strongholdrising (26 page)

* * *

Carrie, holding Kashini, accompanied Kusac along the colonnaded corridor that flanked the interior ornamental garden. The air was fresh here, cooled by the fountain in the center. She was nervous about meeting her father for the first time in over a year. Her thoughts were a jumble of memories from her childhood and worries about how he'd react to Kashini. For the life of her, she couldn't remember if her daughter's Validation had been broadcast to Keiss. If it hadn't, then her father would be seeing his half-Sholan granddaughter for the first time.
"Carrie," said Kusac, suddenly coming to a halt.
"What is it?" she asked, stopping.
"You looked preoccupied. Is Kaid— sending to you, or can we talk for a minute?"
"No, no one's sending to me," she said, trying to stop Kashini from wriggling free. "What is it? Do you want to go back to the lounge? Would you rather not come with us?"
"No. I wouldn't let you greet your father alone," he said. "I have to know something first. Are you planning to leave me? Go back to Keiss with your father?"
She looked at him in disbelief. "Excuse me?"
"Is your father coming to take you home?" he asked. "Because, if he is, don't go. I need you here." He reached out to touch her face.
"Kusac! What's gotten into you? Of course I'm not leaving you," she said, battling with the determined Kashini. "What maggot's gotten into your mind to make you think that?"
"Give her to me." Kusac took the squirming cub from her and holding Kashini firmly on one hip, he reached out again for Carrie, resting his hand on the back of her neck. "I know things have been difficult between us, Carrie, but I do love you." Hesitantly, he leaned closer till their lips touched.
It was all Carrie needed to hear. She moved closer, closing her eyes as she rested her hands against his chest. It was like their first kiss, when they were still unsure of each other. She let him lead, enjoying the moment as his kiss gradually grew bolder.
Footsteps and a cough sounded from the far end. Guiltily, they stopped, but Carrie remained where she was for a moment longer. "I will never leave you," she whispered. "Without you, part of me would die, Kusac."
As they parted, Kusac lost his grip on Kashini. She tumbled to the ground, landing on all fours. Like a flash, she stood up and headed straight for the newcomer who stood just behind Che'Quul, the head attendant.
"Mr. Hamilton is here, Clan Leaders," said Che'Quul, trying not to smile as he attempted to catch the runaway.
Kashini, sensing what Che'Quul planned to do, had already dropped back onto all fours and was making a mad dash at him.
"Kashini, no!" exclaimed Carrie, starting to run after her errant daughter.
With the determination of youth, Kashini darted between Che'Quul's legs and, without missing a pace, leaped up to land smack in the center of her grandfather's chest, arms and legs splayed, claws extended.
Carrie's father staggered back slightly under the unexpected weight, grabbing for the bundle of fur and dusty tunic. A bedraggled flower head was thrust into his face as the cub began to trill and purr happily.
"Oh, Gods," muttered Carrie, skidding to a halt as Kusac stopped just behind her.
"I see you've met Kashini," said Kusac, realizing there was nothing they could do to salvage the moment.
"Hello, Dad," said Carrie, watching as her father adjusted his grip on the youngster before accepting the battered flower.
"Thank you, Kashini," Peter Hamilton said. He looked past Che'Quul— who excused himself and beat a hasty retreat— to Carrie and Kusac. "I hadn't expected quite so enthusiastic a greeting."
Carrie held out her arms. "I'll take her, Dad."
"No, thank you. I think I'd like to get to know this young lady better since she so obviously wants to meet me."

* * *

Rhyasha went back out to the garden and headed over toward where Kaid sat with his son and Kitra.
"She's got a sense of purpose about her," said Kitra in an undervoice. "I wonder which of us she wants."
"I hope it's not me," muttered Dzaka.
Rhyasha stopped in front of Kaid. "I'd like you to stay behind, if you don't mind, Kaid. I need to have a word with you about Carrie and Kusac."
Kaid nodded, watching Rhyasha sweep off back to the house in a billow of purple robes.
"I've seen that look in her eyes before," said Dzaka with a shudder. "I sympathize with you, Father."
"You don't know what it's about," said Kaid, flicking his ear as a buzzing insect got too close.
"Did I tell you about the time Rhyasha gave me a lecture on what was acceptable behavior toward a young female whose first lover you're about to become?"
"I think you mentioned it," said Kaid as Kitra began to laugh quietly.
"Well, like I said, I sympathize with you."
Kaid grunted and wondered how he could escape the forthcoming conversation.
Shanagi, Governor's Palace, the same day
At roughly the same time, in the Governor's Palace, Ambassador Taira Khebo was called before a disciplinary council made up of Alliance Ambassadors and a representative from Sholan Alien Relations. The meeting was chaired by Toueesut and his swarm of five male Touibans as they were deemed the most neutral.
"No right have you to call me here," said Taira belligerently in pidgin Sholan as he stopped his powered chair opposite the semicircle of people facing him. "Ambassador, I am. Have diplomatic immunity like yourselves. Why you not allow my guards to be with me?"
Toueesut's translator began to speak, drowning out the quieter sounds of his trilling. "Personal guards not needed at Hearing. Diplomatic immunity not prevent prosecution for kidnapping of young Sholan Leska couple which is a crime against all Alliance. The young of us all are our future and their safety when traveling in Alliance space should be assured. This matter the concern of every species."
"Not kidnapping them. Young Sholan misunderstand. I take them to Chemer homeworld for safety. Hospitality of our people extended while contacting their kin. Always Sholans misunderstand our motives," said Taira angrily, his large ears beginning to curl and uncurl at the outer edges.
"The complaint was made by Kate Harvey, actually, Ambassador Taira," said Peter Jordan, the representative from Keiss. "We have her statement here." He held it up for Taira to see. "I believe you were sent a copy."
"I see it. Female Human not trustworthy. Hysterical, you call," said Taira with a wave of his long-fingered hand. "She watched as Valtegan killed her family on Keiss. Still shocked when we find her. Trust her you cannot."
"Complaint made weeks later," pointed out Mrocca's translator as she raised herself on her forelimbs to give him a long stare. "Why she say this if not true?"
Taira turned his large brown eyes on the Cabbarran and regarded her thoughtfully for a moment. "Humans and Sholans become very close allies. Can even breed together. New Alliance members like yourselves not know of bad blood between us and Sholans in past. I say this is fabricated by both to bring dishonor on my species."
Jordan glanced at Falma. The Sholan stirred. "Are you accusing us of collaborating to invent these accusations, Taira?" His voice held a low rumble of anger. "That's a very serious allegation to make."
"So is kidnapping!" snapped the Chemerian, glaring at him.
"And accusing us of working with the Sholans against you isn't?" demanded Jordan. "If anyone is being divisive, it's you, Taira, by suggesting we're trying to undermine the Alliance!"
Taira glanced at Jordan, blinking rapidly. "I not say that!" he protested. "I say that young ones invent story!"
"Did we also invent it, Taira?" asked Shaqee, the U'Churian, quietly. "Because we put in our own complaint. Not only about the kidnapping, but about the fact you withheld information about the existence of the Alliance from us."
"What complaint?" asked Taira, glancing nervously in her direction. "I not been sent that."
"You were sent it at the same time as the ones concerning Taynar Arrazo and Kate Harvey," said Falma, lifting a sheaf of papers.
Taira's blinking increased and he looked up at the lights overhead, holding a hand up to shield his eyes. "Too bright in here," he muttered, his long fingers whitening as he gripped the arms of his chair more tightly. "Gives bad head. Cannot think straight."
"Lowering of lights please for all our comforts," said Toueesut to the Sholan Recorder who sat at the end of the table taking notes. "Thinking straight not the issue here, Ambassador Taira. What we meet to find out is truth of matter of kidnapping and withholding of information vital to Alliance and Free Traders. Waiting for the answers we are."
"U'Churian allies taken in by young ones. Not their fault. I did no harm to them. Were free to do as wished. Not prisoners, honored guests." He looked at the Sumaan representative. "Ask Hteiwossay. His people my guards."
The Sumaan lifted his neck to its full height, staring down at everyone there. "Those working for you are not being allowed involvement in legal matters. Disagreeing with you, Taira, is not permitted. Is in their contract. It is why we could not be telling the Alliance of Jalna and the Free Traders. Reprisals against us were promised."
"Let me get this straight," said Jordan, leaning forward slightly to get a better view of Hteiwossay. "All Sumaan have to sign a contract preventing them from being called as witnesses? They're prevented from discussing anything their employers do? Surely that's illegal?"
"Not illegal," said Hteiwossay dryly. "Normal Chemerian business policy. I saying this only because I as Ambassador not contracted to Chemerians like many of my people. Reprisals cannot be taken against me or my family."
"I do nothing illegal! My guards go everywhere," said Taira stiffly. "Hear much that's confidential. I cannot have them telling anyone else what they hear. Am Ambassador. Would breach security for all of us! Would affect trade contracts!"
"Damned convenient," said Jordan in disgust, sitting back.
Toueesut turned to his swarm companions and began conversing with them in a chorus of high pitched trills and riffs of sound. Faint perfumes permeated the air.
After a few minutes, he turned back to the council. "Ambassador Taira is denying the accusations; therefore be bringing in those involved in the incident for the telling of their side of events."
"No need!" exclaimed Taira, leaning forward anxiously in his chair. "I tell you truth! Young ones misinterpret my actions! I take them to Chemer only for hospitality, not as prisoners!"
Toueesut frowned, the bushy brows almost hiding his eyes. "You are changing your version to say the young ones now made mistake, they did not lie on purpose about your intentions?"
Taira's head bobbed on its spindly neck several times. "Yes! I say they made mistake, not say they lie. I make mistake in doubting them. No need to bring them in."
Toueesut signaled the Sholan guards at the door. "We bring them in anyway," he said shortly. "Concerned I am that you are changing your side of this incident many times. Needing to hear the truth direct from them we are."
Taira slumped back in his chair, ears curling up till they were barely visible.
Kate and Taynar, accompanied by Ruth, were ushered in.
"Who she?" demanded Taira, rousing himself as the three were shown to seats at one end of the semicircle of tables. "This Human was not there!"
"Ambassador Taira, I presume," said Ruth, staring at him as she sat down and settled the folds of her long skirt. "I'm here because Taynar and Kate are minors. I won't allow them to be intimidated by having to appear before this council of Ambassadors and Alliance officials. They're entitled to have a representative with them, and I'm it!"
Taira subsided again, muttering darkly.
"You will tell us, if you please, what happened to you after your ship was found by Ambassador Taira," said Toueesut.
Nervously, Kate began to speak, recounting how Taira had at first been friendly, treating them well, feeding them and showing them to comfortable quarters on his ship. Then the next day, they'd been taken to the ship's doctor to be checked out. That's when they'd told him they were Leskas. From then on, everything had changed. Taira had questioned them closely about their abilities, getting angry when they couldn't give him the answers he wanted because they knew so little about it themselves.
Taynar added his bits in here and there, expanding on what Kate was saying, adding that it was only when they landed at Tuushu Station in the Chemerian sector that they'd realized they were prisoners.
"Kate had been trying unsuccessfully to read the Ambassador's mind, then she tried the doctor. She didn't get much, just enough to know that they were planning to experiment on us, find out what caused our Link. They wanted to keep us, force us to work for them. Taira had the Sumaan on his ship guarding us," he said, looking nervously at Hteiwossay. "When we got off, we were trying to find a way to escape when we saw Captain Tirak and his crew."
"We thought they were Sholans," said Kate. "We yelled but they didn't hear us, so we refused to move. Taira got mad and ordered the Sumaan to carry us if necessary. That's when I reached out for Captain Tirak and made him come to rescue us."
"Not true!" exclaimed Taira, glowering at Kate and Taynar. "Guards did not touch them! U'Churian captain suddenly came running at us. He took the female and ran off carrying her! His crew followed and took young male! He kidnap them, not I!"
Kate looked uncertainly at Ruth. "He didn't. I made him take us off the station. I controlled his mind."
"She lies," hissed Taira, ears furling and unfurling rapidly again in agitation.
"
He's
lying," said Taynar, getting to his feet, tail swaying angrily. "I asked for a comm link to call my parents on Shola and he refused. He got so angry with Kate that he grabbed hold of her and his claws punctured her arm!" He began to advance on the Chemerian but Ruth brought him up short with a few warning words.
"I want him prosecuted," said the outraged youngling, looking at Toueesut. "No one harms my Leska and gets away with it!"
Jordan developed a cough at about the same time Falma found he needed a drink of water.
"I have heard enough to convince me that whoever is lying, it isn't Kate or Taynar," said Shaqee with a faint smile.
Toueesut nodded. "Has anyone got any questions to ask of the young people?" He looked round the other members of the council as Taira continued to protest his innocence. "You excused are from this hearing and grateful are we for your coming here to answer our questions," he said to Kate and Taynar.
"This is conspiracy to keep valuable resource from rest of us!" blustered Taira as Ruth shepherded her charges out. "Why only Shola have Leska telepaths? Why they not work for rest of us?"
"Our telepaths have worked for other Alliance members, Ambassador Taira," said Falma. "I don't, however, remember your people requesting such a service from us. Perhaps because of the bad blood you mention?"
"Not want Sholan Leskas! Want hybrids," hissed Taira. "More powerful. No argument with Humans from us. Less likely turn on Chemerian employers!"
"You've certainly given us grounds to be cautious of further involvement with you now," said Jordan sharply.
"The mixed Leskas are very few in number, Taira, and most are still in training. They aren't old enough or ready to accept private contracts yet."
"Not true! You prevent them from doing this! Are prisoners on Shola!"
Shaqee looked at the Sholan. "Are the mixed Leskas free to take contracts from other Alliance species?"
"Ambassador Shaqee, your people on Jalna aided a mixed Leska pair when one of them was seriously injured in a local insurrection," said Falma. "You know we don't keep them chained to Shola."
She nodded. "This is true. It's hard to believe that given the chance to escape they would stay loyal to you if they were treated as prisoners. Or indeed, what such prisoners of Shola were doing on Jalna in the first place," she added, looking back at Taira.
"In fact," said Falma pointedly, "they were on Jalna at the specific request of the Chemerian government."
Toueesut's translator began to talk again. "Captain Tirak and his crew also are waiting outside, Ambassador Taira. Is there a need for them to be coming in here one at a time to tell us what happened at Tuushu Station?"
"No," muttered Taira, shifting restlessly in his chair. "I only asked questions of young ones. Not breaking the law, not kidnapping! Guards only escort us off ship, nothing more. Is dangerous place, Tuushu Station. Free Traders come there."
"Now we want to know why you hiding Free Traders from us," said Toueesut. "And why you allow them alone to visit Tuushu Station when none of Allied worlds but Sumaan allowed there!"
"I not make Chemerian policy," hissed Taira. "Not up to me who goes to Tuushu Station!"
"As Ambassador to the Allied Worlds Council, it is up to you to keep us informed of any new species you meet," said Falma. "You knew we were searching for the species responsible for killing millions of our people, yet even when we found them on Keiss you said nothing about the Free Traders. Instead you came and demanded we find 'our enemies' as you call them. Jalna held the key we needed! If we'd known about it earlier, we'd have found out about the Primes!"
"And maybe caused us a war with them," countered Taira. "We knew nothing of them either! Not been trading there long enough for Prime visit!"
"Asking the questions is for me," Toueesut rebuked Falma. "We finding out you trade at Jalna with Free Traders for twenty years, Ambassador Taira. Why your government not telling us about them? This second way you breach Alliance policy and is not acceptable to any member of council, be they Free Trader or Alliance."
"Not my decision," repeated Taira, blinking rapidly as he looked at all the council members. "I not Ambassador twenty years ago. I not admit to kidnapping young ones either. Told you they misinterpret my intentions."
"You have responsibilities as Chemerian representative to Allied Worlds Council," said Toueesut, frowning. "When you heard of tragedy of Sholan colonies, your responsibility was to advise your government to tell us all about the Free Traders. Quick in coming to the Council asking for protection from the Valtegans you were. Not so quick in sharing information."
"Obvious why they kept silent about us," said Mrocca, her prehensile snout wrinkling with distaste. "Greed. Want to keep Trader market for themselves. We find many goods from our worlds they sell, claimed to be of Chemerian origin."