Bashar’s eyes twinkled at the display.
Merek felt that something was afoot. He didn’t know what because Bashar had dismissed him from the cellar excursion. That had made him uneasy.
“Your lompir will make a splendid addition to my herd, Bashar.” Khalib nodded at the young lord.
Bashar held up a hand. “I’m glad my gift pleases you. And, I’m delighted with the bottle of t’aile you gifted me.”
Khalib shifted in his seat, a man with a proposition in mind. Even Merek could feel it coming.
“The young one… Sousi. Is she really the granddaughter of Shenji T’Kai, ruler of the Ching T’Karre?”
“Yes, a most important man.” Bashar nodded, eyes serious and demeanor stern. “He dotes on her.”
Merek worried about Khalib’s interest in Sousi, but all he could do for now was watch, wait, and sip t’aile.
Khalib’s brow wrinkled in thought. He sighed. “Your visit hasn’t been solely of one neighbor calling on the other. I know you know I have two Terrans whom I have purchased at great expense. You have an interest in them.”
Merek noted the words were said as fact, not asked.
“I doubt their cost barely dented your vast fortune,” interjected Bashar as he sipped his t’aile and peered over its rim. The man resembled a cat playing with a mouse.
Khalib smoothed his kassock and raised his head. “They are important to certain individuals. I daresay Richard Steele would find them valuable. Also, that Terran wife of his would have a strong interest in reclaiming them.”
Bashar brushed back an unruly lock of dark hair. “Steele does not buy and sell humans, much less female alien invaders. Besides, one is old, and the other is a child. Both will drain your resources. You will find them expensive to maintain with little immediate return or pleasure.”
Khalib fidgeted. “The one is a bright child, and the other has golden hair, rare in the Ching T’Karre. As to their breeding potential, I’ll admit that is in question.”
Merek forced himself to sit still at such an outrageous statement while Bashar stared at the ceiling and took another slow sip. “Perhaps, if one even has the patience to wait for such possibilities.” Bashar paused and then continued, “I, however, as a nomad of the Sunglast, understand the buying and selling of females for future worth. I would be willing to trade two more of my best lompirs for the two Terrans. A fair trade. The lompir will breed.”
“The Terrans are worth far more than a few lompir. My brother, J’Tahad, was sent to prison by your friend Richard Steele for trafficking illegally in wild crystal. Since then, I have come to desire a pure crystal for myself. Alas, I find it’s impossible to obtain one in the Ching T’Karre.”
“In the Ching T’Karre, there is a law against even touching crystal, much less trading it,” Bashar explained. “Also, Shenji T’Kai controls the only known source in theChing T'Karre. So, obtaining any crystal is very difficult.”
Khalib put a finger to his lips, dropped it, and leaned back. “I would be willing to trade the Terrans for two more lompirs and a fist-sized crystal.” Khalib showed his fist.
Merek blinked. A crystal! Richard might have access to one, but they were expensive and difficult to obtain, even in the Democratic Union. But, mounting a rescue operation would be difficult and equally as expensive. A reasonable man might agree that trading a crystal would be far less dangerous with an almost equal cost.
He sat back to watch how Bashar would play this.
Bashar contemplated the offer. “I think I can arrange an exchange.” He smiled.
“This calls for my finest bottle of t’aile, then,” Khalib raised his glass in salute.
“Let us finalize arrangements before any drinking, but dust off a first pressing and chill a couple of bottles.”
***
Merek was stunned that the following day involved preparations to leave with Amanda and Lexi. He marveled at Bashar’s ability to orchestrate such a move. Finally, packed for travel, the caravan left Khalib’s compound. The first half of the trip was miles of spiny brush amid low hills, eventually followed by endless sand dunes, broiling sun, and familiar complaints. Fair-skinned and blonde, Amanda felt the sun’s rays more than the others. Lexi wasn’t spared either. Worse, most of the time the women rode in the swaying litter, fighting nausea.
Even worse, Merek got reacquainted with Matilda.
Finally, the returning caravan arrived at the midpoint shelter where everyone got relief from the unrelenting sun with its broiling heat. Exhausted, Merek sat sipping water from a flask and listened to the discussion.
“Let me see if I have this right.” Amanda wrinkled her nose, commenting on the dark, smelly cave but admitting she was thankful to be in shade with the fans blowing over cool ice. So far, the return trip had been daunting with extra women crammed into the litter and two less lompir for riding.
She yanked off her veil. “You traded me for one of those stinking, obstinate, foul-tempered beasts?” she questioned, rubbing a very sore backside and dabbing at perspiration.
“Sounded like a fair trade to me.” Bashar picked up a piece of dried fruit and nibbled, offering a mischievous smile.
Amanda turned bright red.
Sousi adjusted her abela. “I contributed a valuable crystal to get us free.”
Bashar chuckled. “I told my father-in-law what needed to be done. J’ai Jen would provide the crystal as part of your dowry since the closest source of crystal we know of lies in your grandfather’s mine. Also, J’ai Jen is the only person in the Ching T’Karre allowed to handle crystal.”
“And, he was willing to provide one in exchange for a future marriage contract,” Sousi added. “That stopped Khalib.”
Bashar nodded. “I figured he should get a taste of how expensive your upkeep will be.”
Sousi clapped her hands. “In return, Grandpier formally acknowledges our engagement?”
“That is the agreement. I told Khalib I would release you from your current contract.”
A smile wreathed the young gir;'s face. “J’ai Jen will make a fine husband.”
Merek could only pity the fellow.
Bashar nodded. “You are lucky. Khalib wanted you for a wife and made an extravagant offer. He was intrigued with the idea of marrying a Ching T’Karre princess. Even so, I dissuaded him by telling him a little about you.”
Sousi straightened up. “What did you say?”
Bashar shrugged. “That you were very high maintenance.” Bashar sipped water and gazed at his niece.
Sousi contemplated that for a moment. "And now off any market, I hope."
Puzzled, Merek leaned forward. “How did you get him to let the girls go with so little collateral?”
Bashar straightened. “Do you think we of the Sunglast are unsophisticated barbarians?”
Merek coughed. “You buy and sell women.”
Bashar waved a hand. “Very few do any more. But because we are modern men, Khalib and I drew up a contract. I have ninety days to fulfill all provisions of the contract, or he has legal right to seize a good portion of my land.
A loud bellow sounded outside where Matilda expressed her own opinion of the deal.
Chapter 7
Birth and Danger
As he walked through his own front door, finally home, Richard heard a scream.
“Arrrgh!”
It sounded like Elise.
Dread consumed him as he raced into the living room. “What’s wrong? Is it time?”
Elise was struggling to rise from a chair, a grimace contorting her face. She swung around, her face red from the exertion. “If this damned gravity isn't enough to weigh me down, having this bowling ball lodged in my stomach makes moving painfully difficult.”
“Bowling ball? What’s in your stomach?”
She stopped to stare at him and began to laugh. “Welcome home, Richard dear. I’ve so missed you.” She threw out her arms. “Yes, bowling balls are heavy balls used in a game much like you Alysi
ans use alley balls. It feels like one is lodged in my belly.
“Oh, it only feels that way. You had me worried for a moment.” He went to hug her but couldn't quite get his arms around all that bulk.
She looked ready to burst. He stepped back, not knowing what to do. So, he just smiled a stupid smile.
She matched it, smoothing back an errant lock of his hair. “I see you got quite a tan over there.”
He nodded. “In my opinion, that place has too much sun. I prefer a climate where it rains occasionally and danger from heat stroke isn’t a constant worry.”
Smiling, Merek came in behind him with their luggage. “Good to see you again, Commander.” He practically offered a salute as a greeting.
Fluttering a hand at him, her voice held a touch of melancholy, “Not anymore. Just plain Elise, I’m afraid.”
Richard puffed out his chest. “Nothing plain about you, dear. You’re Mrs. Richard Steele now.” A wonderful feeling of possessiveness washed over him.
“Well, isn’t that a kick.” Amanda waddled in, her own stomach appearing as if she’d swallowed one of those bowling balls. “Instead of commanding a fleet, she gets to change diapers. She must be thrilled.”
“Not now, Amanda,” Elise warned.
Before Richard could say anything, Merek dropped their bags. “Amanda!” He rushed forward to give her a kiss.
“Hold on. I’m coming.” Everyone swiveled around as an older copy of Amanda stepped into the living room. All three gaped at her and eyed the younger, pregnant Amanda, waiting for her reaction.
“Oh, Mandy, look at you.” The newcomer strode up to pat Amanda’s protruding stomach. “This is a miracle I never thought I’d ever see. Congratulations.”
The younger Amanda exchanged a glance with Merek. She stepped back from the patting hand but offered a tentative smile. “Amanda, dear, what a pleasant surprise. I thought you left with the ships.”
The older one wrinkled her nose. “I tried to smuggle myself to the Homestead. Instead, I wound up in a randy sheik’s harem. It was just like a grade B movie, only the weather was hotter and the accommodations primitive.” She glanced around and spread out her arms. “This is so much better.”
Merek spoke up, “I offered Amanda the job of helping out with the baby. After all, she used to watch over us when we were away from the crib and loose on the ship.” His eyebrows rose offering an unspoken question.
“I thought you rescued two female Terrans?” Elise glanced about as if she were searching for another person. “Wasn’t Lexi Johnson one of them? Where is she?”
Merek cleared his throat. “Lexi asked if she could stay with Bashar and help with his new baby. That’s what gave me the idea of having Amanda come here to help us.”
The younger Amanda touched his arm as her eyes traveled over toward Richard. “That’s a wonderful idea. I know I could use the help, but this is Richard’s home. We could hardly assume …”
Richard waved a hand, brushing the words away. “I’ve already agreed to the idea. Elise could use the help, and Amanda needs a place to stay. It’s a perfect solution for everyone.”
The younger Amanda pursed her lips. “I do see one big problem, however.”
Merek edged closer to her, a worried expression on his face. “What’s that?”
“We can’t both be called Amanda, and I don’t want to be Mandy again. Too juvenile.” She glanced at the other Amanda. “With the same name, people will mix us up constantly. They’ll say, ‘Amanda’ and we’ll both answer. We look too much alike and everyone will get confused.”
“Not a problem,” Richard responded. “We actually discussed this problem on the way over here. Amanda has agreed to dye her hair a dark brown. Also, she is older, although she doesn’t appear to be.” His brow knitted together at the comment. “You could almost be twins.”
“Why thank you, sir.” Amanda beamed at the compliment.
Elise and Merek shared a worried glance.
The Amanda under discussion said, “And to tell the truth, I wouldn't mind being called, Alexa. It’s my middle name anyway. We will just tell everyone I’m your older sister. That might be fun.”
“As long as you’re not my bossy older sister,” added Amanda.
“I’ll try not to be, but no promises,” smirked the renamed Alexa.
“So, let’s get you settled, Alexa,” said Elise. Breathing heavily, she grabbed Richard’s arm and took a step.
Merek picked up their luggage as Elise gave a short gasp. “Oh dear, we have another problem.”
Richard’s eyes widened. “What’s that?”
“My water just broke.”
***
Elise woke to a fussing noise next to her. Turning, she peered into bright lavender eyes fringed with miniature dark lashes. The tiny face screwed up, and her daughter let out a howl.
“Okay, okay.” She patted the child. “It’ll be all right. I’ll get you something to eat if only I can figure out how it works.”
The newborn quieted at the suggestion, or maybe it was just the sound of her voice.
Elise was relieved that the birth had gone well, although she noticed that a few of the doctors and nurses exhibited a cool and distant attitude toward what they considered an alien intruder. Richard had stayed by her side most of the time, but he needed rest, so he’d left her briefly to catch up on some sleep of his own. A bit drowsy, Elise’s eyes opened, and she heard voices muttering nearby, “The half-breed is hungry. Better wake its mother.”
“These invaders are breeding like gebbits. Did you know there’s another one giving birth down the hall? If we don’t do something, we’ll be overrun by aliens.”
“A lot of Alysians won’t put up with them pushing into our world. Mark my words; someone will take matters into their own hands, and there will be hell to pay.”
The words chilled Elise as she struggled to sit up. She stared down into the perfect little face and reached in to scoop up the child. Her arms tightened about the bundle and rocked the newborn to keep it quiet.
“I see you’re awake.” Her doctor bustled in, took her pulse, and checked her chart. “You’re doing fine, all things considered. I’ve signed the release so that after breakfast, your husband can come and take you home.” He patted her arm and smiled.
His patronizing attitude set Elise’s teeth on edge.
As he left, a nurse arrived with a tray of food. For the first time in a while, food looked enticing. Her mouth watered. The nurse put the tray next to her and took the infant, placing her back into the crib next to the bed. “There. Enjoy your breakfast. Your husband is on his way.”
The nurse handed her a cup. “Drink this. I’ll be right back to check on you.” She bustled out of the room.
Elise had the rim touching her lips when a different, younger nurse barged in and snatched the cup from her.
“Stop. Don’t drink that. You must leave right now.”
“I was going to eat breakfast,” Elise protested.
Bewildered, she stared at the nurse and shivered at the sight of violet eyes rimmed by black lashes. Curly dark hair escaped from a starched white cap. Her white uniform crinkled as she rummaged in the nearby closet.
The young nurse turned and said, “Not a good idea. I need to get you both out of here immediately. Put on these clothes.” She threw some clothes on the bed and pivoted to pick up the newborn. “Everything will be all right if we hurry. But we can’t delay.”
For an unknown reason, Elise followed her instructions and quickly got dressed. A wave of unease flowed over her. Something isn’t right. What’s the hurry?
Once she was dressed, the nurse handed Elise back her baby and swung a wheelchair around.
“Climb aboard and let’s book it.”
“I’m not so sure…”
In a voice that would suffer no argument, her kidnapper said, “You need to get out now.”
Against all good judgment, Elise settled with her child into the chair and they took off.
At the end of the hall, they passed a young man carrying a rolled-up magazine as if something dangerous was hidden inside. His eyes darted about. He paused to listen and then crept forward. Elise stared and shivered, alarmed by his furtive manner.
“That was a close call,” muttered her wheelchair driver as she, too, watched the man stride down the hall and slow at the now vacated room. He peered in and made a guttural noise of frustration.
“Time to get clear,” their kidnapper informed her. The wheelchair picked up speed and whipped around a corner, losing sight of the intruder. Elise hugged her daughter tightly with one hand and gripped the wheelchair’s armrest with the other. Small bright eyes gazed into hers, seeming eerily intelligent for a newborn. “We’ll get you home safe,” she told her daughter.
“We’re not there yet,” huffed her driver as the chair continued its rapid pace down yet another corridor.
They slipped into an elevator that deposited them at the checkout desk just as Richard came striding through the hospital’s glass entry.
His eyes alighted on her and their child, a smile emerging, but they widened in surprise as he squinted over her shoulder at their driver. “Tempest?” he gasped.
Behind her, the nurse said, “Have Merek put her in the car while you sign her out. Then send him up to Amanda’s room to watch over her. Hurry!”
Bewildered, Elise tightened her grip on her daughter. Something was amiss.
The strange nurse leaned toward Richard. “Watch out. An attack was planned on her and the child. They’re safe now, but you need to increase your security at the house. Too many Alysians resent the Terrans’ presence on this world. Your situation could get dangerous.”
Richard turned to Elise. “Have Merek take you into the car while I check you out at the desk.”
“And Merek,” the young nurse put her hand on his arm. “Get Amanda home as soon as you can. Try to get her home tonight. If not that, early tomorrow. Stay with her. She’ll be okay if you do that, but taking her home as soon as possible would be wisest.”
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