Alien Attachments

by Sabine Priestley

  * * * *

  Ian emerged from the bathroom to find his father waiting. The moment the door opened, Rucon grabbed him in a rare embrace.

  “We thought we’d lost you. Your mother’s on her way.” He grinned broadly and with one last hug, he let Ian go.

  “How long—”

  His mother burst into the room before he could finish. Her hands flew up to her mouth. Ian opened his arms and held her while she cried.

  “Mother, it’s all right. I’m fine, really,” he said, patting her on the back. Compared to his father’s mass, she was a veritable waif with flowing black hair.

  Mara Cavacent straightened up, but kept her palm on Ian’s heart. She gazed at him and shook her head, fighting more tears.

  “How long have I been here?” Ian asked.

  “A bit over forty-eight hours,” his father said.

  “We were terrified when your team arrived without you,” Mara said. “They told us what happened.”

  “We tried to send help, but the villa had collapsed around the portal entrance. We summoned the Portal Masters to move it, but there was no time. Mordo discovered it was already moving.” His mother looked at him with awe.

  Ian nodded. “I remember. A bit of a surprise, that.”

  Rucon cleared his throat, stiffening. “He sensed the Standich woman immediately. Just now”—he motioned toward the bed—“what happened?”

  Ian took his mother’s hand from his chest, kissed it, and turned toward the windows. He flicked a finger and the thick brocade curtains slid open. The city below sparkled in the morning sun. He turned back to his parents. “She healed me.” That much was true. His parents didn’t need to know he had started bonding with a human.

  Mara frowned. “Who?”

  “The Standich woman,” Rucon said.

  “But she’s in bed herself. Healer Kane has been taking care of her.” Mara glanced between her husband and son.

  Ian paced. “She was here. Just now. She arrived some time last night.” Ian wasn’t going to take this conversation any further than he had to.

  “Ian,” Mara looked confused. “I realize a human with psi represents certain problems for our family, but clearly healing is one of her abilities. I should think you’d be grateful.”

  Of course his mother would think that. She didn’t know he was fighting to resist the one thing every Sandarian wanted. And he wanted her very much, but not at the price he’d have to pay. The price they would all have to pay.

  “That woman…” Ian said, not sure where he was going with this. “Let’s just say, we don’t get along.”

  “We had the portal moved,” Rucon said, changing the subject. “The villa is destroyed. Crews are setting up now to clear the area and start rebuilding.”

  “Thank you.”

  “We’ve put a near ground cloak up so it will look normal on Earth’s satellites. Your team has been back to check the other bases. Your SAs are still here. I didn’t want to chance it until we get a handle on the Torogs.”

  “And?”

  “And,” Rucon said, “no trace of them. I’ve added security to the mines, and your team’s placed DNA sensors by your bases and random places around the globe. If any of the Torogs are still on Earth, we should know about it. So far, nothing.” His father hesitated. “Ria checked in with the mine’s supervisors. They have no idea anything is out of the ordinary, so I’ve not reported this to anyone.”

  The thought of those crags getting away with this made him furious, but he saw the logic. The fewer waves they made, the better chance they stood of not attracting the attention of the council, or worse, the Emperor.

  “Are you still convinced they were after the Standich woman?” Rucon asked.

  “Her name is Dani.” Shit. Where did that come from? “If I had any doubts before, they’d be gone now. They tried to abduct her in Bellagio, and they were hell-bent on capturing or killing her on the Island.”

  “Maybe,” Rucon said.

  “What are you thinking?”

  “I don’t know about Bellagio, but as far as Cat Island goes, they may have wanted their device back. They weren’t exactly trying to keep you alive there, son.”

  “You could be right.”

  “The EPs have been rotating shifts on Earth,” Rucon said. “I’ve agreed to let your support agents stay for a few days. I imagine seeing another planet must be an extraordinary experience. They deserve it.”

  “That’s fine.” Ian rubbed his stiff neck.

  “Armond has been working with the mystery box. He’s made some progress, but I’ll let him give you a full report.” Rucon crossed his arms. “Your team has been instructed to keep both the device and Miss Standich’s abilities quiet.”

  “Agreed,” Ian said.

  Chapter 10

  Dani burst into her room and slammed the door behind her.

  Koora jumped and dropped the blanket she’d been folding. “M’lady! But…” She glanced at the bed, which appeared to be occupied. “I thought you were still sleeping?”

  “Yeah, well, I got tired of that so I took a walk. Right now I need a shower. And clothes. And I’d like to see my friends. Can you manage all that?” She’d never been so angry in her life.

  Koora sputtered, taken aback. “I—yes—of course, m’lady.” She bowed three times and scurried from the room.

  Dani peeled off the pajamas and climbed into an oval-shaped shower. The floor was soft and springy. After some fiddling with the controls, she managed to get a strong, hot stream going. She closed her eyes and let the water pummel her skin. Why was he doing this? She resisted the urge to cry. There’d been enough tears already. She figured anger was better and pounded the spongy wall a few times. She was on another planet. Aliens wanted to kill her back on Earth. She had some weird psi connection with a man, strike that, with an alien who hated her. The jerk didn’t even say thank you for saving his life. She punched the wall a few more times. It helped. I can handle this.

  Emerging from the shower, she wrapped herself in a towel and found fresh clothes laid out on the made bed. On the floor were new leather boots. Sweet. She got dressed quickly and sat on the bed to put the boots on. That done, she glanced at the curtains. Finally. She took a step toward the window when there was a knock at the door. Are you kidding? The urge to rip the curtains open nearly won. “Come in,” she said.

  A tall, thin, olive-skinned woman with long, jet black hair entered. Her red silk blouse and black, form-fitting pants made a striking figure. Behind her came Ian’s father, dressed all in black and a long cape. Dani’s heart pounded, ready for an assault until she took a closer look. It wasn’t him. For one, he stood taller, possibly as tall as Ian. For another, his hair was darker and straight, whereas Ian and his father had unruly waves. And unless she was mistaken, this man was older. The face, however, was totally Ian’s dad.

  “Ms. Standich, I am Lady Mara Cavacent, Ian’s mother.” The woman held out her hand.

  Unlike her husband and son, she didn’t appear to be angry. Dani wasn’t sure what to do with the Lady’s outstretched hand. Kiss it? Shake it? She reached out and shook it firmly. If you’re gonna be wrong, do it like you mean it. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cavacent.”

  “Please, call me Mara.”

  “Only if you’ll call me Dani.”

  Mara smiled and Dani’s heart constricted. Clearly Ian got his smile and olive skin from her.

  “All right, Dani.”

  An image of herself and Ian in bed with Rucon towering over them flashed across her mind. Doesn’t matter, nothing happened. Well, something happened. Either way, the whole thing was embarrassing.

  Mara smiled and stepped forward. “My husband and son have neglected to thank you. You saved Ian’s life. More than once, from what I’m told. I will not forget that.”

  He has her eyes too. “Thank you. I don’t... I don’t know why I…” Dani looked away, feeling her face heat. “I just somehow k
new I had to go to him.”

  Mara surprised her by embracing her in a firm hug. “It was your psi, darling. If you hadn’t listened… Well, enough of that.” She turned to the man behind her. “This is Mordo, Ian’s uncle, and my husband’s brother,” Mara said.

  A twinge of recognition flicked over her.

  “I believe we’ve already met. In a manner of speaking.” The man smiled and approached, hand extended.

  “I’m sorry, I feel I know you but…” Dani shook his hand.

  “I helped you and Ian escape.” His familiar voice whispered in her head and a wispy blue light seemed to flicker and was gone. Dani tried to stay focused. “When Ian moved the portal. You’re the one who helped us.”

  Mordo’s smile broadened.

  “Can you all do this?” Dani asked. “Talk in my head?”

  “No dear,” Mara said. “Only a few exceptionally powerful psi can. Unless, of course, you’re bonded. Psi-mates can do it too. You have a lot to learn, don’t you?” Mara motioned to the couch. “Please, come sit down.”

  Dani took a seat next to Mara on the settee. Mordo pulled up a chair to face Dani. Mara and Mordo exchanged a glance before Mara patted her hand. “Mordo would like to take a look at you, dear.”

  “Or more precisely, at your psi,” Mordo said. “With your permission, of course.”

  Dani flashed back to when Armond had done the same thing. She hadn’t known it then, but that’s what he was doing. Afterward, Ian had changed. Dani struggled to make sense of it all. “All right, but you should know, this doesn’t seem to go over too well with you guys.”

  Mara gave her hand a squeeze and sat back. “I’m sure it will be all right.”

  Mordo leaned forward and placed his hands on her knees. He closed his eyes and relaxed visibly, taking slow, deep breaths.

  “Should I be doing something?” She whispered to Mara.

  “No dear, you’re fine,” Mara replied.

  Dani shivered. Mordo’s psi was completely different than Ian’s. A bizarre array of emotions flitted through her with an accompanying counterpart, affecting her psi. Joy followed by anger, a wave of wonderment followed by a devastating sensation of loss. Dani held back tears as the memory of her parents death flooded through her.

  Mordo opened his eyes, a quizzical look on his face. “My apologies. The triggering of memories is…unusual. I’ll try a different approach. Can you bear with me a moment longer?”

  Dani chewed her lower lip and nodded. Mordo resumed his closed-eye examination. This was better. She sensed the probing of her psi, but no random memories assaulted her. Slowly, images started flooding through her mind. People she didn’t know. A regal-looking man in ornate robes and a flash of hatred. A young man laughing accompanied by a flood of love, desire and longing. Mordo cleared his throat and the images stopped. Next came rage—fury at the loss of her parents and something not entirely her own. Intense anger at herself and Ian alike stabbed through her. This isn’t my anger. It’s Ian’s. A force inside exploded and the couch she and Mara sat on flew back and slammed against the curtained wall behind. Mordo, in his chair, flew in the opposite direction. The chair started to flip over when he raised his arms and froze. He sat suspended a few inches off the ground.

  Dani gripped the cushions of the couch. “Did I do that?”

  Mordo lowered his arms and the chair righted itself and settled to the floor. With a slight waive, the couch and chair returned to their original positions. “I’m afraid so,” Mordo said, straightening his cape.

  Mara let out a little huff and adjusted her collar. “Well, that was interesting.”

  Mordo gazed at Dani, then at Mara next. “This could get complicated…” Mordo’s voice, but it was directed at Mara and was accompanied by another blue flash. Returning to her, he spoke up. “You, my child, have extraordinary power. And because of this, you are extraordinarily dangerous. We must begin your training immediately.”

  Dani had been given a reprieve, but from what, she wasn’t sure. The fact that she was on an alien planet with her life at the mercy of these people, struck home. “Thank you. What do you mean by train?”

  “Let me ask you something first,” Mordo said.

  “Of course.”

  “Have you ever used, or even noticed, your psi before?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” Dani thought back. “Although, maybe, in a way.”

  “Explain, please,” Mordo said.

  “I do mixed fights. For a hobby, and exercise. I’m really good. Too good. I don’t train like the others, and to be honest I’m kind of a klutz. I’ve won more than one because I tripped and ended up doing something totally unexpected, even to me. Somehow, it almost always works out. Do you think psi has anything to do with that?”

  “Most certainly.” Mordo looked her up and down. “By train, we mean to teach you how to harness and control your psi.” Mordo smiled at her then. “Your ability to heal is remarkable. I’d like to find out what else you can do.”

  “I’d like that. I’m feeling very restless right now.”

  “I’m sure you are,” Mordo said, standing. “Like any other form of energy, psi needs an outlet or it will erupt in unpredictable ways.” Mordo glanced at a timepiece around his neck. “I have a number of appointments I must attend. Shall we say nine o’clock tomorrow morning to begin your training?”

  “Sure,” Dani said.

  “And now,” Mordo said, standing and moving the chair aside. “I believe you have some guests.” The door flew open and the entire Earth crew piled in. Jared led the way followed by Marco, Gina, Battista and Ria. Armond strolled in a moment later.

  Dani flew to her feet.

  “Dani, my girl!” Jared hugged her and squeezed so hard, she could barely breathe.

  Ria pushed him out of the way and gave her own crushing hug. “Girlfriend, I thought I lost you. Don’t do that ever again, you hear?”

  Dani laughed. “You have my word.”

  “Si, Si. Dani, you scare us most to death.” Gina dabbed at tears in her eyes.

  Battista gave her a kiss on both cheeks.

  The group surrounded her, and everyone spoke at once.

  “How are you?” Marco asked.

  “I’m fine. I promise.”

  Marco swooped in when Ria let go, and scooped her up into a bear hug and swung her around.

  “Marco! Your hand. How is it?” She squirmed until he let her down, and pulled his wrist from behind her back.

  “What, is that?” Dani asked.

  A bulbous plastic sphere protruded from the wrist where his hand should be. “I’m growing it back, baby! You didn’t think a little Torog laser treatment would stop me, did you?” He held the bulb up to her face.

  Inside she could just make out appendages within some kind of liquid. They were far too short for Marco, but had plenty of room to grow. “Gotta get the bone and cartilage done first, then we start on the skin. Should be good as new in a few weeks or so,” Marco said, grinning from ear to ear.

  “Un-be-lievable,” Dani said. “And kinda creepy too.” She leaned closer, and the bony sticks waved at her, making her laugh. “This would be killer at Halloween.”

  Ria sidled next to her. “Did you hear, Ian’s up and okay?”

  “Yeah, I heard. Great news huh?” She could only hope she wasn’t blushing. “Hey, what are you guys still doing here?” she asked Jared.

  His face lit up. “I asked Rucon if we could stay awhile. Seemed kinda harsh to get us to an alien world then send us back without so much as a look around.”

  “He say yes.” Gina clapped her hands. “Is so amazing here.”

  “Rucon is Ian’s dad, right?” Dani asked.

  “Yes,” Jared said. “Haven’t you met him yet?”

  “Not exactly, no.” She was pretty sure she was blushing now.

  “So, Dani,” Marco leaned in with mock intimacy. “We gotta know, just how strong a psi are you?”r />
  Silence reigned. Ria punched Marco in the arm.

  “Why,” Mara said, rising to her feet, “would you ask such an absurd question, may I ask?”

  Marco spun around. He’d clearly forgotten Mara’s presence. “Your ladyship.” Marco bowed low.

  Mara let out a great sigh. “Marco, you know I do not like that level of formality. You EPs are like family. Now, answer the question before I have you shot.”

  Marco scanned the faces of the others before replying. “I sort of figured it out. Ian is strong, no question, but not that strong. Even with Mordo’s help, there’s no way he could have pulled that off. Dani was the only other one there.”

  “Armond helped too,” Mordo said.

  “Yeah?” Marco asked, giving Armond a sideways glance. “He didn’t mention it.”

  “You neglected to ask,” Armond said.

  Ria spoke up next. “I found out when Ian asked me to help with her claustrophobia. From what I could tell she’s seriously powerful.”

  Jared and the Papallos stared at her wide-eyed.

  Mara rubbed her temples and gazed at each person in the room, in turn. “You are not to say anything of Dani’s abilities to anyone. Do you understand?”

  “Of course, your ladyship,” Ria said. “We would never jeopardize the Cavacent family.”

  More was being said here than Dani understood, but before she could dig deeper Ria suggested Dani join the team for lunch. Her stomach growled a response.

  “Great idea,” Marco said. “You can come and watch us train afterward.”

  “You’re gonna train on a full stomach?” Dani asked.

  “Enemies don’t wait for one’s food to digest,” Armond said as though she were a child.

  Dani ignored his tone. “Good point.” She looked to Mara. “Is that all right? Am I allowed to wander about?”