As he thought about the man from Confederated Planets, he wondered. Who was this man? Before the most-recent attack, the Grand Patriarch had only looked at Owens from a narrow perspective, his unique physical traits that would solve their pressing dilemma. However, the mental makeup of a man, who successfully beat the odds stacked against him, and in doing so had also saved his daughter, intrigued him.
He wanted to know more. Could this outsider play an even greater role than the Grand Patriarch had first envisioned? Perhaps there was something more that could be exploited. Yes, he would have to think on it further.
His thoughts quickly returned to the present. Janus Owens had been so near and yet his proximity to Berralton had afforded him no real protection. Although Janus Owens had survived, the subversives had almost been successful this time. Had they ended his life with this last attack, the people of Golstar would be lost. The Grand Patriarch could not allow that to happen again. The subversives would not be given another opportunity. Owens would be safeguarded at all costs.
CHAPTER 42
A hatch unsealed in the shuttle’s side and a small cloud of condensation puffed out of the opening. It quickly dissipated and a ramp smoothly unfolded and lowered to the ground. A number of armed, dark uniformed men and women exited the shuttle’s hatch and walked purposely in single file down the ramp. As Owens and Sharné watched from a distance, they quickly assembled into two columns. They then marched in parade fashion towards Owens and Sharné’s position. Owens was reminded of an ancient play he once saw as a child. In it was a scene called the ‘March of the Toy Soldiers.’ He could almost hear the catchy music as he watched the uniformed figures march forward. He quickly stifled a growing grin.
As they came nearer, Owens noted that they numbered nine, two columns of four with one figure following a little back from the main group. They were a small distance from the shuttle so it didn’t take long for the squad to arrive. They all stopped in unison with loud, single stomp and the columns separated to allow the ninth member to walk forward, between them.
Owen watched the approaching figure with interest. It quickly resolved into a gray-haired man in an immaculate white uniform. His sharply-creased trousers had gold striping running along the outside seams and flashed brightly in the fading sunlight as he walked stiffly forward. The high-necked jacket had double rows of gleaming gold buttons down the front. As an obvious sign of rank, the shoulders sported small, shiny gold representations of a native raptor, and the jacket’s sleeves ended in multiple gold bands. He walked forward with stiff, measured steps as if participating in some sort of military parade. He stopped crisply before Sharné and gracefully bowed.
She motioned for him to rise. “We are hardly in a position to stand on ceremony, Admiral.”
Straightening, he looked at Sharné and said, “Admiral Lender at your service, Honored Keeper. It is gratifying to see that the Light has shown upon you. We are most heartened to find you unharmed.”
“Thank you Admiral. I owe my life many times over to my companion, Janus Owens.” She looked at Owens and smiled.
“Indeed, the Light banishes even the darkest of shadows.” The Admiral’s face remained expressionless his eyes never wavered from Sharné's face. “The Founder protects his children.”
Owens wasn’t sure what to make of the Admiral’s words. They sounded like part of a ritual. He wondered how the phrases applied to their current situation.
Sharné responded, “And his children protect his legacy.”
The Admiral nodded his acknowledgment. “I thank the Founder you are safe.” His eyes still did not leave Sharné’s face. “The Grand Patriarch has asked me to convey his compliments on your resourcefulness, relief on finding that you are safe and sends his affection.”
“Thank you for his words, but as I stated before Admiral, I owe my life to Janus Owens.”
Owens thought that the underlying steel edge to her voice was the same tone she had used with him aboard the Saber.
The Admiral said nothing but continued to look benignly at Sharné. Owens was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable. Admiral Lender had pointedly not looked at Owens, not even for a small glance of contempt. It was obvious he was being ignored. As far as the Admiral was concerned, Owens didn’t exist.
He glanced at Sharné and saw she was frowning. She started to say something when she was distracted by the muted roar of reaction drive engines rumbling in the distance. They looked up and saw the glint of metal in the distant sky. A second shuttle was approaching.
Admiral Lender looked up to see the shuttle. He turned back to Sharné and said, “I see that your transportation is arriving. It will take you up to the flagship.” His eyes took in her appearance. He tried to hide it, but she could see mild disapproval in his expression. He wisely kept his thoughts to himself. “No doubt, Honored Keeper, you will wish to refresh yourself. On your arrival to the flagship, you will find a stateroom fully prepared for your needs. Ah…” He hesitated and then went on, “Appropriate changes of clothing have also been provided.”
“What I am now wearing was most appropriate for the situation in which I found myself, Admiral.” She said this with a more pronounced edge in her voice. Then, in a more conciliatory tone she said, “However, a proper bath does sound welcome.”
She turned to Owens, “For a time I did not think it possible, but soon we will be on the flagship heading back to Berralton. Once there, you can finally begin to undertake your assignment.”
The Admiral cleared his throat, “Excuse me, Honored Keeper, my apology but there appears to be a misunderstanding. Your companion will not be joining you on the flagship. My orders are he will travel on a separate ship for his protection.”
She looked at the Admiral questioningly. “I was given the responsibility for Owens’ well being. I have absolute authority in matters of his indoctrination and interactions within our society. Respectfully Admiral, it is my decision to make. Janus Owens will travel with me.”
For the first time, the Admiral looked uncomfortable. He quickly bowed again. Rising, he said in a conciliatory tone, “I have been found lacking, Honored Keeper; I should have first explained. This is a new, official directive from Berralton. The orders are countersigned by the Grand Patriarch.” He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of what looked to Owens like real parchment. The admiral walked over to Sharné and placed in her outstretched hand.
Owens watched closely as she unfolded it. Her brows drew together in a frown as she began to read. She quickly finished and thrust the document back at the Admiral. Knowing her a little better now, Owens could see that she was struggling to suppress her temper. In a low, controlled voice she said, “It does appear that these new orders supersede my own… at least in this one matter.”
She paused, apparently thinking about her change in status. Then she said, “Very well Admiral, you have my leave to follow your orders.” She again fell silent as the roar from the shuttle’s engines increased. It was now quite near to the ground. It soon landed in an area not far from the Admiral’s shuttle.
The noise quickly abated and Sharné spoke once more. “However, until Owens boards your shuttle, he remains under my authority. You and your people will excuse me for a moment. I have an urgent matter I wish to discuss with Janus Owens in private. It would be well that you do not disturb us until we return.”
Without waiting for a response from the Admiral, she looked at Owens and then started to walk back towards the distant wall surrounding the shrine. Owens looked at the Admiral and could read nothing from his blank expression. The Admiral still had yet to look directly at him. Shrugging, Owens turned and followed Sharné. They reached the shrine’s wall and walked parallel to one side. He followed her as she strode briskly around the curving stones until they were out of both eyesight and earshot.
She immediately threw herself into his arms and tilted her face up to his in open invitation. He didn’t need one. They kissed. And for a
while, lost in a close embrace, they both forgot their immediate surroundings. Too soon, Sharné regretfully drew back but remained in his arms.
She looked at his face, again noting his strong features. He was composed, but she could detect an underlying concern, which was no surprise given the latest unexpected turn of events. For a while, they spoke no words, the relative silence being broken only by the occasional sound of an animal in the distance or leaves rustling in the mild breeze. For a change, they did not fear for their lives. Instead, they were both quite content with being simply in each other's arms, savoring the quiet atmosphere surrounding them, for however short of a time it was to be.
Finally, Sharné broke the intimate silence. “I do not wish to be apart from you, but I must obey my… the Grand Patriarch’s orders.”
“Well, I don’t particularly like it either, but I understand,” he said.
I wish that were true, she thought.
He went on, “I think your Grand Patriarch wants to separate us more for your protection than mine. I’m the real magnet for these attacks. There is no need to put you in jeopardy for my sake. It’s the smart move. In his place, I would do the same.”
“Owens, you do not…”
“You are the Keeper of the Way after all,” he went on. “That title obviously carries some serious obligation to your people. Their needs take precedence.” He smiled at her, “But later you’re going to have to explain what exactly your title entails.”
“Of course,” her arms tightened around him.
As he thought about her lofty title, it occurred to him what her statement implied and he asked, “Once we’re on Berralton, I will see you again, won’t I?”
It was an innocent question, but it made her feel uneasy. Their escape and the immediate press for survival had pushed away any consideration she might have had for what would happen to him once he reached Berralton. She could not have foreseen her growing feelings for Owens and had not considered what would happen after, if they survived.
“I confess, until now, I had not given it thought,” She said truthfully. “Originally, many of my responsibilities were to be discharged once you completed an audience with the Grand Patriarch. Intermediaries under my supervision were to act as your primary liaisons. However, now all of that has changed.” She looked into his eyes. “I did not expect to…” She did not finish what she was about to say.
He reached out and took her hand. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked. You have no obligation to me. I’ll be content to wait and see how things work out. With what you’ve told me about the assignment though, I may find that I have need of assistance from the Keeper of the Way.” He smiled again.
“You have my word, we will see each other again and when we do, I will try to explain my role more fully.”
To him, it seemed that her words went beyond a simple description of her lofty position within the government.
She went silent, lingering for a moment in his arms. Then she said regretfully, “I truly wish we had more time to talk, but the Admiral is no doubt anxious to begin the trip back.”
His smile faded, “Yeah, I guess we shouldn’t keep an admiral waiting.” Nevertheless, he made no move to lessen his embrace.
She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. His earlier question had blunted some of the happiness she felt just before. And now his remark about the assignment flooded her again with guilt. The assignment, she thought bitterly, the sham concocted by her father and abetted by her, his only daughter. What would Owens think of her when he discovered her duplicity? Her eyes squeezed shut.
“I do promise you I will rejoin you on Berralton, as soon as I am able. However, I am sorry to say it may be some time before I can. As you have just said, my duties as Keeper of the Way must take precedence. For a time, at least,” she added.
“Of course,” he said.
She opened her eyes, lifting her head so that she could look at him and said, “Owens, this is very difficult for me, but you need to know there are many other things left unsaid that will require some discussion.”
“Oh? What kind of things?”
“Things I would rather not talk about at all, but things that I believe you have a right to know, things, which may affect…" Again, she did not finish the sentence. She said, “Now is not the time. We will talk again soon; I promise.”
There was no mistaking the gravity in her voice. He looked at her and saw that her eyes were shining as if on the verge of tears. He said, “Well, then I guess I’ll just have to be patient, won’t I? I think that after all that we’ve been through, whatever you want to tell me can’t be all that bad.”
If only that were true, she thought. She said, “I wish we had met under better circumstances.”
He gave her a gentle squeeze and said, “Before this assignment, there wasn’t much of a chance of that. Whatever circumstance led Golstar to ask for my services was the only way that we could have met. And believe me, I’m grateful that we did. Regardless of what happens after this, you need to know I would go through it all again if I knew it meant meeting you.” He surprised himself with the spontaneous admission.
“I feel that way as well,” she said quietly.
He gently disengaged from her embrace, “You said the Admiral’s likely to be anxious, so before he decides to go against your order and send someone to check up on us, I think we’d better return.”
She gazed at him for a moment longer, reaching up to stroke his cheek. Then without another word, she dropped her hand, turned and started back toward the waiting admiral.
Owens slowly followed her, letting her take the lead while his mind grappled with his feelings. What had just happened? It had never occurred to him that he could feel so strongly about someone in so short a time. Little more than a day had passed since their first embrace, their first kiss. Yet he felt he had known her for a much longer time.
He shook his head in mild wonder. A few embraces, a few kisses and he was already lost. That hadn’t happened to him before. He was definitely in unknown territory, he suddenly realized, and in more ways than one. He was on a strange planet and falling for a beautiful official of a foreign government, someone who would be considered an enemy by his own government. He found himself grinning. He always enjoyed a challenge, and this one could be the biggest one yet.
The brief moment of happiness faded as another thought surfaced. As he watched her stride in front of him, he wondered what chance they had for any kind of a meaningful relationship. If he was honest with himself, the answer was self-evident, none. He was here on a temporary assignment. Once the task was complete, whatever it truly was, he would go back to Confederated Planets.
He gazed over Sharné’s shoulder and saw the Admiral and the honor guard waiting where they had left them. The circumstances that surrounded him immediately came back as did his curiosity. He put aside his emotions and began to ask himself again why he was here. The same nagging question resurfaced. What was it that was so important to break centuries of isolation and bring him, Janus Owens, a moderately successful private investigator to Golstar? It couldn’t be just to recover a crystal bird.
His thoughts drew back to Sharné. What did she want to tell him? Was it truly about her or was it related to the stolen artifact? She obviously had held back key information, but her unexpected reaction to being confronted with his observations back on the ship had already told him a lot. Her subsequent explanation and the story about his so-called assignment were rife with inconsistencies. He knew she had lied to him a number of times. To what degree he didn’t know, but he wasn’t surprised by it nor was he particularly disappointed. He almost expected it. It was all part of a most intriguing puzzle, and one he was committed to solve.
Over the centuries, their respective governments had maintained their distance. They remained remote enemies, at least in Golstar’s eyes. There were no embassies, no trade agreements, and no interactions whatsoever. The buffer of interstellar space between the two civil
izations had remained intact, at least until recently. And Sharné was, after all, a high-placed government official from a hostile system. Obviously, her first responsibility was to her own government, her people. He was a member of Confederated Planets, a historic enemy in Golstar’s view.
Before being summoned, he imagined he would have been considered equal only to the dirt beneath Sharné’s feet. He was the enemy and after all, what was a lie to an enemy? However, that was before they were thrown together. The traumatic experiences they had shared had broken down many of the barriers between them. Life-and-death situations often did that to people, he mused. Nothing like a struggle for survival to strip away walls carefully built over a lifetime.
He supposed he should feel some anger, but anger was the least of his feelings. His feelings for Sharné notwithstanding, the situation in which he found himself only whetted his natural curiosity. Instead of feeling betrayed, he was intrigued. Discounting Sharné’s earlier explanations, he knew there was a hell of a lot more behind Golstar’s request than he had been told.
He thought again of how Sharné’s attitude had gradually altered, softened. Apparently, along with her new-found expressions of affection, her political mind-set was also undergoing some degree of change. Maybe the reason she wanted to talk was to clear the air between them. Maybe with her changing attitude towards him, she simply wanted to tell the truth,
She might be fearful of his reaction on hearing new information that conflicted with what she had told him earlier. Well, he thought, she had nothing to worry about on that score. Given his own government’s coercive tactics, he could easily understand the pressures that might be used to ensure cooperation, especially on someone of high standing.
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