SEABIRD: A Romantic Fantasy
Page 13
"And, of course, Iola still felt she was the rightful ruler."
Alaro nodded.
"But you still haven’t explained how you always seem to know what’s on my mind," Gina said with a wistful smile.
"You know our people and yours are very similar in appearance." Alaro told her. "Some of that has been enhanced by our deliberate choices. Our ancestors knew, the closer we were in appearance, the easier it would be for your people to accept us when we came together. But, in many ways, we are still very different, the product of our evolution just as you are of yours. We don’t have the sense of taste you do." He gave a short laugh. "I don’t know if we never had it or lost it in all the generations of synthetic food on the spaceship!
"You have the greater sense of taste, but a very limited sense of smell. It’s the opposite for us. I hesitate to call it an odor, yet that’s what it amounts to. Each person, Aquan and Terran, has a distinct scent. That scent is modified by their emotions. And that’s how I can tell."
"Amazing!"
"And that’s why Aquans are unusually truthful. They can literally smell a lie."
Gina frowned. "But Iola–"
"A few individuals have learned to mask themselves, just as you have a rare few who can control their bodies to defeat polygraphs. Iola was one with the ability to camouflage many of her reactions. Perhaps, it’s a form of mental defect among both our peoples; they create their own worlds and perceive things differently."
"Yes. I see."
"Which brings us to you. I knew how attracted you and Dano were to each other, one reason I permitted him to carry out this plan. Believe me, we have never abducted anyone before. We’ve rescued those lost at sea, but never against their will."
"I remembered you said that once before. When Iola held me prisoner, she took great delight in taunting me. She told me Dano brought many women back to Dath. I recalled what you said and I didn’t believe her. She must have seen that; now I know how. She ranted about Dano, told me she pitied his wife and their children. Since she lied once, I ignored that, too."
"Good."
"Then, the day after everything happened, Dano said he had something urgent to attend. I thought it had to do with cleaning up loose ends. While he was away I decided to visit Muriela, to pass the time."
Alaro nodded. "Oh, yes! The Terran dressmaker."
"On my way to her shop I passed the transport center. Dano was there. I started toward him, but he didn’t see me. All his attention was on a woman who just arrived from one of the outer domes. She ran to him, into his arms."
"There has to be some mistake."
"Oh, no! She had two small boys with her. They looked too much like him for me to be mistaken."
Alaro sat a moment deep in thought. "And that’s why you decided to leave Dath?"
"Yes."
"Marya!" The Aquan began to laugh. "Gina, let me tell you–"
* * * *
In the farming dome of Hunterdon, Dano returned from his trip to the barn to check on the livestock. He stopped to shower and change clothes before he made his way to the large family room in the farmhouse. Alaro was relaxing in one of the overstuffed chairs, listening to recorded music.
"I didn’t expect to see you here. Slumming?" Dano commented.
"I came to see what’s keeping you from your work at the palace. Nice place." Alaro gestured to the bright and comfortable surroundings.
Dano shrugged. "I suppose so. When did you get back?"
"The Seabird docked yesterday afternoon. I looked for you last night."
"I was busy here."
"Have you decided to take up farming? It’s a good life, but you’d be wasting your talent."
"I’ve decided to leave Dath," Dano cut in.
Alaro shrugged. "If that’s what you want. I can set you up as our liaison with the Terran suppliers. Same work, just based on land. You plan to stay on the island?"
"Maybe."
Alaro held up his hand before him and studied the back of it. In a soft voice he remarked, "She’s already left the island, you know."
Dano bowed his head to avoid Alaro’s gaze. "Is it that obvious?"
"It is to a friend."
Dano sank into another of the chairs. "I really thought it could work."
"I did, too. One more bit of damage Iola managed."
Dano sat up straight. "Iola?"
"She told Gina you had a wife and sons."
"Damn! And Gina believed it?"
"Not until she happened to see you with Marya and the boys."
"When–?" Dano groaned. "Marya came to Dath to shop. I met her at the center to tell her I was bringing Gina out to the farm to meet the family!"
"It’s your own fault. You should have told Gina you had a lovely sister-in-law and two nephews who look as much like you as they do their father."
Dano came to his feet. "Maybe it’s not too late! I’ll find her and explain–"
"Won’t work now," Alaro said with a sad smile. "You’d have to explain your new cook, too."
"What new cook?"
"Go see."
Puzzled, Dano walked to the kitchen door and pulled it open.
Gina sat at the kitchen table with Marya, laughing and talking while they cut up the vegetables for the meal. She rose when she saw him, her eyes filled with tears.
Dano hurried to her and enfolded her in a massive hug.
"Do you still want me to stay?" she whispered.
"Just for always."
Alaro followed Dano to the kitchen. "Does this mean you’ll be back to work in Dath?"
Dano broke off his kisses to glance back at his friend. "Is that all your reason?"
"I aim to keep my people happy." Alaro paused and grinned at Gina. "We knew you were meant to be with us that first day," he told her. "As soon as we heard your name."
"What is it about my name that amuses you both so?" Gina asked, still curious, although nothing more mattered.
"Well," Alaro answered her, "we pronounce it slightly different. Jaheena. In the old language of Dath it means something very special to both Dano and me. It means ‘Seabird’."
Alaro gave them a few moments to enjoy holding each other, then added, "I had another purpose."
Dano laughed. "You usually do. What is it this time?"
"I’ve never been to a Terran wedding. I think we shall have to have two, one Aquan and one Terran to see it’s done right." He frowned a little. "Although, I never could understand why your brides don’t marry the best man."
"In this case, she couldn’t," Dano answered him. "You’re already married."
Alaro nodded solemnly. "I can live with that."
THE END
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