Alawahea

by Sara L Daigle

  Greg smiled at Justern. “I know you’re innocent, Justy, but if you weren’t, I still wouldn’t lie for you.”

  “I wouldn’t want you to.” Justern shook his head. “That would be against everything Healers have ever stood for. Not that the humans understand any of that. I do wish humans would allow a scan that would reveal her for what she is, though.”

  Tamara snorted, darting a hostile glance at the other side of the room where Joely and her group stood. “Someone like that will go through life doing whatever she pleases and getting away with it because she’s got people all figured out and she knows exactly how to manipulate them and the system.”

  Merran nodded to Greg. “You did wonderfully within the limits that were imposed upon you.”

  Greg inclined his head. “I’ve gotten really good at it during the past few weeks. No matter what happens here today, we’ve made some important points that will get back to where they need to go.” He glanced at the reporters who took out their handheld computers and typed away. Greg then turned to Justern. “Are you all right?”

  Tamara, too overwhelmed by everything else that was happening, suddenly realized Justern was not looking very good at all. She came around the benches and slipped an arm around his waist, offering physical as well as mental comfort in that touch.

  Only Azellian control allowed him to prevent the desire to cry. Tamara could feel him fighting the tears, although nothing showed on the surface. “I hardly recognized myself by the time they were done with me.” His voice shook a little, the only visible show of his emotions. He coughed. “I’d hate myself too, if I were the person they painted me to be.” He coughed again and Tamara could feel his nausea rising, a result of the huge bursts of adrenaline that had poured through him. She coughed in sympathy and tightened her arm around his waist. “She was so convincing, I almost question myself and what really happened. I know I didn’t do what she claims, but based on her description of all that took place it makes you wonder, how could I not have done it? Could she really have made it all up? How could she hate me that much? I’m Azellian and I couldn’t even tell where the lie ended and truth began in her words. She twisted it all so completely, how will anyone believe me?” His arm tightened on Tamara, flexing his muscles under her touch. “What if they find me guilty?” he whispered the words.

  Greg ran a hand over him lightly, and Tamara could feel the Healer’s soothing warmth pour through him, easing back the reactionary nausea and reinforcing his control. “Alawahea, Justern. We know you haven’t done anything wrong, and so does the Council. That girl hates herself and life so much that she has to spread her hatred to everyone else rather than take responsibility for her own mistakes. We Healers have seen it many times in people. She is trying to destroy your life because then it validates the destruction she has created in her own.”

  Justern smiled at him weakly. “Knowing why she’s dragging me through this doesn’t help all that much. I just wish she’d leave me alone.”

  “Hang in there, Justy,” Tamara said softly. “No matter what she says, we know you better than that.” The judge’s assistant returned.

  Justern disengaged, giving them all a mental hug, then hastened back as the judge returned.

  Closing arguments were addressed to the jury, Mr. Dettner’s full of lots of emotional appeal. Peter’s argument was masterful, well thought out—and a failure. The jury deliberated, then returned an hour later with a guilty verdict.

  Justern sat in his seat stunned. Although he had known there was a good probability for this outcome, given the fact the media had doused everyone in fears of Azellians and that Joely’s performance had been masterful, it still came as a complete shock. He looked over at Joely who hugged her father, her attorney, and every other nearby person as tears streamed down her face. In between hugs, she cast hostile, fearful glances over at Tamara and the Azellians.

  “Mr. Memaxthal, you have been convicted by a jury of your peers,” the judge said, getting his name right, at least. Tamara put her hands over her mouth, feeling sick and dizzy. “However, we are aware that during your previous incarceration, you were drugged heavily enough to nearly kill you. This court is willing to accept your word that you will remain in custody until you are sentenced one week from today and forego the dangerous alternative of drugging you senseless to ensure that you remain in custody. I understand the Azellian Ambassador is present today. Ambassador?”

  Merran got to his feet and bowed. “Your Honor?”

  “Does the embassy support the court’s decisions?”

  “It does, Your Honor,” Merran said flatly, without any hint of emotion.

  “Then will you aid us in ensuring that this young man will remain in custody until sentencing?” the judge asked.

  Stuck where he did not want to be and knowing that the alternative of keeping Justern drugged was not acceptable, Merran inclined his head. “By my word as an ambassador, we will, Your Honor.”

  “So do you offer your word that you will remain in custody until sentencing, Mr. Memaxthal?” the judge returned his attention to Justern.

  “I will remain in custody,” Justern said in an almost inaudible voice. His head hung low as the bailiff approached and led him away.

  Merran leaned over to the others seated beside him. “My job continues,” he said. “Peter and I have to get him sent home… or it’s going to kill him.”

  The reporters mobbed them at the door of the courthouse. This case had become much higher profile than it should have been. As Merran fielded question after question, taking their attention away from Greg, Tamara looked over to where Joely held on to her father, staying within the shelter of his arms as they hurried out of the courthouse. She longed to race after them to tell Joely exactly what she thought of the young woman’s accusations. Peter ushered Mellis, Tamara, Greg, and Alarin into his car. Shocked silence reigned as they drove to Tamara’s father’s house, still reeling from the verdict.

  “Dad, you can get him sent home, can’t you?” Tamara asked later as the group of them sat in her father’s house. “He doesn’t need to stay here and be in jail for something he didn’t do. It will ruin his life!”

  “It depends on the judge. He may be willing to accept that Justern really was convicted incorrectly and let him have his life, or he might want to be firm, to make an example of him. I suspect that the Council will have something to say about this. Unless they leave Justern to hang out to dry, which I believe is highly unlikely, I am hopeful that we can get him sent back to Azelle. I started laying the groundwork for that weeks ago, and Merran is doing his part as well. Human law is fairly clear in rape cases, but date rape is something else entirely. Ultimately, it will be up to the judge, but we will continue to do what we can to influence the decision to send him home.” Peter rested his head in his hands. Suddenly, he lifted his head and looked steadily at Alarin. “And you, young Raderth. I know what the Raderth talent is, and I suspect you have it in spades. Forcing her to admit that she lied in court won’t do any good, unless we can get evidence to substantiate that position. To say nothing about revealing to the world more than what I understand the Council has okayed.”

  Alarin’s smile was almost predatory. Tamara shivered, having far more access to his thoughts than she wanted right at that moment. “I will not force her to do anything.”

  “Be sure you don’t. Leave her alone,” Peter said sharply, “or we’ll be fighting charges against you next. Stay away from her, all of you. That’s an order. Merran is trying his damndest to make sure you aren’t all sent home. If any of you have anything to do with her you are going to endanger his efforts. She’s spoiled and dangerous and we’re lucky Justern is the only one who has been affected by this.”

  Tamara expelled an explosive sigh. She knew her father was right, but she had to admit the thought of using her abilities to harass Joely into a confession was a temptation. It would not be difficult, not at all. A thousand revenge thoughts raced through her mind and she swall
owed them all with tremendous effort that left her shaking.

  Exactly one week later they were all in court again, sitting in front of the judge. Justern was wearing the hidious orange suit and humiliating chains. He barely looked up, sunk in an apparent deep depression.

  “There is considerable political pressure to have you deported and sent home immediately. While I am constrained to some extent by the politics inherent in this situation, I do not feel that you will be appropriately chastised for the harm you have done to this young lady, whom you used so cruelly. I have no knowledge of the type of punishment you will receive on Azelle, nor is that within this court’s purview. I am, however, allowed by law to assess damages. I hereby fine you the sum of a half million dollars, or the equivalent in Azellian money, to be paid to the young lady who brought these charges against you. Maybe you will learn in the future to restrain yourself. You are hereby remanded to the custody of the ambassador, who will make sure you are sent back to Azelle on the next shuttle. He will also ensure that the fine is paid.”

  Justern didn’t seem to have heard, but Tamara’s stomach dropped as she thought of the judge’s decision. As a student, there is no way he has that kind of money! As an Azellian, where money is not the focus of life the way it is here, there is no way he’d ever get that kind of money, either! Tamara was horrified.

  “Dad!” Tamara protested as the judge banged his gavel and dismissed them. “How can they? There weren’t any damages requested! She didn’t miss classtime. She didn’t even go to the hospital!”

  Peter shook his head, his obvious anger written across his features. “He can’t, honey. We’re going to have to appeal this,” he turned and spoke to Merran as the ambassador came forward and Justern was taken away to get dressed into his street clothes.

  Merran sighed and rubbed his temples. “I know. There’s no way Justern can make that kind of money on Azelle, and he’s innocent to boot. I don’t think the courts can force a foreign power to collect a fine, though. The judge knows it, which is why he instructed that I will guarantee it. However, if the Council tells me to ignore the fine, which I believe will be their position, there isn’t much Earth can do but try to pressure us to pay up. We’re not done with the political process on this, not even close.”

  Peter nodded. “Or the court process. I’ve already readied an appeal.”

  When Justern came out again, Tamara’s heart went out to him. Physically, he was there as he walked toward them, but it was obvious he was not there emotionally.

  Merran moved closer to Justern. “I’ll take Justy back to the embassy with me.”

  “We’ll fight this, Justern,” Peter said to the young man.

  Justern lifted his head and looked at Peter. “Alawahea,” he whispered. “The aarya tell me that this will never be over until I die.”

  Something in the way he said it and the faraway look in his blue-grey eyes scared Tamara. Merran, watch him. All night. Maybe we should have Greg spend the night with him too. He’s making me nervous. Do you think he’s suicidal?

  I’ll watch him, Merran said grimly. Greg, Alarin, Mel. You too, Tamara. You’re all welcome to join us. We’re going to have to watch him for a few days until he goes home.

  They arranged shifts for the following three days. Merran managed to whisk Justern to his apartment rather than the embassy, so he could stay there until the next shuttle arrived three days later. Tamara sat over Justern for the early morning shift on the third day, watching him as he lay sprawled on Merran’s bed.

  “How long have you been there?” Justern asked as the sun spilled into the room and across his face. He lifted his head and sounded semi-normal for the first time in three days. “Where am I?”

  “Merran’s bedroom.”

  He looked around. “Nice. Well, at least he doesn’t have to come up with half a million dollars to pay to that lying bitchface.”

  Anger. Much better than the semi-comatose depression of the past three days, Tamara thought.

  “Dad’s fighting it. And Merran’s going to see if the Azellian Council will help. Not that human authorities can do much when you return to Azelle except ask the Council very nicely for you to pay up.”

  Justern snorted, turning over on his side. “I may be High Council on both sides of my parentage, but I’m also the boy responsible for the death of his mother and disowned by his father.”

  Tamara shifted on her chair. “You’ve said that before. What do you mean by that? You’re responsible for her death? I thought you were only ten! How could you possibly have caused her death?”

  Justern was silent. He was quiet for so long that Tamara wondered if he would answer her. “There … was a place at the Uzor oasis that I was not supposed to go. None of us non-psi children were. It was dangerous.”

  “But you went anyway.”

  Justern shrugged. “I went anyway. It was the only place I knew where I could be alone and get away from my parents’ fighting. It was either that or the High Desert, and even I wasn’t that stupid. Only acolytes or those trying to die go into the High Desert. Mother came to look for me. While she searched for me, she slid on some rocks, hit her head, and died immediately. I found her and tried to get her back to Uzorantxl, but I was too small and too weak to manage … and I had no psi.” There was a wealth of guilt and self-castigation in his confession.

  Tamara shook her head. “You were just a child! It was an accident, Justy. It wasn’t your fault.”

  “Well, my father certainly blamed me … and so did the Council. The rest of Azelle wasn’t far behind.” He shook his head. “In light of all that I’ve just told you, I don’t think the Council will jeopardize Azellian-human relations over me.”

  “They were ready to recall the students and their ambassador over you. They are really not happy with you being convicted when the psi evidence is so clear. It’s taken a lot of effort on Merran’s part to keep the Council from retaliating on your behalf.”

  “But we have no way to prove it to the satisfaction of the humans. I honestly don’t think much of the human court system, Tamara.” Justern sat up. He brushed his hand across his eyes.

  Tamara looked at him sympathetically. “I know, Justy. I’m sorry. I wish …” She trailed off.

  He closed his eyes. “So do I, believe me.” Taking a deep breath in through his nose and releasing it out his mouth, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Tamara hastily averted her eyes, but she stood up and followed him to the bathroom. “Are you going to watch me?” he asked, standing at the toilet. He flashed her a faint grin. “Not that I mind, but besides our consanguinity, I think you already have enough with Merran and Alarin in your bed.”

  “Uh, we’re supposed to keep an eye on you at all times.” Tamara blushed. “I’ll turn my back.”

  Justern shrugged. “I’m not going to kill myself, if that’s what you’re afraid of,” he said as the tinkle of water made Tamara wish desperately she hadn’t been the one to be present when he woke up. The toilet flushed and the sound of running water splashing into the sink allowed her to relax slightly. “It was tempting for a while, but my soul isn’t quite ready to quit this life for the next turn of the wheel.”

  Tamara turned around. “It was a concern. You haven’t been exactly yourself.”

  Justern smiled at her in the mirror above the sink. “I’m better now. Unless I’m mistaken, I’m going home today, right?”

  Tamara nodded. “The shuttle arrives at five tonight. What are you going to do when you get back to Azelle?”

  “Well, I’ll be able to piece together some of my life again. Finally. At least I hope I can. I haven’t had much luck at avoiding attention on either planet,” Justern said, returning to the bedroom again. “The only thing I’m going to miss about Earth is you.”

  Tamara followed him, and when he stopped, she gave in to her desire to hug him tightly. His arms wrapped around her, and she could feel the slight tremor that went through him. “I’ve been glad to know my brother too. I�
�ll come to Azelle, I promise. It might take a fight, but I am going to get there. This isn’t the last time we will see each other. You will write or call too, won’t you?”

  Justern grinned and ruffled her hair. “You betcha. I have no intention of losing my sister now that I’ve found her. Now, if you want, you can have Greg come in and certify me healthy, but can I take a shower without an audience?”

  Tamara laughed. “I’ll call Greg in. I have no intention of watching you take a shower. Thanks anyway. As you said, to say nothing about our blood tie, I’ve got more than enough to deal with already with Alarin and Merran.” She moved toward the door.

  “Tamara,” Justern said as she rested her hand on the door.

  “Hmm?” Tamara turned toward him.

  “Thank you. You know my mother’s fairytales about her daughter and my sister? The real thing’s even better,” he said softly.

  Tamara smiled, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’ll get Greg.”

  It had not gotten any easier to say goodbye eight hours later when the shuttle stood in the spaceport yard. It took a mighty effort for Tamara to hold back her tears as Justern boarded the shuttle. Mellis, not having anything to keep her on Earth, had decided to go back too, making Tamara feel a little better to know Justern would not be alone back on Azelle.

  “His cousin, our friend Charina, is still there too. Justy will be fine,” Alarin said from behind her.

  “One day that will be you getting on that shuttle,” Tamara told him, her throat thick. “It’s going to come sooner than I’ll ever be ready to have you go. What will I do when you leave?”

  “Incentive to follow,” Alarin grinned at her, pulling her close to him and kissing her lightly. “I’m still here next semester and through next year too, thanks to Merran.”

  “Thanks to me, what?” Merran came up to them. He dropped a kiss on Tamara’s lips and stood on her other side.

  “Thanks to you, Greg and I get to suffer on Earth for another year. Do you think next semester will be anything like this one?” Alarin asked as they watched the shuttle start to taxi toward the runway.