by Anna Lewis
“I wouldn’t have expected you to. I wanted to thank you for your efforts however. This upcoming conference is an important one and you brought to light an attempt to break alien security on the station. If you hadn’t done so, I believe Jindal would have been killed and disposed of. We would not have known why until the perpetrators’ plan came to fruition. Knowingly or not you did Earth and all others on the station a favor,” she said with a firm nod.
“Except the perpetrators themselves,” Tessa said and she felt she had just realized something important. The Commander pointed out what that was.
“Indeed. Because of that I have placed loose security around your quarters. Tomorrow you may notice some station personnel shadowing you. It is possible that whoever is behind this plot will want to take revenge,” she said and Tessa felt a knot of fear appear in her gut.
“I hadn’t thought about that until just now. Do you think I am in much danger?” She asked the Commander. She managed to keep the trembling out of her voice.
“Maybe, Maybe not. If it were me, I wouldn’t go near you. It would be a dead giveaway, however, criminals do not always think strategically. It is just a precaution. I have also noticed that the Kindar and Gorgons have more of their security out and about in this area so they are probably thinking as I am,” she informed Tessa. Tessa’s eyes widened.
“Shit,” she swore without thinking. The Commander grinned.
“Don’t worry Tessa, there are plenty of people who desire your safety and you should be okay. How are you with everything?” she asked. She looked concerned. Tessa was not sure why.
“I am struggling with it, to be honest Commander. I am not an important person so all of this attention is new to me. All I was trying to do was help someone out and suddenly I am a celebrity. It is strange,” Tessa admitted. The Commander nodded sympathetically.
“About ten years ago I was on patrol in sector twenty-two and came across a ship under fire from a raider. The raider wasn’t that strong and I chased it off. It turned out that the ship I saved was from the Lantel sector and all of the sudden I was being praised for a simple thing. I get what you are feeling,” she said. Tessa nodded, liking that they had that in common at least. It made the formidable woman easier to relate to.
“May I ask how you dealt with it?” Tessa asked.
“At first I was overwhelmed but it occurred to me the opportunities that arose from it were substantial and it enabled me to get where I wanted to be. I am a big believer in Earth making friends with the greater Galaxy. I think it is because of that, I got my current assignment. So I would suggest you try and see this as an opportunity. Jindal irritated Norton by saying how much good your actions did for Earth/Alien relations but he was right. These days are uncertain ones for Earth and there is a lot of worry that we are getting too close to other races. I do not agree, but it has caused some hard feelings. Your actions, intentional or not, have eased some of those feelings on both sides of the issue. I can see some opportunities coming your way soon. You may even receive one from me,” she said and that surprised Tessa again.
“What do you mean Commander?” Tessa asked.
“Earth has a civilian arm of the diplomatic corps and it is hard to find true believers in the cause for Earth/Alien relations. After the conference is over and things have calmed down around here I may be able to offer you a post with the diplomatic corps. I understand they don’t have to many computer experts on staff, and your reputation would do them some good as well. Think about it,” she finished and Tessa could honestly say she would not forget it.
“Anyway I am glad to see you are doing alright. I will let you get some rest. I hear you have a dinner tomorrow night. I would suggest you just relax and take it as it comes,” she said and they stood. The woman seemed very aware of the stress Tessa was feeling and was kind enough to help her with it.
“I really appreciate you stopping by Commander. You didn’t have to do it, but I am glad you did,” she told her honestly.
“Good, then so am I. If you hear or see anything you think might be relevant to the attempted sabotage I would appreciate it if you let me know,” she said. Tessa agreed firmly.
The next morning Tessa felt rested and ready for the day. She had breakfast with Lindesty and then they went shopping. She had filled her friend in on her adventures. Lindesty was alternately worried about Tessa and delighted for her. Especially her budding relationship with the Kindar Ambassador and his aide. They stopped for a mocha and got a seat at the deli. It gave them a chance to set down their packages. They had decided to buy new outfits for the dinner.
“So what do you think about yesterday?” Lindesty asked. That was a vague question that could cover anything that had happened, but Tessa knew her friend was talking about her time with the Kindar.
“What do you mean?” she hedged.
“You know what I mean,” Lindesty said with a cute, knowing smile. Tessa giggled.
“I am not sure. I really like them both and they seem to have a good handle on life. I am hoping when things settle down I can explore the possibilities some more,” she said with a comical leer and they laughed again.
“I bet. Have you thought about all the possibilities coming your way? The Commander has some ideas it sounds like. I am sure there are several alien delegations that would love to hire you as a liaison for their people. I studied political science in school remember. Hell, I would not be surprised if Earth government itself were to make you an offer to work directly for them. Good PR is good PR,” Lindesty explained. Tessa had forgot that her friend was a political science major. She almost never talked politics.
“You’re kidding, Earth?” she asked. Lindesty did not laugh.
“Damn right. There is plenty of resistance back home and plenty of bigots and muckrakers stepping up to cause problems. You could be a good image for the administration to have for their policies of peace,” she pointed out. Tessa knew her friend was right. It was not unheard of.
“They would want me back on Earth though uh?” Tessa commented.
“Probably,” was the response. Tessa sipped her chocolate drink with a happy sigh and then shook her head.
“Not happening Lindy. I love it out here. I mean look at the view,” she said gesturing at the mall’s open area. There was an even assortment of aliens and humans making their way about their day and it was wonderful as far as Tessa was concerned. Then she saw a man she recognized. She had sold him a load of perfume the other day before everything went chaotic. She frowned slightly. The man saw her looking at him and quickly sidestepped behind a shop stall. He was hiding from her. Why would he do that? She felt like she was missing something but couldn’t figure out what.
“What is wrong space sister?” Lindesty asked to get her attention.
“I am not sure. I just saw somebody. Want to take a walk?” She asked standing. Lindesty shrugged and they picked up their packages and her friend followed her across the mall. Tessa went quickly around the stall that the man had disappeared behind. There was a corridor leading off towards the outdoor section.
“This way,” Tessa said to Lindesty.
“Okay. But where are we going?” she asked.
“I saw a guy I sold some perfume to the other day, but when he saw me he almost ran. It is strange and I am wondering why,” she said.
“It does seem strange. You are a celebrity now. You would think they would want to be seen with you,” she told Tessa. Tessa would have scoffed at it but the first part of their morning they had been stopped by alien and humans alike saying hello. She had never met most of them. This guy she had met, and that was why it felt strange. They went down the corridor being led by their curiosity. Just as they were entering the open park area a man shouted and four men jumped out from the side corridors with blades in their hands. Lindesty screamed for help and Tessa threw her packages at the closest ones, distracting them.
“Not the clothes!” her friend yelled. Tessa kicked out and connected with on
e of her attackers in the groin. He screamed and dropped to the floor as expected. Tessa then spun and struck another man, who was reaching for Lindesty, in the ribs with a solid punch. He grunted and sidestepped. Tessa heard a whine and spun again in terror. It was the sound of a hand blaster charging up. She dropped into a crouch in front of Lindesty as one of the men pointed the blaster at the two of them. Tessa held her breath as the barrel started to flare up for a shot at her. Then, out of the same side corridor the men had jumped out of, came a man and an alien moving at full speed into the assailant as he shot. Tessa felt a burn along her ribs and screamed in pain, going down. She felt foggy as the pain seemed to engulf her whole body. She thought she heard Lindesty screaming curses at someone. She started to smile. Give ‘em hell sister, she thought and then darkness took her.
Chapter Six – Dinner and a Bombing
“How is the patient, Doctor Hanson?” the Commander asked striding into the med bay.
“I am fine,” Tessa said, trying to beat the Doctor to the punch.
“She is okay and if she takes care of herself she may be back on her feet in a day or so,” the Doctor said shooting a look at her. Tessa sighed.
“Okay, I am working on being fine. I feel much better Commander. Really. It just grazed me,” Tessa told her. The Commander nodded but cocked her head studying Tessa.
“Uh huh. I have been grazed by one of those little pocket blasters. Are you sure you are even okay?” she asked. Tessa blushed slightly remembering the pain.
“I am now. I will admit it hurt more than anything I have ever felt, but now, well, the Doctor is good at what he does,” she finished lamely and embarrassed.
“At least someone recognizes my brilliance” The doctor grumbled. He was a stocky, bald man in blue scrubs with glasses.
“I have heard your report Tessa, and I must say I am changing my opinion,” the Commander said, ignoring the doctor.
“From what to what?” Tessa could not help asking.
“Well I initially thought you may be in some danger. I want to append that to definitely in danger,” she said and Tessa stared at her for a moment and then cracked up, appreciating her timing. Lindesty was sitting on the other side of the room. She stood and approached with a slight smile.
“I am glad to see we are all up to speed Commander,” she said. She had caught even less of the blast then Tessa and had been patched up as well.
“Miss Harwood, you are okay also?” the Commander asked her.
“She is fine,” the Doctor said for her. Lindesty chuckled and nodded.
“Good to hear. I am going to put you both in protective custody on recommendation of Security Chief McDonald,” the Commander said and Tessa frowned.
“But Commander, I have an appointment for tonight,” Tessa said.
“Are you sure you want to go through with that? I admit it will be heavily guarded but it is still riskier than keeping you in safe quarters. Both of you actually,” she said with a glance at Lindesty. Tessa’s friend nodded.
“I understand Commander. Except all things considered and if Tessa is willing, going to the appreciation dinner might be a good idea,” Lindesty said. Tessa was surprised and felt her eyebrows raise.
“How so?” the Commander asked curiously.
“Well ma’am, I learned in school that if your adversary expects you to do one thing, then it is best to do something else. I don’t like the idea of Tess being in danger, but like you said, there is going to be security all over the place. It will be hard for anyone to get close to either of us. Not that I think I am in much danger. I am just a passerby so to speak,” she finished.
“I don’t like the idea,” the Doctor injected. The Commander looked at him with a slight smile.
“Noted, Doctor. I don’t like it either, truth be told. It is however a good idea and strategically sound. You are a political science major Miss Harwood?” She asked Lindesty.
“Yes, I was,” she answered. The Commander nodded.
“Politics and battle have similar rules. Very well, I agree with your plan. Until that time, you both have been invited to stay in the Alien Quarter. It would not be good for us to refuse that invitation. I think you can be assured of your safety. Can you think of any reason why your previous customer would try and lead you down the corridor Tessa?” The Commander said and Tessa blinked. She hadn’t thought of that possibility.
“I um, I don’t know. I sold him some perfume and that was it. Are we sure he did lead me? It could have been a coincidence,” Tessa asked. The Commander frowned.
“To quote Chief McDonald, “I don’t believe in coincidence,” Until I know otherwise I am going on the assumption that it is not a coincidence. The Chief is looking into it and trying to find him now. It is a big station and finding Mr. Lockley could take some time. You just sold him perfume?” She asked. Tessa sighed. She had gone over this with the security team when she awoke.
“Yeah. He wanted several cases of Misty River. I sold him all I had. Ninety-two phials of it. He said he was shipping it home to his mother on Earth,” she said. The Commander’s eyebrows went up in surprise the same way Tessa’s had earlier.
“Interesting. I just read a report on all we have about Jonathon Lockley. He was an orphan and does not have a mother on Earth,” she said. Tessa felt a rush of fear again. She seemed to be teetering between fear and excitement these days.
“Misty River did you say? That is harmful to several alien species on the station. That could be dangerous in that quantity,” the doctor said.
“Well it is considered safe to sell, besides what is he going to do, throw the phials at aliens as they pass?” Lindesty piped in. Then it hit Tessa what the plan was. It was the only thing that made sense.
“Oh shit,” she said. Everyone turned and looked at her, waiting.
“They were trying to access the aliens’ computer ports. Those control everything right?” she asked. The Commander nodded.
“Even the air filtration system?” She asked in a lower voice. Everyone was startled.
“Oh shit!” the Commander swore. She turned and left the med bay shouting for someone. Tessa sat there with Lindesty and the doctor looking at each other with fear in their eyes. Ninety-two phials of the perfume pumped into the aliens’ air system could conceivably kill a lot of them!
The dinner started well and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Tessa’s nerves were frayed, but she had managed to get a moment off to the side by the drink table. She had been thanked by no less than fourteen ambassadors and received at least that many regrets from those who could not attend. Lindesty was off networking and that made Tessa smile.
“You won’t be a dancer much longer my space sister,” she said to herself. It was one bright spot in the day. Tessa was feeling overwhelmed with all of the praise she had been receiving. She understood why she was being celebrated. At least she thought she did. Her parents had been low-level blue collar workers and she was the first member of her family to go to school. They had been disappointed when she took off for the stars and she hadn’t spoken to them since. She did not even know if they had heard any news from Station One. She was finding she missed them and made a mental note to make a call to Earth as soon as she could afford it. She sighed again and went to get another drink. She received a wave from the Gorgon Ambassador who was talking with Commander Earhart, Jobol, the Nartock Ambassador and the Lantel Ambassador. She could only imagine what they were talking about. She felt someone step up to her and put a smile on her face. It was Jindal and her smile became big and honest for the first time in a while. His hand brushed hers and his eyes sparkled with happiness. She felt a similar feeling deep inside.
“Good evening Jindal. I hope you are enjoying yourself,” she said formally. She understood that considering the company they were in they could not give a more substantial greeting. Tessa really wanted a hug.
“It is going well. I would prefer a less crowded room. Maybe some candle light and a good bottle of wine.
This stuff is fine for the occasion but there is better to be had,” he said with a grin. Tessa returned it.
“I hope you do not mind me saying that all I want right now is to jump way up there and wrap my arms around your neck for a hug,” Tessa told him. The shining compassion in his eyes made her melt a little inside.
“I understand. You are under siege my dear. No one is making much of it, but everyone here recognizes the bravery you are showing by being present. As much as it was a good idea politically, I was not for it. Neither was the Ambassador,” Jindal said. They both smiled at people passing by and continued their conversation as if there was nothing wrong in the galaxy. Tessa was surprised she could keep it up as well as she had so far.
“He wasn’t?” She asked surprised. Of the two, Jobol seemed much more business-minded. Jindal shook his head no and greeted a passing Nartock. When the Nartock was gone he glanced at her.
“Not in the slightest. When we received word that you had been shot along with your friend he was ready to start the next galaxy wide war. I can’t blame him, I felt much the same Tessa dear,” he said the last softly. Tessa was touched and felt a lessening of tension in her gut. So they feel about me like I do about them, she said to herself silently.
“You guys are sweet. I want nothing more than some quiet time with the both of you to figure out what we have. Unfortunately, the universe is getting in the way,” Tessa complained. He laughed softly.
“Ah but it was the universe that brought us together. When it comes to the motivation of the universe I find it is best to wait and see,” he told her and took a sip of his drink. Tessa nodded.
“Probably, but I hate waiting,” she told him and he agreed.
“It does, as your people say, suck,” he said and Tessa began laughing and several people glance over and smiled at her mirth. A little more tension seemed to dissipate from within and her smile became more natural when she looked at others.