She’s the kind of leader people have no trouble dying for, because any cause she supports will be a worthwhile one.
“The amount of information the Monsuda have withheld troubles you. You are convinced they do not operate in your planet’s best interests.”
“I trust what people such as Salno, Nex, and Jape have told me. I trust what I’ve witnessed with my own eyes.”
“And you are not seduced by the promise of technology that will benefit your people?”
“Not when it’s incomplete technology. Not when the Monsuda are giving it to enemies who might use it against us. Not when they might be planning to use it to conquer Earth themselves.”
“Excellent.” Notlin smiled, a gentle tugging on her tranquil features. “I have been impressed with the Earthlings who have come to Risnar. I am certain that most of you are on the All-Spirit’s path.”
“I’m afraid that those with the power might not be so reasonable.” Velia lowered her eyes at that admission.
“Then we must show them the truth. If they will see reason, let them do so.”
“And if they don’t?”
“Then we will work with that too.” Notlin’s pleasant expression deepened, making Velia feel that no matter what happened, the future would turn out okay. A ridiculous notion with what was at stake, but in the elder’s presence, it made all the sense in the world.
* * *
“How long until Notlin and the Assembly give us our marching orders?” Velia asked Jape as they navigated the streets following their meeting with the elder. Her gaze kept straying to the mountains in the distance, the only features greater in size than the massive central Temple in the middle of Yitrow.
“It could be a few days. They will consider everything carefully, contemplate their actions in accordance with their beliefs, and generally worry it to death.” He smirked, as if he found the matter funny.
“Ugh. General Thomas will give up on us by the time we’re allowed to talk to him.”
“Having time to deliberate on what you’ve already told him might help.”
“Maybe.” Velia wanted to think so, but the image of Captain Hunt, aged shockingly and packed away in a suspended animation chamber, gave her a sense of dread.
Does General Thomas know?
Jape led her to the guest dome Notlin’s aide had assigned to them for their stay. Velia sighed as she gazed at the small, utilitarian lodging they’d already spent one night in. “Impersonal, isn’t it? I miss your carvings.”
“We won’t be here long. Did you notice how Notlin didn’t twitch an ear when we told her we were staying together?”
“Big deal, huh?” Velia had been sure it would be an issue the Assembly’s leader and Ehar would have in common.
She changed her clothes while Jape checked on the supplies in the kitchen.
He came into the bedroom as she finished up. Velia shook out the pants she’d been wearing. Her passkey for Camp Noname fell to the floor. Jape picked it up.
“You take this everywhere. What is it?” He handed it to her.
“My golden ticket.” Velia grinned up at him. “Yes, I realize it’s actually red. But it let me in all the right doors. Therefore, it’s always going to be my golden ticket.”
Jape’s expression was half amused, half quizzical. He’d opened his mouth to speak when his CPP unit buzzed, claiming his attention.
He pulled it from one of the many pouches on his belt. “Jape Bolep here.”
“It’s Nex. Are you and Velia sticking around Yitrow for a day or so?”
“Looks like it. I’m waiting for word from the Assembly.”
“Excellent. I’ve discussed Velia’s friend Ron Hunt with doctors and spiritual consultants. If she’s available, we plan to wake him up tomorrow and determine what state his mind is in, whether he can be returned to Earth. Everyone agrees he’d benefit from having a familiar face when we bring him around.”
Jape glanced at Velia, who nodded adamantly. “We’ll be there.”
After he wrapped up the call, Velia regarded him with concern. “They’re bringing in spiritual consultants for this?”
“Of course. They understand the workings of the mind and emotions better than anyone. They are the best trained for mental trauma.”
“Don’t you have psychiatrists? Psychologists? Therapists?”
The system couldn’t translate the words, so Velia explained them. Understanding rippled over Jape’s face.
“But that is what the spiritual leaders do. They heal the mind, heart, and spirit. All three go together.”
“Sounds a little weird to me.” Almost cultish.
“You said you gained insight and restoration from Retav, who was once a spiritual consultant of Hahz.”
“Oh.” Velia thought about her discussion with the elder and replayed it in her head. “But when Retav spoke to me, he didn’t put a lot of significance on the religious side, nothing along the lines of ‘trust in the All-Spirit, the All-Spirit knows best, the All-Spirit moves in mysterious ways.’”
Jape chuckled. “Of course he didn’t. We each have to find our own truths, in our own way. Retav would have simply pointed out the clues for you to follow to that truth. And he would have told you that no matter what, you are perfect, as the All-Spirit made you.”
He had indeed spoken words to that effect. The ideas he’d sparked had been healing. “Sounds like a lesson you’ve needed since losing your friends fighting the Monsuda.”
Jape started. Then he nodded, slowly and thoughtfully. “I wish I had remembered it these past weeks. It was among the few teachings I paid attention to when I was younger.” He laughed.
Velia thrilled to the happy sound. She loved seeing Jape freed from his guilt, a man strong in body, heart, mind...and yes, spirit.
Maybe these Risnarish have it figured out after all.
“Speaking of our friends in Cas, I’d better check with Arga.” Jape made the call.
Seconds later, Arga’s voice came over the CPP. “Arga Bolep.”
“It’s me. Have a minute?”
The other enforcer’s voice turned low and urgent. “I’ll call you back.” The CPP went quiet.
“Uh oh.” Velia bit her lip.
“Hopefully, he’s just being cautious.” Jape’s ears had flattened, betraying concern despite his even tone.
Five minutes later, Arga was on the line. “Ehar came searching for you and Velia. She wants us to take you into custody the instant you appear.”
“You and the other enforcers are all right?”
“We’re fine. The others are ignorant of your whereabouts, and I’m pretending to be. The big wrinkle is, she’s assigned extra warriors to help us find you two. And the borders of Cas are heavily patrolled, under the guidance of Farem Cloper.”
Jape paced. “He’s a decent warrior, but a farmer first. I can’t believe she put him in charge of the boundary.”
“He is devoted to Ehar and her views about keeping Risnar Earthling-free.”
“So I’ve figured out. It doesn’t change the fact that as my second, you should be in command of Cas’s security in my absence.”
“Ehar said she wished me to concentrate my resources on finding you.”
“What about the hive and the portal? How is the security there?”
“Still under my jurisdiction. Though Ehar did insist I double the protections...specifically, to keep anything from coming through from Earth.”
“Including those we’ve been removing Monsudan trackers from and returning home so those bastards can’t fetch Earthling lab subjects and continue experimenting on them?”
“That program has been suspended indefinitely. Salno is notably upset.”
“She would be. She cares for our human cousins.” Jape drew a breath. “That might work in our favor. Keep me inform
ed if the situation changes.”
“Done. All-Spirit keep you both safe from harm.”
“The same to you and Retav.”
During their conversation, Velia had chewed her lower lip sore. “You can’t go home because of me.”
“For now, and it’s because of Ehar. I’ve got a few ideas on what we’ll do about that, depending on what the Assembly decides.” He shrugged. Given that the head elder of Cas wanted him arrested, Jape appeared remarkably relaxed.
“What do we do in the meanwhile? Hide out here until I see what’s left of Captain Hunt?” Velia shuddered, thinking of facing her father’s shattered friend.
“No need to hide. In fact, we’re due a little fun.” Jape held out his hand. “Our capital, with all its entertainments, awaits you.”
“Better than the erawots?” Velia laced her fingers in his, enjoying the warmth of his firm grip.
“Different. Another side to our culture, for your scientific consideration. If you’re brave?”
“Come on, Stripes. Take me out on the town.” She tugged him to the door, her excitement making him laugh.
* * *
Velia’s night in Yitrow made her fall utterly in love with Risnar’s people. In contrast to the suspicion she found in Cas, she was welcomed everywhere she went in the largest village. Young boys who looked like miniature muscle men stopped their racing about to goggle at her. Tiny, willowy girls who moved about in packs giggled and stared, the bravest of whom would approach shyly and ask her name. Women drifted past, nodding, pressing their hands to their chests, and wishing her peace for all her days before floating on.
Men told their invasion jokes and told her where the worst ales could be procured, laughing easily. Velia noted no one stomping off in protest of her presence.
There was a street market where guild workers sold their wares. Fabrics, pottery and dishes, small pieces of furniture, artwork...it reminded Velia of a crafts fair. Or the market scene in the movie Casablanca. She and Jape paused at tables where decorative woodcarvings were sold.
“These are beautiful, but not as incredible as your work,” she whispered to her companion.
“No, these were carved by real artists. It’s only a hobby for me.” He looked pleased with her praise, nevertheless.
Jape had to drag Velia from a table of kitchen appliances with profuse apologies when she pulled the back off a device to inspect its parts. “But you don’t have an instant thawing pot at your dome. How does it work?” she protested as he hustled her away.
“All-Spirit save me, woman, you’ve built a Monsudan flying machine and studied the portal. Why do you find the technology of cooking gadgets worthy of such attention?”
Beyond the marketplace were outdoor dining areas, set up before stages. Yitrow’s version of the erawots featured commercially prepared food, drink, and broadleaf that was sold. Velia and Jape wandered from town square to town square, taking in dramatic performances, storytellers, dancing, and music. Some places were rowdy with laughter and cheers; others were quiet with appreciation.
“What do you think?” Jape asked as they began to make their way to their lodging some hours later. Cadi had set, and they were guided by the shimmering stones that formed the streets of Yitrow.
“It was amazing. Fun. My face aches from smiling. Past every corner, there was something different to see.” Velia sighed happily.
“Livelier than Cas by far.”
“Yes, but—well, believe it or not, I would classify Cas as the better of the two, at least where living is concerned. Yitrow is great for entertainment and a party. But there is something warmer about Cas.”
“Though some have been less than welcoming to you?” Jape’s silver eyes glinted, reflecting the soft illumination of the street. His arm curled around her waist.
“Yeah, even then.” Velia moved close, enjoying his solid warmth. “You have to understand, I was a military kid. We moved a lot. Working at Camp Noname is isolating. I’m friendly with those I know there, but we have to keep some distance because of the secretive nature of our projects.”
“I can’t imagine that kind of loneliness.”
“I’m not surprised. At the erawots at Cas, I felt a sense of community. Even when the people of your village are at odds, they’re still people you’ve been around all your life. That’s precious.”
“It is. I love my home village. It’s a part of me.” Jape squeezed her against himself. “I’m glad you sense some of what makes it special. I hope you are allowed to remain so you can have a place where you belong.”
Belong. Velia tasted the word in her mind. Wouldn’t it be funny if she found such a thing on an alien planet?
Filled with a joy, an anticipation she couldn’t clearly define, Velia wasted no time when the door shut behind them at their assigned dome. She slipped her clothes off and writhed against Jape, kissing and stroking to arouse him. He was more than willing, picking her up and carrying her to bed, where they made love late into the night.
* * *
“Captain Hunt? Ron? Can you hear me?”
Velia called quietly to the man cringing in the corner of the small room in the medical wing of Yitrow’s temple complex. She knelt several feet from the shuddering figure, once a man of proud bearing. Jape, two doctors, three assistant medics, and two spiritual consultants stood behind her.
The captain’s return to consciousness had proven to be the worst of their fears. The first half hour had been filled with screams of sheer terror, of him crawling off the mattress of his floor pallet and across the padded floor to get away from the assembled. His shaking, matchstick legs wouldn’t hold him up.
For the last hour, he’d cowered and wept in his corner, refusing to look at anyone, as if by not seeing them, he could somehow erase them from existence. Their gentle assurances that he was safe, that he would suffer no further pain, went unheeded.
Velia cried with him, shedding her tears silently. Disappointment was of little note to her, though the captain wasn’t capable of answering questions about his involvement with the Monsuda or how entrenched General Thomas might be. She hurt too much over the gaunt, tormented creature her father’s friend had become. What the Monsuda had done to him was nothing less than monstrous.
“Captain Hunt, it’s me, Velia Farrah. Do you remember me?”
Moans and wrenching sobs answered her. Nothing else.
Elder Amali touched Velia’s shoulder. “Perhaps as the hours pass and nothing hurts him, he will calm. Such trauma requires time to dull. Kindness to reassure.”
“If ever.” Velia stood up and swiped at her brimming eyes.
The gray-and-purple spiritual advisor smiled, gentle wrinkles settling in her lovely face. “Hope is never lost, so long as one person holds on to it.”
“He’s fallen so far from who he was. It’s hard to believe he can come back from what he suffered.”
Amali stroked Velia’s hair with a motherly touch. “That is why while you grieve for what has passed, I will keep hope safe for your friend. I will do this and help care for him until he finds his way.”
“And I will find out if those he trusted were responsible for this.” Velia addressed the shivering wreck in the corner. “You have my promise on that, Captain Hunt.”
* * *
Captain Hunt never spoke during the week Velia and Jape spent in Yitrow, waiting for the Assembly’s decision. His expression remained haunted, his shoulders hunched, cringing from any who came near. If Jape hadn’t accompanied Velia each time, she wouldn’t have been able to bear the horror.
Yet by the sixth day, there were hopeful signs. Velia walked into Hunt’s treatment room with the supportive Jape on her heels to discover the Air Force officer not in his corner but sitting on the pallet. Though he trembled at their approach, Velia saw an instant of recognition from her father’s friend. For the next coupl
e of hours, Hunt’s gaze flickered to her face from time to time, as if trying to figure out that brief moment of recall.
“He’s improving in many ways,” Amali reassured Velia. “He ate on his own last night and this morning, rather than us having to sedate him and provide intravenous nutrition. He woke from nightmares only three times, the lowest thus far.”
Jape leaned down and spoke to Hunt when he caught the man’s attention. “You are brave and strong. A true warrior, sir. You will prevail.”
Velia’s heart warmed at her companion’s encouragement. Jape had been a cheerleader for her as well, buttressing her against the sadness that swept over her after each encounter with Captain Hunt. Even when she’d dissolved into tears after the third visit, Jape had supported her by holding her close and letting her cry it out. He’d not told her she was a weak Earthling as she dealt with her grief. He’d been understanding. He’d been encouraging. He’d been her strength when she faltered.
Seeing what had become of Captain Hunt had tested Velia almost as much as if it had been her father she’d found devastated by torture. Even so, she couldn’t deny that for the most part, the trip to Yitrow had been the best time of her life.
It was all due to Jape. Not only did he support her during the low points, but he provided the happiest parts of the stay. They wandered the markets and squares, thrilling in the bustle of Risnar’s capital. They had dinner with Nex and Anneliese, during which Velia learned she wasn’t the only Earthling who’d had a rough time acclimating to a Risnarish man.
“Different situations, but it comes down to the same thing.” Anneliese sighed with a roll of her dark eyes. “Big cultural differences and unreasonable personal expectations.”
“Hopefully we’re moving beyond that,” Jape said with a self-conscious laugh. “Now that I’ve stopped acting like an idiot.”
“We’re both to blame,” Velia insisted.
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