by Diana Palmer
He laughed softly. “We celebrate the emperor’s birthday and the founding of our planet. We also have religious celebrations, but they are far different from yours, I fear.”
“I can adjust.”
He nodded. “Certainly, you can.”
She felt warm all over, on fire with hope and love and confident of a future that would contain him.
“I can hardly wait to see Memcache,” she said breathlessly. “Is it beautiful, like this—”
She broke off as a giant creature confronted them on the path. It looked like a nightmare construct of galot and cremor-lizard, with scaly skin and slit pupils. It was growling. She screamed, a piercing, horrific cry that echoed around the holoroom.
Mekashe stepped in front of her. She was still screaming. “You must try to be quiet,” he said firmly. He never took his eyes off the creature. “It may provoke it to attack.”
“But what is that?” She sobbed, terrified. She pressed against his spine. “Please, make it go away! Oh please! It’s terrifying!”
He made a sound deep in his throat. It was a growl, but she wouldn’t recognize it, because the Cehn-Tahr didn’t sound like domestic house cats. The cry was wild and throaty and threatening.
The creature wasn’t impressed by it. The death cry that could send humanoids running away in terror had no effect whatsoever on the construct. It roared back and its entire huge body tensed.
Mekashe knew that it would charge. It was in the beast’s eyes. “Go back the way we came,” he told her over his shoulder. “Run. Now!”
“But what about you?” she asked, even in her terror, more concerned for him than herself.
“I will stop it,” he said huskily. “Do as I say. Run, Jasmine!”
She made a husky little protest, but she did as he told her. When he was certain that she was out of sight, he shifted into his true form and leaped forward, right into the beast’s chest, his furious growl echoing around them.
* * *
HE HAD A bloody sleeve, but otherwise, he seemed unharmed when he rejoined her down the path. Jasmine was terrified. “You’re hurt!” she exclaimed. “I should never have agreed to leave you! I should have stayed and tried to help you fight it!”
He touched her hair gently. “Brave heart,” he said softly. “But I was able to subdue it. Not without some effort, however, and this must be reported. Someone could die. All the safeguards were disabled because of the programming error.”
“I do agree. But you need to be seen to first. We can go straight to the infirmary...!”
He laughed. “I can mend this myself. I carry medical supplies with me, and I am versed in their usage. You must not worry. I am only slightly damaged.”
“But you need a doctor,” she argued.
“I have a friend who is a surgeon,” he replied. “And I have a direct line to him from my quarters. He can mend me. Truly, it is of no importance.”
She relented, but reluctantly. “I’m so glad you weren’t badly hurt.”
“I’m sorry that our adventure ended so badly. We must try again. But perhaps in a less exotic setting,” he added wryly.
“You’re sure you’ll be okay?”
“Very sure. You should go back to your suite. I’ll call for you later. There is a musical performance by a traveling group of Altairian musicians. If you would like to see it?”
“I’d love that,” she enthused. “But shouldn’t you rest?”
“I will be completely recovered, and soon. Farewell.”
“Farewell.”
She watched him go, with sad and concerned eyes. He’d protected her, and she was proud of his courage. But she worried that he might be more damaged than he was showing.
* * *
HER FATHER WAS HORRIFIED. “The creature actually attacked you?”
“Not me,” she said. “Mekashe jumped in front of me and made me leave. He stopped the beast, although he was injured.” She frowned. “It was huge, with claws and fangs... I’m still not sure how he subdued it. It was twice his size.”
He didn’t dare tell her what he knew. “I’m sure he can handle himself,” he said quietly. “I’m glad that you’re all right, but that programming error should be reported.”
“Mekashe was going to do that before he went to his room,” she said. “He was angry.”
“It could have killed someone,” the ambassador said irritably. “Some programmers are just lazy. They don’t want to put themselves out to correct what they see as small glitches. But those small ones can escalate into tragedies.”
“I’m sure they’ll get it fixed. Mekashe is taking me to an Altairian concert this evening. You don’t mind?”
“Of course not,” he assured her. He smiled. “I like Mekashe. Even more, since he saved you from a mauling,” he added, tongue in cheek.
“He has a villa on Memcache,” she said. “He said he’d love to have a big family.” Her eyes were full of dreams. “So would I. We’re both only children.”
He had reservations about that dream coming true, but he didn’t say anything. She was happier than he’d ever seen her. It wouldn’t hurt to let her dream. She was so young. Time enough for reality to make an entrance.
CHAPTER FIVE
MEKASHE HAD WORDS with the manager of the programming staff of the holo division aboard the starliner, a Rojok engineer named Teskas, whom he had known for many years.
“As you can see—” he indicated his bloodstained sleeve “—there could have been tragic consequences.”
“I do see,” the manager agreed at once. “I’ll have the programmer responsible suspended pending a full investigation. Sir, you don’t think there might have been a malicious purpose in this, rather than a glitch?”
“No one on board knows who I am, except for you and the ship’s captain,” he assured the manager. “I hardly think such a method would have been chosen, in any case. And no potential assassin would risk the emperor’s displeasure, not to mention Chacon’s,” he added drily, alluding to the former Rojok field marshal who was now the son-in-law of the emperor.
The Rojok chuckled. “I see your point. All the same, I’ll keep you apprised of the investigation.”
“That would be appreciated.”
“I am sorry for your injury.”
Mekashe shrugged. “I’ve had worse than this practicing the Kahn-Bo with my friend Rhemun.”
“Has he still not beaten you?” the Rojok asked.
Mekashe chuckled. “No. But his son has. Repeatedly. Kipling has a natural feel for the Kahn-Bo staff. He is almost without peer in the division.”
“So I hear. Keep well.”
“And you.”
* * *
BACK IN HIS SUITE, Mekashe attended to his injury efficiently. Then he had a quick meal of the raw meat he preferred and brooded about the future.
Jasmine was afraid of cats. That might not have mattered, had he been human. But the Cehn-Tahr had galot genes and they had many feline characteristics. If she was already afraid of cats, how badly would she react to a humanoid male who was closely related to them, and whose true form she had never seen? Added to that were her vegan background and the other small differences that kept cropping up.
He reminded himself that no relationship was going to be perfect, that even people who had things in common frequently disagreed on small issues. But her fear of cats and her distaste for meat were major issues. He saw no easy resolution.
His only hope was that as she grew to know him she would put less emphasis on their differences. He knew her feelings. They were as strong as his own. Nothing was impossible. Not even this.
He contacted Hahnson on the scramble channel, his worried expression capturing the husky physician’s attention at once.
“Something’s wrong,” Hahnson guessed.
Mekashe sighed.
“Very wrong. She’s afraid of cats.”
Hahnson made a face. “Still, people can overcome fear,” he added. “There are drugs to make the process easier.”
“She’s also a vegan and has a distaste for people who eat meat.”
Hahnson sat down on a nearby stool. “I see.”
“She is fragile and very sheltered. She was terrified of a creature we found in a badly programmed holoroom earlier. She screamed and panicked.” He looked as worried as he felt. “She couldn’t stop screaming. I think it might be what provoked the attack. I got her out of the way before I shifted into my true form and dispatched the creature. I also had words with the program manager. Such a glitch could have resulted in deaths. The holo tech is similar to the holon that we, ourselves, use. It permits an interface very close to reality.”
“Yes, I know,” Hahnson said quietly. “I’m sorry. I thought things were going well for you.”
“Thanks to your dravelzium and the new nanotech, they are,” Mekashe replied with a faint smile. “I forgot to reset the white noise ball and had a quick glimpse of her mind. She feels exactly as I do.” He drew in a breath. “However, she told me that her hand was only bruised when I held it, before you gave me the dravelzium. I broke several bones,” he added miserably. “I would not have harmed her for all the world.”
“I’m sure she knows that,” Hahnson told him. “It’s likely why she tried to keep the truth from you.”
Mekashe stared at his hands. “Humans are fragile.”
“Yes, they are,” came the reply. “But Dtimun and Rhemun overcame their problems with their strength, and you will, also.”
Mekashe looked relieved. He smiled. “I’ve been far more careful with her. There have been no more injuries. I am more grateful than you know for your help,” he added. “Without the nanotech, I would not have been able to touch her at all.”
“We’re discovering new things all the time. Your Lady Caneese has been responsible for many of those discoveries. She has a genius for biochemistry. And Maddie Ruszel has contributed some of her own innovations.” He chuckled. “They’re working on a new drug, one that’s gossiped to have tremendous implications down the road for mixed bondings.”
Mekashe nodded, without paying much attention to what the other man was saying. “The dravelzium has a longer duration than I thought.”
“Yes, this improved formula lasts for several days instead of the scant minutes that limited its use in the past,” the physician agreed. “Just don’t miss a dose.” He chuckled.
“I can promise you that I won’t. There’s another matter.” He held out his arm. “I told you about the creature in the holoroom. This was the result of my confrontation with it.”
Hahnson grimaced. “Those are bad bites. What sort of creature was it?”
“A very nasty construct, with a bad attitude. I dispatched it after sending Jasmine away, but it was difficult to bring down.”
Hahnson programmed his drug banks and activated the holo printer on Mekashe’s dresser. “Use that on it—” he indicated the packet of drugs “—and self-inject the antibiotic, as well. Even a virtual creature can carry bacteria, especially with the sort of holo used on that ship.”
“Truly. Thank you for the house call,” he added, chuckling.
“My pleasure. I can’t let the captain of the emperor’s guard die. I’d be spaced!”
“He may space me when he finds out that I’m contemplating a bonding with a human. We already have two humans bonded to high-ranking aristocrats—one of them, the mate of the emperor’s son, Dtimun.”
“I hardly think it will be a concern,” Hahnson assured him. “You might recall that the emperor is very fond of both Dr. Ruszel and Dr. Mallory. He loves both his grandsons. Not to mention the new granddaughter that Rhemun and Mallory recently presented him with.”
Mekashe chuckled. “I have to be at the christening, but it isn’t for two more terran months. It will be an event to remember. The second female born into Alamantimichar in its entire existence.”
“I’m going, as well,” Hahnson said, smiling. He nodded toward the packet he’d just sent. “Get busy with those meds. And call me if you need anything further. You know what signs to look for if the antibiotic doesn’t kick in shortly.”
“Yes, I do.” He checked his ring-watch. “I have to dress for the evening. I’m taking her to another concert tonight. I find that I enjoy human opera,” he added. “However, this is another sort of music.”
“What sort?”
He told Hahnson, who grimaced.
“Well, it’s not for every ear,” the physician replied. “But you may find it interesting, at least.”
“It isn’t a bad idea to try new things.”
“Exactly.” He glanced at a board beside him. “I see that Tresar and Akmaran are on the vessel with you. Tresar has a physical upcoming with Tellas in a week. Is he going to be back here by then?”
“I’ll make sure that he is,” Mekashe said with twinkling green eyes. “He hates physicals. But he has a condition that certainly requires monitoring.” He shook his head. “He isn’t seen very much. He detests shifting into a more human form just to be around outworlders, so he keeps to our private area below. He is what you humans might call eccentric.”
Hahnson chuckled. “I can think of a few better words, but I won’t comment. Plus he’s a member of the Imperial Clan,” he added. “We can’t afford to let anything happen to him. The emperor is a terror when he loses his temper, and he’s doubly protective about members of his own Clan. So remind Tresar about the physical, will you?”
“Certainly.”
“And let me know how the concert goes.” Hahnson glanced at the board again. There was a familiar chime. “I’m needed. How are you doing with dravelzium supplies?”
“I have more than enough for several weeks. Thank you for all your help.”
“I’m delighted to do what I can.” The physician grinned. “I’d love to be invited to the bonding, by the way.”
Mekashe laughed delightedly. “Rest assured that your name will head the list. I owe you a great deal. So does she.”
“Take care.”
“And you.”
* * *
MEKASHE DONNED A dark suit to wear to the concert and checked himself in the virtual mirror to make certain that he was presentable. He could hardly wait to see Jasmine again.
His arm was already healing, thanks to the efforts of Hahnson. The newer meds were far superior to the old ones.
He called for Jasmine at her door. The ambassador looked up from yet another paper book, grinned, waved and walked away. Jasmine was wearing a pale blue clinging dress that outlined her exquisite figure and matched her beautiful pale blue eyes. Her long hair was soft and wavy around her shoulders.
“You look exquisitely beautiful,” Mekashe said huskily.
“So do you. I mean, you look handsome!” Jasmine stuttered, flushing. “How is your arm?” she added worriedly.
“Mended,” he said, delighted at her concern for him. “My personal physician attended to it, and provided an antibiotic, as well. Even the bacteria in holorooms is quite lethal in the wrong situation.”
“So I’ve heard.” She shivered delicately. “I told Daddy about the creature. I’ll never forget how terrified I was.” She looked up. “I was so afraid that it had hurt you. The wound on your arm was bad enough, but it could have killed you!”
“I’m quite tough,” he said, amused.
“I know, but it was such a large creature,” she added worriedly. She searched his eyes. “I’m so glad you’re all right!”
His chest swelled at her relief, at the evidence of her fear for his well-being. Things were going to work out. He was certain of it.
“The concert starts shortly. We should go.”
“Yes. Daddy, I won’t be la
te,” she called.
“Be as late as you like, and have fun. Both of you!” he called back.
* * *
MEKASHE CHUCKLED AS they walked along en route to the concert hall, Jasmine’s small hand tucked into his. “Is your father ever without a book in his hands?”
“Not often.” Her eyes twinkled. “This one’s about chess. He’s determined to beat you, even if it’s only one time.”
He smiled. “He plays very well. He doesn’t think through the moves before he makes them.”
“He’s too impulsive. I’m like that, too, I’m afraid. I just jump right in without thinking.”
“In some circumstances, quick action can be a benefit, especially if lives are at stake.”
“My mother was wounded once, years before she died,” she said solemnly. “She was tending to a wounded diplomat when insurgents attacked. She jumped in front of one of her patients and took terrible fire from a weapon burst. But her quick action saved the man, who turned out to be related to the Terravegan president. She was given the highest civilian medal for it,” she added proudly.
“An exceptional act of courage.” He stopped walking and turned to her. “I’m sorry. I know how it feels to lose a parent.”
“I know you do.” She searched his eyes. “I want lots of children,” she said huskily. “So that my child isn’t an only child.”
He studied her quietly. “I’ve been thinking the same thing lately.”
Her heart skipped. She was thinking about children with black hair and golden skin and eyes that changed color.
He was looking back and thinking the same thing. A little girl like Rhemun’s with blond hair and palest gold skin would be exquisite, especially with the elegant shape of Cehn-Tahr eyes and their color-changing ability. But that would be a long shot.
He reached out and touched her long hair, a sensual touch that made her shiver with pleasure. She caught his hand and curled hers around it while they stood in the corridor and stared at each other until they realized they were being watched by several amused passengers.
He cleared his throat and led her down the corridor. “Perhaps we should go to the concert before we become a, how did you say it, floor show?”