Shoshone Station: The Galactic Consortium season 2

Episode 8: the Sting #6

Jack liked Fox's solution. He had a real knack for reading people, and he was right—Sarah and Leela were a lot alike. There was just one small problem with his plan; it meant Jack got stuck with Representative Haughland. Lannister had hit the nail on the head; there was just something about her that rubbed Jack the wrong way.

It might just be Jack's East Coast heritage showing. Haughland represented Midwestern conservatism, and she did it well.

One of the courtyards on 14 above was home to the Temple of the Mother. Of course, it was just Jack's luck that they were having a service as he and Haughland walked past. The giant golden statue of a nearly naked mother goddess in a seated pose, her hands offering a blessing to her followers, was more than enough to draw a scowl from Haughland. The drumming and scantily clad dancers in front of it made her eyes narrow. "We are allowing this sort of thing?"

"They have freedom of religion," Jack said. "As do we. This is but one of the religions that exist within the Consortium."

"Well, I'm glad they have religion at least," Haughland sniffed. "A constituent contacted me the other day . . ." she began.

Jack was relieved for the change of subject.

"Her daughter came up here a couple weeks ago," she went on. "She wanted to know what sort of moral atmosphere this place had. She's worried about what sort of ideas her daughter will encounter up here. I can't say I haven't had the same concerns."

So, no change of subject. "I'm sure her daughter will be fine. The Consortium has always respected our culture as much as possible." More than people like you have respected theirs.

"Still, this is an American station, isn't it?"

"Look, there's a Starbucks," Jack said. "Just one of the many American business that has opened on the station. Would you like a coffee or something?"

She recited her coffee order, and Jack's opinion of her rose slightly. There was something about someone who knew their coffee order. He ordered and paid. "We are using their digital banking system?" she asked as she took the cup.

"Yes. We have an exchange, and there are a few places that will even take physical cash, but their system is a lot easier, trust me."

She snorted. "So our independence goes, because it's easier."

He didn't respond.

They found a local lift and went up to the next level, 15 above. The lift opened onto a court. Jack pointed out the plate-book store that Zeta frequented. It made him smile to think of how embarrassed she'd been when he first discovered her collection of Chiya-batu books. "They sell collector books. They've recently added a bunch of our books, paperbacks mostly. Our office is working hard to find a way that we can get eBooks into their network; we just need to iron out how we compensate our authors."

She nodded, and he hoped he'd scored a point with her. They continued down the court, Jack pointing out businesses and explaining what they did.

He coughed nervously and tried to skip over the courtesan's lounge. It had a wide-open front leading into a lounge filled with low chairs and tables. A couple sat at one table, talking to an older Hanuman woman. Negotiating a special evening, no doubt.

Haughland was staring at the lounge, her eyes narrowed, and Jack knew he wouldn't get around this easily.

"This is—" he began.

"Where those courtesan's work," she drawled out. She was staring directly at Mani. Mani was wearing a low-cut, flowing dress and drinking tea as she watched the court with a disinterested air. "I recognize her from the news." Before Jack could react, Haughland was striding across the court to talk to Mani.

He gave Mani a sheepish look as they approached. Haughland's gaze flickered between the two of them, and she turned her attention to Mani.

"This is a . . . brothel? Bordello?" Haughland asked, her voice pitching higher.

"This is a lounge," Mani said. "But it's a lounge where you can meet a courtesan and negotiate service if you wish. Do you wish?"

Haughland gave her an affronted look.

"I'll take that as a no," Mani said. She looked cool and collected. Jack, on the other hand, was sweating.

"Do you know who I am?" Haughland asked.

"I haven't had the pleasure."

"This is Representative Julie Anne Haughland. From the surface."

"Representative?" Mani asked.

"Like a council member," Jack supplied. "She's been elected by her local area to represent their interest in the State of Colorado." He wasn't sure how to describe her position without a lecture on American Civics.

"A government official," Mani said with a nod. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"I am touring the station," Haughland said. "As I'm sure you are aware, they are wanting to open a brothel on the lower levels of this station."

"I'd heard something about that," Mani said. "But it's not associated with this lounge in any way."

"And your current clientele is exclusively Consortium, I understand."

"Mostly."

"Mostly? Just how many American clients do you have?"

"My client list is private."

"I'm here on government business," Haughland scoffed. "I'm just trying to get a handle on this. How many Americans are involved in these . . . services?"

Mani held firm. "As I said, my client list is private. You may ask the other courtesans, if you wish. But I am sure they will give the same answer."

Haughland wasn't happy with this response, but she allowed Jack to lead her away. They went to Treeka's noodle stand, which had become one of the "must see" places on the station. But Haughland wasn't in the mood to be impressed with either Treeka himself or the open court with its view of the stars.

Just when Jack thought the incident with Mani was behind them, Haughland commented, "You know that woman?"

Jack started; he didn't like her tone. "It's a small station. We are currently less than five thousand residents. And at least half of them have come up since December. Those here from the start are becoming familiar. In fact, there is Councilwoman Devansha now." Jack waved at the councilwoman to join them. She was a minor member on the council, in truth, but she and Haughland managed to strike up a conversation about working in government.

Jack sat back in his chair and nodded, grateful for the distraction.