The Purlieu Experiment, Book 1

by Linda L Rigsbee

  “What was that?” Chait asked Felte.

  Felte looked at Donte. They had intended to keep silent about the weapon, but the feline was out of the pouch now, so there was no point in further secrecy.

  Donte stooped and retrieved his tin of food. “It’s a laser gun. If you remember, we explained that capability when we were on the Moeder.”

  Chait swallowed audibly. “I remember, but I thought…” He shook his head and turned to look at Akira. He looked a little pale, but Akira didn’t appear to be shaken at all. “Did you know?”

  Akira shrugged. “No, but I’m not surprised. I wondered how they would protect Donte when they had no weapons. I guess now we know.”

  Chait frowned, turning to Quade, who was quietly putting away his food. “You knew, though.”

  Quade looked up at him. “I knew and I approved. Surely you didn’t think we would come into unknown territory unarmed.”

  Color returned to Chait’s face with a sudden rush of anger. “You made me a party to a plot against my colony. I wouldn’t have led you here if I had known…”

  Quade stood and looked down at his face. “You didn’t lead us here.” He said with quiet authority. “Donte did. It was my understanding that he was told he could return any time he wished to do so.”

  “On his own,” Chait corrected. His wrath turned on Donte. “You planned this. You betrayed our trust.”

  Donte would have responded if it had not been obvious that Chait spoke out of fear. Chait felt vulnerable, which was exactly why Donte wanted to come alone. He wanted the Lochfowk council to turn over the captives because they had the opportunity to do so without repercussions, not because they were forced to do so. However, if Felte had not been present, he might have been killed by the feline. Sometimes the enemy wasn’t where a person expected it to be.

  Chait watched Donte, his aggression slowly fading as he realized Felte was watching him. Chait wiped his palms on his trousers and looked nervously from Donte to Felte.

  Quade squatted and resumed his meal. “That’s right, Chait. Felte was only protecting Donte. You would do well to keep that in mind.”

  Donte squatted and retrieved his tin of food. He looked up at Chait. “Pieter sent Felte and Edzer with weapons for the purpose of protecting me. They were not intended to be used as negotiation tools.”

  Chait studied Donte. “Lochfowk has never given you any reason to fear us.”

  Donte met his gaze. “Chait, when you hold captives, it is an implied threat. You held my brother captive for thirty years. That was a threat not only to me, but to my father as well.” His attention returned to his food and he concluded with an afterthought. “I’m not afraid of you or Lochfowk.”

  He wasn’t concerned about whether Chait thought he was frightened or not. He did want Chait to understand that he didn’t view Lochfowk as an immediate threat.

  CHAPTER 25

  They arrived at the complex in Lochfowk on the evening of their third day. Akira waited with Donte, Quade, and the guards in the lobby while Chait found someone and instructed them to notify president Sima of their return. A few minutes later they had an invitation to her office.

  Akira led the way to Sima’s office and entered first. Sima had her back to them, working on some papers.

  “Go ahead and sit down. I’ll be with you in a minute. Did you get to board the spaceship?”

  Akira looked at Chait in surprise. Sima was completely ignoring their guests. She glanced up at Donte as he entered the room. She had to give Sima some kind of signal.

  “President Sima?”

  Sima swung around at Akira’s formal inquiry and saw Donte. Her face turned red and she jumped out of her chair. “Donte!” She offered her hand, palm up. As she shook his arm, she surveyed him head to toe, obviously impressed. “They said Akira and Chait had returned, but…” she stopped as Quade stepped through the door. Her face lost some of its color. “Monomi…” she whispered. Her voice gained volume as she withdrew her hand from Donte’s and offered it to Quade. “President Quade. I had no idea you were going to visit.”

  Quade grasped her forearm. “I apologize. I had no way of notifying you.”

  She shook her head. “Please don’t apologize.” She gave his arm a firm shake. “This is such an honor!” She stepped back. “Excuse me, I need to notify the council…” she stopped as the two guards entered the room. Her startled gaze went back to Donte. “What’s this?”

  Donte’s smile was stiff. “This is Felte and Edzer, sent by Bergen.”

  “Sima,” Akira finally said. “Donte is here on official business. Pieter sent Felte and Edzer to protect him.”

  Sima stared at Akira for a moment before turning to Donte with a sour look. “If we intended you harm, two guards would hardly be enough.”

  Chait finally joined the conversation. “Yes they would.”

  Sima frowned at him and eyed the guards with suspicion. “Well, they won’t be needed.” Her gaze returned to Donte and she waved a hand in dismissal. “Have them wait in the hall. It’s too crowded in here.”

  Donte gave her a level look. “They go where I go. I will wait in the hall with them until you have time to talk with me.” He turned and started for the door.

  Sima gasped. “Donte, wait a minute.” She turned to Chait. “Could you get the rest of the council members and have them meet us in the conference room?”

  Chait nodded and left the room. Sima turned back to Donte. “I didn’t mean to be rude. Would you all follow me to the conference room?” She let her gaze fall significantly on Felte and Edzer as she opened the door. The two men looked at each other and shrugged, following everyone to the conference room.

  Akira felt sorry for Sima. Her busy schedule was suddenly disrupted with a visit by unexpected high officials from another colony. Whoever notified her of their arrival should have told her about the guests. Did they intend to embarrass her? The harm was done now. All she could do was help Sima save face. She turned toward the counter at the end of the conference room. “I’ll get some drinks for everyone.”

  Sima smiled her gratitude. “Thank you Akira.”

  Akira prepared their drinks while Sima found a chair for everyone at the table. The guards declined to sit, standing with their backs against the wall where they could keep an eye on Donte and anyone who approached him. Donte looked uncomfortable, but he made no attempt to dismiss them. He was following orders too.

  Sima obviously didn’t know what to make of that situation. Akira could hardly blame her. Neither Sima nor Quade had personal guards. Of course, with the guards Pieter provided, Quade didn’t need any. Sima must have known they were in trouble, and why, yet she talked to Quade and Donte as if their colonies were on the closest terms.

  Akira sat in the chair beside Quade. The council would need the other side of the table when they arrived.

  When Chait returned with the rest of the council, everyone stood. Sima made the introductions. The council was obviously impressed. In fact, they looked a little overwhelmed. Maybe guilty would be an even better term.

  When everyone was seated at the table facing each other, Sima finally glanced at Quade and Donte, obviously not sure which to address first.

  “What brings us the honor of your visit?”

  Quade spoke first. “I came here as a doctor. I hoped to tour your hospital and talk to some of your doctors. I heard you had the most advanced medical care. I’ll try not to get in your way.”

  Sima smiled at him. “I’m sure they would be glad to talk to you as well. You are welcome to talk to anyone you wish. I will assign you an escort tomorrow.”

  He nodded. “I appreciate the time from your busy schedule.”

  Her gaze came back to Donte. “And you? What is this official business?”

  Sima was being plunged into a situation without all the facts and Chait wasn’t going to be a bit of help on this one. Akira interrupted with vital information.

  “Sima, Donte has been selected as the next ruler
of Bergen.”

  Sima glanced at Akira as she absorbed the information, her gaze returning to Donte with new respect. “Oh. I suppose that explains the uniform…and the bodyguards.”

  Donte’s smile was self-conscious. “They came in quite handy yesterday evening when a mountain feline threatened our equines.”

  Sima’s attention drifted between Donte and Quade. “I see. They were sent to protect all of you.”

  “It certainly worked out that way.” Donte said. “But I was sent here with a message from Libertad, Bergen, Bosvrouwen and Vlacktes, so I’m not representing only Bergen.”

  Sima met his steady gaze. “I see. Is this something I need to invite our vice-president to hear as well?”

  Donte nodded. “I would advise that.”

  Sima glanced at one of the council members. “Fia, would you go get Vice President Kia?”

  Fia rose from her chair without comment and left the room.

  Sima turned her attention to Chait. “Did you get to go to the airfield and spaceship?”

  Akira looked at her hands, reminding herself that Chait was a member of the council, and therefore the one to relate their adventure. Like Donte, Chait was going to be someone. She was only a nurse. Feeling an intense gaze, she looked up to find Quade watching her. His dark eyes were kind, as usual, and his smile was encouraging.

  Warmth flooded up her neck. Even Quade noticed the way she cowered in front of Sima. She lifted her chin and watched Chait as he related his experience. Sima never asked for her input and she didn’t offer it.

  Quade looked at Sima. “I understand Akira is a nurse.”

  Sima smiled. “Yes, a very good one. They have missed her while she was gone.”

  “I wonder if she might show me around the hospital.” Quade asked.

  Sima’s brows lifted and she looked at Akira. “As you wish.”

  It was unclear to Akira who Sima thought she was pleasing, but the idea of showing Quade around the hospital was certainly appealing. She glanced up at Quade and smiled. “I wish.”

  His eyes held a smile that his lips refused. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Fia arrived, Vice President Kia in tow, and everyone stood. Akira had never cared for the man. He was far too ambitious for her taste and he was arrogant, but Sima seemed to like him. Biast would make a better president than Kia, but it wasn’t up to her to say.

  Kia offered a palm and forearm to Quade first, and then to Donte. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you the first time you came.” He told Donte. “I was away, surveying the damage from the Nyumbani raid.” His gaze scoured Donte’s uniform, resting on the golden insignia. “We had no idea who we released, did we?”

  Donte met his gaze without responding, but beyond him, Akira saw Edzer look at Felte in a way that indicated they were suddenly alert. Up to that point she had no idea that they understood the Lochfowk language. On reflection, it shouldn’t surprise her that Pieter would make sure any guards knew the language of the colony his grandson was going to visit.

  Sima frowned at Kia. “Nor did he, I’m sure. I suspect he is the same man, regardless.”

  Kia’s comment made it clear he knew what Donte was going to request, and didn’t like the idea. He was trying to intimidate Donte and Donte knew it. Kia had no idea the quality of man he was about to challenge. He didn’t have a chance.

  They all sat at the table and Sima immediately brought the conversation to the point.

  “Donte has told us that he has a message from Libertad, Bergen, Bosvrouwen and Vlaktes.”

  Kia eyed Quade. “Why should he represent Libertad when their leader is right here at our conference table?”

  Donte gave Kia a level look. “I was sent here by Pieter, ruler of Bergen, but I have the authority to represent Libertad and the others as well.”

  Kia’s attention came back to Donte and he nodded, but said nothing more.

  Already having the floor, Donte continued. “I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you that the colonies I represent want you to release all your captives.”

  Sima watched him a moment. “And if we don’t?”

  Donte held her gaze. “I believe you will.”

  “Why do you believe that?”

  Donte continued to hold her gaze. “Because you know it’s the right thing to do.” His gaze finally left Sima’s and wandered down the row of council members, one at a time, pointedly skipping Kia. “And so do you.”

  “Just like that,” Sima said. “Release them.”

  Donte shifted his attention to her and waited.

  Sima’s mouth was a straight line and her eyes held a glint of anger as she stood. “I will speak to the council in private,” she said in a crisp tone.

  Donte stood, his gaze once again touching each of the council members. He turned and left the room, his guards following.

  Quade stood, placing his hands on the table as he regarded Sima. For a moment Akira was certain that he was going to give them an ultimatum. If that was on his mind, he must have decided to let his son handle the issue in his own way. She had to admit she was curious to see what Donte would say if the council refused to release the captives.

  Quade sighed in resignation and left the room.

  Sima let out a long sigh of relief. “I don’t like being told what to do by another colony.”

  Chait glanced at Akira. “I don’t think we really have a choice.” He looked at Sima. “We can either do it in an honorable gesture or we can be forced to do it.”

  Kia snorted. “By those two guards? What happened to you out there, Chait? You used to be a force to be reckoned with.”

  Chait’s face turned red. “I had my eyes opened. Those two guards could handle all of us, but I don’t think Donte will use them, no matter what we decide. It doesn’t fit the man I have come to know and respect.” He met Kia’s amused gaze. “In any case, you do not want to mess with these people.”

  Akira couldn’t help but stare at Chait. When had he started respecting Donte? From the day he met him, he had been challenging him in one way or another. It was difficult to know Donte and not respect him, but Chait certainly had fought it hard enough.

  Biast fingered his beard and studied Chait with a thoughtful expression. “Did they threaten you?”

  Chait shifted his attention to Biast. “No one threatened us at any point. We were treated like emissaries. But I admit to feeling intimidated. So would you.”

  Biast shrugged. “Then how did they intimidate you…by numbers?”

  Chait shook his head. “Technology, Strength, Righteousness…” He shrugged. “Their communication and transportation system makes us look like we haven’t advanced since The Parliament days.” He looked at Sima. “Didn’t you feel a little intimidated when President Quade stood and looked down at you?”

  She lifted her drink. “I was relieved when he left the room.”

  Akira spoke. “Quade is interested in our advanced medical practices. He isn’t here about the captives, but I can tell you that he is the biggest reason Bergen didn’t march in here and free the captives forcefully. Pieter was outraged, but both Quade and Donte have a lot of influence with him. Chait is right. You don’t want to mess with them. They make a lot better allies than enemies.”

  Sima stared at the table with a sullen expression. “I don’t like the fact that they sent guards to protect Donte.” Her gaze lifted to Akira. “What do they think we are, a bunch of savages?”

  Akira looked at Chait. He wasn’t going to say a word on that issue. She lifted her chin. “I can understand Pieter’s concern. After all, we held Quade’s son captive for 30 years. Donte just got back after six years of captivity in Nyumbani. It might surprise you to know that we have been compared to them.”

  Sima gasped. “They know nothing about us. Comparing us to the Nyumbani is an insult!”

  Akira nodded. “I agree, but the fact is, in some ways we are similar.”

  Sima frowned. “What ways?”

  Kia glar
ed at her. “That’s traitorous talk.”

  Akira looked at him. “In that way.” She turned her attention back to Sima. “The people of Nyumbani weren’t allowed to challenge the authority that led to the raid on Lochfowk.” She looked at Kia. “Donte eliminated the biggest risk to us when he killed Farasi. He did that knowing the Nyumbani would kill him. They probably would have if they hadn’t decided he would be more useful to them delivering me and asking for Lochfowk to stay off their back while they reformed a government that wouldn’t raid and kill in other colonies. All this he did for others, not himself. And then you insult him by acting like he was a captive that we decided to release.”

  “Akira,” Sima said. “You’re getting disrespectful.”

  Kia shrugged. “She’s obviously infatuated with him.”

  Akira clamped her jaws shut against the words she wanted to use on him. It might not have bothered her so much if it hadn’t been true. She was in awe of Donte and Quade both. Maybe she was infatuated with both of them a little, but that had nothing to do with the captive situation.

  Chait joined the conversation. “Donte is right. We are going to release the captives - not because we have been threatened to do so, but because we know it’s the right thing to do. Most of us have wanted to do that all along. We were afraid of the backlash. Now all we have to do is release them to Donte.”

  Kia gave Chait a sour look. “You are afraid of them.”

  Chait looked at Kia. “Quade, Donte and Kenyon are all ready to let this go with the release of the captives, and start fresh with a handshake. Pieter wants to take the captives forcefully and punish us. In the best interest of all Lochfowk colonists, who would you rather deal with?”

  Chait wasn’t going to tell them about the laser weapons. More than likely he figured that they would never know because they would turn over the captives without argument. He didn’t want them to know he had allowed them to come into their territory with potentially lethal weapons. Maybe he simply felt that Donte’s explanation about how the weapons would be used rendered the information irrelevant. They weren’t going to threaten Donte or Quade in any way and Donte knew that. Donte didn’t fear for his own life, but she had no doubt that he would become lethal if his father was in any way threatened. Even Farasi knew that threatening anyone close to Donte could be a fatal error. He didn’t need laser weapons or body guards.