Sacred Trust (24 page)

“Please join me in my conference room,” said Karon. “I also request the presence of Officer Kikess and the young people. This will make for a well-balanced discussion.”

Ruen, Eonus, and I received some searching looks.

Hey! It isn't our idea!
I had the urge to say. But I kept quiet.

Transporting over to Karon's ship occurred momentarily.

Settling ourselves into his conference room, I asked, “Karon, what is the name of your ship?”

“Interesting question, child. It is the
Sacred Trust
. A fanciful notion when we originally left our planet. And, please forgive me for using the word child. I realize the three of you are considerably beyond that stage. Habits sometimes interfere with common sense,” said Karon.

Okay, now I'm starting to like him. And from the looks on Ruen's and Eonus' faces, they were in agreement.

“Karon, the people of Basili would like to welcome you to our world,” said Barain. “I have been named, the new Basilian ambassador to the Aran-Basi people for as long as one is needed. We have many arrangements to make, but we would be proud to have you join us.”

“Wonderful. Are there any questions I can answer right now?” said Karon.

His body relaxed. Karon must have been under considerable strain while waiting for the Basilians' answer. If it had been no, what would they have done next?

“Yes. Why was that Basilian killed at The Temple of Enlightenment?” I asked. “You know the one I mean, when Eonus and I went there for the first time.”

“That was an unfortunate incident,” said Karon. “One of the alcolytes overstepped his bounds. He tried to keep the notion of our presence under wraps.”

“Will he be held accountable for this death?” I asked. Ruen and Eonus perked up.

“Yes, but I believe, it should be up to the Basilian officials to determine what censure is administered. I am certain Ada Chap will accommodate you, Officer Kikess, by turning the man over to you at the earliest possible time. I will speak with him immediately after this meeting.”

“Thank you, Karon,” Aron said.

A few more topics pertaining to the relocation were discussed, and then we returned to the Basiki.

“The next few days will be busy,” said Aron. “Many things need to be arranged. The actual transportation of people and items will not begin immediately. There are many plans to make. In the meantime, we will return to Basili and resume our lives."

Aron looked tired. At least, his involvement in the negotiations would now cease. He had his daughter back and could go back to policing murder and mayhem on the planet, which was probably going to be quite tame after dealing with aliens.

“Aron, can you send us home, or should we ask Karon to transport us?” I asked.

He laughed. “We will be landing in about thirty minutes. Quick enough for you?”

I don't know what came over me, but I scurried over and gave him a hug. He was as surprised as I was by my action. Ruen tried to hide a giggle.

“I will take that as a yes,” said Aron. “Now, return to your staterooms and gather up your things. so you will be able to disembark when we land.”

The mood lightened. Out of captivity, and on our way back home. What more could a person ask for?

The answer to my question turned out to be Eonus.

* * * *

In the lobby of our apartment, Iseen fussed over us. “Are you okay? Do any of you need anything?”

We reassured her we were safe and sound and back permanently.

“Dad, can we have another group dinner like we did before when we were rescued? Well, before we were transported down here to the lobby,” I asked.

“I had been about to make that suggestion. There is something we need to discuss. I will call Ilandus and Tata. Perhaps you could call Ruen and Raen.”

Very subtle, Dad
, I thought. He still ignored his relationship with Raen.

Everyone brought food, and we had a great dinner. Afterwards, we settled comfortably in the living room. “Now what is it you wished to discuss?” I asked my father.

The ambassadors exchanged concerned glances. As a result, Eonus, Ruen and I did also.

“Okay, what's going on? We know something's up,” I said.

“Ah, Ambassadors Scotia, Tata, and Title will be relocating to Earth,” said Dad. “A new era is beginning in our galaxy, and Earth wants to be part of it, with us at the forefront.”

I couldn't believe what I'd just heard. “You've got to be kidding! We just got here.”

“Isn't that what you wanted? To return home?” asked my Dad.

Unfortunately, that
was
what I'd told him...before I fell in love with Eonus.

“Dad, Eonus and I just started school here after being jerked out of school on Arandis,” I cried. “I have friends here, very close friends. You want me to leave them behind?”

“Eonus will be joining us because Ilandus will be going to Earth, too,” said my father.

“Yeah, along with your girlfriend,” I countered back.

Although he didn't say a word, by his expression, Dad obviously took exception to my statement. Everyone knew it to be true, but I immediately realized it wasn't a very mature statement, on my part.

“I'm sorry,” I quickly said. “That was uncalled for. You've grieved a long time for Mom,” I told my Dad. “If you make each other happy, then I'm glad you found each other.”

“What about me?” shrieked Ruen. “I don't want to go to Earth. Basali is my home.”

“Your father and I need to have a discussion with you,” said Raen. “Nothing has been decided yet about which one of us you should live with.”

“My place should be where I decide it is,” said Ruen. “I am an adult now, and can make my own decisions.”

No one knew how to respond to Ruen. She was a tiny bit of a thing and we all, even me, kept thinking of her as a child.

“When are you leaving?” I asked.

“Very soon. There's much to organize here and on Earth,” said Dad.

I just bet there is!
“Has anyone told Karon? I'm sure he thinks you'll be around to help sort out any difficulties during the integration of his people into Basilian society.”

Apparently the ambassadors hadn't thought about Karon or the three of us, to any great extent, while they were busy making plans.

Kikess took out his com. Ruen looked at him and asked, “Are you going to call Karon? How can you do that?”

“Their technicians modified my com, along with Ambassador Goul's.”

We all listened to Aron explain the situation to Karon, in case he had concerns. Apparently he had already been notified by Ambassador Goul and did have questions. He beamed into our living room a few minutes later.

“Karon, welcome. Please sit,” my Dad said, offering him the last seat on the sofa.

Though his face revealed nothing, he seemed anxious as he accepted the beverage I fetched for him, and then cleared his throat before speaking. “Your announcement is unsettling,” he finally said to my Dad.

“We understand your concerns, but with more inhabitable worlds being found, it is necessary to have open communications and an established rapport between all three of our known planets. There is currently talk of inviting the Aran-Basi to also send an ambassador to Earth,” said Dad.

“An interesting idea, but my immediate task is our new settlement. As you can probably imagine, we will not be welcomed by everyone on Basili.” Karon looked around the room. “I had thought we would have some continuity as we made our transition from the
Sacred Trust
to Basili.”

“You will have continuity as you will be dealing directly with Basilian Ambassador Barain Goul,” said Dad. “I feel he understands your needs quite well and will be making arrangements to speak again with you as soon as he is able to secure not only space for your people and for enough money to fund the building of communities for all of you.”

“Are we to be segregated then?”

“Oh, no. We merely thought it would be more comfortable for you to begin your lives on Basili grouped together for support rather than have your communities spread out all over the planet.”

“Your transition into our society will take some time and some give and take on both sides,” Aron added, “but I am sure Ambassador Goul will do anything he can to accommodate and expedite your needs, as will I.”

“I am grateful to all of you for your efforts in aiding us,” said Karon. “While I would like the Ambassadors here to remain on Basili, I have given the situation some thought and would like Ruen, Nara, and young Tata to stay on Basili. They would be a great help in our adjustment, particularly with our children. The three of them have shown remarkable resilience when coping with adversity, and much common sense. These traits will be in high demand as we learn to live on this planet and nurture our relationship to the Arandi and the people of Earth.”

The room burst into conversation between young and old, the ambassadors turning quickly into parents objecting to a separation from their children. Even Eonus and Ilandus had words.

“Silence,” Aron finally said. His voice carried, and he was used to getting the attention of others. When all was quiet he looked to Karon “You have introduced an interesting proposal, Karon. However, it's going to produce many conversation threads and arguments, I fear. You must give us time to come to grips with your request. If nothing else, I will call you in the morning—although a complete resolution may not be available by then.”

Satisfied with the assurances he'd been able to secure, Karon left shortly in the sparkle of glittering molecules as his transporter sent him back to his ship.

“Karon's proposal is out of the question,” said Dad. “We cannot leave our children here while we head off to Earth. They must accompany us.”

My cheeks were warm; I definitely had a mad coming on. I stood up. “In the first place, we're not children. Even Ruen is not a child; she is a young adult. As such, we will make our own decisions.” Looking from face to face, I said, “Eonus, Ruen, and I will adjourn to my room for a discussion. I'm not saying we will make a decision tonight, but we need our space to discuss this. Perhaps we should all meet here tomorrow morning for breakfast.”

With that, the three of us left the living room and went directly to my room. The silence behind us unnerved me. I'd expected loud protests and more.

“Who wants to start?” I asked, closing the door behind us and sprawling on my bed.

“I will,” said Ruen as she plopped down on one of the two stools in my room. Eonus took the other. “I think this is an excellent opportunity,” she said. “It would be like being mini-ambassadors. We get to learn about another world and help them adjust to ours—although we should have much in common. And we can continue with our school work. Coping should be easy for you and Eonus. After all the adjustments you made coming here, as aliens yourselves, you will be good for the Aran-Basi children.”

Ruen had an excellent point. I hadn't thought about how much we'd changed. Some days weren't that easy, though. “Eonus? What do you think?” I asked.

“Agree Ruen.”

“But how do you feel about staying here versus going to Earth?”

“Will miss Mother. Place here...with you.”

“We will have my father here,” said Ruen. “And you two will have me. We are like a family.” She grinned like the Cheshire Cat and bounced off her stool onto my bed, where she bounced a few more times, jostling a smile out of me.

Ruen was obviously fishing for another hug, so I gave her one. It wasn't a chore.

“Yes, we are a family, little sister,” I said. “And I like the idea of helping these people. None of them have been outside the bulkheads of the
Sacred Trust
. I can't imagine what it would feel like to leave the confines of their homes for the first time. And we won't be that far from Earth, or even Arandis,” I said, looking at Eonus. “With our need for diplomatic ties, I'm sure the frequency of spaceflights will increase.”

I looked at Ruen. “How is your mother going to handle going off to Earth without you?”

“Are you kidding? She's all eyes for your father.” She blushed and smiled at the same time. “Besides, she lives for diplomatic service. I've always been closer to my father because of that.”

“Eonus, what about Ilandus? Will she be upset if you stayed here on Basili?” I asked.

“Independent. Make own calls.”

“Yes, I know, but that's not exactly what I asked.”

He grinned. “Mother happy for decision. She see much good I do here. Perhaps become ambassador like her.”

With a little nudging, Eonus was becoming quite talkative. He might make a good ambassador, after all.

“Okay then, we agree. We would like to stay on Basili to help the Aran-Basi integrate with their descendants.”

My mind went blank. I had more to say, but the day had been long. And stressful. “I don't know about you guys, but I'm beat.” I sighed and laid back on my bed and closed my eyes.

“Talk to Nara,” Eonus told Ruen.

“Okay, I get the hint. I'm no longer wanted in here. I'll just go out there—and what is it you say, Nara?—schmooze with the old folks,” she joked as she got off the bed and headed toward the door. “I will see you guys at breakfast,” she said, giving us a knowing glance, as she left.

“Walk,” said Eonus.

I tipped my head up and looked at him. “You want me to get out of bed and go for a walk?”

“Yes. Walk in park.”

I thought about it for a minute and then got off the bed. “You better make this worth my while, buster.”

Eonus didn't have a clue what I meant, and I wasn't sure I did either.

“We're going for a walk!” I called out to Dad on the way out. He was in the living room with the rest of our parents.