“You are absolutely sure Ospar’s clan will fight the husband’s claim?”
The aide chuckled. “The fools are in love. It couldn’t be more obvious than if they made a vid announcement and had it played through every news outlet.” He licked his lips, as if contemplating a delicious meal. “There seems to be some concern that Slade treated his mate harshly. It will make them even more determined to keep her from leaving.”
“That would explain why she assumed a new identity.” Maf thought over the situation once more. Things were moving along on the colony, perhaps faster than was prudent. Yet if this place was as ripe for trouble as it seemed, it would be wrong to delay the coming explosion between Earther and Kalquorian. The demonstration of how ill-suited the two species were for co-existence would make everyone take notice, bringing more disaffected Kalquorians to his side.
He smiled, the agony in his bones secondary to the thrill of sensing destiny on the brink of being realized. “Yes, I think Haven will certainly further the revolution’s agenda. Let’s plan the family’s reunion, shall we?”
* * * *
A shifting of warm, solid bodies in front and behind woke Iris. She blinked sleepily and found herself looking into Rivek’s eyes. Her whole body wanted to smile at the sight of the handsome Imdiko. The stretch of her mouth was so great it made her cheeks ache. He smiled back just as happily.
“Good morning, my Matara.”
“Good morning,” she answered. His kiss warmed her from head to toe. His words echoed in her ears. “So I didn’t dream all of yesterday, right? We’re actually clanned?”
Behind her, Ospar stretched. “Indeed we are.”
She turned to look at him. The Dramok was ridiculously sexy with his hair rumpled and the shadow of morning beard on his chin. His kiss wasn’t a mere welcome to the day; it drank her in, sending jolts of pleasure through her body.
Iris’ libido was firing on all cylinders despite the thorough lovemaking she’d enjoyed the night before. She wondered if there would be time to sate her appetite before Thomas woke up. In the dim light of the room, she had no idea what time it was.
When the kiss ended, her third – third! – mate spoke from behind Rivek. “You are ours for life, my beauty. And we are yours.”
Jol leaned over Rivek to add his kiss to the lovely start to the day. She sensed the Nobek slither over his clanmate to crouch above her. Hands moved across her naked body, waking her completely, bringing everything to full, eager consciousness...
The thud of fast-moving footsteps alerted the group. Jol had just enough time to shove a chuckling Rivek to one side and get off Iris before Thomas burst into the room. The little boy immediately flung himself onto the middle of the bed. Jol uttered a pained grunt when a bony little knee found a sensitive spot. Ospar turned away, making a sound suspiciously like a snicker.
Thomas’ voice rose in happy exuberance. “Wake up, wake up, wake up, Mommy!”
Pulling an apologetic face at the wincing Nobek, Iris said, “I’m awake, sweetie.”
Ospar twisted back towards them to grab Thomas around the waist and lift him into the air. Thomas squealed with delight.
The Dramok told the giggling boy, “Good morning, my son.” He lowered him down to place a kiss on Thomas’ cheek.
Thomas echoed, “Good morning, my son.” He imitated Ospar’s slight accent perfectly.
That earned laughter from everyone, including the seemingly recovered Jol. Ospar hugged Thomas tight to his chest.
The child wriggled loose enough to look his new father in the face. “Eat, Osbar. I think eggs.”
“You think eggs? Eggs sound good.”
“Milk. Yes.” Thomas nodded his head emphatically. “Eat, Osbar.”
Rivek stretched and yawned. “I believe this young man wants his breakfast.”
“And right now,” Iris sighed.
Jol raised his head to check the chronometer and winced. “So much for waking early to begin our day with intimate pleasures.”
Iris laughed. “Welcome to parenthood.”
Rivek nudged his Nobek. “I thought our son might have knocked you out of commission anyway.”
“A momentary shock, that’s all.” Jol winked at Iris. “I wasn’t expecting to fend off flying children this morning.”
She grinned at him. “Your love life will never be the same. Children change all the rules.”
Ospar lifted Thomas over his head again to the boy’s great delight. “Good. Let the adventure begin.”
In good spirits despite being denied the amorous start to the day they’d planned on, the men rose and dressed quickly while Thomas flopped about on the wide swath of bed. They took him out to get his breakfast, allowing Iris privacy to prepare for the day.
Knowing Thomas was in good hands, Iris took extra time to do more than simply shove her hair in its usual messy ponytail. It was nice to have extra people ready to care for Thomas. It was wonderful that they were happy to do so. The future suddenly looked like a bright, shining river leading to an ocean of happiness.
What was that saying? “Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life,” Iris whispered to herself, grinning from ear to ear.
* * * *
Ospar settled into the workday at his public office. He still had grim work ahead in the aftermath of the Jones homestead fire, but knowing what he would be going home to at the end of the day made it much easier to bear.
Borl reported to his office only seconds after Ospar’s arrival, and they immediately began wading through the many tasks ahead of them.
“You might alert Councilman Maf that Jol plans to beef up security around his quarters in the wake of that attack on Amgar’s clan,” the governor told his aide.
Borl’s brow creased with concern. “Do you think he’s in danger?”
“With evidence suggesting it’s both our own people and the E.I.K. behind the murder, I’m worried a royal councilman makes too good a target for them to resist.”
The aide considered. “I can’t imagine Dramok Maf would be attacked. He’s openly against the mixing of species. Wouldn’t the malcontents consider him on their side?”
Ospar nodded. “I know, it seems like a waste of our resources. However, what seems and what is are often very different things. I refuse to take chances with Maf’s safety.” He sighed heavily, the weight of his responsibilities chasing away some of his good feelings from having a Matara and child.
He told Borl, “I have not spent enough time with Maf during this visit. It is unforgiveable that I have neglected him so.”
“He attaches no blame to you for having to do your work. Councilman Maf has nothing but praise for your handling so many emergencies and routinely insists he not disturb you.” The aide added uncertainly, “I have taken the liberty of reporting to him once a day, keeping him abreast of the issues you’ve deemed acceptable for the public’s general information.”
Ospar relaxed a little. “Good. I do want to meet with him though. Perhaps tomorrow?”
Borl consulted Ospar’s schedule. While he frowned over the appointments, the governor reflected Maf’s visit couldn’t have occurred at a worse time. First was the growing agitation of the E.I.K., then Amgar’s murder.
More than anything else, I want to spend every available moment with my Matara and son rather than entertain a councilman. When things settle down, we are going to take a family holiday.
Ospar had heard of an Earther tradition called a ‘honeymoon’, a time for recently married people to get away for private celebration of their new union. His clan needed a honeymoon, a few days to indulge in their new status. The thought he had gained a lifebringer and son was still wonderfully overwhelming.
Borl interrupted his happy contemplation. “I can set aside an hour tomorrow afternoon, Governor.”
For a moment Ospar thought the aide was discussing his hopes to take time off. Then he remembered they’d been discussing him meeting with Councilman Maf.
“Excellent,�
� he said, his tone suggesting it was anything but. Making his voice bright, Ospar added, “Do that, please. Next item?”
“The announcement to the colony about what happened to Amgar’s clan. Do you want to include the suspicion the attack came from both Earthers and Kalquorians?”
Ospar leaned back in his chair. “Make all details known except for the specifics of how the attack was carried out. I want everyone to understand why there’s a curfew in effect that limits movement after dark. And I also want a reward offered for any information brought to security about the attack.”
Borl’s eyebrows lifted. “A reward?”
“A bonus for any Kalquorian that comes forward with valid information, consisting of ten percent of his annual pay. Twenty additional acres to an Earther’s homestead for the same or an equal value of goods and materials if the land is not needed.”
“Very generous.”
Ospar scowled at the forensic report floating over his desk. “I want the bastards who threatened a clan with children. Whoever these gurlucks are that took the life of a good man will pay dearly for it.”
Again he was reminded of how vulnerable Iris and Thomas had recently been. Had the attempt to abduct Thomas been successful, he couldn’t imagine what might have happened to the boy. It set his teeth on edge with anger. He realized his fists were clenched.
Ospar drew a deep breath. He counted as he released it and then drew another. The Dramok knew to keep a lid on his temper. He became much too overbearing when he allowed his mood to turn foul. It had been on the tip of his tongue to have Jol ordered to search every single homestead on the colony, a move that would have put all the Earthers at his throat. Not that Jol would have listened to such nonsense, but it was still not in Ospar’s best interests to lose control like that.
After a few moments of breathing exercises, Ospar was able to think clearly once more. His tone even, he told Borl, “The reward might bring results. At the very least, it should take some sting out of the curfew, which will no doubt have Hoover in my face.” He sighed at that idea. It was actually a surprise the Earther governor wasn’t already in here, screaming about Earther rights to self-govern.
Ospar had no doubt it would happen sooner rather than later. He gave Borl a dour smile. “Is that all?”
Borl chuckled, knowing how hard Ospar was working to keep himself steady. “For now. You know something new will crop up before the next hour is up.” He grimaced sympathetically.
“On that, I can rely.” Ospar turned his thoughts to what the end of the day would bring: an evening at home with his clan. His family. The knowledge that he would be surrounded by Iris, Thomas, Rivek, and Jol later eased his mind considerably. It even managed to put his usual smile back on his face.
His good humor restored, Ospar went to work on pending issues while Borl left the office to set the most important things in motion.
* * * *
Jol finished putting together his request to Kalquor asking for additional security to be sent to Haven immediately. Given the result of the fire investigation and the evidence that the rebellion itself seemed to have come to the colony, he thought there was a good chance he would get the additional personnel. He sent it directly to Ospar’s friend on the council, Dramok Rajhir. That gave him another idea of who should be approached as well.
“Reminder,” he said out loud, triggering his computer’s memo system. “Ask Ospar when we will next see Councilman Maf and share request regarding additional security.”
Jol reasoned that since Maf had seen firsthand the destruction done, the Dramok might well be an ally in getting them help. Even though the man was against the mixing of the species and Haven itself, he would no doubt well appreciate that lives came before politics.
Jol was just turning to other matters when one of his lieutenants came rushing into the room. Nobek Korsmi ran right up to his desk. “Your pardon, sir, but an anonymous warning just came over the message center. I think you want to see this.”
When the lack of trust between the colonists and their Kalquorian landlords had first become apparent, Jol had implemented a message center that allowed Earthers to anonymously warn Kalquorian security of trouble. That way, concerned citizens would not suffer repercussions from those who were adamantly opposed to Empire interference. The anonymous message center had been the reason emergency personnel had gotten to the Jones’ homestead as early as they did, keeping Nobek Groteg alive.
With Nobek Korsmi standing at tense attention on the other side of Jol’s desk, the head of security commanded his computer, “Vid access anonymous message alert, most recent first.”
The vid readout came up, and Jol quickly scanned the warning that had come in only minutes before.
Several Earthers are arming themselves to attack the administration building and governor’s home. They are also the ones behind the attack on Sara Jones’ home.
Names had been given, along with the suspects’ location. Jol narrowed his eyes at the first name. It was not familiar to him.
“Information on this Ted Grisweld?” he asked Korsmi.
The lieutenant was already looking over his handheld computer, ready with the information. “Age is mid-sixties, lives with adult son Anders, son’s wife Miriam, two grandchildren, ages seven and eight. Attends church services at least three times a week. Has spoken out against mixing of Earther and Kalquorian blood, though he has also been known to say as long as we keep separate our kind is all right by him.” The younger Nobek looked slightly amused at that.
Jol gave him a warning glare. “Likelihood of E.I.K. affiliation?”
“The computer says 89 percent for, but there’s no real sign he’s involved in anything subversive at this time.” Korsmi was all professional again.
“And the son?”
“Anders Grisweld, 41 years old, one of the original colonists here. Described as friendly to Kalquorians until his father arrived to live with him nine months ago. Has kept to his family and Earthers since then. Likelihood of E.I.K. affiliation, 54 percent.”
“The wife.” At Korsmi’s uncomfortable expression, Jol told him, “The women can be every bit as dangerous as the men, Korsmi.”
He swallowed. “I know, sir. It just seems so unnatural to suspect them of intimidation and murder.”
“Which makes them all the more lethal if we’re not careful. I can’t imagine a lifebringer putting children’s lives in danger, but it is possible. Tell me about her.”
“Miriam Grisweld, formerly Miriam Buchanan, 36 years old. Married to Anders 15 years. Was noted to be not as outgoing as her husband when they got here, reluctant to spend much time around Kalquorians, but unfailingly polite in our presence. Likelihood of active participation in the E.I.K., 22 percent.”
“All those stats are based on our limited data because we are trying not to spy on the innocent.” Jol frowned. He was not one to infringe on others’ personal liberties, but keeping closer tabs on the Earthers would certainly make his job easier.
No, he was not going to turn Haven into a police state just to soothe his nerves.
He told Korsmi, “With the anonymous tip, it’s enough to pay a visit to the Grisweld family. Let’s get two more men and check out these allegations.”
“Just four of us?” Korsmi asked.
The young Nobek was eager to learn and dedicated to a fault. Jol was usually not one to suffer his orders to be questioned, but Korsmi was a special case. Jol liked his ambition and wanted to see his underling succeed. With that in mind, he’d promised that Korsmi he could ask anything he wished without being insubordinate, so long as it wasn’t a life and death situation they were involved in.
Jol told him, “Four are enough to handle three adults capable of murder, but not so many that we would intimidate blameless people simply living their lives.”
Korsmi thought about it and nodded. “I see. Thank you, sir.”
Jol stood and reached for his snowsuit. “Let’s go have a chat with the Griswelds.”
>
Glad for an excuse to get away from administrative duties, Jol lead the way out of his office.
* * * *
Father Stephen stood outside the Grisweld home at Governor Hoover’s side, talking to Ted and Anders Grisweld and several other people. Miriam, Anders’ wife, stood nearby, watching her sons whoop it up in the snow.
The priest and Hoover had stopped by the homestead under the pretense of conducting their own informal investigation of the Jones fire. The Grisweld home sat on a hill that overlooked the Jones property, so it wasn’t curious that they would be doing such. Conversation had been friendly. Other members of the E.I.K. had also stopped in, ‘happening’ by the homestead. The scene was that of good neighbors gathered round, talking about the latest events.
There was a stranger in their midst, brought along by Hoover. Conrad Slade possessed a sense of commanding elegance despite the hardships of the last years. That he had been a man of power once upon a time was obvious to any person who looked at him. He had that aura of someone who was used to being taken seriously. Slade looked at everything and everyone around him with a sense of evaluation, the air of a buyer at an auction. He had been introduced to the Griswelds as a new addition to the colony, a man who wanted to settle down while he searched for his missing wife and son. Of course, the Griswelds had never heard of Mira and Thomas Slade, but they wished the quiet, watchful man the best in locating them.
Slade had been apprised of the entire situation by Hoover in Stephen’s presence. The man had the darkest, most unfathomable eyes the priest had ever seen. Almost like black holes in his head, the priest fancied Slade’s eyes were devoid of any warmth, any soul. They had only gone more empty to hear that the woman believed to be his wife was living in sin with three alien males.
Slade’s voice was cultured and nuanced, a voice for making deals with those in power and for making underlings cower. He’d told the governor and Father Stephen, “I have no interest in your struggle for independence from the Kalquorians. I will play along as you like for now, but my wife and son will be returned to me at the earliest opportunity.”
He spoke of Iris and Thomas as if they were no more than prized property. It made Stephen squirm inside to be a party to the coming family reunion.
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