Chapter 7: The Double

Nyk slipped from his clothes, turned down the bedcovers and slid in. He switched off the room lights, laced his fingers behind his head and closed his eyes. Light from the searchlight seeped around the blinds on his window. He heard klaxons in the distance and the muffled sounds of troops speaking on communications devices.

The doorchime sounded. “Yes?”

“May I come in?” He recognized Andra’s voice.

Nyk switched on the room lights. “Certainly.”

The door slid open and she walked in. “May I sleep with you?”

“Certainly.” He turned back the covers. Andra slipped from her robe and slid in beside him.

He put his arm around her. She kissed his cheek. “This feels good, Nykkyo. I miss you holding me.” Nyk stroked her fine, light hair. “Would you be cross with me if I told you I wasn’t in the mood?”

“I’m not in the mood, either. It does feel good to hold you. It reminds me of our days together in Sudal. I cherish those days.”

“So do I.” She reached a slender arm across and pulled herself tighter against him.

“This world is so Earth-like,” he said. “It’s cold here. I’m glad there are covers on the bed. I’d be uncomfortable, otherwise ... I’ve enjoyed getting to know Janna. You two are more than twins in appearance. Her persona is almost a duplicate of yours...”

“I was very fortunate having her as my classmate.”

“ ... at least, once she dropped her imperial veil ... after I bonded with her.”

“You bonded with Janna?”

“Yes, though I’ll confess to manipulating her a bit in order to do so.”

“That you could manipulate her at all is no mean feat,” Andra remarked. “How did you?”

“I used our mutual love for you.”

Andra nodded. “You found an emotional chink in her armor. We were taught that emotions are the most vulnerable human trait. Impressive, Nyk ... very impressive.”

“It makes me wonder what other sorts of things you were taught at your finishing school.”

“Well ... The core curriculum is similar to some of the boarding schools run by Central Admin -- the usual liberal arts program ... literature, history, math, science. In addition were three other areas called mensastuden...”

“Mental studies...” Nyk repeated.

“... korpastuden and praktikstuden.”

“The physical and the practical. What did you learn in these?”

“Praktikstuden taught us etiquette and protocol ... and, politics.”

“The tools of statecraft.”

“Yes, but also logic, deduction and analysis. korpastuden trained our bodies. There’s a significant mental aspect to korpastuden, though. The muscles must be trained, but the mind controls the body and it must be trained, too.”

“It must be like yoga,” Nyk observed.

Andra shifted to cuddle closer to him. “Yoga? I don’t know that word.”

“It’s an Earth term for developing mental discipline through ritual exercise.”

“Yes, like that.”

“The discipline and muscle control must be what enabled you to learn so easily to shoot a firearm.”

“Probably,” she replied. “Janna was quick to master it also. The sex training was part of korpastuden. I hated that part of it. It was only tolerable because I could partner with Janna.”

“You two share a love as strong as if you were blood twins.”

“Stronger, in fact,” Andra replied. “We could trust each other with our bodies ... implicitly. I’m so happy we could renew our friendship.”

“What about the other one ... the mensastuden?” Nyk asked. “Your ability to selectively turn a blind eye toward your master’s activity must be part of those studies.”

“Part of it, yes.”

“What else do they teach you?”

“I can’t talk about that.”

“Bad memories?”

“Hardly. I just can’t talk about it.”

“Why not?”

“I’m bound by an inviolable oath. I shouldn’t be admitting such even exists. The mensastuden are Vebinad’s most guarded secrets, and they’re what make us in demand as ax’amfinen. It’s not that I don’t trust you, Nyk. I can’t talk about it. Please trust ME and don’t press me on this.”

“I ... I won’t.” He kissed her hair and regarded her.

“What’s that look for?” she asked.

“I’m enriched by your friendship, Andra...”

“As I am from yours.”

“ ... but, I realized that no matter how well I know you, there’ll be something mysterious about you.” He stroked her shoulder. “Tell me, what does your ax’amfinen training tell you about the situation here?”

“It’s all beginning to make sense to me,” she replied.

“What makes sense?”

“What Zander was up to -- the whole weapons plot -- it’s beginning to make sense. Zander was helping Zygon Vellod’s plan to seize the colony. Vellod has constructed an image for himself as a disgruntled crackpot, with a small but vocal following. I think he’s more dangerous -- much more dangerous. He must be getting help from the outside.”

“We know Zander arranged for some operatives to have paramilitary training on Earth. Vadima was among those ... You’re right -- our people are so unprepared for combat. Wygann might have guns and his guards might know how to shoot, but I’m sure they have no idea what to expect in an assault. I have no idea what to expect. I’d rather not experience it.”

“Nykkyo, I’m frightened. I know Janna’s frightened, too. She’s trying not to show it, but I can tell. I’ve heard rumors about Vellod’s latest threats. It’s become personal. He’s vowed to target Janna and Mykkoin -- in order to hurt Wygann. For the past ten days Janna’s been afraid to leave the palace. Mykkoin’s an innocent little boy.”

“All the more reason for us to be on that morning packet and on our way back to Floran.” Nyk extinguished the lights. “Veska told me Janna’s the real power behind Wygann -- she’s the one who convinced him to suspend elections and declare himself chancellor- for-life.”

“I don’t believe it for an instant. It sounds like typical anti- ax’amfin resentment. Many people believe us to be power-hungry witches. You see how much alike she and I are. Could you see me doing something like that?”

“Of course not. You’re right, it sounds like something I’d have believed before I knew you as a real person. And, Wygann hardly appears to be the ranting, foaming-at-the-mouth megalomaniac some make him out to be.”

“THAT sounds like Altian and Deltan propaganda to me,” she replied. “Wygann named himself chancellor because it’s what the people wanted. He’s a beloved leader, and Janna’s their princess. They call her that out of love for her.” She stroked his face. “Mykko has been very good for this colony. He’s raised the standard of living and there’s a waiting list to immigrate here. It’s a real success story.” She clutched him. “Listen ... the guard’s been put on full alert. Vellod’s sure to know Vadima’s been caught, and he’s likely to assume, interrogated.”