FaRtaL Chpt 15

==From a Ristar to a Lady - Chapter 15 -==
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Kalinski Estate
Innerman City, Inman
Milligan PDZ, Woodbine Operational Area,
3rd March, 3061
2200 hrs (1000 hrs on local 28 hr cycle)
Preparations for going to Altoona were quickly finished. Apparently, the Baron had been making plans for her since she first fell ill.
Originally, she was supposed to rest for a little longer at the recommendation of the doctor, but Anastasia said she would leave as soon as she could, saying she would leave quickly as she had decided. The maids and the Baron tried to dissuade her, but to no avail.
Anastasia had other ideas. Perhaps, away from the confusing presence of the Baron, the various nobles of the Trivet, and even Pence Lamongue, she could finally figure out why she was still alive.
On the day of her departure, Anastasia’s belongings were already packed away in several containers to be transported by trucks, while she would travel to the Dropship port in the Kalinski hoverlimo. At the drop-port, she would transfer to a Mule Cargo Dropship bound for a Merchant at the zenith jump-point, which also held the Trivet’s sole recharge station, an old Attica station constructed during the heyday of the Star League to support the colonization of Altoona and Delacambre.
The Baron repeated the itinerary. “We’ve made all the arrangements. The Azure Afro will take you to the Yolander. You won’t even need to wait at the jump point, it should be recharged and will jump immediately to Altoona, then the Afro will bring you to Altoona and our family estates there.”
Meanwhile, Anastasia was busy calculating the transit times involved and how long the entire journey to Altoona will take, more to take her mind off immediate matters than any real interest in the subject. She also wondered if there would be any pirate bands around to intercept the commercial ships. As far as she knew, the Trivet had been both poor enough and far away enough from the Periphery to be spared pirate activity, but one could never be too sure. She made a mental note to find out if the Azure Afro had any integral fighter escorts.
“While you’re there, you can also see the gems and minerals being mined. If there’s anything you like, you can tell Matthew, the estate manager.”
Anastasia did not respond to that. She knew that what the Baron wanted was Anastasia’s ‘okay’ and a farewell smile.
But she didn’t want to give the Baron what he wanted. She wanted to get into the hoverlimo without saying goodbye. But somehow, she felt uncomfortable with the wrongness of it, regardless of what he had or had not done.
“Father.”
She was now able to say the word ‘father’ smoothly, without feeling awkward.
“I’m not well.” she told him.
The Baron looked sad.
Anastasia sighed quietly. “But once I am better, let me come back. I won’t cause you any more trouble then.”
This was her promise to herself as well. She promised to get well, find a way to center herself. If, when, she returned to the capital, she would no longer be clumsy and weak.
“You’ll do that for me right? Father?” she asked him
At her words, the Baron was about to say more. She thought he would refuse her request, but he soon sighed and smiled.
He embraced Anastasia in a warm hug. He stroked Anastasia’s hair gently.
“Yes, I will.” she told him.
His eyes were red with tears.
“When you’re well, I’ll do it if that’s what you want.” her father told him.
While she could feel her father’s affection, Anastasia also felt an unknown resentment and loneliness. That must be how the original Anastasia felt about the Baron.
“You’re my daughter. You’re all I have. Please take care of yourself.” Baron told her.
Anastasia gave him a brittle smile. She grabbed the hem of her skirt, bowed gracefully, and climbed into the hover.
Despite her previous refusal, her heart raced with excitement at the thought of going to a new world. I will take it easy, and focus on getting healthy. It would not take too long. And Pence would not be going anywhere.
The ride to the drop-port was smooth and comfortable. She fell asleep on the way, only to be woken up by Luisa when they were nearing the port.
She recalled a similar time when Finn was in the hoverlimo with her, waiting for her to wake up.
Come to think of it, what is going on with Finn? Rumors had spread that she was crazy. He must have heard the rumors and came to see me. Her eyes widened with a new epiphany. Maybe he did not believe the rumours in the first place!
But Anastasia’s father thought she was crazy, too… Anastasia shook her head. No, Finn must have wanted to check with his own eyes if I was really crazy.
Then she frowned and shook her head faster in denial about what she had done. To him? With him? She groaned inwardly. The kiss came to her mind again. She kept trying to get rid of those thoughts from her head. Luisa looked anxiously at her.
Anastasia barely registered the hoverlimo going through the drop-port security, but her eyes lighted up when she saw the massive bulk of the Mule class dropship in the distance, towering over the diminutive buildings of the drop-port.
Their driver opened up the partition separating the driver’s compartment from theirs, and said, “My lady, there’s apparently been a delay in the departure time, they’re waiting for some more cargo. You should alight and rest in the VIP lounge first.”
Delays were quite normal. Anastasia could not even recount the number of times she had experienced a delay of launch due to anxious techs or officers wanting to squeeze in just a few more items.
She nodded, “Let’s do it then.”
As drop-ports went, this was a small one, with only about four dropship berths. Anastasia noted three small shops selling souvenirs and food.
Thankfully, the lounge was close to where they alighted from the hoverlimo, and Anastasia was soon comfortably seated on a sofa in the VIP lounge, while Luisa bustled about the small counter, preparing tea for her.
Knock, knock.
Anastasia looked at Luisa, who was just pouring out the tea into a cup for her. The maid quickly put down the teacup and opened the VIP lounge door to peek out.
Luisa took one look and quickly turned to Anastasia, her eyes wide.
“It’s the Count’s second son, Sir Raymond Haynes!”
Anastasia nodded to Luisa, who opened the door fully to allow him to come in. Raymond had been courteous enough to stand outside the door, deferring to female nobility despite his rank, but that courtesy also needed to be reciprocated.
He was not alone.
Anastasia’s hair almost stood on edge when Pence Lamongue strutted in behind Raymond, wearing the uniform of the Haynes household guards. She stood and bowed automatically in greeting, but her mind raced, trying to get a grasp on the situation.
She glared at Raymond, who smiled back placidly. She did not buy his act for a moment, and knew he was testing her by putting Pence Lamongue right in front of her.
And Pence was still wearing that same oily smirk as when she met him for the first time on Huntress when the Jaguar’s Mists Binary were formed, so many years ago.
“Whew, my lady almost left without my seeing her.” Raymond started to ramble. “I was so worried about your health. At that time, you collapsed and was quickly taken to your estate. I wasn’t even able to ask about your condition.”
Anastasia swore profusely in her mind. It was obvious he was a schemer, and she hated schemers when she was Avryl. She knew he had knocked her out in the Haynes palatial manor, and it was a debt she intended to collect on one day.
Luisa bowed respectfully, mindful of her status, “My lord, this lowly servant wishes to know if there is anything I can help you with?”
“Oh, me? I came out because I just heard one of the dropship crew owned a rare limited edition hardcover book that I wanted to buy. A romance novel written by the author of “Play on a Mustang”! And as soon as I saw Lady Kalinska’s hoverlimo, I decided to kill two birds with one stone.”
Stravag. His stupid bookworm act was not convincing and only served to irritate her further. But that irritation was nothing to the building rage she felt on seeing Pence.
“Anyway, maybe that would be three birds? Because Sir Larouche here also needed to inspect the port facilities for the Count, so I dragged him along.”
Raymond’s expression, which had been relaxed, sharpened almost imperceptibly. He turned to Pence and introduced him.
“Sir Spencer Larouche.”
Her heart was pounding hard. Raymond did not seem to have any intention of letting go of the outburst of emotions that she exhibited when she saw Pence on the viewscreen. Raymond smiled innocently despite the harsh glare she directed at him.
Pence stepped forward and bowed politely, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kalinska.”
He is using contractions fairly easily, she seethed inwardly. As soon as she met him, she thought she would swear and curse. But somehow, she remained silent, because she knew that once the first insult erupted from her mouth, a whole stream would follow.
And wouldn’t that be a spectacle and a convenient incident to really confirm her insanity? So she pressed her lips together to not utter a sound.
“Lady Kalinska, what’s wrong?”
She heard Raymond, but she still dared not utter a word. Just seeing Pence’s oily smirk disgusted her.
“You seem unwell, Lady Kalinska.”
Pence looked just a bit anxious, and his feet shuffled a bit. At that moment, Anastasia came to her senses.
When Pence was nervous or uncertain, he had a habit of shifting his feet, as though positioning himself better to either initiate or receive an attack.
And it was the same with him today. She recognized the fake smile on his face. He really did not care about her or the situation, but merely going through the formalities.
“I…”
Like a fool, her lips parted and a sound came out. Her fingertips trembled. Pence frowned slightly. It was the frown he used when looking at something he considered inferior.
“I, I mean….”
What should I say? I want to kill you? No, she could not. She had to say she was Avryl first, so he would know who his killer was.
But she was not able to, not with her own internal confusion over whether she was Anastasia or Avryl. How can she even call herself Avryl right now?
“Lady Kalinska?”
However, Anastasia was disgusted with his slimy face. Would he not die if she stabbed him in the neck now? Unfortunately, however, she had no weapon in her hand, and she doubted her body had the strength anyway.
“It looks like you are not feeling well. Here, take my hand. I’ll help you back to the sofa.”
Pence approached with a rather polite face and reached for Anastasia.
“Stop. I’ll do it.”
“…!”
It was a familiar voice. Anastasia lifted her head and saw Finn striding in, pushing himself between herself and Pence.
“I don’t think you’re feeling very well, so you should sit down while having a conversation.”
When Anastasia made eye contact with him, she saw his displeased face. Strangely enough, it invigorated her, and suddenly brought her mental clarity. She allowed Finn to guide her to the sofa, where she sat down gratefully.
“Viscount Rason, are you here to see your fiancée?” Pence asked Finn, his tone friendly and polite. His expression was in stark contrast to the sheer loathing on Finn’s face.
“Yes.” Finn’s reply was brusque and short.
“Viscount Rason.” Raymond greeted brightly. “Surprised to see you here.”
“Greetings, my lord.” Finn was polite to Raymond, but his tone carried a coolness that was impossible to miss. Raymond looked sad at Finn’s cold greeting, theatrically so.
Finn’s eyes burned with anger. “I didn’t know my fiancée would be meeting other men without my knowledge in a place like this.”
“I was worried about Lady Kalinska, so I came to see her off.”
“Is that so? I didn’t know my lord and Lady Kalinska were that close.” Finn pointed out through gritted teeth.
“She collapsed in front of me.” Raymond smiled impishly. “You’re not jealous, are you?”
Finn’s eyes were hot and angry, but he plastered on a polite smile nonetheless. “So what if I am jealous?”
“Eh!” Raymond started in surprise at Finn’s brazen words.
“My lord, I can be very jealous.” Finn’s eyes gleamed dangerously.
Of course, it wasn’t really that Finn was jealous of Raymond, and they both knew it. Rather, it was Finn’s warning to Raymond against doing anything unnecessary. Recognizing this, Raymond smiled nervously.
“Lady Kalinska.”
Anastasia looked at Finn, who was next to her, facing Pence. It was the complete opposite of what it was before, when it was her and Pence facing off against Finn on the battlefields of the Clan Occupation Zone.
“Are you feeling better? You don’t seem to have the energy to answer me.”
But she still did not answer. Although Finn’s voice was quite gentle, she remained silent.
Pence commented, “It’s a little surprising. I didn’t know that Viscount Rason has this side to him. He’s always treated women with indifference. I didn’t expect you to be this considerate.”
Finn’s face frowned when he noticed the sarcasm, knowing that Pence did it on purpose.
People always thought that Finn’s feud with ‘Spencer Larouche’ was one-sided, but the reality was a little different. Pence didn’t like Finn either, but not to the same extent as Finn’s hatred towards Pence.
Pence always tried to find small, irritating methods to rile up Finn. If the Count hadn’t enfeoffed him with a knighthood when he arrived, Finn would have tried to kill Pence himself.
“How I treat my fiancée isn’t for you to judge.”
“No, I think it’s a little bit special.”
“Special?” When Finn sneered at the question, Pence spoke to Anastasia instead of answering Finn’s words.
“Viscount Rason is a real gentleman. Don’t you think so, Lady Kalinska?”
Then all the eyes of the three men turned to Anastasia. Anastasia kept her eyes down and her mouth shut. She looked unstable at a glance.
Raymond watched her with interest. If Anastasia had another outburst here, only Finn’s reputation would be ruined.
It was the first time Spencer had ever attacked Finn so aggressively, so Raymond was very happy with the developing situation. He lived for drama, and the live drama he instigated was the best!
Spencer said sadly, “Oh, my lady is still not feeling well. It must be hard to talk, right? It’s such a shame. I wanted to talk to you, but with your physical condition… I don’t think it’s appropriate right now.”
At that moment, the corners of Anastasia’s closed lips slightly went up and opened. She could not take his veiled insults any more.
“I thank my lord for your consideration.”
Raymond’s eyes lit up. It was because Anastasia’s expression, which had seemed somewhat unstable, changed.
“I also thank you for giving such a positive evaluation of my fiancé.”
Anastasia placed her own hand over Finn’s hand. Finn’s hand flinched from that warm touch. His eyes lingered on Anastasia’s small white hand.
Spencer's eyes slightly widened when Anastasia, who finally started talking, said something surprisingly normal.
“My fiancé is not lacking in the way he treats me. Is it so surprising that the Viscount is such a perfect gentleman?”
Her voice was clear, and she was as gentle as a lady. Finn was also baffled by her unexpected demeanor. It was totally different from how she usually behaved. The current Anastasia carried herself like a typical highborn lady. Finn felt strange trying to reconcile her current bearing with her usual behaviour.
“His gentle behavior was just a little surprising. It’s far different from how the Viscount used to behave in the past. Lady Kalinska must be really special to him.”
Anastasia twisted her lips in a wry smile, and said. “In the past? You sound as if you’ve known my fiancé for quite some time. Have you known each other for long?”
Anastasia had no intention of passing up the chance to needle Pence.
“No.” The answer came from beside Anastasia, not from Pence. She turned to see a displeased look on Finn.
“Not me either. I was a soldier in the Lyran Alliance Armed Forces. You wouldn’t know that, though. No, you won’t be interested in military matters at all.”
Wouldn’t know that. It seemed as if he was mocking her. There was a rumour going around that she was crazy, so it was expected that Pence would be aware of them.
Anastasia narrowed her eyes, and probed further. “It’s not that I don’t know. But I was just a little curious. You were a soldier of the Lyran forces? Then why have you betrayed your home country to serve in the Federated Commonwealth? Are you a traitor?”
She knew her barb struck home when Pence’s relaxed face hardened slightly at the words. Anastasia had alluded to his betrayal of the Smoke Jaguars, although she was not supposed to know anything about that.
“Although I now serve Count Haynes, I had no acquaintance with Viscount Rason previously. And the LAAF was once part of the Federated Commonwealth too, so there is no conflict of interest.”
At Pence’s answer, Anastasia laughed. “Sir, I hate being treated like a fool.”
Pence, I hate being treated like a fool. Anastasia deliberately put her habitual words into her mouth. Pence’s eyes widened slightly. At that, Anastasia felt a twisted exhilaration. You can take my statement any way you want, Pence, but no conflict of interest between the Lyrans and the Fedsuns? Who are you trying to fool?
“I don’t know how many people you’ve treated as fools and I don’t want to know, but I’m not a fool. I hope you don’t believe in rumours and just assume I’m one of them.” It took some effort, but she was gratified at her smooth use of contractions.
A silence fell between them at Anastasia’s harsh words. Raymond remained in his ‘interested shitstirrer’ mode, while Finn seemed lost in thought in their argument.
Pence stared at Anastasia as if searching for something, and Anastasia forced the corners of her lips to smile, while she was actually biting the tender flesh of her lips inside.
“It seems my goodwill was misunderstood. Lady Kalinska, I hope you don’t misunderstand.”
Anastasia frowned and turned her head at the words. Then, she looked at Raymond and said, “I’ll take my leave, my lord.”
Raymond looked disappointed, “I wanted to talk more, but it’s a pity. I hope to see you in the near future.”
“I will never forget the grace you have bestowed upon me.” Anastasia said with strength in her eyes without even smiling. Raymond could feel the chilly threat in her words, and shuddered just a bit.
“Let’s go.” Even though she was supposed to wait at the VIP lounge, she did not think she could bear another moment in Pence’s presence. Better to board the dropship first instead. She gestured to Luisa, who got the hint and started leading the way to the vehicle that would take her across the tarmac to the Mule.
As they walked off, Finn’s strong hand, which she had been holding loosely, moved to hold her hand more securely. She looked at him in surprise. The warmth emanating from his hand seemed to calm her treacherous fluttering emotions. Oddly enough, Finn didn’t do anything special, but Anastasia just felt that way.
Anastasia turned around and looked at Pence. She could feel Pence’s glare at her.
Anastasia thought about facing his face, but she decided against it. She turned around, and continued following Luisa. Finn walked along at her pace.
As they walked towards the vehicle, Anastasia asked, “Are you really here to see me off?”
Finn nodded. “I am your fiancé. You’re leaving for quite a journey, so I think I need to see you off. It’s only right.”
Anastasia shrugged. Maybe because prestige, appearances, and decorum were important to the aristocracy, she did not want to care too much about these. In fact, her nerves were still on edge with Pence behind her back.
When they reached the vehicle, a small sedan that would bring her and her maid to the dropship, Finn opened the door for her to get in. Luisa got in first, but Anastasia paused at the door, thinking.
“Thank you.”
She owed it to Finn today anyway. His presence somehow calmed her down and helped clarify her thoughts, enabling her to respond to Pence. By standing together in front of Pence, Anastasia realised her engagement to Finnickerhet Ian Rason had never felt more real.
It also solidified her identity as ‘Avryl’. Aff, she had lost everything that symbolized Avryl Showers, which was why she ended up doubting her own existence. But there was one thing she couldn’t doubt.
Her own hatred for the traitor Pence Lamongue. When she saw Pence, all the rage came rushing back to her, and it was all she could do not to find the nearest weapon and attack him with it. How could Avryl not exist when she possessed such strong emotions? She will take revenge on Pence. And in order to do that, first she had to become Anastasia.
Meanwhile, she noticed Finn’s frown as he asked, “Thank me for what?” Despite her words, Finn looked sour. It was as if he could not believe she was grateful.
“Everything.”
Finn paused and stared at her, obviously thinking hard with his puny brain. After a while, he seemed to have understood something in the end, and sighed.
“I know you’re not saying that just to be polite, but I’m sure my lady must have her own reasons.”
She stared at him, trying to figure out the weird expression on his face.
“I hope you’re able to clear your mind at Altoona.”
“…?”
“I don’t know when I’ll see you again, but please behave yourself. I’ll do my duty as your fiancé too.”
Somehow, Anastasia felt indignant at his words. “What do you mean by ‘behave yourself’?”
Finn replied, “I meant not to act recklessly like ‘that time’.”
Anastasia got into the vehicle. They exchanged glances one last time, then the door closed and the car moved off.
Anastasia blushed as she realized Finn referred to the ‘kiss’ they had, when she had tried to seduce him. And I forgot to apologies to him for that too!
“My lady, it seems the Dropship is ready!” Luisa sounded excited for their trip. Of course, since she had never gone into space before. For Avryl, who had travelled the length of the Exodus Road, and fought all over the border against the Draconis Combine, interstellar travel was no big deal.
Luisa looked at her, noticed her blush. “My lady, are you all right?
Anastasia waved off her concern. “I am all right, it’s nothing.”
“By the way, ‘that time’... what happened with the Viscount?”
“Huh?”
“I’m sorry, I was waiting in the car and I just heard the voice of the Viscount.”
Flustered, Anastasia quickly replied, “Oh, don’t worry about it. He’s just showing his concern!”
At that time, Finn’s angry face came to mind. Fortunately, he seemed calm and reasonable just now, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t ashamed of her behavior. Which was probably why he said what he said.
Anastasia felt ashamed all over again. Ah! Why did I try to seduce him?
She slammed her head into the car window, maybe that would knock some sense into herself.
At Anastasia's inexplicable actions, Luisa began to worry about her mistress again. Miss, please don’t be crazy, Luisa prayed fervently.
Twenty minutes later, Anastasia was securely strapped into a reclining launch seat while an excited Luisa happily babbled about the latest gossip in their estate and what she had found out about Altoona.
A small screen in front of her showed the view outside, and she could see the smoke already billowing from below the Mule, preparing for takeoff.
Moments later, the rumbling of the engines intensified, and she could feel the G-forces pulling her back down as the Azure Afro lifted off.
Anastasia sighed. Next stop, Altoona.
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After the Mule dropship lifted off safely, Finn drove his own car back to his estate.
He thought about Spencer Larouche. That bastard was usually smiling and composed, but somehow Anastasia had managed to pierce through part of his facade and elicited some anger. His fiancee certainly had a strange knack for messing with people he disliked. First Renard Haynes, now Spencer Larouche. He still felt a mess of complications about Anastasia Kalinska, but Spencer Larouche’s frown already made his day.
He had rushed to the drop-port just in case when he learned that Raymond had left the palatial manor, but thankfully the whole event had turned out well. Nothing critical happened, and Anastasia also looked fine, although her condition was a little strange.
In fact… she was too fine. Finn grimaced. I should have apologized at least…
She was sick because she could not handle the aftermath of losing Renard Haynes. Then he kissed her while she was still in a state of mental disarray. Anyway, Finn knew that she had kissed him to try to fill the hole in her heart after being dumped. He had kissed her with the intention of teasing her, but it turned out to be unexpectedly passionate.
Gah, he should be honest with himself. When Anastasia tried to seduce him, he had fallen for her charms hook, line, and sinker.
Only trash would accept a hundred kroner from a sick person, as Eric said, and Finn had to agree. She wasn’t well, he shouldn’t have taken advantage. He was angry for himself for even entertaining the thought of teasing her when she was already sick. What kind of man does that?
“I must be crazy.” He murmured to himself. Strangely, however, her glittering eyes during the Feast of Bounty banquet and their dance came to mind more than the clumsy smile of temptation when she tried to seduce him.
He couldn’t even remember what kind of clothes Anastasia wore. Because her eyes, those beautiful eyes, were just so memorable. Like… Like the eyes of Avryl Showers, the dead Smoke Jaguar Mechwarrior. Their colors were different, but the life and energy they held within them seemed exactly the same.
“No way.” How could he compare his spoiled, delicate fiancée to one of the best mechwarriors he had known? He shook his head nervously.
Perhaps his battles with Avryl had so firmly entrenched her in his thoughts, that his mind often compared the women around him to her. And since Avryl was already dead, she’ll probably remain special to him forever.
Finn thought of Anastasia again. In any case, his fiancée, whose strange behavior reminded him of Avryl, was safely on her way to Altoona, and he was kind of relieved.
He just wanted to live quietly in his own estate, minding his own business, without having any more weird incidents happening, or get caught up in Raymond’s intrigues he had no interest in.
His car sped down the dirt highway.
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*; Chapter Note from the Author: Next chapter ends Act I.
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Chapter 15