Interstellar Ruse

by Gregoire, Cil;

  After waking from the nightmare that gave her possession of the key, Melinda had feared that she and Rahlys could no longer communicate telepathically, but that did not prove to be the case. Now she understood that it was the key that was shielded from Rahlys’ detection.

  Slowly she emerged from the forest onto a rocky outcrop. A vista of land and sea spread before her. Islands of deep green forested mountains capped in snow sheltered protectively the narrow inlet of deep dark blue water. As though in greeting, the misty veil of fog lifted momentarily and a faint gleam of sunlight shimmered on the water. Below her ran the ribbon of highway not too far away. The mountain slope steepened here; she searched for the easiest way down, found it, and soon reached the highway.

  There had also been much discussion over whether Melinda should show up at her aunt’s house or go to the police as a missing person. She had created numerous dramatizations of both possibilities in her head, and based on what she could remember of her Aunt Adele, she leaned more toward going to the authorities.

  Aunt Adele was her mother’s sister and after her mother passed away she had made a brief effort to be a surrogate mother to her, but the demands of a husband and four sons at home and the remoteness of Melinda and her father’s home had quickly put an end to that. Aunt Adele was a constant talker, chattering endlessly, often to no one in particular, or even to an empty room for that matter. Papa used to say that raising a houseful of boys had driven her batty. Her cousins had been older than her, so of course they were all grown men now.

  The clouds thickened again and heavier rain began to fall. Melinda pulled the hood of her jacket up over her head and walked along the highway as far away from its edge as sea and mountain permitted for reasons she couldn’t really explain. It was highly unlikely that anyone would recognize her since she was no longer a little girl and she and Papa had only occasionally come into town on their fishing boat the Taku. The fishing shack they had lived in was far from town and only accessible by boat.

  Following the road she soon came to a State Trooper office on the north side of town. Melinda came to a stop, then hesitated, staring at the State Trooper emblem on the door. Follow your plan she reminded herself and nervously went over the guidelines she had set, renewing her resolve before going in.

  The plump blond female officer working at the desk closest to the door looked up when Melinda entered and watched her intently. A second officer across the room who looked like he was of native descent only gave her a fleeting glance before going back to his work. Melinda froze in place, momentarily losing her resolve to go on.

  “Hello, there; are you all right?” the female officer asked, concern growing over Melinda’s mute daze.

  The officer sounded kind; Melinda managed to nod.

  “Well, good; I’m Officer Lilly,” she said rising. “Can I get you something to drink …water…coffee, tea?” The young woman continued to stand mute before her. Lilly pulled a chair up closer to her desk. “Why don’t you have a seat over here and tell me what’s on your mind.” When her hand brushed against the girl’s jacket it was damp to the touch. She must have been walking in the rain. “Hey, Frank, you want to get this young woman a hot cup of cocoa for me?” she called out to the other officer. Lilly didn’t want to leave the young woman to get the hot cocoa herself. The girl may be a victim in distress and if left alone, she may possibly bolt.

  “Certainly, my pleasure,” the male officer said quickly assessing Lilly’s situation.

  “What’s your name?” Officer Lilly asked after Melinda was seated.

  Feeling a bit safer, Melinda took a deep breath. She didn’t dare communicate telepathically, so she made a writing motion with her right hand while holding her left hand flat like a writing tablet. Officer Lilly quickly handed her a pen and tablet. Melinda smiled feebly in response. Then taking the tablet, she wrote down her name and handed it back to the officer.

  “Melinda Poponof,” she read off the tablet and typed it into her computer. “And what can I do for you Miss Poponof?” she asked handing back the tablet. Then she stared with shock, which she quickly erased from her face, at the police report that had popped up on her computer screen. Melinda Poponof and her father had gone missing nearly seven years ago and were presumed drowned at sea.

  Officer Lilly’s shocked reaction had been expected. The look on her face gave her away, but Melinda would have been able to pick up her response to the discovery from the officer’s unguarded thoughts even if she had managed to keep her face composed. She sat quietly waiting for something to develop.

  Officer Frank brought over a steaming mug of hot cocoa overflowing onto a saucer he had fortunately included. “Here you go.” Melinda nodded her thanks and he set it on the edge of Officer Lilly’s desk. She pretended not to notice him glancing at the computer screen as she reached for the cup. Officer Lilly gave him a questioning look. Was this some kind of scam?

  The young woman sitting before them looked to be the about the age Melinda Poponof would be today and appeared to be of native descent, but if this was the real Melinda Poponof, where has she been all this time? Officer Lilly was relatively new to the area having moved to Ketchikan only a few years ago, but Officer Frank’s father had been friends with Pete Poponof, this girl’s father …if indeed she was who she claimed to be…. He vaguely remembered a little girl with him, but he didn’t think she was mute. He did know of a family connection though living here in town.

  “I’ll make some phone calls,” Frank whispered under his breath.

  “So Miss Poponof, what can I do for you?” Officer Lilly asked again with as little urgency as she could muster.

  Melinda took a sip of the hot cocoa she had been blowing on. It was deliciously sweet and warm; she hadn’t realized how chilled she had become.

  “It says here you have been missing for quite a while. Can you tell us where you have been all this time?”

  Melinda hunched her shoulders slightly. Here was the unanswerable question.

  Lilly watched as the girl quickly took another sip letting it warm her from inside. The girl was dressed in decent clothing that fitted her and she looked healthy and clean. How had she taken care of herself?

  “Where’s your father?” Officer Lilly asked.

  Still hiding behind the mug, Melinda hunched her shoulders again. It wasn’t a lie. After she had been forced to watch him die, unable to help him or save him, his lifeless body had vanished from her arms. Where Droclum had taken her father’s body she didn’t know.

  “Do you have any relatives? Someone who we could contact and let know you are here?” And maybe confirm your identity, she added silently. To Lilly’s surprise Melinda nodded.

  “You do? What’s the person’s name?” she asked eagerly.

  Melinda placed the mug back on the saucer and reached for the tablet once again. She didn’t want to make it too easy for them. “Aunt Adele,” she wrote on the page and handed it to Officer Lilly. By this time Officer Frank had rejoined them.

  “She’s coming,” he nodded seeing the name on the paper. He pulled up a chair and sat down. “How was the hot cocoa?” he asked Melinda with a smile. She nodded and smiled in return. “We seem to have a little difficulty communicating. Can you speak?” Officer Frank asked her gently.

  ‘No,’ she mouthed and shook her head.

  But she could write, the names written on the tablet were proof of that. “Tell us, where did you sleep last night?” Officer Frank asked to begin the task of tracing back her steps. Lilly handed her the tablet.

  “In the woods,” Melinda wrote. They didn’t need to know which woods; Rahlys and the Order of Oracle had to be protected. Of course they would assume she had slept under a tree nearby.

  “And what did you have for breakfast?” Officer Frank asked.

  Melinda was not inclined to answer; it was best to let them deduce she hadn’t had breakfast at all. Soon the officers were offering her their own lunches. She was happily munching on a ham sandwich when
Aunt Adele rushed in through the door.

  “Where is she? My only sister’s only child. I always said she was alive somewhere.” Officer Frank intercepted her at the door.

  “Mrs. Swanson, do you think you can conclusively identify your niece even though she is now grown?” he asked her.

  “Why, I should say I most definitely can, my own sister’s flesh and blood. Take me to her.”

  By now Melinda had risen to her feet and Adele found herself face to face with a ghost from the past. Adele gazed deeply into Melinda’s dark eyes and gasped.

  Hello, Aunt Adele, Melinda telepathed in greeting.

  Adele Swanson swooned, hitting the floor.

  CHAPTER 4

  Aaia

  During the long star-lit nights, the people of the Community of the High Council came out of their homes deep in the mountains to enjoy the coolness of evening in the extensive gardens. Glow globes lit fountains, arbors, pathways, and pavilions offering food and drink for refreshment. It was in this arena that Rojaire campaigned for his cause with Kaylya, Traevus, and Kiril at his side. Quaylyn, Kaydra, and a Twakan warrior named Thayla came to hear them. Although Rojaire and Kaylya have been calling heartily for colonists, so far no one has stepped up.

  “So tell me, Quaylyn, don’t you wish to join our group and be a founding citizen of Lynnara?” Rojaire asked, hopeful of a positive response. Rojaire’s question came after a long discourse in favor of their proposed adventure and Quaylyn had been a member of their group looking for the lost expedition. It was hard for Rojaire to imagine anyone who has been to the continent not wanting to return.

  “I cannot,” Quaylyn said trying to let his friend down gently. The idea of colonizing would have been far more appealing if he and Rahlys were together, but he had new responsibilities now.

  Quaylyn smiled modestly bringing out his dimples and the twinkle in his deeply blue eyes before announcing, “I have some news to share with you.”

  The gathering of friends waited with quiet expectation.

  “I have been chosen as the new councilor for the High Council.”

  The news was greeted with surprise gasps that were quickly followed by cheers and congratulations. “Councilor Quaylyn,” they hailed him repeatedly unable to restrain their delight. The empty council seat had remained vacant since Councilor Zayla’s death. Only Brakalar’s position had been filled when Xevin became the new Head of the Academy.

  “Oh, Quaylyn… I mean Councilor… that is such wonderful news! The Runes of the Crystal Table are truly wise in guiding the High Council in choosing you!” Kaydra cheered, her dark animated eyes reflecting her excitement.

  “There could be no better choice,” Rojaire added in earnest.

  Three cycles of seasons ago Quaylyn, Kaydra, and Sarus were nearly inseparable friends attending the Academy. Upon completing their training at the Academy, they were assigned their First Mission, a test of their mettle before becoming Accepted Ones. As a talented sensitive, Kaydra had been sent by the High Council to the planet Twaka as a mentor, her presence on Twaka a condition for the planet’s acceptance into the Worlds’ League. Her initial assignment as mentor had led to a position on the Worlds’ League Council.

  Sarus had been assigned to lead an exploratory expedition to the Devastated Continent, only the second expedition of its kind since the Dark Devastation. The Devastated Continent had now been renamed Lynnara, but Sarus’ fate remained unknown. And as far as Kaydra knew, Traevus was the only member of that expedition to be found.

  Quaylyn had been given the most challenging mission of all. He had been sent to Earth to aid Sorceress Rahlys in defeating Droclum after Rahlys acquired Sorceress Anthya’s powers through the Oracle of Light. The emotional bond between Quaylyn and Rahlys had been strong. They had been together for a time on both worlds, but neither could give up their own world for the other. And now Quaylyn had been selected to serve on the High Council; it was the highest of honors.

  “I can understand why you wish to remain, Councilor Quaylyn,” Kaylya said with a cheerful wink. “But how about you Kaydra? Would you like to be part of Lynnara’s first colony? We could really use your skills.”

  “Sorry, Kaylya, but Thayla and I will be returning to Twaka soon.”

  Thayla, dressed in her native warrior attire, stood rigidly beside Kaydra, listening but not contributing to the conversation. Vermillion eyes carefully surveyed everything said and done. Like most Twakans, Thayla stood a head higher than the average Aaian. Her firm muscular body was loosely draped with shimmering fabrics woven from silky plant fibers and tied in place with brightly colored cords. She wore her hair, more green in color than gold, in a thick braid down her back. A permanent scar on her left cheek marred her otherwise smooth bronze complexion.

  “I’ll join your colony,” Thayla said, her husky voice unexpectedly breaking the silence. Kaydra looked at her friend in shock. She had talked Thayla into visiting her world while promising her family a safe trip.

  “But you can’t,” Kaydra gasped. “Your family is expecting your return.”

  Thayla stared at her friend with a glare that spoke epics about who would make decisions for her. “I would like to see this empty continent.”

  Before anyone could respond, Councilor Xevin entered the pavilion with Councilor Zilka. Kiril stepped behind the large Twakan warrior, hoping to remain unseen. He had been forced to report to Head Master Xevin after the council meeting and had been restricted from campaigning with Rojaire and Kaylya for colonists. He had also been given extra duties and assignments that should have kept him too busy to be socializing in the gardens. And the Head Master had made it perfectly clear once again that Kiril would not be going with the colony.

  “Greetings, Councilor Quaylyn, friends,” Head Master Xevin greeted with steeled politeness in passing. If he noticed Kiril he didn’t acknowledge it. Councilor Zilka nodded her head in greeting, but didn’t speak. To Kiril’s relief, the councilors partook of some refreshments and quickly moved on. Once they had left the pavilion Thayla turned around, grasped Kiril in strong hands, and easily lifted him to her eye level.

  “Hide behind me again you insignificant little clod of matter and I will pulverize you and cast your dust to the wind,” she enunciated slowly in her deep drawl. Traevus, who had been quietly observing was taken by Thayla’s power and beauty, scarred cheek and all.

  “I’m sorry,” Kiril said, nodding in understood agreement, totally forgetting his own warrior training. Thayla released him, letting him drop. Kiril barely managed to land on his feet.

  Kaydra wanted to admonish her friend for her somewhat brutish behavior, but thought better of it. She was fairly certain Thayla wouldn’t actually do anyone any harm, at least she didn’t think so. The two women had been on several adventures together during her tenure on Twaka and although Thayla was a formidable opponent when defense was called for, Kaydra had not seen her actually kill anyone.

  “We would welcome you heartily to the colony if you wish to join us,” Kaylya said. She didn’t know if the High Council would approve a Twakan for a colonist, but they had failed so dismally thus far at increasing their numbers, she didn’t want to consider possible obstacles.

  “I choose to go with you to Lynnara,” Thayla announced with certainty then gave Kaydra a challenging look.

  “You can’t go traipsing off to Lynnara. These people aren’t planning on coming back. I promised to look after you.”

  “You take care of me! Don’t be ludicrous; I can take care of myself.”

  Traevus was certain that was true. Thayla looked like she could squash little Kaydra by stepping on her.

  Kaydra was stunned by the turn of events. The consequences for not returning Thayla to her home could be dire. “What do you want me to tell your family?” Kaydra asked.

  Thayla pondered over the question for a moment. “Tell them, I seek my destiny.”

  “I will not be accompanying you,” Kaydra told her after brief consideration. “You will be
on your own.”

  Thayla hunched her shoulders unconcerned. “I can handle these people,” she said giving Kiril a meaningful, but not unfriendly, look. Traevus thought Thayla almost smiled.

  “Welcome to the team, Thayla,” Rojaire said seizing the opportunity to acquire another colonist. That’s three, he counted dejectedly to himself. Kaylya, Traevus, and Thayla …I just need to find seventeen more.

  Kaylya joined in. “Kiril has invited us to visit Galeza, his home village, during the Academy session break. Perhaps you would like to join us?”

  “This Kiril?” she asked pointing to the young male who had hidden behind her. She stared at him. “I haven’t yet received an invitation.”

  Kiril met Thayla’s hard stare. “W…would you like to visit my village?” he stammered.

  “I would love to.” There was no question about it; that was actually a rough rendition of a smile that broke across Thayla’s hard features.

  “Good, then it’s settled,” Kiril answered with audible misgivings.

  When an opportunity arose, Kaylya spoke to Quaylyn quietly, off to the side. “May I speak with you Councilor Quaylyn away from the others?”

  Noting the formality, Quaylyn drifted with her away from the group. “How may I serve?” he asked breathing in the fragrant scents wafting from the garden’s night blossoms.

  “I would like to petition the council,” she told Quaylyn without preamble. Her statement caught him by surprise, but a right to petition the council is granted to all Accepted Ones.

  “What is your request?” Quaylyn asked gently.

  “I would like the High Council to invite Ilene to join the colony. You know how much she wishes to see her father again.” When Quaylyn, Rojaire, and Kaylya returned from Earth, Ilene had very much wanted to go with them, but her mother couldn’t bear to see her leave again so soon. Quaylyn sighed softly.