The Academy

Chapter One

The time has come for you to uphold the honorable name of Jameson. I have enrolled you in The Royal Academy for the last two years of your education and from there, you should get a commission in the Space Corps with ease. I fully expect you’ll be commanding your own ship by the time you’re twenty.

The words filled my heart to bursting, excitement bubbling up inside me like the fizz in a carbo drink from Earth-that-was. There was only one problem—they were meant for my twin brother, Kristopher, not for me.

Kristopher and I were the closest of siblings. Years of chronic lung disease as a child had kept my brother home and I had stayed with him instead of being sent to a charm school for privileged young ladies and married off, like others of my social class and sex. I had taken classes alongside Kristopher from the first, although I was a woman and, to my father’s way of thinking, not worth educating. But my brother worked better with me beside him, a fact not lost on his many tutors. Now, though, he was going where I could not follow. Taking classes in the comfort of one’s home was vastly different from enrolling in the Academy.

Father, no. My brother’s mild brown eyes grew large with horror. "I cannot go to the Academy now—not when Maestro says my technique is almost perfected. I need to practice for hours each day. I can work my lessons into my practice time here, with my tutors, but I am quite sure that wouldn’t be possible at the Academy."

Our father frowned, his face filling the viewscreen which hung over the fireplace like a thundercloud. I only allowed you to start that music nonsense in the first place because you were too sickly for school. But my physician tells me you’re sound now—completely fit. As there is no longer any need for such idle distractions, I expect you to drop it immediately.

Drop it? Kristopher’s face went pale. "Drop it? But Father, soon I’ll be eligible to audition for a chair in the First System Orchestra and Maestro thinks I have a really good chance of—"

I said you will drop it and drop it you will! My father’s eyes, the same dark brown as my brother’s and my own, blazed with anger. What good is having a son to carry on my name if he does not honor it in the correct fashion? There are four Star Commanders in our family and two Fleet Admirals, including myself. You will continue that proud tradition as you should.

But Father— Kristopher began.

I know you are capable, our father continued, ignoring my brother’s protests. Your Astro Navigation tutor has told me what excellent work you do and your Inter-dimensional Calculus teacher says he has never seen such a prodigy. I expect you to be at the top of your classes.

Kristopher and I exchanged a glance. I was the one who had excellent marks in Astro Navigation and Inter-dimensional Calculus . I did almost all the work his tutors assigned to him in order to give him more time with his precious violin. The one thing I could not do for him was his physical education classes. But even there his tutor had been lenient, teaching me to fence and fight alongside Kristopher because he requested it, saying that having his twin sister nearby made him feel stronger. And now we were about to be separated forever.

Father probably wouldn’t have let me stay with Kristopher in the first place if our mother had not died soon after our birth. Being raised by a succession of tutors and nannies had made my brother and I cling together and form a bond much closer than that of most siblings. Often I had shored up my brother’s failing health, getting him through one medical crisis after another through sheer force of will. But now that his lungs were strong and healthy, my father thought no more of separating us and casting me aside than he did of sending my brother to a school he was unfitted for—one he would surely hate. The honor of our family name was all he cared about—all he had ever cared about.

Father, you cannot do this, I said, stepping forward and placing myself between my brother and the viewscreen. "Music isn’t just a pastime or diversion to Kristopher, it is his life. He doesn’t want to be a Star Commander or an Admiral."

Silence, young lady! Father’s face went nearly purple with rage. You have nothing to do with this.

"I have everything to do with it. I lifted my chin. I love Kristopher as you do not—as you cannot since you haven’t been to see us since our twelfth birthday."

Father glared at me. My duties to the Corps keep me busy, as you well know. Besides, between tutors and nannies and butlers and maids, I pay out enough money keeping the two of you in style—

Money isn’t love, Father, I interrupted quietly. I love Kristopher and want what is best for him—going into the Royal Academy and the Space Corps would make him miserable.

Get out of the way and let him speak for himself, Father demanded. Kristopher, stop hiding behind your sister like a coward!

Reluctantly, my brother stood and took his place by my side. "Father, what Kristina says is right. I have no head for flight coordinates and no stomach for commanding other men. I only want to play and compose. Please, Father."

Father’s eyes flicked angrily from one to the other of us. "Disgusting, the both of you! When I think of the trouble I have gone to, engaging the very best tutors to get Kristopher ready for this moment…and now that he is finally fit and able to uphold our family honor, what thanks do I get? This…this sniveling display of cowardice and self-pity! Well, enough."

Father, Kristopher and I said together but he was truly enraged now, angrier than I had ever seen him.

You, he roared, pointing to Kristopher, Will report to the Academy in two days time. If you do not, I will come myself and hunt you down. Though I warn you, if I have to do that the consequences will be severe. He glowered at my brother and then turned his rage on me. ‘’And as for you, young lady, it’s high time you were married. Seventeen is a bit old for a girl to pledge her troth, to be sure, but I’ll be looking for a suitable match for you, never fear. And I’ll be certain to find someone with a firm hand who can control you."

My heart seemed to leap into my throat. Surely he couldn’t mean it! I had been allowed to go so far past the marriageable age of fifteen without even talk of an engagement that I had hoped I would escape that fate entirely. But now it seemed that my freedom had been only an illusion—a prelude to the inevitable conclusion of matrimony. I knew what kind of man my father would choose—one who lacked a sense of humor, who felt it was his God-given right to discipline his wife and keep her in line. And likely one as old as he was.

Please, Father, I said, my lips almost too dry to speak. I…I don’t want to get married.

No doubt you do not, he sneered. Don’t worry, Kristina, I’m going to be busy with my latest mission for at least the next few years—and I’m sure it will take me at least that long to find a man who will overlook your willful ways. But rest assured, by the time Kristopher graduates and gets his first command, you will be saying your vows. He looked at both of us. "In short, Kristopher, you will report to the administrative office of the Academy first thing Monday morning. And Kristina, you will marry when and who I say. I’ll have no more backtalk from my children. Is that understood?"

There was nothing more we could do. Clutching hands like children lost in the woods, Kristopher and I nodded. Yes, Father, we murmured together.

Good. Father nodded briefly and then the viewscreen went blank.

The moment I was sure his presence was gone from our comfortable sitting room, I began to rage. How dare he! I dropped Kristopher’s hand and started pacing, my long skirts making a swishing noise like angry snakes around my legs. "How dare he try to dictate our lives?"

"He isn’t just trying, Kristina, he is doing it. Kristopher sank into the worn, velvet brocade couch before the fireplace and buried his face in his hands. What are we going to do? If I miss my chance now, I’ll never get it again. Maestro says there are always younger, hungrier players eager to audition for seats in the First System Orchestra."

"At least you won’t be married to a man you don’t love—don’t even know, I pointed out bitterly. I’m going to be stuck somewhere having a stranger’s babies while you explore the stars."

Kristopher looked up at me and shook his head. I am sorry, dear sister. Truly, your fate is worse than mine though mine is bad enough. At least I shall not be subjected to marrying someone I don’t love.

Indeed you won’t. I stared into the crackling orange and yellow flames of the fire. Father won’t care what you do in your love life so long as you excel at the Academy.

But how can I? my brother demanded. I don’t know the first thing about Inter-dimensional Calculus or flight dynamics or anything like that.

"I tried to teach you, I reminded him. But you always say you have to practice and then wander off with your violin."

I should have listened to you when you warned this day might come. He shook his head. But I’ve never had a head for all those numbers and formulas—not like you, Kris. He sighed. Sometimes I feel we were switched into the wrong skins at birth. If I were female, no one would care if I wanted to stay home all day and play music.

And if I were male, no one would think twice about admitting me to the Academy or the Space Corps, I said, continuing his thought.

Indeed. Kristopher heaved another sigh. If only we could switch places.

An idea began to form in my mind. Slowly, I turned to him. Why shouldn’t we?

Kristopher frowned at me uncertainly. Why shouldn’t we what? What are you talking about?

We’ll switch places. Don’t you see? I jumped up and grabbed his hands, pulling him to his feet. It’s perfect! I’ll dress up as you and go to the Royal Academy.

"While I dress up as you? I don’t think so, sister dear." Kristopher frowned and tried to withdraw his hands.

I held him fast, not letting him go. Silly, you don’t have to dress like me—just keep to your room and practice, I told him. "None of the servants know of Father’s plan and I’m sure you can get Maestro to go along with the scheme—he says you’re the best student he’s had in years and he won’t want to lose you. The only way anything will get back to Father is if you don’t report to the administrative office first thing Monday. As long as I show up, posing as you, no one will be the wiser."

I don’t know, Kristina… He shook his head. Do you really think you could pull off such a scheme?

"I know I could, I said firmly. I pulled him over to the wall and placed us both before the large, oval antique mirror on the sitting room wall. Look, I said, nodding at our reflections in the silvered glass. Everyone is always saying how much we look alike—I can even wear your clothes. You’re only an inch or two taller than I and your shoulders aren’t that much broader."

It was quite true. Both my brother and I had our mother’s slender build and our father’s dark brown eyes. We had the same pale skin and delicate features and if Kristopher’s hair was a little lighter than my own blue-black tresses, the difference was only noticeable to ourselves. To outsiders we looked enough alike to be identical twins instead of fraternal—providing we were dressed alike, of course.

Kristopher gave me a look. Thank you, dear sister, he said sourly. For reminding me of what a runt I am.

"But a talented runt, I said, grinning at him. And I don’t intend to let you waste that talent on something as boring as flying among the stars."

Especially when you’d rather be doing it yourself. Kristopher tweaked my nose affectionately. I still don’t know, though. What about your chest?

I looked down at my breasts—so small they barely made two bumps, like under-ripe peaches under my bodice. I don’t think it should be a problem. But I’ll bind myself with bandages to be on the safe side. I looked at our reflections again. I’ll have to cut my hair of course. Gathering my heavy waves of ebony hair, I pulled them away from my face and studied myself critically. Yes, I think with a nice short cut and some of your breeches I should be able to pass myself off as you with no problem.

But if we’re caught… My brother took me by the shoulders and looked at me earnestly. I can’t let you, Kris. The penalty for fraud is court-martial and imprisonment. Not to mention what Father would do to the both of us.

He’d send me to a convent, I said coolly. Which is still better than marrying some ugly old man I don’t love. As for you…

I’d be disowned, I’m sure, Kristopher said. Probably wind up playing on the street corner for money.

No, you won’t, I said, lifting my chin. "You’re going to get that seat in the orchestra. And I am going to learn to pilot a starship. By the time we’re found out, you’ll have a musical career well underway and I’ll have the skills to apply for work in the private sector."

The private sector? You’d want to work there, with all the pirates and thieves? Kristopher looked at me doubtfully.

At least they don’t turn up their noses at a woman pilot, I pointed out. You know, your history tutor was telling me just the other day that women had many more rights and privileges on Earth-that-was. It’s only because of the Near Extinction when so many women died out the entire human race was in jeopardy, that we lost them. The Female Protection Law that was enacted during the move to space was originally meant to preserve us but now it binds us too tightly. I don’t think it’s right that we’re treated as second class citizens simply because we’re a bit smaller than men. We’re every bit as smart and resourceful, you know.

Or in your case, smarter. Kristopher caught me in his arms and held me tight. My brilliant sister, he murmured, pressing a kiss to my cheek. Are you really willing to take this risk for me?

I closed my eyes and thought about the risks—court marshal, disgrace, imprisonment, and of course, dishonor to the family name which was all my father would really care about. Then I thought of the alternative—spending my life locked away in some dreary mansion with a crusty old man and his squalling brats. Really, there was no contest.

I returned my brother’s hug. Absolutely, I said. Let’s do it.

Chapter Two

The Royal Academy was located on Ares, the fourth moon of Zeus, which was the sixth planet in our solar system. When humans left Earth-that-was because the sun was dying, they searched long and hard before finding another system that would support life. Two of the six planets were in the habitable zone around the medium-sized yellow star we called Prometheus. One was covered in liquid methane and the other was a huge gas giant with rings, much like the planet Saturn from our first solar home. Luckily, both of them had many habitable moons. This was where humanity had settled after their long voyage, strung out along the ring of moons like pearls on a chain.

My home and Kristopher’s was located on Dianna, the third moon of Hera, the methane planet. The journey on the inter-system shuttle to Ares took most of the morning but I didn’t mind. I watched with interest as the pilot boarded the shuttle and entered his secured compartment. I couldn’t understand the bored look on his face. Flying from one moon to another was exciting—Kristopher and I had only ever been to another moon once when our father took us to a show on Gaia for our twelfth birthday. This is what I want, I thought, looking though the clear plastiglass window which showed the vast ringed side of Zeus looming near. To fly, to explore, to be free. And if this is the only way to do it, I’ll take my chances.

I looked at my reflection in the window and ran my fingers through my newly shortened mane. Kristopher had actually shed a few tears as he cut it—he loved my long hair and was sorry to see it go. Much sorrier than I was. Afterward he folded the heavy, blue-black length carefully and stored it in a small box under his bed.

Why are you keeping that? I had asked him, frowning. It seemed a pointless gesture.

Kristopher shrugged, his cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. It smells like you—you always smell of flowers. Flowers and apples and sunshine.

Flowers and apples and sunshine? I had burst out laughing. Truly?

Kristopher nodded. "I shall miss that scent. And your laugh. And the way you can always jolly me out of a bad mood. Oh, Kristina, I shall miss you."

I shall miss you too. My voice had trembled as I realized we were saying our goodbyes. We were going to be parted for the first time in our lives. And not for an hour or a day but for months and months. How could I bear to be apart from my brother and best friend so long?

The scene had gotten tearful on both sides at that point. Turning away from the window, I decided it was best not to remember. Still, when I blinked, droplets of moisture clung to my eyelashes. Angrily, I pressed my sleeve—the sleeve of one of Kristopher’s old jackets—to my eyes. It wouldn’t do to start my new life like this. I had to be strong, masculine. Though I hadn’t been around many men in my life, I knew enough of them to know that they would take me for weak and girly if I cried. And that could be my downfall.

No crying, I told myself sternly as the shuttle docked and the passengers around me rose and gathered their belongings. No crying and no going back. This is it.

Taking a deep breath, I got up and grabbed my single canvas rucksack. I hadn’t brought much—a few sets of Kristopher’s old clothes and some mementos of home. Tucked into the toe of one of my slippers was a year’s supply of flow-dots—tiny but powerful hygiene items which could be inserted to absorb an entire female monthly cycle and then disposed of discreetly. In the toe of the other slipper were some extra bandages for binding my small breasts. I was ready for anything—or so I told myself.

As for the standard issue navy blue Royal Academy uniform, I would be supplied with several as well as a pair of boots once I got to the Academy. I just hoped they had my rather diminutive size in stock.

I took an air-cab which let me out at the front gates of the Academy. The huge iron panels loomed over my small frame as though trying to intimidate me. They were covered in ornate scrollwork with the words, Honor, Integrity, Courage emblazoned across their front in red titanium script.

Well, I thought, stepping up to the guard’s booth and rapping on the tiny window, I suppose one out of three isn’t bad. It might not be very honest or truthful of me to come here pretending to be my brother but it certainly took courage. If the guard looked too closely at the holo-pic my father had sent of Kristopher and decided it wasn’t quite right, my time at the Royal Academy would be over before it started.

But the butterflies in my stomach turned out to be all for nothing. The guard barely looked up from his vid tablet before waving me through. The massive gates creaked and yawned wide and I took the fateful steps which were the beginning of my new life.

It was surprisingly hard to walk past the gates and onto the campus which was to be my home but once I got started, I found I was able to keep on. Forgetting some of my trepidation, I looked around with interest.

It wasn’t hard to find the Administration building—it was the first large structure on the right of the gray, marbleized road as I entered the Academy’s complex. To the left were a series of red brick buildings covered in the stately black ivy native to this moon. The black leaves were shiny, reflecting the sunlight. Periodically, along the thick vines, large waxy white flowers with blood red centers bloomed—I knew from the reading I had done these were Blood and Honor Blossoms, the symbol of the Academy.

The grass covering the ground on either side of the road was deep indigo and clipped short with military precision. The sky above was a pale golden blue and Zeus loomed large on the horizon, its many rings displayed to perfection. The sun, Prometheus, was a smaller, brighter dot high above. Despite its presence in the sky, there was a faint chill in the air which made me shiver inside my borrowed jacket. Or maybe I was shivering because of the deception I was about to attempt.

Well, no point putting it off. Taking a deep breath, I held my head high and walked quickly down the road, trying to make sure my stride was long and my arms swung free. I had to move like a man, talk like a man, eat and sleep and think like a man, I reminded myself. I tried to remember how my father walked and copy his decisive, masculine movements but it felt awkward after years of being schooled in the feminine graces by well-meaning nannies and governesses. I was lucky my voice was low for a girl—a natural alto. I only had to concentrate a little to deepen it to a passable imitation of a masculine tone. As for my features, they were still too delicate but my short hair went a long way toward the illusion that I was male—I hoped, anyway.

As I climbed the steps of the Administration building, I saw a group of cadets standing to one side, about halfway up. They were all wearing navy blue uniforms with the Blood and Honor Blossom emblazoned above the heart. The uniforms were crumpled and their ties were crooked but the gold braid on their shoulders let me know they were upperclassmen—fourth-form students—and the forbidding looks on their faces told me I should keep my distance.

So what’s gonna happen? one of them asked, sucking hard on a stumpy blue nico-stick he was holding. The cloud of smoke hanging over his head smelled like dirty socks.

Dunno. Nothing much. Chauser knows my dad would have him sacked in a heartbeat if he rides me too hard, answered the largest student. Here, gimme some. He took the nico-stick and puffed, blowing the foul smelling smoke all over. I tried not to gag and kept moving.

Their accents sounded strange to me, almost like slang. I wondered if that was the way people spoke on Ares or if it was just common to the Academy. Kristopher and I had grown up speaking much more formally but then, we had been classically trained in several different languages by his many tutors.

Hey look at that—fresh meat, one of them said as I walked past their group. What are you looking at, freshie?

I realized I had been staring at them and looked quickly down at my shoes. Nothing, I mumbled, hoping my voice was low enough to avoid suspicion.

Yeah, you better keep walking, the largest student growled. And keep your eyes on the ground. Be a shame if you tripped, wouldn’t it.

An oversized boot was suddenly thrust right in my path. I did trip, and nearly fell, only managing to save myself at the last minute with a quick jump to the next step.

Hey! I couldn’t keep the anger from my voice as I looked up at the bully’s face. He was big and bulky inside the navy blue uniform and his coarse brown hair was clipped very short, showing a pinkish scalp beneath. The small, piggy eyes glaring back into mine were the color of mud.

"Hey," he mimicked, making his voice high and mocking. You sound just like a girl, freshie. What’s the matter—your balls never dropped?

His comment left