“But I’m the bigger offender.”
“This conversation sounds familiar, doesn’t it?” Nex laughed, taking Anneliese’s hand.
“Which means they’ll do all right in the end. All it takes is a healthy dose of respect for each other.”
It wasn’t just newfound respect. Velia enjoyed Jape’s company. When they weren’t cruising for entertainment, they played Claim of Power, since Jape had brought it along, having guessed correctly that the Assembly would be leisurely about making a decision. They cooked together, Velia concocting Risnarish versions of her favorite recipes, and Jape wowing her with each dish he offered.
Most of all, they talked. About their lives before meeting, about the wins they’d celebrated and the losses they’d mourned. About what might lie ahead in the war against the Monsuda. With each conversation, Velia recognized more and more what a steady, conscientious man Jape was.
Affection was growing into a greater emotion, a caring that had little to do with the love they made every night, as intense as the physical closeness became. The explorations of body, mind—and yes, spirit—made Velia realize that if she did remain on Risnar to help against their peoples’ common enemy, if she stayed with Jape, she would not be able to stop herself from falling in love.
The idea should have frightened her, but it did not. She already adored the planet, with its people and their culture. She was devoted to Retav, whom she’d adopted in her heart as a second father. Arga, who kept Jape up to date on Ehar’s machinations to guard the village border against his return, was a brother to both of them now.
Why shouldn’t she fall in love with Jape? When Notlin called them in with the Assembly’s plan, which included the concession that Velia should remain as a consultant, it was as if destiny had clicked into place. Velia, who’d rarely entertained thoughts of fate, welcomed such notions.
Not even Elder Ehar, with her fierce desire to eliminate Earthling interference in Cas, had a say in the matter. Velia and Jape prepared to leave Yitrow, secure in at least that knowledge, though their new assignment meant the future for Earth and Risnar was more uncertain than ever.
Chapter Twenty-One
Velia stood in the middle of Cas’s portal chamber, trying to feel encouraged. Those sweet days of her stay in Yitrow with Jape had slipped past, leaving her with second thoughts about what she was about to do.
She tried to console herself that her current reservations had nothing to do with him. His caring attitude had confirmed they had a real possibility of discovering something special. As crazy as it seemed after their tumultuous start, Velia was sure of Jape.
She also should have been heartened by the Assembly’s agreement that talks must be opened with General Thomas. Notlin had given her approval and important information on the DIE in the hopes that at least the US portion of Earth’s military could be readied to stop the planned Monsudan invasion.
Better still, upon arriving at Cas hive straight from Yitrow, it was clear that Arga had been correct about who could be counted on. The warriors loyal to Ehar’s vision of an Earthling-free Cas had kept their forces concentrated on patrolling the village border. Velia and Jape’s arrival at the hive had gone unchallenged. In fact, they’d been greeted with warmth by those who trusted their enforcement head.
All was as well as could be hoped. Nevertheless, Velia’s fears nagged at her, new worries she wouldn’t be able to shake until she met with the general face-to-face.
She dragged her gaze from the pod that would transport her and her lover to Camp Noname. Jape and Arga stood to the side, speaking so low that her translator didn’t pick up whatever had them intent. Salno stood at the control podium, though Velia was capable of piloting the collection pod herself.
Okay, so I could use real training so that I don’t accidentally send myself to Timbuktu. All things considered, it’s wise to let her stay in charge in case the situation goes south.
Velia tried to calm the disquiet in her gut by reminding herself that Salno had been all too agreeable to instruct her upon her return. “As long as we need someone to go to Earth, it makes sense to have an actual Earthling go on missions,” Salno had said. If she disapproved of Jape’s announcement that Velia would be helping them defeat the Monsuda, she did not indicate it in any way.
“Salno finds your kind fascinating. If her relationship with Anneliese is any indication, you can expect intense questioning once she gets you to herself.” Jape had been amused at the idea.
Velia didn’t mind. She was curious to learn more about the Risnarish women anyway. It would be an interesting study for her too.
The continued churning in her stomach told Velia she wasn’t finding success in diverting her attention from the coming meeting. Retav, who had met them at the portal access with Arga, patted her shoulder.
She asked him, “What if General Thomas is intentionally part of this?”
“Then we’ll discover one man from Earth is in league with the Monsuda. And we’ll be cautious as we try to save your planet and ourselves.” His tone was matter-of-fact.
“If we don’t come back, please take care of yourself. Don’t allow anyone to go to Earth to rescue us.” Velia prayed her newfound suspicions were overblown, but she couldn’t help but imagine the worst even as she hoped for the best.
“You will return. I am sure of it.”
“Just as you did.”
“Just as I did.”
Jape broke into their reassurance session. “Velia? We should go.”
“Be careful.” Retav’s concern shone through. His touch on her shoulder trembled.
Velia hated that she’d worried him. Though she felt far from positive, she smiled for his sake before moving to Jape’s side. He offered his hand and she took it.
He squeezed. “We have to try. We’ll never forgive ourselves if we don’t, and trust me, guilt will eat you alive.”
“Even if it turns bad?” Velia was more unsure than ever about their mission.
“Maybe it won’t. If it does, warning the general is still the right thing to do. If Earth doesn’t know enough about the Monsuda’s colonization plans, they can’t protect themselves.”
“I’m more worried about protecting us if my people are in it for their own gain.” She clung to him. “I could go alone again.”
“You said you would bring a Risnarish representative. He agreed he would speak to us. He needs to hear what we have to say, face-to-face, so he can accept us as allies.”
Jape was assured. His resolve bolstered Velia’s. When he tugged her toward the pod, she didn’t hesitate. Moments later, they were on board, frigid golden fire flashing in the portholes.
* * *
Though he kept it to himself, Jape was as worried as Velia. He shared her near-certainty that something suspect was afoot with her military. He could be walking into a trap. He was going in unarmed and vulnerable.
The fact remained, the Monsuda would destroy most of Earth’s sentients if he didn’t attempt to explain the Risnarish’s history with their enemy. It didn’t matter if greed had played a part in factions of Earth throwing in their lot with their would-be conquerors. The majority of Earthlings were innocent, unaware of the depredations heading their way. Moreover, they were Velia’s people. That alone made them worth saving, if he could.
His gaze went to the woman at his side. If all went according to plan, she would live on Risnar with him. They would explore the amazing relationship that had sprung out of suspicion, that had flowered despite his foolishness.
If all went according to plan. The phrase scared him, as did the necessity that Velia would disembark the pod ahead of him. If she did not, he might appear aggressive to the warriors they would encounter. He had to let her lead this time. He trusted her to do so, but he didn’t trust those they would encounter when she did.
If she’s hurt, the Monsuda will be th
e least of this Camp Noname’s problems.
They cleared the golden flames of the passage, coming to rest on the pad outside the gate. The alarms blared outside the pod. Through the porthole, Jape saw human guards burst into the room beyond. As they had the last time, they held the barrels of their firing arms upward.
Anneliese had explained the bullets the Earthlings used. Such projectiles would do no harm in the portal. Nor could they penetrate the metal hull of the pod, though it bore marks from the time the soldiers had fired on it, when it had been discovered there was an access on Earth. Velia had told him they wouldn’t chance any further damage to the technology. She’d heard that those who’d shot at the pod had been severely disciplined.
It was a slim advantage Jape planned to take full advantage of, should he need to.
The Earthling warrior in front of the group yelled, “That you, Farrah?”
Velia keyed a button on the computer podium. “Hi, Hudson, it’s me. Please tell General Thomas I’ve brought Jape Bolep of Risnar here for the meeting we agreed to.”
Through the porthole window, Jape watched as the man she called Hudson jerked his head to another soldier. “Go wake the general. Okay, Farrah, you and your visitor come out with your hands up where I can see them.”
Velia offered Jape a tight smile before keying the hatch to open. “Standard operating procedure.”
Jape raised his hands as she did. “No problem.”
He followed her out, driving off the urge to follow too closely. He didn’t want to appear a threat to anyone, including Velia. The Earthling warriors stared at him in fascination, but they didn’t aim their weapons or show aggression.
Hudson woofed out a breath. “Same guy as before. Or do they all look alike? He’s a big fellow. Can he talk?”
Velia answered for him as she halted at the bottom of the exit ramp. “He has a translation device in his ear so he can understand you. He has a gadget on his belt that will interpret his language for you.”
“Okay. Good. Um... Jake Burlap? Was that the name?”
Jape stopped next to Velia. Near enough to grab her if it appeared she was in danger, but not too close. “Jape Bolep. I have no intention of harming you. I only wish to speak with your general.”
A female warrior muttered, “It sure looks like the same guy who tore in here and grabbed Farrah.”
“I am the Risnarish who took Velia. I panicked when you ran in.” He thought about saying he regretted having kidnapped her, but it would have been a lie. He settled and said, “I am sorry that my foolish actions gave you a bad impression of my race.”
Hudson’s eyes narrowed. “Huh. Sure. I need to search Mr., uh, Bowlip for weapons. You too, Farrah.”
“No problem,” Velia said. “But if this keeps up, Conner owes me dinner. She’s gone well beyond first base already.”
The males snorted. Jape gathered Velia had somehow amused them. Meanwhile, the female warrior slung her weapon by a strap over her shoulder. “If you love ramen in boiled tap water, I’m your gal. Arms out, Farrah.”
As Conner patted Velia over her clothing, other Earthling warriors changed positions, some placing themselves between Jape and the portal entrance. With their backs to the ring, they pointed their weapons at him.
“Easy,” Hudson said. “We have to take precautions.”
“I understand,” Jape answered, troubled to have the humans between him and the pod. As long as they didn’t point their weapons at Velia, he wouldn’t make a fuss.
A male warrior came up to him, his weapon slung. “I’m going to search you.”
“Go ahead.”
He ran his hands over Jape. He glanced at Hudson in surprise. “Dude’s hard as a rock. Is this an outer covering of some kind? He has to remove it.”
“Their skin armors. Nice adaptation, huh?” Velia grinned, friendly as could be. Jape wondered if the others knew her well enough to detect the tension at the corners of her mouth and eyes.
“Seriously?” Hudson seemed awed.
“I will demonstrate. If you will touch my arm or wherever you feel least threatened?” Jape waited.
At Hudson’s nod, the warrior in charge of patting Jape placed a cautious hand on his bicep. Jape’s skin rippled there and softened.
The soldier whistled between pursed lips. The high-pitched sound made Jape close his ears. “Shit,” the warrior breathed. “Normal skin now.”
Jape made a sudden decision and rendered all of his skin soft. “I leave myself unprotected as a token of trust that you will not harm me.”
The young Earthling finished his search, even opening the pouches on Jape’s belt at the Risnarish’s urging. He explained the different objects he wore, none of them a weapon.
At last, the human warrior stepped back. “Far as I can tell, he’s clean.”
“Nothing on Farrah, sir,” Conner reported.
Velia smiled at Jape. The tension had eased, and Jape relaxed too.
She gave her attention to Hudson, who stared at Jape with frank fascination. She asked him, “What’s keeping the general? I’d have thought he’d be running in here with our engineers on his heels.”
“It’s the middle of the night. You’re breaking into everyone’s beauty sleep.” Hudson sounded mild, even teasing. Jape was heartened by the relaxed display.
Hudson’s body suddenly snapped to attention, a pose Jape had seen Anneliese assume before elders. The Earthling soldier moved a wire attached to an earpiece nearer to his mouth. “All clear. No sign of aggression or weapons. Stand by for me to give the word.”
He signaled, and the other warriors again adopted slightly aggressive stances. Jape decided it was because General Thomas was so important and had to be kept protected. It was what he would do for an elder.
“Keep your hands up,” Hudson warned. Jape nodded.
Thus far, Jape had no problem with any of the Earthlings’ actions. The situation made sense, and he entertained hope that he and Velia had worried for nothing.
“Send in General Thomas,” Hudson said.
The door opened. An older man, lean as his species tended to be in comparison to the Risnarish, entered the room with determined strides. Right away, Jape could sense his commanding presence, his entitlement to instantaneous respect. The lines on his face were an elder’s, and it required all of Jape’s self-control to stop himself from placing his palm to his chest in deference.
The elder, no doubt Velia’s General Thomas, stopped before Jape. He looked him over, his stoic face displaying none of the shock or curiosity his soldiers had shown. “This is the envoy from Risnar?”
Velia answered. “Yes, sir. General Thomas, allow me to introduce Jape Ihucas Bolep, head of enforcement for the village of Cas on Risnar.”
“You can put your hands down, son.”
Son? Jape wasn’t sure why Thomas believed a guardianship or biological sire relationship could be so quickly claimed. Maybe it was a gesture of friendship on Earth? He’d have to ask Velia later.
For the moment, it was best to play along. Having won leave to put his arms down, Jape placed his palm to his chest. “From my spirit to yours, General Thomas, I bring you greetings of peace from the Risnarish. May your life be filled with joy.”
The Earthling leader gave him a piercing gaze. “You talk of peace. From what Velia tells me, the Risnarish are devoted to peace.”
“We strive to live in harmony with nature and each other.”
“Unfortunately, Jape Bolep, Earthlings don’t have that luxury. We are divided on Earth.”
“Velia has explained this to me. As a Risnarish, it is hard for me to comprehend. Yet I’ve learned your particular society, your country, is based on principals the Risnarish share.”
“Such as?”
“Freedom from tyranny. Loyalty to each other.”
“Freedom from tyra
nny. It’s interesting you would bring that up.” General cocked his head as he peered at Jape. “We are faced with despots at every turn, determined to destroy our way of life. Our freedom comes with a high price.”
“Is this why you have dealt with the Monsuda?”
“They have technology that can keep my people safe.” He darted a glance at the portal and the pod. A gleam lit his eyes. “With such things, as well as other devices the Monsuda have offered us, we can guarantee our continued freedom from tyranny from others.”
“They offer you help against your enemies. But I can tell you, they lie. We have discovered proof that the Monsuda have set up portals in other countries, including those of your foes.” Jape did not let emotion color his words. He spoke in the manner he thought Thomas would treat seriously: matter-of-factly.
In a matching tone, General said, “I don’t believe you.”
Velia moved close. “General, I’ve seen the records the Risnarish got from the Monsuda. Moscow has a portal. Fifty miles from Beijing, there is another. Riyadh. Tehran. There are more in Britain and Greece and other countries who are our allies. There are portals all over Earth.”
“Nonsense. Our allies would have told us if the Monsuda had contacted them.”
A flare of anger leapt in Jape’s gut at the immediate dismissal. The kind of swift dismissal he himself had too recently indulged in with Velia.
For her part, she didn’t react with emotion. Instead, Velia asked carefully, “Did you tell them we had support from the Monsuda? Do you know about the four other portals on U.S. soil?”
General Thomas’s expression paled an instant before it turned cold. He darted a proprietary glance at the ring and pod.
Jape was sure the Earthling leader hadn’t known about the other accesses. He was just as sure it hadn’t shaken Thomas’s jealousy of Camp Noname’s. He’s too determined to have the technology. He lives in too much fear in this world filled with enemies. He will not listen.
The meeting was pointless. Nothing else could be accomplished at that moment. Jape reasoned that maybe after he and Velia went back to Risnar, General Thomas would devote time to think things over. They could try again in a few weeks, perhaps. Or they could contact those in charge of other gates.
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