NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Family Feud
The acrid smell of charred plastic and the sweet smell of molten alloys filled the air. A charcoal-burnt body that smelled like burnt sandwich meat lay in front of the vending machine, and in the hallway, in front of the landing pad, was rubble strewn with metal and plastic fragments everywhere. The lights flickered in an eerie, sparkling flash. The atmosphere was generally creepy to Brinus.
Brinus looked at his TriQuarter and saw he had over four million pings on his Trix Page, similar to Twitter on Earth before the collapse. All of them were messages about how hot he was. Some were messages from young women asking him on dates. He had ten million DMs asking him on dates, asking for advice, making death threats, people telling him to go kill himself, people wanting him to discipline them, and making other inappropriate sexual jokes. He noticed he was on multiple trending hashtags.
He slammed his fist into the vending machine and cussed. He was in the hallway outside of landing pad 10 when He felt someone put his hands on his back. Brinus jumped, yelled out, and turned around because he was still on edge. Once he was able to focus, he saw Simmie.
This here bull shit ain't fair. It ain't Simmie's fault I'm the center of attention, thought Brinus.
Simmie asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Brinus snapped at him after hyperventilating for a moment, "No, I don't! Did 'ya see what they're sayin' on social media 'bout me?!" He waved his hand dismissively.
They came across a door with a shorted-out yellow light. The blast door was half open with a huge hole in it.
Simmie sighed and then laughed nervously as Brinus and Simmie pulled it open. "Bro! We have been in battle for hours! This break is the first time I've had a chance to do anything!"
Brinus shrugged. "After my dental surgery, I'm meetin' my biological mother at the capital. I can't go campin' with 'ya."
"Really? I put in for ten days' leave!"
He walked down more destroyed corridors with Simmie. They came across a scene of an attempted boarding. There were dead Navy Troopers in white trooper armor and enemy marines in green battle armor. A boarding pod stuck out of the wall. It appeared to fit 100 people.
"I'll need someone to teach me table manners an' shit. Why don't ya join me?" He finally said, after a moment of silence, after looking at the dead bodies.
Simmie's eyes widened, and he tilted his head back looking at a blood stain on a destroyed camera. "Are you saying you were related to someone in the gentry class?"
"Yes and no."
"What's the yes?"
"My mother's the Duchess of District 12. She ain't gentry but upper nobility. I don't want everyone to know."
Simmie laughed. "Love! If you're trending on social media and other media sites, then chances are, everyone knows who you are. I've been dating the Duke of District twelve?! My dad will have a heart attack! Wow, if your mother is a duchess…" He ruffled Brinus's grimy hair.
Simmie went onto his social media app and began looking him up. Brinus was too exhausted, physically and mentally, to deal with this bullshit. He just said goodbye in a short tone and went into his quarters to clean up and return to duty.
As Brinus continued to walk down the ship's destroyed corridors, at Saffron, a different battle was being fought — one of reputation and strategy.
Meanwhile, in Saffron:
A woman with long blond hair like Brinus', blue eyes identical to Brinus, and who was relatively short but was physically fit, long and lean, and was thirty-six but looked nineteen, stood in front of a crowd of streamers, newscasters, and independent journalists. They sat in neat rows of chairs, clambering for footage of the woman on the podium.
Her voice was deep and husky like a smoker. She wore a black professional suit, a white blouse, and handcrafted bright red high heels. Her hair was salon style, and she wore bright red lipstick.
The duchess flicked her hair and then continued talking. "So, this is an update on the Battle that took place in Alpha Centauri. Based on poisoner interviews and battlefield reports, the Federation lost their opening battle for the following reasons: lack of organization, a divided NCO corps, and a lack of a unified mission from leadership. We will now be taking questions. You are in the back. What do you want to ask?"
"What can you tell us about your son's involvement in the burglary of Viscount Tomage for his navi chip?"
"No comment. Next question. You! Next to Redtail!"
The reporter beside Redtail spoke. "Do you wish to issue a statement on your son, Smaul, for groping that nurse last night in the ER while under the influence of multiple substances?"
The duchess sighed, looked down, and then looked back up. She then said in a firm voice, "The next person who asks a question about the social media controversy will be removed from this conference and have their media access revoked for the week. Next question."
The next reporter spoke. "Can you tell us about the flight officer who was captured at the battle?"
The duchess felt like this question was a backward attempt to try and ask about Brinus. However, she answered it anyway, as it was a war question. "Yes, the lieutenant commander and chief flight officer of the Carrier Tomog was captured trying to raid some scavengers. Due to the heroic actions of a cadet named Brinus Helios, he not only captured the flight officer of a carrier but also recovered a cache of weapons worth 400 million credits. Some of them will need to be disassembled for parts and scrap. The situation is fluid, so I will be updating you guys regularly. Next Question!"
After the press conference, Marci washed her hands in her private bathroom. She looked into her mirror and smiled. I have my way out! Finally!
She smiled and laughed, thinking how relieved she was.
Four days later, Brinus was dressed in a Naval uniform with only the Battle of Alpha Centuri ribbon over his left breast. A brass name plate and the ship's crest, a lightning bolt with the name of the ship under it, over his right shoulder. He had brown steel-toed boots and a cigarette behind his ear. The service entrance was barren with four white, painted dry walls, white ceramic floors, and wall lamps every ten feet.
He was at the soda vending machine putting some credit chips into the money slot. The silver room, the goldware room, the head housekeeper's office, and the head butler's office were at the other end of the hallway outside the loading bay. The servant's quarters smelled musty and were cozy.
He opened the soda and began drinking. His hands shook, and he was covered in cold sweat.
There was a cough behind him. "Excuse me, young man. Guests enter through the main entrance. This section of the house is for employees, house members, and servants only."
Brinus turned and saw an elderly 66-year-old woman in a head housekeeper's uniform. "I'm here to see my mother," he said after a moment of awkward silence. "I was told she's the duchess of District 12."
The woman smiled, but it looked creepy and didn't go to her eyes. "Do you have any paperwork downloaded from the darknet? Oh, I know! Maybe you have a family tree that points to her as your mother with genetic tests!" Her face scrunched up and her lips pursed in anger. "Get out or I'll call the police!"
"My name is Brinus Helios. My call sign is Ginger Cat. We talked over Comms three days ago."
"Lies! You were probably using an AI filter!" The head housekeeper pressed the security button for the police. "You have sixty seconds to leave, or you're under arrest for impersonation of a nobleman, stolen valor, and attempted theft of an estate. That uniform was obviously purchased at a military surplus store."
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He laughed, crossed his arms in front and chest, and sneered, "Okay bitch, you wonna play this here game?! Call the god damn police! See what fucking happens!"
The duchess came into the servant's lounge to see what the chaos was about, and everyone stood. She came up to Brinus and looked down at the floor to hide the tears in her eyes. However, she couldn't hide them from Brinus, who saw them even if the servants didn't.
Two cops showed up, and Marci put her hand to them. "My prayers are answered!"
The head housekeeper rolled her eyes, snorted, and flared her nostrils.
The duchess's eyes were wide, and her mouth was open. Only for a second did she show surprise or emotion. She immediately resumed her stern body posture.
"Come with me," snapped the duchess in a grim tone.
Brinus put his soda down on the table as the other servants sat back down. His heart pounded in his chest, and his mouth was dry. His palms were sweaty, and his pupils were dilated. Brinus walked behind his mother into the drawing room, where she sat on the brass-gilded love seat. The room had brass-plated furniture, a grand white marble fireplace carved with angels and demons, mahogany walls with ornately carved paneling with mirrors inside each panel, and checkerboard gray and black marble floors.
The room was large and spotless, with a smell like lemon balm and silver polish from all of the elaborate silver light fixtures. There was a slightly smoky atmosphere; the armchairs smelled like vape juice and cigarettes with a combination of old church upholstery. The furniture looked over 200 years old.
The duchess chuckled and then said, "You're the kid who has caused me so much grief over the last four days. Forgive my housekeeper. Every week, we get someone claiming to be you so they can claim the inheritance. For the last five years, imposters've been showing up with paperwork and notarized documents."
He shrugged his shoulders and flicked his head. "Whatever. That's your problem." He walked over to the whisky and looked Marci in the eyes, "I know what your thinkn' and bein' a romantic thief is kind of badass. Some college girls tried to hit on me."
Marci smiled, yes! He's got a girlfriend! Maybe they can have babies! "What did you say?"
He laughed, "No, thanks. I'm already taken."
She smiled, and her body relaxed. "Who's the lucky woman?"
Brinus smiled, showing his teeth, and then grimaced. He then walked over to the whisky and poured himself a shot to deal with the pain. "I have surgery tomorrow. I'll be laid out fer a week and then be on light duty fer three weeks. Today'll be the only day I can visit."
The Duchess scoffed. "Nonsense! You'll have your surgery here! I have a Simulator that can replicate anything that isn't poison or a controlled substance. My palace has a hospital ward. I will contact the surgeon tonight after I speak with your captain. Is there anyone you want me to contact?"
Brinus thought for a second. "Simmie. My boyfriend. He's on the repair crew too, so ya' might have to do some convincin'."
Marci looked at Brinus blankly. He's gay? Fucking wonderful. How will I get Heirs? What will happen to my estate after Brinus? I wonder if I can force him to marry a real woman. She regained her composure and fake-smiled, which Brinus noticed. "I have to set up a wartime economy, so I won't see you until tonight. It is so good to finally meet you! If you need anything, ask one of the footmen. My butler will set your apartment up. Check-in is in an hour. I'll have any luggage you want brought up to your apartment." She slapped him on the back and left.
Brinus looked at the butler as he lit a cigarette to calm down. The butler growled, "Shall I set up a servant's quarters bedroom, sir?"
He tilted his head back and took a draw from his cigarette, blowing the smoke towards the ceiling. "Why'd I wonna to sleep in the servant's quarters? Get a real bedroom?"
The Bulter's left lip curled in disgust, and his pupils dilated. "I'll have a guest bedroom in the next hour."
Brinus nodded as he took another drag, blowing smoke off to the side.
The butler growled again and left the room.
Brinus was at dinner eight hours later. His mother rented a black tailcoat, a white tuxedo shirt, and a pair of black dress shoes. Simmie was in the dress uniform of a naval cadet. Marci wore a black cocktail dress. At first, Brinus swore he heard something, which was confirmed when the duchess threw her silk napkin down onto the table and swore using a string of cuss words.
She then grabbed the first footman who was standing next to her.
"Why did you allow my son into the house?! I told you if he is high or drunk, not to let him in after supper!"
The first footman said, "Sorry, madam duchess. I will send one of the footmen to deal with it."
She stooped and yelled at the servants. "I don't want him in this dining room. You know what will happen if he meets Brinus! I don't need a murder investigation!"
Before the servants could stop him from coming into the dining room, the eighteen-year-old sat at the table and put his feet up on top of a native bird roast, crushing it.
"What the fuck, mom!? I am the fucking Duke of District fucking twelve!"
Brinus wiped his mouth and looked at Smaul.
"Who the fuck are you?" Smaul turned to Brinus and flashed his angry eyes at him.
Brinus looked at his mother, then at the servants, and then back at him. "Who are you?"
The duchess yelled at her son. "How is it that a convicted criminal and a registered pirate have more class than you?!"
Smaul pulled out an eyedropper and put two drops in each eye. Brinus knew what was happening. "I just wanted to meet Marci."
"Hey, dumbass, I am talking to you!"
Brinus threw his napkin down, flicked his head, and growled, "I don't talk to gutter trash."
Several servants and Simmie snickered.
"What the fuck did you call me, you stupid bitch?!"
Brinus put his bouillon spoon down, throwing food onto Smaul. and looked Smaul in the eye. "I said…I don't talk to no gutter trash like you, boy. Now let me eat in peace, er fuck off before I kick your ass. Oh, ya' need to clean yourself up." Brinus flicked his head and turned to his mother. "So, Marci, what's your opinion on Navy basic training? "
Smaul put his foot on top of the Roast Duck. "Don't you ignore me! I am the Duke! You will do as you are told."
Two great house security staff can enter the dining hall.
"Madam Duchess, the AI called us."
Marci growled and snapped her fingers at the security guard, "Remove Smaul and lock him out of the house."
"Yes, Madam Duchess."
Brinus punched Smaul in the face once it became apparent the security staff was about to be overpowered, knocking him out. Brinus helped the security staff carry him out. All three of them tossed him out of the main entrance, with the butler and four footmen locking the doors and windows.
After dinner was spoiled, the duchess wiped her mouth, and then the civic AI called the doctor. In the end, Brinus had a few cuts and bruises. One of the security guards needed a few minutes on the dermal regenerator, and a second one needed sutures because it was too big for the dermal device.
Three days later:
Brinus brushed his teeth in the apartment master bedroom bathroom. The great house had hundreds of apartments the size of a single-family housing unit across four buildings around a park. Brinus had blue jeans and a T-shirt on. He also had another set of skateboard shoes with no-show socks on his feet. Simmie came into the bathroom and ruffled Brinus' hair. He turned around after spitting and washing his mouth. He saw Simmie. They smiled at each other. Brinus play-fought with Simmie for a few seconds, and then they hugged and kissed.
"How are you?" asked Simmie, kissing Brinus on the neck.
Brinus laughed. "I finally kin brush my teeth without wantin' to scream. Ya' got any of those there nicotine patches the doctor gave me? The cravin's are really bad, and the withdrawal is worse."
Simmie smiled, "Yeah. I put them on the dining room table. You're on your last ten patches, so make these last. The doctor said you can smoke tomorrow."
Brinus tapped Simmie on the left cheek a couple of times, kissed him for a few seconds on the side of the neck, and then smiled. He then walked out of the bathroom and into the kitchen.
"Do I need dress clothes for a formal breakfast?"
Simmie shrugged, "You do if you're at a gentry estate and your upper nobility, so I am certain you do. You will need white-tie, though, for an informal breakfast. I am sure you can get one of the footmen to make you a set. You know what your mother said about arguing with Smaul."
Brinus put one of the patches on his right arm over the shoulder.
The happy mood soured faster than milk in the Tanzo Desert. The Tanzo Dessert was the Hottest area in Saffron. Temperatures regularly reach up to 120 degrees, and it only rained once every 250 years.
He cussed and threw his toothbrush into the sink, "I don't wonna talk about Smaul."
"What?"
He slammed his hands on the vanity and began screaming. "I need a fuckin' cigarette; my fuckin' mouth hurts; the nic fit don't help; I need…"
Simmie left the apartment as Brinus ranted. This issue would have to be sorted out between him and his brother. He certainly was not going to put himself in the crossfire. Besides, the patches prevented him from going into full withdrawal, but he needed smoke.
Twenty minutes later, he walked out into the dining room in a black-tie tuxedo and black dress shoes.
Marci put her pad down and looked at Brinus. "How would you like to give out licenses to commit crimes and letters of marque today?"
He cocked an eyebrow and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Really? You've only known me fer four days, and I hit my brother on the first night."
Marci looked over her reading glasses. "I will admit you do have some rough edges." She quietly crossed her ankles and sighed.
Brinus shrugged and laughed, "I ain't much of a politician, but I'll try."
The duchess smiled and then grinned from ear to ear. "You'll learn. Also, depending on how you do today, I may enroll you in some public speaking courses." She laughed with Brinus and slapped him on the shoulder.
"What is wrong with Smaul?" He finally asked, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes.
The duchess put her pad down and looked at Brinus.
"What do you mean?"
Brinus sat down and began biting his nails and rocking back and forth. "There are only two ways an eighteen-year-old is that toxic. They have to be born like that, or they're addicted to drugs. Is it rage or bath spice?"
"It started two years ago with eye drops and then escalated with alcohol. He uses the eye drops rage. Anyway, I want you to sign a few documents."
She reached for her pad and handed it to Brinus. He had a hard time holding the digipen because his hands shook from nicotine withdrawal. The patches kept him going through the worst of the symptoms and helped with the cravings.
"Now sign this."
Brinus signed the next document. It was a declaration of adoption.
"Now sign this."
The next document was the declaration of making him an heir and disinheriting Smaul.
Brinus signed that document.
"Now, sign this final document."
Brinus looked at the document. It was declaring him the Duke of District 12
Marci looked at the signatures. "Your signatures look terrible. Is it the AA Nicotine withdrawal?"
Brinus nodded.
"We will need to get these notarized later today, and I will submit these to the Senate."
Brinus left the breakfast room feeling good about himself. He was going to be a duke.