Li’ara smiled at the familiarity that had grown between the Novaarians and the humans. Telarrek was a familiar face with his frequent visits to help install everyone’s translators. He explained that Ilyseal had been reassigned but he wasn’t allowed to divulge any more than that, though privately he had admitted that he was unaware of her new role. Captain Fey had extended an invitation to the Novaarian Highclave councillor, Elondrasa, though she was yet to accept. It seemed Conclave politics was even more complicated than Central Parliament’s had been.
Li’ara was about to turn and leave for the hangar when Kalian walked onto the bridge. She hadn’t actually seen him, but she knew he was behind her. Ever since the events on Naveen, she couldn’t deny the connection they now had. He had entered her mind and taken control of her body in order to save her life. In doing so they had shared a single mind, sharing their thoughts, feelings and memories. Esabelle had been teaching him to deal with the after-effects, especially since he also had some of Savrick stuck in his head.
For Li’ara’s human brain, there was no way to deal with it. In her own typical Li’ara way, she had been shrugging the effects off. She revealed to Kalian that some of his mind had transferred over but she kept the true extent to herself. In a way though, Li’ara liked the bond she felt and, with the connection, she knew he did as well.
She turned to see Kalian and Esabelle. Seeing the Terran gave Li’ara mixed feelings but she couldn’t narrow them down. Becoming the soldier once again, she pushed the feelings aside, along with the feeling she knew Kalian would be experiencing at seeing her.
Li’ara walked over, resisting the urge to embrace him. She had purposefully avoided the subject of the two of them for months. She rationalised that too much was going on, and that they were both respectively needed in their own roles, though Kalian’s had yet to be defined. Captain Fey was happy for Esabelle to continue his training, for now, obviously seeing Kalian as a potential asset. Li’ara didn’t agree with that, but she knew Kalian wouldn’t let anyone tell him what to do, not anymore. He was a different man from the one she had met on Earth six months ago. Besides that, she knew he was too powerful to control now, anyway.
Just like everywhere else he went on the ship, Kalian was the centre of interest for those around him. Li’ara noticed every head turn to watch him enter the bridge, their gaze lingering longer than their duties allowed. She understood their fascination of course; had they still been on Earth Kalian would be a subject of great debate and cause for celebrity. Most had seen the images from Naveen and knew what he was capable of, but to know that he was the next step in evolution was profound. The Captain had ensured that all onboard were in possession of the facts given to them by ALF, to ensure complete transparency. Kalian had tried to keep to himself after that, uncomfortable with the attention it gained him.
Once within arms’ reach, Kalian pulled Li’ara in and hugged her, clearly unable to push his own feelings aside. Aware of the eyes on them, Li’ara awkwardly pulled back as they caught Captain Fey’s attention. Kalian gave Li’ara an apologetic look, before standing before the Captain.
The Captain’s auburn hair was showing a sign of grey as it was pulled into a tight bun. Being over a century in age, however, she was doing well. Li’ara admired her for the weight she carried as the highest ranking UDC officer, and the burden of leadership she was forced to carry. A small group of the higher ranking scientists had been voted in as a temporary council, so as to keep the population out of military control. Captain Fey was more than happy about this as it reduced her responsibility for seven thousand people.
“Ah, Mr. Gaines, perhaps you could help me to convince Professor Jones here that the basement is off limits.” The captain looked almost pleading with her question.
Li’ara watched Kalian take in the sight of the young professor. This wasn’t the first time he had come to the captain asking for permission. As part of the original terraforming team, Professor Garrett Jones had been a leading geologist tasked with studying the topography of Alpha NL- 2204. His fascination with the cube had been evident from the moment he saw it during their first and only visit to the basement.
Only a handful of key personnel was aware of the basement and its significance. Li’ara knew it was the chamber beneath the Starrillium where the cube was housed. She wasn’t sure what to think when it came to the ancient artefact. Esabelle had described it as a living thing with a mind and motives, but the one time they had all examined the box it looked like, well, a box. Granted it was a bit bigger and had an alien language imprinted on the side, but this wasn’t the first time they had come across an alien language with a mystery behind it.
Thinking of the Outpost reminded her of the conversation she had with ALF. He had warned of a potential threat from some unknown enemy, with potential designs on the galaxy and a particular hatred towards all things Terran. At the time she had assumed the AI was constructing elaborate tales to balm his own conscience regarding past failures. The cube’s presence, as well as Esabelle’s recounting of her own experiences, was hard to ignore, however. She told of the cube’s influence over Savrick and its own urges to wipe out the Terran Empire. With no more to go on than a potential threat, which could have died out hundreds of thousands of years ago, the matter concerning the cube had been put aside. Instead, they had focused on relations with the Conclave and setting up a way of life onboard the expansive ship.
In Li’ara’s eyes, the professor had always looked somewhat dishevelled in appearance. His black frizzy hair was never under control and his dark complexion was never without two or three days of stubble. He had a single mechanical augmentation to his right temple in the form of a silver diamond. Li’ara knew it was connected to his optic nerve and allowed him to see in the different spectrums, as well as different magnifications. His eyes had a purple tint but she was never sure if that was a side effect of the augmentation or an aesthetic alteration.
“We’ve talked about this Garrett. The cube is too dangerous, and it has too many unknowns. We need to focus our efforts on what’s happening now.” Kalian replied in what Li’ara knew to be his diplomatic tone.
“I am a geologist... on a spaceship!” Garrett left his words hanging as an explanation unto themselves.
Li’ara was mildly amused at the usefulness of a man who studied rocks to be stuck in space. “That cube could hold answers to the universe! We are obligated as scientists to investigate. If it does pose a threat shouldn’t we take steps to understand it?”
“The cube is a security matter,” Commander Astill countered, “and so falls under our jurisdiction, Professor.” The Commander was an intimidating size on the captain’s platform. Astill descended from aboriginal ancestry and had a shoulder-width that left you wondering if he had undergone augmentation. He emanated authority over Garrett with an iron expression. With that Li’ara could tell the conversation had been shut down. It was the authority the Commander carried that gave him his promotion to second officer. Many had thought the role should have gone to Li’ara but she knew the captain trusted Astill from their time on the Hammer.
“Very well,” Garrett replied sharply. “I will be taking this to the council for further debate.”
“As you like, Professor Jones.” The Captain’s reply was non-committal, caring little about the whims of a single geologist with nothing to do. Garrett stormed off the bridge clutching his Datapad tightly as he walked into a cadet.
“He is a strange man,” Kalian commented.
“He is becoming obsessive,” Esabelle replied with a look of concern.
The Captain casually waved her hand, “He’s just bored like so many others. This ship provides everything we need.” Having devoured the Laronian warship, the Gommarian was still converting its raw materials for essential resources. They had another month before they would have to look for new sources, such as an asteroid. “I’m currently trying to negotiate some planet-side R&R with the Novaarians. I think people will feel better having
a real gravity-well under their feet.” As they were only allowed to travel through Novaarian territory it would have to be one of their planets. However, if that planet had other Conclave species co-inhabiting it, the negotiations took a place on a larger stage.
“Captain, Ambassador Telarrek is on the observation deck, level thirteen.” Lieutenant Rodriguez emphasized the number. Li’ara knew it to be more code; in this case, it meant Telarrek wanted to speak specifically with Kalian and herself, as well as the Captain.
“Restrict access and inform the Ambassador we will be there shortly,” Captain Fey ordered.
The walk to the observation deck had been awkward for Kalian. He wanted to talk to Li’ara about everything and apologise for hugging her in front of the bridge crew. He thought about asking her to have dinner with him in his cabin, but he already knew how she would reply. Kalian could see her reasoning behind not taking their relationship further, but it didn’t mean he had to like it. He wanted to know if she had a part of him inside her head like he did of her. She had been particularly guarded around the subject, but that was typical Li’ara.
The observation deck was wall-to-wall holograms of real-time space outside the ship. The projection was so seamless that Kalian felt he could enter space with a single step. Telarrek stood as a thin silhouette to the distant red star that illuminated the wide square room. The closest Novaarian planet was Bendosa, a jungle planet currently resting on the other side of the sun. Kalian agreed with the Captain, it had been too long since any of them had set foot on natural ground.
“Greetings of peace, my friends.” Telarrek stepped away from the view filling his lean figure out. Coming to his side was another Novaarian Kalian had never seen before. With his memory now up to Terran standards, he found it easier telling their almost identical features apart.
“It’s good to see you, Telarrek.” Kalian reached out as the two gripped one another’s forearm. At nearly seven feet, Kalian had to look up to see those golden eyes that swirled like a miniature galaxy.
After greeting the others, Telarrek introduced his companion. “This is Naydaalan, my eldest hatchling.”
Kalian looked at Telarrek’s son, knowing he was probably older than any human on the Gommarian. He had the same blue freckles around his cheeks, like his father, though his frame appeared bulkier. His translucent tendrils fell short at his back rather than running down to the top of his legs. Naydaalan stood proudly next to his father wearing the golden armour that plated his muscle groups.
Respectfully the Novaarian bowed his head at the introduction, “It is an honour.” His voice was softer than his father’s.
“He has been appointed the personal guard to the Ambassador.” Telarrek placed a hand on his chest to signify himself.
“An honourable job.” Kalian gave Li’ara a sideways glance, knowing Naydaalan’s job wasn’t dissimilar to her own. She looked back but gave no emotion away. She didn’t need to anymore, Kalian already knew how she would feel under the circumstances. On the inside, she was smiling at the compliment.
“You wanted to speak with us, Ambassador?” Captain Fey interjected.
Telarrek took a moment to consider his words, “The Highclave has requested a private meeting with Kalian.” The Captain’s face switched off like a light. How often was he at the centre of events? Kalian sympathised with her, knowing she had been hoping it was a response to any number of requests on the humans’ behalf.
“And the nature of this meeting?” the captain enquired dryly.
“In truth, I do not know, Captain Fey. It is rare that the Highclave request such meetings; they are usually more public, as a sign of trust to the people.”
Kalian doubted that last part. From his encounters with the alien council, it was clear they had a lot of private meetings. They made most decisions before the meeting even took place.
Kalian saw the concern on Li’ara’s face and understood her emotion. The last time they had seen the Highclave they had demanded the Gommarian and himself be handed over. Apparently, he was dangerous.
“Will they be coming here?” the Captain continued her questioning.
“No, the meeting will take place in orbit around Ch’ket. I will escort you,” Telarrek replied with a short bow.
“I’m coming too.” Li’ara wasn’t asking.
“It was expected,” the Novaarian replied.
Kalian knew well enough when Telarrek was smiling. The Captain walked away as if she could step into the starry backdrop. Kalian could tell she wasn’t happy about the situation. Once again she had been excluded from a potentially important meeting, and her relationship with Kalian was undefined. She had never ordered him to do anything but, if she did, Kalian would respect her authority; they had to remain united.
“We stand on the edge, Kalian,” the Captain began. “I do not care for our origins or our makers. We must make our peace with what has been taken from us. But I do not have the luxury of time to dwell on that. I must look to our future, to our survival. I am not arrogant enough to believe we can survive on our own out here, and a ship is no place to live forever. Take it from someone who has spent most of her life on one.” She paused for a moment taking Kalian in. “You are a unique individual, we all know that. But you are, time and time again, placed into a situation of great importance for our race. I pray that you are up to the task.”
“I’ll do my best, Captain.” It was the only reply he could think of under the weight of his burden.
“See to it that he does.” Captain Fey gave Li’ara a knowing look. Kalian knew the Captain trusted him, but Li’ara’s presence would make her feel better.
“There is one other matter that I must bring to your attention.” Telarrek removed a small disk from his belt and held it out to the group. It went on to emit a three-dimensional image of the Rackham.
Roland...
Kalian hadn’t seen that ship since the agent left, just over five months ago. The craft was of unique design with an intricate pattern of swirls across the bronze hull. The engine was a cylinder attached to the port side with a curving point at the head. The main body was closer in shape to an ancient police badge with a rounded aft section that curved into a point at the bow. The starboard side was concave as if a giant bite had been taken out of it. Placed centrally on top was the arcing viewport of the cockpit raised against the hull.
Esabelle, who had remained quiet as usual, had explained to Kalian and Li’ara months ago why she had given the ship to Roland.
“He would have been a caged animal if he remained onboard,” Esabelle had stated. “I know all too well the feeling of being trapped on this ship. He would have caused more trouble in the long run.” They had agreed with her assessment of the man. He would only have caused more work for the medical staff.
Telarrek elaborated, “There have been confirmed sightings of an unknown human male, using this ship, and breaking Conclave laws.”
“What’s he doing?” Li’ara asked. She had never particularly liked the scoundrel. Back within Central Parliament, his particular role had been distasteful. It was the missions that Roland accepted that gave the UDC a bad reputation. It didn’t help that he was a drinker, either.
“The reports are inconclusive, but the initial assessment suggests that he is bounty hunting.” Telarrek’s expression was grave.
“Of course he is...” Li’ara replied.
“Bounty hunting is illegal under Conclave law. We have made efforts to root out their source but the Bounty Clave, as they are so named, have made equal measures to elude us. How Roland North has become part of this organisation I do not know. I have tried to calm the various parties involved in this investigation but it is becoming harder. I am afraid I must now break the law myself in order to bring about a peaceful end.”
What was Telarrek suggesting? Kalian knew this wasn’t the first time the old Novaarian had broken his mandate for a human. Before the events on Naveen, Telarrek chose to reveal the Conclave’s interest surroundin
g Kalian, deliberately going against the Highclave.
“You want us to track him down, don’t you?” Li’ara got there first.
Telarrek sighed before making a slow bow in acknowledgement. “I have a small craft at my disposal; it would allow for unchecked access into Conclave space. It would have to be a small manned team; you are too easily recognised now. I do not know what would happen to any of you should you be caught off this ship. Having witnessed the advantages to your evolution, the Highclave will no doubt have an interest in studying you. They are not sure how many of you have supernatural abilities and, for now, your existence remains a secret, Esabelle.
Also, it should be noted that the Highclave are not the only power in the Conclave. There are many organisations and powerful individuals, not to mention the criminal factions. I worry that Roland may antagonise the wrong people if he is left to his own devices.”
Kalian was slightly amused at the worry Telarrek had for the renegade agent. It was also entirely possible that Roland could cause such damage, given the time.
“We’ll bring him back before he goes too far,” Kalian reassured him.
“I’ll bring him back.” Everyone turned to Esabelle, who had remained silent until now.
Kalian assumed she was quite accustomed to listening rather than fully participating, having spent thousands of years plugged into the Gommarian with nothing to do but listen.
“I gave him the means to leave this ship; it should be me who brings him back.” Kalian was about to protest before Esabelle continued, “There are many skilled individuals onboard, but let’s face the facts, the only people who stand a chance of reining Roland in are standing in this room, and you two are going to Ch’ket.”
Kalian didn’t like it. His feelings for Esabelle were mixed thanks to having fragments of Savrick rolling around in his head. In their time together over the last five months, he had come to enjoy her company, both as a friend and a mentor. But he also felt a closer attachment that, he decided, came from the knowledge that she was the only person like him. In that regard, they had a lot in common. All that emotion was complicated by Savrick’s love for his daughter and the need to keep her safe.
The Terran Cycle Boxset Page 50
