Looking at Trouble

by Viola Grace

  Reeda shrugged. “I know nearly all the vendors in the market. I have grown up with them and acted as emergency security for most of my life there. It is where I feel at home.”

  “Do you think you would be willing to leave here and seek out a new occupation in the stars?”

  Reeda smiled and shrugged. “It is up to my mother.”

  That was all she would say on the matter. Whatever she did, wherever she went, she was focused on supporting her mother.

  The ride was only ten minutes, but the recruiter was tense by the time they arrived and stepped out of the transport car.

  “The property is only a short walk. Have you been on Amdor long?”

  The recruiter smiled at the neutral topic. “We have been here for five weeks. Hrevek is one of our last stops.”

  “Have you enjoyed your time here?”

  “I have been surprised by the variety of species present in the population. It is shocking to me that so many different species could live in the cities and not form large, insulated communities.”

  Reeda smirked, “It is forced integration. It wouldn’t work on any other world, but on this one, the Avatar has been insistent on blending all the species together. We have clean air, clean water, organized cities and a blended population. There isn’t a lot of cross breeding, but we are a community, and that is what Amdor wants.”

  The property was fenced. The gate opened as Reeda approached, and it closed behind the recruiter.

  She made a series of clicks in the back of her throat, and she heard the barn door thud in response.

  Recruiter Ambroth smiled nervously. “What did you say?”

  “It translates into Hello, Mom. I have brought a guest you should not eat.”

  The rush of many feet got closer.

  “Does she have a translator?”

  Reeda smiled. “She does, but I have to speak to her directly. It is a mark of respect.”

  Her mother appeared around the corner, and the recruiter took a step back.

  Using the l’nal formal language, Reeda introduced her companion to the nine-foot spider who had adopted her. “Mother, this is Recruiter Ambroth, and she wishes to speak with you.”

  Mother looked at the recruiter with her segmented eyes, and she reached in and turned on her translating module. “Welcome to our home. Daughter, please prepare tea for our guest.”

  Reeda inclined her head and went into the kitchen to prepare tea.

  * * * *

  Mother looked down at the interloper. “What do you want with my daughter?”

  The Citadel representative straightened and bowed low.

  Mother felt grudging respect for the formality. “I wish to discuss an option with you. She has skills”

  Mother clicked and spoke with exasperation. “I am aware of her skills.”

  “She could be doing more than acting as an ersatz security guard at the marketplace.” The recruiter was scowling at her. “She feels loyalty to you and does not want to leave you.”

  Mother grunted. “She is a good daughter, but I am financially set for the next decade. She does not need to stay for me.”

  The recruiter scowled. “She said it was up to you.”

  Mother clucked. “It is. I am her mother, and she wishes to have my blessing. Come inside and we will discuss my daughter.”

  Mother turned and walked in front of the woman, knowing that most beings did not appreciate her coming up behind them.

  They would have tea, and then, they would discuss Reeda. Mother was excited for this opportunity for her daughter. Few would have dared to ask, and it just went to prove that the recruiter was made of stern stuff.

  Reeda might have a career after all.

  * * * *

  Reeda set out tea for herself and the recruiter and an acid blend for Mother. High-protein snacks were on a tray, and she offered one to Mother before the recruiter.

  To Ambroth’s credit, she didn’t hesitate. She bit into the treat and smiled at the flavour.

  Reeda grinned.

  Mother lifted her cup to her mouth and sipped the tea through the straw. “Now, what do you wish to know about my child?”

  Recruiter Ambroth lifted her teacup. “How did you come to raise her?”

  Reeda sat back and sipped her tea.

  Mother clicked for a moment. “Her mother was a good friend who had a relationship with a man in the capitol. She gave birth to Reeda and named me as alternate guardian. She died of complications after the birth.”

  “Who is Reeda’s father?”

  Mother clicked slowly. “It is unknown, but I have my suspicions.”

  That was news to Reeda. “Who?”

  Mother waved it off. “I will tell you when you are older.”

  Reeda knew that tone, and even through the translation unit, it was clear that there would be no more information coming.

  She sighed and ate one of the treats. To her surprise, the recruiter reached for another and nibbled at it.

  “Is Reeda able to come with me and join the Citadel, Madame Rrkra?”

  Mother clicked for a moment, and then, she said, “How much would she be paid? She is already trained.”

  Reeda watched in shock as the recruiter leaned forward and the bargaining began.

  The offers and counteroffers for a pay rate flared back and forth. An assistant to help in the market was offered, three times Mother’s annual income was offered beginning the moment that Reeda completed her training and was active as a Specialist.

  Reeda refilled everyone’s tea and sat back to watch as the finer details were hammered out. She was to be given one month on Amdor every eighteen months, aside from her travel time. If she mated while she was away, the child was to be reared on Amdor in Rrkra’s guardianship.

  Reeda sat and stared in shock as they discussed her having children. She wanted to butt in, but her mother flicked her a look. She sat and focused on drinking her tea.

  After an hour of negotiations, they finally shook on the agreement.

  “When can she leave, Madame Rrkra?”

  “I require three days. I know you will give her protection, but she is my daughter and I will see her off in the clothing that will keep her from harm.”

  Recruiter Ambroth smiled. “Three days it is. I will meet Reeda at the peacekeeper station, and we will depart from there. Your assistant will arrive tomorrow so that Reeda can take her through the tasks you require.”

  Reeda nodded. “Have her meet me in the marketplace. I will be working there most of the day.”

  The recruiter nodded and bowed. “Thank you both for your agreements. I will file the contract and get the assistant lined up. Madame Rrkra, it was an honour to meet you.”

  Reeda got to her feet. “I will walk you out.”

  When they got to the door, Reeda whispered, “Look for a Skuban. She likes them but won’t be tempted to taste.”

  Recruiter Ambroth nodded. “I will see if there are any available. Thank you for the tip. I look forward to seeing you take over your new occupation.”

  “Do you know where you are sending me?”

  She shrugged. “It depends on your assessment. That will be done at Citadel Balen.”

  Reeda nodded. “Right.”

  The recruiter paused. “How many languages do you speak?”

  “Aside from Alliance and Nyal Common? About twelve.”

  “Excellent. I will see you in three days.”

  The recruiter headed down the walk and left past the gate. Clicks sounded from inside, and Reeda returned to Mother.

  “Reeda, get me all the grimfa weed that you can gather.” Mother put one of her legs on Reeda’s shoulder.

  Reeda nodded and reached for the tea tray.

  “Leave it. I will deal with it. Go get the weed and bring it to my workshop.”

  It was strange enough that Reeda moved quickly, worried about Mother. Grimfa weed was rampant on Amdor, but it was mostly useless. Mother had told her that it had a purpose, but Reeda had
no idea what that purpose was.

  She went to the workshop and grabbed her scythe. The field behind the house was rimmed with weeds, so she took the scythe and swept them down. When she had taken out all the weeds she could see, she put the scythe back in the workshop, grabbed her collection bags and started collecting the impromptu harvest.

  When her back burned but the bags were filled, she brought them to the workshop, and her mother stroked her cheek before kicking her out for the night.

  “You have done enough, daughter. Get some rest.”

  Ordered into the house, Reeda took a shower and got some rest. The light in the workshop burned into the night.

  Chapter Three

  Mother wasn’t around in the morning, and the workshop was locked. Reeda could hear Mother’s soft feet moving around, so she wasn’t worried.

  “I am going to the market. I have my com with me if you need me.”

  “Have a good day, daughter.”

  Mother’s voice mumbled around something, but Reeda had her dismissal. She headed into the city to get some breakfast and open the kiosk.

  Four hours later, Reeda had thwarted two shoplifters and sold twelve scarves. There was always a surge in both crime and retail after news of an altercation spread. When a woman appeared with spikes instead of hair, Reeda looked up with a smile. “Good day to you.”

  The woman smiled, her solid black eyes bright and enthusiastic. “I am Mertwyn. I am here to be your erstwhile apprentice and your mother’s assistant.”

  “I am Reeda Rrkra, and you will be working with and for my mother, Rrkra of the l’nal.” Reeda extended her hand, and she nodded in satisfaction when the contact reading didn’t reveal any hidden hostilities in the new assistant.

  Smiling, Reeda took Mertwyn through the basics of the stall. “We sell one item and one only, l’nal silk. Mother generates and weaves the silk, as well as dying it. We sell it.”

  Mertwyn carefully handled the silk, moving so that the spikes on her hands didn’t catch on the fine weave. “These are beautiful.”

  “Mother will be pleased that you think so. They are beautiful and often a target for theft.”

  Mertwyn smiled shyly. “I am good at spotting theft.”

  “I will give you opportunity to prove yourself. We won’t have to wait long.”

  They stood together and chatted. As Reeda predicted, there was an attempt on one of the scarves. Mertwyn moved in a blur, and she caught the thief two steps away from the kiosk. The scarf was jutting from under the shirt, and the new assistant’s fingers simply gripped it and let go of the young man.

  Reeda smiled as Mertwyn put the scarf back on the rack, tying it loosely in a knot over the rod.

  “Well done. Where did the recruiter find you?”

  “I was on a list to act as an assistant to any of the Citadel staff while they visited. She asked and I agreed. I have always wanted to work with a l’nal.”

  “Mother can be difficult, but she has a good heart. Do you speak l’nal?”

  “No, but I am willing to learn.”

  “Good. We will engage in lessons for the rest of the afternoon, or did you need something to eat?”

  “I am ready to start learning.” Mertwyn smiled.

  “Step one, when smiling, keep your teeth in. She doesn’t like to read expressions; she likes to hear tone and cadence. It is a hard reflex to stop, but you will hear about it fairly quickly.”

  Reeda spent the afternoon watching Mertwyn deal with customers and teaching her simple l’nal phrases that Mother used a lot.

  At the end of the day, they went to the peacekeeper station to pick up Mertwyn’s bag of clothing, and from there, they went to public transport.

  Reeda led Mertwyn to the workshop, and she knocked on the door. The latch moved and Mother swayed in the entrance.

  “Mother, are you ill?” There was green around her mandibles, and she didn’t look well.

  “No, daughter. I am making you a gift. It took more out of me than I anticipated.”

  Mother lowered herself, and they stood head to head for a moment. “You have brought me a snack?”

  Reeda chuckled. “No, Mother. She is your new assistant; her name is Mertwyn.”

  Mertwyn heard her name and she bowed deeply. “I am honoured to be here and working with you, Madame Rrkra.”

  “Tell her to get me something to eat.”

  Reeda winced. “I was hoping to start her off a little more easily.”

  “She will have to do it. I am getting too old to hunt my own meals.”

  “Fair enough. Excuse me, Mother. I have to explain this to her. Do you want it live?”

  “Only if you love me, daughter.”

  Mother withdrew and closed the door again.

  Reeda turned to Mertwyn and sighed. “We need to go and get one of the animals in the high field. Mother is hungry.”

  Mertwyn blinked. “Oh, she likes live food?”

  “Once or twice a month. She will eat one of the beasts and then supplement with the protein snacks for the rest of the time. I get my meals in town most days.”

  Reeda went to the barn and swung the doors open.

  “If you don’t keep beasts in the barn, why do you have them?”

  Reeda grinned. “Mother doesn’t like to eat in the house. It is messy and she is exceptionally neat.”

  “Why do you have to hunt?”

  “She is old. She is a l’nal outcast and has never had a mate or offspring. It worked in my favour, as she has never had to feed her own family. That is when the l’nal weavers get a little on the cranky side.”

  “Why was she outcast?”

  Reeda shrugged. “She lost part of one of her legs. It took her out of the running for a mate.”

  Reeda took down a long, soft rope and a smaller looped rope.

  “What are you going to do?”

  “The same thing you will. I know you can use your spikes to subdue creatures, but I am not sure how Mother would react to the change in taste created by your particular brand of toxin.”

  Mertwyn scowled. “Is that why you chose me?”

  Reeda chuckled. “When I leave, Mother will miss me, and an emotionally upset l’nal is unpredictable. She has warned me of that herself. Your species doesn’t taste good. She will only bite if she has to.”

  Mertwyn laughed. “It is nice to be needed.”

  They hiked through the property until the field was visible. Mertwyn paused. “Those are hava beasts.”

  Reeda shook out the rope and looked at the fanged and clawed grouping of over a hundred animals.

  “They are deadly. Flesh eaters.”

  Reeda nodded. “If you don’t want this position, you are welcome to resign and we will see if Recruiter Ambroth can find another assistant.”

  Mertwyn sighed. “Tell me what to do.”

  Reeda loved the resigned enthusiasm. “All right. First, stay downwind, and second, be ready to move.”

  Mertwyn stepped with her and followed her every command. By sundown, they had their prey and were dragging two live beasts between them with the ropes.

  It took them half an hour to get the hava beasts to the barn, but once they were inside, Reeda closed the rear doors and locked them then moved with Mertwyn to the front doors, closed one and then flipped the rope off the beasts with a few practiced gestures.

  The animals rose to their feet and charged, but Reeda got the door closed and latched an instant before the hava beasts collided with the wood. Claws fought the wood, but it wouldn’t do any good.

  Mertwyn finally asked a question that had obviously been bugging her. “Why hava beasts? They are hated across the globe.”

  Reeda smiled. “That is why. She kills them quickly, but you have to get them here, and it is considered to be a form of cruelty by some. As soon as you say it is hava beasts, they are fine with it.”

  She patted Mertwyn’s shoulder gingerly. “Let’s get your bag and tell Mother.”

  Reeda knocked on the works
hop door, and once again, a swaying Mother answered. “We have two beasts for you. You look exhausted and you need to eat.”

  Mother nodded. “I agree. Thank you.”

  The door opened wide, and Mother staggered out and headed toward the barn. The thudding from the interior ceased when Mother got to it.

  She released the lock and took up the space of the two open doors. After she had entered the barn, her hindmost legs closed the doors.

  “Come inside. We can wash off the stink of the hava, and I can show you where the food is. Mother doesn’t need to eat often, but when she does, it is completely silent. Eerie, really.”

  It was a good time to show Mertwyn to her room and give her an orientation for the household.

  While she showered, Reeda imagined what Mother was up to, but she would have to wait. If it was a present, she didn’t want to ruin the surprise.

  Two days later, Mertwyn was on her way to the kiosk on her own while Mother and Reeda said their goodbyes.

  “Come, daughter. I have been eager to show you this.”

  Reeda had her pack over her shoulder, and she swallowed around the lump in her throat. She followed her mother to the workshop and stepped inside for the first time since she had dropped off the weeds.

  In the centre of the large room, a mannequin stood, and it was dressed in a shirt, trousers and had a long coat over top of them. The entire outfit was made in black, but there was no dye bath visible.

  Mother stroked her face. “Do you like it?”

  “You made this for me?”

  “Who else? The silk is special. It will deflect knives and absorb the power of even a burner at close range. That is what the weed was for. It causes a chemical reaction that changes my silk.”

  Reeda smiled and stroked the coat with a loving hand. Tears flicked down her cheeks. “It is wonderful. Thank you, Mother.”

  “Take it off the dummy, love. You need to be on your way before I get too upset.”

  Reeda turned to her mother and inclined her head.

  Mother pressed her head to Reeda’s. “Be good, be strong, and I will count the days until you come home, full of adventures.”