Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

For the good of humanity itself, John murmured to himself, snagging a drink from a passing waiter. If I dont make this work, it could mean the end of us all. Grimacing, he knocked the drink back at one shot. Lie back and think of the Hyades? Philip laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. Hey, it could be a whole lot worse. At least shes hot. Hot? He thought about it, calling her image to mind once more. If you ignored the garish colors in the gown she wore, she did have a nice figure. For an ebon-skinned kaffir, a thought that sent a stab of guilt through him as he looked at his half-brother. Why is it? he wondered, forcing himself to give voice to the problem, that your dark skin doesnt bother me but hers does? Philip shrugged. I suspect its more to do with the compulsory marriage than her melanin. He grinned. Or youre a fucking racist... I am not...! John began. ...and my skin doesnt bother you because youre not planning on fucking me. Philip finished. ...racist, and what is wrong with you? John made a move as if he was going to throw a punch. Honestly! Hey! Philip laughed. Made you stop sulking. And look lively! John looked in the same direction, then straightened himself as the Rastafari King Adjatay approached with his new fiance in tow. Prince John! he said warmly, speaking nearly accentless English. May I present my sister, Princess Yusra, warden of the Eastern Milky Way. You two didn't exactly get to know each other beforehand, so I thought a more official introduction to be in order. He hid it well, but John could see and hear the little signs of distaste in the King. Fair enough, he supposed. Their nations had been at war since hed come to the throne. Yusra didnt manage to disguise her distaste it contempt anywhere near as well. A pleasure to finally meet you, Prince John, she lied in a rich accent. Drawing himself upright, he resolved to do his duty. And to meet you, Princess Yusra, he lied as well, bowing and pressing her fingers to his lips. She tasted of strange - and not unpleasant - spices and perfumes. I hope you are enjoying your visit to New Zion. And may I present my brother, Sir Phillip Trip? Phillip bowed, but kept his hands to himself. Not being part of the nobility, kissing the Princess hand would have been a breath of etiquette. It is my honor, your highness, he murmured, placing his fist upon his heart. I'll just leave you two to it, the King said cheerfully as he walked away. As shall I, Philip added, Boeing and backing away. My brother is extremely proud of this arrangement, Yusura said, watching her brother and his leave. As he should be, John answered, hoping he didnt sound too stiff as he tried to decide what to say. He has accomplished the seemingly impossible and made peace between our nations. At the price to be paid by us, I know the details of the ceremony itself are still being hammered out, she said, but when do you think we ought to do the scarification ritual? Tonight, perhaps, to allow for as much time to heal as possible? The what? John didnt think he gasped the question out in shock, but he couldnt be sure. And even as he grappled with the emotional component of his response, his mind brought the details hed memorized about Rastafari culture back to mind. They wore scars as a mark of honor and distinction, similar to dueling scars in some Hyadean military academies except that they were inflicted to commemorate different life events. Which events were commemorated, of course, depended on specific planetary and religious cultures. I know it is a long way, she continued. But you may stay in our palace as long as you please. Even the whole recovery time, if you find you are unable to travel. It is, after all, one of the most important parts of getting married. Reflexively, he tagged the statement with a semi hypnotic suggestion that would drive him to research it later. That is a generous offer, your highness, he said, make by an effort to sound sincere. And I would be delighted to visit your palace. A statement that was far more sincere, because it would be interesting. And to honor the customs of your people - soon to be our people - as doing so shows respect for them and for the Third Dynamic. Likewise, although I doubt that embracing the Church will be a condition of our marriage, I am certain the Chairman of the Religious Technology Center will insist that you attain a clear state through auditing. He chuckled. Its not scarification, but it is tedious.