FaRtaL Chpt 29

==From a Ristar to a Lady - Chapter 29 -==
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===Unpleasant Arrival===
Aubert Estate, Inman
Milligan PDZ, Woodbine Operational Area
8th July, 3061
0100 hours (1300 hrs on local 28 hr cycle)
Richelle Aubert seethed. “So that bitch is coming to the race after all.”
Her personal maid Karla commented, “So what? It’s only natural for Lady Kalinska to accompany Viscount Rason as his partner, since she’s his fiancee after all.”
“I know, but why?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I guess Viscount Rason just couldn’t help falling for Lady Kalinska’s charms. Her beauty is renowned, isn’t it?”
Richelle snorted in derision. Lady Kalinska had never attended the races before, and now she was attending with Viscount Rason? Was she coming to gloat that she was now engaged to a Viscount?
The noblewoman trembled with anger as she crumpled up the paper report informing her of the attendance list. “I can’t let it go.”
“My lady,” interjected Karla, “I have an idea on how to possibly deal with Lady Kalinska.”
Richelle startled, and looked at her maid, “You don’t mean…”
“Things happen when ladies unused to hoverbikes ride them.” Karla shrugged. “It’s been known to occur.”
“Won’t it be a problem if Viscount Rason finds out?”
“It’ll be fine. We just have to make it seem like an honest mistake.”
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===Lost in her daydreams..===
Kalinski Estate, Inman
Milligan PDZ, Woodbine Operational Area
18th July, 3061
0800 hours (0800 hrs on local 28 hr cycle)
“Finn!” Anastasia called out to him as she walked towards his waiting hovercar. “What are you doing here so early? I thought we planned to meet later in the day?”
Finn stared at her, his expression stern. Damn it! Why was she dressed like this?
His fiancee wore long, form-hugging pants that emphasized the curves of her legs and her rear. Her top, too, clinched tight around her thin waist, while light makeup further enhanced her beauty.
The thought of other men having the chance to ogle her incensed him. The primitive part of his brain was roaring, Mine, all mine!
The worst part of it was that her attire was not even that provocative and by the standards of mechwarriors, who wore much less to battle, even conservative.
Anastasia noticed his dour expression, wondering why he looked so grumpy. Maybe it was too much of a hassle to pick her up? But he offered in the first place!
I’ll never understand him. She walked right up to him, their faces only a mere hand-width apart. “Finn?”
“Oh!” He flinched. “Uhhh, yes, it suits you better than I expected.”
“Huh?”
“Oh, nothing.” He turned away with a cough, as though embarrassed. He smoothly opened the car door next. “Shall we?”
She smiled and sat on the passenger seat easily without having to deal with a cumbersome dress. Finn quickly circled round to take the driver’s seat.
As they moved off, Anastasia commented happily, “This is exactly why pants are so convenient! No need to worry about the skirt or the dress catching on something, or to need a hand here and there.”
“Yeah, that’s true.” Finn nodded, his eyes firmly on the road as they moved into the highway. “I spent so much time away from the Trivet that I forgot how attitudes towards women here are like. But the Trivet is so isolated that very old social conventions came back in once we started regressing.” There was a social anthropology course at Kilbourne that discussed how the loss of advanced technology and tools led to something like Victorian age social sensibilities in the roles of each gender in the Outback.
With each precious mech lost in the Succession Wars, replacements were usually issued to the richer parts of the realm, rarely to the Outback. Hence noble families in the Outback slowly lost their martial inclinations, and what combat technology remained was usually inherited by men instead of women as men had the advantages of testosterone and upper body strength to back up their developing skills, particularly in the apprentice stage. Few women had the gumption to subject themselves to such harsh training, so a slow weeding out process eventually resulted in nobleborn women staying out of military matters, and this process had solidified by the end of the thirtieth century.
In fact, Anastasia’s grandaunt Maria Kalinska was one of the few women who rebelled against the social conventions by going to Kilbourne Academy to become a mechwarrior, and was hence labelled a black sheep by her family. Finn wondered if Ana even knew about this, and what it meant for her ambitions to become a mechwarrior herself, even if she had not admitted it to him.
Anastasia nodded, “Yeah, the servants did not even seem to like it when I wore exercise clothes. And I couldn’t buy any female exercise clothes, there weren’t any in the shops, so I had to resort to buying boy’s sizes!” She seethed.
“Oh…” Finn did not dare reply to that.
She continued on her rant, “Why are pants so discouraged? No need to worry about wrinkling your clothes when you sit. My body feels so much lighter since I’m not weighed down by all the skirt layers I normally have to wear. Really, our movements are so restricted by what we have to wear.”
She glared at him. “Don’t you agree?”
At this moment, Finn realized he could simply do what men throughout history have done, using a simple ‘Yes dear’ to signify assent that would have placated their female partners. But he really had more to add.
“I agree completely. It’s not just about dresses and pants, which are symptoms. Local attitudes have really restricted our women, not just the noblewomen. That’s why you hardly see any women in the local garrisons, but when I was at Kilbourne and in the AFFC, there was no such disparity.”
He sighed, “There’re probably a lot of people with talent out here who would never discover what they could be good at, because of our stifling social conventions and the lack of opportunity. It’s just such a shame.”
Anastasia tried hard not to stare at him, while similar thoughts ran in her head. Indeed, there could be many talented mechwarriors who could not discover their aptitude because of circumstances or social conventions. Even in the clans, freeborns were derided and often denigrated, when some of them could be just as skillful as any trueborn.
The very fact they shared similar thoughts was a major source of aggravation. She caught him smiling gently at her as he drove the car, and grumbled mentally to herself. Why is he smiling like that? So cheesy… And he was so grumpy earlier on, and now he’s like this? Well, he’s an idiot, even if he’s quite handsome when he smiles…
She gave herself a mental shake. What was she thinking? He was her enemy… they were still enemies, right? Even if they were now on closer terms than ever before. It was only natural she would see him in a better light after knowing he had some redeeming qualities.
“Why did you want to go to the race anyway? You’ve never gone before.”
She shrugged. “I hoped to have the chance to ride my own hoverbike. Maybe if I do well, I can convince my father to let me ride and travel on my own in the future.”
“Hmmm…” He considered. “You did ride that scooter away from the bandits at Altoona, right? When did you learn to ride?”
She tried to stay calm, knowing that most noble ladies relied on drivers and chauffeurs for transportation. “Uhhh… I learned on Altoona when I was there. It was quite easy too.” Come to think of it, Baron Kalinski had been quite disbelieving of her riding skills, and had tried to dissuade her from attending the event. She had flatly refused his offer to buy her more dresses and jewellery instead.
Thankfully, Finn seemed to accept it at face value. “In that case, maybe I can pull some strings and get you something to your liking.”
She smiled genuinely at him. “Thank you, Finn.”
Her smile made his heart stop. It was the second time she had thanked him, but he knew he had angered her at least as many times. But at least he could feel the distance between them lessen.
“I really can’t wait to ride my own hoverbike.” She mused, lost in her daydreams. “Enjoy the speed, wind in my hair.”
Despite having attended the race before and finding it a bore, he found himself caught up in her enthusiasm. Yeah, he was a little excited too.
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They arrived after slightly more than an hour of travelling at extremely high speeds, thanks to both Finn’s hovercar and the old but well-maintained highway. Anastasia had checked a map beforehand, and knew the race would be held on Viscount Aubert’s demesne, which was a distance away from the capital city. It was located on the southern tip of the peninsula leading away from Innerman City, and the region was said to be a prolific producer of seafood.
The area for the race was a vast expanse of flat grassland, occasionally interspersed with trees. There was an artificial bay on one side, bounded from the sea by a long and thin rock bund, further adding to the idyllic scenery. Nobles were starting to arrive, and they walked along the waterfront in pairs or small groups, enjoying the landscape.
“The view is amazing, right?”
Not him again. Anastasia rolled her eyes, then turned to see Raymond Haynes, her perpetual bugbear, behind them.
“Fancy meeting you two here!” Raymond greeted cheerfully. “Viscount Rason, Lady Kalinska! It’s been too long!”
Not long enough, Anastasia griped mentally. Why does he always have to show up?
“Greetings, my lord,” Finn greeted coldly. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, the usual. It’s almost mandatory for us to attend, right?” Raymond deflected. “By the way, these riding clothes suit you very well, Lady Kalinska.”
Huh? She did not know whether she should be offended by his remarks.
“All those curves that are normally hidden beneath the fabric of a dress really are quite beautiful!” He continued, seemingly oblivious to the dark looks on Anastasia and Finn. “I’ve read about it, but seeing it is a very different! Viscount Rason must be very proud of your beauty.. He turned to Finn, “Don’t you agree?”
What the hell is he talking about? Anastasia fumed inwardly. Yes, she was used to direct and blunt comments when she was Avryl back in the clans. In fact, when members of the clan wanted to have sex, they just went right up to their intended partner or partners and asked straight up, with none of the posturing and ambiguity that characterised Spheroid mating dances. But somehow in this setting, she knew Raymond’s comments were not exactly appropriate.
She decided to channel some of her clanbred bluntness. “Oh, but the clothes you’re wearing are even more beautiful!”
“Uhhh… pardon me?” He suddenly looked confused at her sudden remark.
She counterattacked viciously. “Don’t you think so? Now that you’re not wearing a cravat, your chest muscles are more easily appreciated.” Her eyes held a wicked gleam. “And you’ve always had such nice slender legs, but now I can see that they’re so tight and toned. I’m sure your future wife will be so proud of your beauty.” Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Finn grinning as she essentially took Raymond’s comments and turned them back on him.
Anastasia decided to twist the knife in. “In fact, I think you should wear such revealing clothes more often, my lord. What do you think?”
Unable to formulate a response, Raymond could only stutter, “My goodness… you… you flatter me, my lady…”
“Ana!” Venice walked up to them, offering a reprieve for the tongue-tied Raymond. “Greetings, my lords.” She curtseyed elegantly, even though she was wearing similar riding clothes as Anastasia.
“Lady Codina also looks quite nice in…” Raymond started, then decided he dared not get on Anastasia’s barbed tongue again, and shut up.
Finn sighed as he said, “It’s good to see you again, Lady Codina.”
“Yes, how have you been, Viscount Rason?” Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “I wasn’t even sure you would come with Ana. You seem to be very busy.”
Finn subtly shifted his standing position, forcing Anastasia, who was holding onto his arm, to move closer. “Well, what can I say? My fiancee wanted to come.” He gently patted Anastasia’s shoulder with one hand.
Ehhhh? What’s going on now? She could feel the tension somehow rising even though there didn’t seem to be any immediate threats.
“You two must get along so well.” Venice smiled sweetly at Finn.
“Is there any reason why we shouldn’t?” Finn replied back just as politely. The air between the two seemed to crackle with tension.
What’s going on with the two of them? Anastasia wondered.
Venice said, “Ana. the area for the ladies are over there. We should go there.”
Finn interjected. “As her fiance, I must accompany her. I don’t know if she’s allowed to go over there since she wasn’t technically invited.”
“But Lady Aubert knows she’s here, right? And besides, I’ll be with her.”
“Come, Lady Kalinska, you said you wanted to ride a hoverbike, right?” cajoled Finn, as one arm tugged lightly on Anastasia’s arm.
Meanwhile, Venice had somehow grabbed hold of her other arm and started tugging in the other direction. “Ana, let’s greet our hosts first. Come on, let’s go.”
What’s going on now? Anastasia felt so very tired. Why are these two bickering? She glared at Raymond, who was trying to control his laughter, and why is he laughing at all?
Deciding that she had to make a decision, Anastasia lightly tapped Finn’s hand on her shoulder. “I think I should greet the Auberts first. It’s only polite, since I wasn’t invited, right?”
“What?”
“We can ride the hoverbikes later, okay?”
Finn nodded in acceptance. “If that’s what you think is best.” He removed his hand from her shoulder. “Then, I shall see you later, my ladies.”
Raymond put one arm over Finn’s shoulder, and started dragging him off, “Have a good time! Don’t worry about Viscount Rason, I’ll take good care of him!”
Anastasia walked off with Venice towards a nearby building. As they passed by the artificial bay, Anastasia commented, “You’re in a good mood today.”
Venice laughed, “Of course. It’s been a while since I’ve come out to the countryside. And such nice scenery too!” She pointed to the bay. “The water here is so clear.”
“Oh, this is an artificial bay.”
“How do you know?”
“Firstly, the water is very shallow. And the depth is constant, which doesn’t happen naturally.” Anastasia furrowed her brows. “The bottom looks muddy, it might be dangerous to go into the bay. And lastly, there’s the rock bund to separate it from the sea.” But to dredge one out in the first place… it must cost a lot of money. The Auberts must be loaded.
Richelle Aubert was the presumed heiress, since she had no other siblings to vie with her. She thought. Anastasia absolutely hated her. And those feelings even outweighed her love for Baron Haynes. But why? Because Richelle bullied and harassed Anastasia and never gave her a moment of respite? Because she turned Anastasia into a wallflower and then teased her for it?
A memory popped into her mind, of a young Anastasia screaming at Richelle, screaming that she did not want Richelle to talk to her, and that the other girl disgusted her. It seemed Richelle didn’t dislike Anastasia in the beginning, and was actually quite polite at first. She was mystified - why was Anastasia so angry at Richelle Aubert?
In her mind’s eye, the original Anastasia was sitting down by the water of the artificial bay, wearing the same elegant clothes she had when she jumped into the lake. Avryl felt compelled to ask, “Is this really where it all started?” She found herself in her original body while wearing her current attire, and she crouched down beside the other girl. “You ended up all alone. I can think of no good reason for you to have shown me this.”
Anastasia remained silent. Avryl tried again. “If you have a reason, then tell me! That way…”
Anastasia’s cold glare cut her off. Avryl sighed. “I see, it seems as though I haven’t thought about your relationship with Richelle seriously enough.” She knew Anastasia had a hard time, but it also felt like a problem that belonged solely to her, and not to Avryl, an interloper who had taken over her body.
Avryl was concerned. If their emotions run this deep, then Richelle must really have hated Anastasia. Much more so than the other ladies at the tea party so many months ago… Perhaps it was a mistake to attend the race.
“Ana! Get up, Lady Aubert is here.” Venice’s insistent whisper broke her out of her thoughts.
“Oh! Right…” Anastasia quickly hurried to join the other ladies.
Richelle was a pretty woman with black hair, and was dressed just like the rest of the gathered ladies, in clothes suitable for riding hoverbikes.
She stood before the assemblage and started talking, “Welcome! I am so happy to see so many people attending today’s festivities. However, it seems as though we have some uninvited guests.”
Anastasia stiffened. How should I respond? This feud between Richelle and Anastasia is such a bother, and Richelle isn’t helping with her behaviour.
Richelle clapped her hands, “All right, everybody! Even though we have an unexpected guest, the racing teams and my staff have put in a lot of effort into this so let’s just try and enjoy the event.”
The ladies quickly formed up into their small cliques, chattering away. Anastasia looked on, mildly impressed by Richelle’s brazenness. Wow, she mentioned it again. That just shows how much she hates having me here.
Richelle announced, “We’ve prepared only the smoothest hoverbikes for you today. I assure you that you’ll have a great time riding the bikes.” Praise flowed in from the gathered ladies, while Richelle made sure to make eye contact with every lady except Anastasia.
Anastasia expected it, so it wasn’t surprising to her. It would make sense that Richelle would only continue the social ostracism as she had done before.
Richelle continued to talk. “Let’s head to the refreshments pavilion while they finish setting up the hoverbikes. I’ve prepared a special tea for you all today.” She started to lead the whole group to one of the tents nearby.
Anastasia grinned ruefully. Even if Richelle hated her, it did not mean anything to her. Besides…
“If it was me, I would launched a full-on attack before the event even began.” Venice remarked in a whisper. “This kind of petty fighting looks very childish from the outside, doesn’t it?” She added with a giggle.
Anastasia shrugged, “That’s to be expected, I guess.” After the bloodsoaked killing fields of the Clan Occupation Zone, not much should faze her any more.
“But don’t worry. The last time she bullied you, you didn’t have anybody on your side. But now you have me.” She smiled confidently.
Anastasia nodded and smiled back. “That’s reassuring.” Inwardly, she also tried to reassure the Anastasia within. There’s no need to be nervous, Anastasia, you’re not alone anymore.
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===Dueling Socialites===
“Are all the desserts to your liking? You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you, Lady Codina.” Richelle said to Venice as they enjoyed the refreshments.
“It’s been too long, Lady Aubert. You seem even more sophisticated now that you’re almost ready to take over the Viscounty,” Venice smiled and returned the compliment.
“Please, you’re being too kind.”
Venice replied, “I’m embarrassed to even stand next to you for fear of being compared.”
“I’m flattered to hear you say that, Lady Codina.”
As the two went on and on, Anastasia looked on, trying very hard not to roll her eyes at the sheer inanity of it all. It was also obvious that Lady Aubert was ignoring her. Oh well, I’ll greet her when the timing is right and I can go find Finn.
“Anyway, I’ve been worried about you,” somehow, Lady Aubert had grasped Venice’s hands. “Are you sure there’s nothing going on?” She faked a look of concern, and looked over at Anastasia, as though she was causing Venice trouble.
“What do you mean?” Venice feigned ignorance.
“I heard that Viscount Rason is very busy, so your brother is having a hard time, isn’t he? Is that why you’re associating yourself with those you normally wouldn’t?” There was a sly smirk on Lady Aubert’s face. “Do you want me to mention it to my father? Please don’t hesitate to ask if you ever need anything.”
Anastasia sighed. Again with the innuendo. And she had completely forgotten about Venice’s shitty brother. And the intention behind her words were clear - that Venice had befriended her only because she wanted to make a good impression on Finn for her brother’s sake.
Anastasia glowered at Richelle Aubert. She’s making it seem as though Venice is forcing herself to be friends with me.
Venice mused, “Hmmm… I don’t know… I think you know it better than me, that Viscount Rason has nothing to do with such things.”
“What?” Only the slightest twitch of Richelle’s eyebrows betrayed her unease.
“My brother currently has absolutely nothing to complain about. In fact, he’s constantly bragging that fact to anybody who will listen.”
Anastasia though uncharitably, that’s one way to look at it.
Venice continued, “The closer you get, the more you can discover good things you can’t see from further away. Isn’t that right, my lady?”
Richelle tried to rally. “Yes, I’m sure you’re right, but…”
Venice pressed on. “More than anything, those who are close to me are all good people.”
Wow, Anastasia was impressed. Venice really knows how to protect those around her. Richelle’s words could be seen as belittling Vince, and she would usually have let it slide under normal circumstances. But with just a few words, she not only stood up for her family, but for me as well… because I’m her friend.
Somehow, that made her feel a strong sense of security, that she only ever felt when she was with her Command Star.
Richelle sighed, then smirked. “Lady Codina, sometimes, it’s important not to miss the forests for the trees.” She let go of Venice’s hands. “You’ve always been so clever, so I’m sure you understand what I mean.” Viscount Aubert was a strong supporter of Baron Haynes, so it was clearly a warning for Venice to look away until he became the Count.
“You’d do well to listen to me.” Lady Aubert smirked, a smug warning behind her eyes.
Venice replied, with just a touch of steel in her tone, “Of course, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.”
They stared at each other for a few seconds, before Richelle turned away. “Please excuse me.” She walked over to the seated Anastasia, casting a shadow over her. “I’m sorry for the delay. Thank you for coming, Lady Kalinska.
I’ve been waiting for you. Anastasia knew what Richelle was doing. She couldn’t get Venice to fall in line, so now she’s changed targets. Venice had taught her that the number one rule in the social world was to never make enemies, at least not overtly.
She stood from her seat. “Oh no, I’d like to thank you for your warm welcome to my unexpected visit.”
Richelle gestured to the tea spread on the table, “It was nothing. We’ve prepared so much for today’s event, I hope you take the time to enjoy yourself.”
“You’re too kind…”
Richelle cut her off, “Oh my…” One hand reached for a corner of her scarf tied around her neck “You have a loose thread.” Richelle smirked. “Even in a place like this, it’s possible for things to come undone… ahhh!”
She groaned in pain. Anastasia had nonchalantly grabbed Richlle’s wrist, holding it in place.
“Strange, isn’t it? I had my maids thoroughly inspect my clothes before coming, so it’s impossible for even a thread to be out of place.” She applied a bit more strength, and was gratified to see tears forming in Richelle’s eyes.
I may not be as strong as when I was Avryl, but I still know where it hurts the most on a person’s wrist. And my physical training has also paid off, so that counts for something too! Anastasia beamed genially, as though nothing was wrong.
Richelle gritted out, “I… I guess I was mistaken. You seem to have come prepared even though it’s been a while since you’ve come out. I sincerely hope that nothing bad will happen to your clothes by accident.”
Letting go of the wrist, Anastasia pretended to look puzzled. “By accident?”
Richelle tried to massage her bruised wrist without making it too obvious, smiling all the while. “You know, what if the accident at the palatial manor’s lake happened again? Baron Haynes would be devastated.” Anastasia could hear snickers from behind her, as the onlookers observed the exchange.
“Oh no, have I upset you? I’m sorry, I only brought it up out of concern for you.” Richelle acted contrite, but Anastasia knew better. It was a childish method of attack, and it was obvious that Richelle’s feigned concern was really just to agitate her. And to say that Baron Haynes would be upset? That really was ridiculous.
Anastasia continued smiling. “Thank you, Lady Aubert.”
Richelle blinked. “What?”
“You don’t have to worry about such accidents ever happening again. And besides, I am with Viscount Rason now.” While he’s an idiot, at least he’s not a piece of trash like Renard Haynes.
Richelle twitched again in confusion.
She must be shocked. If I was really the original Anastasia, she would have reacted emotionally and gotten hostile with her. Do you not agree? She directed that last question at the silent Anastasia within.
She looked confidently at Richelle. Making a scene is what Richelle Aubert wants the most. Strictly speaking, as Avryl, I have nothing to do with her. But I cannot just stand by and watch Anastasia suffer. I am going to show you that you are not someone to be despised and bullied. So Anastasia, I want you to trust me and come to me in your own time…
Anastasia smirked at a fuming Richelle Aubert, because I have no intention of losing.
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==Chapter Notes==
*; Chapter Note from the Author : The way these ladies play politics is vicious as hell… No safe spaces, no sirree!
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Chapter 29