“What else?”
Gods! What does he want to know? she thought in a panic. “He’s a nice person, Captain! I don’t know what else to say! He was so alone, so pleased to be with another like himself, and a female! Just an ordinary person trapped here, wanting to go home.” She stopped, remembering something from the night before. “Home. When I asked him if he wanted to go home, he went very quiet,” she said slowly. “It was as if there was nothing for him to go back to. That fleet. Do you think they destroyed his world, Captain?”
“I think we’ve uncovered a nest of poison stingers here,” he said grimly, “and that the only ones who know what’s going on are these Sholans. You’re dismissed, Giyesh,” he said, losing interest in her as he began to scratch his left ear in a gesture she knew well.
“Yes, Captain,” she said, backing out of his office before he could change his mind.
*
After their first meal, Kaid and T’Chebbi headed out to the town. While Kaid went on to the Spacers Haven, she stopped at the Port Controller’s office. Already there was a small crowd of people waiting, mainly Jalnian agents with one U’Churian and herself. As she searched her memory for a name to put to the familiar face, the other female got up and came over to her.
“Manesh,” she said, holding her hand out, palm up.
T’Chebbi nodded and ignored the hand, clasping the other by the wrist instead. Telepath greeting. Why use that? Where had she learned it? Then she remembered that Carrie had used it the night before with Tirak.
“Thought you touched hands,” said Manesh, returning the gesture.
“Solnian way,” she said. “Not ours. You got business here?” she asked, leaning against the wall.
“Some. Organizing a caravan for our cargo to Galrayin. Got to get Controller to allocate us space on next one out. You?”
“Same,” said T’Chebbi shortly. She could have done without the U’Churian present. Hoped she didn’t stay to hear what their business was.
“How long you here for?” asked Manesh.
“A while,” said T’Chebbi. “Till ship repaired. Why so busy at this hour?” she asked.
“Morgil, the Controller, is late,” she said. “There’s much speculation as to what’s keeping him.”
A commotion at the door made her turn to look as a Jalnian, his head sporting a large bandage, came in. Trailing behind him were a young male and a couple of locals demanding to know what had happened.
“She finally did it,” said someone beside her. “Hey, Morgil she got you, didn’t she? That’s what you get for foolin’ around with that moth-eaten creature! Said she’d be the death of you one day!”
Laughter greeted his remark.
“Tell us what happened,” said another. “What she do? Try to knock some sense into that thick head of yours?”
“No, she brained him for coming back drunk last night!” laughed a third. “Didn’t you see him? So drunk he could barely stand!”
“You can keep your mouth shut, Faisal, if you want that cargo to reach your lord this side of harvest,” Morgil snapped as he pushed his way through the agents to his door. “I got nothing to say to you lot about anythin’.” He fumbled with his key at the lock, finally getting the door open.
“Aw, come on, Morgil, tell us what happened,” said the one called Faisal. “Could do with a laugh this morning.”
He turned, glowering at them all. “Think you’re so funny, don’t you? Well, laugh at this one. Some of you live outside like me, don’t you? Well, she’s gotten loose.” Hands on hips, he waited for their reaction.
There was a stunned silence.
“Not so funny now, is it?” he said, looking round them all. “Watch yourselves when you hear a noise in the night. It could be her, a sneakin’ into your kitchen for food. And if it is, the Gods help you if you disturb her!” He pointed to his head. “Cos that’s what she did to me for only tellin’ her to wash the pans right!” He turned and went into his office, waiting till his clerk scuttled in behind him, then he closed the door firmly.
“She’s loose? Hell’s teeth! I hope he’s told Bradogan about it,” said Faisal, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “Don’t want one like that roaming around loose. All those teeth and claws, and her half wild as it is!”
T’Chebbi turned to Manesh. “What’s this about?” she demanded. “You know who they mean?”
Manesh shrugged. “No idea. Your guess is as good as mine.”
T’Chebbi grabbed hold of Faisal by the front of his robe. “What you talking about?” she asked, hauling him closer and lifting him slightly off the ground. “Who hit him? Who got loose?”
“Hey,” the Jalnian said, a terrified look crossing his face. “No need to get angry with me! I had nothing to do with it. Wasn’t one of your kind anyway, so don’t know why you’re getting so fired up about it!”
“What wasn’t one of my kind?” she growled.
“The female! Morgil’s female servant! One he says got loose!” he said, plucking at T’Chebbi’s hand.
She felt a hand on her arm and turned to snarl at whoever had the temerity to interfere. It was Manesh.
“I’d put him down,” she said quietly. “You can bet Bradogan’s men will be on their way here. Not a good idea for this male to make a complaint about you.”
There was sense in what she said. T’Chebbi turned back to the Jalnian and dropped him on his feet. Opening her mouth, she smiled pleasantly. “Am sorry. Was only curious. Meant no harm to you,” she said, rearranging the front of his robes.
He batted her hand away, frowning as he backed off. “No need to be so insistent,” he muttered, turning away from her to his friends. “Bloody aliens,” she heard him say. “Think they own the place just because they trade here.”
“Another one like us,” said Manesh thoughtfully, glancing at T’Chebbi. “That’s unusual. Wonder where they come from?”
“They? He said one female,” said T’Chebbi, watching her closely. “You know of others like this one?”
The U’Churian blinked, obviously taken aback by the question and unsure how to answer it. “No, I know of no others. I meant they as in her species.”
“How you so sure she’s not one of us taken hostage?”
“Not possible,” said Manesh firmly. “Would have been reported, we’d all know about it. No ship would leave one of its crew behind in the first place. Would be a bloodbath to rescue her rather than that.”
“Probably right,” T’Chebbi agreed holding the other’s gaze. “Not good to come between a ship and her crew.”
Manesh looked away, distinctly uneasy.
Good, thought T’Chebbi. Let them think is a crew member of ours. Maybe then they not interfere.
*
What with the delay caused by Bradogan’s men questioning Morgil, it took a good two hours before her turn came. After sending word to Assadou at the Hotel, she headed for their inn, checking upstairs to see that their belongings were safe before finding herself a seat in which to wait for Kaid. He wasn’t long in joining her. When he sat down opposite, she pushed a drink across to him.
He raised a questioning eye ridge at her.
“Is some Chemerian dishwater they call ale, but is safe to drink,” she said. “Got them to open fresh sealed container so know it wasn’t watered down.”
Nodding, he picked it up gratefully, taking a long drink. “Needed that,” he said, putting the tankard down. “When do we leave?”
“Tomorrow,” she said. “Next caravan in two weeks.”
“Tomorrow? That’s short notice.”
She flicked an ear in assent. “Sent word to Assadou to get cargo ready. Need to let Kusac and Carrie know, also Quin and Conrad.”
“Weren’t we supposed to contact them last night?”
“Kusac will have seen to that. They contact him, don’t they?”
Kaid nodded. “I’d better let them know now,” he said.
“You can contact them from here with all the noise?�
� she asked in surprise.
“Yes. I have a permanent linkâ only a small oneâ with Carrie. All I have to do is strengthen it. I thought you knew.”
“Never asked, and you never said. Not my business. Before you do, I might have found the last one. A female like us was with the Port Controller. Last night she knocked him unconscious and escaped. Bradogan’s men search for her in shantytown outside Portâ town where caravans leave from.”
“We’re missing a female,” he said, taking another sip of his drink.
“Manesh was there. We talked about missing crew members. She said if was U’Churian, be a bloodbath to get her back. I let her think these four might be crew members of ours.”
“She’ll have gotten the point, then.”
“Yes,” T’Chebbi grinned. “She understood. No U’Churians in here are there? I think they decide not to follow me. How you get on? See this Tesha?”
“Yes, briefly. Had to pay for the privilege, though,” he grimaced.
She laughed, making him look at her in surprise. “Not tempted, were you?”
He reached out across the table to touch the hand that held her tankard. “It’s good to hear you laugh like that,” he said quietly.
She shrugged, grinning. “Were you?”
He sat back. “With you and Carrie to contend with? Not likely! I spent the time asking her about the Valtegans. From what she could gather, they wanted to know how many worlds we had. Of course, it took them weeks to even understand what they were being asked, and even when they did, they decided their safest option was to pretend ignorance. From Tesha’s description of what happened, they were taken by the ship that controlled Keiss. It must have returned around the time we arrived to liberate that world. The Valtegans had them dragged up to the bridge one at a time to identify our craft on their screens. Being civilians, and from the colonies, they’d no idea what our fleet looked like so they couldn’t have told them anyway.”
“If Valtegans so scared of us they’d suicide, probably beat them just for being Sholan.”
“I came to that conclusion, too. Tesha was bought by the Jalnian who owns the Haven, and she’s kept closely guarded. We’re going to need to break her out, the same with Jeran and Tallis,” he sighed. “And we can’t do it till we get back from rescuing Jo’s group. Let’s hope Quin’s had some luck in locating this rebellion. If they could spring Jo’s party out of Kaladar, even if we’re en route to Galrayin, it would make life so much simpler.”
“We take communicator with us, then if trouble we can get Kishasayzar’s folk to get them out, take off, and meet us,” said T’Chebbi.
“That’s our last-ditch option,” agreed Kaid, “but we’d all prefer not to use it.”
“We’re done here, why we not head back to ship and eat?” she suggested. “Am hungry. Can contact Carrie and Kusac in person then.”
“Might as well,” he said, finishing his drink. “No point in disturbing them too early. It’s not as if they can do much about getting ready to leave until later.”
*
“I can’t do it, I tell you! He’s increased the security earlier than I expected!” said Taradain angrily, flinging himself down on his bed and glowering at her.
She sat by the fire in the easy chair, a blanket wrapped around her as she shivered uncontrollably. Waves of nausea passed through her, making her feel like she was about to throw up, and to crown it all, her head ached abominably.
“Then take me back now,” she said, her voice low. “You know I’m ill, and you know why. You’ve sat and watched me since dawn. You must know I’m only getting worse.”
“I can’t take you out looking like this,” he said. “Some good that’ll do my reputation! I offered to fetch Arnor, but you’d have none of him!”
He was right, dammit. In her current state, she doubted if she could make it to the Lesser Hall without collapsing. She’d expected nothing like this, though. Searching through the memories inherited from both Rezac and Zashou, she’d realized it was what Kris had said, Link deprivation, but on a level comparable with a full Leska Link.
Taradain got up and came over to her. “Let me at least get something to settle your stomach from Arnor, even if you won’t see him,” he said. “I have to take you back to your friends and I can’t when you’re this bad.”
She nodded, instantly wishing she hadn’t as the pounding in her head increased. As he left, she knew she’d no option but to contact Rezac and ask for his help. She no longer mattered, but their plans for escape were in shreds, and Railin had to be contacted before his caravan left.
There was no way she could relax enough to mind-speak Rezac, but she could open their Link again. Gradually she released the block she’d put on his presence. His response was instant.
Gods, Jo, you should have called me sooner! His tone was gentle, something she’d not expected. You thought I’d be angry with you? Now she felt his remorse, but more importantly, she could feel his strength flowing into her, pushing the weakness back.
Rezac, what I’ve done’s been for nothing. Killian has increased the security again because of the violence yesterday. Taradain refuses to help now.
Is he holding you against your will? His anger flared briefly but was as quickly smothered.
No, but…
The Link deprivation, he sent. You’re too ill to come to me! Gods!
I’m better now, she sent hastily, just speaking to you…
I know. The suddenness of his love surrounding her caught her unaware, and she began to cry.
Jo, for the Gods sake, get him to bring you back now! I can’t help you at this distance!
She scrubbed at her face with her hands, ashamed at her weakness.
Not weak! Never that! What you’ve tried to do, Jo… His sending was fierce and threatened to overwhelm her. Sensing this, he immediately toned it down.
I can’t, Rezac. He won’t take me through the castle like this.
Then make him! Take over his mind!
I can’t! She was shocked at the suggestion. To control his mind, force him to do what I want…
What’s he doing to you? Rezac demanded. He’s threatening your life, Jo! Let me do it if you won’t. I can control him through you, if you’ll let me.
She rested her head against the back of her chair. She was sick and tired, and all this was too much for her.
You can’t give up now, he pleaded, his tone gentle again. A few minutes, that’s all it will take, no more. Get him to bring you to us at the stables. I’m there. They had to allow me out to test the circuits. Their weapon is almost complete.
The laser? We’re leaving them a working laser?
The first time he uses it will be the last. Rezac’s tone was grim. We’ve rigged it to blow in a controlled explosion. Kris insisted as few lives be lost as possible. If you can come here, even briefly, I can make you betterâ until we have the time to be alone again.
But our escape? she asked. How will we escape?
Kris talks to Railin now. Trust us, Jo, as we’ve trusted you. I know you’re our leader, but the best of leaders suffer injuries and have to pass command to their seconds.
He was right. She wasn’t fit to lead them now. The thought of passing command to them was so tempting. The constant stress and worry were not making her present condition any easier. To give it over to Kris and Rezac, if they could bury their differences, their lack of trust of each other…
I’ll work with him, you have my word on it, Jo. To step down is no weakness. Rather it’s a strength, as when you came to me just now. She could feel his respect for her, a respect he let her know she’d earned despite his prejudices.
Do it, she sent, surrendering her mind to his with a relief that went to the heart of her being.
*
In the stable, Rezac waited impatiently for Jo and Taradain to arrive. It took ten heart-stopping minutes, but at last they heard the voices of the guards outside.
“Link with me now, Kris,” murm
ured Rezac from where he stood against the stable wall. That’s it. Now this is what you must maintain. Can you sense it? Have you his pattern? When I tell you, just hold him like this so he can’t regain control of his mind. Seeing to Jo will take me perhaps five minutes, then I can work directly on him.
The door opened and Jo came in first. Davies was at her side, supporting her as he helped her over to Rezac.
Now, sent Rezac, letting his grip on Taradain’s mind go. He monitored Kris for a moment, then, satisfied, he nodded to Davies and reached out to take hold of her.
Rezac’s presence, which had dominated her mind while he controlled Taradain, began to fade and once more she was herselfâ but the Link to him remained as intense as ever. His arms closed round her and he drew her out of sight of the others into the adjacent stall.
At his touch, the cool fire surged through her, blending their minds into one. Memories flowed between them as frantically he licked at her face, catching her tears of relief even as they fell. Gradually the merging slowed, leaving them once more to their own separate identities.
In its wake came the compulsion, but Rezac worked to push it aside, knowing there was no time for that now. Sit, he sent, urging her down onto the pile of clean animal bedding that lay on the floor. I need to try and heal you. Jo, no matter what happens, never shut me out like this again. You only make matters worse by depriving us of our Link.
This isn’t supposed to happen, she sent, stumbling to her knees, the voluminous skirts of her dress tangled round her legs. It’s too strong, too intense!
I know, he replied, catching hold of her and easing her down onto the yielding surface. It’s because you shut me out. Now be still, we haven’t long. Let me work.
She rested her head against his chest, the coarse wool of his robe rough against her cheek. Needing to touch him, she pushed her hand along his arm, up inside his wide sleeve.
Rezac was finding it almost impossible to control the compulsion as her scent, stronger because she’d been feverish, began to make him light-headed. Reality, though, kept him focused on their predicament. With a grunt of discomfort, he moved her so she wasn’t pressing against his groin.
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