Alien Genes 1: Daughter of Atuk

by Petra Theunissen

  However, Eqin didn't spend much time pondering over Cathy's abilities. There was an edge to her voice telling him she wasn't joking, and he left the house in a rush. He really didn't feel like explaining his absence from the Facility to anyone—least of all Hasan. He knew his own people resented his relationship with Cathy as it was. Knowing he preferred her company above theirs would simply feed their resentment.

  * * * *

  As he entered the underground Facility, S'Tha rushed up to him. Where were you—or need I ask at all? He is here, she said.

  Who? he asked, feigning ignorance.

  S'Tha frowned. Hasan, of course.

  Oh. He wasn't quite able to mimic surprise. He's early.

  She looked at him strangely. You knew, she stated. How?

  He didn't answer, unwilling to explain himself.

  But S'Tha was no fool. It took only a few moments for the realization to sink in. Her eyes grew wider. Cathy...

  He puckered his brow, shaking his head in a gesture that she should keep quiet. Don't mention her name. Don't even think about her. You owe me that much. And don't ever be alone with Hasan. Make sure no-one else is either. Otherwise he may learn the answer to his question, and we wouldn't want that, would we? The threat behind his words was obvious.

  Her frown deepened and he knew what she was thinking—how could he expect her not to think about Cathy? It was all she thought about since their discovery—it would make her famous.

  Eqin ... she said, about to argue—but before she could say anything, a man appeared in the passage, accompanied by Anya.

  S'Tha smiled welcomingly. Hasan!

  The old man responded by smiling back politely, and then he immediately turned to Eqin. Their stares met like those of two bulls ready for a fight. The once genial relationship had made way for a tense professional one. Neither had forgotten the past and both were wary of the future.

  Eqin. The greeting lacked warmth and was at its very best simply cordial. How are you?

  Eqin responded equally coolly. Besides showing the old man the required courtesy, there was little reason to be friendly. He resented Hasan's presence at his Facility. Moreover, he had a hard time being friendly with someone who'd committed so many atrocities in the name of science—even if the Council or the rest of his own kind didn't perceive it in the same way.

  What brings you here, Hasan? he inquired.

  The gaze from the old man's dark eyes pierced into Eqin's green ones. Eqin knew he suspected that Eqin already knew why he was there and the old man didn't appreciate playing games.

  I heard you were the Facility's new commander. And, of course, when I heard about your experiment ... I simply had to come. The response was cordial enough but Eqin noticed that Hasan was watching him intently for some type of response. He smiled to himself, barely reacting to the older man's prying. He wasn't as young and naïve as he used to be.

  Anya will show you to your quarters. We'll discuss it in the morning, he said evenly.

  Oh no. I am not tired at all. I would very much like to see your experiment, Hasan replied.

  Eqin smiled affably, thinking on his feet. I'm afraid that's not possible. We are at a very delicate stage in the project. If you make contact, our results may be affected. He continued, You can appreciate our position. We only want to produce the best scientific results. He noticed Hasan's eyes narrow.

  The old man glanced at S'Tha, who was studiously avoiding his eyes, and Eqin held his breath. Would she betray them?

  Hasan's gaze darted back to Eqin. Is that so? It was clear that he had his suspicions.

  Remaining nonchalant, Eqin acted normally, knowing that basic regulations prohibited Hasan from entering his mind without his permission. With all the witnesses around, he wouldn't dare, but Eqin knew that Hasan was also a patient man. He'd wait for the right moment.

  Yes. Eqin answered coolly, trying to sound convincing. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go and sleep now. It's late, and it's been a hard day. Anya, please take the Professor to his quarters.

  Anya nodded. Yes, Sir.

  I see. Yes, well then good night, Eqin. S'Tha. The old man turned toward Anya, but before following her, he looked once more at Eqin. Tell me, where were you when I arrived?

  Eqin didn't move a muscle. I was in the house above. You know, the old Facility before they moved underground some centuries ago...

  Oh. Interesting. I must go and have a look, Hasan said, his scrutiny never leaving Eqin's face.

  Certainly. We've fixed it up very nicely, Eqin said evenly.

  Really? Why? Don't you have everything right here?

  Eqin shrugged his shoulders. Yes, but you know me. I like the Earth's atmosphere, and working above ground helps me understand them better.

  Mm, yes, indeed. The old man glanced at S'Tha and gave her a charming smile, Good night, my dear.

  Good night, Professor, S'Tha said, flustered, clearly flattered by his attention.

  The old man turned back to Eqin. We will talk in the morning.

  Eqin nodded. Certainly. Good night.

  * * * *

  Like Cathy, Eqin had a restless night. He found himself haunted by images he couldn't place. He was worried about Cathy's safety. Bringing her to the island was the best he could do under the circumstances, but now he was wondering whether it had been the best decision. Being at the mercy of those who believed she was little more than an experimental animal might not have been the safest situation for her to be in after all. Now that Hasan suspected they had a human on the island who may prove to have invaluable information, she might be at risk of being subjected to more experiments, and he couldn't allow that to happen. Not again.

  When the light in his room switched on to wake him, he got up and dressed. Although he'd been able to handle Hasan's unexpected visit the previous night reasonably well, he wasn't so self-confident now.

  He walked over to the wall and with a slight movement of his hand, it cleared, revealing a cupboard previously hidden. A drawer slid open, and he took out a velvet-clad box. He had to give it back to Cathy as soon as possible. He'd kept it too long, reluctant to return it in case it would cause deterioration in her behaviour and memory. But with the threat of Hasan on the island, he had no choice. It was the only thing that could protect her against the evil the old man carried within him.

  He opened the box, and then paled at the sight. It was empty! Aghast, he realised the old man had to have entered his quarters while he was sleeping. How could Hasan have known, and how could he have gotten into the room undetected?

  I've underestimated the old man's cunning.

  Furiously he snapped the box closed and returned it to the drawer. He had to get it back. Soon. Without it...

  The underground Facility was quiet as he walked through the corridors. Most of the others were still sleeping. In the dead of the early morning, he walked to Hasan's quarters. The man had always been an early riser. Eqin doubted anything would have changed.

  He walked up to the door. Professor? There was no answer. He tried again. Professor? Are you awake?

  Anya appeared out of the dark of the passage. She was fully dressed and had clearly been awake for some time. For a split second he wondered if she'd slept at all as she explained, The Professor was up early, Sir. Long before anyone else.

  Her face was expressionless, but she was watching his face intently, and it made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

  Do you know where he went?

  He didn't say, but I believe he went to the surface. He is determined to find out who the experiment is we're housing on the island. Her face remained unreadable.

  Anya's revelation disconcerted Eqin. If Hasan had gone to the house, then he was sure to find Cathy. He directed his frustration and anger at Anya. Why didn't you tell me?

  Her answer was calm. I didn't think it was necessary.

  You didn't think it was ... Her blasé attitude stupefied him. Have you learned nothing in the past few weeks here? Surely you kn
ow that Cathy's presence should not be made public?

  Anya seemed remarkably untouched by his reprimand. It HAS been made public, Commander. He knows we have someone here. He just doesn't know who.

  I'm not so sure about that. He's been in my room, he revealed.

  Anya tilted her head, looking sincerely surprised. Why would he have gone into your room—and how? she asked.

  Eqin didn't answer. How could he? It had nothing to do with her. He didn't even know why he mentioned it to her in the first place. He calmed himself down, trying to gain control over his anger. Come. Let's go. We have to stop him, he avoided answering her directly.

  Commander.

  Her voice was unassailable and he stopped in his tracks, What is it?

  I don't think you have to be overly concerned, Sir. I'm sure Cathy can handle herself, she said.

  Eqin shook his head in disbelief at her naivety. Do you not understand what's happening here? Hasan's the reason she ended up here in the first place.

  Anya maintained her calm demeanour. That is true. But, then, Cathy is not the same person she was when she came here. It was as if she was trying to convince him.

  You are still very naive, Anya. Things don't work like that. Come, let's go, he commanded.

  Sir, there was a time when you said that Hasan was underestimating Cathy.

  Her words knocked him for six. How did you know that?

  It is not that hard learning things if you know where to look, she answered softly.

  In the quiet of the passage, they faced each other, and in that moment, he knew that Cathy had been right after all. Anya was a Truth Seeker, and she'd come to judge him. He didn't have to ask to confirm his suspicions. He knew he was right, and Anya knew that he knew. He didn't argue with her but simply walked to the exit. Let's go.

  An early morning mist covered the island when they got to the outside world. Anya rubbed her exposed arms. She was evidently cold.

  He looked at her briefly. You should have worn something warmer. The surface isn't climate-controlled.

  She gazed out over the view, as Cathy had done the first time. It was clear the surroundings had an impact on her, but he had little patience for it.

  What are you waiting for? Let's go, he urged. There was no time to waste. He pushed ahead without seeing if she was following him.

  Yes, Sir. I was just ... taking in the air ... she said subserviently, and then hurried after him.

  It didn't take them long to get to the house. Looming in the misty morning breeze, it was an oddly menacing sight, and Eqin felt a shiver running down his spine. At that precise moment, he wouldn't want to be caught alone in the place. It didn't want them there, and somehow it made it very clear. No wonder they stopped using biotechnology. It seemed to adapt to the occupant's wishes and moods, and its present owner had to be in a dangerous frame of mind.

  Through the misty haze, a figure approached them, and Eqin immediately recognised Hasan. Judging by his demeanour, the old man wasn't pleased at all.

  He greeted Hasan coolly with a nod of his head. Professor.

  Eqin. Anya. The old man's manner was shadowy—almost as shadowy as the house itself. A delightful house you have here. Do you come here often? His remark was cordial enough, but Eqin could sense his irritation.

  Fairly. Why do you ask? Eqin replied haltingly. He wasn't sure whether the old man had found out anything he shouldn't have, but given his tetchiness he could safely surmise not.

  It is lived in. Someone lives here, Hasan said grouchily. His dark eyes were glowing with anger.

  Eqin felt somewhat uneasy. If Anya hadn't been around, the old man would have tried to force the truth out of him. For a split second, he hesitated, not sure how to respond.

  Yes, Professor. I stay here most of the time, Anya chirped up.

  Hasan's dark eyes flashed towards her. YOU? Why?

  I find it a learning experience. I believe one should familiarise oneself with the planet on which one works, she answered evenly.

  Eqin looked at her guardedly, wondering why she was lying—but he was impressed by her smooth response.

  Really? A very advanced opinion for such an inexperienced traveller, Hasan said distrusting. Clearly, he suspected she was lying, but Anya remained unfazed.

  Not really. My family comes from a long line of travellers. My father spent considerable time teaching me the ways of the explorer. She smiled innocently.

  Hmm. Suddenly the old man smiled too, and once again became his old charming self. A delightful idea.

  He turned towards Eqin, and his charm was gone as quickly as it had come, replaced by a sharp coldness. I will return to the Facility now.

  Eqin feigned surprise. Oh? Don't you want to see more of the island?

  One island on this planet is the same as another. There is nothing more you can show me—unless you can produce your experiment. I wish to go back to the Facility. This damp mist does not appeal to me.

  Certainly, Professor. Would you like us to escort you back? Eqin said amiably.

  No, thank you. I will find my way. The old man turned down towards the path. I shall expect to meet your research project. You do not fool me, Son of Erique. I know you are hiding her from me. If you fail to produce her I shall inform the Council, which, as you can understand, will not bode well for you.

  Eqin frowned inwardly. Damn. He knows. But he remained nonchalant when he answered Hasan. She? What makes you think it's a woman?

  Because it is a woman's presence that I sense. He turned to Anya, and his eyes were as dark as pitch. And it is not yours.

  She seemed untouched by his comment. It was as if she'd expected his response, and so said nothing.

  Then he suddenly turned back towards Eqin, reaching into his pocket. I found this. He held up a golden necklace. A stray sunray reflected off the blue crystal in the middle. It seemed familiar. I am sure I have seen it before. Perhaps you could help me jolt my memory?

  Eqin looked at the golden necklace, struggling to keep his expression neutral So, Hasan had taken it after all.

  Anya stared at the necklace. That is a very unusual design, Professor. I am certain I have seen it before. Perhaps if you would be so kind as to let me have it, I could compare it with my databases to expand our superior knowledge on human culture, she suggested politely.

  Eqin glanced at her warily. If he hadn't known better he would have thought her last words were carefully chosen to purposefully place Hasan in a difficult position. In Algidan society it was impolite not to share information freely and if Hasan refused her request, his reputation and integrity would be questioned.

  The old man seemed to realise it too because he hastily tried to divert the request. I am sure that Eqin would have the information at hand. Eqin?

  But Anya was not that easily put off-track and, with subtlety beyond her years, she said, It seems to me that the Commander has little knowledge about the origin of the necklace. It would be unfair not to further explore your question. Would you permit me the honour? She held out her hand with the clear expectation that Hasan was going to honour the request.

  The old man frowned imperceptibly and hesitated briefly. Then he smiled radiantly and handed her the necklace, but Eqin knew him well enough to know that he was fuming. He had just been outsmarted by a woman less than a third his age.

  Hasan maintained his smile. I trust you will share your information with me?

  Anya nodded. Indeed I will, Professor. It would an honour, she responded smoothly.

  Hasan turned to Eqin, changing the topic. Will you produce her?

  Eqin hesitated. He knew to whom Hasan was referring. There was no doubt left that the old man knew that she was on the island. Could he not sense her? He weighed up silently whether he should avoid a direct refusal, knowing well that any refusal would anger Hasan. After a moment's delay, he answered firmly, No.

  Hasan's eyes turned dark, and in that moment Eqin knew that the battle lines were drawn.

  You cannot h
ide her from me forever. I will find her sooner or later. I shall express my dismay to the Council that the project was not accessible.

  He walked as lithe as a cat back to the hidden entrance to the underground Facility. Eqin and Anya watched in silence as the old man disappeared into the fertile growth. Once out of earshot, Eqin turned towards Anya.

  Why? he asked.

  Why what, Sir?

  Why did you tell him that you lived here?

  Was I wrong to do so? she countered his question.

  No, I suppose not.

  Then I was right. In that case, Commander, I don't need to explain myself. If you will excuse me, I'll also return to the Facility. I'm sure you would like to speak to Cathy alone. Anya held out the necklace to him. I believe this is yours. You may want to give it to her now.

  Eqin took the necklace sheepishly. How did you know?

  I recognised the symbol.

  He could tell she knew something. But...

  I also know what has been written. She didn't explain herself, and he felt awkward asking more.

  If you would excuse me ... she requested, and walked away without ado.

  But Eqin called her back. Anya.

  She stopped and turned. Yes?

  He was trying to find the right words, but a simple ‘thank you’ was all he could find.

  She smiled fleetingly. No need.

  As she was about to leave, he called her back again. Anya.

  She paused again. Yes?

  Are you a Truth Seeker?

  She hesitated. Perhaps.

  What does that mean?

  It means that I'm here to judge ... among other things.

  What things?

  She shook her head in a gesture that made it clear she wasn't about to answer any more questions. I cannot tell you. You will find out soon enough. She smiled briefly. You know your situation was not helped by crossing Hasan like that.

  I suppose not. Had he done the right thing? He couldn't be sure. All he knew was that he could not allow Hasan near Cathy. Not now. Not ever.

  Anya turned to go and then paused, as if thinking about something. Perhaps you should say goodbye to the human. You will be recalled soon.