“That sounds like fun,” Kenzie whispered back then straightened up when Steve opened the door. She smiled at Knacayn then put her full attention on the males coming into the room.
When they were all in front of him, Knacayn announced, “All six of you will be given reduced rations and additional, supervised work duties for instigating and participating in a physical altercation. The duration of your punishment is to last one week, the reduced rations two days.”
Weston looked to her, “We didn’t do anything wrong Kenzie. You know us.”
Kenzie held up her hand, her eyes locking with Westons angrily shining blue ones, “Take your punishment and learn something from it.”
“Yeah. Weston.” Bradley spat angrily, “Listen to your liaison. She isn’t going to defend you when her head has been turned by pretty boy there. You think you can compete with him?” He laughed, a grating sound, at his own words.
“Just a minute…” Kenzie began, but Weston jumped to her defense.
“It would take more than a pretty face to turn Kenzie’s eye. You don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Don’t I?” Bradley drawled. “The way all of our females have been fawning over them? You think your esteemed Kenzie is above all of that. If you don’t believe me…look at her.” He pointed a finger at her, and Kenzie knew she was blushing at his accusations. Yes, she had been seeing Knacayn after their meetings, but her feelings for him had never impacted a decision she made for her people.
“That is enough Bradley.” Steve Howard stepped toward the males he was responsible for. “You would do well to take Kenzie’s advice—”
“I don’t answer to that traitor. She has turned her back on the good males of Earth to cavort with one of…them.” His angry eyes flashed to Knacayn. “I’ll spend my week of ‘punishment’ at the government camp if you don’t mind.” Finished saying what he wanted to say, Bradley turned to Weston, “You would do well to keep an eye on your liaison and her boyfriend.” The group of government males left the room with Steve Howard following close behind.
“Now listen here—” Kenzie heard him yelling at his males then the door shut behind him.
Kenzie was stunned. She didn’t know the males of either community felt that much anger toward the males of Terraneu. When she looked at Weston, he was a bright red color. “What he said wasn’t true.”
“Are you dating him?” Weston pointed at Knacayn.
“No.” She denied, “We have met after meetings, but we are not dating per se.” She made the mistake of looking at Knacayn’s face, and he was now equally red.
“I know we haven’t gone out recently, but I thought it was because we were both busy with working here.” Weston looked at her angrily, “Are we still dating or is what that male said true? Are you dating him?”
“I already stated that Knacayn and I aren’t dating. However, what I do in my personal time, and who I spend that time with, is my business. Just because we went on a few dates didn’t make us dating either.” Kenzie drew in a ragged breath. “We are supposed to be working at building this community together. There are no outsiders.” Kenzie knew this was a bit weak, everyone on Earth considered the people from Terraneu as outsiders. She knew on the other side of the smiles and gratitude they showed was resentment and anger. She didn’t know it was this much anger.
“Don’t be naïve Kenzie.” Weston snapped and moved toward the door. “I will wait outside so we can talk.”
“I’m not being naive!” Kenzie stood up and moved to go around the table. She was brought up short with Knacayn’s hand on her arm. She hated to have to admit it but Weston deserved the truth. “I can’t talk after the meeting. I already have plans. We can talk later back at camp.”
“Let me guess who your plans are with.” Weston’s eyes were on her arm.
Kenzie blushed even hotter. “Let it go for now Weston.” She added when he appeared to want to argue, “I will find you when I get back and we can talk then.”
Weston nodded angrily and stormed from the dome with his friends. She could feel the judgment in their glances and it was a feeling she wasn’t used to. She had worked hard to earn their respect and she could feel it fading away.
Looking up at Knacayn she noted that his usual sparkling purple eyes were a lighter color and more soulful. “It would seem there are still a lot of issues to work around. Let us go on our picnic and get away from all of this for a few hours.”
Kenzie wanted to go after Weston and argue that her dealings with Knacayn weren’t anyone else’s business. Everything she did as the liaison was being studied and monitored by the Rebel males. That she would form a personal bond with a male from Terraneu would seem like a slap in the face to them. Any relationship with him could impact her ability to serve her community. It wasn’t like she was leaving for Terraneu in three months. She planned to stay here and work as she always had. Why couldn’t she form a friendship, or more, with Knacayn if she wanted to? The answer was simple, the males of her community wouldn’t accept it.
Before she could argue out of the picnic and take the Jeep to find Steph, Knacayn was pulling her along. With her hand in his, the warmth of his body driving away her anger she suddenly felt very tired. Would things ever smooth out or was there going to be nothing but fighting for the rest of her life?
Chapter Four
Knacayn didn’t say anything as he walked with Kenzie to the meadow. The weather was warming up. Today was going to be a good day to be outside. When they reached a nice clear spot, she realized he had to have painstakingly cleared a path on the ground for them to sit. Still they wouldn’t be able to stay on the blanket for long. The ground was still frozen solid.
Knacayn gestured to her spot on the blanket and then sat opposite her. His long legs stretched out reached off the blanket.
“What is wrong?” Kenzie broke the silence between them.
Knacayn thought for a moment before answering her. “I was wondering if that is how you really feel. What you said to the Rebel male. That we are not dating. I had thought…” he trailed off and she hurried to fill the silence.
“I’m sorry Knacayn. I was only telling the truth as I see it.” She was fighting feeling anything for him, guilty she was feeling anything at all, and angry at the detour her life was taking. She knew it wasn’t his fault, but she couldn’t seem to make herself stop lashing out. “We have met for lunch a few times, and I enjoy your company very much. However, I would not consider us dating.”
Like a poisonous fog, Bradley and Weston’s words wormed around in her head. The males felt she was a traitor to her community because she had chosen an outsider over them. Even the males she had grown up with agreed with Bradley, she could see it in their eyes. Before she could stop herself she continued, “There is so much turmoil to be expected during this transition period, I don’t think it wise if I show preference to a male from Terraneu right now. Taking lunch together after the meetings was a mistake. I know you only have three more months, and then you will return to Terraneu. I will be staying here to help further integrate the Rebel population into the new joint community. I think it best if we are able to part as friends. Putting some space between us might be for the best.”
Her heart squeezed painfully saying the words. She wanted nothing more than to get closer to him, not put more distance between them. However, wanting something and making it work in the real world were two different things.
“I see.” The look on his face was enough to make her bite the inside of her cheek. She wasn’t going to relent. She had to stand firm. “Is it because of what the male said? That you would be a traitor to your people if you chose a male from my world?”
Kenzie was feeling trapped by her own words and those of Weston and Bradley. “I am the Rebel liaison and it means a lot to me I was selected. I have worked my whole life to be seen as a valuable and respected member of my community. Weston and Bradley can’t be the only ones who feel that way. If the others are starting to qu
estion my loyalties, it could harm my position.”
“I understand your desire to be useful to your people Kenzie. You have great diplomatic ability and I see how you serve those around you, but when are you going to do something for yourself? The communities are going to be combined soon enough and then what? Are you going to spend the rest of your life jockeying for power?”
“As opposed to what?” Kenzie could feel her ire rising. She didn’t want to be fighting with Knacayn. How had her happy day gone so horribly wrong?
“As opposed to leaving Earth…” he blurted and she froze.
“Oh, Knacayn.” He had jumped up and she went to stand also. “I have so much I am doing here. I never thought to leave Earth. Even if I were to agree to date you, it would be an open relationship.”
“Males from Terraneu are not good at open relationships.” His face was implacable. She had obviously hit a sore spot. “Everyone needs a partner to lean on. You cannot keep going as you are without letting someone get close to you.”
“Shhh,” she was suddenly stiff and alert.
“You may not like what I am saying…”
“Shhh,” she repeated more adamantly. Her eyes were frantically scanning the area around them.
“You need to let me help you. I want us to be closer—”
Kenzie used all of her strength and tripping skills to get Knacayn on his back.
“This is not exactly what I had thought...” he started, but she slapped a hand over his mouth.
“Listen!” Their heavy breathing was the only sound in the air. They were in a meadow, but there was no bird sounds in the trees, no construction noises from the community. Nothing.
He nodded his head that he understood and she was about to take her hand off his mouth when she was abruptly pulled straight into the air.
Screaming at the suddenness of floating in the air, she frantically tried to get her bearings. She was about five feet off the ground, held there by her jacket which was digging into her throat. Before it could become uncomfortable, she was shifting. Reaching over her head, she tried to strike or grab whatever had a hold on her jacket. With a violent shake that made her see stars, she was moving forward.
“Kenzie!” Knacayn was struggling to get to her but wasn’t moving forward. “Let her go!” He was doing a strange dance in place. His arms were behind him as he thrashed to get to her. Kenzie had seen Knacayn doing his military training as well as physical workouts over the three months he had been on Earth. He was a very fit man. Adept, as far as she could tell, in all forms of self-defense. If something could hold him back, it would have to be very strong to accomplish it.
“Knacayn!” She screamed again as she picked up speed toward the domes of the new community. “What’s happening?” she couldn’t see him and hoped he was okay.
“I do not know.”
She was relieved he seemed to be right behind her, but her relief didn’t last long. When they reached the center of the planned community, right before the new Square of Four was the rest of the workers and Knacayn’s family. Bunched together in groups they huddled, and Kenzie noted Weston was in the circle. Some of the females from the Rebel and Government communities were softly weeping. Kenzie noted all of the Terraneu females were standing stoically with their mates.
She was suddenly tossed to the ground. She hit her knees hard but refused to stay down. Jumping awkwardly to her feet, she hobbled for a second before her legs took her weight. Knacayn landed next to her a few seconds later and he was able to raise himself with much more dignity than she had managed.
“Kenzie!” She turned when she heard Steph’s frantic voice. “What…?” Before her friend could continue talking, she grabbed her throat as if she was choking. Mallex was dragging along behind her and both of them hit the ground near her. Steph gasping for air and Mallex out cold.
Kenzie stood frozen to the spot. Knacayn moved to stand closer to her side. His hand taking hers to squeeze. They had been fighting before this started and she didn’t care. His fingers were solid and comforting. She held on tight.
Chapter Five
Knacayn stood on the edge of the Square with the rest of the community waiting for something to happen. It was not a normal circumstance when he was outmuscled by an invisible force. Even if the Earth Government dissidents, led by Jeromy Rousard had gotten hold of their armor technology somehow, it would not explain the incredible strength. There was no logical explanation for Kenzie appearing to levitate and his inability to break free from the force holding him.
Seeing the puzzled look on his father’s face and the intense one of concentration on his Uncle Kneus’ he knew they were having the same thoughts as he was. Gaining eye contact with his father, he discerned a small nod of reassurance, and then there was a gasp from Kenzie and multiple others. His attention was drawn forward again and he barely contained his exclamation at what he saw.
All around them forms were appearing from under some type of cloak. The square was surrounded by figures, all in a very strange type of armor. He noticed in front of him were six bodies, the others fanned out in a semi-circle. The others were all much smaller in stature than the ones in front of him.
One of the six was a few steps in front of his five counterparts and Knacayn waited to see what would happen next. At some unknown signal, the male’s armor began to “melt” away. It was like liquid mercury being absorbed by their skin. Starting at their feet and moving upward the armor disappeared.
“Who are you?” his father had taken a few steps forward and placed himself at the front of their huddled group.
“I was going to make the same inquiry,” Knacayn noted this male had a monotonous tone to his voice. “State your designation.”
“My designation?” his father looked puzzled for a moment. “You mean my name?”
His uncles and Marcael were moving to place themselves behind his father. Since he was already toward the front, he didn’t have to move. He did, however, step in front of Kenzie to her apparent annoyance because she pinched him on the hip in frustration. He ignored her for the time being.
“Name?” the male intoned, then seemed to focus even harder. “Yes. A name will suffice.”
“I am called Kniam.” His father explained. “Those around me—”
“We need no further explanation as to your designation.” The male interrupted. “Accessing protocol 10010101. You are Kniam Allian Sylvias. First born son of Kynan Allian Sylvias.” The male’s eyes went around to his uncle. “You are Knollig Ameril Sylvias, the diplomat. You are Kneus Aerony Sylvias, the scientist. I do not see Knaleg Armman Sylvias in this group.” His eyes fell to Marcael. “You are the King’s Knoet’un, sent on an urgent undercover mission to infiltrate the Queen’s guard.” Knacayn felt the strange eyes fall on him. “We do not know you.” The sensation of being examined was unnerving. “Your DNA is of Kniam Sylvias, but you are not a clone.” He went silent again and searched the crowd. Even with a wall of males between him and the females, he stated, “Your DNA is part of the small blonde haired female. Explain.”
“She is my mother.” Knacayn stiffened. This male could read their DNA just by scanning the group. What was he?
“The term ‘mother’ is in our database. Transmitting information.” The male turned to the five behind him and at some communication from the leader, their armor slowly dissolved away.
“Kneus.” His father turned to his brother. “What is going on?”
His uncle cleared his throat and stated, “I am not entirely sure. I think they may be robotic.”
“Robotic?” the male in front of his father did a dramatic snort. “We are MAN.”
“Men?” his uncle asked.
“MAN.” The male repeated. “It stood for Memory Android Nodes—” At this statement his uncle interrupted.
“I think I understand.” His face shone with excitement and he took a small step forward. “Can you explain your programming?”
“Protocol prohibits me from discu
ssing programming status.” The male intoned.
“Override protocols.” His uncle insisted, “Voice authorization Kneus Aerony Sylvias.”
The male cocked his head and eyed his uncle. “Processing authorization request.” Looking at his fellows behind him, he turned back, “Authorization approved. Accessing playback.”
Before Knacayn could blink, another form was standing in the front of the group. He had chills before the holograph even started speaking. “I am Kynan Sylvias, if you are seeing this you have accessed the programming protocol of the MAN unit. I have some hope that it is you Kneus. If anyone could do it, I know it would be you.”
Everyone in their group was stunned speechless. This was his grandfather! He was tall and regal looking. His black hair was swept off his face, his eyes were bright and intelligent. The high cheekbones, patrician nose, square chin and full lips he thought he got from his father, actually came from his grandfather.
“After I sent my living sons into space to avoid Elyon and Knuan, I sanctioned the creation of the MAN units. They were to store all known history of Hedal, along with our personal memories and likenesses. In the event my living sons did not flourish on the planet we chose, or they were unable to reach Hedal on the port pad. Our history would survive in some form. If it is my sons that have found the MAN, I want to say how proud I am of you all. I could not have asked for more in sons that I was blessed with in you.”
Knacayn could feel Kenzie clasping his hand more tightly. His grandfather's last wish was for his line to continue. That was to be expected. It was the emotion behind his sentiment that had his father, uncles and himself tearing up. If not for his insane grandmother and equally mad uncle, his family line would have continued on Earth.
To what end? The thought suddenly popped into his mind. What had become of the once great kingdom his grandfather ruled over? According to his mother, there had been no knowledge of its existence. At least sending his father and uncles into space, he had saved them from that fate. His grandfather's genetic line was thriving on Terraneu, he had succeeded.
Knacayn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Seven) Page 3