The Fall of the Absolute

by Karen Page

Chapter 9

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Chapter 9

Ambassador Georgina Harries's request that Theo start as soon as possible was the final nail in their backpacking trip. James and Sam had taken them back to the village to drop off Kantu and collect their belongings. Then they were dropped back in Lima so they could leave Peru properly. Back in the UK, Jennifer and Theo packed what they needed and, after spending one last night, shut up the house. They knew they wouldn't be back for a while.

Kantu had been saddened by the pain he felt from the Urattr while so close, but that was mixed with relief that he understood his vision more. He would share his stories with the rest of the tribe and would become part of their folklore.

* * *

Not finding Jennifer at their apartment on the Rohastin Station, Theo went hunting for her. She was where she'd spent all her time; at the shop trying to prepare it for opening.

"Theo, perfect timing. Can you pass me that bracket," Jennifer said, balancing a shelf in one hand and trying to keep the other bracket from falling out.

Whoever thought that just delivering the equipment would be enough hadn't understood reality. She had to set up the full body scanners. She had to set up the machines that would create the clothes on demand. She had to load the patterns in. She still had to configure the changes for the different species.

Several times, she'd passed the other clothing shops and looked at their displays. They were closer to the restaurant and going by wasn't thought strange, even though a human looking in was odd. They only served clothing for their own species, but they did have some professional curiosity about what human clothes would be displayed.

The last day before opening, there was still too much to do. Theo wanted to help, but he was busy at work. Kelly and Hope had helped where they could but today, they were away for a Space Racer race.

"Hello," came a voice at the door and Jennifer looked across.

"Reggie," Jennifer shrieked, dropped the garment she was folding, rushed to her friend and enveloped her in a human style bearhug.

When they parted, Reggie asked shyly, "Is the job offer still open?"

"Only if you can start now and help me get this place ready."

The work stopped feeling like a chore, but more like a manageable task. Together they finished getting the store ready. They even had time to brush the floor, even though Reggie had said the cleaning bots would do that. During the work, they talked about Kelly and her Space Racing. Reggie already knew of Hope and Theo. They had been prominently mentioned by both Kelly and Jennifer over the years.

"How have you been since finishing school?" Reggie asked, as they went to get something to eat.

"All four of us went to do some training for living here," Jennifer answered honestly. "It was hard work. I even tried cooking some non-human dishes but struggled at first. Eventually I got better. Hang on, let me introduce you. Can we eat up near the Ambassador floor?"

Reggie waved her hands, which was like the equivalent of a human nod. When they got there, Jennifer asked someone if Beth, the human chef, was working. She was, and came out to see who was asking for her.

"Beth," Jennifer said, with a genuine smile. "Meet my friend Reggie. Reggie, this is Beth. She gave me some lessons on how to cook non-human food."

"Hi Reggie," Beth said. "I've seen you in here a few times, though I'd heard you'd moved away. Are you back?"

"Yes. I'm back. I'm going to work with Jennifer in her shop."

"No, Reggie, we are working together. I think of it as our shop."

"I will have to visit you when it is open. Now both of you sit down and let me make you both something different."

Different sent alarm bells through Jennifer. It must have done for Reggie too.

Reggie asked, "How different?"

"It is something I've been working on. It has a mixture of ingredients from across the Rohastin."

Jennifer and Reggie shared a panicked look.

"You aren't the first to try it," Beth said, rolling her eyes. "I've not had anybody falling ill yet. Now go and sit down and let me make your taste buds dance."

Jennifer and Reggie went to the table they'd first sat at together ten years ago. The large gas giant was visible out of the window. Reggie looked shocked as Jennifer took out her device and turned it off.

"I can't," Reggie said, worried what Jennifer would say. "Mine is an implant."

"That's okay," Jennifer reassured. "That was more for me than you."

"Theo and I tried to do a cultural experience that young adults do on Earth. We call it backpacking. Basically, we carry a big bag on our back with some clothes and essentials and visit places you've never been before."

Reggie nodded, not sure what to make of this human experience.

"We walked for a day into the jungle. There are small settlements in them with people that live differently. We thought it would be good to hear how they felt about life, and we could tell them our tales. When we got to the first settlement, they made us welcome and we talked. There was someone there, like The Oracle. He had a vision about this gas giant. He drew two diagrams. The first of the station and the planet. The second was of five people. It was you, me, Theo, Kelly and Hope. It was drawn many years before any of us were born."

Reggie looked surprised but just encouraged Jennifer to continue.

"I was worried, so rang the human Ambassador. She called a council meeting. That is when I talked to your grandfather and made the offer about you working with me."

"How did he know the drawing was accurate?" Reggie asked.

"The drawing of you had a scar caused by a Hobitoa blade."

Reggie gasped and touched her scar. "How did you know what caused it?"

"I've had one held to my throat. Even though it was just a demonstration, that experience stays with you. I remember that blade very well."

"You know what I've been doing, don't you?"

Jennifer shook her head. "I am guessing. But I'm not going to hide from you or shun you. You are my friend. In my knowledge of the Reginaddes, this is not usual. For them to ask you for help must mean there is something serious happening or they are very worried about something. You can do that job as well as working in the shop. You haven't confirmed anything, so if someone does review your recording, you can't be blamed."

Though Jennifer did think it would cause some urgent conversations if she wasn't part of Reginadde intelligence.

"What makes you think something is happening."

"Because you were asked to be here, and I'm here because I was asked to be. Theo got the job he did far too easily. No, something is wrong and I don't think anybody knows what."

The food arrived, so that conversation came to a halt. Jennifer turned back on her device.

"Do you think we're ready for tomorrow?" Jennifer asked, carefully trying the food and finding it was very good.

"I don't think we can do anything else," Reggie responded, attacking the food with gusto.

"At the moment, I don't think the full extent of the shop is understood."

"By me either," Reggie admitted. "I'm not sure why you want me there."

"Because we're not going to just sell clothes to humans. We're going to sell clothes to everyone. Whichever style they want. When we've finished, I'm going to create my outfit for tomorrow using a Reginadde design."

Reggie laughed, thinking Jennifer was teasing. When Jennifer didn't join in, Reggie stopped and looked at her friend. "Are you serious?"

"Yes. Now, a question for you. Who is the most famous human female on the Rohastin Station?"

"You."

"No. Hardly anybody knows me. I managed to get a seat here without half the station shouting Trinity. I've grown up and don't look like I did ten years ago."

"Georgina Harries then. The human Ambassador."

"Exactly, and every time I see her in the news, she has a certain style of dress she wears."

"Yes. And?"

"I've got that style in the machine with alterations coded for different species. How do you feel about dressing like that?"

Reggie's nose flattened, and her mouth made a strange motion. Her hands clasped as if she was trying to control herself. Jennifer knew she was trying to stifle a Reginadde equivalent of a giggle. Reginaddes were a very serious species, and it took a lot to amuse them. However, Jennifer and Kelly had found out many years ago it was possible. Rare, but they were capable.

"I'll do it," Reggie confirmed. "I do hope she visits your store, just so I can see her face."

As they got up, they saw Beth hovering near the kitchen door.

"How was it?" Beth asked eagerly.

Both Jennifer and Reggie gave it high praise which Beth blushed over.

"You should have it on the menu. Not under any species, but separate. The Rohastin Special. It is perfect for here. It is what the Rohastin seems to be. A mixture of species trying to work together. That is what your dish mirrors."

"Oh, you get it," Beth said, looking even happier. "I've got to share this with the other chefs before it can be promoted. I do want some time off."

Reggie gave a human wave goodbye, which surprised Beth and they were on their way.

"You've lived here most of your life," Jennifer said. "Is there anywhere else we can relax?"

She nodded. "It isn't advertised, but there is a ... drinking club. Why don't you ask the others to join you. It will be a surprised then when they see me."

"Let's check it out first."

It was two levels below Hangar Five. It didn't have a Transport Hub and was only available via a small ramp behind a maintenance door. This looked like a disused level, but it wasn't unused. They passed a few people and tried a few doors until they found the right place. For some reason, the device couldn't guide them. Jennifer smiled. It was perfect. A small bar where nobody cared about who was in there. There were plenty of tables and chairs, but very few people in there.

Jennifer group-called Theo, Kelly and Hope to give them directions.

Theo said after a moment, "Where are you? My device isn't showing your location."

Reggie ordered two drinks and they took a table away from the few other patrons.

"How did you find this place?" Jennifer asked, when she'd finished with the call.

"My grandfather showed it to me before I went back to my home world. He said if it ever got too much, to come here for a drink and find myself. I'd then be able to face whatever challenge I had."

Reggie paused and moved her head a few times. "My implant doesn't work. Strange, you were able to contact your friends using a device, but my implant is blocked. I wish I'd known before we had that discussion upstairs."

Jennifer shrugged. "There is a human saying—"

Reggie laughed. "Humans always have a saying."

Jennifer rolled her eyes. "We do like them. Anyway, it goes 'There is no point in crying over spilt milk'. It means there is no point in getting upset about what has happened. It can't be undone. We had that chat, so we live with it. Getting upset won't change anything. Anyway, it will be good for those at your world to have heard it."

Kelly, Hope and Theo arrived at the same time. For a second, the bar was no longer quiet as Kelly spotted Reggie. She squealed and rushed across to hug her friend.

When they calmed down, Kelly introduced Hope and Theo.

"I remember all but Theo in the concert," Reggie said. "Do you work for the human government?"

"No," Jennifer said. "Okay, a bit of history. Some is going to be new for you all. A prophecy was made that one day a woman would come along who was Earth's saviour. She would create a drive which took humans to the stars. While they waited there was too much risk of either humans stagnating or us wiping ourselves out. Two groups were created to try to stop either of those events happening. One tried for stability, and another conflict and confusion."

"We are from what was the stability group. After the truth came out with First Contact, the conflict group broke up in acrimony. A few joined the stability group, a few walked away, and some others became crime bosses, just interested in making money."

Jennifer had no need to mention who the creator of the drive was. It was her Ma.

"The stability group is still active as there are still groups out there doing evil. Like the people who kidnapped my parents. We, however, are tasked differently..."

"Should you be saying this?" asked Theo.

"I think so," Jennifer replied. "Reggie's implant seems to be blocked in here. And the Alphonian and Reginadde ambassadors were behind the two Earth groups. Well not them but their predecessors. Georgina Harries also expected you."

"So how did you end up here?" Kelly asked. "I thought you were going to be away getting in some culture."

"It lasted two days," Theo said. "The first day we went to a small town in Peru. We were invited to have the evening meal with a town elder. We found nobody knew how to use the hopper system, so we showed them. We heard it caused chaos as they then went out and showed the other towns. There was that much activity, request hoppers from around the world moved there to stabilise the times."

Kelly and Theo laughed but Reggie just looked on, unsure why that was funny.

Jennifer took over the tale. "Our second day we hiked into the jungle and just as it was getting to dusk, we arrived at a small settlement. We were welcomed and we had a meal around their campfire. During it, an old man called Kantu described a vision of a species trapped in the planet outside the station. I asked Ambassador Harries for confirmation, and she ordered Eos to pick us up. He'd also drawn a picture from before any of us were born. A drawing of all five of us. At the top was the drawing of a knot."

Jennifer had spoken in a steady tone. Kelly knew what the knot being drawn meant to her and rushed across and hugged her from behind. Jennifer put her hand on Kelly's arm. She felt much better after that.

"So, what now?" Hope asked.

"We have a quiet drink," Jennifer said. "Just the five of us having a chance to escape others' expectations for a short time."

"To a quiet drink," Theo said, raising his mug. Had aliens no concept of drinking glasses?

"We'll make an appearance tomorrow," Hope said. "It would only be expected as there are only a few humans on the station."

"Just don't laugh when you see how I'm dressed," Reggie said.

Kelly said, "I can imagine Jen had a wild idea. You know she'd never do anything to humiliate you, don't you?"

"I do. But I'm still nervous."

"I thought it would be a good way to show the concept. If you don't like it, then we'll come up with a different plan. I don't want you worrying about it."

Reggie frowned. "I tried asking my implant the time. It feels strange not being connected not just from the station but from the Reginadde home system. If it wasn't too late, I was going to make one and try it on. That way I don't panic all night."

"Let's all go," Jennifer said.

"One thing before we do," Theo said. "I was going to tell Jen later, but I think you should all know. I think my job is a trap."

"What type of trap?" Kelly asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Rupert has never had an assistant until we were about to leave school. They advertised, but I didn't apply. They employed someone on a short-term basis so they could advertise the job again. When we came here with Kantu, they asked if I was applying for the job and as soon as I said yes, I got the job after the simplest interview possible."

"It sounds possible. But why?" Jennifer asked, looking at Theo with support.

"I've no idea, but I thought you should know. We thought we were infiltrating them, but it seems we had an invite. When she was Prime Minister, she was known as being straightforward. If I get a chance for a private conversation, I might ask the Ambassador."

"If you're sure. You know the plan if you need to do that."

"I do. Anyway, let's drink up. Reggie needs to try on this outfit. The rest of you go home. I don't want to spoil any surprises."

The next day, Jennifer was apprehensive. The shop sign was up, and as the station woke up, she and Reggie opened their store. It wasn't as close to the centre of the mall as the other clothing shops, but it was on the corridor from the Transport Hub. Therefore, people coming to eat, work or take their children to the primary school on that level would pass it.

As the traffic increased, they started to get noticed. People doing double takes as they saw the store and what they were selling. Jennifer and Reggie were in prominent view. A few even stopped suddenly and there were a few incidents where people behind bumped into those ahead. Yet the shop was quiet.

"We need to do some advertising," Jennifer mused, and Reggie looked at her unsure what she meant. The word 'advertising' came out in English. There wasn't a Hytuna word for that.

"What do you mean?"

"Can you go to the café and get two drinks? You will be noticed and they will realise the outfit is practical and not just for show."

"Oh. I get it."

When Reggie returned with the drinks, she was excited. "I got asked a few times where I got the outfit."

"Great work."

Slowly, a few people came into the store. People from several species wondering if it was true they sold cross species designs. They touched the soft fabric from an Alphonian, and the harsher cuts of a Reginadde.

Their first sale was to the school leader where Jennifer and Kelly had been while Jennifer's Ma was having an operation. A Pretotian wasn't who they expected to be their first customer.

"This is such a great idea. I think I need a collection of clothes from different species. I can wear a human outfit one day, and a Reginadde on another. Will it work for my hands though?"

"Of course," Jennifer said, with a smile. "What would you like first? I know you are working, so why don't I do one, and you can let me know what styles you want for the others."

"Okay. I want human blue jeans and a bright red polo shirt."

Reggie took the scan which had automatically happened when anybody came into the shop and fed it into the machine with the parameters requested. Soon their first product was walking the corridors to the school. The feathers on the Pretotian contrasting nicely with the top.

As the Pretotian left, Reggie and Jennifer squealed in delight. They'd had their first customer.

By lunchtime they'd sold six outfits. Four of them had been Georgina Harries style outfits.

"We need to spread the word more," Reggie said, as they closed the shop to get some food.

"Oh?"

"If we eat upstairs near the Ambassador level, we will advertise to people who haven't seen."

Jennifer smiled. "I love it. Let's go."

When they got to the correct level, they made their way slowly along the concourse, letting people spot them. Theo was sat eating with Rupert and a few other Rohastin aides. When they saw the outfits, all they could do was stare. They worked with Georgina Harries on a daily basis and knew her dress style. Seeing Reggie dressed like that was a shock.

They sat down and placed their order. They'd got the impact they desired, but still needed to eat, so decided on something simple and quick. The shop would need their attention.

"Do you still live with your parents?" Jennifer asked as they ate.

"No. When a Reginadde comes of age, it is expected they move out and start on their own. Is that different for humans?"

"It depends where you are. Because humanity has only started expanding from a single planet, the home planet is a lot more crowded. We also had currency until recently. Housing was expensive, and a lot couldn't afford it, so would live with parents. In some cultures, there are sometimes three or more generations living in the house."

"Does Kelly see her dad much?" Reggie suddenly asked.

Jennifer considered for a moment how to answer that. Was Reggie saying something? It seemed an odd question to ask. "No. Where we went to school, we don't visit our parents. When we leave school, we strike out on our own. Our school has an unwritten rule that we don't visit family for four cycles. It helps hide that the school has helped those who've changed the most."

"Like Hope?"

"Yes, like Hope."

"But Kelly hasn't changed like that."

"No, but it shows solidarity with those that have."

"That isn't something a lot of Reginaddes would understand. I do because I've been your friend for a long time and understand a lot more about humans."

Jennifer pondered what Reggie was asking. She made a choice she hoped wouldn't hurt Kelly. "Kelly might not be able to see her parents, but I could."

"That is good to know, but I don't think I need to go. But it is a shame Kelly doesn't see him. Parents can teach their children so much of the world that is hidden. Though he might find it easier talking to someone he knows that isn't his child."

That afternoon more people came into the shop. Some glanced at the patterns shown on a screen. Some asked questions. They got a few more sales, but that wasn't important. To them it was getting people coming into the shop.

The other humans on the station came too. Rumours had been floating around, and they wanted to see. When Georgina Harries came in, Reggie got nervous, but she smiled.

"This is wonderful and innovative," she said, having a look. "Reggie, if I may call you that, you have become quite the fashion icon."

"Of course you can. It is the name I can use. It makes it a lot easier for a lot of people. As for being the fashion icon, it wouldn't have worked without your presence."

"That time away has grounded you," Georgina said. "You have a lot more confidence in yourself. It is good to see. Now, I'd like my usual cut but, say, with a Frotanian pattern. That should spice things up. It would be interesting to see what they say in the Council meeting later. Now what does the sign mean about you selling other human goods?"

Reggie responded, "Some are interested about humans. We've had someone order something called grapes."

"You can get grapes? I think I'll be visiting more often."