“So what remains to be dealt with?”
“I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to tell you, Liegen,” said Myak firmly. “I have with me your adjutant, Kaid. He’ll act in an assistance capacity in any way you need him. He will also accompany you when you leave for Shola.” He beckoned Kaid forward.
Kusac looked at him briefly, then back at Myak. “This is ridiculous. I don’t need an adjutant, nor do I need to move into the ambassadorial rooms! Either I’m a member of this crew without the rank to justify having an adjutant, or I’m a civilian who does. Which am I, Myak?”
“Your rank is Lieutenant because your grade is first among the telepaths. Your records have been altered accordingly,” said Myak stiffly. “Your Leska has the same rank, and for the moment shares your grade until the guild has assessed her. Therefore, your status within the Forces demands you have an adjutant.”
“Ye Gods,” swore Kusac, turning away from them. “Tell the Commander I will follow his orders under duress! And stop calling me ‘Liegen’!”
“Yes, sir,” said Myak. “I will leave you in the capable hands of Kaid.” He flashed Kaid a quick look then left.
Kusac turned around to look at Kaid. His eyes narrowed. “Haven’t I met you before? You look familiar.”
“Yes, sir. I was living in the quarters next door to you,” said Kaid.
“Well, we’re stuck with this ludicrous situation, so we’d better make the best of it,” Kusac sighed, responding at last to Carrie’s calming influence.
A moment later she emerged with Vanna. “I’m going to have to get some new clothes,” she said ruefully. “Rhian’s tunic was ruined, so Vanna kindly lent me this one for now, but I’ll need some of my own.”
“We’ll see to it,” promised Kusac.
“I’m fine,” she said, responding to his unasked question. “Are they sure the gunman was under the influence of drugs? He wasn’t another Guynor, was he?”
“I give you my word that neither of you was the intended victim,” said Kaid.
Kusac regarded him for a moment. “Well, let’s get on with this move, then,” he said, tail flicking.
*
As the elevator opened and they stepped out, they were stopped by armed guards carrying energy rifles. Kaid flashed his pass at them and they stepped back to their posts.
“This is ridiculous,” muttered Kusac, taking Carrie by the arm.
“It is standard security for this level, sir,” Kaid explained. “We have the Chemerian Ambassador on board at present.”
Kusac grunted in reply, slightly mollified.
Kaid stopped in front of a door flanked by two more armed guards. Over their heavy leather jackets they wore ritual swords strapped to their backs with body harnesses. On the right shoulder of each was the Warrior Guild flash of red. Each one carried an energy weapon holstered to his belt as well as a rifle.
“What are they doing here?” Kusac asked icily, aware of Carrie’s sudden fear.
“The Commander appointed them as personal bodyguards to you and your Leska,” murmured Kaid. “At present, you are the two most important people on board the Khalossa, a bridge between Shola and the Keissian Terrans.”
“I don’t care who appointed you, you are dismissed,” Kusac ordered them, his voice full of barely controlled fury.
“I’m afraid you can’t dismiss them, Liegen Aldatan. I’m sure you’re only too aware of the consequences should anything happen to either of you. Had the attacker been successful yesterday, we could now be at war with the Terrans. If you had been accompanied by guards yesterday, then your Leska might never have sustained an injury at all.”
Carrie’s thoughts penetrated his anger at last. Kusac, let’s leave it for now, she sent. I’ll be glad of them for the moment.
They’ll follow us around everywhere, drawing attention to us. We’ll never have any privacy.
They’re outside the door Once we’re inside, we’re alone. If you’re worried about them being noticed, ask for one in a Forces uniform to accompany us, rather than two in Warrior’s gear
Kusac gave her a surprised look. If you feel safer with them around, and the Commander will agree, I suppose I could live with it.
He turned to Kaid. “Would you lead the way in?”
The entrance hall was large and sparsely furnished with hard-backed chairs set against the walls and occasional low tables between them. A corridor led through to the interior area.
“Kaid…” began Kusac, his hackles beginning to rise again despite Carrie’s calming influence.
“You presented us with the problem, Liegen Aldatan,” came the urbane reply. “We’ve merely tried to solve it to the best of our ability. Where else but in the Ambassadorial Quarters can we house you in the utmost security? I assure you it was not chosen for reasons of your rank.”
Kusac shot him a fulminating glance. He hadn’t expected the Khalossa to have staterooms on board comparable to those in the Governor of Shola’s palace.
“If you have any more surprises like these in store for me, I suggest you tell me now,” he growled.
Only the rigidity of Kaid’s ears betrayed the fact that he was aware of the need to proceed with caution. The male in front of him could not be pushed further. Being a telepath, he couldn’t be manipulated or coerced into cooperating.
“None, sir, save for a formal reception tomorrow to welcome the visiting Terran dignitaries. Your Consort’s father will be there,” he said, inclining his head toward Carrie.
“Never again refer to the Liegena Carrie as a Consort,” snarled Kusac, baring his teeth. “That I will have understood from the outset.” He took a step toward Kaid.
Ears flattening slightly in apology, Kaid backed away, crossing his arms over his chest and bowing low. “It shall be as you wish, Liegen Aldatan. No insult was intended.”
Kusac let some of his anger drain away, aware not only that he was blaming the adjutant for a situation that was beyond his control but that he was adding to Carrie’s anxiety. As it was, she was afraid of coming face-to-face with her father.
“I’m sorry, Kaid. I hate all this,” he said, indicating their surroundings. “Your job, as far as I’m concerned, is to keep this world as far away from us as possible. I like things simple and straightforward.”
“It shall be as my Liegen wishes,” Kaid said.
“Please show us the rest of the suite.”
Kaid led them through the various rooms, explaining that the Khalossa had several of these suites, each one capable of being environmentally adapted for the Chemer and the Sumaan as well as Touibans or Sholan dignitaries when they were guests on the vessel.
As they returned to the ample lounge, Kusac steered Carrie over to the settee.
Rest. You’re looking tired, he sent.
“In fact, sir,” continued Kaid, “from tomorrow, Liegena Carrie’s father and the rest of the Terran party will be resident in a suite nearby.”
“I think it would be best if Mr. Hamilton was kept at a distance,” said Kusac.
Carrie nodded. “Tomorrow evening is soon enough. Perhaps at a public function I can avoid having him ask questions I don’t want to answer.”
“I’ll see to it, Liegena.”
“Thank you. Will we meet any Chemer and Sumaan?” she asked.
“You’ll meet the Chemerian Ambassador tomorrow evening, Liegena, along with his Sumaan bodyguard.”
“It should be quite a gathering,” said Kusac dryly.
Kaid tried not to smile. “The suite is equipped with kitchens and there is a food dispenser with an extensive menu. The data terminal and your desk are there,” he said, pointing to a corner of the lounge, “and a secretary will be available if you wish one. A female rating can also be provided to help Liegena Carrie for tomorrow evening and she’ll be on hand at any time should she be needed. I have a room at the rear and I’m in charge of the smooth running of the whole, and here to see your personal wishes are met, Liegen.”
Kusac sat down besi
de Carrie. “What about a personal medic?”
“Medic?” echoed the startled adjutant.
“Medic,” repeated Kusac. “After yesterday’s incident I want a personal medic who’ll accompany us to Shola. If my Leska took ill, who would treat her? One of our medics with no knowledge of her physiology? What provision has been made to cover that?”
“Ah, none, Liegen,” said Kaid, caught without an answer.
“Then I suggest you look into it.”
“Do you have someone in mind?”
“Physician Vanna Kyjishi.”
Kaid looked thoughtfully at him. “I’m sure it could be arranged, if Physician Kyjishi wishes it.”
“I’ve already asked her, and she’s agreed.”
“I will attend to the matter immediately, sir,” said Kaid.
“One other item. The bodyguard. I refuse to be followed about by those two in Warriors’ dress. If we must have them, then get them wearing an ordinary military uniform, something to make them blend in with everyone else.”
Kaid’s jaw dropped in a slight grin for the second time that day. “Certainly, sir. There should be no problem in doing that at all.”
Chapter 6
Tallinu lay looking up at the ceiling. He was due to send in a report, to his employer if not to the Brotherhood. The time was fast approaching when he’d have to make his evaluation of the situation, even if he didn’t share it with Ghezu and Lijou. Was Kusac’s just one of the rare rogue talents that turned up every few years? What about the human? She was a totally unknown quantity. How could he begin to assess her? Usually it was more clear-cut, with either the Talent or the owner so unstable that there was no option but to terminate. That was one of the reasons why traditionally the Brotherhood had to work outside the law, so the Telepath Guild could order these terminations without considering themselves murderers. In the remainder of cases, and by far the rarer, the person under observation simply disappeared.
But this unlikely pair? Rulla hadn’t been that far off the mark with his guesses. He, Tallinu, knew something was about to happen, something that would affect all their lives. Was it them— this human female and one of their males? Was it their lives— or deaths— that would change everything? It could be either. The God knew Shola needed changes. For too long the Telepath Guilds had been the real power behind the world council, the Telepath Guild of Valsgarth in particular. Telepaths might represent a tiny proportion of the population, but the old fears of them, though buried deep now, were still there. So the guild ruled from behind the scenes: that power had to be broken one day soon if their society was to evolve. Guild Master Esken of Valsgarth didn’t like change.
With a sigh, he got up. So the God was walking the halls of the Dzahai Stronghold, was He? Maybe it was time for him to visit the temple again. Perhaps the familiar sounds of the rituals and the smell of the incense would let him achieve that state of mind where the God could reach him.
*
Chyad’s comm beeped at him from the corner of his room. Going over to the desk, he sat down and activated the vidiphone link.
“Kaedoe, I thought I told you not to call me,” Chyad began, but the other cut him short.
“Have you heard the news? There’s been an accident in the shuttle bay. An explosion. Naisha and Khay were working on it when it blew. They’re dead, Chyad. Like Ngalu. That’s three of us gone. I tell you, they’re on to us.”
“Kaedoe, stop panicking,” said Chyad, forcing his ears to stay upright. The news had shocked him. “There’s nothing for anyone to find out, remember? Now tell me what happened.”
“I don’t know. I tried to contact Khay and was told he’d had an accident. When I went to Personnel, they told me he and Naisha had been killed while working on an engine fault in a shuttle. It’s not a coincidence, Chyad. They’re after us. We’ve got to get out of here!” Kaedoe’s ears were flat with fear.
“Kaedoe, pull yourself together,” said Chyad. “You should hear what you’re saying! You’re talking absolute rubbish. The Forces don’t have people blown up, they arrest them. We’ve done nothing but talk, and talk isn’t illegal. Just carry on normally, and stay calm.”
“What about Ngalu?” Kaedoe demanded, his voice getting more frantic.
“A freak accident. They’re investigating her death, they’ll investigate Khay’s and Naisha’s, too. There would be a cover-up if the authorities were involved. Just keep your head and everything will be fine. Now I have to go. Remember, just stay calm and try to forget about it.”
Chyad cut the connection. Kaedoe’s news had worried him more than he dared let on. He needed to see Maikoe. It was still possible it was a bizarre coincidence. Six months ago, a scouter had blown in the central landing bay, taking a crew of eight with it. There hadn’t been enough wreckage left to be absolutely sure what had caused it.
He felt a shiver run up his spine. Getting up, he headed for the door. Maybe Kaedoe was right and getting out was the sensible thing to do.
*
Commander Raguul had been handed the report of the second freak accident in sixteen hours.
“So this one is as inconclusive as the other,” he said to Myak.
“Yes, sir. There were no fragments from the conduit found in Ngalu’s chest, yet her suit had been ripped open by something. Even allowing that the breach exposed the outer casing to liquid oxygen, it shouldn’t fracture like that.”
“And the actual cause of death?”
“Explosive decompression,” said Myak.
“Messy. What about the shuttle accident?”
“The engine compartment where the two crew members were working is just so much molten slag fused around their bodies. Even taking the volatiles on board into account, there shouldn’t have been that large an explosion or that much heat present.”
Raguul looked at Myak and handed him the files. “I want these incidents tidied up satisfactorily. I’m sure you can see to it. I also want the Brother contacted immediately. This has gone far enough. I expected these people to be brought into custody.”
“I’m afraid I can’t contact him, Commander,” said Myak, taking the papers from him. “He’s involved in the final phase of his orders.” He began to move unobtrusively toward the cupboard.
“That’s not acceptable, Myak,” snapped the Commander, a pained look coming on his face. “Yes! Get me my bloody medicine, but get me that damned male here as soon as possible!”
“Yes, Commander,” said Myak.
*
Vanna had called on Kusac and Carrie in the midafternoon of the following day to check on Carrie’s injury. It had only been a shallow flesh wound and with the help of the drugs she’d used, was already beginning to heal. She’d declined an invitation to accompany them to the reception as she had just moved into her new medical lab and wanted to finish organizing everything to her satisfaction.
*
Evening came, and with it the need to get ready for the reception. Carrie sat grooming Kusac until his fur shone almost black in the subdued lighting of the bedroom. The fur on his head, much more like hair now it had begun to grow again, had a slight spring to it unlike the rest of his coat. She ran the brush through it, enjoying watching the way it coiled free of the bristles.
Kusac turned over onto his back. “I won’t have any left if you brush me any longer,” he said, reaching out to take a handful of her long fair hair. “Yours feels so soft, and the color is unlike any shade of ours.”
“The differences seem to bring us closer,” said Carrie, rubbing her palm against his chest.
He reached up to pull her nearer just as a discreet knock sounded at the door.
“Damn!” he swore, the mood broken. “I told you having others around would ruin our privacy.”
“We haven’t had much of that yet,” said Carrie ruefully, moving away from him and pulling her robe tighter.
“Enter,” said Kusac, sitting up.
Kaid opened the door. “Could I have a word with you in priva
te, sir?” he asked.
Ears pricking in surprise, Kusac got up and followed him out into the lounge.
“What is it?” he asked, closing the door behind him.
“I thought you might like to know that a barque from Shola is docking in the main bay. Your mother, Clan Leader Aldatan, is on board and is requesting that you meet her.”
Kusac stood looking at Kaid. “My mother? Here?”
“Yes, sir.”
He stood there, his mind numbed by surprise.
“It would be better to meet her there, sir, rather than let her arrive here alone,” prompted Kaid.
“Yes. You’re right,” he said, turning back to the bedroom. He hadn’t had time to discuss it with Carrie before, and now it was too late. There wasn’t time. Gods, why did events rush upon them like this! He pushed a barrier to the front of his mind, knowing what he must do before his mother arrived.
“What’s wrong?” Carrie asked.
He went over to her, his hands going up to the torc round his neck. “I’ve got to go out for a while, there’s some business I have to attend to. You stay here and rest,” he said. Sitting down, he took his torc off and held it out toward her. “I want you to wear this tonight,” he said.
She looked at him, puzzlement foremost in her mind. “Are you sure?” she asked, taking it from him.
He nodded. “Will you wear it for me?”
“I’d love to, if you’re sure you don’t mind me borrowing it,” she said, turning it over in her hands.
“Let me.” Taking it back from her, he held the ends apart and looped it round her neck. “It’s a gift. I want you to keep it,” he said, pulling her close to kiss her briefly. “It will look good with your clothes for this evening.”
“What’s going on, Kusac?” she said, putting her hand up to touch the warm metal as he moved away from her to pick up his uniform. “You’re blocking your thoughts again.”
“I’ve some personal business to attend to, that’s all. I won’t be long,” he said, concentrating on putting on his jacket and buckling his belt over it. “You rest, I’ll be back shortly. A sleep would do you good. After all, we didn’t get much last night!” he grinned, sending relaxing thoughts to her.
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