Diverse Similarity

by Sharon Rose

  His frown lessened. “At least that puts it in a reasonable context. I’m not going to pretend any understanding of how I could function with my sairit split into two parts.”

  She shrugged. “We rarely think of them as separate, but it becomes quite necessary when we use telepathy.”

  “Ah.” Inewin narrowed his eyes. “That incompatibility issue. We try to think of our sairit as only partially compatible with a Human sairit, but that is counter-intuitive. It makes more sense to think of a sairit as compatible with a mind, but not with a spirit.”

  “It still seems strange, though,” Jorlit said. “Human is the only race with a two-part sairit.”

  He still couldn’t stop using the word sairit. Oh, well. Maybe she’d made some progress. “The only race we’ve discovered, anyway,” Kena said. “There’s parallels in anatomy. It seems every race has something totally unique.” She flexed fingers and wrist as she spoke. “Hands, for instance. They’re a little different in every race, but the digits are always on the hand. Except for Plynteth, who have a digit extending from the wrist.” She studied her own motions. “It seems terribly awkward to me, but when I watch the way Ghent moves, I see a distinctive grace that is really quite beautiful.”

  Netlyn grinned. “I’m sure any Plynteth would think theirs is the best hand configuration, but no one else would. The concept of better-than has little meaning physically. I suppose the same holds true for your unique sairital configuration.”

  “You’re all unique, too,” Kena said. “Otherwise, none of us would need emfrel acclimation. I often wonder how sairital differences fit with the unique capabilities of races.”

  Netlyn’s brow lifted. “What do you mean, my dear?”

  “Oh, for example, the Prednians and Tenelli are fabulous at bringing other races into community. The Interstellar Collaborative wouldn’t exist without you. Can you imagine the Grfdn and Plynteth creating such an organization?”

  That drew chuckles from all three of them.

  “But for any complex and technical endeavor,” she said, “no one could manage it better than a Grfdn.”

  Inewin cocked an eyebrow. “I sometimes wonder if they could build an entire planet from scratch.”

  Kena huffed a laugh. “And you’re only half kidding.”

  He acknowledged with a grin.

  She tilted her head and drew a deep breath. “Speaking of Grfdn, there is something I’ve been wondering about. I’m hoping you could shed a little light on it.”

  “What, my dear?” Netlyn asked.

  “Hrndl! Don’t get me wrong”—Kena spread her hands as her voice rose—“I would never expect her to be happy with Krdn after what he did. But the things she says! Not least of which is her longing for his execution. Is this normal Grfdn behavior, or something to do with her mating instincts, or what?”

  Netlyn’s hands arched in a spontaneous gesture Kena had never seen.

  Inewin laughed and said, “Hrndl is tense, is she?”

  Netlyn’s speech quickened. “Venom is hidden under her tongue!”

  “Not hidden very well,” Kena said.

  Netlyn huffed. “Oh, I’m sure she gets plenty of poisonous stabs in that we don’t realize.”

  “No doubt, but—execution?” Kena tilted her head again. “Is that really what Grfdn do to someone who makes an error of judgment?”

  “I think it depends on the circumstances,” Inewin said. “I’m sure they consider him guilty of multiple crimes.”

  “Multiple?”

  Inewin directed an odd look at Kena, raising his brows and tilting his head. “Well, there are the two obvious ones: killing Frethan and injuring you.” He paused, but continued when she said nothing. “Then, there’s the matter of interfering with coordination. That might seem like an irritant to you, but it’s a very serious matter to a Grfdn. And last, there are strict rules on what a male can and cannot do with a female when she’s ready to mate. The subject is not discussed, so I’m not sure what all those rules are. But interfering when a mating female is coordinating—well, I saw it happen once. Let’s just say it’s unpardonable.”

  “When was this?” Jorlit asked.

  “Oh, decades ago. It was before I knew Netlyn.” He smoothed a hand over her hair. “There were quite a few Grfdn on that ship, and three of them worked in communications with me. One of them was too young to even be a suitor. The female was mentoring him, and this particular day she linked with him while they calibrated some new interchange relays. An older male walked in halfway through it. He broke their link and shoved her apprentice on the floor.”

  Inewin shook his head. “Everything happened really fast after that. She went for him in an instant, but he controlled her easily. He didn’t let her go until three older females showed up.” He squirmed at the memory. “They slammed him down on a table so hard, the legs went flying out from under it. Then all four of them started beating him. Punching, kicking, thrashing him with broken table legs. I thought they were going to kill him. The khn showed up, linked with the apprentice for a moment, and then just watched.”

  Inewin uttered a mirthless laugh. “Somebody asked if he wasn’t going to stop them. All he said was,”—he mimicked a Grfdn rumble—“‘They are not finished yet.’” He shook his head again, as though he still couldn’t quite believe it. “The khn didn’t interfere until the guy spewed vomit and blood all over the floor. In the end, the older ones had to drag the mating female from the room. And that was no easy task, even for the three of them.”

  “You’ve never even told me about this,” Netlyn said.

  “No, I never talk about it,” Inewin said. “For one thing, the khn asked us not to. For another, it makes the Grfdn seem like crazed animals, and you know that’s not true. They’re normally rational and extremely dependable. It would be unfair to emphasize something that occurs only once in their lifetime.” He shook his head. “Besides, when I remember how easily that suitor overpowered a single female, I think it is quite reasonable that a group of them would be allowed to gang up on him. Otherwise, I don’t suppose the women would ever get to choose their own mates.”

  Inewin rested his elbows on his knees and looked straight across at Kena. “We don’t know each other very well yet, Kena, so I need to make sure you understand. I only told you this because of what you just asked, and because of what Hrndl is going through. This story is not to be repeated.”

  “It will not be heard from my lips. I have a couple questions though, if you don’t mind my asking.”

  His brows rose, but he leaned back and asked, “What are they?”

  “Her apprentice,” Kena said, “did they continue that relationship?”

  “Yes, they did. Some non-Grfdn suggested getting him a different mentor until after she’d mated. Neither of them would consider it.”

  “And the other women that came to help her—”

  “No, Kena,” Inewin said. “Came to support her. Make sure you say that correctly.”

  “My mistake. Did they provide her…oh, any ongoing support?”

  Inewin gazed at nothing for a few seconds. “There were always a couple women with her when she was off duty. Toward the end, her suitors would sometimes come to the communication section. Within minutes, a supporting female would arrive.”

  “Were they just there to make sure she wasn’t physically attacked,” Kena asked, “or was there more to it?”

  Inewin’s eyes narrowed. “I’m pretty sure there was more to it, but I can’t tell you what. Their conversation was in Grfdn. The crew didn’t emphasize speaking a common language as we do on the Ontrevay.” He paused. “Anything else?”

  Kena shrugged. “I’m still unsure why Hrndl is so determined Krdn be executed, but I probably won’t ever understand that. I just hope it doesn’t get her into trouble with the other Grfdn or with Ghent.”

  Inewin laughed. “Don’t worry about the Grfdn. They’re in complete agreement with her.”

  Netlyn’s lips twitched. “I don�
�t think you need to be concerned about Ghent either. He understands racial viewpoints better than most. Besides, he has never been completely satisfied with Krdn. He was furious with him after your first time in nav command.” She rose as she spoke. “You may not be tired, Kena, but I am. Come walk with me. Our quarters aren’t so far apart.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Kena frowned at the nebula sector in the 3-D display as she overlaid various scans on the visible light image. “I just don’t see it.” She stood and stretched her back.

  Netlyn swept the wispy hair from her creased brow and rotated the image. “No, neither do I.” She pulled up some older data and reran the time-lapse.

  The astro section hummed with conversations. As many scientists gathered there as navigators. Not to mention crew members who were simply taking a break. After all, the room had the best view in the ship.

  Piert, the Veet chief scientist, hovered nearby, while Kena and Netlyn searched for the source of a mysterious spectral signature that had made a fleeting appearance. He broke off his conversation with Ghent to exclaim, “That’s a relief!”

  Kena glanced in the direction he pointed—the portion of the display showing their course and current location.

  A few others murmured agreement, and one of the Prednian scientists said, “This calls for a celebration.”

  Delf grinned in his lopsided way. “Opyera is already planning a gala.”

  “What is this great event,” Kena asked, “which causes such relief and celebration?”

  “We just passed the farthest edge of the PitKreelaundun border,” Ghent said. “Didn’t you know?”

  She glanced at the 3-D display then back at Ghent. “The void looks pretty much the same on both sides of the border.”

  Those nearby laughed. Kena raised an eyebrow and watched them with a half-smile.

  Piert cocked his head. “Uh-oh, I don’t think she was joking that time.”

  Netlyn looked stricken. “Was it impolite of us to laugh?”

  “Netlyn!” Kena exclaimed. “When have you ever known me to object to laughter?”

  “Oh, Kena, how like you,” Netlyn said, wrapping her in an impulsive Tenelli hug. “Admit it, now. You know exactly where we are.”

  “True. It’s just that their border is so—boring! You’d think they could at least put up a clever sign or something.”

  “A sign?” Netlyn stretched the word out, her pitch rising to a squeak.

  Kena’s grin deepened with the joy of leading Netlyn on. “Yeah. Something like…” She assumed a cheerful, plastic tone. “Thank you for visiting the PitKreelaundun void. Please come again soon.”

  Netlyn’s mouth hung open. Across the room, Hrndl pressed a hand to her mouth but failed to suppress her gargling laugh.

  When Ghent stopped laughing, Piert said to him, “I can’t even imagine what she’s talking about. How was that funny?”

  Ghent shook his head. “You know how hard it is to explain a joke across cultures. This one has the incongruity of mixing Human hospitality with the ludicrous idea of borders in space.”

  “I see,” Piert said, but he watched Kena. “She’s got her mischievous look again. We’ll never find the source that way.”

  Kena gave him a sympathetic smile. “What do you think, Netlyn? Is it even possible to get more data for him?”

  Netlyn shook her head. “Pretty hard to get improved scans when we’re moving away, Piert.”

  He sighed. “All right. On the list for the journey back, then.”

  “Will do.” Netlyn tapped reference points on her console to record his request.

  Piert’s gaze lingered on Kena. She tilted her head and waited.

  He took a deep breath. “Kena, I’ve been wondering about something for the past week.”

  A week? The time since Frethan’s death. Everyone still tiptoed around that subject. The entire event, in fact. She wished they wouldn’t. Life went on. She hadn’t had a nightmare in—was it three or four days?

  “Then, I think you should ask.” Kena said.

  “That small rock—the one that got through Delf’s containment field. You wanted it brought in.” Piert frowned. “What did you suspect?”

  She shrugged. “That was one strange little object. Not that we had much time to look at it, but it’s the sort of thing I’d expect your team to want.”

  “Agreed, but…it must have been a PitKreelaundun device.”

  Her eyebrows twitched together. “I know it changed course and headed for the Ontrevay, much like their devices do. But it was this big.” She held up her hands as though grasping an invisible soccer ball. “What could they possibly hide in such a little package that would matter to a shielded vessel?”

  Kena sensed Grfdn emfrel near the door, and she turned to see who entered. Rnl. She disliked him more every day. “Apparently, he thinks she can’t find the dining hall,” Kena said under her breath.

  Rnl made his way to Hrndl, who looked toward Kena. Predictable. For the past week, she had done exactly that every time either Rnl or Frdn approached her.

  “And earlier every day,” Ghent said. “Hrndl and Kena, join me for a moment before your meal.” He led them aside.

  Rnl followed until Ghent’s cold stare drove him back.

  “A question first,” Ghent said once they’d entered a private room. “Have either of you had any difficulties at all from Krdn?”

  Hrndl ground the words out. “Not since that first day.”

  Kena crimped her lips, remembering Hrndl’s reaction when Krdn tried to assign them to separate shifts.

  Ghent looked to Kena.

  “No problems,” she said. “Since he’s with third shift, we don’t see him more than an hour a day. For which, I thank you.”

  Ghent nodded. “It’s time we get enough senior navigators—formally, that is. I’m considering promoting Jorlit and Netlyn, so this is your chance to tell me any concerns or comments. Hrndl?”

  “I concur. To a certain degree, they’ve been in that role for a while. Jorlit already leads second shift, and Netlyn directs the teams on scanning duty. Transition will be smooth.”

  “Kena?” Ghent asked.

  She shifted a bit. “I’ve known them all of three weeks. You and Hrndl have so much more experience with them.”

  “I still want your opinion.”

  “I’ve seen Jorlit’s skills in simulation,” Kena said. “They’re excellent. Netlyn’s not quite as impressive as a pilot, but she can tease more information out of a scan than anyone—and faster. She’s also good at teaching that skill. I’ve seen them both lead successfully in low-stress situations, but I haven’t observed them in high-stress. There’s no one else I’d prefer.”

  Ghent ended the discussion with his quick nod. “Thank you. You’re dismissed.”

  As they walked away together, Kena murmured, “I don’t know anyone who can get through a conversation faster.”

  “No one could doubt he is Plynteth.” Hrndl looked around the astro section. Rnl was gone. She let out a sigh, and her shoulders relaxed.

  In the hallway, Hrndl darted a look to meet Kena’s sideways glance. “Uh, I hope you don’t mind joining me, even though it’s hard to converse during meals now. I do appreciate your company.”

  “Then you are welcome to it. I often wonder if there is something I should know—something that I dare not ask.”

  “If you don’t dare ask,” Hrndl said, “then you must already know.”

  Hmm. How much could be said without violating taboo? “I gather that you will choose a mate soon, but that’s not what I meant. At times, it seems as though—additional knowledge would enable me to be more useful.”

  Their footsteps echoed unnaturally loud in the silence. Hrndl finally ended it. “Your presence alone is useful. It would be unreasonable to expect you to provide the full role of a Grfdn female. Dhgnr is aware and provides what is critical.”

  Kena mulled over her answer. It should have relieved her. Dhgnr was khn, after al
l, so maybe that made sense. Why then did she feel the answer skipped over a gaping pit?

  Ghent made his way through the crowded common rooms, which had been joined for the gala. Not relaxing entertainment for a Plynteth, but he had learned how useful these events were. They showed him the state of morale and improved it at the same time. Even the timing was opportune, for Gordahl had inquired about Kena in his last message.

  Ghent reached Kena’s side as the Grfdn percussion music started. Her chest still heaved from her last dance with Delf, and her eyes sparkled greener than usual. Strange that expending energy seemed to invigorate rather than deplete her.

  Kena greeted him with her welcoming smile.

  “I’m beginning to wonder if you know the dances of every race,” Ghent said.

  “I’m working on it. Jorlit taught me the Tenelli kyinatti tonight.”

  “So I saw. Much slower than the jig you just danced.”

  “True, but charmingly graceful.” She shifted her torso in one of the kyinatti’s side-to-side rolls. The full skirt of her dress swayed.

  A traditional garment, apparently. Dark emerald with a smooth sheen. It left her arms and legs bare, although it hung below her knees—at least when she wasn’t twirling. Gems hung from her earlobes and around her neck, and her hair swept back from her face in intricate twists. Unique styles were common at a gala—what surprised him was her figure. The garment’s neckline cascaded down in loose folds, but somehow the fabric clung to the curves of her torso, revealing her shape more than usual. He’d been a little worried that he might need to deal with a cultural incident, but Kena seemed oblivious to shocked stares that darted away.

  Kena’s gaze strayed to the dance floor where Hrndl stepped through a complex pattern with Dhgnr.

  “Are you going to learn a Grfdn dance, too?” Ghent asked.

  “Not just yet.” She studied their movement. “They seem to anticipate the tempo changes, but I have no idea how. Then, there are all those right-angled turns. Perfectly choreographed, but the form is a mystery to me.”