The Alien Library (3 page)

“She doesn’t say anything about her room.” Pindari accepted the change of topic gladly.

“She cares for the flower. It’s doing fine. She needs color…what does she like?” He set his hands at his chin and studied her.

“I don’t know, but I will find out. What is the poet she’s taken?”

“Walt Whitman.” He answered. “A very wordy poet. I’ve been attempting to read him.”

“Build common ground, ask for her assistance.” Pindari suggested. Then she frowned. “Oh, she’ll be suspicious at why you show interest. Damn.”

“She’s very observant and wary.” He smiled ruefully.

“True, very true.” Pindari sighed. The two sat in silence for several minutes, before resuming their meal.

The subject of their conversation worked late in the library, having unpacked a selection of books that needed precise categorizing. She’d opened the top and blinked, a large book on the Kama Sutra sat on top. As she dug down, she found the entire crate full of books on human sexuality. As well as the next crate, and the next.

She sat at the table and considered how to divide them, making list after list. She wasn’t a prude, despite her unwillingness to join in on the sexual antics in the selection room. She thought of herself as particular. Putting a hand to her chest, she felt the hard outline of the implant, the source of so much of her nervousness. She had to be careful, her heart betrayed her once before.

She’d been working in the library for six weeks, and enjoying herself. It surprised her to realize how comfortable she felt surrounded by books. The only things she truly missed involved music, of any sort, and outside air, outside anything. The one window, on the second story, opened to a view of the estate. In the very far distance, she could see mountains. Unfortunately, the view was seldom clear; often there was mist or fog or clouds. She wasn’t sure what to call anything. Even referring to her day with Pindari as Friday was nothing more than convenient. She didn’t know if it was accurate.

She stacked the books, loosely dividing them on the broad open area at the very center of the huge room. There was a round rug, nearly twenty feet across, which filled that area. She often used it to sort the books. It was late when she set the last one down and looked around. “This will have to wait for tomorrow… I need a break.”

Often days passed and the only voice she heard was her own, she’d grown used to speaking aloud.

There was a plate of cookies waiting at the great table; Pindari always seemed to know she’d need a snack on nights she worked late. Cameron knew someone observed her, even if she didn’t see the spies. She walked to the table and took the cookies to a large padded bench, with a tall back. She arranged several pillows to provide her a soft backrest and removed the outer tunic. She needed to keep it clean, it was the only one she’d been given. She ate the cookies as she flipped through a mystery she’d read some years ago. She fell asleep half way through.

Pindari followed Tendar to the library. He offered to show her how far Cameron had come in seeing things organized. He spoke as he walked, “She made this large list, subjects and subdivisions, some I don’t even recognize. Others? Well, I doubt we’ll see books on travel or children’s books.” He sighed. “I have to speak with her about what she won’t find in a crate.”

“It is doubtful she’ll question you, Tendar.” Pindari shook her head. “I can sense an entire army of questions, but she doesn’t ask. It’s very frustrating. I don’t want to pressure her.”

“Until Daniel arrives, we all tread carefully.” He nodded. As they entered the cavernous rooms, the light slowly grew. It was activated by motion, going dark when there was no movement. It had been noted that Cameron was a gentle mover, so the sensitivity had been set to extreme. She’d cursed some at the beginning, when the lights dimmed, catching her in the midst of some perusal of books. Tendar had watchers set. They had smiled when they told him of it.

“Very imaginative phrases.” One chuckled. “Neptune’s balls?”

“I think she said
pink, polka dotted panties
once.” The other snickered. “With aggravation!”

“She is fond of alliteration.” The first nodded.

He and his aunt stood as the light grew. She moved down the aisle to the stacked books. “She’s been busy.”

He bent and selected one of the larger books. He held it up. “I was hoping for a new selection of human sexuality. Look at the photographs!” He flipped it open and smiled at the book.

His aunt frowned as she focused on a couch at the edge of the lit area. “Tendar…” Her nephew followed her gaze. He set the book down and together they moved to the couch. Cameron lay asleep. A book was poised at her limp hands, one finger acting as a place holder. It slid toward the floor as she inhaled.

Tendar caught it, lifted it to read the title. “
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice
. A mystery.” He spoke softly, setting the book to one side. “Where is her tunic?” His voice held concern.

Pindari pointed to the other end of the couch, where the tunic was carefully draped. “She was reading, eating the cookies…” The cook thought a moment. “I bet she took it off to keep it clean. She often comments on a propensity to make a mess of the clothing. It isn’t true, she’s really quite adroit.” She sighed. “Let’s get her to bed.”

He nodded, carefully moving the plate near her bent knees away. There was one cookie left on it. He popped it into his mouth. “Oh, these are quite tasty.”

“Her suggestions often are good.” Pindari gathered the tunic as her nephew eased the sleeping woman into his arms. Her head nestled at his shoulder and she remained lost in dreams. It was a tendency for all humans. Once asleep, they were difficult to rouse. Cameron didn’t stir as the two walked to her room. Tendar held her tenderly, his eyes nearly closed as his aunt pulled back the cover on the bed.

She removed the simple bracelet, undid the shoulder buttons of the light dress and eased it down the woman. Tendar simply shifted his grip as it fell free. He looked down at her and inhaled deeply.

Pindari glanced at him. “You haven’t attempted seduction yet.”

“I want her. But she is still hidden.” He carefully laid her on the bed. He ran a hand just above the human woman. “She is warm.” His hand paused at the left shoulder. He set a finger on a silvery line of puckered skin, barely visible. “What is this?”

Pindari sat on the edge of the bed and examined the sight. “I don’t know, Ten. I have noticed when startled she often sets her hand there.”

His hand carefully traced the scar, touching something odd under her skin. He swallowed sudden nervousness. “There is something underneath. Hard and unnatural.” He increased pressure slightly and Cameron tried to turn on her left side, to shelter herself. Pindari pushed his hand away and she relaxed again. Tendar nodded, then carefully traced the shape. “Square… Hell, what is that?”

“I’ll ask tomorrow. Give her a day off, Tendar. I’ll serve breakfast and we’ll talk. Then let her see the Earth Garden.” Pindari glanced at the flower in the pot at the alcove. “That is flourishing.”

“Talk with her regarding the tunic.” Tendar reluctantly pulled the blanket up to shelter the woman, who sighed and rolled to her side, drawing her legs up, curling into a ball. “Is she cold?” He looked at his aunt.

“I don’t think so. She huddles when nervous. Some part of her knows we are here. Let’s leave her to sleep.” Pindari held out a hand and Tendar took it. She frowned slightly. “You desire her. Do you watch her?”

“Rarely,” he admitted. “Sil and Donnie say she avoids the other humans and she hasn’t slept with any of them.”

“Some secret.” Pindari nodded. “I will see her open up to me tomorrow, nephew.” She paused and wrote a note on the board just outside Cameron’s door.
Come to the kitchen, wear your kitchen dress. Pindari

Cameron would see it in the morning, when she looked for her morning tray.

Cam woke with a start, flinching upright. She looked down at her nakedness and then blinked, glancing around the room. The ambient light, the source of which she’d never been able to uncover, brightened. She shook her head. “I…I was in the library.”

Her clothes were hanging in the closet nook but not facing the way she usually left them. With a shudder, she realized someone had carried her into the room. “No, maybe I sleep walked…” she tried to convince herself. “No one stripped me.” She showered, and wrapped a towel around herself to fetch the morning tray, which wasn’t waiting outside the room. A note from Pindari sat on the table instead. “Oh, it was Pindari.” She sighed with relief. “Okay.”

She slipped on the loose kitchen dress, then paused. “I left the library a mess, I’ll check on that first.” She hurried to the library and found Tendar in the center of the rug, dozens of the new books scattered around him.

He’d been sitting cross legged, appearing very comfortable. His head rose as she entered. “Pindari asked for you in the kitchen today.” His eyes were slightly out of focus. He shook his head and the frills, which had appeared red to her eyes for a moment, faded.

“I was worried about the mess and,uh…” she stuttered slightly.

“Don’t worry, no one will disturb your piles. I’ll see these back to where I found them.” He nodded at her. “Go on, she spoke of some breakfast treat you’d mentioned.”

“Uh…thank you.” She backed away, too aware of how relaxed he’d looked on the rug. The new books were impressive but it hadn’t occurred to her that they’d be of interest to Tendar. She shook her head and tried not to think about it as she hurried to the kitchen.

Pindari greeted her, pointed to a small table and then brought her a cup of not-quite coffee. She sprinkled the chocolate powder over the top and then smiled at Cameron. “Enjoy.” It had taken some experimenting to find a concoction the woman found pleasure in.

“Thank you.” Cameron cupped her hands around the thick mug. “I…did you see me to bed last night?”

“Yes. I dined with Tendar and he wanted to show me the library. We found you there and tucked you in.” Pindari sat down with her own mug of morning brew. “Cameron, why did you remove your library office tunic?”

Cameron tilted her head at the cook. “Oh. To keep it clean. I only have the one and…” She paused. “I did something wrong.”

“Yes.” Pindari didn’t mince words. “It…there is a reason for the tunic. The tooled work on the breast plate identify you as the library holder. Along with other designations to keep you…safe.”

Cameron sighed. “Safe. I am part of Tendar’s harvest. Right?” She spoke the word with distaste, but resignation. “I am his…he protects me, right? In his home…safe from what?”

Pindari smiled slightly. “At last, a question! Good. Yes, you are part of Tendar’s harvest, for lack of a better word. You are staff, you are a Thinker. That is rare and no one wants a mistake to see you harmed. This is Tendar’s estate, but there are occasional visitors. Visitors who would make assumptions regarding a sleeping woman, with no designators. You have shunned physical intimacy. That was noted, and is being respected, Cam. The tunic states you are…”

“To be left alone?” Cameron volunteered. “Otherwise, I could be set upon? Raped?”

“No! Oh, maybe, if the wrong visitor stumbles on you.” Pindari sighed. “I do not want to scare you. This is simply the truth. Do not remove the tunic, Cameron. It can be cleaned if something stains it.”

Cameron’s hand trembled as she lifted her mug and took a sip. She was quiet for several sips, then she looked up, the tracks of tears on her cheeks. The sight made Pindari look away.

Cameron swallowed her fear. “What…what about here? This dress…no designators.”

“The color signals you are under my guidance, my guard.”

Cameron looked down at the cloth, touching it and carefully examining it.

“What color?” Cam finally asked.

Pindari chuckled. “There is color that I can see. That other Kharmon can see. What color would you like it to be?”

Cameron wiped at her face and sipped at her drink again. “What color? I have a choice?”

“What colors do you like? It can be dyed to something you find pleasant. What I see will still be paramount.” Pindari looked up. “Ah, my surprise is done.” She moved to the stoves, removed the sheet pan, and set it aside. “Let these cool and then we’ll have breakfast.”

Cameron’s nostrils flared at the rising scent. “Cinnamon rolls!? You made cinnamon rolls?”

“Yes. You spoke of them as something your mother made.” Pindari joined the woman at the table again. “Why do you cry?”

“My mother. Oh.” Cameron sat back in the chair and drew her legs up under the dress. She took a deep breath, wiping away the new tears with a soft cloth Pindari handed her. “Back…back on Earth…the holidays are approaching… Mom always made cinnamon rolls for the holidays.”

“Is your mother alive?” Pindari asked directly. “What family did you leave behind?”

“Oh. No, Mom and Dad are gone. I told you I’m divorced and no kids. An older sister who probably hasn’t even noticed I’m gone. No one, Pindari. No one…really. A few friends who must be worried.” Cameron set her head on her knees. “A disappointed boss. My ex-husband must be concerned. Maybe…”

“Why did you divorce?” Pindari wanted answers.

“Oh, he had an affair. Got her pregnant and wanted to do right by her.” Cam shrugged. “He fell out of love with me.”

“And you with him?” the cook persisted.

“I guess… I…” She raised her head from her knees. “I let him down. After the heart attack, sex scared me. I didn’t realize how badly for a long time. I came home and we tried. He’d kept me alive until help arrived. He couldn’t forget. I couldn’t forget. My heart would speed up and I’d freeze. Even after the implant.” Her hand rose to touch her left shoulder.

Pindari nodded. “Yes. What is that? We saw it last night and wondered exactly what it is, Cameron? An implant of what?”

The woman looked away. “What does it matter? I’m here now and no one can replace the battery when it dies. It won’t be able to help me. You can’t help me.”

“Tell me what you mean.” Pindari reached across and took Cameron’s hand. “Tell me, Cameron. No more hiding. Tell me.”

Cameron began to sob. Pindari sighed, stood up and moved to the other side of the table. She held the woman, trying to simply offer comfort. It surprised her, how much she worried about this human. She stroked the soft brown hair, feeling the tears soaking through her apron. The trembling lasted longer than the tears. Finally, Cameron regained control. She sat, hunched over, obviously miserable.

“Why don’t you wash your face and hands while I put the rolls on the table? Then we’ll talk more.” Pindari urged her to stand and into the small room that she’d once stayed in. As she gathered the rolls, she looked up and saw Tendar in the doorway. He sniffed, eyes full of moisture. Pindari sighed. “Oh, you are infected.”

He nodded. “I don’t know how.”

“Never mind, you’re holding it well. Here, take one of these and leave. I’m breaking through. Send Tommy here in a few hours.” She handed him a roll and pushed him from the kitchen. Just another suspicion confirmed. Daniel would help them sort it out.

Cameron returned, looked scrubbed clean and sat down. The cook let her eat the roll without further questions. She asked for a second and then if she could use some of the chocolate. Pindari watched her carefully dust some of the powder on the roll and tried it herself. She sighed. “You have decadent tastes, woman. This is sinful.”

“You know about sin?” Cameron smiled ruefully. “That’s too bad.”

“Oh, yes. Sin, we know about most human conceits. Humans taught us most of what we know, Cameron. When they first arrived here, they cared for us. We were the simple ones. We were supremely adapted to mimic, to adapt. They weren’t. As time passed, the burden changed. More and more, humans arrived flawed and we became the Kharmon, as you termed it. Tendar agreed with your label. We have become the caregivers of man.” Pindari saw how Cameron’s eyes widened. “You have wondered.”

“Yes.” Cameron took a deep breath. “Tendar said harvest. I was kidnapped. Abducted. Stolen. The rest?”

“Such harsh words, but I assume you use them appropriately. But we did not steal you. We don’t know who or what selects or the criteria. Does the damage occur in transit? We don’t know.” Pindari smiled ruefully. “The Kharmon are divided on the human presence. Tendar leads the majority party of those who see our mission as one of guardian. To take care, to cherish and continue to learn. His brother? Well, his brother leads a minority who believe in the master/slave relationship. That humans are here to serve, as beasts of burden, as repositories of whatever they deem appropriate. Including cruelty. He claims humans are lazy, stealthy and sly.”

Cameron snorted. “They can be. Anyone can be.”

“Yes, but Teemin claims a sort of absolute authority. You see, humans outnumber us, Cameron. If they did rise in rebellion, we could be swept aside.” Pindari met Cameron’s eyes. “Teemin sees Thinkers as threatening. It is suspected that he does them harm. He is one we seek to protect you from. Him and his followers. He doesn’t know of you. The last library, a fire nearly destroyed it. An accident, by all accounts. But Tendar doesn’t believe that. The librarian died, his assistant was badly hurt. Wear the tunic, child.”

Cameron nodded. “Okay. How did it catch fire?”

“You noticed there are no windows on the lowest floor?” Pindari asked. Cam nodded. “Tendar rebuilt it as a veritable fortress. A wildfire’s embers came in through the windows, left open by Justin. Justin died trying to save the books. They were nearly all destroyed. It was two years ago.”

“Where do the books come from?” Cameron ran a finger along the plate, gathering cinnamon crumbs.

“They arrive with the humans. The Gatherers know what is needed, evidently. Tendar’s mother began the first library. He took it upon himself to continue the tradition when she disappeared.” Pindari frowned; she hadn’t meant to let that slip.

“Disappeared? Code for died?” Cameron looked directly at Pindar.

“No, she disappeared. No body was found or remains.” Pindari shook her head. “Enough of that for now. What is at your shoulder, Cameron?”

“Oh.” Cameron slid the edge of the dress over and ran a finger along the scar. As she’d washed up, she’d come to terms with admitting all of it. “It’s called an ICD. Short for Interior Cardioveter Defibrillator. It has a battery and two leads that were inserted in arteries. They end at my heart. If it stops, stutters, gets in trouble, it sends a shock to restart it. That is what a defibrillator does. Usually they are exterior devices. This is a personal one. They could never diagnose why I had the heart attack, so this was the solution for not knowing.”

“How is it a solution? Shocks you how?” Pindari asked, hiding her own dismay at the explanation.

“Since the heart attack happened for no discernible reason, it could happen again. And I could be anywhere, alone…far from help. This is the help I would need. The batteries supply the electrical energy that monitors my heart as well as provide the shock, if necessary.” Cameron blinked back tears. “You see? It’s…no replacements here!” She sniffed.

Pindari took a deep breath. “Cameron. When we first met, you mentioned a heart attack. I spoke of it to Tendar and we sent for the human doctor. Daniel is coming. He is very knowledgeable. Put aside your fear for now and be patient. I can tell you are frightened. I am frightened for you. But I trust Daniel. Be patient. Try not to worry.”

Cameron laughed bitterly. “Oh, you don’t ask much, do you.”

“I know, it is hard. He is due in six weeks. You’ll like him. Meanwhile, work in the library and gather what medical books you unpack and see them in shelves for Daniel to look through. If there are specific titles that address this ICD, set them aside. Theo is ready to return to the library. He was Justin’s assistant. His voice was badly damaged in the fire, though there is hope for an eventual return. Theo is a partial Thinker. He has basic reading skills and a need for quiet. He is strong, follows direction, and will spend three days a week with you. He enjoys working in the garden and divides his time between the library and garden.” Pindari smiled.

“He is allowed in the garden?” Cameron pushed the cleaned plate away.

“There are several gardens. Theo works in the Earth Garden. The one you wandered into is dangerous for humans. Some dozen decades ago, a human woman found a patch of flowering gabas, the blossom you admired. She plucked them, took them back to the rest, who followed her the next day back to the flowers. But the flowers here, they are adaptable. Her pulling blossoms triggered a threat adaption. Overnight, they changed. Fifty-eight humans died in the gardens before we figured out what happened. Some plants offer no threat, some do.” Pindari saw Cameron’s face pale.

“The flower? In my room?” Cameron looked at her hands. “Why didn’t it hurt me?”

“You did not pluck the blossom. The one you touched was separated from the mother root immediately. It sent no warning and the patch remained unsullied. The one in your room is harmless, Cameron, or it would not be there. Tendar wanted you to have beauty in your room.” Pindari nodded as the human relaxed. “Now, help me prepare lunch. Tommy is due, and he will take you to the Earth Garden for the afternoon. You say sex scares you. The guardians will be told to see you are not pestered. Daniel will have an answer for that fear, Cam.”