a corner, nursing her deformed tail and oddly angled arm. As a combatant, she was out of the story.

Susan Gordon barely gave her whimpering otter companion a glance as she re-entered the battle. With practiced ease the rabbit kicked at the feline she hated more than anyone else in the world. Why, she asked herself as Millicent bounced against the wall from the impact, did this cheap dockside tart get the position she wanted. Most Secret Courier was several steps above a simple secretary. It would have made her father proud, and that pride would have been converted to many more pounds sent her way each month. Instead this unknown bitch had stolen the position, and now she was going to get back at her for it. A hungry tooth filled smile filled her face as her fist impacted the felines oversized chest. Extending her carefully groomed, and extremely sharp claws the rabbit smiled as she felt them enter delicate flesh. In a few moments she was going to rip this girls face open like a ripe peach. Let her lover gaze upon the ruin she would leave. See if she still wanted her then. Unlike the otter Melinda, Susan cared not for who wanted who. Only that everyone understood that she was the richest person here. Thus the one most entitled.

Within her own mind Millicent felt the pain of Susan’s strike and gasped, yet whatever was controlling her body simply ignored the pain. Instead stepping into the rabbits next swing, then bringing the heel of her paw up under the rabbits chin with enough force to lift the rabbit fully from the ground. ‘Strange’ Millicent thought. ‘Sergeant Proud could never got me to do that right. And now...’

Staggering back Susan tried to clear her head, but before she could it felt like someone had swung a Cricket bat up between her legs. With a grunt of pain the rabbit started to kneel, then someone slammed a sledgehammer into the side of her head. Wordlessly her eyes rolled up and she fell flat on the padded floor.

Millicent thought that the battle was over when another, smaller body slammed onto her back. Over balanced she fell, impacting that same padded floor with her face. “Leave my friends alone” she heard Monica scream. “Just leave them alone.”

The pounding upon her back hurt, but it was nothing like she had just experienced. ‘Just please let it stop, before anyone else is hurt’ the feline thought. Instead Millicent’s body force itself on one side, then her right elbow snapped back. Monica’s screams changed to a sharp yelp of pain. Free, the cat spun around on the floor to face her attacker. Two clawed paws ripped through the worn cotton overalls, leaving parallel bloody scratches on the vixens belly. A moment later Millicent’s own very sharp fangs had a strong grip on the now frightened vixens throat. Slowly her mouth closed, her teeth easily entering the pampered vixens soft flesh. Exactly as Tatiana’s had entered her own so long ago.

“I yield” Monica gasped through a closing windpipe, her arms and legs abruptly going limp. “I am yours.”

‘Mine?’ Millicent asked herself. ‘Not another like me. Certainly.’ Still she felt her mouth open, tasting fresh blood on her tongue as a terrified young vixen stared up at her, the vixens entire body was as limp as though freshly dead. “Mine” Millicent heard her voice say. “Forever. You are mine. To do with as I please. When I please. How I please. You are nothing. And since I belong to Tatiana, you are hers to do with as she pleases. Agreed?”

“Agreed Mistress” the vixen whispered from her place on the floor. Then to the felines shock, the vixen lifted her chin, exposing her throat completely. “Agreed. Oh so gladly agreed” Monica husked.

“Then stand, and drag this useless garbage out of here.” A sudden rush filled Millicent’s body as she finished speaking, and she realized that she had control again of her actions. It made her queasy, and frightened her. Yet as she gathered her self together Monica began dragging Susan’s unconscious body to the nearest doorway. “What happened” she asked herself.

“Tah. Tha good Major ud lik tah know too lass” Sergeant Proud’s voiced answered from her right.

“To his office then Sergeant” Millicent agreed, pushing away from the wall to follow. She was exhausted, she hurt and right now all she wanted was Tatiana’s arms around her.

“No. Tah tha nurse. Doctor Riv’stone ‘ll take care those two.” He stared at Monica, watching in silence as the smaller vixen exerted all she had to drag her shattered friends out the other door. “Ah wha did ye do tah tha young lass, tah turn her away fro her bes mates.”

“I do not know Sergeant” Millicent answered as she was lead to the clinic. “I honestly do not know. And that frightens me more than even the Major.”

“Good, it should” a third voice agreed.

Looking up Millicent saw Major Hawkins standing in front of Sergeant Proud, and the bulldog did not look happy. “You just ruined a promising night young Millicent. Once the nurse releases you. To my office. I think that we can not allow this event to go unexamined. What say you.”

“I agree sir. That was not me in there. It really wasn’t.” She shivered in reaction to events, only slowly gathering herself together. “I am frightened sir, and what did Monica mean when she said she was mine? And this mistress thing?”

“That for later. Now move. Annette and Doctor Kiwi are going to need the nurses help very quickly.” He turned away and walked off. From what Millicent could see, he was either very angry, or very worried.

Hours later Millicent still sat in Major Hawkins office. They were waiting on the medical report. Other than her neck wounds, treatable by the Consulate nurse, and a aching head Monica had been sent back to her quarters. With orders not to report to work until otherwise notified. Hours passed, filled by Millicent repeating again and again what had happened. Finally Major Hawkins lifted a paw, silencing the feline.

“You have repeated the same thing exactly five times now” he announced. “I am now most certain that you are speaking nothing but the truth. This must be investigated further. But not through you young Millicent. You have a wedding to prepare for.”

Several minutes later a knock on the office door announced Doctor Riverstone’s arrival. Millicent, at the Major’s nod, went to open that door. To learn the fate of the two girls she had so badly crushed.

As she had expected it was Doctor Annette Riverstone on the other side. With a nod to Millicent, who had stepped aside, the otter entered. She was still wearing surgical scrubs, and Millicent’s stomach nearly emptied at the sight of so much blood upon the blackfurred otter. Turning to look at the shivering feline the otter simply pointed towards a chair. “Sit there” she ordered. Without complaint Millicent closed the office door, then hurried to the chair that had been indicated. It was not meant for her species, thus was very uncomfortable. Annette however walked over to a more comfortable chair before sitting down.

“Your report Doctor” Major Hawkins asked gently.

“If you want me to marry you, you’ll close that room down right now. Forever” the otter answered softly. Her voice was filled with not physical, but emotional exhaustion. “Both will be sent home as soon as they are well enough to travel.”

“Your report please” the bulldog asked again, his voice exactly the same as before.

“Report. Fine. Susan Gordon has a major concussion, a broken pelvic bone, two cracked ribs, torn ligaments in her right wrist, a broken jaw and two broken incisors.” She looked straight at Millicent, gauging the feline. From what she had just witnessed this little marshmallow of a woman could clean the floor with her. Yet Millicent seemed to shrink into herself at the otters gaze. Turning her attention back to the bulldog she had plans on marrying, Annette finished her report on the battered rabbit. “Four months, maybe five before she is fully healed.”

Major Hawkins was stunned, though outwardly he showed nothing of that to the others. “I see. Well, Sergeant Proud will be delighted that Millicent paid attention. I shall so inform him. And Miss Jones?”

“Miss Jones may become suicidal. Doctor Kiwi and I had to remove her tail. A the root. Not even a stump will remain I am afraid.” A heavy sound caused the otter to turn quickly, to find that Millicent Holmes had quite fainted from the news. “Interesting” she observed. Returning to face her intended she continued her report.

“Monica will be lucky to retain the use of her right paw. Compound fractures are like that, they cut muscle and nerves sometimes. She also lost her spleen, Doctor Kiwi is has her in post-op now. She will fall to illness easily from now on. I do hope that we are wrong about the paw. Losing ones tail is bad enough. Our initial tests showed greatly diminished nerve response after setting her arm. That could be from trauma, swelling or both. She is going to need a great deal of help to get through losing her tail. You may be aware that my species depend upon our tails for balance. And we are very proud of them. It is also a rather large loss of body mass.”

Troubled, Hawkins stood up. Walking to the unconscious feline on his floor he nudged her with one well worn boot. Millicent didn’t even whimper in response. “What to do with this one” he wondered out loud. Before anyone could answer he continued. “The Red Room stays Annette. I don’t have the authority to close it. Only Whitehall can do that. And Monica?”

“Monica has been fully impressed” Annette answered. “I learned in my medical classes that this is normal for submissive personalities, when they find themselves facing a truly dominate personality for the first time. She now looks upon Millicent as her pack leader. It isn’t my speciality, but Doctor Kiwi has seen this several times before. It isn’t curable, but she can live a perfectly normal life without Millicent in it. I am afraid that you can never trust her again. She will do anything Millicent wants her too. Remind me. You are sending Millicent to London?”

“We are. A week before Songmark’s next year starts. If she survives the slavers.”

Annette looked down on the attractive body currently acting as a lumpy rug for Hawkins office. “I think that she will. If I were you, I would send Monica with her. As her Girl Friday as it may be. Monica would be most comfortable with that cat. And in truth. London. A proper Lady requires a servant. Yes?”

“It would be a good position” Hawkins agreed. “She’s barely been acceptable as a pool secretary. If it wasn’t for her family connections, she would have been sent home long ago.” He kneeled down, placing a paw over Millicent’s muzzle to determine if the feline was still breathing.

“If your going to molest the young girl, at least let me leave first” Annette laughed. “She is quite all right, simply overtaken by the results of her actions. So, the Red Room cannot be closed unless Whitehall agrees. Very well, I shall speak with Helen immediately.”

Giving the otter a smile Hawkins shook his head no. “Not that Whitehall my dear” he admitted as he stood again. “Though I do wish it were that easy. I like her, she has what it takes to hold that title. Even though she doesn’t want it. Just as Amelia doesn’t want the Allworthy title. What is it, that the ones best suited for a title want nothing to do with it? Perhaps it is because they understand the weight of responsibility.” He removed his pipe from a pocket, studying it a moment before returning it to that same pocket. “I thought the match even, as did Sergeant Proud. There is something strange going on in this ones head. Something I must discover, and quickly.”

“Oharu?” Annette asked softly.

“Perhaps” the bulldog agreed. “But she is unavailable to anyone right now. Orders from her superior. No. I shall speak to the one who seeded this problem. At worst, I’ll release the girl. Her Tatiana can care for her the rest of her life as well as anyone. But we have plans now. Events in motion that require the Russian. And Millicent comes with her. For good or ill. I fear that I may find myself having to deal with a live Mills Bomb, never knowing when the fuze might ignite.” He carefully stepped over Millicent’s still form, stopping to look down at Annette. “I fear that, as I can not close the Red Room Doctor. That our time together is over. Good night Doctor Riverstone. I hope that you will find someone more to your liking.”

Very carefully Annette stood, brushing her blood coated clothing straight as she did so until she finally looked up at the barely taller bulldog. “Very well Major, if that is your decision.” It was a slap heard around Spontoon. “You self centered Bastard” the otter growled. “If you think I am going to let you walk out on me now. Just when I was ready to say yes, you are so full of shit you Limey Bastard.”

His cheek burning the bulldog simply looked down at the slighter, and much prettier woman standing before him. “Well, if that is the way things must be.” Very gently he enveloped Annette in his stronger arms, then kissed her. Millicent opened her eyes in time to see the otters body mold against the hounds. She watched for a moment, then just as gently closed her eyes. It was a sight she had never expected to see. Certainly not here.

Mid-morning Major Hawkins finally left his office. But he was not headed for his own bed, he was headed for Madam Maxine’s. Millicent’s explanation fitted Sergeant Proud’s observations perfectly. Something was up at the Madams, and Hawkins now needed to know exactly what.

“I see” Madam Maxine said after Hawkins gave his story. “I did warn you that she should be watched Major.”

“Exactly what did you do to her” Hawkins asked. “Proud said that she seemed like a completely different woman as she fought.”

Madam Maxine shrugged, a movement the bulldog would never have expected from one with the social training of this Siamese feline. “I really do not know sir.” She took a drink of her tea before continuing. “You are aware of Molly Procyk being able to pass quite acceptably as Lady Allworthy’s personal maid?”

“And that she was trained here in one day. Yes. Is this brainwashing?” he asked.

“Absolutely not” the Siamese feline gasped. “I would never allow such. I have seen its effects personally. On someone I knew well. He is in Sanatorium now and will never be released. No Major. What we have is a way to open ones mind to new training. Since I do not understand the way, I could never explain it. Perhaps one of the Priestess’s could help you there. What I do know is that a pocket is made within the students mind. Within that pocket information is poured. While this is happening a part of that students personality takes control of that pocket. Apparently a part that is never used. I would hazard a guess a part that frightens the superior mind. Certainly Procyk would normally kill herself before taking employment as a Ladies maid. Truly what part no one knows, or the how or why. In Miss Procyk’s case, either a code phrase or event will trigger the pocket. Thus whenever Lady Allworthy requires a maid she can trigger Miss Procyk into that position. Likewise, should someone refer to Miss Procyk as Lady Allworthy’s maid while the doe is in earshot, she will revert. Only as long as is needed. While she is a maid, the dominate personality watches as though from a windowed room. She will remember everything, but it takes days to understand what has happened when one has no such expectation. It is a frightening thing I would think.”

Major Hawkins sat stunned. “You can do this with anyone?”

“Only women Major. My employee refuses to touch any males mind. Nor do we accept males here for any education.”

“What is Millicent’s trigger” the bulldog asked. “And what personality?”

Madam Maxine smiled then. “Miss Holmes trigger is any woman who challenges her. The secondary personality then determines an appropriate reaction. Had those young women been too much for her, she would have run. Likewise it will never awaken against her Russian. But you want the personality. Major Hawkins. As you recall I warned you that an incorrect form was used. Millicent should have been given a stronger personality to help her though difficult times. A stronger her, and she was intended for that careful training. Instead” the Siamese shrugged again. “A Dominatrix.”

“A...” Hawkins sighed, lowering his head. “This explains Schwarzkopf and Millicent’s reaction when pressed. I will have to send her home though. Tonight if I can find transport.”

“But why? She is still your Miss Holmes. It is only when she is challenged by a woman. Then only in certain ways that Millicent herself could not handle. Only then does this personality emerges. As Millicent becomes more comfortable being around strong willed women, this hidden Dominatrix will appear less and less often.”

Hawkins looked up at his hostess, noting the honest surprise on her face. “Because I can not know what else that you may have done to her.”

“I see. Then I suggest that you ask a certain ferret if he truly trusts his wife. She too had training here, in the social graces and languages of several countries. Both high and low social graces sir. She can be a Lady in High Court, or a China Dock walking doxy if she needs. Major Hawkins. I make my living by training young ladies in the things that they need to know. Nothing else. Older ladies in very rare cases. My entire business is based upon my own honor, and that I do not meddle with the minds, honor or loyalty of my students. My employees? Oh yes, they may think about leaving, but they never will. They are quite aware of what the world, people like you would do with them should they become available. In any case, should I start doing what you are thinking about. Well, not only would I be out of business within days. I would be very dead. Most likely at the paws of someone like you, or Miss Bryzov. Sir. Your Millicent is still loyal to your country. My employee has no ability to affect that. As always she was monitored during each session by different people. Twice by myself. Do not discard a card in your paw Major, though it may at present not be exactly what you wish it to be. It is still your card, and it may be exactly what you need before your game is over.”

“And I am to take your word for this?” the bulldog asked.

“No Major. Never take my word for anything. Take your friend the ferrets word.”

“All right then, I shall ask him. And I thank you for your honesty.” He stood, bowed ever so slightly to the still sitting feline and made his way out. Behind him he left his tea and cookies untouched.

Behind him Madam Maxine sighed. ‘If only I could do such things’ she thought. Millicent would have made an excellent traveling companion. Once she had successfully been turned away from the Russian. But that chair could not change minds. Only create sub-personalities. Then only personalities that were on the supplied wires. Slave, though a wire had come with that personality, had been thrown into the deepest part of Spontoon’s harbor by Madam Maxine herself. She had seen the results of brain-washing upon her oldest brother. She could not find it within herself to burden another with that kind of pain.

Long after sundown Major Hawkins bid goodby to his two confidants in the Consulate. At the moment all listening devices in his office were cut off. His conversation with the two, and with his next visitor were simply too delicate to go onto record. Outside his office waited probably the most delicate problem of his life. That she was beautiful in his eyes simply didn’t help at all. Taking a deep breath he walked to his door, opening it. “You may come in now Millicent” he said in a much gentler tone than the feline was used too. “Please find a comfortable seat, if you would.”

He watched as the shapely feline walked away from him, enjoying the view of her swaying hips and tail for nothing but the pleasure such a sight gave him. From now on he could look, but never touch. Another had finally entered his life. Another now wore his ring of promise. A ring that had eaten heavily into his available personal funds. ‘But’ he thought as he followed Millicent, continuing on to his own chair. ‘I have always given my women diamonds when they accepted my proposal of marriage.’ Annette Riverstone was so much like his first wife that it sometimes hurt. But enough different that he could accept the occasional pain of woken memories.

Settling into his own chair he picked up his pipe. It had to be the fourth or fifth he had purchased since Millicent encountered Tatiana. “You are going to bankrupt me” he said softly as he slipped his pipe-stem between his lips. “Simply bankrupt me. Have you any idea what a good pipe costs today?”

Millicent opened her mouth, then closed it. For a moment Hawkins thought that she wasn’t going to answer. “No sir” the feline admitted softly. “Neither Tatiana nor I smoke sir.”

“One and six” he informed her. “One pound, six shillings, and this is the fifth I have had to buy because of you young lady.” Pulling the pipe from his mouth he tapped the stem on his desk. “I have had a full day today, thank you. Young Miss Holmes, you have again managed to stave off the dogs. Though Dassher now has twenty pounds on you seducing them to your personal service before they can harm you.” He tapped his pipe against his teeth as if in thought. “I have traveled a great deal today. Visited people I never expected to know. The only reason I didn’t visit your future mother-in-law is because she is unapproachable right now. No water taxi would take me near South Island, not even the false taxis of China Dock. Which tells me a lot more than I wanted to know.”

“I see” the feline answered in a much subdued voice. “Would you like for me to arrange for you to visit Mother Oharu? I would, of course, have to go with you sir. But I will stand away as you talk with her. If you can. It is her season sir. Though near to the end of it.”

Hawkins snapped the pipe in his paw, looked at it in amused reflection, then dropped the pieces into his trash bin. “One and six, and its only four hours old. Are you trying to make records young Millicent? To see how fast you can make me ruin a good pipe?”

Millicent blushed, failing to hide a tiny smile from blooming on her lips. “No sir. I simply wished to give you all the information that you need sir.”

“Hurmp.” Looking up at the rooms ceiling Hawkins asked that age old question that had no true answer. “Why me Lord. Why me?” Then returning his attention to his employee the hound steadied himself. At least Dassher wasn’t here, he had business on Meeting Island tonight with a certain skunk. If he were, by now the poor Border Collie would be laying on his floor gasping for breath. “And what makes you think that you could get me to see Honored Mother Oharu tonight. I have been well informed that it is impossible.”

Millicent stood. “If you will come with me sir, I shall prove it.”

It was a challenge the intelligence agent simply couldn’t miss. Standing he grabbed his hat. “Very well. I shall allow you to make a complete fool of yourself. Lead child, I shall follow. I shall even pay the taxi costs both ways. And if you do win, I shall buy you supper at the Marlybone as well.” It was a bet that cost Hawkins more than just water taxi fare, though he learned nothing new. Millicent was able to get him near her future mother-in-law, but from the scents and sounds they encountered while still thirty yards from their destination, both agreed that right now was not the time to bother the mouse.

Dinner though was most enjoyable.