Arms circled her body. Holding her above the rising sea of panic, keeping her safe. Keeping her head above. Jape was there, saving her from going under. “Calm down. Come on, let’s go somewhere else and discuss it.”
The panic receded, replaced by desperate anger. “Leave him here? Like this? I can’t!”
Nex stepped in front of her as Jape pulled her away from Captain Hunt. Cutting off the horrible vision. “He’s not in pain, Velia. He’s not afraid. It’s not hurting him to be in stasis.”
Nex was right. With her father’s friend out of sight, better sense returned to Velia. She didn’t fight as Jape led her from Captain Hunt.
They went to the experimentation area. Jape sat her on the table. When she shuddered as she glanced up at the loathsome octo-tool device overhead, Jape gathered her to him, lending her his strength. Nex went to the nearby computer podium and tapped on it.
Jape smoothed her hair from her cheek. “He’s alive in there, Velia. All we have to do is wake him up. I’ll ask Nex to put him at the front of the line to go home, if you wish.”
“He didn’t attend my father’s funeral. He sent flowers and a note that he’d been assigned to a new posting and couldn’t get away. I couldn’t believe he’d abandoned us, that Captain Hunt hadn’t moved Heaven and Earth to come to the service. He and my father were so close. I haven’t seen him since.” And I didn’t want to even speak to him, except to tell him off. I felt betrayed.
Nex studied the computer readout. “He’s been here over two years.”
Over two years. Nex’s words rang in her ears. Hunt had gone missing at around the same time as her father’s heart attack.
“It can’t be a coincidence. Can it?”
“What?”
Instead of answering Jape’s question, Velia buried her face in her hands. General Thomas had been her father’s and Captain Hunt’s commanding officer. He had to have been told the captain had disappeared, even if he’d been sent to another posting. Nonetheless, he’d not said a single word to her about it.
Maybe he was avoiding upsetting me any further. It could have been as innocent as that.
Innocent? When so much is at stake? Detection systems. Night vision eyewear that makes it identical to daylight. A translation system similar in nature to that used by the Risnarish. The massive, unstoppable DIE. And a promised future access to the portal. All those amazing devices, dangled before our military. Carrots before the donkeys.
She lifted her head and stared out at the endless sea of people in their suspended animation coffins. Row after row, people yanked from their friends, their loved ones, their eras.
“This is what my military is selling our planet for.” She glanced at Nex, noted he was staring at his computer. “What did the Monsuda do to him?”
His ears flattened, and he hunched, as if to shield himself. “I’d rather not give you the details.”
She swallowed a wave of nausea. “That bad?”
“If we wake him—well, I’m not sure how much of him would be left to talk to. Physically, they healed the damage of the experiments, but his mind—his mind might not have stood up to such horrors.” Nex drew a deep breath and straightened. His hurt gaze met hers at last. “I’m sorry you had to find a friend this way, Velia.”
She barely noticed his regret in the storm of impotent rage that washed through her. She clenched her fists until her fingernails bit into her palms.
Technology. Weaponry. DIE. The portal. Were they worth a man’s sanity? His life?
And what exactly did General Thomas know?
* * *
Velia’s stricken expression cut Jape to the hearts. The betrayal, hurt, and anger was identical to what he had noted in too many mirrored surfaces in the weeks following his men’s deaths. The need to comfort her was urgent, but he feared she’d reject him as she wrestled with finding someone she regarded a friend among the Monsuda’s victims.
I have to try. Forget the pride, warrior. If she pushes away, it’s not going to kill you.
After a moment’s indecision, Jape sat down next to Velia, still holding her close. He was gratified when she burrowed against him.
What else could he do for her? Jape cast about in his mind and came up with nothing of use. He wanted to help Velia, but the support she required was emotional. The kind of strength I’m not well equipped for.
He glanced at Nex, hoping for some guidance. The man had logged in his own trials with an Earth woman and lived to tell the tale. His friend was still fussing with the computer. No help there.
He grunted in frustration. When in doubt, speak the truth. “In case you haven’t noticed, I am horrible with feelings, Velia. My own and everyone else’s. With that in mind, would you share what you’re struggling with? Even though I could potentially make it worse?”
His gruff attempt surprised a laugh out of her. She leaned back to look at him in a way that made his chest ache pleasantly.
Somehow, despite all that had happened to Jape, he cared for her. She’d gotten past his pain and rage. She’d gotten in.
Maybe I wasn’t just fighting guilt over my men. Maybe I was fighting some inner awareness that this woman could turn my whole world on its head with her smile. That she’d complicate my life, and I would be glad she did.
As her bright expression faded, so did the grief in her eyes. The familiar fire of her spirit sparked, signaling the return of the woman who’d overcome Cas’s strongest warrior. Yet she clung to him with the same fierce demand. “I wonder how much General Thomas is aware of, when it comes to the Monsuda. He must realize Captain Hunt is missing, but he never breathed a word. It makes me think—damn it, I don’t dare say what it makes me think.”
“You suspect the general could be complicit in his being stored at the Yitrow hive?” Jape frowned. How could a leader commit such a crime against his own men?
Velia drew back a little and rubbed her forehead as if it ached. “It’s ridiculous. He’d never allow this.”
“Then why let your thoughts turn in that direction?”
“Some weird part of humanity loves conspiracy theories. I’m part of one myself, aren’t I? I work with people who keep the public in the dark about aliens.”
“You have told me of your faith in the general. You should not let the shock of finding this other man bring doubt where it doesn’t belong.” Even as he spoke, Jape noted the irony of him defending her leader, when he’d been so determined that Earthlings were the cause of all the universe’s evils.
“I know, I know! But—”
When she didn’t go on, Jape prodded, “But?”
Velia moved closer to him again. “The weird thing is, the week before my father died, he called me. I was on the brink of getting my degree, and I’d already interviewed with the engineering firm contracted to Camp Noname. It was all I’d hoped for, the direction my father steered me in. However, during that call, he told me maybe pursuing the whole alien technology business wouldn’t be in my best interests. That if I wanted to go into another field, I should check into it. It came out of the blue, a complete reversal of all our plans.”
“He didn’t say why he had this change of heart?”
“He told me we’d talk about it later, in person. But later never happened.”
“Because he died.”
“Which is another issue making me wonder. That man never had a sick day in his life, but he suddenly suffered a fatal heart attack. Now Captain Hunt—”
She broke off again. Shook her head violently. “I’m talking crazy stuff here. I’ve gone from absolute loyalty to seeing betrayal everywhere.”
Jape thought the matter over, trying to view it from all sides rather than what he instinctively leaned toward. And attempting to make Velia feel not just better, but heard. “You could be right that your people, those working with the Monsuda, are unaware of the evil they a
re aiding. The general could be innocent of your Cap-Tin Hunt’s abduction. Your father might have died from an undetected ailment. It happens.”
Velia blinked. Gave him wide eyes. Smiled a little as she teased. “Are you, Jape Ihucas Bolep, actually defending my kind? Giving Earthlings the benefit of a doubt?”
“I admit to comprehending little.” He chuckled. “All my certainties—almost all of my certainties—have been cast into the wind. I am attempting to do better.”
“That’s two of us. I don’t have a clue as to what to have faith in now.” She brightened. “But I have a pretty good idea of who I can believe in.”
Her steady gaze made Jape’s hearts beat faster. “Have I earned that?”
“If there was ever anyone who had no problem giving me the blunt truth, it’s you. In light of this discovery, I appreciate that.” Her expression turned fiery again. “I have to imagine General Thomas didn’t realize they’d taken Captain Hunt. I have to, or I’m going to return to Earth with a weapon in my hand, demanding answers.”
Real pain sliced through Jape’s gut to hear her speak of going to Earth. But of course she would. It was her home. Where she belonged. To contemplate any other outcome was foolish.
I don’t want her to leave, though. I want her to stay. With me.
Oblivious to his morose reflections, Velia kept talking. “This changes everything for me. For us.”
“In what way?”
“If General Thomas knew all along that people were being taken and experimented on by the Monsuda, he’s got to be held accountable. It’s wrong. Hell, it’s heinous, no matter what he was getting in return.”
“If we discover he was working with them, while grasping their crimes, what is it you plan to do?”
She gave him an affronted glare. “What do you think I’ll do? I’ll return to Risnar and help you stop him and those monsters in any way I can, of course. My engineering skills have to be of some use in fighting the Monsuda. If you’ll have me?” The spark of anger dissolved into entreaty.
“Of course I would.” Jape could have burst with joy. Velia hoped to stay. Maybe it was only to take up the fight, but it was a start. He’d take any excuse to keep her close by.
“Well, that’s one person on Risnar not in a hurry for me to go. Or did you mean, you accept my help on behalf of the Risnarish?”
“Velia, I—” Jape stopped. Now that he’d dismantled the walls he’d erected, a rush of emotions threatened to swamp him. He thought he wanted her to understand how great his change of hearts had been, but did he? Would it be too much?
I shouldn’t tell her all of it. I should hold back some. If I put myself too far out there, she’ll run.
However, he would explode if he didn’t express all that filled him past endurance. When he opened his mouth and the words tumbled out unbidden, it was clear to Jape that he couldn’t have bottled up any of it if he’d tried.
“I’d give anything for you to stay. Whether your general is guilty or not, if it’s all been a big misunderstanding—losing you would leave a hole in my life.” He looked away from her startled face miserably, his ears flattening in anticipation of her rejection. “I’ve been terrible to you. I don’t deserve to keep you near. But it’s what I want. With all my spirit, I want you here with me.”
* * *
Velia had never expected Jape to say those words. After all they’d been through, all the turmoil, she’d discounted how he’d treated her lately. Though she’d been drawn to him, even when he was at his condescending worst, she’d been sure he’d celebrate the day he didn’t have to cope with Velia Farrah any longer.
When he’d said he didn’t desire any other woman but her, she’d cautioned herself not to read too much into it. They’d forged a link at last, but it had to be tenuous. It could snap the instant friction arose once more.
Yet his admission and the manner in which Jape had uttered it—more like a cringing boy than the hulking giant he was—revealed a wish she’d hidden so deep in her heart of hearts that she hadn’t recognized it was there. That he’d crave her as she craved him. That he’d move past his judgments of her—just as somehow, some subconscious bit of her had seen past the bluster of his loneliness and pain.
Or had he? Maybe he was projecting on Velia what he wanted to see, now that they weren’t constantly snarling at each other. Newfound promise, as shiny as Jape’s silver eyes, warred with caution.
She had to know. Before she risked the pain another wrong impression would bring, she had to be sure Jape cared about her, the real her.
“Jape, you have to be realistic about me. I’m not tough the way you understand. I’m not like that Anneliese you admire so much. I’m no fighter.”
His ears perked up as he lifted his head to gaze at her. “You are, though. You fight in your own fashion. All-Spirit lend me strength, how you fight!”
Velia laughed at the chagrin that settled on his expression for an instant. She’d given him hell, all right. As good as she’d gotten.
He smiled at her, making her chest go tight. “You are strong. It is not the kind of strength I’ve recognized as such before. I’ve come to appreciate it.”
“Really? Most of the time, I get the idea you wish I’d shut up.”
“At first, I did.” He chuckled, shamefaced. “I’ve been wrong about a lot when it came to you. I’m glad that you didn’t back down. That you didn’t allow me to bully you. I’m glad you are who you are.”
He wasn’t going to leave her a path of retreat. He was forcing her to take the gamble her heart clamored for. “Damn it. Just when I’m sure I’ve figured you out, you go and pull a stunt like this. What am I going to do with you, Stripes?”
“I hope you will grant me a chance.”
To what? Make me feel something deeper for you? If he kept at her with that caring attitude, the attempts to be the man she’d glimpsed more and more often, it was a possibility.
She could fall for Jape. For real.
Again, she sought to divert eventual heartbreak. Her pulse raced as she dared to push him in a direction he couldn’t want to go in. “Should we try to find out what we can make of this? Maybe with an eye to the future?”
His eyes lit, and his ears pointed straight up. “If I dare to hope you’d agree, then yes. The least I want is to show you I can be a better man than I have been. Especially where you’re concerned. If you’ll give me that opportunity, it’s more than I deserve.”
He’s not running for the hills. Is this really happening?
It was. Grab the opportunity before he regains his senses.
She must be crazy. Such situations couldn’t happen so fast.
But what do I have to lose? If it doesn’t work out, how would I be any worse off than I am now?
Velia opened her mouth, thinking she’d point out the unlikelihood that they could succeed. She’d challenge him with some intelligent reasoning that would snap them out of this joyous spell that had fallen over them. None of that was spoken. Instead, she heard herself say, “I’ll give you every chance in the world. In both worlds.”
He flung his arms around her with a laugh. She returned the embrace, unable to hold back. I’m dreaming. I would never make the ludicrous assumption that Jape Bolep and I could forge a relationship.
Well, if I am dreaming, don’t wake me up. Let me stay here as long as I can, replied that sparkling desire.
Even with the horrors she’d encountered that day, even unsure of what she’d discover on Earth, Velia couldn’t help but feel only miracles were possible as Jape kissed her in front of a chuckling Nex.
Chapter Twenty
“This DIE, this warship you are building at the behest of the Monsuda—how close to completion would you say it is?”
“As far as the blueprints we have, it will be finished in three months.” Velia sipped the herbal tea, noting with
surprise how steady her hand was as she held her cup.
Surprised, because she was telling Camp Noname’s most closely guarded secrets to an elder. And not just any elder, but the head of the Assembly herself, Notlin.
After Velia’s experiences with Ehar, she’d expected the worst from the leader of the whole of Risnarish society. She was thrilled to find that Notlin couldn’t have been more Ehar’s opposite. The milk-chocolate-brown woman with gold stripes, stripes almost as 24-carat bright as Jape’s skin, had none of Ehar’s cold aloofness. Sure, Notlin gave a sense of being somewhat removed from the world with its drama and cares, but she also radiated warmth. Velia had a sense that Notlin would greet tragedy with calm, while weeping for the plight of others. And after tears were shed and support offered, she’d get straight to work to fix what needed to be fixed.
Being with Notlin was akin to huddling around a fire that kept the cold at bay. The elder exuded peace, a balm to Velia’s soul after too many revelations, both good and ill.
Notlin considered the timeline Velia offered with the same patient gravity she’d greeted all the information Jape and she had given. She did not comment on whatever she thought about Ehar’s actions and Camp Noname’s projects. Instead, she deliberated before asking her next question.
“As far as the blueprints you have—your phrasing interests me. There are pieces missing?”
“We think so. No, we’re positive there are. There is a gap between the ship’s controls and the engines that would fly it. As well as no links to the weapons systems. The components function, but the mode in which they’re set up—well, the DIE is useless without whatever the Monsuda are holding back.”
Another long pause. As Notlin deliberated, Velia shot a look at Jape. He seemed as at ease in the elder’s presence as she felt. She’d not seen the enforcer so relaxed, as if all his cares had been lifted from his massive shoulders.
Notlin was indeed a different leader from Ehar. She’d be able to convince General Thomas of Risnar’s benevolent intentions. But Velia would never suggest the Assembly’s leader go to Earth. She had the unwelcome notion that Notlin would be in more danger there than the general would be on Risnar. Though she’d only met the woman an hour before, Velia was definite she would take no chances on Notlin’s welfare.
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