Mech Girl

by Kate Donovan

  Rem chuckled. “I’d like to see that.”

  Annur arched a bushy eyebrow. “Unfortunately, the relationship between giant and pilot is a carefully calibrated one. The signals run in both directions, so that the robot affects the pilot as directly as the pilot does the robot. If the match is not precise, serious damage can be done to the pilot’s brain. By contrast, there is no such danger in the testing tube, even though it too contains Daniel Quito’s genetic patterns, and seeks to establish synergy with the subject. But it does so on a passive basis that cannot cause injury. And so we use it to establish a threshold. If Miss Quito cannot score above ninety-five percent in the machine, we do not dare ‘hook her up’ to the colossus.”

  “What was the president’s score?” Rem asked.

  “It was less than ninety-five percent,” Humber interrupted, a hint of rebuke in his voice. “That is all that matters.”

  “Okay.” Zia coughed lightly. “I hate to admit it, Dr. Annur, but I’m a little claustrophobic. A calmative won’t work, believe me. Dr. Fuller can confirm that. So maybe you could just knock me out?”

  “Regretfully, I cannot do that. We need you alert. Responsive. Aware of every stimuli. But as you will discover, there is ample air inside the chamber. You will not feel uncomfortable.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Okay, let’s just get it over with.”

  An angry voice from the doorway interrupted them. “Wait! Zia? Come here. Ambassador Humber? This farce is over. Now.”

  Zia turned toward the newcomer—Commander Sean Logan—and groaned. “Oh, no.”

  “He looks steamed,” Rem whispered.

  “He’s always steamed,” Zia assured him. “Especially when he’s around me.”

  She could vividly remember her last direct encounter with Sean Logan, almost two years earlier. He hadn’t just embarrassed her in front of friends and family that day. He had broken her fragile heart.

  Not that he had had any idea how she felt. He was twenty years older than she, and saw her as a pesky child. But she had had a massive crush on him for years, always imagining that this big, powerful man with his huge arms, resonant voice, jet-black skin and romantically scarred face would sweep her off her feet one day.

  Then he had called her a spoiled brat and a discredit to her heritage. She would never, ever forget it. She had avoided him thereafter, consoling herself with the knowledge that he would be out of her life once she finished college and stopped spending summers at the Hacienda.

  It was the best reason yet to renounce politics, because Commander Logan, like his father before him, was part of the Quito administration. His father had been the first commander—a position created by Daniel Quito to lead the armed forces. Later, when the Constitution had been amended to allow a president to serve a life term if he or she could gain at least two-thirds of the popular vote, the office of vice president had been converted to an appointed position. The president could select or change vice presidents at will. And if the president and the vice president were both incapacitated, then the commander would become president.

  Sean Logan as president? Zia sincerely hoped she would never see that day.

  That’s ancient history, Zee. You’re practically an adult now. Don’t let him bully you, she begged herself. You’re not in the army, or navy, or whatever, so he’s not your boss. Just stand up to him.

  The commander strode over to her. “I just heard about this travesty, Zee. You don’t need to worry. No one’s testing you, much less taking you to Malara.”

  Before she could respond, the huge man turned to Rem. “Congratulations, Captain Stone. Three Exemplars? I barely earned one. I wish I could have been there yesterday to see it.”

  “Thanks, sir. It’s—it’s an honor.”

  “I’m told you volunteered to help Malara.” Logan gave him a hearty pat on the back. “Good for you. Your father would be proud.”

  “Thanks, sir. That means a lot.”

  The huge man turned back to Zia. “I hear you’ve been brave too. Foolish but brave.”

  She wanted to dazzle him with a snappy retort, but her tongue was tied in a knot, so she just stared at his massive chest and said nothing.

  Fortunately, Humber came to her rescue. “Malara needs Zia, Commander. If it were less than urgent, we would never have asked.”

  “It’s out of the question. Ask anything else, and we’ll oblige you. But Quito’s granddaughter is off-limits.”

  “It’s my decision, not yours,” Zia murmured.

  Logan arched an eyebrow. “Pardon?”

  She gulped. “It’s my decision. And I’d like to proceed with the testing. Dr. Annur? Let’s do it, please.”

  Logan surprised her by chuckling. “You’ll never change, will you? Stubborn as a mule.”

  “That’s right. Just like my grandfather.” She jutted her chin forward. “The test results might surprise you, Commander. I might be more like Daniel Quito than you think.”

  He stared down at her for a moment, then suggested, “May I have a word with you? Alone?”

  She hated the idea, but nodded and allowed him to lead her away from the others.

  “I’m not in the mood for a lecture,” she began, but he silenced her by pressing his fingertip to her lips.

  Then he murmured, “Tell me the truth, Zee. Do you believe you’ll be a match for Quito?”

  “Yes,” she said, lying a little to save her own pride.

  “So do I.”

  She stared at him, speechless.

  “That’s why I don’t want you to take the test.” He rested his hands on her shoulders. “If you pass, the Malarans will insist. Don’t you see that? And we will refuse. And then our alliance with them will be strained forever. Even if they win their conflict with Alluva, they’ll always remember we refused to give them the one thing they asked us for.”

  “You’re so sure I’ll match Grandpa?” She choked on an unexpected lump in her throat. “Why?”

  “I’ve always known. You may not be a warrior in the same sense he was. And you’d certainly make a terrible president. But you’re destined for something great. And I’m going to make sure you survive to discover what it is.” Logan’s voice grew husky. “It’s not your destiny to die on Malara. I won’t allow it, so don’t bother arguing.”

  She tried to focus despite the mist in her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re saying this. You called me a brat.”

  “You are a brat.” He grinned. “But so was your grandfather. My father told me stories about Daniel Quito’s misbegotten childhood, and trust me, the resemblance began in the cradle.”

  Zia bit her lip. “Would Daniel Quito want me to take this test? And if I pass it, would he want me to go to Malara?”

  “He isn’t here. I am. It’s my duty to protect you.”

  “Your duty, Rem’s duty, Uncle J’s duty . . .” She gave him a wistful smile, embarrassed by the sudden profusion of heroes in her life. “I’ve never been so popular.”

  “Rem?” The commander’s eyebrow arched again, this time in disapproval. “I’ve been meaning to ask, what’s your relationship with Aengus’s kid?”

  She laughed. “There isn’t one. Unless I go to Malara, and then he’ll be my very, very best friend.” Touching Logan’s shoulder, she added more sincerely, “I appreciate your concern, Commander. And I value your advice. But I’m still going to let them test me.”

  “Zee—”

  “Don’t worry. I won’t be a match. But it means a lot that you think I would.”

  She could see his jaw clench, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he asked in an oddly gentle tone, “Do you mind if I stay? I’d like to be here when the decisions—your decisions—are made. And Zee?”

  She bit her lip. “Yes, sir?”

  “You need to trust me. Not ‘Rem.’ Not Humber. They didn’t earn it. But I did, by twenty years of loyal service to your grandfather, your mother, and now, your uncle.”

  Zia nodded slowly. It was true, wasn’t it? Rem had an agenda
, as her uncle had noted, and as Rem himself had confirmed with his quips and barbs. Stone versus Quito—may the best family win.

  And Ambassador Humber? He wanted to save Malara—which was understandable, but still, it made his advice suspect when it came to the safety of an Earthling.

  So what was Commander Sean Logan’s angle? Did he have a personal stake in this as well?

  “Like I said, it’s a strange week,” she told him finally. “Let’s hope it’s over soon, so I can get back to what I do best—having fun. But in the meantime . . .” She jutted her chin forward again, this time with more authority. “Let’s find out what makes me tick—or not. Shall we?”

  Chapter 5

  The best thing about Zia’s conversation with Commander Logan was that it gave her something to think about as she slid into the Malaran tube. Lights were flashing; explosive sounds assaulted her; tiny pinpoints of electricity stabbed her fingertips; and despite a heady flow of oxygen aimed straight at her face, she had the distinct impression she could suffocate at any moment.

  Yet all she could think about was the commander. It was almost surreal, having him declare his loyalty to her now, after all these years. Now that she didn’t need him anymore.

  Not because she had Rem—even she knew that wasn’t true. Rem was too obsessed with vindicating his family to really be Zia’s ally.

  No, it wasn’t about either of them—Logan or Rem. It was about Quito the Great. Or rather, the possibility that a part of him lived on in her. It was a little scary, but the alternative—that no part of him lived on in anyone—was worse. Shocking. Unacceptable.

  The Malarans needed Quito. And in a strange way, so did Earth.

  So did Zia.

  And so, when the lights in the tube flashed, she noted them. When her fingers tingled, she wriggled them. When tiny bursts of sound assaulted her ears, she strained to distinguish them. For the first time in her life, she didn’t just want to pass a test—she wanted to ace it.

  She wasn’t in competition with her Uncle Jared—or at least, she didn’t think she was—but still she was sure she was doing better than he’d done. No way could he have had this wild stimulation—this rush—and be as passive as he’d seemed afterward. Exhausted, maybe, but like the exhaustion that followed a particularly rousing game of sky paddle—the kind that would make one’s nerve endings quiver for hours.

  Just about the time she began losing focus, Dr. Annur announced that the test was over, and the tube began to slowly slide away. As soon as her face and shoulders were clear of it, she scrambled out, skinning her knee in the process.

  Commander Logan was by her side in an instant. “Zee? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She bit back a silly smile. “Really.”

  “What was it like?” Rem asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

  “Like playing sky paddle with Quito the Great.”

  “You’re kidding.” He grinned. “What a rush.”

  “That is a very good sign, is it not, Dr. Annur?” Humber murmured.

  Annur shrugged. “We will see. I will begin the analysis immediately.”

  Zia’s own doctor stepped forward and rested his hand on her arm. “Any pain? Dizziness? Disorientation?”

  “I’m starving, but otherwise, couldn’t be better.”

  Fuller laughed. “The president sent some protein shakes along with your change of clothing. Try to relax and enjoy your lunch.”

  “I will.”

  “I need to get back to work. If you experience any delayed side effects, my office is right down the hall. And don’t forget to call me when the results are ready.”

  “I won’t. Thanks, Dr. Fuller.”

  When Zia’s physician had left, Commander Logan instructed her briskly. “Go and change. We can have lunch together outside.” He hesitated, then told Rem, “You can join us if you’d like.”

  “Thanks, sir. Sounds good.”

  “Okay,” Zia told them. “I’ll see you guys in a minute.” When they hesitated, she pretended to glare. “Shoo! I want to talk to Ambassador Humber.”

  They didn’t look too happy about it, but did as she asked. Then she gave Humber a sympathetic smile. “Was Logan awful while I was in the tube?”

  “Worried, as we all were. But not excessively combative.”

  “He thinks I’m a match.”

  “Yes,” Humber murmured. “I realized that when he became so protective. He will try to prevent you from going to Malara. And I admit, I cannot blame him for that.”

  She could see the question in the Malaran’s eyes, and told him simply, “I don’t know, Humber. It was exciting—and like you said, that’s a good sign. But it’s not like I felt— What’s that word? Synergy? Nothing like that. It was more like me against the machine. So . . .”

  “The important thing is that you tried. It was brave of you, Zia. Malara will always be grateful for your demonstration of loyalty.”

  She glanced toward the doorway. “The commander’s probably ordering Rem to hide me somewhere, so I’d better get out there. You’ll call me right away? Ninety minutes, right? I can’t wait to know for sure.”

  Almost immediately she regretted the show of confidence.

  Don’t get poor Humber’s hopes up. Remember how you lost focus at the very end? That probably ruined your score.

  The thought made her sigh. She had always hated exams, and had never cared about grades, so this was a new experience. And ironically, she would be better off if she failed this particular test.

  An unexpected shiver ran through her, and she admitted in a rush of honesty, “I don’t know what to expect, Humber. Or even what I want. You said I’m brave, but I think it’s because this is just a game to me so far. Like everything else in my life. Except—well, in ninety minutes, it might not be a game anymore. I guess then we’ll see how brave I really am.”

  * * * *

  During the time Zia was being tested, Rem had gotten a taste of what it might be like to serve directly under Commander Sean Logan, and he now prayed that would never happen. The guy was a first-class rock crusher.

  Fortunately, Logan had spent most of the time glaring at the Malarans, not Rem. But every once in a while, he had asked Rem a vague question, supposedly about girls, or loyalty, or politics in general, but the message had been pretty clear—hands off Zia.

  Interesting timing, since Rem had been thinking about putting his hands on her ever since their game on the beach. Not that he really believed he’d have the opportunity. Despite the fact that she had shown guts and talent during sky paddle, the possibility that she’d match Quito at the required level—over ninety-five percent—seemed remote. Rem would go to Malara alone, where the females had two rows of breasts and were covered with fur. Nice mammals, he was sure, but he had a feeling he’d be aching for a glimpse of Zia Quito before long.

  And a glimpse was all he could hope for, even here on Earth, because Logan wasn’t going to allow Rem to get within three feet of her. He was more rabid on the subject than the president! More like a father than a friend of the family. Almost a rival, except there was no reason for rivalry. For one thing, Logan was Rem’s commander in chief—he could literally order him to stay away from her.

  More important, the guy was too old to have a thing for a seventeen-year-old girl. And if the stories were true, Logan had his hands full—female-wise. Despite the burns that had disfigured half his face, women reportedly went crazy over him. So why would he waste time with a girl who could get him into serious trouble?

  “What are you thinking about, Lieutenant?” Logan asked him as they settled at a picnic table in the courtyard of the medical building.

  “Sir?”

  Logan scowled. “If you’re thinking about the president’s niece, I advise you to stop it, or you’ll have bigger problems than piloting a skirmisher against an Alluvan. Just put her out of your mind. She isn’t going to Malara with you. And by the time you get back, she’ll have forgotten all about this little seduct
ion attempt of yours.”

  Rem forced himself to respond with a simple, “Yes, sir.”

  Logan leaned closer. “You’re hoping I’m wrong? That somehow she’ll pass that test and then convince us to let her go with you? Well, guess what? If Zia goes to Malara, I’m going too. As her bodyguard. Is that clear?”

  Rem groaned inwardly. “Yes, sir. That’s clear.”

  “Maybe now you don’t want to go after all? Speak up, Lieutenant. I can arrange to have you stay behind. No problem.”

  “I’d like to go, sir. With your permission. I’ve been studying the skirmisher every chance I get, and I’m confident I can make a contribution.” He met Logan’s gaze evenly. “And since Quito’s granddaughter won’t be going, it’s important to demonstrate our commitment to Malara in another way. By sending me. Don’t you agree, sir?”

  “You think that makes you a hero?” Logan began, then he growled under his breath. “There she is. Let me do the talking.”

  “Yes, sir.” Rem turned and smiled at Zia, grateful to her for the rescue. She had changed into white jeans and a sleeveless red blouse, and with her thick hair hanging in waves down her back, she looked like a vid star.

  Which of course she was in a sense. The lens loved her for obvious reasons.

  “Power down, Lieutenant,” Logan warned. Then he stood and motioned for Zia to take the seat next to him, across from Rem. “How are you feeling, Zee?”

  “Fine, thanks.” She settled into place, then beamed. “So? Have you two been plotting ways to keep me safe?”

  “Absolutely,” Logan said with a grin. “Lieutenant Stone and I are of one mind on that subject.”

  She rolled her golden eyes. “Who are you kidding? You want me to stay, Rem wants me to go. Right?”

  “Actually,” Logan told her, “the lieutenant wants you to stay here too. His main concern is your safety, and obviously, you’ll be safer here than on Malara.”

  Zia seemed surprised, and sent Rem an inquiring glance. “Really? Oh . . . wait. Let me guess. Logan’s bullying you?” She turned to the commander and frowned. “Leave him alone. And while you’re at it, leave me alone. If you can’t support my decisions, then you should just go away.”