by neetha Napew
His wrath was so great he began to choke on the accumulated spittle in his mouth and Ken had to pound him on the back. Still strangling, All Kiachif held up his glass for a refill.
As she had promised, Kelly brought the ranch files to Hrriss’s house. He came out to meet her.
“I thought I recognized the distinctive beat of Calypso’s pace,’ he said warmly, greeting her.
“Nothing’s wrong, is it?”
“Not with Todd,’ she assured him, dismounting and throwing the mare’s reins over the rail at the door.
“But we got another small problem. Ken Reeve thought maybe you could help ori the Hrruban end of things. Give you something to do.” “Constructive work is always welcome,’ Hrriss said, gesturing for her to precede him. “What is the task?” Kelly outlined the story of the mismarked and unidentifiable hides. Hrriss scowled deeply, grasping the implications immediately.
“Zo, now we are alzo rustlers!” To her surprise, Kelly actually saw the hair of Hrriss’s stripe rise in resentment.
“Ken Reeve saw a leopard Appaloosa hide in a bundle Fred Horstmann brought in. The puzzle is that the Reeves don’t raise leopard Apples.
We do.
But the freeze mark was a Reeve Ranch that was put on a two-year-old pinto. “Neither pintos nor leopards change their spots,’ Hrriss said thoughtfully. “Had the freeze mark been altered in any way?”
“No. Ken had the hide analyzed and we’ve all had a look at it through a microscope. Dad doesn’t show a record of any missing leopard Apples. But we need to know if any Hrruban rancher might be missing one.”
“What good would that do? A freeze mark cannot be altered.”
“But a duplicate number could be put on another stolen animal, couldn’t it?”
“Ah, that is a different matter. And no reliable trader would export animals which did not bear the brand of a reliable rancher.”
“Todd’s already working on a read-only scan of Hayuman ranches but it takes so long on this antiquated computer net that if you could handle the Hrruban end of things.
“Of course,’ Hrriss said, patting her knee to reassure her. “I will begin at once.”
“I would like to help in any way I can,’ said a soft voice as a female Hrruban slipped into the room. “I have computer skills.
Kelly tried hard not to gawk at the unexpected presence of a female in Hrriss’s company. “I’m so sorry. How very rude of me not to ask if you were already occupied, Hrriss.” She started to rise but Hrriss gently pushed her back down on the divan.
“I am Nrrna,’ she said, coming straight to Kelly and holding out her hand. She had a short, fluffy dark beige pelt, evidence of her youthfulness, but her stripe was broad and dark, suggesting she came from a very good family. She wore a braided cloth in aqua shade, looped in decorative swags from her shoulders, waist, and ankles that offset her delicate form and beauty.
“I remember you,’ Kelly said, cordially gripping the slender hand, for Nrrna’s face markings were familiar. She glanced at Hrriss and saw the glowing look in his eyes, not the least bit fraternal. Nrrna returned his glance in the manner of one who has developed considerable rapport. “We took a language class in High Hrruban, though I admit it’s been years. Aren’t you working for the Health Services these days?”
“Yes,’ Nrrna replied with shy friendliness, sidling slightly closer to Hrriss. “I heard of your academic success from my parents.
Yours must be very proud.
Hrriss moved imperceptibly closer to the dainty female. “Nrrna and I will become lifemates this season,’ he said, looking proud and self-conscious at the same time.
“You will? Lifemates? Oh! Oh, I’m so happy for you!” Kelly leaped up to seize Hrriss and rub cheeks with him again, then turned to offerboth hands to Nrrna, squeezing the delicate bones very gently.
Considering how Hrrubans mated, Hrriss was likely using the word “season’ advisedly. Nrrna would know her cycle, and was planning carefully so they would have time for a joining ceremony before estrus began. Kelly felt that her face was cracking with her delighted smile.
“So this is the research into matters of interest to your mother, Hrriss! How wonderful! May you have every joy!” She snapped her jaws closed before she said what was in her mind, and didn’t know where to look in her dismay.
Hrriss reached for her hand and pressed it between his. “When Zodd and I are able to resume our association, Nrrna and I will tell him together.” Kelly sighed. “Your news would cheer him up, but I can quite imagine how his knowing such a private arrangement could be construed. I may pop out in spots of anticipation but I won’t mention it.
That’s one thing I’ve learned at Alreldep-how to know and not know. Just please let me be there when you do break the news. I want to see him really smile, from deep down,’ and she touched her diaphragm, “instead of just his lips.”
“You have my word . . -.
“Which is worth a lot, believe me,’ Kelly said, her tone suddenly fierce.
Hrriss nodded solemnly and his eyes glowed at the strength of her conviction. Once again he took her hands but this time to seal their agreement.
“Well, I do feel better, Hrriss, I really do.”
“And these records?
Have you arrived at any style to conduct the search?”
“I have,’ Kelly said, and opened the packet. “It’s such a boring job, takes forever, but if you can both help. .
“Nrrna, your parents may not wish you to involve yourself in an investigation of this nature.”
“Locating missing hrrsses?” She raised her delicately marked brows at him, her emerald eyes wide with surprise. “It is to help the friend of your heart, Hrriss. And I am my own person. I may make my own decisions.” Now she gave Hrriss a certain look that caught Kelly’s breath. Undeniably the twinge of regret she felt at seeing such unselfconscious love was partly jealousy for what they already shared.
Hrriss turned back to Kelly, his jaw lightly parted and a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You see, she will have her way if she knows the rightness of the path.”
“Are you and Zodd not on the same path?” Nrrna asked. “Hrriss has told me how much you are trying to help revoke those ignoble accusations.”
“Ah, yes, well, Nrrna, that’s another matter. Nrrna’s delicate laugh came out a soft purr. “It is so easy to tell when bareskins are embarrassed. Oh, I do not mean to offend with that term “We are bareskins and I take no offense from such as you, Nrrna. Never,’ Kelly said. “And I blush far too easily for my own good.” “Especially when Zodd is the subject,’ Hrriss said, cocking his head to join in the testing. Then he turned to Nrrna. “Hayuman females do not have your advantage.
“I wish I did,’ Kelly said with complete exasperation. “I don’t mind telling you two-and talking about Todd is not a violation of that stupid ban you two are under-but I love the guy and he doesn’t seem to see me as anything more than his “trusted Hunt second” and the girl next door.” Hrriss regarded her with eyes that glowed now with a slightly different but equally tender regard than the one he gave Nrrna.
“He danced more with you than with anyone else, Kelly,’ he said.
“And he kept his eyes on you wherever you were. And if he was not aware of it, he did not look at you as a trusted Hunt second.”
“And I know he’s annoyed because Pat and Ken keep inviting me over for dinner and I don’t think he wants me to come. When I only want like blazes to help any way I can.”
“Ah, but you do not know Zodd as I do, Kdly. “No, I don’t. That’s why I’m asking you, and I really shouldn’t belabor you with personal pro lems right now, but you do know him.”
“Right now Zodd would be careful to shield you, as I tried to shield Nrrna,’ and he looked lovingly at her.
“Who refuses to be shielded,’ Nrrna said on a puff, “just as Kelly does.”
“I most certainly am capable of taking care of myself,’ Kelly said vehemently. “Oh, Todd
and that damned awkward sense of honor of his! Well, he wouldn’t be Todd without it.” Hrriss contented himself with a nod. “Be yourself. Be helpful, be cheerful. And now let us all be helpful and see what we can learn.” He glided across the room to the computer station and flicked it on with just the nail of his first finger. Sitting down, he logged on his user number. “I shall begin with Hrrula’s ranch. He mourns every time one of his hrrsses goes missing. It is a personal affront to his care of them. I will drop a note to obtain permission.
Nrrna and Kelly watched while the data base brought up the user message board. Hrriss had his fingers poised over the keyboard when the screen cleared to show the last user number accessing the file.
“I cannot continue,’ Hrriss said, his voice sad and reluctant.
“That is Zodd’s number at the bottom.”
“But if he’s not on the net now, surely .
“Not now. The time indicates that he logged off thirty minutes ago.”
“Then go ahead.”
“I cannot. It might be construed as an infringement of our oath not to contact each other. What if it was suggested that he left messages in a file for me to find and erase?”
“Sometimes . . .” Kelly raised hands above her head in pique, then lowered them, accepting such a scrupulous interpretation of their restriction.
“You’re becoming as paranoid over this as Todd.
“Thank you,’ Hrriss said solemnly. “In that context, it is a compliment.” Kelly rolled her head and threw up her hands again, this time turning to Nrrna for guidance.
“Well, then, Nrrna. It’s up to us. We’ll investigate on our own, won’t we?” Nrrna nodded enthusiastically. “So move out of that chair and let either me or Nrrna log on. Get you out of the room so you cannot be tempted, scaredy cat,’ and Kelly made shooing gestures with her hands at Hrriss. “If you’re so concerned about our involvement, we may or may not tell you what we learn. Your place or mine, Nrrna?”
“Stay here!” Hrriss said, his tone just short of pleading. “I will not look.” And he went to sit on the pillows farthest from the computer station.
“You can be in the same room with us while we’re jeopardizing our reputations in helping you?” Kelly said teasingly.
“You both do us honor,’ Hrriss said gravely, and picked up a tape viewer, turning his head away.
“But please tell me when you have located that leopard Appaloosa hide.”
CHAPTER 6
KELLY FOUND ALl KIACHIF IN ThE PUB of the Launch Center, weaving to a circle of his captains a story of derring-do during an ion storm in which he and one of his men had rescued the ship, getting the cargo and everyone on board to their destination with nary a scratch.
The Codep captain’s talk was punctuated with alliterative triads and circumlocutory references, but he had a knack for making a story come to life. When the others drifted apart to discuss the merits (and veracity) of his tale, Kelly approached him.
“Captain Kiachif?” The spacer looked up. “What may I do for you, little lady?”
“My name’s Kelly Solinari. I’m a friend of Todd Reeve.”
“That’s something we have in common,’ he said kindly. “Come and commune, with a cup of cheer?”
“No, thank you,’ Kelly said, declining the offer of a drink. “I don’t really feel very cheery. His father said that you offered to help clear him of these accusations against him.”
“I’ve been of that mind, if you understand me.” Kelly dropped her voice to a discreet whisper. “It is Admiral Landreau, isn’t it, who hates Todd and his father enough to frame them?”
“Hates “em lock, stock, and block. Always has since they made a fool of him. Only he made more of a fool of himself. They didn’t have to help much, if you see what I mean,’ Kiachif said. Having spoken his mind in as guarded voice as she had used, he took a deep drink and let out a sigh of satisfaction as he put the glass down.
“You don’t happen to remember any other distinctive horses wearing Reeve markings?” Kiachif screwed his face. “I remember that one, like I told Ken. But perfect pat and plain, Miss Kelly, I didn’t think much of that incident. You see, that Aden feller, their manager, was doing the shipping, so it seemed natural that all the horses had Reeve Ranch marks. That leopard-spotted one just stood out so much among the bays and browns.”
“But it did have a Reeve brand on it, then?”
“Yup, it surely did.”
“But how could it have?” Kelly’s voice went squeaky as she tried to keep it low and couldn’t repress her outrage.
“Well, now, the freeze brand is not supposed to be alterable.
Technique’s practically perfect. But nothing’s perfect.
“Oh, don’t tell me someone has a system for altering brand marks!
Can you think of the havoc that’ll cause?”
“Nope, don’t want to think about it. I want to think how I can prove Todd Reeve never rustled nothing in his life, never stole nothing, never fiddled with log tapes or deviated from his registered flight plans. I want to think how ships been getting through one of the most secure security systems in the galaxy. That’s what I want to think about. And this helps.” He lifted his empty glass and signaled a passing harman.
“Bring the bottle!” When the bottle had been brought, he inspected the cap with a narrowed eye before he broke the seal and filled his glass.
Kelly was somewhat astounded by his capacity but she kept her expression polite.
“Can’t be one of the Codeps. I got them under my thumb,’ and he held it up, flat and broad and stained, “if you know what I mean. They know all better’n accept stolen goods “cause it makes me mad and besides that, makes it look like the government’s condoning theft.
Fred Horstmann was some upset about that bundle of hides but I calmed him down. That Zapata provenance checked out genuine. So we got to go back further in this rustling-business, hide-marking, moneymaking nonsense. I do remember’-Kiachif paused thoughtfully-‘carrying a feller back to Earth. He’d done his prison term. Knew all about lasers did Askell Klonski. A weasely little wart, if my memory doesn’t mislead me. Claimed he could change a tattoo of a wanton, winking woman so she was blinking with the other eye and you’d never know it hadn’t been that way to start.” Kelly smothered a laugh, for his words conjured up an indescribable vision.
Kiachif held up his hand.
“He’d be just the sort to deftly do the deed, if you know what I mean.
Now, I don’t know if he was bragging or not. Those types do.
He’d served his sentence, but he didn’t learn it, if you understand me.
The guards in the galley said he was a genius in laser techniques.
Served as a trustee his last years on the Rock because he was the only one who could fix the alarm system. He was so good no slips, skips, or blips went undetected. No escapes at all during his tenure.
Shortened his sentence slightly, where it shouldn’t have ended at all, if you follow me. If I hadn’t had orders signed by Varnorian himself, I doubt I would have carried him anywhere.”
“Where is he now?” Kelly asked eagerly.
Kiachif massaged his whiskers. “Still on Earth, so I hear. No decent colony would have him. He was pushed in on a snooty section of Corridor and Aisle, to the infinite consternation of his neighbors.
They say he’s “not our type, dear.”
“Kiachif did a humorous imitation of a proud matron looking down her nose at Kelly. “Spending a lot of money, too. I’d like to know where he got it. With his record, the chances that it was hardly honest are high. “Hmm,’ Kelly said thoughtfully. “Any chance of contacting him soon?” Kiachif nodded his head up and down, refilling his glass again. “Strangest part is that that man was released just about ten years ago.
“Oh!
“That’s what I said. Ten years ago. Not so lon before I saw that leopardy horse. The moon played hide-and-seek with the doud as the two girls sneaked down toward the tr
ansportation grid on the Hrruban side. A thin spot ol light penetrated the clouds, striking the ground in front of them, and they ducked behind the bushes.
Kelly hoped there were no small nocturnal predators abroad, not when they didn’t wish to draw attention to themselves. Night critters all had mean bites.
“You do know how to set the grid, don’t you?” Kelly asked Nrrna in a tone barely above a whisper.
“I do, but, Kelly,’ Nrrna replied, “you know this is highly illegal.” “So is what they’re doing to Todd and Hrriss,’ was Kelly’s whispered reply. “Time’s running out.
All Kiachif thinks he knows the man who could have used a laser to change animal brands and he’s on Earth, so that’s where I’ve got to go and fast. Ii we can just cast doubt on one of those phon> charges against Todd and Hrriss, we might be able to prove that a conspiracy exists. If we can’t, whc knows what will happen to them-or to Doona.” Nrrna sighed. “I know, I know. But you must be very careful. If it was discovered that I assisted you to grid back. . -“ Kelly brought her face very close to Nrrna’s. “I’d never tell who helped me, Nrrna.
Anyway, who’s going to know, if we keep to the schedule you worked out?
I’ll get to the medical supply warehouse on Earth. You just make sure you’re here to rescue me when the pallet comes, all right?” She squeezed Nrrna’s hand for confidence.
“A female shouldn’t be so fearless,’ Nrrna said.
“Where did you get the idea I was fearless?” Kelly demanded. “I’m terrified but that doesn’t keep me from doing it, because it’s the only way I can help Todd.” She took three deep breaths. This was worse than watching Big Mommies heading toward you.
“And it’s your way of helping Hrriss. So let’s get it done. “To she who dares falls the prize,”’ she muttered to herself before she beckoned for Nrrna to lead the way.
When they reached the grid, there was no one in sight. Kelly didn’t at all like using the Hrruban grid: it made her nauseous.