Gin shook his head. “Not even a hint of it.”
“That’s good. For today, I think you should try summoning it, and then dismissing it. See if you can get it back inside your raikko.”
“Sure, Captain.” But he sounded doubtful.
“You think it can’t be done?”
The mechanic lifted his shoulders. “When my spark got to the point I could feel it, my rubber bands never helped.”
“How did you get it to go away?”
“Wait it out. Usually it dissipated after twelve hours or so.”
Lian grimaced. Having his lead mechanic out of commission for so long wasn’t an option. “If it dissipated at all, then there’s a chance you can mentally contain it. Your thoughts are strong, Gin. You have the power within yourself.”
Gin’s lips curved up at those words. The man had to be attention-starved from growing up in a home where he wasn’t appreciated. It was a shame. He was brilliant, and hardworking, and so determined. If his sister had only focused on his good qualities his life could have been completely different.
And then he wouldn’t be here, sitting across from you, smiling like you’re Pip made flesh.
Maybe Trish was right and Gin did have feelings for him. However, it likely only happened because Lian was the first person to praise him. He would not take advantage of the situation.
Lian reached over to the table and pulled out an old click. “I have this here for emergencies. If you feel you cannot get control of your spark, you can discharge it into this. But I don’t want you do to that unless it’s our only option.”
Gin nodded.
“Now, close your eyes. Focus on your body. Tune everything else out. Think of your spark. Feel it within you.”
Lian fell silent and inspected Gin. The mechanic’s body relaxed, shoulders losing their rigidity. His closed eyes lost the tension they usually carried. Even his mouth took on the hint of a smile, as if it were his default expression.
When Lian had first seen Gin at the decrepit bar in Tallahassee, he’d recognized Gin’s good looks. With the gray walls of the Bethany behind him, he was more pleasing. Lian had never crossed the line between personal and private with anyone on this ship. His sexual encounters, while pleasurable, were usually someone picked up at an officers’ bar. Someone around his same level, with no strings attached. Trish’s crazy idea from yesterday put the thought in his mind.
Gin was interesting, there was no better word to describe him. He drew Lian’s gaze because the mechanic’s actions and words were constantly unpredictable. He could anticipate what Trish would say in most situations. Same with Doc, Candi, and the other officers he spent any amount of time with. But Gin… confused him.
“It’s not working,” Gin said, and opened his eyes.
Lian gave a start, but refrained from averting his eyes. To do so would give away his guilt. “You mean you can’t summon the spark? Or you can’t get it to go back.”
“It’s not there. I’ve tried and tried, but it’s like it doesn’t even exist.”
Lian lifted a finger to his lips. “Maybe discharging it yesterday wore it out. I can’t recall if the book gave a time frame of how quickly the raikko refills.”
Gin nodded. “For adolescents, two to three days. But for adults, it typically refills in two to three hours. Mine should be fine.” He frowned and rubbed his hands on the chair’s arms. “I don’t know what else to do.”
“Maybe we should—”
“Captain,” Candi said through the call badge. “You have a call from Alpha Mimasho.”
“Damn,” he muttered. Then louder, “Send it to my room.” He got to his feet and looked down at Gin. “I’m going to answer this. Keep trying, okay? Don’t give up.”
Gin smiled. “Sure, Captain.”
Before leaving, Lian set the click on the arm of Gin’s chair.
In the com room, the green light flashed next to the screen. Lian pushed it and the Alpha’s face appeared.
“Alpha Mimasho,” Lian said, placing his fist to his forehead—the formal Dalmin greeting. First Capillto had introduced Lian to all his Alphas, the other leaders on the council. Telundi Sulenti Mimasho was the only female in the group. Her face, while still long and pointed, had a softer curve around her eye notches. Her skin was also a light pink, instead of the translucent purple of the male Dalmin.
“Captain Hartford,” she answered, placing her massive hand over her chest—the Regulation salute. “I apologize for the delay in our communication. There was an assassination attempt on First Capillto.”
Lian kept his features relaxed, but allowed urgency to touch his tone. “Is he well?”
“He is alive, though wounded. As I stand second in the council, it was decided I would speak to you today.”
Lian dipped his head to her. “Please pass along my regards to First Capillto and my wish for his recovery.”
“We thank you, Captain.”
“Was the attack from one of the rebel beshwa?”
“Yes, the Gorsho are believed to be the culprits. They had a laser gun. This technology is not from our planet. We have no way to combat it if the Gorsho and Velloro attack in numbers. We must beg you for your help.”
Lian’s mind went into overdrive, thinking of the pros and cons of arming a humanoid race. The list was too numerous for him to decide how he felt on the subject.
“A decision like this would not be made by me, Alpha. The Federation Senate would vote, and I could not say how they would side on this issue. We desire for our races to be tied more closely, but to aid you in a civil war is not our typical way.”
“We are not in a civil war,” she snapped. Her pink skin took on a darker hue. “The two beshwa are in rebellion.”
“If it is not war, then you have no need for weapons.”
Her mouth, a thin line at the bottom of her chin, opened, but then shut quickly. After a moment’s pause, she said, “Perhaps civil war is common to humans, but we have never had one in all our recorded history. We will not jump to conclusions and brand the rebels in such a way.”
If Capillto’s injuries were worse than she let on, he could die and leave her in charge. Lian hoped that wouldn’t be the case, as he and Capillto had conversed many times over the past six months—eight months with the wormhole’s loss—and they’d become more casual with each other. If Mimasho took over, all that hard work would be erased. Still, he had to plan for the situation. He wouldn’t lose all that ground without a fight.
“There has not been a civil war on Earth in over two hundred years, but I see your point. While the Dalmin conquered other races, humanity focused on defeating themselves. We’ve seen the turmoil caused when daughter fights father and brother battles sister. Because of this, we strive to be an example of a united race. Plights like the Dalmin face now are what we can help ease.”
“So you will give us what we ask?”
“I will pass along your request to Admiral Alejaro and she will judge if it presents a strong enough case for the senate. As I told First Capillto, the Federation doesn’t wish to enter a contract that will not apply to all Dalmin.”
“I will think on your words, Captain. And I will pass on your regards to Capillto. We will be in touch soon.”
The screen’s feed cut off.
Lian sighed and sank into his chair. He would pass this on to Alejaro, but he knew what she would say. If the rebels were not excised from the Dalmin, they would not offer aid. She’d been very clear on this subject when Capillto first mentioned it. However, with Capillto, he seemed ready to sever the bonds with the Gorsho and Velloro. Mimasho obviously did not. Perhaps there were more than just those two beshwa who wanted Capillto out.
After taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, Lian returned to his study. He found Gin sitting in the chair with his eyes shut. A soft snore escaped the mechanic’s open mouth and a small droplet of saliva dripped from the corner.
There was an innocence about him that intrigued Lian. Growing
up in that small town made him ignorant of the world’s ways. So far, he’d considered it a bad thing. But now, maybe it wasn’t so. Perhaps being optimistic had its purpose. Lian prepared for the worst case in every situation he entered. It was exhausting, but necessary. In his role, he couldn’t afford to let anyone outmaneuver him. Maybe here on the ship, with a man who was willing, he could try being positive.
Lian gently touched Gin’s shoulder. The mechanic gave a start, then quickly lifted his jacket sleeve to his mouth. “Captain? Did I fall asleep?”
“You must have. And I wasn’t even gone for that long. You’re probably too tired to try this right now. Maybe that’s why your spark didn’t want to come out.”
Gin yawned. “Maybe.”
“Go get some sleep and we’ll try again tomorrow.”
“You sure?”
Lian nodded. He still hadn’t removed his hand from Gin’s shoulder. The mechanic noticed too and his face went scarlet. Fighting a smile, Lian pulled away.
“How did the meeting with the Dalmin go?” Gin asked as he stood up. He shuffled his feet around and would barely meet Lian’s eyes.
“Not so great. But it’s too long a story.”
“Oh, above my pay grade, huh?”
“No, I’ll tell you tomorrow if you want to know.”
“Yeah, apparently I’m interested in humanoid culture.”
This time, Lian did allow the smile to touch his lips.
Gin grinned too, then his face went a darker shade. “I better go.” Without waiting for another word, Gin rushed to the door.
With him out of the room, Lian chuckled softly. Maybe he was ready to try. Maybe.
Chapter 19
GIN’S HEART raced. With his eyes closed, he was supposed to be focusing on his spark, but that was the furthest thing from his mind. This was his fourth session with the captain, and his third in a row to fail. That initial success had gotten his hopes up, thinking he’d have this solved in no time. Perhaps it was Lian’s presence that distracted Gin.
“Still nothing?” Lian asked.
Gin opened his eyes and regretfully shook his head. How soon before the captain decided this was a waste of his time and pushed Gin off onto someone else?
As if he read Gin’s thoughts, Lian smiled and reached out a hand to grip Gin’s knee. “Don’t get discouraged. This is all new to you. Did I tell you it took me the better part of a year to master my shifting? These things take time, especially when you’re forced to do it as an adult. A child’s mind is more malleable than an adult’s. It’s hard for someone who’s set in their ways to overcome this obstacle. But I know you will, Gin.”
It was so hard not to be swayed by Lian’s words. He effortlessly instilled Gin with confidence. It made his heartbeat increase even more.
“We’d better call it a day,” Lian said. And did he sound regretful? “We can pick up again tomorrow.”
“Are you sure, Captain? I hate to keep you from your other duties.”
Lian smiled, and this time Gin was sure his eye color shifted. Usually, they were bright green, like emerald, but occasionally when he grinned like that, they went pale. Like mint, or seafoam. Something cool and confident and beautiful.
“I don’t mind, Gin. I’ll admit I’ve grown curious. I’m determined to see this through to the end.”
Gin fought a giddy laugh. He didn’t want Lian to see him so obviously pleased. “Yes, sir. Then I’ll be back tomorrow.” He stood and started for the door, but Lian’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. Gin turned back toward the captain.
Lian blinked several times, his hesitation clear.
“Captain?”
“Would you like to have dinner with me in my room tonight?”
Gin nodded before he completely processed the question. He would have answered yes to anything. When Lian’s words finally filtered into his brain, his nod became emphatic. “Yes. I’d like that a lot, Captain.”
“Good. I’ll see you then.”
Lian released his hold and Gin turned toward the door again. No other words were said, so Gin left the com room and went to the elevator. He rode it down to Common. As usual, a long line waited for the com stations, so Gin joined the queue behind Orious.
“Calling home?” he asked Orious.
The other man saluted before answering. “Yes, I’m calling my wife. We had our first baby over the summer and I like to check in on them as often as possible.”
Gin smiled. “Must be hard being away when you’ve got a little one at home.”
“It is. But working for KedFed keeps food on the table. We can’t complain.”
“You went to the academy?”
“No. I was working in a garage, like you. But the pay is more working for the Federation. We want to have a large family, so more money is a good thing.”
“This is your first mission?”
Orious didn’t smile, Gin had never seen him smile, but his face became less pinched. “No, my second. And being up here is amazing. A plus to being away from my family.” A com opened and Orious hurried to it.
Gin moved forward along the wall.
Another station opened and Gin sat in the chair in front of the screen. How long had it been since he’d called Temmy? Had she seen Dr. Lisst? Did she have her results? He realized he’d been putting off calling her, afraid of what her answer would be.
Her face appeared on the screen after a moment and a grin spread over her face when she saw it was him.
“Hi, Gin! How are you doing?”
“I’m good, Temmy. How are things there?”
She shrugged and he noticed her hair was shorter. It hung to her shoulders instead of down her back, like his. “You know, the usual.”
“Your hair looks nice.”
She picked up a lock from the front and twisted it around her finger. “Thanks. I was ready for a change.”
He hated to jump right into it, but he couldn’t wait a second longer. “You saw Dr. Lisst?”
“Yeah.” She pinched her lips.
“And?”
“She can confirm we have mixed blood.”
Gin felt the blood drain from his face. He put a hand on the desk to keep from falling over. His voice, when he could get the words out, was soft and hurt. “They lied?”
“No, Gin. We don’t know that for sure. When we were little, Dr. Lisst said there was no reason to check. Mom and Dad might not have known.”
Gin shook his head, the sorrow morphing to anger. “They had to. Hell and high heaven, Temmy. I was nearly electrocuted. They had to wonder. They had to have tests done.”
She hesitated. “We can’t be sure, Gin. There’s no way to ask them.”
He shut his eyes and took a deep breath. She was right, but it didn’t temper his fury. All this time, he could have known what he was. Who he was. He could have had time to master his spark instead of almost blowing up things in the garage.
Damn it! So much could be different. I could be different.
“Gin,” she said gently. “We can’t change what happened. What matters is we know now and we can deal with it.”
He couldn’t put it so easily aside, but he didn’t want her to know the depth this wound went. “How did Dr. Lisst handle it? Everyone still treating you okay?”
“Yeah, everyone’s fine. Of course, the next day the whole town knew. But no one cares, Gin. They know me and trust me. Nothing’s changed.”
“That’s good.”
“So tell me about what’s happening there.”
“I’ve fallen in love with the captain.” He hadn’t meant the words to come out.
Temmy’s eyes were nearly as wide as his.
“You what?”
“I, uh, nothing. Forget I mentioned anything.”
She shut her eyes and shook her head. “Oh, Gin. You are a fool.”
“Hey! Just because I’m a couple hundred light-years away doesn’t mean I won’t make you pay when I get back home.”
Her brows shot up. “A
nd what makes you think I won’t make you pay for making me pay?”
With a soft chuckle he said, “It was a joke, Temmy. But still, you shouldn’t be mean.”
“I’m not mean. Of all people to develop feelings for, you had to pick the man who was this close to throwing you in jail.” She held her fingers up to the screen, showing her thumb a millimeter away from her pointer finger. “I’m still not sure you won’t go to jail.”
Gin shrugged. “I’m not worrying about it now.”
“You really are in love. How’s he feel about you?”
A pleasant squirm fluttered in his stomach. “Honestly, I think I’m growing on him.”
“Gin, that’s something a fungus does, not a love interest. You’re probably misinterpreting his being lenient.”
“Maybe.”
She took a deep breath, then said all in a rush, “Listen, Gin. I am sorry that you left here on such bad terms. Dr. Lisst has told me some things about what our mixed blood can do. There’s a chance you weren’t responsible for all the accidents around the garage.”
“Don’t worry about it, Temmy. I’m glad things happened the way they did. It’s like it all happened for a reason.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve picked up religion.”
He laughed. “No. But I can still look on the bright side of the situation. Lian may decide to put me in jail. Finding out the truth about our heritage is worth it. Hell, seeing the engines in the Bethany is worth it. I’m happy no matter what happens.”
“That’s a good way to look at it. If they do put you in jail, I’ll sell the garage to put up your bail.”
“I don’t think they give you that option in federal prison. But thanks for the thought. I need to go now, Temmy. I’ll call you in a few days.”
“Okay. Don’t be a stranger.”
He hung up and sighed. Did Mom and Dad know? There had to be a way to find out. But only once he was back on Earth. For now, all he had to do was concentrate on learning to control his spark.
Chapter 20
FOR THE first time since coming aboard the Bethany, the engines didn’t hold Gin’s attention. His thoughts focused on Lian, his intense eyes, his professional demeanor that slipped to show his softer side.
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