Anka looked at her with amusement. Jerking a dismissal at Cerek, he helped her up.
What in the world was that all about? I didnt say anything to upset her! I swear! I was really careful.
She was offended that I showed up when you were working, Anka said, laughter threading his voice.
Im sorry, what?
The
uh
lecture was for me. On Sumptra, we live in the home of our mothers. My sisters would never have allowed their lovers to see them working in the garden and their lovers wouldve had better manners than to show up before theyd had time to groom themselves.
Oh, Sybil said in dismay, wondering abruptly just how bad she looked. It didnt take much imagination when she could see she was filthy from crawling around in the dirt.
I told her that you were always beautiful to me.
Sybil couldnt help but be pleased. What did she say to that?
He grimaced. She said that I was a fool and I should send you to live with her. She would be willing to adopt you as her daughter and teach you how to be a good Sumpturian woman.
Oh! That was so sweet! Sybil exclaimed, dismayed at the notion.
I told her that you were my Earth woman and that I was content to learn your ways.
You are? Sybil gasped, thrilled beyond measure.
Shall I shock the pants off everyone and prove it right here by kissing you?
It was tempting. Im filthy and sweaty, she said pointedly.
He looked down at himself ruefully. Me, too.
Sybil chuckled. I wouldnt mind that
but I dont like being dirty, you know?
I told her that I would speak to you about a possible compromise, Anka said, slipping an arm around her waist and guiding her toward the transports waiting to take the workers back to the habitat.
What sort of compromise?
He frowned. You will be more comfortable living among us, Sybil, if you understand our language and our ways better.
Sybils heart leapt. She knew nothing was settled yet, though. There was no point in asking if it was. Im willing.
It would mean that you would spend your days in her company.
Oh.
He paused, stroking her cheek. I dont want you to be a good Sumpturian woman. I like you the way you are.
Youd like being able to talk to me in your own language, though, wouldnt you?
His lips curled up. Maybe. There is a certain advantage.
She gave him a look. Yes, but its
your
advantage, not mine! she said tartly.
He looked uncomfortable. You might overhear things youd rather not.
Sybil sighed. You think I cant tell when theyre talking about me now? There are some things that dont really need translation. You can tell from expressions and gestures and even body language.
So
what am I thinking?
Sybil laughed. What youre always thinking!
He sent her a mock glare. I dont always think about that! You have dirt all over your face, by the way.
Oh! And you just
let
me flirt with you like I looked good!
Youre cute even with a dirty face,
nodia
.
Well! I dont want to be cute, damn it! I want to be sexy!
Sexy, too.
Right!
Ill prove it the minute we have a little privacy.
No you wont! Im taking a shower first! She got a crash course on just how determined Anka could be when they got back to his quarters, but she discovered the grime didnt make it any less exciting. * * * *
Coward that she was, Sybil had hoped she could avoid the unpleasantness of dealing with Meachum about her supposed kidnapping. She didnt object when Anka explained that it was necessary for her to be present during the discussion. She knew he was right, but that didnt make her dread it any less.
She was vastly relieved, though, when she discovered the discussion would be conducted via satellite. At least she didnt have to be in the same room with the bastard!
It occurred to her as she walked with Anka to the communications center that the conference would offer them an opportunity that she hadnt immediately considered-the chance to make sure her side of the story was heard by someone other than the people whod blackmailed her to start with.
Can we broadcast to several satellites at once? she asked Anka as they reached the center.
He looked at her curiously. We could. What are you thinking?
Sybil gripped his hand tightly. Im thinking Id feel better, much better, if more than a small panel of government goons heard the discussion. As long as its closed to everybody else, they can say anything they want to, even alter the recordings to make them work for them. The best way to keep them honest is to make it where they cant put their own spin on the talks.
Anka still looked unconvinced. Youre saying broadcast it where the public can watch and listen?
Yes. There cant be a cover up if everythings out in the open.
He frowned. Its risky, Sybil. They could refuse to discuss this at all if they discovered what was happening. We need to come to an agreement.
I know we do, but dont you see? They could double-cross us if they get to tell the story their way. Who knows what theyve leaked to the press? Or how everyone on Earth sees the situation? They could be scaring everyone with lies and using fear to get people to agree for them to do whatever they want to do! Theyve done it before!
And if theyve leaked that bullshit about me being kidnapped, a lot of people could be scared and angry about it. Im more interested in reassuring everyone back home that it isnt true than Congressman Webb and Meachum! They dont give a damn about me!
He studied her doubtfully for several moments but finally nodded. I hope this doesnt backfire on us,
nodia
.
The suggestion that it might increased her uneasiness, but she was sure-as certain as she could be-that anyone as underhanded as Meachum could be counted upon to stab them in the back if possible. She couldnt think of any other way to insure that it wasnt possible.
Of course, as insurance went, it still wasnt fool proof. They could still come up with a lie to bury her attempt to get the truth out, but she didnt see any other possibility.
Inside the communications room, she was introduced to the Premier, whom she remembered meeting before, and two councilmen she didnt remember. Anka moved to the communications console and spoke to the officer there. When he returned, he spoke quietly to her. Weve linked to two other satellites, but one will be out of range shortly. I instructed Inge to watch for another and link with it when possible. I hope youre right about this.
She wished hed quit saying that! It was undermining what little confidence she had in her idea!
Congressman Webbs face appeared on the large vid display at the front of the room. Any doubts Sybil had entertained that the transmission was two way vanished when the Congressman looked directly at her. Lieutenant Hunter. Its good to see you. How have they been treating you?
Very well, Sir, Sybil said a little stiffly.
He looked at the other men in the room with her. You may speak freely, Lieutenant. Were watching over your interests.
I am speaking freely, Sir, and you wouldnt do me much good from Earth if I wasnt.
He frowned. They havent coerced you in any way? I notice you look a little
Your skin looks burned.
Its sunburn, Congressman. Ive been working in the garden, and, no, I havent been coerced. The report of my abduction was entirely wrong. Im here because I want to be.
He frowned, looking down as if he was studying something on his desk. The report I have says otherwise. According to this you were taken against your will from the Embassy, which is American territory, I might add and a breach of the treaty agreement so lately signed!
Sybil gaped at him in disbelief. Shed expected that they would try to twist everything she said to make it sound as if she was afraid to tell the truth and she was
still
too shocked for several seconds to react. That is a bald faced lie! she said angrily. Anka didnt even go inside the Embassy! He asked for me at the door. Ask Lt. Brant! He was on duty! For that matter, check the security tapes!
Congressman Webbs face was stony. The report was filed by Lt. Brant.
Well, hes a damned liar! Sybil glanced at the Premier. Dont look if youre squeamish, she said warningly just before she jerked her top up and her trousers down to fully expose her blossoming belly. She turned to give the Congressman a profile view. Im here because Commander Anka is the most wonderful man Ive met in my life, because I
want
to be with the man I love and I want his baby born here, among his people. I was
invited
to live with them.
Anka settled his hand over hers. I dont think you needed to do that,
nodia
, he said, laughing. I think they wouldve figured it out.
They wouldve said I had something stuffed in my shirt! she said testily. They know you didnt kidnap me. Theyre just trying to wiggle out of the treaty they made!
Anka glanced at the Congressman questioningly. Are there any more questions youd like ask my woman?
The congressman looked like someone had shit in his mouth. I think were satisfied, he said tightly,
on that score. Since Lt. Hunter claims that she left of her own free will, however, there is the little matter of her being AWOL.
Not unless someone forged my signature on a new enlistment, Congressman Webb, Sybil said tightly. My tour was up before I left the moon for Venus and I refused to sign up for another tour.
Ill look in to that, he said through gritted teeth. Youre dismissed
for now.
Sybil turned to look up at Anka. On impulse, she rose to her tiptoes and kissed him full on the mouth. She hadnt actually intended to give him more than a peck, but Anka had other ideas. Ill remember to take my hat with me when I go to work in the garden. I wouldnt want them to accuse you of staking me out in the sun.
Anka shook his head at her, but he smiled.
She turned and waved at the congressman. Hello everyone back home! Dont worry about me. I love it here. Venus is growing more beautiful every day!
Anka glanced back at Inge. You can cut the feed to the other satellites now.
The congressman looked blank for several moments and then turned so red Sybil more than half expected him to explode. She turned to the Premier and the other two councilmen. I apologize if I embarrassed you. I just had to be sure they couldnt twist this into something it isnt.
The Premier and both councilmen assured her that they hadnt minded looking at all, that it was a lovely display of womanhood.
Chapter Seventeen
Grandmother Lonlea, the elder who seemed determined to adopt her whether she wanted it or not, and Cerek were waiting for her in the corridor near the quarters shed been sharing with Anka. Grandmother began to fuss immediately that it was late and it would be hot by the time they got to the garden.
Its always hot, Grandmother, Sybil said, smiling. I had something to take care of.
Dis more important, Grandmother informed her in broken English. Today you start learning Sumpturian ways! You work. I teach.
Oh joy! Sybil said wryly.
Grandmother swatted her. Respect elder!
Sybil bit her lip and glanced at Cerek.
Foul temper, he mouthed at her.
I read lips! Grandmother said, swatting him.
Sybil couldnt honestly decide what she thought of the old woman. She also couldnt figure out why the woman was determined to attach herself, but she learned very quickly to be grateful for it. Not only was she careful to make certain Sybil didnt make any serious blunders in her ignorance of the customs of the Sumpturians, but she was quick and fierce in defending Sybil if she thought anybody slighted her.
She wasnt terribly happy when she discovered she was expected to move in with Grandmother, but she didnt argue. Poor Anka could hardly walk through his quarters after hed retrieved her belongings from the Embassy and she knew it had to be miserable for him. Besides, it wasnt as if shed actually had the chance to get used to sharing his quarters and she had her own space when she moved in with Grandmother.
In any case, Anka came over almost every night to spend the night with her.
It was more comfortable for both of them, she told herself, and it wasnt as if they spent their days together anyway. Anka was busy on the construction site and she was busy tending the garden-not that there was much to tend. Only about half of the seeds sprouted and of that half, the majority withered shortly after poking little green sprouts from the dirt.
Deciding they were just getting too much sun, she and Cerek built a little tent with a tarp so that they could shade the plants through the hottest part of the day. The few plants that remained perked up, but the stalks grew long and spindly, making it clear they either werent getting enough water, or nutrients, or both. Either that or there was something in the soil that prevented them from thriving. Only a couple actually produced blooms and most of those simply fell off.
She felt like crying when Anka finally came to check her experimental garden. He crouched and studied the plants, frowning.
They didnt do well, Im afraid.
He lifted his brows at her. They grew.
I guess you could say that, she said glumly.
Straightening, he patted her cheek and grinned at her. You grew plants on Venus that were cultivated for Earth,
nodia
. Youre an amazing woman! Dont give up on me now. Well have to
learn
how to grow here. It isnt Earth and it isnt Sumptra.
Heartened by his praise and his confidence in her, Sybil went back to study the seeds and chose different plants to try. She managed to coax a double handful of undersized vegetables from her third experiment. Fortunately, the greenhouse garden fared much better. While it couldnt be said that it was a huge success, it did produce enough to supply the colonists with a few fresh vegetables at each meal.
The Sumpturians had a festival to celebrate their first harvest. Sybil enjoyed it-all of it except the part where Myune wallowed all over Anka trying to entice him to her bed. If she hadnt looked and felt like a beached whale by that time, Sybil wouldve had to be restrained from pulling her hair out.
As it was, all she could do was glare daggers at the bitch and sulk. She was slightly appeased when Anka returned to the table and sat down with her-but still miserable. Grandmother had told her in no uncertain terms no more fucking till after-just that bluntly. Worse, shed also informed Anka. He was allowed to come and stay a while, but not sleep with her and Grandmother made it clear that she was guarding the henhouse. If they got too quiet, she poked her head in the door.
It was enough to drive Anka into Myunes arms, she was sure.
She didnt know why Anka tolerated the tyrant!
So shed grown rather fond of the old woman! She still didnt appreciate being told when she could have sex, damn it! And she certainly didnt appreciate being told she couldnt!
Unfortunately, the damned doctor agreed with her.
When she finally broke down and cried about it, Grandmother scolded her. Fool! He no go anywhere.
But that bitch, Myune, is just waiting to pounce on him! I see the way she looks at him!
Grandmother sniffed. That one fool, too! Wasting time. Anka your man. He wait.
Sybil sniffed. You really think so?
I think you fool! No tease him! He horny enough!
Sybil glared at her. Well, Im horny, too, damn it!
You want him poking baby in head?
Sybil uttered a snorting laugh. No.
Baby no like neither! He come out to see what happen!
Sybil sobered. If Grandmother was worried about sex putting her into premature labor, she was right to scold. It wasnt as if she had much longer to wait anyway.
Grandmother patted her. No worry bout Anka. No worry. He love you, girl. Tell you all time.
Sybil felt her heart swell at the first part of Grandmothers speech, but then fresh doubt crept in. Hes never said he loved me.
Grandmother rolled her eyes. Say all time,
nodia
. Means beloved.
It does? Sybil asked wonderingly, breathless with the thought that she was telling the truth.
I told you learn
hiutzu
, girl! Then you know like everybody else! She snorted in disgust. Him tell whole world and you fool, you dont hear! Him build fine house. Big house. Me and you, we move in before baby come.
* * * *
Sybil was never more glad to have anything over with in her life-or more exhausted from her labors! The choked wail that cut through the silence that had fallen over the room was the sweetest sound shed ever heard.
Is it alright? she gasped wearily.
This is a
fine
boy! Grandmother Lonlea informed her. You did a very good job!
Sybil laughed with sheer delight. Its a boy?
Yes-a very fine boy! The ladies will adore him.
Sybil laughed when the elder waggled her brows salaciously. She lifted her arms hopefully when Grandmother moved away from the foot of the bed with the wiggling bundle. First I clean him up!
Sighing, Sybil dropped her arms, watching anxiously as Grandmother directed the nurse whod attended her with the doctor. The doctor massaged her empty belly and appeared to be satisfied. Shall I invite your lover in?
Yes, please.
Anka looked like hed delivered the baby himself when he came in. His complexion was so gray it alarmed her. After glancing toward the two women and the squalling baby, he moved to the bed and dropped to his knees awkwardly, more as if theyd given out than if it was by choice. He caught her hand, squeezing it. Hes beautiful.
You saw him? Sybil asked eagerly.
He blinked at her. I got a glimpse.
Sybil was a little peeved. She hadnt even gotten a glimpse of him yet! The thought had barely registered, though, when Grandmother brought the baby to the bed and very carefully laid him between her and Anka.
Sybil looked down at the face of her son and fell in love immediately. Hes
adorable! He looks just like his daddy!
Anka looked disconcerted. He smiled a little uncertainly. He does?
Sybil sent him a look and scooped the baby up, bringing him to her chest. He began to calm down almost instantly, further endearing himself to his proud mother
and then began to search her chest a little frantically.
Oooh! He has a good appetite, that one! Grandmother exclaimed proudly. Give him the breast girl.
Sybil felt her face heat, but she shifted the baby until she could unearth a breast. I sure hope he knows what hed doing, because I don
He made a snorting sound when he felt the nipple touch his cheek, whipped his head around, and chomped down on it, pulling on it for all he was worth and kneading it with his tiny hands. Sybil winced, turning redder. I guess he does.
Grandmother beamed at them for several moments and then turned and shooed the doctor and his nurse from the room.
Sybil smiled tiredly at Anka when they were alone. You look so tired, sweety. Bad day?
He dragged his attention from the baby and looked up at her. I think yours was rougher than mine, he said wryly. I should be asking you that.
Sybil smiled wanly. It wasnt as bad as I expected, she lied, and it was worth it. Hes so beautiful!
His eyes gleamed. You think he looks like me?
Yes, I do, she said, chuckling.
Anka folded his arms on the side of the bed after a few minutes, settling his head on them. Hes strong, he murmured.
Youre telling me! Sybil said jokingly, shifting the baby to one arm so that she could stroke Ankas hair.
He closed his eyes. Ive missed you, he murmured. I got used to having you in my bed.
Ive missed you, too. I thought you wanted me to stay with Grandmother, she added tentatively. You said it was traditional.
He sighed irritably. It is
but I dont have to like it.
Then we dont have to do it, Sybil said pointedly. It isnt as if it will change things, you know. I have friends-not many but more than I had before. Myune is the only person here who seems to positively loathe me. So, I still get some nasty looks from time to time. I see a lot more polite smiles-because of you.
He opened his eyes and looked at her, shaking his head. Maybe at first. Maybe they gave you a chance because of me, but they like you and respect you because of you. Do you regret
coming to me,
nodia
?
She smiled at him lovingly. Not even a little bit. Not for a moment. I think youre the most wonderful man ever born and Im the luckiest woman alive.
As sleepy as she was, she was sorry when Grandmother came back to remind Anka not to stay long and keep her awake. He leaned over her to kiss her and then hesitated and leaned down to kiss the baby. May I come tomorrow?
She smiled sleepily. I love you. Youre always welcome to me, Anka.
Grandmother tsked. Improper! Say to him, maybe!
Sybil opened her eyes and grinned up at Anka. Ask me tomorrow when you come.
Anka grinned at her and let Grandmother push him from the room. She surprised him by stopping him before he could leave. Let me see that face! she demanded.
Sighing, Anka bent down to her level.
She studied his face seriously for several moments and finally patted his cheek. Just as I thought! You are hopeless, Anka lKartay and so is your woman! Tomorrow, you come and bring all your things. You stay in that room! she added, pointing.
Anka stared at her in surprise. You want me to move in?
Grandmother caught his face between her palms. You arent weary so much as your spirit is heavy with sorrow and loneliness, my son. There are too many empty arms and too many wounded hearts in this place,
nodio
. You come and stay here with us and well be a family together, yes? She shrugged. Besides, we need a man to lift heavy things.
Anka chuckled. I have to wait until tomorrow?
She pursed her lips. Ok. Tonight! Dont wake my daughter or my grandson, mind you! And no complaining about squalling babies!
No, Grandmother. He hesitated. Scooping her up, he kissed her soundly. Thank you, Grandmother
for taking care of Sybil and my son.
She wagged her finger in front of his face. No fucking till she better! Ill beat you with my broom I catch you sneaking in there!
Anka reddened, but he laughed. Ill behave, he promised.