by Stina Leicht
Enid turned to Lou. “Didn’t you eat breakfast?”
“Why would I eat MREs?” Lou asked. “That shit is nasty.”
Angel spoke to Kirby. “Rosie said you were expecting trouble.”
“Anyone Vissia Corsini sends will have to come from Brynner. Rosencrantz will send a warning,” Kirby said. “In any case, we aren’t expecting anyone for at least a couple of days.”
“All right.” Angel motioned to Enid, Sukyi, and Lou. “The sooner we unpack, the sooner we get lunch.”
Two of the locals joined them as they walked up the ramp. Sukyi gave them a wide berth, avoiding even the narrow possibility of accidental touch.
“Hi. I’m Paulie,” the shorter of the two said. She appeared to be of Asian extraction. She was slim, attractive, and looked to be in her twenties. Her black hair fell to her hips. Her eyebrows were immaculately arched, and her lips formed a full Cupid’s bow. She moved with a self-assured grace. Motioning to the pale woman towering over her, she said, “And this is Beak.”
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Lou said, practically radiating an air of friendliness as she often did when first introduced.
While Enid was often taciturn to the point of being dour, Lou was one of those people who rarely frowned. Enid provided steadfastness to the team. Lou gave levity. The contrast between Lou, who was short and bubbly, and Beak, who wasn’t either of these things, was almost comical.
Beak was well over six feet tall and had the build of a professional weightlifting champion. She wore a close-fitting t-shirt over her muscled torso. Her arms bulged under tight sleeves. Her blond hair was cropped short. In the military, Angel had met and worked with a number of women who were larger and stronger than average. None of them were as tall as Beak. The woman had to duck upon entering the ship and kept her head bowed to prevent it from hitting the ceiling.
Enid had given Paulie and Beak a friendly nod. Lou, on the other hand, chattered happily as if she hadn’t met the single most-intimidating woman Angel had seen since leaving the URWMC.
Angel deactivated the magnetic clamps inside the cargo bay.
“Why do they call you Beak?” Lou asked in a casual tone.
Beak didn’t answer but did offer Lou her hand to shake.
“I’m sorry. You won’t hear Beak talk,” Paulie said.
“Ever?” Lou asked. A concerned line appeared between her brows.
“Universal dialect is difficult for her,” Paulie said. “She understands perfectly. But she can’t speak it.”
“Oh. So, what’s Beak short for?” Lou asked.
“It’s a joke. Rosie gave her that nickname a few years ago,” Paulie said. She shrugged. “Beak doesn’t mind. You wouldn’t be able to pronounce her real name anyway.”
Lou pointed to Enid. “Enid doesn’t say much either.”
Enid gave Beak a measuring up-nod. Beak politely returned the gesture before picking up a crate.
“Beak is a biologist,” Paulie said. “If you have any questions about the animal life in the area, she’s the one to consult.”
“Really? Wow,” Lou said.
“My specialization is mechanical engineering,” Paulie said.
“I’m the pilot and mechanic,” Lou said.
Once the crates were stored, Paulie offered to take them to their private rooms. Lou was eager to get to where the food was. Sukyi looked like she could use some rack time. Angel had to admit that sounded fantastic. She felt a tug on her sleeve.
“What about our gear?” Enid asked in a whisper. “Are we leaving the weapons behind?”
Angel said, “This is a peaceful community. Weapons imply violence. We don’t want anyone here feeling threatened—not by us. We’re here to help. These people are going through enough as it is.”
“Fair enough,” Sukyi said.
At the bottom of the ramp, Angel paused to give Kurosawa instructions. Check in with me once an hour unless I’m sleeping. Apply standard exemptions in case of emergency, of course.
Affirmative, Captain.
No one accesses your interior without my say. That includes Lou. I want your external cameras on whenever anyone enters or leaves the docking bay—whether or not they approach.
Yes, Captain.
16
TIME: 13:20
DAY: MONDAY
OGENTH
Ogenth’s docking and storage areas were the standard layout seen across the United Republic—prim right angles and flat surfaces. The building materials consisted of polished steel, iron, and grey concrete walls and floors—strictly utilitarian and not much different from Brynner’s poorer neighborhoods. However, the areas beyond the docking bay and the storage facilities were unusual.
The hallways had been constructed with smooth organic lines. Ornate ridged patterns and indentations decorated all surfaces. The main distinction between floor, walls, and ceiling was that the floor was the darkest of the three. Once they’d passed a certain distance from the docking bay, there were windows everywhere. Glass-bead curtains of pale blues, greens, deep turquoises, and pinks were strung across open doorways and glass panes. The beads clattered like rushing water when touched. Locking doors were in use as well. Angel spied several as she followed Paulie and Beak. However, Angel got the impression that they weren’t kept locked.
Interesting.
Deep blue ceramic tiles covered the floor. Combined with the wavy soft blue and greens, it gave the place an oceanic feel. Lanterns hung at regular intervals from the ceiling. Their spiked shapes reminded her of the skeletons of deep-sea creatures. The intricate constructions cast filigree shadows on the walls and ceiling. Her nose picked up a distinctive scent, which bordered on floral, that added to the unfamiliar but not unpleasant atmosphere.
Angel thought, Aren’t there supposed to be about two hundred people living here?
Paulie led them through the empty hallways and took several turns before she halted outside of a lavender-beaded doorway. “This suite is yours. There are five rooms, not including the central living area and the bathroom. Please let me know if it isn’t suitable.”
Angel entered first. Glass beads hissed all around her. They reminded her of the bamboo curtains at the dojo.
The main room was circular and about twenty-five feet in diameter. The ceiling curved upward, forming a thirteen-foot arch at its highest point. Niches had been molded into the walls—places for books and decorations that didn’t yet exist. Several oval-shaped windows framed a spectacular view of the mountains. The furniture was designed with rounded edges, and the decor consisted of soft, cool colors like those of the hallways. Bright orange accent pillows rested on the sofa, and brightly colored tapestries made the walls feel less empty. Angel examined the strange landscapes depicted in the woven fabric.
She indicated the others should enter and let them claim their rooms first. It resulted in a little friendly contention between Sukyi and Enid. This, in spite of the fact that Angel couldn’t discern a difference between one room and the next. Angel credited it to a little harmless tension release. When they were done, she indicated which area would be used for storage, and selected the remaining room for herself.
When the door clicked shut, the sense of relief was nearly overwhelming. After so many hours living in a shared space, it felt luxurious to be alone. She told herself she was being ridiculous. She’d spent most of her adult life crowded into small spaces with hundreds of other soldiers—none of whom had she been as emotionally attached to as her crew. Her apartment in Brynner had been her first. At the start, it’d been difficult to be so solitary—to not hear the sounds of others breathing in the darkness.
You’re not the same person you used to be.
Everyone grows.
The bedroom was oblong, and like the previous space, its curved walls contained empty niches. Soft handmade quilts and pillows covered the bed. She dropped her pack and lay down. The mattress was extremely comfortable, more so than her own bed. Staring at the curved ceiling, she wondere
d how long they’d have to stay. She knew Sukyi wouldn’t have the patience to remain for an extended period. Along with the ever-present gloves and scarf, restlessness was one of Sukyi’s defining characteristics. However, Angel sensed that something else was bothering her friend—something Angel didn’t know about yet. Something powerful enough to ground Sukyi on a planet she hated and feared. Something that might affect the outcome of their contract.
She’ll talk when she’s ready, Angel thought, and drifted off with the muffled but comforting sounds of her crew unpacking filtering under the door.
Ten minutes later, lunch was served in the common room. It consisted of fresh bread, goat cheese, butter, and bowls of mixed steamed vegetables, mushrooms, and rice noodles in a creamy savory sauce. It was a tasty variant on any number of dishes she could’ve gotten from one of the stalls in Brynner. Spiced coffee, tea, and water were served with the meal.
Angel invited Beak, Paulie, and Kirby to join them.
“This is so good,” Lou said between mouthfuls.
“I was hoping you’d like it.” Paulie’s eyes practically twinkled when she smiled. “It’s one of Rosie’s recipes. Since you’d had such a long journey, I thought you might like something that reminded you of home.”
“That was thoughtful, thank you,” Lou said.
Sukyi scowled down at her plate. She wasn’t eating, not yet. She poked at the food as if looking for something.
Angel whispered, “What’s bothering you?”
“I haven’t seen the kitchen,” Sukyi said, keeping her voice low. “How do I know it’s clean?”
“Really?” Angel arched an eyebrow. “You didn’t hesitate to eat the MREs. These noodles taste magnificent by comparison.”
“And there’s no meat,” Sukyi said.
“Vegetables are good for you,” Angel said. “Eat up.”
“And you’re not one of my parents,” Sukyi said. “Do you know how I know this?”
“I’m not dead and/or mean?” Angel asked.
“Bitch,” Sukyi muttered.
“You must be getting tired,” Angel said. “You used an actual swear word instead of a vaguely polite euphemism.”
“Is there a problem?” Kirby asked.
Angel answered Kirby. “Nothing of consequence. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Kirby said, ““I’m sorry. We should have inquired if anyone among your crew had specific dietary requirements.”
“It’s not that. No one has any allergies. Is your community vegetarian?”
“Not strictly so. If you require meat for every meal, arrangements can be made,” Kirby said. “We have goats. You are not the first non-Emissaries to reside here.”
She spied Sukyi’s worried expression and paused.
“Wait. Doesn’t raising domestic animals mean going outside?”
“What about the quarantine?” Sukyi asked.
“It isn’t necessary,” Kirby said. “Out here.”
Panic flashed across Sukyi’s face, and she dropped the full dish onto the table with a thump.
“Please. Let me explain,” Kirby said. “We have no need of anticontamination procedures because the organisms that plague Brynner do not exist here.”
“I understood the whole planet was hostile to humans,” Sukyi said, getting to her feet. She yanked her scarf over her nose and mouth again, and edged away from the table until her back hit the wall. “It’s explained in detail in Doctor Thakrar’s travel guide.”
Embarrassment flickered across Kirby’s face. “That is what we prefer humans to believe. It prevents… exploring.”
“Ah,” Angel said. “I see.”
“If you don’t follow medical protocols, am I going to be able to get back to my ship?” Sukyi asked.
“Definitely,” Kirby said. “We trade with the station regularly. We also send shipments to Rosencrantz in Brynner.”
“Where are the other ships?” Enid asked.
“They are sheltering elsewhere,” Kirby said. “Somewhere safe from Serrao-Orlov and Vissia Corsini.” Kirby held up both hands as if to hold back a tide of questions. “We will discuss more later. You are tired and hungry. Please. Relax. Eat.”
“After lunch,” Angel said. “I’d like to take a tour of Ogenth.”
“Of course,” Kirby said. “We only ask that you not go alone. Beak is our best guide. She will be at your disposal, as will Paulie. She has volunteered to be your interpreter.”
“Are we prisoners?” Enid asked.
“You are honored guests,” Kirby said. “But you aren’t Emissaries. You aren’t familiar with the life-forms in the area. Nor do you know the terrain. We wish to prevent any unfortunate accidents. This is for your safety.”
Like Rosie’s expedition and the Great Tanners bear, Angel thought. “I see.”
Silence blanketed the room. Everyone resumed eating—everyone but Sukyi. Angel caught several significant glances from Enid.
Sukyi resumed her seat. She stared at her food and didn’t look up. “How is your pilot, Jackson?”
“He’s recovering well,” Kirby said. She seemed unfazed by the abrupt subject change. “Thank you so much for bringing the medicine. He should be on his feet again in a few days. It was kind of you to ask about him.”
“It’s the least we could do,” Sukyi said. She sat up straighter and took a cautious bite of the noodles.
Another long silence descended upon the room. Everyone focused on their eating until the meal was over. Beak collected the dishes and took them away. At last, Kirby motioned to Paulie, who nodded and left the room.
“Perhaps now would be a good time for a drink?” Kirby asked. “And then we can discuss the details of our situation.”
“That would be lovely,” Sukyi said.
Angel was pleasantly surprised by her first sip. It was a light-colored wine that smelled of honey and something like cinnamon, and tasted like liquid sunshine.
“It’s fire bee mead. Do you like it?” Kirby asked.
“I do,” Sukyi said.
The alcohol warmed Angel’s stomach, and after the second drink, she felt herself relax a little. So far, everything they had been served was fragrant, flavorful, and plentiful. It wasn’t what Angel had anticipated from an isolated community.
“Ogenth is largely self-sufficient,” Kirby said as if in answer to Angel’s unasked question. “Rosencrantz augments our supplies with little luxuries—human spices, salt, and sugar. Medicines we can’t replicate. Items that would take longer to make than buy. Lab supplies. Metals for building. Ship parts. We grow as much as we can. The goats and other herd animals provide fiber for clothing as well as milk, cheese, meat, and fertilizer. The local soil is rich in nutrients. We generate electricity with wind turbines and solar panels. Water is collected from an underground stream. There’s a lake not far from here where we fish. We have our own library database and access to the Allnet. We also have a fully operational medical facility and science lab.”
Angel asked, “Where?”
“I’ll be happy to show you if you like,” Kirby said. “However, it’s been a long day. Would it be all right if you and I discussed a few things alone first? There are details that are delicate in nature. And I’d like a chance to present them in the best light possible.”
Unease tightened Angel’s shoulders. She gave us alcohol before broaching the subject. While it was something she’d probably do if she were in Kirby’s place, Angel didn’t like feeling manipulated. The news isn’t going to be good, is it?
“I’m not attempting dishonesty, Captain. I merely wish to prevent any misunderstandings.”
“Where do you wish to go?” Angel asked.
“I’d like to show you Ogenth,” Kirby said. “That’s all.”
Enid had her eyes closed and was apparently dozing off in a corner. Lou and Paulie were having an animated conversation about some sort of mechanical problem. Sukyi was the only one who appeared to be unaffected by the alcohol.
That doesn�
��t mean that she isn’t, Angel thought. She leaned toward Sukyi and told her she was in charge. Then Angel got to her feet. “All right. Let’s walk.”
17
TIME: 16:00
DAY: MONDAY
OGENTH
Angel exited the crew suite in a rush of clattering glass beads. She followed Kirby for a few paces before speaking.
“All right,” Angel said. “What’s the bad news?”
“There isn’t any,” Kirby said.
Angel decided this was a prime opportunity to bring up all the things that had been bothering her. “Serrao-Orlov know you’re out here. They’ve left you to do whatever you want. They know you’ve your own means to access the station. That seems like an awful lot of leeway to give smugglers. We both know they would’ve taken this place from you if they could. Therefore, you must have something you’ve been using to hold them off.”
“True.”
“So, I have to ask, what is it about you that is so dangerous? And if you’re so dangerous, why do you need us?”
Kirby said, “We prefer nonviolent solutions to our problems.”
“That doesn’t mean you aren’t dangerous,” Angel said. “What do you have over Serrao-Orlov?”
“You keep using words with violent connotations. We don’t believe in killing, Captain, not when negotiation is possible. And negotiation is always possible. It’s merely a matter of managing expectations.”
“And yet, me and mine are here.” Angel scowled. “To fight and die for you.”
“I understood you were sent to hide from the authorities.”
“If you would rather we left—”
Kirby held up a hand. “I apologize. We are quite happy to have you here. I misspoke in my efforts to explain the strength of our convictions. Diplomacy is far preferable to violence.”
“I don’t disagree with that stance.”
“That is very good to hear,” Kirby said. “There are always more issues and complications caused by the use of force than if the problem had been solved through negotiation in the first place.”
Angel said, “I can’t shake the feeling you’re keeping secrets—dangerous secrets. Tell me what the hell is going on, damn it. Or me and mine are packing up and leaving.”