by Imogene Nix
His face must have tightened for the agent stepped forward. “She will be protected for as long as we can manage it.” The words didn’t dispel the knot of worry that lodged in his chest. Curiously though, the ache in his chest had dissipated. Does that mean she’s rejected the Quickening? I know so little about it… Perhaps he could enquire with Joras, he might know what had caused that. But he couldn’t right now and that left him feeling useless.
“Take me to her.”
The agent’s eyebrows lifted, obviously he hadn’t expected that. “I’m sorry. I can’t do that, sir.” The agent sounded apologetic, but he had the impression he would stand firm, no matter what Galan demanded.
He raised a hand and raked it through his hair as he realised, yet again, that she still didn’t have a communicator. It was something he needed to remedy with all speed. Until she at least had that, he wouldn’t be able to rest. A beeping sound broke through the air and the agent moved. Galan watched as he spoke into the small device and obviously was angered by the information he was given.
“Yes, sir. No, sir. We are… Yes, sir.” The agent winced.
Galan watched, wanting to know if it was about Jessa.
“Yes, sir. Right away.” He clicked a button.
For a heartbeat Galan was sure he saw an emotion, which could have been regret pass across the man’s face before he shuttered it once more.
“That was my superior. They want us to pull back on detail for Miss Bankia.”
Galan bared his teeth in anger. “This is not acceptable.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I can’t do any more.”
His mind tumbled and turned as he thought over possibilities. “What if…” He was prepared to take a chance. Any chance right now. “What if some of my men needed to explore your habitation? Is that possible?”
“Technically, I doubt my superiors would allow that…”
Galan moved forward. The agent, Foley held up his hand again. “But, personally your people have shown no aggression towards us. It seems somehow wrong to stop them going about their investigations. Only, your face is already too well known for you to do so. But I’m sure my men are looking forward to a little downtime as well.”
He let out his breath. At least someone was going to help them—even if it was unofficially.
“But here and now is not the time to discuss it. If you don’t mind, sir, I think they will be looking for you.”
Of course. There was sense in his comments. Unable to think clearly, until some sort of resolution had been achieved bothered Galan, however. He was never one to behave like this. Surely he could contain himself to get through this interminable meeting?
* * * *
By the end of the meeting Galan was strung out. It was decided that he should meet with a delegation from the government of this continent in the morning. It seemed that they feared his access to their capital city, Canberra. Instead, they would be flown in to this place and meet in a building some distance away from his ship. It would have to be safe from prying eyes, no doubt.
Galan knew that even though this was the first opportunity to enter negotiations, in regards to women travelling to his planet, he couldn’t concentrate. He’d been made aware that there would be another level of meetings would be required. Something called the United Nations also had to be involved. The convoluted layers of government alien to his mindset, considering there was just a simple hierarchy on his own planet. Ruler and Heir were briefed by the Senate who in turn sought the counsel of the local Governors.
Pulling his mind back to his current concerns, he sat down and thought through the steps they had currently taken. Joras had arranged for some of his most trusted security officers to travel with one of the agents beyond the compound. They were to travel to the most likely place that Jessa would retreat to—her home. Galan had wanted to go with them, but Joras had backed up the suggestion that he was already too well known, just as the agent had said. Instead, he was to stay in his office and work on reports that were due to go before the Hesparian Senate. Reports! Bah! But he was the captain of the vessel and heir of the royal house, so he had to set the standard. No matter that he would have preferred to be out there, find Jessa and bring her back. He had responsibilities—onerous though they felt right now—to his house, his family and his planet, but his frustrations mounted at being tied to the desk at this time.
These responsibilities weren’t something he was free to flout. So instead he dictated to the internal voice driven computer within the ship the details of his current situation, the progress he had made and the possible alliances that he hoped to forge. He skimmed over Jessa and Seth, for now, choosing to focus on the big picture that would be presented to the senate. Checking and rechecking facts as best he could. Seth was called in and helped him to finalise some details and facts. Then he opened the communication stream to his home world, preparing to send the report to his father.
He needed to prepare for the next day, and set about uploading the necessary data to his memory cube, nearly missing the buzzing communicator. He grabbed the device in his hands. “Report.”
“Sir, we are at her abode. I believe she lives with her parents, so we need to find a way to make contact without alerting them or the young male of the household.” How many more things can stand in my way? His shoulders and chest tightened at the possibility that his men could be detected while looking for Jessa. They were among the most loyal of his crew. It could jeopardise the whole mission if they were discovered. The thought weighed heavily on him.
“You have the communicator for her?”
“Yes, sir, and details on how to contact the agent with us, if necessary.” The arrangements had been made swiftly that evening. It seemed Agent Foley and one of his co-workers had already noted his attachment to her. They had quickly realised that her loss would be a body blow to Galan. They too had shared his concern given the protestors outside the compound and the lack of interest from their superiors in ensuring the safety of Jessa. Her face and name had apparently been spread by their media outlets meaning she had almost nowhere to hide if things turned ugly. Something he had experienced on other worlds when they had made first contact. He was thankful that this man understood and had decided to work with the other agents to ensure some form of safety network existed for Jessa. For the next while, he paced, unable to settle until he had word that his crew members had made contact with her.
* * * *
Jessa sat on her bed, feeling quite sorry for herself. Perhaps Galan had the best of intentions for her, but she couldn’t stay. At least that was the pep talk she gave herself. But in the back of her mind came the niggle that maybe she had it wrong and had walked away from the best man—ergo, the best opportunity—who would ever come her way. Her eyes burnt with unshed tears. It had been very difficult to return home. Her parents had welcomed her, berating her for once more acting without thinking. It always seemed to come back to her one youthful indiscretion.
The one where she’d been eighteen and had thought herself madly in love with Seth’s cousin, Jace. Little had she known he had been using her to gain access to the place where she worked, the local pharmacy. He’d been so attentive—always taking her to and from work and even walking with her to school, though he had left two years previously. She’d been so sure he was interested in her and her only.
One night, she’d been left with instructions to close the shop, given her own key to the front door. Jessa had been over the moon with the responsibility. To celebrate, he’d taken her to dinner then she’d stayed the night. The first and only time that had happened. What she hadn’t known was that Jace ‘borrowed’ her keys and had broken in, helping himself to a number of prescription items. Of course, they had worked out it was her key. When they’d seen the CCTV footage of Jace, she’d been arrested as well. They’d even fingerprinted her and when it came to court, Jace had told his elaborate story about how she had chosen to get the job there to help him. How overjoyed she had been when
she had finally gained the owners trust, they had given her the key. He had even brought witnesses that had attested to the story he had concocted.
She’d been lucky to get off with a suspended sentence and a huge fine. Since then, anytime something went wrong, the local police usually called her in, checked her alibi and generally made her life hell. She was still paying now, with the way they had treated her with the whole first contact thing. Jessa knew she really didn’t need any more notoriety. She had experienced enough difficulty getting a job at the observatory.
Her parents were downstairs, resting after fending off the media frenzy that had come her way. Magazines had wanted photo shoots, interviews and an insight into her role in the contact situation. The papers, television stations and radio had camped out until she told them bluntly she knew nothing. The house was starting to finally settle into quietness when something rattled her window. She glanced over to see a hand.
Damn them! I’ve already told them I know nothing! Jessa stood, anger boiling within her as she marched to the window, ready to wrench it open and give them a piece of her mind. She stopped short when she got there—a surprising mix of indignation and horror filtering through her. It was one of Joras’ men, his hand extended towards her. She pulled on the latch and leaned out of the opening. “What are you doing?” Her excited whisper stopped him short.
“Galan has sent something for you, but I can’t deliver it this way. Is there somewhere we can go?”
His earnest response had her rolling her eyes. What are they thinking? If they get caught, there’ll be hell to pay. But she nodded. “I’ll come down to you.” With that she shut the window and turned to the door before heading downstairs.
Standing on the bottom tread, Jessa glanced around the corner. Her parents were engrossed in a current affairs programme so they’d be occupied for a while. As to the location of her brother, well that was anyone’s guess. She moved quickly, opened the door then slipped through.
The members of Galan’s crew waited in the deep shadows of the weeping willow. She glanced around quickly. She spotted a man in a suit and dark glasses nearby, if he were trying to look inconspicuous he was failing, she thought with a small hysterical giggle, which she quickly squashed, then she gulped. They were about to be caught. But instead he stepped forward with a small smile as her stomach jittered with nerves.
“Miss Bankia, you must be quick. I need to get them back to the compound before they are seen and reported.”
How… What…? Jessa shook her head. Now really wasn’t the time to be mucking around so she ducked under the hanging greenery to see the two men waiting underneath. “What are you lot doing here?” She could claim to know one slightly for he was a member of Joras’ security team.
He bowed low. “Jessa, we bring you a gift from Galan. He is concerned that you will not return in time for the talks that will be held tomorrow.”
Oh Lord! Tomorrow? He’s going to be meeting with the PM tomorrow? She gulped, swallowing her sense of loss, both at the opportunity to be there when something amazing took place and that she would never see Galan again. She hadn’t planned on going back. Don’t they realise that? “I’m not…returning. I have to resume my normal life, so that once Galan and your crew leaves, I have a job to go back to.” She looked at them, earnestly but the other one, the one she didn’t know shook his head.
“Galan is lost. He is fretting without your presence. You must return in the morning.” The one she knew, Jelan, elbowed him and he gave an audible humph.
Anger flared, white hot within her breast. She didn’t need to do anything. Jessa made to step away but Jelan held out a hand. “Jessa, this comes to you from Galan. It’s a communicator. He feels that you may be in some danger without the support of the agents looking out for you.”
Jessa wanted to scoff, but the memory of the actions of the protestors, breaking through containment lines roared through her mind. And the itch at the back of her neck when she left the compound had remained with her.
He placed a small item in her hand. It was little bigger than an earring, and she admired it, seeing how beautifully it was engraved. She ran her finger over the edges. “It’s exquisite. But how do I…?”
Gently the man showed her the functions, how to contact Galan and how to accept a contact from him. It made no sound until engaged, rather it buzzed like a phone and she smiled. “Isn’t it going to look odd having one and not two?” He smiled and retrieved another from his pocket.
“We noticed you wear decorations in your ears. This one is broken, so it will allow you to not stand out too much. Remember, if you get into trouble…”
“Yes, I touch here.” Jessa laid her finger on the fine blue stone in the centre. “Now, you need to go.” A sudden urgency filled her.
Once more, the agent stepped towards her, giving her a piece of paper. “This is my direct mobile number. If ever you need help, ring it. I’ll do what I can.”
Her mouth dried at the thought that she could be in danger. Bravado raised its head. It was probably nothing. But the uneasiness didn’t go away.
From beneath the leaves, she watched as they crept away, carefully shepherded by the agent. They got into a small dark car and it pulled away from the kerb, leaving her alone. She turned towards the house, to feel a hand laid on her shoulder. Jessa jumped, but it was only her brother.
“What did they want?” He watched her intently.
“Nothing. Now don’t be so nosey. It’s time to go inside.” The spot at the back of her neck continued to tingle. Just as she made her way through the door, she glanced around and peered towards the road. She didn’t see anything, so she entered the house and closed the door behind her with a snick.
* * * *
Dawn came and Agent Foley had already rounded Galan up. Not that he’d slept much. His people had arrived back at the ship, smuggled through the gates with some difficulty late at night. His mind had been put at rest, knowing that he at least had some way of contacting Jessa. In his own mind, he had decided to give her time to come to terms with the situation, before he contacted her again—unless she contacted him first. Then, it wouldn’t matter what the governing body had said. He would send his men to retrieve her.
He broke his fast, eating and drinking little more than a chore. That completed, he stood, checking for the small memory cube he was taking with him. Joras and he had donned their ceremonial robes and they had decided that they should make their entrance using the light based camouflage. It usually put others on the back foot. Given he was the only member of his house present, he would take any advantage. Dealing with the female they called their Prime Minister had put in his mind the need to ensure he had taken every chance to strengthen their case. His dealings so far, had told him she was more slippery than a ground slither. He would have to watch his step.
Together they made their way down the corridor towards the eli-pad and the increased security detail which had been assembled for the excursion to the burg of Parkes. A series of large vehicles had been placed at their disposal for transport to and from the venue. Galan looked at it, noting the rudimentary nature of them. He would have preferred to use one of their own conveyances, but Agent Foley had stated that this would probably cause more issues than it would solve.
He clambered in, grunting as he moved into the restrictive space. “Please use the seat belt.”
Galan looked at the driver. What is a seat belt? Galan looked at Foley.
“I have no idea what a seat belt is. Can you please explain this?”
Seth climbed in beside him. “Joras thought you might need some assistance.” Seth grinned at Galan before he rolled his eyes.
“I need to use a seat belt.” He carefully enunciated each word and was startled when Seth leaned over him. “What are you doing, Seth?”
“I’m putting your seat belt on. So watch and learn. That way you can do it by yourself on the way back.” A thin strap of webbing was drawn over his shoulder and clicked into a small
gadget. Galan was fascinated. On Hesparia they used force fields on their small conveyances, so it was rare that anyone got more than a bump or bruise.
A whine rent the air and he sat up, startled. Surely they weren’t still using internal combustion engines? Galan made a note to ask about that later as they pulled out. He watched as they drove along, small single conveyances moved ahead with flashing lights attached to the front, and the person rode astride the small machines. Galan watched as vehicles stopped for them and they headed into the township.
It wasn’t so very small as he had been led to believe. It was more the size of one of the agricultural townships that provided produce to the Hesparian towns. Greenery lined the roads they travelled on and small mercantiles were dotted here and there. The houses were mainly neat and tidy. Occasionally some people along the roadside waved signs at the motorcade as they progressed through the streets until they reached a large white building. It was ugly and stark white. It resembled a glorified box sitting in the centre of town with perfectly aligned garden beds.
“Well, this is it.” Seth watched him nervously. “Do you think you can undo the seat belt? There is a small button to release.”
Galan nodded and found the clip, releasing the belt with a hiss. Seth climbed out and Galan followed him, smoothing down his ceremonial garb. He stepped away from the vehicle and Seth reached behind closing the door, remembering to turn off the light camouflage. Audible gasps broke out as Galan watched the vehicle roll forward. He was ushered within the interior of the building. With a shrug Galan entered the structure, feeling the caress of the cool air.
Sounds from outside were muted once he had retreated inside and the door closed. Galan looked around, gazing at the glass boxed items with an interested eye. A buzz at his collar caught his attention. “Galan.”
“Well, gee thanks, Galan. I called to you and they won’t let me through.” Jessa. “Is there something I need to know? Some reason I’m not being included?”