Lefair helped her sit up. Sheleigh felt fuzzy-minded. Her mouth felt cottony. When she brushed back her hair she felt a line on her cheek from the material of the sofa. She was sure she looked like she'd slept in her clothes. She dreaded looking at the mess her hair must be. She had to face USP looking like this? What had she been thinking to sleep before an important meeting?
She rose unsteadily to her feet, still a little groggy with sleep. "I need to freshen up."
"I'll help you."
When Sheleigh entered the council hall, she looked as fresh as two women could make her. She felt marginally more refreshed. At least the nap made her feel less drained. Her eyes went first to Kleet in the Avatier's seat at the front of the hall. He rose when he saw her. He was darkly forbidding in his black clothes and cape. His expression was closed, giving nothing away. She wondered if he was nervous about what was to come. After all, he'd been forced into this action.
He held out his hand to her. She was surprised, but tried not to show it as she went to him. As she took his hand, mate-recognition roared through her. For a moment she thought he'd kiss her. But his hand simply tightened on hers. She turned to face the USP envoy.
She'd seen Bonwee partners many times. The Bonwee were part of the glue that helped USP members stay together. They were very similar to average height humans, although much more slender. Their pale skin and light brown hair made them seem colorless compared to their partners. But what they lacked in physical size and coloring, they made up for in the size of their hearts. They epitomized tolerance, with their desire to facilitate communication between species. They were living embodiments of the desire for peace. Their species would die to preserve peace. She hoped that sacrifice would not be necessary on Avera.
Messer Akelee's Grimari partner towered over him. Sheleigh estimated him to be two and a half meters in height. If Kleet was darkly forbidding, this Grimari was darkly menacing. Black hair, black eyes, dark expression. He was heavily armed, as all Grimari partners were. His stance was warily protective of his partner. She knew he wouldn't hesitate to use fatal force if his partner was threatened. The Grimari were the warriors of USP. Only when they were harnessed in a symbiotic partnership with a Bonwee was that deadly violence tempered.
"This is my mate Sheleigh. Sheleigh, Messer Akelee and his partner Kirgesner." Kleet enunciated slowly the unfamiliar syllables of the Grimari's name.
Sheleigh stepped forward and shook the partners' hands in greeting. "Thank you for coming. I hope you can help Averans."
"I'll do my best," Mikesh answered.
Sheleigh returned to Kleet's side. "Shel, I was just telling Messer Akelee about the problems we face. I told him about the radicals." He looked into her eyes. She had the strongest sensation that he was trying to tell her something. There was beseeching in his eyes, but his jaw was firmly clenched. His hands went to his throat. She held her breath while hope and fear for him clashed in her chest.
The cape fell. There was an audible gasp from the council. She dared not take her eyes from his. What he was doing needed her strength to accomplish.
"We have physical differences on Avera, Messer Akelee. I've been told USP welcomes physical differences."
"That's true, Avatier," Mikesh replied. "My partner and I are examples of such differences."
"Averans have a greater difference." Slowly his wings opened. The undamaged wing opened fully. The effect was marred only slightly by the crippled wing remaining furled. Although Sheleigh wanted to cry out her distress at his crippled state, the medium of the message was powerful enough. Clearly Averans were winged. She nodded to Kleet, then turned to Mikesh. He was smiling.
"Did you think we'd object to wings, Avatier? Did you think we'd recoil? Yes, I'm surprised and curious. I've never seen a winged species before. But USP has a feline species with cat eyes, mane and spotted skin. We have a reptilian species with scaly skin. We have a species that stands three meters tall and every millimeter of that height is covered with hair. We have a species short and ugly. There are other differences not visible to the eyes, as well. We won't object to wings."
There was the sound of many breaths being let out. Several of the younger council members--Kleet's age mates--stood up and removed their capes. Kleet squeezed her hand painfully tight. Many of the council were still afraid. She could see it in the whites of their eyes.
"Do you know what evolution is?" Kleet asked the envoy.
"Yes."
"It's happening to Averans. Each year there are children born without wings."
"You're sure it's evolution?"
"Yes. We rarely fly any more. We have machines that fly for us now."
"Ah. These radicals you mentioned. They don't have wings, do they?"
"No. They say we treat them differently."
"Your language differentiates them from you. You said 'they' and 'we.' I think that's the place to start talking."
"We've arrested many of the radicals. A number of them are awaiting execution for the murder of the last Avatier."
"May I speak to them?"
"Not to the condemned."
After a pause, Mikesh nodded. "All right, to the other radicals, then."
"The council and I must have assurances. Will you try to interfere in the government on Avera? Will you impose your USP will upon us?"
"You asked for my help, Avatier. I'll give it the best I can. I may say things you don't want to hear, but I'll say what I think will help you work towards a peaceful future. If you decide not to follow any recommendations I make, then USP will take no further steps towards intervention."
Kleet let out his breath. "Good. There's something else you need to know." He swallowed visibly. "I have wings, but I'm flightless now. The radicals will mention this fact to you. They crippled me." He indicated the damaged wing. It was the first time he'd admitted it in public. Sheleigh's heart hurt for him. What must it be like for a strong man to admit to an imperfection in front of the people he ruled? She further resolved to help him fly again.
"I'm sorry, Avatier," Mikesh said.
"The guards will take you to where the radicals are being held. Contact me if you need anything. I'll have apartments readied for you where the humans stayed."
"I share quarters with my partner," Mikesh reminded him. "We'll need something with two bedrooms."
"It will be arranged." Kleet looked at Sheleigh, then back at the partners. "My mate and I would like the two of you to join us for dinner."
"My partner and I will look forward to it."
* * * *
Dinner was a successful though slightly strained affair. Mikesh looked pleased to learn Lefair would be the first Averan ambassador. To her credit, Lefair uncovered her wings in his presence. He seemed to comprehend the enormity of what she did, because he was very gentle with her afterwards. Sheleigh realized that Lefair would need a guard or companion for the first few years of her ambassadorship. She'd never really lived alone and she hadn't been unprotected since she became Kelfer's mate. She was nervous about being un-caped. Sheleigh mentioned her concerns after dinner.
"But Madam Kryszan won't be alone at first," Mikesh corrected. He turned to Lefair, concern etched into his features. "It would be cruel to send you off to USP by yourself, unable to communicate with others. No, you'll be assigned assistants like my partner and I. I believe you'll feel more comfortable with female partners, is that right Madam Kryszan?"
She blazed a grateful smile at him. "Yes, I believe I would. They'd help me learn the other languages?"
"If that's what you want. Many ambassadors only know their own language and Basic. They use translators like me."
"I'd like to learn Basic and," she turned a shy smile to Sheleigh, "the human language."
Sheleigh jerked, so surprised she didn't have words for a moment. Lefair wanted to speak to her in Sheleigh's own tongue. She reached for Lefair's hand and squeezed it, acknowledging a love that seemed to grow more each day. "Thank you," she told Lefair. "I speak t
he human language called English."
"Ing-glish," Lefair repeated, savoring the syllables. There was a light in her eyes that Sheleigh realized was curiosity. Lefair was the right person to be ambassador.
"We have a teaching machine that will help you learn a language quickly. That's how the humans learned Averan," Mikesh explained.
Lefair leaned forward, her face alight. "Where is this machine?"
"It's part of our ship."
Lefair looked at the ceiling and swallowed. "Oh," she said in a small voice.
"Madame Kryszan, I understand all of this is new to you. You've never been away from Avera. You have every right to be nervous." She gave him a grateful smile. "I think my job here will take awhile, so you have time to grow accustomed to your new role as future ambassador. If I have time, I'll teach you Basic. Dr. O'Brien Kryszan can teach you some of her language, when she has the opportunity."
"I'll do what I can, Lefair, but I'm not a very good teacher. I'm more of a doer," Sheleigh explained.
* * * *
After dinner, everyone moved into the sitting room. Kleet sat next to Sheleigh on one sofa while the partners sat across from them. Lefair was ensconced in a chair to the side, enjoying a cup of tea while she listened.
Kleet found the change in his mother amazing. He hadn't paid as much attention to her as he should have since his father died. In his defense, he'd been busy ruling the planet and rooting out radicals. He'd noted Lefair grieving, but more as an afterthought. He'd labeled her grief as 'normal' and put her from his mind. Now, as he looked at her, he saw the prominent bones in her face. He also saw much of her former spark returned. She must have been desperately unhappy. She must have foundered worse than he had when Kelfer died. But whereas he had a purpose to keep him going, Lefair had had none.
This ambassadorship, unfathomable as it was to him, was a lifesaver to her. She would be doing important work, setting up Avera as a member of USP. Through her, he and other Averans would know what was expected of them as USP citizens. They would find safety at last under the protection of USP. Lefair would finish her grieving away from Avera and the constant reminders of her mate. She would begin a new life away from her children and her new grandchildren. They probably wouldn't see her for years, and when they did, would she be the same person? Or would being a part of the larger universe change her?
He'd lost his father. He didn't want to lose his mother, even temporarily. But how could he stop what was happening? He couldn't envision the destruction Sheleigh had described to the council today, but her words had rung with a passionate truth. This Bonwee said he could help prevent what Sheleigh described from happening. So for the welfare of Averans, he had to shepherd in a new era. It was an era none of them could have foreseen. Even he, who'd taken an alien into his heart, home and bed, didn't dream this would be the result. She'd said she was the future. How right she'd been.
He looked at her now, this alien who was his mate. She leaned toward the Bonwee as she talked, her face alight but her manner serious. She was telling Messer Akelee about class structure in Averan society. He didn't often get to see her in her 'doctor' mode. She was so sexy and pretty that he forgot she was a highly educated woman. She was strong and independent. She spent the majority of each day functioning completely separate from him as a mate and as the Avatier. In fact, the only time she wasn't independent was when she was under him in bed. There was no separation between them then, literally or figuratively.
No matter how hard, how often or how long he tried, he couldn't sate his desire for her. She was the best lover he'd ever had, giving herself completely during mating. In her arms and her body he felt like a man again. A whole man. It was the only time he forgot he was crippled. It was the only way he could fly now.
His fist clenched out of sight of the visitors. Sheleigh gave him the greatest pleasure, but it was always followed by the greatest pain. Reality intruded grotesquely into their bed after they mated. If he could stop wanting her, he'd stop feeling the pain, too.
He watched the animation in her gestures, feeling a skirl of jealousy in his guts. The Bonwee was USP, so was Sheleigh. Those two understood one another. They spoke the same language, literally.
"What do you think, Avatier?" Belatedly he realized Sheleigh had addressed her question to him.
"I'm sorry. I was considering another problem. What was the question?"
Sheleigh's brows drew down. Perhaps she thought him rude for entertaining other thoughts while USP was present. "Messer Akelee should have a liaison during his stay on Avera. Someone to show him around, introduce him to groups, classes and industries. I think it might be easier if it was me."
"What about your work?"
"It's been interrupted, what with Harrier's arrest." He tried not to flinch at the reminder of that betrayal.
"You're still considered an alien, Shel. Averans might be more open to another Averan as the liaison."
"But who is willing to do the job besides me? Perhaps one of the younger council members, but can you spare one right now? I don't think the general population will feel comfortable in that role."
"Mother is perfectly capable."
Sheleigh looked at Lefair. He followed her gaze to his mother. The animation had drained from Lefair's face. No, she wasn't ready to go among her own people so soon after Kelfer's death.
"It's all right, mother. I won't ask you to do this." He turned back to Sheleigh. "Very well, you may be the liaison." Would she always prefer the company of non-Averans?
Chapter Twenty-Five
At her first opportunity, Sheleigh took one of the Kryszan guards aside where the others couldn't hear their conversation. The Bonwee was busy listening to a group of farmers explain tiered farming and their standard of living.
"Bateleur, I need to meet some engineers."
"Engineers, my lady?"
"Flight engineers. Perhaps someone who knows about transports."
He frowned and the action pulled on the scar through one eyebrow. Otherwise, his face would have been too perfect. Sheleigh thought the scar made him more average and approachable. He was in his late twenties and not yet mated. "Is there something wrong with your transport, my lady?"
"No. I have a special project in mind. I need to consult with an engineer. I prefer secrecy until the project is deemed feasible."
"Then the transport manufacturing plant is not the place to start. There are several private design firms, plenty of maintenance and repair facilities, the school of engineering..."
"The school sounds like a logical place to start. Would you approach them quietly? Don't mention my name. Tell them you have a special project for two or three students. There must be absolute secrecy. I prefer engineers who specialize in flight, who are bright and innovative. I'll pay them for their time."
"They'll ask questions. Can you be more specific than what you've told me, my lady?"
"No. I won't even tell you until we meet with the engineers. I can't risk word getting out about this."
"Does the Avatier know?"
"No! And I don't want him to know until it's finished."
Doubt spread across his almost perfect face. He leaned away from her. "A secret from the Avatier?" He must be thinking of possible betrayal.
She dared to lay her hand on his forearm. He stared at it, and then looked into her face. "I love Kleet. I would give my life for him."
His face lightened and he nodded.
"You'll understand everything when we meet with the engineers. I release you from guarding me to seek them out."
"My lady?" Again his face clouded with doubt.
"It's that important to me. Go. I need the project started as soon as possible."
He stared hard at her face, then spun on his booted heel and was soon out of sight. She moved to join the others.
Her guard captain soon moved to her side. "Where is Bateleur? Why did he leave you unguarded?"
"I needed him to find out something for me. I wasn't in any
danger when he left."
"Not all the radicals have been caught, my lady." His voice was tinged with frustration.
"Captain, you know I won't be caged or cowed by these radicals. I don't like having armed guards around me. Captain Clanga knew that. He gave me the freedom I needed."
"Captain Clanga is dead."
She flinched. "That doesn't stop me from wanting freedom."
"I'll try, my lady, but it goes against my training."
"Why don't you just think of me as an alien? Maybe that will help." He visibly flinched and she regretted her sarcasm. She wasn't averse to using her alien status just like Kleet did. But she needed to set the precedent for time to work on the project she hoped would save Kleet.
That afternoon Bateleur returned and drew her aside. "There are three young engineers willing to work in secret. They'll meet with you tomorrow. I just need to let them know where and when."
"Are they winged?" Belatedly she realized she had to be free of the taint of consorting with possible radicals.
He looked smug. "Yes, my lady. I did ask."
"Thank you. I didn't think of it until now. Let's see, where would a neutral place be? My old office on the top floor of the human residence. Have them meet me at eight in the morning. The envoy won't need me tomorrow while he interviews the arrested radicals." She placed her hand on his arm. "You'll be the only guard allowed to stay."
"Yes, my lady."
That night, during her mating flight with Kleet, she imagined herself with wings. She didn't know if Kleet caught the wisp of imagery because it was so faint. She hoped not. He couldn't know what she was doing until she was sure it could work.
Captain Steller gave her a frustrated look when she asked him to leave her the next morning. His look became quizzical when she told him Bateleur would stay behind with her. She was almost frantic to get the guards away before the engineers arrived. Already she felt too many people were aware that something was going on. She had to maintain secrecy as long as possible.
Finally the transport departed with an intense Captain Steller peering at her through the glass. She dismissed him from her mind, darting down to her old office. It was bare except for the portable computer on the metal desk. She opened the computer and turned it on.
Mating Flight Page 22