by Heidi Skarie
“Jealous is a better word.”
“All right, jealous. He thinks there’s something between us.” She was aware their bodies were pressed together with their upper arms and thighs touching.
“I don’t know how he’d get an idea like that. I haven’t had a moment alone with you. I wouldn’t want your fiancé to feel—how did you put it?—nervous. Do you want me to leave Jaipar?”
“No, just don’t be so … so … you know. You go out of your way to irritate him.”
“I’ve been good lately.” He chuckled. “Except for tonight. Is this what you came to talk to me about, your lover?”
“Stop calling him that!”
“Why? If he’s not now, he soon will be, or haven’t you thought about that? Once you’re married, he’ll expect you to share his bed.”
“Let’s talk about something else.”
“Why? Did I hit a sore spot?”
“Erling, I’m doing what I think is best for my country. Don’t make it any harder than it already is.”
“I don’t happen to like your decision, but if it’s what you want, I wish you a wonderful marriage.”
“Somehow that doesn’t sound very sincere coming from you.”
“By the stars, Kori, what do you want me to say? It would be different if you loved him!” He started to rise and bumped her with his elbow and she cried out as she started to fall. He grabbed her and ended up holding her in his arms. She could feel his heart pounding against hers.
“I didn’t mean to make you lose your balance. Are you okay?” he asked. She nodded.
He didn’t release her and said in a voice thick with emotion, “We’d better get back or your ardent lover will come looking for you. And I know you don’t want make him jealous.”
“Erling, don’t!” she exclaimed in despair. “At least, let’s be honest with each other. I do have feelings for you and I wouldn’t have gotten engaged if I’d known you were returning, but what’s done is done. I’ve given my word.”
“So be it then. I’ll try to be civil about it, but I can’t be happy you’re marrying someone you don’t love for political reasons. Someone who won’t be a good husband for you.” He helped her up and they started to climb down, finding it treacherous in the dark.
At the bottom, he jumped down, then lifted her off the ledge and swung her into his arms. She slid her arms around his neck as her skirt fluttered out around them.
“You know, Kori, I have no inclination to put you down,” Erling said, his mouth inches from hers.
Taken by surprise at his behavior, Koriann didn’t know how to respond. He’d been so serious a minute ago. Being held by him made her feel alive and reckless joy raced through her. She felt safe from peering eyes hidden by the dark sky. “Put me down, Erling.” Her voice was more playful than firm.
“Give me a kiss and I’ll put you down.”
“A kiss!” she gasped. “I’m not going to kiss you.”
“A kiss isn’t much to give in exchange for your freedom.”
“Don’t be such a scoundrel. Put me down!”
He walked to the edge of the rocky shoreline, just out of range of the waves that hammered into the rocks. “I’ll drop you in the ocean if you don’t give me a kiss.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“You wanna bet?” He lifted her up as if he was going to throw her into the water and she shrieked, clasping him tighter around the neck.
“All right. I’ll kiss you.” She gave him a quick kiss on the forehead.
He set her down and put his arms around her. “That wasn’t good enough.” He lowered his mouth onto hers and began kissing her. Her arms slid around him and she clung to him, savoring his kisses and kissing him back. She felt the change in him as she responded to his advances. The light caress of his lips on hers became passionate and grew in intensity. She melted against him, running her hand through his silken blond hair. A realization swept over her that in her heart, she was his. Part of her would never belong to Zanton.
Finally, he released her and said, “I’ve wanted to do that ever since I arrived.” Breathless and overwhelmed by the emotions he raised in her, she broke away from him and ran back toward the palace. She heard him coming after her. He overtook her and pulled her around to face him. “I’m sorry, Kori, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Don’t, Erling.” Her voice broke. “Don’t do or say anything else.” She walked away from him with tears stinging her eyes. Unbearable pain tore at her heart. She felt very much alone, confused and hopeless about the future.
9
Call for Help
Toemeka stepped through the airlock door of the domed city of Kanai onto the moon’s surface. Her steps were light despite her heavy spacesuit and weighted boots because there was little gravity on Barmin. The sun beat down on her helmet, but she knew the thin air was frigid cold and was grateful for her space gear, which covered her completely. At night the temperature dropped even more.
She breathed pure oxygen from her helmet as she surveyed the new dome. Laborers were building the metal framework. Once this was done, they’d be able to start the outer walls. She visualized the architectural drawings in her mind. The new dome would be smaller than the main one and made up of a series of housing pod clusters. The housing situation was becoming desperate. They couldn’t handle any more refugees from Alandra until the dome was finished. Kanai had run out of housing pods and couldn’t produce enough air, food and housing for the new arrivals.
She’d be glad when this housing dome was completed since she’d invited a family with two small children to live with her in Michio’s pod. The pod was only meant for one person, so they were in each other’s way in the evenings and all slept on the floor on mats at night. On work days, the children attended preschool and their parents worked. Rest days, however, were chaotic in the pod, so Toemeka usually went to an indoor park, a common room, or a library to get away from the chaos.
Despite the crowded living conditions, she liked the family’s company. She was lonely without Michio. Missing him was a deep ache that had become as much a part of her as breathing.
Toemeka contemplated the slow pace of the construction, knowing building the new dome was a challenge. It had to simulate gravity, stand up to the moon’s extreme temperatures and provide air. She circled the entire dome, surveying the structure to be sure the blueprints were being followed correctly.
Toemeka liked being outside even in her cumbersome spacesuit. She found living in an enclosed city confining and longed to feel the sun and wind on her face. She looked through her helmet visor at the surrounding landscape. The area around the dome was barren rock, but when the sun shone down on the colorful rock formations, they were beautiful.
A voice sounded in her helmet speaker. “Everyone back inside. A meteorite shower is headed this way.” Toemeka followed the laborers back into the main dome, concerned that meteorites might destroy the framework of the new dome.
When everyone was inside, the pressurized airlock closed and the room began to fill with heat and an oxygen mixture. Once it reached atmospheric pressure and the wall monitors showed safe readings, Toemeka switched off the oxygen connected to her helmet. Several people entered the room and two women helped Toemeka remove her gloves, helmet, backpack, one-hundred-and-thirty pound spacesuit and boots. Underneath she wore a liquid cooling and ventilation garment and under that an inner liner. In a small dressing room, she changed out of the liner and into a knit shirt and slacks.
After filling out a detailed report of her inspection, she took a tube car to her pod cluster, then walked along the glassed, curved hall toward her pod. Her stomach rumbled at the scent of fresh fruit and she picked some ripe green narue berries off a potted bush. She ate them as she walked, enjoying their sweet taste. Being pregnant, she was often hungry between meals. After the first month her nausea went away, but she hadn’t told anyone since it was still so early in her pregnancy.
A young man in a fligh
t suit waited at her door. “Are you Toemeka Kimes?” he asked.
“Yes, and you are?”
“I’m Ojoe. The lady inside said I should talk to you. I have a letter for your husband, Michio Kimes.”
She frowned. Letters were uncommon, especially on Kanai. “Michio isn’t here.” She pressed her hand against the door and it responded to her handprint by swinging open. The sound of children playing flowed into the hall. “I can give him the message when he returns.”
“I have orders to deliver it in person. When do you expect him back?”
“Who is the letter from?”
“Queen Koriann Van Marsindi.”
“Koriann sent it?”
Toemeka lifted the letter from Ojoe’s hand and looked at the envelope. It had a gold Van Marsindi wax seal on it and Michio’s name, but no address. Toemeka looked at Ojoe more closely and noticed the distinctive Jaiparian high cheekbones and light blue eyes. “You flew all the way here from planet Borko to bring Michio this letter?”
“Yes, the Queen’s attendant said it was a matter of national security.”
“You can’t deliver it to Michio in person because he’s off-world for an indefinite period of time.”
His eyebrows drew together. “Where can I find him?”
Toemeka heard a noise behind her and turned to see Keya toddle up to her. The little girl raised her chubby arms into the air and said, “Up.” Toemeka smiled and lifted the child into her arms.
“Hi, Keya. How’s my girl?” Toemeka put Keya on one hip and returned her attention to the messenger. “I’m sorry, I don’t know where Michio is or how to reach him.”
“I have orders to return with his reply. Perhaps you could read the letter and send a reply.”
Toemeka didn’t think it was her place to open a sealed letter from the ruler of Jaipar and it would be a violation of Michio’s privacy to read his mail, yet the message must be important and need immediate attention. She was tempted. What pressing concern could cause Koriann to contact Michio? She set Keya down. “Go play, sweetheart.” Keya ran back into the pod.
Still standing in the hall where she knew it would be quieter, Toemeka broke the seal and took out the handwritten letter.
Dear Michio,
I am writing to seek your advice as a friend and Ahimsa warrior. Over a month ago, Samrat Condor threatened to attack Jaipar if we don’t surrender. We are preparing for war, but I fear it will not be enough. Our military is greatly weakened from overthrowing General Bhandar.
A wave of uneasiness shot through Toemeka, knowing how vulnerable Jaipar was after ten years of military occupation. She read on.
King Zanton Duborginact, the ruler of Haklute, offered to join forces with Jaipar against Samrat Condor if our countries unite. So I have accepted his proposal of marriage.
Toemeka thought back on the geography of Borko. Haklute was a large country on the far side of the Purple Mist Mountains to the west of Jaipar. They’d never done anything to aid Jaipar during General Bhandar’s occupation. Why would they offer military support now? Another thought popped into her mind. How would Erling react to Koriann getting married?
She continued reading.
With their Headquarters destroyed and the war raging on Alandra, the Coalition is not in a position to offer much aid, but they did send Erling. He has been of great service in uniting the entire planet and organizing its defense against Samrat Condor’s air fleet.
Master Bakka said you are the only one that can defeat Samrat Condor. Will you come to us in our time of need? I fear this time Samrat Condor wants not only Jaipar, but the entire planet.
Your loving friend,
Koriann
How could Michio defeat Samrat Condor? Had a personal plea for help from Koriann been what brought Michio to Jaipar months ago when Toemeka first met him? She felt overwhelmed by all the ramifications of the letter. She lifted her eyes to Ojoe’s. “I wish I had a way to reach Michio.”
“What should I to tell the Queen?”
“I don’t know. I’m a Coalition agent. Since Michio isn’t here, perhaps I could go in his place.”
The tension visibly drained from Ojoe’s body. “Could you? I’m sure the Queen would value your aid. Weren’t you part of the Coalition team that overthrew General Bhandar?”
“Yes, although we didn’t overthrow Bhandar alone. We worked with the Kameet Resistance and Jaipar’s allies.”
“You and the other members of your team are celebrated as heroes in Jaipar.”
“I’m hardly a hero, but I’ll accompany you to Jaipar. When do you want to leave?”
“As soon as possible. My ship is ready for a return flight to Alandra.”
“I have to pack a bag and make a few arrangements. Come inside and eat with us while I get ready.”
The family was sitting around a small table, eating dinner. Toemeka explained that she was leaving for awhile as she dished up some food for the messenger and herself. They ate sitting on the couch since there wasn’t room at the small table. Afterward she put some things in a travel bag. She hadn’t brought much with her to Kanai, so it didn’t take long.
Once she was packed, she sat at the desk to write a note to Michio. She twisted her wedding band on her finger, wondering what to say. He wouldn’t like her leaving the safety of Kanai.
Dearest Michio,
Today a messenger from Jaipar brought a letter for you from Koriann. Since it was urgent and I had no way of contacting you, I took the liberty of reading it. After doing so, I decided to go to Jaipar to assess the situation and see what I can do to help. Please contact me there when you return.
I hope your training is going well and look forward to when we can be together again. I miss you and love you with all my heart.
Yours eternally,
Toemeka
She attached her note to the envelope containing Koriann’s letter and locked it in a desk drawer with Michio’s other personal belongings. After putting on her flight suit, she kissed the two children, said good-bye to their parents, and headed out the door with Ojoe.
“I’ll have to get clearance to leave,” Toemeka said, as she followed Ojoe to the bank of tube cars that would take them to the main landing bay. “I’m helping design the new dome,” she added, regretting that she wouldn’t be able to complete the project. Fortunately, a competent engineering team was working on the project and she was sure they could manage without her, whereas Jaipar’s situation was desperate. She could help Erling organize Borko’s defense. A smile spread across her face. She was back in action, plus she’d get to work with her former partner and closest friend, Erling.
Toemeka sat in the cockpit beside Ojoe as he wove his two-man spacecraft through Ormezd’s rings, avoiding the boulders of rock, ice and debris. Once they were safely out of the rings, Ojoe set the computer to calculate a space jump.
“You must be tired,” Toemeka said. “Do you want me to fly the ship?”
“No, I’m fine. I rested a few hours after I arrived in Kanai.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.” The ship had duel controls and Toemeka was itching to fly again. The ship went into the jump and outside the windshield stars and planets streaked by. They made a series of jumps and finally came out of the last one above planet Borko. The ship soared toward Borko and soon entered its atmosphere.
Toemeka yawned. She’d slept some on the flight, but not nearly enough to make up for missing her usual sleep cycle. She watched out the window as the ship flew over the ocean and felt her excitement build now that she’d arrived. She’d enjoyed being on a planet with an atmosphere friendly to life.
The ocean and City of Silver Light appeared in the distance and she thought of Michio. They’d met in Jaipar and she wished he was with her now. Once they’d landed on the imperial airfield, she climbed out of the ship and breathed in the ocean-fresh air and scent of flowers drifting from the gardens surrounding the palace. The lush colors and smells overwhelmed her senses after living in
the dome.
Ojoe escorted her to Koriann’s office where two guards stood outside the reception area. The secretary announced Toemeka’s arrival and she was immediately ushered inside. Koriann sat at a desk, the exotic wood nearly covered by stacks of paper and a computer. Unsure of how to greet a queen, Toemeka curtsied.
Koriann smiled and rose. “Toemeka, it’s good to see you!” She came around the desk and embraced Toemeka. “Is Michio with you?”
“He wasn’t at Kanai. His training took him off-world, so I came instead to offer what help I could.”
Her face clouded with worry. “When will he return?”
“When he completes his training. He warned me it could take a long time. “
“Can you reach him?”
“No, he’s at a remote monastery, cut off from the outer world. Tell me more about Samrat Condor’s threat to Jaipar.”
“He said he’ll destroy us if we don’t surrender. Erling has organized the entire planet’s defense and my fiancé King Zanton Duborginact has a strong military.”
“Congratulations on your engagement,” Toemeka said. “I don’t remember you ever mentioning King Zanton.”
“I met him only recently. I’m marrying for political reasons.”
“You don’t love him?”
“I’m Queen; other things are more important than love.”
Toemeka didn’t agree, but she only said, “Where’s Erling? I’m eager to see him.”
“I’ll send for him.” She pressed a button on the intercom and told her secretary to ask Major Erling Fenian to come to her office.
“Major?” Toemeka asked. “Erling must have gotten a promotion!”
“Yes, he did. Please sit. What have you and Michio been doing the last two months?” They both sat down, Koriann on one side of the desk and Toemeka on the other.
Toemeka hadn’t been close friends with Koriann when she was stationed in Jaipar and now that Koriann was Queen, she felt a gulf between them. Nevertheless, Toemeka briefly shared her experiences at the retreat and Kanai over the last two months.
When she finished, Koriann brought Toemeka up-to-date on the defense of Jaipar. In the middle of her narration, a knock on the door interrupted them and Erling entered. Toemeka sprang from her chair and flew into his arms.