Cloud Rebel: R-D 3

by Connie Suttle

  That's not good news, I'm sorry to say, I informed him silently. He snorted his agreement.

  Who are they? I thought to ask.

  I have two older brothers-our mother sold all of us into slavery. She will likely do the same to any other children she births. We are a source of income for her.

  Honey, I've heard of some fucked-up childhoods, but yours may be the worst, I replied. "There, all healed," I said aloud as the last of his burns disappeared, leaving pink, healthy skin behind.

  I wish I could thank you in my own voice, but as you see, I can only do it this way.

  That's all I need, I said.

  I have heard Larentii never involved themselves in the troubles of others, he ventured.

  "That's because you never met me before," I smiled at him. "When this is over, I'll try to find a safe place for you."

  In my experience, there is no safe place for a mute Sirenali.

  "Let me work on that, all right?"

  * * *

  Matt Michaels

  "What the hell happened here?" The county sheriff walked into the restaurant, where it now looked as if someone had set off a bomb following a tornado. Paper napkins littered the floors and crushed tables; ketchup, salt and pepper was strewn in loops and strings throughout.

  He hadn't even seen the pile of bodies, yet.

  "Matt Michaels, Director of the Joint NSA and Homeland Security Department," I whipped out my ID.

  "What the hell are you doin' here?" he gritted.

  "The two in the kitchen killed those people in the corner," I jerked my head toward the pile of bodies. "We took out the two in the kitchen. Unfortunately, the owner is at the bottom of the civilian pile. The two in the kitchen are responsible for the massacre in Star Cove and for the deaths of two Corpus Christi Police Officers. My team and I were tracking them. We got here too late to save anybody-the owner, his wait staff and the customers were already dead."

  "What the fuck were they doing here, then?"

  "Who knows? My experts still can't figure out why they attacked Star Cove." My experts didn't know, but I did. I carefully stepped around that fact.

  "They're dead, though? Dead-dead?"

  "As doornails. FBI has been called to remove the bodies and hand them over to forensics." I wasn't about to tell him that there were originally four offenders, and that two had disintegrated, courtesy of an angry Larentii.

  "You need anything, you let me know," the sheriff jerked his head in an abrupt nod.

  "Sure thing. I appreciate the offer."

  Director Keef will investigate the deaths of his agents, Valegar informed me in mindspeech.

  Director Keef can kiss my ass-after he explains why he sent the four worst candidates in his employ to kill locals, I replied, my mental voice stiff with displeasure. If Keef wanted to mix it up with me, I was ready.

  "Be careful not to tamper too much with the timeline," Belen warned. For a moment, I'd forgotten he was there.

  "What?" I began.

  "These four-they were supposed to survive," Belen informed me. "I suspect that the rift was caused by the one known as Corinnelar, as she was created and inserted into the timeline-by those meddling with souls by using the drug."

  "Is there a problem with her existence?" Valegar's words sounded deadly.

  "No," Belen held up a hand. "The Mighty Heart has already approved of her; therefore, my judgment is moot in the matter. I haven't met her. I wish to rectify that."

  "I have to stay and clean up this mess," I said.

  "I should get back," Winkler interjected. I noticed that Valegar had managed to clothe the naked werewolf and clean the blood away before the sheriff arrived.

  "I will transport you," Val offered. "I wish to check on Corinne."

  "I'll go with you," Belen nodded.

  "Is anybody staying here to help clean up?" I complained.

  "I will," Colonel Hunter offered. Leo Shaw nodded mutely in agreement.

  "Great. Go out and haul those forensics people in here. Those bodies are distracting."

  Both stepped over broken glass, blood and ketchup to get to the door.

  * * *

  Corinne

  "Oh, you're back," I said the moment Val arrived with Winkler. Someone else appeared behind them. Someone I didn't recognize.

  He was tall. His features swam in my gaze, he shone so brightly. I blinked to clear my vision. A smile broke across his face, like the sun on a glorious morning. When I fell, I fell slowly, buoyed by the love that washed through me.

  Chapter 9

  Corinne

  "I don't believe this." I rubbed my forehead.

  "He doesn't wish to crowd you-or upset you," Valegar took my hand and kissed my fingers. "He says when you are ready, to call for him. He will most certainly answer."

  "Where is Gerrett?"

  "Entertaining himself in the kitchen. Apparently, he enjoys cooking-and eating. I believe he has devoured two large omelets and a ham steak. He is currently cooking a meal for the others, some of which he may also eat."

  "They were starving him," I muttered, closing my eyes. "I could tell when I healed him."

  "I believe he is more than grateful that you were his rescuer." Val was smiling when I opened my eyes again.

  "How can a mother sell her children?" I asked.

  "I have seen many terrible things in my time," Val sighed. "Father helped me compartmentalize them, so they did not interfere with my well-being."

  "A blessing and a curse, then," I breathed.

  "To some, perhaps. To an immortal, it is self-preservation."

  "I see your point."

  "I knew you would." He leaned in to kiss me.

  "Did Winkler get home all right?" I asked when Val pulled away.

  "He did."

  "Awesome. Val, I need to talk to you about that."

  "I do not have the ability to Change What Was," he said.

  "You already knew what I was going to say?"

  "I had a good guess," he shrugged.

  "I'm supposed to have it," I grumped, turning my head away. "I don't even know where to begin."

  "All in good time, my love," he said, turning my face toward him again with a gentle finger on my chin.

  "But it's already too late for Nick and Maye," I said, my voice trembling. "I don't want it to be too late for Winkler, too."

  "Dearest, are you sure this responsibility is yours?"

  "Honey, I couldn't find the records of who was there in the Archives. That spells me-to me. I couldn't find any records of me anywhere else in the Archives, either. So I've popped into the timeline unexpectedly. Unless you have another explanation for it."

  I watched as he lowered his eyes, then listened to the deep rumble of his sigh. "I cannot explain it better than that," he admitted after a moment. "Father says the same-that the timeline was changed through use of the drug-another reason to destroy that abomination."

  "How soon before Norian Keef comes hunting for those responsible for the deaths of his murderous agents?" I asked.

  "Not long, if Belen is correct. I do not doubt his calculations for a moment."

  "Honey, I get the idea that those Lyristolyi aren't done with us yet, and the schmucks making clones? They're making it worse. All we need is a pissed-off Norian Keef lion snake to arrive and throw another wrench into the works. Who knows who will come with him? My guess is that whoever it is, they'll only make matters worse."

  "The roots of this disaster are spreading, most certainly," Val agreed. "Like those of a poisonous weed."

  "And that doesn't even touch on the problem with Rafe. We need him and his talents, but I'm afraid to be near him, now. It's dangerous for both of us."

  "I can attempt a stronger compartmentalization, or ask Father to place it, this time."

  "Honey, I don't know," I rubbed my forehead. "Besides, we should get back to Canada-Finch is probably driving everybody nuts by now."

  "Do you wish to take Gerrett with us when we go?"

>   "Yeah. I want to make sure he's okay. Will you make sure he understands English? I've only spoken in Alliance common to him-he understands that."

  "Of course. I will warn Captain Finch to steer clear of him-unless he wishes to draw your ire."

  "Good plan."

  "I will transport Rafe, Katya and Sergei to Canada, too, after I call Father for help."

  "Great." Just the thought of seeing Rafe again made me feel nauseated and depressed.

  "Dearest, do not discount the role he will play in this. He has a part, just as you do."

  "I know." I felt like crying.

  "Come now-go spend time with Gerrett and the others in the kitchen while I ask Father to help me with Rafe. I will send mindspeech when it is safe to join me in Canada."

  "All right."

  * * *

  Ilya

  I was used to Valegar and-her. What I wasn't prepared for was the scrutiny of Valegar's father, Nefrigar, when he arrived.

  Somehow, I understood that he played an important and vital role for the Larentii, but he merely described himself as Chief Archivist for his race.

  Perhaps I would learn more about what that meant, someday. For now, he studied me with bright blue eyes that held eons of knowledge and experience in their depths. "I will attempt to compartmentalize the obsession," he said. "Valegar's attempt was made in an effort to only rein in the urge it created. The obsession overwhelmed it, as you know. Therefore, I will make the containment much stronger, this time. Don't worry, you will feel no discomfort."

  "I deserve discomfort," I muttered, still feeling angry with myself.

  "This is not your fault-never forget that," he said, placing large, blue hands on either side of my head.

  "Not her fault, either," I mumbled as Nefrigar applied more pressure.

  * * *

  Corinne

  When I arrived in the kitchen, I found Bekzi acting as interpreter for Gerrett's mindspeech. They were having a lively conversation, mostly spoken in Russian, with Katya and Sergei's friends.

  I could see that Bekzi had made friends with them already, and was paving the way for Gerrett to do the same.

  "When we go to Canada?" Bekzi offered a grin as he switched from Russian to English.

  "Uh, when Valegar announces the all-clear," I said. It became obvious that Bekzi and the others were planning to come with Gerrett and me.

  "Good. He bring Rafe. That very good," Bekzi nodded. "We eat, first. You want something? Coffee? Food?"

  "Coffee," I sighed. "I'm really not hungry, and I had sunlight not long ago."

  "You pale," Bekzi shook his head. "Not worry. Everything work out."

  You didn't see the pile of bodies in that Cordell restaurant, I sent mindspeech.

  I know this. Please, not worry. Some things-can't help, he shrugged.

  The others seem to think Norian Keef may come himself, since we killed his murderous, Elemaiyan agents.

  Hmmph. He Grz-gitch. He try harm, he get more back. I could tell there was no love between Norian Keef and Bekzi the reptanoid. From what I knew of Norian, I didn't care much for him, either.

  How soon, you think? Bekzi thought to ask.

  No idea. Whenever it is, it'll be too soon.

  Agree.

  * * *

  Ilya

  "This will be the test," Nefrigar announced. Whatever he'd done, other than squeezing my head between his hands, I hadn't felt.

  I froze. What would the test be?

  "This," Nefrigar smiled and transformed. Before me now stood her-Corinne-as she'd been when I first met her. I blinked in astonishment at her dark hair and blue eyes.

  I felt a churning in my gut, but that's all.

  "Now, this." Another transformation came. This time, Corinne as she'd been after receiving the drug a second time. Blonde hair, brighter blue eyes. A smile that lit the room.

  I heaved. Valegar's hands went to my head and stomach to ward off the nausea.

  "Now, this." Nefrigar became Corinne the Larentii. With Valegar's hands on me, I didn't even feel ill. Whatever Nefrigar had done, it appeared to be working. If it had truly been my cabbage standing before me, I'd have thrown my arms about her and wept with joy.

  Instead, I wiped moisture from my eyes with a shaking hand and nodded my gratitude to Nefrigar.

  "Good," he said. "Very good. If the compartmentalization appears to weaken, let Valegar know immediately. We will perform repairs quickly."

  "Will I be able to touch?" I asked. I didn't realize how shaky I was until I heard my voice tremble when I spoke.

  "Under observation," Nefrigar nodded after a moment of thought. "She will be wary, now. Approach with caution."

  "I know." I had to defeat the trauma in her past as well as work to eliminate her current vision of me. That could prove quite difficult. At least I could think her name, now, without going into a rage.

  "I warn you now, never bring harm to her. She will be the mother of my grandchild, someday," Nefrigar said.

  Yes, I'll admit that I hadn't considered that. Jealousy enveloped my mind.

  "Ah. That we can remedy easily," Nefrigar said while light poured out of him. When my vision focused again, the jealousy was gone. Instead, I felt nothing.

  I couldn't decide whether I should be angry or not.

  "Not would be the best option," Nefrigar interpreted my expression. "If you wish to see our Corinnelar again."

  "I see your point," I rubbed the back of my neck with a still-shaky hand.

  "Ah. Wise man," Nefrigar smiled. "I shall go. Valegar will be available should you have need or further questions."

  "Thank you," I nodded respectfully. I'd met so few in my lifetime who were deserving of respect. Nefrigar was so far outside my realm of experience, that I almost felt I should bow in his presence.

  "Not necessary," he grinned and disappeared.

  "Are you ready to be transported to Canada?" Valegar asked.

  "As ready as I'll ever be," I said.

  "Very well. I shall notify Corinne so she can meet us there."

  * * *

  Corinne

  Your Ilya appears fine, Val sent. Come to Canada and bring the others.

  You know they're all prepared to come, don't you?

  I received mindspeech from Bekzi. He says Sergei and Katya's friends feel uncomfortable without their presence. Therefore, this is the best solution.

  All right. I'm bringing everybody.

  Very good. I look forward to seeing you, dearest.

  Honey, I just want your arms around me, I said.

  I will ensure that this happens.

  * * *

  Reth Alliance

  Ildevar Wyyld, Founder

  "They're dead. All four of them," Norian hissed.

  "Have you considered that these deaths could be justified?" I asked.

  "They killed my agents, after inviting them in and meeting with them." Norian was furious and only attempting to hold back his anger because he stood before me. Anyone else would feel his full wrath.

  "How can you be sure that one of Earth's governments did this?"

  "It was the government that refused to cooperate, and I have images of two of their top officials involved in this massacre, recorded by Invus before the vid was destroyed.

  "Were there other images? Before or after?" I remained skeptical, while Norian insisted that his four were blameless in the event.

  "No. Invus feared for his life, therefore the recording was made. It was a justified recording, as you now know."

  "What do you want to do about this?" I asked. I didn't keep the weariness from my voice.

  "I wish to send an elite team to destroy," he began.

  "No," I held up a hand. "You will go yourself, and take one or two others with you that I deem trustworthy. I expect a full investigation and not a trail of revenge, you understand?"

  "Yes, Deonus." His half bow was performed out of habit and not respect.

  "I wish to be kept informed," I called afte
r him as he walked away.

  * * *

  "Caches of nuclear weapons are located here and here," Fisk informed his team, pointing to two mountain ranges in the Middle East. Even Morrett, the mute Sirenali, craned his neck to see the map on the table. He backed away quickly at Fisk's angry head jerk.

  Morrett knew the planet was marked for destruction; Fisk merely had to find a way to do it that looked as if it were done by the inhabitants instead of a hidden Lyristolyi drug tracking team.

  He wished he could warn someone, but he couldn't. With no voice and no mundane way to communicate, he couldn't inform the population of Fisk's plans.

  Twice before, he'd witnessed the destruction of planets at the hands of Fisk's team. It sickened him. You didn't kill all for the sins of a few.

  "Here," Fisk tossed a comp-vid in Morrett's direction. "Go read something and stay out of our way."

  Morrett caught the comp-vid neatly and turned away.

  Reading. It was his only escape. It made him wish he could read Earth's languages-perhaps he could read some of their paper books. There were still plenty of those. He'd found many during his travels across the planet with Fisk. Fisk refused to allow him to take any, although he had one hidden in his clothing.

  It contained mostly pictures, hand-drawn and whimsical. With the images, the story almost told itself.

  Morrett already loved the book.

  With a sigh, he opened the internal library on the comp-vid and searched for a title he hadn't read, yet.

  * * *

  Corinne

  Bekzi transported us to Canada-he offered and I felt too shaky to do it. A part of me wanted to see Rafe. Another part was terrified to see him.

  Val waited for me in our bedroom, his arms going around me quickly. I buried my head against his shoulder while he hummed his soothing song.

  It is called trilling, dearest, he said as he tucked hair behind my ear. Come, lie down with me-you are still shaking.

  * * *

  Personal Record

  Lendill Schaff

  "Child," my father, Kaldill Schaff, said. He seldom contacted me by mundane methods. His face appeared on my comp-vid the moment I sat up after waking.

  "Father," I acknowledged, my voice stiff.

  "Here." A cup of tea appeared on my bedside table. Mentally, I cursed the fact that I was half-humanoid and born without any of the gifts my father and brothers had in abundance.