In the time of Oharu

The Second Volume November 1936 to November 1937

Chapter 10

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Originally published as -When There Comes A Special Day- and -Preparedness-

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.

Guests had been arriving for the last half hour, but the Russian sable Tatiana had seen none of them. Nor had she been allowed to see Millicent. Tradition they told her. No matter that just sixteen nights ago they had shared the same bed. This was Millicent’s wedding day. It was always very bad luck for the bride to be seen by her groom on her wedding day. No matter that her groom was also female. It irked the sable that she had spent the entire morning grooming herself, with her adopted mothers help. Dressing in her best Songmark uniform, then finding herself unable to at least speak with Millicent. And the music, a blend of English and Russian tunes that sometimes grated on the Russian’s nerves. Just who had selected The Moon Is Shining Brightly. They should be hanged. She absolutely hated that gay, light hearted tune. Mainly the sable admitted, because she had never been any good dancing to it.

Tatiana Bryzov-Wei looked at herself in the full length mirror yet again. What she saw didn’t impress her at the moment. For what she saw was a nineteen year old very nervous sable. Her normally sweet voice was trapped in a dust dry throat and her best Songmark uniform, fresh from the cleaners, looked foolishly cheap. ‘Is only Millicent’ she reminded herself. ‘It is because she needs me. Not that I love her as Ada loves Angelica. She is my punishment. I do not truly love her.’ She looked again at that pale face under freshly coffered fur. ‘If all that is true. Why then am I so nervous?’ ’ It was pravada she had discovered, that talking and planning seemed to have nothing to do with the actual event. For right at this moment she wished that Miss Devinski was shooting those curious red stones at her again, not sitting in an Euro church filled to overflowing with Songmark students. Students who had been given a rare day off. It was not that often that a Songmark student married during term. In fact, Mrs. Oelabe had mentioned that this had never happened before.

Outside the tiny room she waited in the music changed. Something European Tatiana knew from the style, but did not recognize. Millicent loved Liszt, but had decided not to jinx her wedding by playing it. For a different reason, that Tatiana was not a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, Millicent had quietly set aside the idea of a venchanie style wedding. A soft knock came, then the door behind Tatiana opened almost causing the sable to lose her water. She would learn later that the song was Trumpet Tune and Air, but it would be years before she understood why it was chosen. Or that when one explained that though it was Baroque music, one need not try to fix it.

“It is time daughter” the priestess Oharu announced gently. Trying to swallow Tatiana simply nodded in agreement, then noted the glass of water her adopted mother held. Gratefully she accepted the glass, quickly draining its contents. Her throat quickly went from desert dry dust to simply ancient brick dry. Setting the glass aside she followed her adopted mother out. Oharu was giving her away, taking the place of a long dead father. It was a fact that the sable did not miss.

Stepping beside Oharu, who was wearing her best kimono Tatiana noted, the two started that endless slow march towards a waiting European priest. This was the only Euro priest who would officiate at such a wedding Tatiana remembered. She heard the gentle sound of soft silk slide against itself as the mouse kept step with her. ‘Her best kimono. I remember, she had once dreamed of wearing it to an altar herself. With a certain doe beside her.’ It had taken a special dispensation from Spontoon’s High Priestess for Oharu to be here, but missing ones only daughters wedding was not to be done. Not even if that daughter had been adopted only a year or less before. It had taken Tatiana begging on her knees to gain that permission, though she hoped that her mother did not yet know that little fact.

Somewhere behind her the feline Millicent awaited to be brought forward. She at least had her father to stand beside her. He had arrived two days ago, then met with Tatiana outside of Songmarks gates and decided that, though the idea of his daughter marrying a woman went completely against his own beliefs. His daughter had certainly chosen a strong enough woman to stand beside her. Millicent’s mother though had been unable to attend, though she had sent word that she would meet them in Hawaii during their honeymoon, after Songmark closed.

A paw on her arm brought the sable out of her thoughts. They had arrived where they should be. “Thank you mother” Tatiana whispered.

“I am honored” the mouse replied. “To be your svideteli.” Her voice was now rich, pure. Nothing like the shattered voice that Tatiana had gotten used too. What powers, what magic had been used the sable did not know. Only that whatever had happened, her mother was now very deeply in someone, or something’s debt.

Turning around Tatiana stared back down the aisle she had just walked up. On her left were half the English Consulate staff, even several Russian Consulate staff members were present. Including her current controller Comrade Milkin, who sat near the wall. Comrade Milkin held a folding camera in her paws, but no flash was evident. On Tatiana’s right were almost all the Songmark students and staff in their best uniforms. Even that first year dorm current on extreme restriction was present. It was a humbling sight. She knew that there had been a meeting this morning between the instructors and all students. As to what that meeting had been about Tatiana was uncertain, but if no one stood to complain about the marriage, she was certain that she would quickly have an idea.

Abruptly the music faded, to be replaced by another piece. Not though the common wedding march. It was something Tatiana easily recognized. Something Russian, but from where she wondered. Then it struck her, it was the Coronation March for Czar Alexander III. She started to look to where a certain bulldog was sitting, only to have her mother stop her yet again with but a touch to her paw.

“Do not” the mouse whispered. “It was Millicent’s choice. She makes statement to all. Even to myself. I stand with both you now. Not only yourself my daughter.”

Fighting a sudden trickle of fear Tatiana remained standing. From the corner of her eyes she could see movement within the Russian group. Comrade Milkin though, the woman was not only taking notes but photographs as well. Was that a smile on the raccoons face Tatiana asked herself. Then a flash of ivory caught her eye. Turning her full attention to the doorway she immediately forgot to breath.

Millicent had stepped to the opening with her father, was standing in a pool of colored sunlight while she adjusted her dress before entering. Her father was wearing a traditional suit of course, shiny black and white. His daughter though so outshone him that he looked almost a poor beggar beside her. Millicent though. ‘Oh my’ Tatiana thought as she looked into that face. Forget the dress, how it clung about that body as if painted on. How the churches stained glass caused multi-colored light to play across that pale delicate cloth. Or how those priceless jewels sparkled as stars in exactly the correct places. Millicent’s face was radiant. When had she become so beautiful the sable asked herself.

“All brides look such” Oharu whispered again. “Breath daughter. Breath and burn into memory this scene. Burn so remember when old grey furred woman. She give to you herself. Love her but carefully. Do not harm her. She will always be fragile. You are now her world.”

A short trail of ivory skirt followed Millicent as she walked slowly forward to the majestic music. Her eyes though were locked on Tatiana’s own. It was as if there were no one else in the world at this moment but the two of them. Tatiana could only watch as her bride came closer, feeling in her stomach a sudden desire to run away. To escape this impossible dream. This could not be, this goddess in ivory, lace and jewels could not be meant for her. Could not possibly be considered a punishment. Yet Millicent continued to walk forward, finally stopping next to Tatiana.

“You are so handsome my Lady” the feline whispered as she stopped next to Tatiana. “I am breathless with your beauty my dearest love.” Her words stunned the sable, making her forget her next part in this play.

“Turn around” Oharu commanded, still whispering. As she did so Tatiana felt ivory silk slide across her paws on both sides. Her mothers kimono, Millicent’s richer Russian wedding dress. This was real. As much as she had once detested the idea of even touching another woman before her training, even then approaching such with great distaste. She was now freely binding her life with this one.

A cough as the ram stood, looking down from his place at the four standing before him. He had officiated at more weddings than he could remember, but this was the strangest pooling of power he had ever seen. English diplomat, his daughter. Certain members of the English Consulate he rarely saw. Thus the English Crown was present in its own way. As was the English military. A woman he well knew to be a Russian agent, who looked so much like a certain other woman he himself had met but once. So in his mind the Russian Czar was here, in spirit at least. And with her probably the third or forth most important priestess in Spontoon, if his information was correct. A Japanese who had once been Miko, who had served her Emperor directly. Now she served Spontoon’s Gods just as faithfully. Oh yes, there was more here than the average eye could see. So much more. Even here in his own Holy Place he could feel the power she held within her. Power that already fully enveloped the sable, and even now touched the housecat as though she were the same. Then there was Songmark, and that yellow furred hound that even here caused his spirit some disquiet. Oh this was going to be an interesting day for his diary. That was for certain. What came in the future just might ring this world like a large bell, if all the Gods present or represented decided that it should.

Then the music Millicent had walked too faded away. Now it was his place now to speak. Stepping down to stand before the four he looked about his Gods house, his trained eyes seeing things the average mortal could never suspect. Seeing them, noting every one was benign here, marking them. This told him these two truly desired to join their lives. That neither was truly forced, though it was obvious to him that the Russian was still somewhat unsure. As if everything had moved too quickly for her to fully comprehend as yet. For if this had been a forced marriage, the battle that would have ensued would have been most horrid. A cough and he began.

“We are gathered here this day” he started. “To bind these two in holy matrimony. Unlike most marriages preformed within this house of God, today we open our doors to many Gods and Goddess’s. Those whom these two worship, those whom you who attend this ceremony worship or may serve. No matter this, for these two this is a day of greatest joy. A day that they will remember all their lives. For today they pledge their love eternal. To have. To hold. To cherish in all ways good and evil. To become as one for all the days of their lives. As with all marriages, no matter how preformed, this is a day of great joy for all involved. It is not to be looked upon lightly, for their vows can never be light ones.”

He turned his attention then upon the four standing before him. “Who gives this Lady to marriage” he asked, his deep voice filling the building. That was Oharu’s cue he knew, and the mouse stunned him with her answer and action.

Bowing slightly to the ram, as equal to equal, Oharu stepped forward. “I give this woman to marriage. I. Oharu Wei. Priestess Guardian of Great Stone Glen. Servant to High Priestess of Spontoon. I give my only daughter, Tatiana Bryzov-Wei, to marriage” the mouse announced. Then she turned to one side to walk away, her part of this ceremony now over.

So much more she was the ram realized. Still he was no base novice himself, though he made a mental note to speak with that mouse at greater length than he had this morning. And soon. Turning to Millicent and her father he continued. “Who gives this woman to marriage” he continued.

Millicent’s father then stepped forward. “I give this maiden to marriage. I. William Robert Arthur Holmes. Ambassador for His Majesty to the nation of Piccucapac give my daughter, Millicent Elizabeth Holmes, to marriage” he answered. Exactly the same style of words the mouse had used, which told the priest only that the two had decided between them this part. With a final look to his daughter the grey furred housecat followed Oharu to that small bench waiting.

That left but the two before him. For a few moments more he studied the two. A second year Songmark girl, in her best. He had always heard bad about Songmark girls, yet the entire school sat silently. And this girl. No woman he corrected himself as he looked into her eyes. Woman, stood strong and straight. Millicent seemed to him as do all blushing brides, though he dearly hoped that she would not take in too great a breath. Her poor dress had not been designed to restrain what it now held. Each time she breathed his ears brought to him the soft sounds of paw stitched seams stressed almost to their breaking point. Very well he decided. They are willing, I am willing, my God is willing. We shall do this.

“We have come today to join this lady and woman into the bonds of most holy matrimony” he intoned, proud of himself for not having slipped and said man. “Now it may be said that these two are too young to enter into such a union, yet let us remember that both are well above the age required by both their countries, and of Spontoon itself. Others may complain that they are of the same sex, yet as I was informed just this morning. No one controls for whom their heart will blossom. These are words I find filled with truth.”

He changed his stance, his right knee giving him trouble again. “And yet others will accept the first two problems as nothing, yet complain that they are of different species, religions, nations, beliefs or even political following. Understand that I have looked deeply upon these things. I have prayed to my God for guidance and been answered. I find no reason to deny these two the life that they so much desire.”

He paused, flipping open his bible to read, then closing it. It was a time waster, one he used in most marriages. “Before me stand Tatiana Bryzov-Wei, a student in good standing with the Songmark Aeronautical Boarding School for Young Ladies. Beside her proudly stands Millicent Elizabeth Holmes, an employee of the British Consulate. Also in good standing. Let it be known that I have also spoken with Spontoon’s authorities. I have found that there are no complaints against either. Let it also be known that both wish to start a family, and that both are well trained and employed to support such. Having said this, is there anyone in this house of God, who for any reason, believes that these two should not wed?”

This part he did dislike, for occasionally one or more would stand, making accusations or bringing forward unknown information. He waited, but other than a very small disturbance in the Russian section no sound was made. Of course he ignored the constant snaps of cameras, and the chemical stained squirrel who hovered about with his professional equipment.

“Very well, then let it be known that no mortal objection has been raised to this marriage.”

Turning to Tatiana he noticed that the sable was almost ridged with fear. Casting his voice so low that only the two before him could hear he caught her attention. “Child. I have done this many times. Trust me. No one has died standing before me yet.”

“Is first time” Tatiana replied in a tiny voice.

“True, but if you die. Be aware that your Millicent will most assuredly kill you.”

His words had the desired effect as Tatiana smiled at the tiny joke. “Continue” she whispered.

“Tatiana Bryzov-Wei” he continued in a much louder voice. “In the presence of the God of this place. Of those who have come to witness your words. Is it your desire to marry Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. To take her as your wife. In sickness, in health. In good times and bad. To support her when she is overburdened, to give of yourself fully and without question?”

“Dah. Is Pravda” Tatiana announced in a slightly louder than required voice.

Turning to Millicent he continued. “Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. In the presence of the God of this place. Of those who have come to witness your words. Is it your desire to marry Tatiana Bryzov-Wei. To take her as your lady. In sickness, in health. In good times and bad. To support her when she is overburdened, to give of yourself fully and without question?”

“Yes. Oh so very much yes” Millicent answered, her voice sending chills down the sables spine all the way to the tip of her tail.

“Who has the ring” he asked, to almost laugh as Tatiana caused them to appear from nowhere with slight of paw. He motioned to Millicent “Give her yours” he whispered. When that had been done he again continued.

“As is has been proven that there is no reason these two souls may not be joined in holy matrimony. As both have professed their love and devotion. Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. Should your heart be for this woman, please place upon your Ladies finger that ring which will bind her to you. For all the days of her life.”

Turning to fully face Tatiana, Millicent took the sables left paw into her own. Holding the ring just upon the clawtip of Tatiana’s finger she intoned her chosen personal oath. “In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my Lady. Promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful wife so long as we both shall live.” As she spoke Millicent slid that plain gold band upon Tatiana’s finger. As she did so she felt the sable’s paw tremble and smiled. For she herself was about to lose her water, only the acute embarrassment, and the damage to her priceless gown kept her from doing so.

Tatiana felt the cool metal slide along her finger until it bumped softly against a knuckle. Both knew that Millicent would have to hold that ring for her while she was in school, for only the Rotes other-worldly rings were allowed. Those ivory things that caught on nothing, did not even make a sound when tapped upon thin metal. This gold though would most likely tear her finger off on rope, and Millicent had expressed a great desire that her sable not lose any body parts.

“Such as has been done” the priest announced to the watching crowd. “That Millicent Elizabeth Holmes has expressed her love, has pledged herself to her Lady.” Turning his attention to Tatiana he smiled at the wondering sable. “Tatiana Bryzov-Wei. Should your heart be for this woman, please place upon your Ladies finger that ring which will bind her to you for all the days of her life.”

Tatiana swallowed. This was real. This then was her punishment, for as her mother had warned Millicent was a fragile woman. She knew that if she ever turned against the housecat that Millicent’s mind would shatter like the most delicate of glass. Looking into those loving eyes Tatiana only wanted to scream, to turn. To run away. To hide on some forgotten island, never to speak to another soul for the rest of her life. Yet she had freely chosen to come here, to marry Millicent. ‘Truly Mama Krasa, I understand.’ she whispered in her mind. Gently taking Millicent’s left paw into her own she slid that golden circle only a little upon the cats finger, watching as those eyes widened, those soft lips parted just a little.

“Millicent” she said. “Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you. For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Gods we both worship do with me and more if anything but death parts you from me. “ As she finished her words she felt the ring strike Millicent’s knuckle. Perhaps a bit harder than her own, but not so much as to cause pain. Yet it was not quite done she knew, though so much she wished it was, for now Tatiana found that she wished to do nothing more than crush her body against the felines very yielding one. Now, and forever.

“Being as these two have stood before us” the priest continued. “Having expressed their vows of eternal love before God to each other. Have exchanged rings of lifetime commitment. Tatiana Brysov-Wei. Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. By the powers granted me by my Church and by the authority granted me by the government of Spontoon. I now pronounce you Lady and wife.” He looked out to his audience. “Let no one attempt to break what has been bound this day. For not only will the God of this House be angry, I most absurdly warn that many other Gods and Goddess’s will be angry. Very angry.”

Having given his warning he looked back to the two before him, who had still not broken their gaze. “You may now kiss your bride Tatiana.”

Somewhere in the Songmark section a sweet Southern American voice called out. “Ahn if you don’t. Be most assured tha I will.”

This brought a smile to the priest, for it meant that there were those who truly accepted this bonding. Music soon rose as the ceremony ended, yet it took a whispered order from him to break the two apart. “You have all your lives children. Do not waste this day standing before me. I am old and quite unattractive you understand.”

Breaking their kiss the two giggled, then paw in paw walked slowly out of the Church. ‘Oh yes, this was a day for his diary’ he decided as he spotted two rather special attendees in the back. ‘A very important day.’

Tatiana led Millicent towards the doorway, only to be guided by her wife to a small room near the front. “Our guests must prepare the walk” Millicent explained as she closed the door behind her.

“The walk?” Tatiana asked, confused.

“Why of course, you would not understand. Tatiana. When we walk out it will be to a hale of rice, cheers by those who wish us happiness and a line of those who wish us well that we must traverse to our waiting car. It is tradition. My father, your mother and the Major have worked to prepare this.” Millicent grinned, a rather predatory look on her face Tatiana thought. “This will be our most important day my love. Our second most will be when I present you with our first kitten. It is also a very important day to those who have come. Please, do not ruin it for them.”

“There is reception” the sable stammered. “”Can be done at reception. And why car? It only few blocks to Embassy.”

“Seven, to be exact” the feline agreed. “Seven long dirty blocks that I shall not walk in this dress my dear. I will not ruin this dress simply for your stoic desires. I simply will not.”

Slowly coming out of her confusion Tatiana realized what her now precious feline meant. Were she to walk the streets in that dress it would quickly be ruined. Of certainly a brides wedding dress was her most cherished treasure. At least she remembered Mama Krasa saying so only weeks before... She shoved that memory from her mind. Mama Krasa never had a wedding dress, she was certain of that. Having examined everything in their little hovel after her parents were taken away. ‘My punishment’ the sable understood fully as she pushed that thought away. ‘On my happiest day, I am reminded of my greatest evil. Oh dear Millicent, no interrogation chamber for your sweet eyes.’

“There is a problem” Millicent asked. “You seem so sad.”

Taking a deep breath Tatiana took Millicent’s paws into her own. “I never lie to you again. Ever. I was remembering Mama Krasa. What I did. Millicent. I never allow such to happen to you. Never.”

“But you will not explain what did happen” Millicent asked.

“One day yes. In future. Not now. I was great traitor to those who loved me. Great traitor. I die before I ever harm you.”

A knock came to the door just then, before Millicent could ask further questions. Opening just a bit her fathers voice came through. “Are you two decent still” he asked.

“Oh father, do come in” Millicent laughed. “We are quite decent, my word on that.”

Stepping in Ambassador Holmes shut the door behind him. “Lady Oharu has gone to Great Stone Glenn, she informed me that her dispensation is over” he explained. “And Millicent, I can assure you that your mother and I were in no way decent when her father knocked. He had to wait almost seven minutes before he could come in, much to his amusement. Now a few things. Tatiana, I have been made fully aware of your situation, and my daughters agreement to act as bait for slavers. I do not understand why you two would do such a thing, but I have been assured by Major Hawkins and Mr. Dassher that you Tatiana, will allow no harm to come to my Minnie. This is a different world now, and I must accept that my little Minnie has grown up. I would like a letter from both of you once this mission is over, if you will.”

“Of course father” Millicent agreed, squeezing Tatiana’s paw to silence her. “What we may say of it. I am most proud that I have been accepted for this mission. That though is still months away father. Sergeant Proud has promised to keep my training advancing, but you are quite correct. It will be my Tatty that I depend upon. Though there will be other forces involved, I assure you. I am not an agent father, I have no desire to be such.” She paused, looking into Tatiana’s eyes a moment before releasing her second greatest secret. Looking back at her father she stood the straighter. “I wish to be a diplomat. Exactly as yourself father.

“Well. That is not unknown” he admitted. “Rare, but not unknown. I have some books at home in my library...”

“Which I committed to memory by the time I was twelve father” Millicent admitted.

“Very well then. I see. I will ask about, though you cannot hope for many years Minni. Such appointments are never given to teenagers after all. Even married ones.” Tapping his hat, which he held in one paw the older feline licked his lips before continuing with his original subject. “It is just this. Tatiana, I would like you to call me father, if you wish. Certainly my wife will expect to be called mother. It is of course expected. We have a second, somewhat smaller cottage in the North Country. It is somewhat near Hexham. Still the place is quite isolated. When you come to England I shall be delighted to give you the keys. It is, other than my daughter, our wedding gift to you. You see none of our other children have any interest in leaving the London area. It really is a nice place, a large back garden and such.”

“Father. You are embarrassing my wife” Millicent laughed after watching Tatiana’s expression change. “And that I fear will always be a problem father, as we are both wives.”

“Thus the Lady and wife. An excellent choice of words. Minnie, of the two of you your Russian is much more the Lady than you ever were.”

“Sir” Tatiana managed to say even though Millicent continued to nearly crush her paw. “I will be delighted to visit cottage. It sounds good place to leave Milly, when she has kits. I am adventurer, Milly.” She shrugged. “Milly is social woman. I trip over feet try be social. We will talk more, in Hawaii?”

“I will try, duty you understand. It was difficult simply to have this time free. Now I believe that the raging hordes of well wishers are ready. I will follow last. And Tatiana. Should you hurt my daughter. Be well aware that I shall send every drop of British military force I may call upon after you.”

“Pravda. Would be large mistake I harm my Milly. Mother be most unhappy with me. I much like what sleep I have. We go now?”

Stepping aside Ambassador Holmes opened the door. “Of course. And those raging hordes of mad Englishmen will come should you need them. Remember that. Now you two have a long day ahead of you. And if my Minnie is anything like her mother. A very, very long night.”

Blushing in embarrassment Tatiana stepped out first, still holding Millicent’s paw. Stepped out of the relative quite room into chaos. Again stunned by the unexpected sounds and colors she mentally thanked her feline for warning her about what was coming. Yes, her feline the sable decided as she followed Millicent through that gauntlet of rice throwing well wishers to the waiting car.

“See now why car” the sable laughed as she brushed rice pellets off her Songmark uniform. “Was like flying upside down with eyes closed. In storm.”

In response Millicent grasped her mate, giving her a kiss that eventually curled the Russians toe claws. “I love you” the feline whispered as she nuzzled Tatiana’s throat, then hugged the sable tightly. “I truly love you.” Tatiana could only return that kiss, for Millicent had left her no breath with which to speak.

They arrived at the reception hall, actually a multi-use hall attached to one of the resorts to find four Songmark girls standing in front of the door at full attention. Prudence Akroyd, Ada Cronstein, Belle Lapinssen and Carmen Velasquez. As was her place as dorm leader Prudence opened the car door for Millicent, taking her paw and escorting her a few steps from the car. Ada opened Tatiana’s door, repeating the process while whispering into the Russian’s ear. “Prudence is beside herself, you married before she did.” As there was nothing Tatiana could do about that fact she simply joined her Millicent, again taking her paw. Thus they walked into the reception hall. Two Songmark students first, Lady and wife second with the final two Songmark girls last. An honor guard of sorts.

Inside all was bright bunting, colorfully draped tables and chairs. There were strange tropical centerpieces that Millicent ran too, for she just had to see them closer. To Tatiana they were simply flowers, though having helped her adopted mother attend shrines she recognized many more species than Millicent did. A fact that had the feline asking all sorts of odd questions of her new wife. At least Tatiana thought they were odd. Who cared how long a certain bloom would last after being cut and placed in water. That gardening was one of the feline’s great delights had surprised the Russian. Gardening, and children. Tatiana shivered at that thought. This sometimes flightily woman she had just married was already planning a family.

Finally Millicent pulled Tatiana back towards the main door. “Our guests are arriving my love” she explained. “We must greet each and every one as they enter. I fear that we shall both have very sore paws tonight.”

‘Great’ the Russian thought. ‘Another noisy mess, and I had thought it all over after the vows.’ Millicent it was obvious, had carefully researched weddings at some time in her life, or attended a great many of them. She was obviously making certain that this would be a day neither would ever forget. Though after the twentieth greeting Tatiana found herself on autopilot. How many were coming? Which were the revolutionaries? Who was a danger to Millicent, whom she had just sworn to forever protect. And why were people constantly slipping papers or envelopes into both their paws? Things that Millicent slipped from Tatiana’s grasp, then offered to a young girl hiding behind them holding a flower draped basket. As her nervousness increased Tatiana came to the realization that she may have just married. May have been helped to love this woman, but her fear for the felines safety was something that would never go away. It was a true, lifelong punishment. ‘I believe I shall go mad from this’ she thought as she greeted a German girl who was vaguely familiar. One who greeted Millicent most warmly. This one her mind instantly tagged as potentially dangerous. Yet finally the greeting line was eventually over. Her lips were now sore (‘some of those women were obviously sapphic’ Tatiana realized much too late) and her paw somewhat swollen. All she wanted now was a quite place and time to relax.

It was not to be. There was cutting the cake, feeding a small piece to Millicent who did the same to Tatiana as camera’s flashed. Much too sweet the Russian decided. Speeches, dancing, music, avoiding a great deal of wine. Millicent also avoided most of the wine Tatiana noticed with pride. Not enough, but most. She was learning. Removing Millicent’s garter then tossing it towards a certain selection of unmarried males, and a scattering of females. Who captured that fragrant bit of cloth the Russian had no idea. It had been a rather embarrassing moment for Tatiana though she did not understand why, especially when more than a little of Millicent’s leg was open for observation by any who cared to look. She remembered Millicent tossing her bouquet into a group of young women, who fought for the small bundle of flowers as though it were greatly important.

Then finally, unexpectedly they had a few moment alone together. But only a few as that seamstress from the English Consulate helped Millicent out of her dress, packing it and the felines slip away while Millicent slipped into a more normal outfit for herself. That dress would be carefully cleaned then shipped, by diplomatic pouch, to Millicent’s mother to store away. Certainly neither Millicent or Tatiana had any place to keep such an item.

“Now what” Tatiana asked as she loosened her blouse. It was like an oven in this heat, with too many bodies and not enough air circulation. She felt as though she had just finished one of her tutors more frightening physical tests.

“Now my dear wife” Millicent answered. “We say goodbye to our guests, then return to my quarters.” She gave a slightly sad smile for a moment. “Normally we would be off on our honeymoon. Sadly, as you must complete Songmark’s year else be ejected forever, we will have but tonight. I much look forward to watching you accept your diploma. Still I warn you my love, Hawaii awaits us. I most certainly promise to keep you both well fed and exhausted while we are there.”

“I shall much look forward to your attempt” Tatiana bluffed, already knowing that in this area her companion was much better equipped than she herself.

“Then let us go. It has been too long since I have last been with you.” Millicent abruptly stopped. “Tatiana. Please?”

There was something in the felines voice that stopped the sable in her tracks. “Is?” she asked with concern.

“Make Hawaii wonderful for me my love. After. I know you hardly love me, even though you are now my world. I accept that, and I do love you. Yet after I know that there is a good chance you will lose me forever. Please. Just this time, let us have beautiful memories. Please?”

“Dah. Memories we share with grandchildren my Millicent. Together.” Taking her wifes paw into her own she led the way out. Out and into the noise that they would soon be leaving behind. Losing Millicent, the idea sent a dagger of cold fear through the Russian’s heart. For though it was true that she loved Millicent little more than one would love a sister, the feline had somehow become important to her. Losing her, no. That would never happen. Not as long as she took one breath.

Even once they had reached Millicent’s quarters supper had proved to be nothing more than quickly snatched sandwich’s from the felines icebox. By the time that they had made it home both were exhausted, for the car they had been loaned had first taken them to the Russian Consulate, where Comrade Milkin had read several congratulatory radiograms, though she had left her radio on the local station. Sounds of a rather nasty sounding German band making hearing almost difficult. One Radiogram had been from the office of Starling himself. Then she presented both with an envelope each. Each was a single sheet of paper. Tatiana’s held promotion papers, granting her the rank of Major in the Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily, the Soviet Air Force. Millicent’s paper was full citizenship in the Soviet Union. Both pages recently signed by Iosif Starling himself. In red ink.

“You are blessed” Comrade Milkin had told them. “To be noticed by Comrade Starling himself. Millicent, welcome to Russia. I have your travel papers here, so when you visit there will be no problems for either of you.” She had then placed into Millicent’s paws a small booklet. One Millicent looked to Tatiana before accepting fully.

“So my wife is now a Major” the feline said with a hint of a giggle in her voice. “Oh how this will impress Major Hawkins, for he was in this thirties before such a rank rested upon his shoulders.”

“Dah. And he is retired” Tatiana replied. “This rate I outrank him soon. Then I tell him what do. Thank you Comrade Milkin. I am sorry, we must go.”

“I understand comrade” the raccoon answered in Russian. “I will look forward to your next report. Be certain that your wedding photograph will reach Comrade Starling in perfect condition. Go with God.” She then opened to door letting both out of her office.

Then they had found themselves at the American Consulate, where Two Red Stones himself had approached Millicent. “I see now that our mad passionate affair is off” he had announced with a dour face, though there was a smile in his eyes. He and Millicent had shared one lunch together, just last Saturday. As friends.

Millicent had surprised the cougar by turning to Tatiana. “This one” she announced, though her voice was pitched just high enough for the three to hear. No one else. “Tatiana. Please. When you allow me to have kittens for us. Please let me ask him first.”

Flustered the Amerindian was even more taken aback by the brazen examination Tatiana gave him. “You have good taste” the sable answered. “Yes. And when I am ready, perhaps he gifts me as well?”

Completely taken aback by the two the cougar could do nothing but blink for a bit. “A fine joke” he finally managed to answer.

“Want in writing?” Tatiana asked. “Sign in blood? We serious. We desire family. Large family. Want strong male grant us what want. Will at least think about such?”

“I.. I would have to write home first” Two Red Stones admitted. “True. I am not yet married. I am promised.”

Tatiana nodded in understanding. “Ask please. We accept answer, but explain is only for kittens. Not want take shared husband.”

“I will then. Ah, here comes the Ambassador.” Using that escape the cougar vanished, much to Millicent’s amusement. Again that were forced to listen to congratulatory radiograms, almost all from names neither knew. Then again the single gift each and off they went. This permission to visit certain military bases in Hawaii and be granted space available transportation from island to island on military transport.

To find themselves repeating the process at Millicent’s own Consulate. Where Tatiana found herself holding a legal English passport and citizenship papers, while Millicent found that she was the proud owner of a recently refurbished sailboat currently moored in the Consulate marina.

“We really hadn’t any use for it anymore” Mr. Dassher had explained. “In truth, we were deciding wither to sell it or give it away. Your marriage dear girl was just at the correct moment.”

“But. Mr. Dassher. I do not know anything about boats” Millicent admitted.

“I do” Tatiana admitted. “I teach you, dah?”

“Is pravda” the English girl laughed. “We shall sail around the world, never stepping foot upon land again.”

“Nyet. Must reprovision.” Glancing at the ownership papers Tatiana laughed. “Is only twenty-two foot. Will never make from here to Tillimok. Is pleasure boat.”

“Yes it is, and many are the people who have enjoyed time aboard her” Dassher admitted. “But she is old, built in 1918. A fair weather ship only I am afraid, but the best we could do. Millicent, your new passport will be ready when you return to work Monday. Now I think that you two would like some time alone.”

They had left then, by the time that they had closed Millicent’s front door behind them. Tatiana had easily carried Millicent over the threshold, finding her sofa was the only thing on their minds. Unfortunately, some kind soul had stacked all their wedding gifts upon it. Along with dozens and dozens of further radiograms. It was going to be a long afternoon both realized.

Eventually some sense was made of everything, with Tatiana making the light snack while Millicent carefully sorted their messages. “I shall spend all this week writing thank you notes” the feline sighed. “At least I am able to forge your signature my love. I shan’t see you again until school is out, shall I?”

“I not know pravda” the sable admitted. “Not for month certain. Dormmates get passes dah, must make up for this special time.” She sat a plate next to Millicent, settling down a little away from her. They had been pressed together all day and Tatiana desperately wanted a little time to clear her mind. “Day has been overload” she admitted. “Need time think straight. Something Comrade Milkin say bother me.”

“Then we shall relax several hours, before dealing with this mountain” Millicent decided. She stood to walk over to her radio, finding a note sitting upon it. “Tattie” she said while selecting a channel that carried music both had found that they liked. “It is signed by the Major. ‘An electrical problem has shut down all listening devices to these quarters. Please restrain from further plots to invade Scotland until tomorrow.” She giggled, leaving the note on her radio before setting back down on the sofa she looked at her sandwich, then to Tatiana. “Too much alcohol today for myself. Do you mind much that we save the champaign for the day we leave?”

Tatiana herself wasn’t affected by the little alcohol she had ingested. As always, Millicent had eaten only a little before drinking. It was a fault that would have to be corrected the Russian knew. “Must eat” she ordered. “Bread help settle stomach. Rest is best cure for too much drink I think.”

“Rest? Oh my love. There is one last ceremony that we must preform on our wedding night” the feline told Tatiana. “We must consummate our wedding vows, else our marriage is not legally binding.” She giggled a moment. “As in certain ways I am still much the maiden. I must not be by sunrise, should I desire our marriage to be legal. For us, it goes like this.” Very bluntly, very graphically Millicent Bryzov-Wei explained to her amused, them amazed wife exactly what was going to happen, and for how long. True to her heritage, wen the lights were off Millicent proved to Tatiana that she was very much her mothers daughter. That even the thought of rest was the last thing on her mind this night.

Late the next evening a rather exhausted looking sable made her way to Songmark’s gates. Stopping at the little passthrough window she tiredly slid her pass through. A pass that was carefully examined, perhaps overly examined by the two second years currently on guard. Finally they seemed satisfied, returning that little pastecard before opening Songmark’s gates to allow their fellow student entry. Any hope of slipping in unnoticed ended when, with its traditional ear twisting squeal the gates hinges announce the return of Tatiana Bryzov-Wei, recently married to one Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. Though she could not see her fellow students, the impact of so many eyes watching her at one time was almost a physical force. Quietly Tatiana walked over to the only office with a light on. She had to return her pass, then make a verbal report as was part of her passes requirements.

Sometime just after midnight and a very long, very cold shower later Tatiana eased her body onto her bed, pulling her blanket up over her. Three sets of eyes were watching her every move, yet Tatiana didn’t feel like talking. “Need sleep” she reported. “Not have any since yesterday morning. Talk tomorrow.” With a jaw cracking yawn she was soon asleep, leaving her three classmates looking amused. Had they seen the smile on Tatiana’s face they would have wondered. Oh yes, the Russian had given a report to the yellow furred tutor awaiting her. A very detailed, moment by moment report that left the hound amazed by Millicent’s energy reserves. And her imagination.

Days after the wedding soft music was coming from a certain bungalow’s half open window as Major Thomas William Hawkins approached. He stepped upon the stones that led up to a certain door, nodding to a sentry walking his post nearby. All lower grade bungalows were four to a building, and no more than five hundred square feet each. Tiny by American standards, still more than most who now lived in them had ever experienced. This ones occupant though being an exception to that rule. Still there had never been a single complaint from this bungalow’s occupant. Lifting his paw he rapped firmly upon the wooden door with his knuckles. Less than half a minute later the music ceased, moments later the door opened.

“Good Evening Major” Millicent Wei, or was it Bryzov the bulldog wondered, said in greeting. “Please do come in from the dark.” She stepped aside, allowing him barely room to enter without brushing against her, and in Millicent’s case that was not easy to do. “Please, the divan is best for you sir” she continued as she shut the door. “Let me have your hat, and will it be tea or water?”

“Tea please” he answered as she took his hat. He noted that she placed it next to her open phonograph. Exactly on top of the delicate stature that hid one of Dashers microphones. It was a statement, not a complaint. “Have you found them all” he asked as he settled down.

“Tatiana showed me where every one is” Millicent answered from her tiny kitchen, actually a part of the bungalow’s main living area. “She makes a careful search for new ones each time she visits. If I allow her the time. Lately I have not been allowing her that time. Have I Major.” A sound of water boiling came at that moment, surprising Hawkins. It should take longer than this he knew. “We thought that the one behind my toilet was rather cheek. Understandable, but it does bother me somewhat so I cover it with the paper I use while I preform my needs.”

“I see. You have hot water ready always?”

Millicent giggled. “I never know when my wife will be able to escape her prison long enough to visit. She loves her tea, so I make certain to keep water warm in the oven at all times. Though it does cost me a bit in coal fees.” A clatter of crockery came from the felines position as she placed cups and the teapot on a tin tray “You are enjoying watching me Major?”

Hawkins laughed, setting the papers he had pulled from his jacket into his lap. “Dear sweet Millicent. Regrettably I was not watching you this time. My most dear apology for neglecting you.”

Millicent turned to face her visitor, her tea tray held carefully within her paws. “I am disappointed then. I thought that I was of some amusement to you sir.”

“Amusement?” Hawkins shook his head no. “You have been many things to us Millicent Bryzov, but amusing has rarely been one of those things. You have been visiting your mother-in-law?”

“Weekly sir, as instructed” Millicent answered. She placed her tea tray on a table near the bulldog. “One spoon or two sir?”

“None please thank you. But a little milk, if you have it?” He was amused to see the blush appear upon his young couriers face. “Tatiana does have a love for milk. Yes? Thus you must have some available for her.”

Millicent took a deep breath before answering him again. Obviously she had matured Hawkins observed. Her blush though made no attempt to fade as she spoke. “Sir. I regret that the only milk I have is my own.”

“Yours? You are so stingy that you would not offer a single dollop to a visitor for his tea?” Hawkins was seeing how far Millicent would go before simply explaining her situation. He found himself quite surprised by her next action.

“Sir...” Millicent took a deep breath. “I am afraid that if it must be than it shall be.” She walked into the kitchen, returning with a small bottle from her icebox.

Quickly holding up a paw Hawkins almost laughed. “No need child” he explained quickly. “I am well aware of your source. Please, it was but jest.” A sound of liquid striking liquid was his answer. “MILLICENT” he gasped, trying, yet failing not to blush.

“You are my controller Major Hawkins” Millicent explained as she returned with his teacup. “Tatiana has made it very clear to me that both our lives lay within your paws, and her controllers paws. It is a delicate dance we must preform least we dance at the end of a rope. To deny you anything you desire is to endanger both our lives. She has after all displayed me fully to you already.” She placed Hawkins cup and saucer into the bulldogs open paws. “It is as you like it, as I remember sir.”

Hesitantly Hawkins accepted the offered tea, its surface showing the swirl of added milk. “Millicent” the bulldog whispered. “If you ever do this to me again I will have every fur on your body removed. One by one, with a tweezer. As of your marriage last week I am no longer your Controller little Millicent, I am simply your supervisor. After this meeting I am going to destroy that photograph you gave me. You deserve to be treated much better than you have been.”

Sitting in a chair across from her supervisor Millicent stirred her own tea. It too the bulldog noted, had the cream color of added milk. “You will not sir. Unless it is your desire to humiliate me still further. By doing so you tell the world that I am not worthy of your viewing. No woman likes that sir.”

“Very well, since you seem to insist. Still it will remain hidden. Now if we may, the reason for my unexpected visit?”

“Of course sir. I am, as always your servant.”

Hawkins laughed gruffly at those words. “Employee yes. Servant never.” He picked up the papers from his lap, offering them to his hostess. “Read these then destroy them. I suggest that you burn them then flush the ashes down your toilet. You will find that simply eating them will do nothing but cause you extreme pain, perhaps death considering the number of pages. Also, the popular writers have it completely wrong. Your enemies can retrieve them in still very legible form. Before or after your death. Though in either case you would die from their methods.”

Millicent accepted the papers, setting her tea aside while she read. Hawkins himself looked at his tea. ‘Host by my own petard’ he thought as he stirred the liquid. Not to drink would insult his hostess in such a way that he might never make amends. Still the idea. ‘Well’ he decided in his thoughts, ‘as a baby, so there is little difference now.’ Lifting his cup he took a sip. A lighter taste than he was used too, slightly sweeter with a hint of some local herb. So that explains the how he realized.

Millicent abruptly laid the papers in her lap, looking towards the bulldog. “I am to transfer this information to whom” she asked softly.

“Your new Controller” Hawkins answered. “It is information too delicate to chance transfer even under guard. I have spoken to Sergeant-Major Proud. He has informed me that you are more than capable of this little task.”

Millicent nodded in agreement, her tail giving a little twitch as if in annoyance. “As you yourself are sir.”

“As I am” the bulldog agreed. “I must be able to deny having transferred this information to those you will speak with. In front of a star nosed mole if it does come to that.” He sat his own half finished tea aside. “And it most likely will. You are cleared for Most Secret dear Millicent. I must ask that you do not speak of this to your wife. Is that possible?”

Millicent laughed, holding up the papers a moment. “My dear Major. My heart and body may belong to Tatiana. My soul though, to Crown and Country. Forever.” She lifted a page, apparently reading for a moment. “You are certain this information is correct” she asked eventually.

“Very correct. So correct that I am to be reposted home next year.”

Millicent nibbled on her upper lip, a dainty, suggestive action she did without thought now. “I am still to be given to slavers” she reminded the bulldog. “This information may fall into their paws as well.”

Major Hawkins stood, his teacup still in his paws. Walking to where Millicent’s little record player sat he looked down at what was on the turntable. “Crown and Country dear Millicent. You, I, Dassher. Thousands of others. I am trusting you to take this information to your grave.” He turned to look at her. “Or your madness. It must be passed along, yet there are strict orders than no member of the intelligence group do so. An opening of course, there is usually one. But Russia can not know this. Not until it is too late.”

Millicent nodded, “Four, or five ships. The number is smudged.”

“Five.”

“Tatiana will still be your Romanov. Your’s or Starlings Major Hawkins.” She turned the page, still reading. “Flash paper leaves no ash” she abruptly reminded him.

Hawkins laughed softly, walking to another corner of the room. This one near the kitchen. “You are learning. I remember a stuck up self centered little kitten when I arrived. Now look at you.”

“You have” Millicent answered, causing that blush of hers to rise again. “Should I survive the slavers sir. I am to be Tatiana Romanov’s wife. I am to bear her kits. Heirs to the throne. It will be a difficult and dangerous life for us. Still I will do what I can to bring her Russia to England. You will take your American home with you?”

“Yes. If she will marry me.” Walking to the rooms only window he looked out into the darkness. Hawkins was aware of the target this made him, backlit as he was. Still the probability of danger was low enough. “She can never return to her country. Not as long as that cross-dressing madman still has any power. Staying here really isn’t that good of a choice either.” He glanced to the feline, noting her tail was now curled tightly against one leg. “Your mother in law.”

“She does not love her.”

“But Annette still loves that mouse. I have had no trouble seeing that in her eyes.”

Turning another page Millicent declined to respond. It was a great deal of information to remember that Hawkins had given her, and her memory was not a photographic one. As she read Hawkins could hear her whispering to herself. Finally she sat the papers in her lap, still whispering to herself but with now closed eyes. It was long long minutes before the top heavy cat stood, taking those papers to her bath. Closing the door behind her did not stop Hawkins from observing each flash of light caused by the papers explosive oxidation. When she returned there was a smell of chemical fire about the young woman. “No. Annette has no chance with Mother Oharu” she answered, as if just asked the question. “No more than I have of my Tatty giving me children of her own body. Though we will try most diligently all of our lives.”

She sat again, motioning with one paw towards the small sofa. As Hawkins followed suit Millicent ran her paws over her skirt along her legs. “Tatiana will not be here tonight” she reported. “Nor tomorrow. I will leave to speak with him after you are gone. I will take a taxi to Eastern Island, walking up to the gates. If I am lucky my Tatty is guarding tonight. It will be a good cover for this mission you place in my unready paws. Then Meeting Island. Major Hawkins. This is not the life I want.”

A gruff bark escaped the bulldog. “Nor the one I wanted child. I wished to be... It does not matter, does it. Millicent. Our best Ambassadors have played this game in their formative years. It sharpens the mind. Gives them an edge over lessor opponents and an understand as to what they put their own people through. Your German friend for example. She too plays the game.” He shrugged, leaning back into the sofa more relaxed than Millicent had ever seen him. “She works against the other Euro’s, as these people call us. Were she a danger to this nation her lifeless body would be found floating in the bay. A tragic swimming accident.”

“As would I” his hostess added. “Mother Oharu has warned me. Do not play this game against her people, for she would be unable to more than morn my passing.” Millicent took up her tea again, sipping the cooling liquid. “They like Tatiana sir. They understand her. She is like the American cougar, grumbling about being sent to look at something, knowing all the well that they are listening. Perhaps one day they will like me as well. But we will never be full citizens.”

Pulling out his pipe Hawkins slipped its mouthpiece between his lips for a moment, but made no move to light the device. For it hadn’t held tobacco in many years. Still it gave him comfort, and at this moment he needed comfort. “Tatiana will never renounce her Russia” he noted, now tapping the pipes end against his teeth. “You will not be the first daughter of Britannia to spend her life on Russian soil. It is an illustrious company that you would join. Should plans follow as they are supposed too. Dangerous though. Extremely dangerous. How is your Russian?”

“Improving sir. Tatiana spends at least half an hour each time we are together teaching me. Sometimes we have short conversations in her language.” Millicent fluttered a paw, as if it were a leaf. “She finds my accent very amusing.” Amusing was a weak definition Millicent knew. The Russian sable often ended up in gales of laughter. ‘You sound like French woman trying sound like Serbian’ Tatiana once admitted. It was probably due to Millicent’s formal training in the French language. A language required by all who wished to enter diplomatic service above the rank of clerk. It was a problem that they were working on, though there was no need to worry Major Hawkins about it as yet.

“Very good.” Hawkins looked about him, studying the room as though it held some great secret. In truth it did. There were few pictures on the walls, all of family. Yet not one of Tatiana or the wedding. He decided that this was important. “You have no photographs of your wedding, or your wife.”

Millicent shook her head no. “My photograph of Tatty is by my bed. Where I see it last each night, first each morning. All our wedding photographs were sent home to mother.” She sat her now empty cup aside. “Spontoon is a beautiful place Major Hawkins. Its environment is not conducive to long life for paper products. It is the humidity. Will you want more tea?”

Looking at his own empty cup the bulldog smiled at himself, his expression still sending a thin chill of apprehension down Millicent’s spine. “I think not. How many ships?”

“Five sir. Three destroyers, two cruisers. One is a heavy cruiser.”

“Very good. Destination and arrival time?”

Millicent brushed a paw down her tail, an act she had made when reading that report. “Cipangu on the nineteenth, in two months” she answered after touching her nose with a little finger. “To show the flag. Officially. To turn over certain documents and other packages. Very large. Very heavy packages.”

“Very good.” Hawkins stood. “Who taught you your mnemonic memory?”

“My Great Uncle sir. He was Governor of Tristan for thirteen years you understand. To amuse himself he practiced mnemonics.”

“Tristan, yes.” Hawkins sat his own cup down. “One wonders just who he upset to be stationed so long in such a place.”

“Queen Victoria” Millicent admitted. “He confided in me, and since both are now long past it matters not who knows this. He told her that she was a selfish woman to continue morning for a man so long dead, when there were others who loved her as much as he. You see, my Great Uncle had a place in his heart for the Queen, though there were so many years between them. He respected her greatly. Perhaps he may even have loved her. But to say such about Price Albert.” Millicent shook her head no. “I could never do such. I think she must have liked my Great Uncle much, for she only banished him to Tristan. Upon her death he returned and left Government life forever. Not even the Great War could cause him to return to such duty.”

Hawkins stood, walking towards the door. “You will leave to see Tatiana after cleaning those cups” he ordered. “As to Victoria. No, no I could never have said as much to her either. Though your Great Uncle was right, he was a fool to say such. An impassioned fool, still a fool. She could have crushed him forever.” Putting his paw on the doors handle Hawkins thought for a moment. “Your farther is an impassioned man as well. I do not see any of the fool within him. Your Great Uncle stood before the wolf and told it what he believed was truth. It cost him dearly. Millicent, do not stand before the wolf, for your heart is for Tatiana’s dinner, not the wolfs. One last thing young Millicent. You are now working for the same person that lady Allworthy, and her group are working for. Remember that.” Then he was gone, the door closing behind him.

Near midnight a single feline figure made her way up to Songmarks sealed gates. It was Helen and Maria who stood guard that night, watching with interest as the heavily dressed woman approached. “Yah think she’ll try tah break in” the American tigress asked her Italian companion.

“No. Is not the way this one is” Maria answered. “I think she does hope her wife on duty is.”

Helen nodded in agreement, taking a moment to scan the compound behind her. Yes, that first year dorm had made it over the wire, but Miss Blande had taken away their paw-made rope. Considering who they were, it would be interesting to see how they managed to return to their room. She snorted softly, remembering her own first year experiences not so long ago. Returning her attention to the approaching Millicent she waited with Maria in silence.

“I have a letter” Millicent explained, stopping just within reach of the fence line. “For Tatiana.”

“Mail it” Helen suggested, wanting to see how far this would go.

Millicent looked back down the road that she had just walked up. “I do not believe that it would arrive. Please. You will take it? To give to her? Please?”

Maria waved the girl forward. When Millicent was but a few inches from the fence the bovine held her paw out. Gently Millicent placed her letter into the Italian’s open paw. “Thank you. Should I survive this coming summer, I will owe you a great favor. Goodnight, to both of you.” Then turning around Millicent left the way she had come without making another sound.

“Why take tha letter” Helen asked.

“Fear. She hold so much fear” Maria explained. “I have never seen such fear in one on this island. Ever. I think she walks a path she not like, and not to her desire.” Maria slipped that envelope into her uniform blouse, looking after the departing feline. “I think she fears not to see the sunrise.”

Much later Albert Sapohatan mulled the words Millicent had just given him. Having left the feline sitting alone in his home office the ferret had gone to his kitchen. More to escape that shivering mass of nerves sitting in his office than to make tea, the excuse he had given her. So many things had changed since that day sitting in the shade, discussing a chess game with an old friend as though those pieces were not really living beings. Now his most important piece in this next game sat in his office, and she was very much a living, breathing being. This was the part he most hated about his job. As long as Millicent had simply been a name, no more than that, his decisions had been easy. Now he had spoken to her, had attended her wedding. She had just given him critical information directly from his best friend. Information that, upon the British military learning he had it would cause a witch hunt the likes not seen since the Dark Ages. Heads would roll, but the ferret was certain that those important to that bulldog were well insulated. As he was himself.

His kettles whistle woke him from his thoughts. Bemused that he had let himself wander through his thoughts like that Albert placed the hot water on a tray, then carried those things making tea required back to his office. Setting his tray down he studied the housecat, all the while she tried to ignore his eyes. Her tail though told the tale. It twisted under her, jerked, was constantly in movement. Nervous as a cat was the ancient saying. Well here was proof.

“Milk and sugar” he asked.

“Please” Millicent agreed, though she looked like she wanted to run at any instant. Tiki Six had brought her in, and had taken no effort to hide what they were. Elizabeth had noted who she was, taken a moment to say hello, then returned to bed as though nothing important was happening. Of course, Millicent was her husbands pawn. She had her own pieces to play, interfering with her husbands game without knowing exactly what his plans were wasn’t a smart thing to do for either of them. Carefully Albert placed a cup of hot tea before his guest.

“You will be returning now” he commented, noting the abrupt tenseness, as if Millicent could become any more tense, at his words. “When next you see your source, the word is snowdrop. You will remember this?”

“Snowdrop” Millicent repeated. She reached for the tea, her shaking paws causing cup to rattle against its saucer. “I feared death” she admitted. “When I saw her.”

Albert sipped his own tea. A bit hot still for his taste, still acceptable he decided. “You know her how” he asked, revising his opinion of the young lady before him.

“Mother Oharu spoke of her, of how she moved.” Millicent sipped her own tea. “And that limp, from Kuo Han if I remember the report correctly.” She sipped again. “Most important. She in my hero. She is what Tatiana will one day be. How many days I sat alone staring at the one clear photograph of her. Even so, with her new fur pattern and styling it was difficult to understand what I was seeing. It only just came to me as she walked away.” She frowned, looking down at her paws. “I must now admit my great sin. I stole that photograph, and the negative. I did not want her found.” A soul deep sigh escaped the feline. “In that little thing I was part of her life. When she died I cried all weekend. Did you know that Mother Oharu knew she wanted her? Only Mother Oharu’s honor kept her from allowing that. That was then, this is now. Mother Oharu would take her now, for the friendly pleasure. What proof can I give you Controller that I will not speak of her. Not even to my Tatty?”

Albert smiled, honest. And she had accepted her new position without complaint. “You just have” he answered. “You do realize that this makes you a danger to my wife. She will not be happy. Why, she just might cut your heart out for luck.”

Millicent managed to sit her tea down without spilling it. “As long as she delivers my warm body to Tatty. I am not equal to your wife. Not in any matter. It is pleasant to learn that ones greatest hero escaped her fate. That there is a chance of a peaceful life for even myself after death.”

“Hum. You are a problem young Millicent. I was made aware of your weakness. That was the main reason I chose you. You were already suicidal.” He smiled then. “And your obvious physical attraction to those who will take you.”

Laugher answered him as the feline lifted her rather expansive breasts with both paws. “Perhaps I should have these removed” she suggested. “Except that Tatty so loves them. They are her soft pillows as she sleeps.” She signed again, looking around her. “No windows. You will let my Tatty know that I am gone? I do not wish her to worry.”

“You are not gonna die this night hon” a female voice announced. “Albert, seem’s I have a fan club. First Two Red Stones. Now this one.” Leaning against the open door jamb Elizabeth Sapohatan looked a vision of loveliness in her almost nothing sleepware. “If I start killing off everyone that suspects, discovers or knows. Then I‘d be no better than that cross dresser in Washington. Your gonna tell no one?”

“No Mam” Millicent answered, her eyes now locked on Elizabeth’s face. “Never. Without heros to look up to, what purpose would dreams be?” Standing slowly, so as not to incite an undesired reaction Millicent found herself looking down at the bobcat. Elizabeth was, Millicent realized, at least three inches shorter than herself. “I did not realize. Your records state we are of a height. No wonder so many have overlooked you.”

Elizabeth reached out, poking Millicent in the stomach with one outstretched finger, though she kept her claw sheathed. “An everyone believes you to be ah self-centered little brat” she countered. “It was your weakness that caused yah tah act such, wasn’t it.”

“Yes Mam” Millicent admitted. “I could never allow myself to come close to anyone. If I did so they would soon discover my madness. I would then end my days under the care of a Sanatarium.”

Elizabeth nodded in understanding. “Where one of your looks an build would soon find herself tha toy of anyone who wanted yah. Probably have ah dozen kits scuttled away tah baby brokers before yah lost yer looks too. No, Tatiana has done well by you. She’ll rescue you. That I assure you. My husband is not gonna throw you to tha wolves simply to be torn apart as a diversion, while we hunters encircle their blood mad pack. That was tha plan true. Not now. Not for ah long time. Your gonna be bait honey, rich juicy bait. Yer not gonna be a sacrifice.”

“Your accent” Millicent noted.

“Changes as I feel young Lady” Elizabeth explained. “I am very tired, my natural west American accent slips out when I am tired. Or woudja rathe ah Brit accy?”

Millicent laughed again, her dour mood shattered by Elizabeth’s horrible cheap British accent. “You are not from the wharves Mam” she finally explained, having gotten her laughter under control. “That accent does not suit you.” She brushed her face with both paws, settling her fur. “I am most honored to meet my hero” she continued. “Though I may never call you by that name, please understand that in my daydreams one like you served me while I was Ambassador to some great country.”

Elizabeth winked at Millicent. “Hon. Yer Tatiana’s gonna be that person. Your being ah Ambassador? Can’t say. Iffin you were Spontoon yes., But nah. Yer too Crown and Country loyal. Wouldn ask that of yah. Yah’d refuse, just like Oharu refused tha High Seat. Ahn for tha same reasons, or near nough. Now I gotta go get some shut eye before I pass out. Goodnight sweet Millicent. We’ll talk agahn, when there’s mor time.”

“Good night Mam.” Millicent waited until the door closed before turning back to face the ferret that was her new controller. “I will ask nothing of her, or you” she told that impassive face. “For it is not my place to know. I am but a pawn. May I know my next move?”

“Survive your capture. By any means you may” Albert answered. “You will have your month in Hawaii. Make good use of it. Be seen, see the sights. Be with your wife as much as you can. I will hold information from you young Millicent. I will never lie to you. You will be changed by what comes. That change may be small, or it may be your shattering, but you will be changed. They are that professional. What comes after your return I do not know, can’t know. Other than I will have no further use for you. That means you return to Major Hawkins gentle paws. Be strong, survive. Perhaps you may one day be an Ambassadress. Or wife to Russia’s new ruler. Or find the two of you sharing a cold grave in some unknown place. I can’t know that. Now you need to return to your waiting bed, for sunrise song is only hours away. Tiki Six will insure that you reach a waiting water taxi unseen. They are rough, but fully professional.”

“Yes Sir.” Millicent started to turn for the door then stopped. “Thank you sir. For your honesty. I hope. I hope that if I survive that we may remain friends.”

Albert barked a laugh. “Only so you can visit my wife, steal her away from me with your charms.”

Millicent giggled. “Sir. It takes all I have to keep my Tatty happy. I could never dare expend even a moment with another. Mother Oharu though. She has wondered. What it would have been like. Good night sir, I will show myself out. If that is acceptable to you.”

“It is. We may not meet again Millicent, or we may. Good-night.” He watched her go, heard the front door close softly. A few minutes later his wife walked in, all signs of exhaustion gone.

“How were you so sure she would keep ‘er mouth shut” she asked softly.

Albert stood, stretching to release the kinks in his back. “Hawkins warned me about her obsession with you. Came to reason that she’d spot her hero. Hawkins also explained that for all she is still untried and certainly not liking her current situation, she does keep her mouth shut. Never gossips, never gives information away. Never repeats anything she hears. And she warned us about Oharu. So if the mouse takes you, don’t come running to me whining. ” He yawned, his exhaustion catching up with him. “Tatiana trusts her, that counts too. Its all in knowing your subject before they know you. Its simply preparedness my love. Preparedness.”