by Brenda Hiatt
Malcolm cleared his throat. “We were all rather caught up in the moment Saturday afternoon, when we first learned the Grentl were leaving. It’s possible we, er, implied we would release more information than was wise. Something we realized after a more sober evaluation.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to see exactly what was sent out.” After everything they’d done to Rigel and me, I should have known better than to trust the Council Royals.
“Oh. Um, of course.” Breann punched the text up on her tablet, then handed it to me.
With growing indignation, I read:
“Nuathans and Echtrans will be happy to learn that the threat so recently posed by those aliens known as the Grentl has been averted. Unprecedented collaboration between Martian Scientists in Nuath and on Earth allowed us to counter the Grentl electromagnetic pulse with a precisely-timed positron beam, resulting in the colorful display Earthbound Echtrans undoubtedly noticed. The Duchas have been told the fictitious sunspots previously reported to their media created an unusually intense display of “Northern Lights.” Our Scientists were assisted in their efforts by our new Sovereign, who learned important details about the Grentl plan via her communications with them. Her diplomacy also resulted in the Grentl withdrawal from solar space. The Echtran Council extends its gratitude to Sovereign Emileia for her help in preventing what could have been a terrible catastrophe by exhibiting yet again that she has the qualities necessary to lead our people into a brighter future.”
Practically flinging the tablet back at Breann, I glared around the room. “Rigel’s name wasn’t even mentioned! He risked his life every bit as much as I did!”
“We, ah, were concerned that our people might be unnecessarily upset by hearing how close they came to losing another Sovereign.” Breann’s tone was placating, but I wasn’t placated in the least.
“So you decided to play down my role and not mention Rigel’s at all? The President of the United States—a Duchas—knows more about what really happened than our own people do!”
Malcolm frowned. “Kyna assured us that the President has sworn absolute secrecy as to the precise—”
“That’s not the point and you know it!”
Mrs. O, who’d been quiet all evening, leaned forward. “Excellency—M—try to calm down, do. Most of us felt certain our people would be more reassured by a Scientific explanation than with some fantastical-seeming story about graell bonds.”
Though she spoke soothingly, I sensed both irritation and resentment—probably because she still hadn’t forgiven me for getting back together with Rigel. In her view I’d jilted her son, my “destined Consort,” to be with my non-Royal boyfriend—and had hurt Sean in the process. Even if Sean now understood how important it was that Rigel and I be together, I didn’t think Sean’s mother ever would, not really.
“You know—all of you know—I could never have stopped the Grentl without Rigel. Without our bond.” I was still furious. “Why do you keep trying to pretend it doesn’t exist?”
“Of course we’re grateful to young Stuart for the role he played,” Connor allowed. “We’ve already sent an official letter of thanks to him, on behalf of the Council.”
“Grateful!” I snorted. “Yet you’re willing to let people believe that nasty Echtran Enquirer article full of lies about him?”
I turned to Mr. Stuart. “You said a few days ago you’d received some nasty emails threatening Rigel. Have there been any more?”
He grimaced slightly. “More insults than threats. I, ah, haven’t told Ariel or Rigel about them. They’d had enough stress already.”
“See?” I demanded, turning back to the Council. “Rigel risked his life for you but you’re willing to let him be a target for any crazy traditionalists moving here who consider him a threat to our future. What kind of gratitude is that?”
This time it was Breann who tried to calm me down. “You must understand, Excellency, that this is still a difficult time of transition for our people. While they are relieved to have Faxon gone and the monarchy restored, the recently discovered power depletion in Nuath has shaken them badly, not to mention learning about the Grentl. It is more important than ever that they retain confidence in the Royal line—and their born Sovereign.”
“Not at the expense of Rigel’s safety,” I insisted.
“Perhaps a security detail—?” Malcolm suggested.
“That won’t change what people think about him.” I imagined the new students at school making snide comments to his face, having no idea how much they owed him. “Send another message, this time with the full story of what Rigel did to protect them. It’s the only fair thing to do and you know it.”
Nara nodded, then Kyna, but the Royals still looked stubborn.
“If we do that, we’ll have to reveal how you and Stuart stopped the EMP,” Malcolm pointed out. “That would include details about the potentially lethal electrical bolts you and he are able to produce. Surely you don’t want your subjects to grow afraid of you?”
Breann and Connor and Mrs. O all murmured their agreement with that argument but I refused to back down.
“Figure out a way to word it so you don’t scare people, then. Because if you don’t issue a statement in the next day or two, I will. I imagine Mr. Stuart and Shim will both be willing to make sure it reaches everyone.”
“Hm. Yes, Excellency, now that you mention it, perhaps that would be best.” Malcolm glanced at Mrs. O.
“I agree.” She also seemed oddly pleased with the idea. “If you write the statement yourself, Excellency, there can be no question of the Council inadvertently upsetting you again by our phrasing. A very good suggestion, Malcolm.”
“Fine,” I snapped.
Giving Rigel full credit was the surest way to keep him safe and finally get all Martians to accept us as a couple. With all these new Echtrans coming to Jewel, including students at school who’d encounter Rigel and me on a regular basis, that was more important than ever.
I was determined to have that statement written before I went to bed tonight.
When I got home, just a couple minutes past nine o’clock, Uncle Louie was dozing in front of the TV and Aunt Theresa was doing a crossword puzzle. She looked up quickly when I poked my head into the living room, her expression—and emotions—betraying her curiosity.
I thought sure she’d ask about the meeting, but after staring at me for a second, she just said, “I’m glad they didn’t keep you too late. Is all of your homework done?”
“Oh. Um, almost. I’ll…get right on that.”
I lingered for another moment in case she really did want to ask me anything, but she turned back to her crossword. With a little shrug, I headed upstairs.
Though I wanted to get started on that statement right away, I first reached out for Rigel with my mind. Hey, are you there? Can you talk?
Sure. Just a sec, he sent back a few heartbeats later.
Since his parents didn’t know we could communicate from this far away, he probably needed to get someplace away from his mom so she wouldn’t guess what was going on.
While I waited, I pulled some books out of my backpack and spread them on my desk so it would look like I really was doing homework if Aunt Theresa happened to check on me. Not that I expected her to, the way she’d been acting lately. I’d written and scratched out three different opening sentences to my statement when Rigel’s voice sounded in my mind.
Okay, I’m in my room now. What’s the deal? Oops, sounds like Dad just got home. Back in a few, okay?
Though frustrated at the delay, I didn’t argue. I had time to write and scratch out two whole paragraphs before Rigel finally came back.
Sorry, Dad wanted to tell Mom and me all about the meeting. Wow, nearly two hundred new Echtrans coming to town? He sure didn’t hint there’d be that many this morning! I could sense Rigel was as taken aback by the number as I’d been.
It sounded like some of the Council only got the details tonight.
&
nbsp; But this had to be in the works for a while, right? he asked, just like I had.
Some of it was, but they claimed they didn’t know for sure how many were coming until a week or so ago. And that was right when—
All hell broke loose, he finished for me.
Yeah. So they decided not to say anything about the newcomers last week because they didn’t want to distract me.
Maybe a good call, considering?
I wasn’t nearly as ready to absolve the Council. Maybe. I still think they should have told me. And there’s more.
Uh-oh, Mom’s calling me. We can talk more tomorrow at school if we don’t get another chance tonight, okay?
Okay, I sent back reluctantly. Love you!
Love you, too, M!
His presence in my mind disappeared and I let out a frustrated sigh, feeling slightly drained. Long-distance telepathy took a lot more effort than when we were closer, so maybe waiting till we were face to face to tell him the rest would be better.
Rigel was bound to be even more upset than I was that the Council hadn’t mentioned him in their statement. If I could show him at least a draft of my follow-up, he’d know the omission was temporary, which might help. I got back to work.
But no matter how I worded my description of what really happened Friday night, it sounded like I was either tooting my own horn or giving Rigel top billing—which I knew he wouldn’t allow. I was mostly okay with the Council singing our praises but it felt super weird and awkward for me to do it myself.
I suddenly realized that Malcolm and Mrs. O must have foreseen this exact problem—which would explain why they were so eager to have me write the follow-up statement I’d demanded.
Finally, rubbing my tired eyes, I gave it up for the evening. Tomorrow I’d talk it over with Rigel. Together, I was sure we could come up with something both accurate and (relatively) humble. We had to.
4
Cleavage
THE next morning I came down to breakfast a little early in case my aunt was finally ready to listen only to discover she’d already left for the elementary school where she taught—a full half hour earlier than usual.
“She said she had papers to grade or something like that,” Uncle Louie told me when I asked. “Oh, hey, if you’re making toast, make me a piece, too.”
I was sure Aunt Theresa had really left early to avoid talking to me, but there was nothing I could do about it now. I got out another piece of bread and put it into the toaster.
* * *
“Mum told us this morning how many new Echtrans are coming to Jewel,” Molly whispered excitedly when she and Sean joined me at the bus stop a little later. “Sean and I already knew about NuAgra, of course, but didn’t realize it would be that big.”
“Yeah, definitely more people than I expected.” I tried not to show how irked I was that they’d been told more ahead of time than I had. I mean, I was the Sovereign.
“Hope these people have been a lot better briefed on how to act than some of the, uh, tourists we’ve had,” Sean said.
“Kyna said the ones coming here got extra briefings.” I didn’t mention the three I’d met on Sunday.
Sean dropped his voice lower, since the two sophomores from our stop were headed our way. “That’s good. But if any seem at all out of line, you can count on me—and Molly, of course—to run interference. Keep them from getting too close or…whatever.”
I smiled up at him. “Thanks, Sean. Hope that won’t be necessary, but it’s good to know you guys have my back.” I infused all the gratitude I could into my voice, hoping to ease some of the lingering hurt I still sensed from him. It seemed to help a tiny bit.
When our bus left the outskirts of town to trundle through the cornfields I reached out for Rigel, since we hadn’t “said” much more than goodnight to each other before I fell asleep last night. Are you at school yet?
Just got here. What’s up?
Hoping we can talk before class, that’s all. Meet you out front in a couple minutes, okay?
He was waiting near the curb when our bus pulled up and greeted me with a quick kiss as soon as Sean’s back was turned. It bothered him, too, that Sean was having trouble adjusting to us being a couple again.
“So?” he said, linking hands as we turned toward the school. “What did you want to talk about? More stuff about these newcomers?”
“Not exactly.” Keeping my voice to the sub-whisper only he could hear, I quickly told him about the “edited” report the Council sent out Saturday. I got pissed all over again as I spoke but Rigel took the news surprisingly calmly.
“It’s not that big a deal, M. Seriously.” Just like on Sunday, he wasn’t nearly as upset as I was.
“It doesn’t bother you? Really?”
“Not much. It’s enough—more than enough—that I helped keep you alive and safe. Along with, y’know, the rest of the world.” He grinned. “It’s awkward enough at school and around town when people treat me like some kind of hero just because of football. This would make me feel even weirder.”
Together, we entered the school. “I get that. I do. I feel awkward when people treat me so differently because of the whole Sovereign thing, too. Still, it’s not fair they didn’t give you credit when you were a real hero.”
“Sounds like you didn’t get as much credit as you should have, either. But hey, if the Scientists want to be the heroes, I say we let them. If keeping a low profile means we can be together without an audience more often, I’ll take that trade in a heartbeat.”
He leaned in for another kiss as we reached my locker, which distracted me for a few seconds. But only a few.
“I don’t know, Rigel. You saw what happened downtown Sunday. I was really counting on that statement to change people’s minds, prove to them we have to be together. I’m worried if we don’t do something to counteract all the lies that have been spread, what happened back in Nuath could start happening here. Especially with all these new Echtrans coming to Jewel—”
“It’ll be fine, M. You’ll see. We’ll just have to prove it to them a little more slowly, that’s all.”
“No, that’s part of what I wanted to tell you.” The warning bell rang, so I spoke more quickly. “Last night I insisted the Council send out another statement, telling what really happened, and they said I could write it myself. I’ve already started a rough draft.” Several, in fact, but I didn’t say that. “I was thinking you could help me make it better, less awkward. Then—”
His frown stopped me. “I don’t know, M. Let’s talk this through before you do anything we can’t take back, okay?”
“Um, okay.” I was confused and a little disappointed by his reluctance. “Lunch in the courtyard? We can talk more then.”
As the morning went on, I tried to discreetly tap into Rigel’s thoughts to figure out why he was so resistant to setting people straight. But all I picked up were a few memories from last week and a growing sense of determination. Surely over lunch, when we could again talk face to face, he’d tell me what was really going on.
“So,” I said as soon as we were seated on the stone bench with our sandwiches. “Have you thought more about what my statement should say?” Thankfully, the courtyard was deserted, even though it was sunny and not too hot after Sunday’s rain.
The look he gave me was wary—and worried. “Yeah, M, I have. And…I don’t think you should send one at all.”
“What? Of course I should! Why would you say that? Do you want those crazy ultra-traditionalists bad-mouthing you—or worse? Remember what they did to you in Nuath? And that threatening note your mom got—?”
“I remember.” He put his hand over mine, trying to calm me. “But that threat was about me getting my memory back, which is a done deal now. Everybody already knows about it. Anyway, I’d much rather deal with a few insults from people who don’t know any better than risk them trying to separate us again.”
I stared at him. “But don’t you see? That’s exactly why—”
“No. Think. Remember how the Council and even some of the Scientists reacted when we generated those electrical bolts for their tests? They were scared. Shoot, we were scared! Some Council members even argued we should be kept apart so we couldn’t accidentally hurt anyone. Do you really want everyone to know what we can do? How do you think the Echtran Enquirer will spin that?”
The Council Royals had said something similar last night, I recalled.
“Didn’t Shim already publicize what those Scientists found out about our graell bond, at least in Nuath? We haven’t gotten flack over that. Why should this be any worse?”
“He didn’t share that part. Dad told me. Just the genetic affinity stuff and a hint about our mental link. Besides, according to my folks people were so busy freaking out about the Grentl, nobody paid much attention anyway.”
I let out a little huff of frustration. “Yeah, but now that the Grentl are gone people will be looking for new gossip, you know they will. We don’t have to say we were heroes. That’ll sound weird coming from us, anyway. But can’t we at least tell everyone it was our bond that kept the Grentl from carrying out their plan?”
“How, without mentioning the electrical thing? Really, M, I think we should just let it go, at least for now. See if any of the stuff you’re worried about actually materializes. Anyway, we should eat. Lunch is almost over.” He unwrapped my tuna sandwich and handed it to me.
I kept arguing with Rigel—silently—for the rest of the day but he refused to budge. He was convinced the risks outweighed the possible problems. I knew he’d feel differently if he thought another statement would make me safer, but the one most likely to suffer from us not saying anything was him—which didn’t give me much leverage.
I could tell he was starting to get irritated when he made me promise not to distract him during football practice. I decided to just go home so I’d be less tempted to break that promise—and because I was getting irritated, too, and hated being on the outs with Rigel about anything.